Co-op horror sensation Repo continues to capture attention, and developer semiwork just dropped a reveal for Update 1 in a way only they could: with a hilariously unhinged video! While the intro features the game’s semibots going on a truly bizarre tangent (critiquing dev beards and expressing confusing paternal desires!), it thankfully segues into a preview of some genuinely exciting new features. And the best part? You can experience it all right now in Repo’s open beta!
The video, posted to semiwork’s official YouTube channel on Friday, starts with a standard apology for Update 1’s development time. But then, things take a turn as the camera pans to semibots watching the update, one declaring a dev’s beard “too beautiful” for game development, and another uttering the baffling line, “I want him to be my dad but I also want him to go away.” It’s a wild ride (seriously, you might just have to watch it!), but let’s dive into the fantastic gameplay enhancements coming your way!
First up, great news for item hoarders: the game’s physics are getting an update! This specifically addresses the notorious “death wobble” that could send your carefully collected items and weapons shaking violently, especially with strength upgrades. This fix applies to items, melee, and ranged weapons, promising a smoother, less chaotic inventory experience.
Get ready to blast your way through the horror with a brand-new weapon: the “handheld portable cart laser”! Also known as a photon blaster (or a particle thrower for the connoisseurs), dev Pontus Sundstrom rightly says, “The name tells you what it does.” Prepare to unleash powerful photon beams!
Adding a new layer of tactical gameplay is the Phase Bridge. Reminiscent of Portal 2’s Hard Light Bridges, this holographic marvel can be deployed as a bridge or a ladder. Sundstrom even encourages players, saying, “however you want to use it, we are very excited to see how you might break the game using it.” The possibilities for creative traversal and problem-solving sound fantastic!
And for a touch of adorable utility, say hello to Tumblewings! This new upgrade grants your semibot cute little fairy wings. While not strong enough for true flight, they’ll let you gracefully glide or tumble down from high ledges, adding both a fun visual and a practical way to navigate Repo’s treacherous environments.
Perhaps one of the most universally welcomed additions will be the new stamina regen feature. Now, crouching will allow you to regenerate stamina much faster than usual. In a frantic co-op horror game like Repo, where running out of stamina can be a death sentence, this is a huge quality-of-life improvement. There’s even an upgrade to boost this regeneration further!
The team at semiwork mentioned that the game’s whirlwind success led to some “red tape,” extending the development of this update. However, they anticipate future updates will arrive more quickly, which is excellent news for the game’s growing community.
Eager to try out these new features? All of this exciting content is already available in Repo’s open beta branch ahead of the full Update 1 release (date still to be announced).
If you’re just diving into the delightful chaos of Repo, be sure to check out our handy beginner’s guide on how to play!
