Thrud: USP Becomes a Liability as 'Free Flight' Loses Vertical Axis

Recently, 'Thrud', a game originally marketed on its 'free flight' mechanics, has triggered a wave of community backlash during its latest playtest. In an attempt to solve the issue of enemies being difficult to track during combat, the developers took the blunt approach of removing the Z-axis (vertical flight), forcing movement onto a 2D plane. Paradoxically, the enemies still possess Z-axis mobility, forcing players to struggle with camera control and screen swiping just as before. By addressing the symptoms rather than the root cause, the developers have essentially gutted the game’s unique selling point.

Furthermore, players have pointed out that the auto-lock-on range has been severely nerfed, stripping the game of the satisfying 'bullet hell' feel it once had. What was once seen as a pioneer for aerial combat has now become a laughing stock, with players sarcastically remarking that the game is practically destined for 'the graveyard' (a community slang term for failed Bilibili-published games).

The comment section reflects a grim consensus: the game is considered effectively 'dead on arrival.' Users have pointed out that without the Z-axis, the characters are just 'ground troops riding brooms,' noting that this change fundamentally conflicts with the essence of air combat. The general sentiment is one of deep disappointment, with many doubting if any future patches can save the project.