This Update completely revolves around the two new game modes and many features that were needed to produce those two.

Main Menu:

Since there are different game modes now, the first thing we need is a main menu. For now, I created a very simple placeholder. As soon as I tackle the graphics, it will undergo a complete rework.

Basics for Game Modes:

For the different game modes many methods are needed, that aren't visible at the first glance.

• Level System: The level of difficulty. Every time you level up, the game becomes a bit harder.
• Drop Speed: How fast are the items falling from above (value range: 0.5 - 0.15 seconds per drop).
• Spawn Count: How many items are dropping at the same time. Normally this variable takes the value two.
• Fitting Item Rate: To not drag a level out too much, a certain proportion of the spawned items are guaranteed to be pairable with the already stacked items. Currently, this rate 15%. In the next updates this value will be adjusted depending on the level progress.
• Pause States:  There are currently two states, where parts of the gameplay are disabled. First there is the animation of the present-box-completion. During that time the remaining dropping  items won't drop any further. Even though the player can't swap any platforms during that time, he still can reposition the Santa. The second pause state is a complete break during the gameplay that activates itself during the clearing mode, when one level is completed. During that complete pause the next level is generated (see Game Mode: Clear).

Game Mode 1 - Endless:

The first game mode is the endless-mode, where you try to get as many points as possible. Its based is a simple spawning algorithm, that was also used in the last version of Santa & Presents. Combined with the additional features listed above, a fun experience is most certain (Respect to Nintendo for that one). Try to reach the end of Level 5, and you will see how thrilling a simple puzzle game can be!

Game Mode 2 - Clear:

In the clear-mode you will  start with already placed rows of items. Your goal here is to clear the whole field. With each level you clear an additional starting row is added and the drop speed becomes  a bit faster.

Other small Updates:

• The number of completed presents is shown at the end of each level now (still missing: reached level and play-time)
• The game pauses, when the game is not the active window.

(21.12-26.12)