Challenge mode & new screenshots

As you may (or may not) have read in our latest press release from today, Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype adds a new previously unannounced game mode, the challenge mode.

As always, in our blog we give you a bit more inside information what the fuss is all about. One aspect we cared about a lot when creating Söldner-X 2 was to add more replay value to the game. So where we left off in terms of unlockables with Söldner-X: Himmelsstürmer is where we started with Final Prototype.



First of all the secret keys are once again back in Söldner-X 2. Out of a total of seven stages, only the first four are accessible in your first play-through. By collecting secret keys, you will be able to unlock the remaining three stages. If this sounds a bit too nasty for you, don't worry though, the unlock conditions are very fair this time and most players will already unlock the fifth stage during their very first attempt.

Some of the most interesting hidden bonus items can however only be unlocked through the new challenge mode. A total of 17 (subject to very final confirmation) challenges become available in Söldner-X 2 through the process of the game. The longer you play, the more challenges you are likely to unlock. By successfully completing challenges, lots of bonus items and other rewards will be yours.

How do you unlock a challenge?

Well, we don't want to spoil every single detail, but most challenges will unlock (become available in the challenge mode screen) by simply playing the game. Unlocking all worlds and boosting ones player level (player levels increase by the numbers of enemies shot down) certainly will help a lot!

So what are those 'challenges'?

Challenges are (ranging from easy to very tough) tasks you need to fulfill under certain conditions. Here are just some examples of what you are going to encounter:

• Play the first three stages without losing any ship.
• Clear the game on fixed play rank B on difficulty normal or higher.
• Play the fourth stage and release at least 16 chain extras.
• Play the sixth stage and receive an 'S' rating on the victory screen.

What will I earn when completing those challenges?

With each and every challenge you successfully complete, you will be rewarded with something. This ranges from trophies (a lot of Söldner-X 2's trophies will be linked to the challenge mode) to additional credits, new weapons and some other very prestigious rewards. There are even rewards that will help your chance to gain higher scores in score attack mode.

I've heard enough, when can I finally play?

We are moving closer to project completion and Söldner-X 2: Final Prototype is finally going to become available in Q2/2010. To satisfy your appetite for the time being, we have released more work in progress screenshots today. These are taken from a 95% build and highlight some of the latest additions we have made (including the magma weapon, limit attacks and some background reworks). As you can see, we are moving close to project completion, make sure to watch our blog for more details during the next days and weeks.