A new update has been released for Grindstone, which could be one of its most ambitious to date. The Cosmic Darkside Update comes with remixes of the game’s first 60 levels, a new cosmic horror-themed world, new enemy creeps, new resources, and new items.
New Game Plus
The Cosmic Darkside offers a unique take on a New Game+ mode for Grindstone. It puts new challenging twists on the levels of the original game, particularly the first 60 levels. Players must complete level 200 of the main game to access these new challenges. Once that's done, players get a new cutscene that establishes the strange world Jorj and Jorja are transported into.
New Enemy Types
This update also introduces two new enemy types, Cosmic Creep and Cosmic Jerk. These two come with a new infection mechanic, where if not killed fast enough, they'll explode and infect other nearby Creeps, Jerks, and Grindstones.
These new enemies and the idea of cosmic infection bring a new crafting resource known as Osmium. This volatile resource can be used to craft new cosmic gear, but if left too long on the board, it can also infect Grindstones and change them into Cosmic Grindstones, which explode and will continue infecting the board until collected.
In the case of Jorj or Jorja, when they’re hit by a Cosmic Creep or are infected, a special piece of Osmium with a heart will appear. If collected fast enough, players can regain the heart they lost when first attacked.
With this infection mechanic, there are new level goals and methods for unlocking gates in the Cosmic Darkside. These should allow the most dedicated stonegrinders out there with the new challenge to tackle in a new otherworldly setting.
Added to the Game
Here is the complete list of features added by the Cosmic Darkside Update:
- New map progression including 60 remixed levels with new goals.
- New story content, including a new cutscene.
- The new Cosmic Darkside-themed map.
- Updated fast travel map to include Cosmic Darkside content.
- New Cosmic Creep and Cosmic Jerk enemy types.
- New Osmium, Infected Hearts, and Cosmic Grindstone resources.
- New level goals and map progression.
- New Cosmic Darkside specific challenges at the Howling Wolf Inn.
- All new Cosmic gear set and blueprints (Cosmic Arrow, Cosmic Spinny Sword, Cosmic Spiked Shield, and the Hazmat Suit).
What did you think about this update? Grindstone is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and iOS.
