Summer's here! A gargantuan project like Subverse demands a hectic schedule and we're not seeing much sunlight as we work hard to roll out the largest beta updates of the entire project.
I'd ask Fow-chan to save us from the torment, but since she was forged in the flames of hell itself...that would probably only result in more whippings.
Great news, though - the final two major factions will be released to the closed beta SHMUP today!
We once again ask everyone to help us out by fighting these guys and giving detailed feedback about how their A.I. and attack patterns feel, and if any bugs were discovered.
The Imperium
The galactic government known as the Imperium was forged aeons ago by the biggest swinging dicks in Prodigium, and they're not afraid to use their unparalleled might to make sure their subjects fall in line with their agenda.
The Imperium Navy has access to some of the most advanced weapons technology in the galaxy, which when combined with their military tactics results in unprecedented levels of firepower.
Devout
The Devout is the toughest of all the "grunt" units in Subverse. They have the highest HP and deal the most damage per shot, which makes sense since their projectiles are almost the same size as their hull.
Crusader
Think of a Crusader like an upgrade to the Devout - they have the same large projectiles but can fire in a wide pattern. Not only that, they have a secondary two-pronged sniping shot that can hit you from longer ranges, making them a ship that requires intelligent movement to take down.
Inquisitor
A mid-range tank of a unit with some serious ordinance. The Inquisitor discharges huge plasma spheres from its cannons that detonate upon reaching their maximum distance, raining smaller projectiles on anyone still in their path. Getting caught by even one of these blasts can cause heavy damage.
Templar
One of the most unique enemies in the SHMUP, the Templar is an area-denial specialist that generates spear-like energy weapons around the player's immediate location that can track movement and launch as soon as they finish priming. Typical hit and run or cover tactics simply won't work here.
Carrier
The Carrier is the big bad of the Imperium's arsenal. Normally you'd be best advised to run, but then you'll also have to deal with the fact that it can generate unlimited attack drones that relentlessly hunt you across the entire map. Destroying it quickly is essential to stop that from happening, but its massive waves of defensive projectiles and homing rockets will make that no easy task.
The Requital
Not much is known about the fringe terrorist organization known as Requital, but rumors persist about their frightening military tactics and their ranks swelling with genetically modified abominations.
What is known is that the Requital take no prisoners and fight dirty, combining brute force with a reckless disregard for all xeno life.
Raiju
Lightning shotguns sound really cool until you're surrounded by agile, relentless craft unloading them in your face. Whatever you do, don't let a group of Raijus get a good flank on your position or dodging will become impossible, and death will become inevitable.
Draco
As if it wasn't crazy enough that this fucking thing throws goddamn energy swords at you, they also supercharge any asteroids they touch with deadly energy that temporarily turns them into AOE damage conduits. Needless to say, conventional tactics aren't really applicable when fighting this thing.
Serpent
A good old traditional SHMUP enemy that attacks by throwing endless waves of energy projectiles at your ship that you'll have no choice but to dodge at any range. It also has some tricky homing rockets that will shred you to pieces if you don't shoot them down fast.
Basilisk
The Basilisk is a mid-range fighter that deploys non-homing forked projectiles in a huge variety of unpredictable patterns, which makes learning how to fight against it difficult.
Salamander
The closest thing in Subverse to a flying armory, the Salamander shoots concentrated "fuck you" straight out of its gaping maw. We suggest running from these high-HP units until every last other ship is off the map, because even fighting them solo is gonna leave some bruises.
Also, we'll once again be pulling the previous beta factions for scheduled maintenance and bug fixing. We expect to have all the factions up and running soon.
What's Next
The next Dev Diary is going to be HUGE.
First off, we're going to make good on our promise to release grid combat by the end of Q2 2020 by adding it to the closed beta. There will be a guide explaining all of the mechanics in-depth that will teach you how to approach the gameplay and give an idea of what to expect in the future.
Second, the final of our four Subverse manga will be released. We couldn't have been more proud to work with the artist, and we know you're all going to appreciate what a good job he did to cap things off in the grand finale!
Sincerely,
Mr. Kristoff
- Senior Producer