Dead State: Reanimated Update Released

Without much fanfare, DoubleBear Productions has released a new, big update for Dead State. Dead State: Reanimated is, in short, an Enhanced Edition of sorts for the title, and adds a bundle of improvements like a combat balance overhaul, smarter AI, more difficulty options (including one that makes it possible for the main character to be infected), and new areas. How about a trailer?

And here’s an overview of the basics:

• Major overhaul of combat balance! Core combat systems have been thoroughly reworked to take advantage of all the data and feedback we’ve gathered over the months since Dead State’s original release. Ranged weapons, melee weapons, armor, special attacks, ally / PC healing, and more have been reworked and carefully tested to create an engaging and challenging combat experience. Even the core combat system has been tweaked so that AC is calculated before damage reduction; this change makes combat more consistent and more fair’‹.
• Smarter AI! Medic, Guard, Grenadier, Sniper, and more – New AI behaviors and schemas exist for human enemies, making them more interesting and more challenging to fight! Enemies will notice your presence more quickly and fully utilize all of their tactical options, thrown weapons, and special attacks.
• New PC Infection option on New Game menu! Create a new game with PC Infection checked and your character will be as susceptible to infection as your allies are. Carefully manage your antibiotics and change your combat strategies to ensure your own survival!
• Hardcore Mode!’‹’‹ In Hardcore mode combat becomes more dangerous, allies consume more resources and heal more slowly, and Morale is harder to keep up. Turn on Hardcore, Iron Man, and PC Infection for the ultimate challenge!
• Alarms! That’s right – we’ve added alarms to buildings in several areas. Red, blinking lights warn you that there’s an active alarm on a building. Use your Science skill to deactivate an alarm and prevent a looting distraction from becoming a noisy attraction!
• New areas and random encounters! Several new levels and random encounters have been added. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Chemical Plant, an area with a unique twist.
• New combat sounds and animations! We’ve added new special attack, reloading, and healing animations and sounds. Special attacks feel smoother and more impactful now!
• Stability improvements! We’ve rooted out every crash and progress blocking bug to make sure you have the smoothest possible experience. Several popularly requested usability improvements have been added, such as friendly fire conformation, looting piled up bodies, and an option to toggle Live Shelter movement on and off.
• Pathfinding improvements! Both allies and the undead have received major pathfinding adjustments that will reduce lag some people have experienced as well as make movement more consistent and natural.

I have to admit that I am very surprised by this update’s release. It’s true that DoubleBear hinted at it in their latest Kickstarter update, but one would still expect a developer to attempt to spread the word, if only to entice new customers to give the game a chance. I currently have the game installed on my Steam account, and that’s the only reason I noticed.