The final Vertical Slice! (0.5.0)

Hello Qwhackers!

I’m excited to announce the release of Qwhack! version 0.5.0.

For this version, I’m focusing heavily on playtesting to better understand how players enjoy Qwhack! and to help shape its future development. Minor releases following this one will likely already be part of the alpha stage. 
To make your feedback count, I’ve added a survey accessible from the game’s end screen—please take a moment to share your thoughts!

Here’s what’s new in 0.5.0:

• Combo Items: Added new items tied to the combo system, including combo multipliers and effects triggered by reaching certain combos. These add more depth and relevance to combos.
• Rage : A temporary damage boost that can be acquired from the store or combo items. 
• Particles: Introduced a simple particle system used for text effects (heal, damage numbers, rage) and water ripples, improving player feedback.
• New HUD: A temporary but improved HUD featuring an easier-to-read health bar and damage display with a mallet sprite showing damage boost values.
• Credits page: A credits page as a solo developer is a bit "meh"... Although I took the chance to credit some inspiring people.
• Pause Screen: Added a pause screen! Because it's handy when your mom calls you for dinner, while you are busy Qwhacking! 😉
• Qwhack! Icon: The windows .exe now has an icon, like all the cool games!!
• Damage Vignette: For better feedback, display red vignette when the player gets damaged.
• Item and enemies balancing.
• Fullscreen: The game now starts in fullscreen. You can toggle windowed mode anytime using Alt+Enter. A settings menu isn’t available yet, so this is the only way to change display mode for now.

Thank you very much for playing and supporting Qwhack! Happy Qwhacking!