Dillon Rogers is preparing some tweaks to his game, and the Monster Juice system — along with its power-up mechanics — will play a central role.

Gloomwood recently introduced its monster juice in Early Access, and this mechanic is set to expand even further. Rogers has released new gameplay footage (embedded below), showcasing upcoming refinements to the monster serum conversion system. The next update will provide even more ways to utilize the mysterious juice.

In the video, the game’s pragmatic protagonist, Dr. John Gloomwood, transforms into a bat-like creature to navigate various zones. His new form allows for acrobatic platforming with a super jump and enables him to pass by enemy monsters unnoticed — as they now think he’s one of their own. It’s impressive, as Gloomwood’s mutation mechanics are beginning to resemble a clever fusion of recent game design highlights.

So where do Hitman and Super Mario Odyssey come in? Simple: Hitman is all about blending into environments using disguises, making infiltration easier. Super Mario Odyssey emphasizes transformation and controlling enemies — an idea now echoed in Gloomwood. The disguise system here may be simpler than Hitman’s, closer instead to what we’ve seen in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle or Fallout: New Vegas.

Blending this with a completely new movement system opens up the game’s level design. The three monster-based power-ups are fitting anchors to Gloomwood’s hybrid of stealth, horror, and action. Making them a deeper part of the experience feels generous and even nostalgic — a clear nod to the golden days of the Source engine, a key inspiration for New Blood.

In the video description, Rogers explains that the upcoming patch will let players get more out of each vial of monster juice, turning it into a versatile tool for exploration outside the dangerous city of Gloomwood. This will be especially valuable given the game’s strict inventory management.

Source: PCGamer