Core Design Changes and Grounded Vehicles.
Although the sci-fi "idea" of hover crafts, flight and space ships is inspiring, I've come to realize many "space ship" and "hover craft" designs are simply out of place with the core original vision and for about 2 years now, working on Medusa Frontier was somewhat depressing du
Although the sci-fi "idea" of hover crafts, flight and space ships is inspiring, I've come to realize many "space ship" and "hover craft" designs are simply out of place with the core original vision and for about 2 years now, working on Medusa Frontier was somewhat depressing due to struggle with visual quality, art assets and intended game experience of the original vision.
Medusa Frontier core gameplay is intended to be grounded in a context of Surface Colonization,
With that in mind, I am happy to announce a refreshed core art direction for Medusa Frontier.
Flight based and "hover" vehicles will be removed from the game and development will continue with ground based vehicles in mind.
Thankfully, development passion is being rejuvenated by re-designing my original hovercrafts and space ships as ground vehicles. These new concept vehicles are designed using AI assistance based on my original hovercrafts and space ship designs. I like the results so far and using AI to help convert my space shuttles and hover craft designs to ground based vehicles has improved on my original intended vision of Medusa Frontier. 
Now that we've seen an overview of the various designs, let's have a look at them one at a time.
"The Leprechaun" This is my original "Scout Shuttle" enhanced and converted into a ground vehicle. It's the smallest class of vehicle in Medusa Frontier. It's pretty much "Scout Shuttle" or "Rover / Buggy" type vehicle with a little bit of storage. 
"The Herald"
This is slower and more rugged scouting or industrial type vehicle. Mostly used for small transport, diplomacy, data transport, medic transport or science and surveying type exploration. Not as fast as the Leprechaun, but very mobile and a bit tougher. 
"The Emerald"
The Emerald is specialized for stealth, assault or outpost defense. Emerald is often associated with wealthy Mercenary lifestyle or cut throat Merchants and Enforcers that have no intention of leaving a colonized settlement or letting their outpost be destroyed. The long barrel plasma accelerators make The Emeralds stance on "security" very obvious. 
Next we have "The Prospector"
This is based on my "all around" Settler hovercraft which is being converted into a Wheeled vehicle. Think "multi-purpose" medium range space shuttle converted to an impressive ground vehicle. The Prospector is also universally liked by all major factions and citizens. Owning and obtaining the Medium Class Prospector Vehicle usually means you are successful Prospector, Mercenary, or productive Colonist with base production not to be trifled with. 
"The Hunter"
Less mobility than Prospector and much more heavy and durable. The Hunter is clear cut, Mercenary and Guardian class vehicle used for pure assault, security, and destruction of an enemy outpost. Prospector class all rounders simply cannot slug it out with Hunter class Armored vehicle. 
Next. we have "The Jester" This takes the middle ground between Prospectors and Hunters. The Jester is tough as nails and frightfully mobile. Originally designed with Intimidation and Mercenary assault lifestyle in mind, The Jester class Medium all rounder has become a staple of "utility" modifications, scavenger, multi-purpose lifestyles and unexpected surprises that bandits, raiders or enemy factions simply did not expect. Humble , Law Abiding Colonists that own and purchase a Jester Class armored vehicle are STRONGLY advised to register and submit to inspection at all outposts, because no humble Colonist wants to see a suspicious Jester smiling on the horizon. 
Now we will have a look at 2 "Heavy" class vehicles.
The Baron and Executioner. The massive "Cargo Platform" Baron vehicles is considered the peak of independent Citizen wealth and merit before a Colonist becomes a power house Industrialist, Colonial Architect or High Commander. Any Colonist that has obtained merit, wealth, or production to warrant a Baron cargo transport is worthy of the title. Slow and bulky, one would think the Baron is completely defenseless, however, any power trading merchant owning a Baron, knows its much easier to hire guards, than it is to make multiple trips in smaller transports. 
Finally we have. "The Executioner"
Granted only by the Grand Admiral himself. The Executioner is basically an outpost destroyer. It's function is obvious and the huge heavy and very messy massive plasma accelerator canons can melt fortress doors, destroy bunkers, and evaporate criminal outposts. There is TRULY no reason to obtain or own The Executioner, unless you plan to enforce or destroy tyranny.
