The latest version of the game (v1.5.0) features a revamped combat system. It's still based on Rock-Paper-Scissors but we've added a considerable number of new ideas to make it more interesting and exciting, as well as a lot less random! It also makes the game easier. Probably.

This new version also includes measures to help people who have encountered problems with mouse alignment or screen resolutions in the game (see the Release Notes at the bottom of this announcement).

As previously announced, the new combat system introduces the idea of "combat sequences". These are the patterns of moves that a particular type of enemy will use in combat, rather than choosing random moves. For example, all Apprentice Footpads in a particular game might use a Hack-Lunge-Slash-Slash pattern.

The pattern used by a particular foe will be different for every generated game, and the length of the pattern will also vary, with higher level enemies having longer patterns. You won't know at the start of a combat where in its pattern an enemy is going to begin

There are two ways of learning an enemy's pattern: from experience, and from a Combat Trainer. There are now Combat Trainers in all the Towns, who are happy to train you to fight various enemies (for a fee of course). Combat Trainers in more northerly Towns can train you to fight higher level enemies.

If you've previously learnt an enemy's combat sequence, you can look up the information in your Journal during a fight.

After going through its sequence three times, an enemy will become angry and start to fight erratically, dispensing with its pattern and behaving more randomly. This means that, if you know an enemy's pattern, it's best to get the fight over quickly.

For full details, talk to any Combat Trainer in-game and she'll teach you the basics for free.

The new version is backwardly-compatible with old saved games.

RELEASE NOTES

COMBAT SYSTEM
ADDED new combat system.
ADDED new Combat Trainer characters.
ADDED combat history to Combat Screen.
ADDED Journal graphic (and associated functionality) to Combat Screen.
Implemented learning enemy combat sequences from experience.
ADDED new Combat Training Screen.
ADDED length of enemy combat sequence to Combat Screen.
ADDED combat training info to Elvipedia.
Reduced damage range for player with no weapon (now 0 to 1).
ADDED code to make new system backwardly-compatible with old saved games.
ADDED tutorial tip for combat sequences.

MOUSE ALIGNMENT/RESOLUTION BUG
Now using a slightly different method for GLFW calculations.
Now using desktop resolution for first run of game.
Rearranged buttons on main menu so people with mouse alignment bug can reach the "Display" button.
ADDED key command "W" for toggling windowed mode on/off on main menu.
ADDED key command "D" for accessing Display Screen from main menu.
Hit ENTER on Display Screen to set display.

Note: If you were previously unable to play the game because of problems with resolutions and/or mouse alignment, we recommend you uninstall the game from Steam and delete the installation folder before reinstalling. Alternatively, you can simply delete the file ".monkeystate" from the installation folder before running the new version.

OTHER STUFF
Horses go faster - journey times now halved rather than 2 hours less.
Added post-combat dialog.
Horse now sent to destination stables when using mirror travel.
Stopped player dropping items in same region as an enemy (particularly important for GSoJ in the Goblin King's throne room!).
FIXED definite articles for kings.
FIXED definite article for GSoJ.
FIXED bug that stopped hidden enemies attacking in NIGHT FEARS.
Sorted out some rumours/conversations.
Reduced healing properties of Elven Water.
FIXED saving and loading of tutorial tips.
Removed indefinite articles from Inventory.
Made shields better.
Map of the Marshes now worth 15G.
Text now reads "your horse" if it belongs to you.
Lots of text tweaks. (Lots.)