Time for another update fellow Captains...
1.44 brings the latest batch of new NPC's. These guys will help you complete your primary Five weapon slots. You have a Rail Gun, Phaser, Missile Launcher and Disruptor. These go alongside the Mining laser.
These are the base weapons for the Shuttles combat element and form the first Five slots. As we progress these will upgradeable via crafting. mission rewards and then fitted via a specialised station.
You can find these NPC's in the following Systems
Rail Gun - Feris 2
Phaser Array - Kelsey
Nano Missile Launcher - Danar
Disruptor Cannon - Gronhiem
Mining Laser - Feris 9
Make sure to read the NPC mission logs as I have tried to give clues and guides on where you might find the items they want.
Note that these 'Offensive Weapons' all use energy to fire. This means you will need to start to manage your energy levels. (I'm working on tools to aid with that.)
I have also, increased damage for the Missile Launcher, Dual Rail Cannon, Phaser Array and Disruptor Cannon for their release. You can expect them to be tinkered with, but we do need your feedback!
The above also included giving the mining laser a crit ability and a 25% variance in its damage.
We have fixed the Autocannon from being used for mining, was not meant to be and now only mining 'weapons' should work on asteroids. Remember these types of weapons will not drain ship-based energy.
Further optimisation for performance. Regen of health and Energy moved to a separate method. This should resolve any issues. But PLEASE report any performance issues on the Discord Channel.
I have added a Discord Channel link from the main menu. This opens a pop-up window to our Discord Channel. Handy for when you want to run the two side by side.
Reminder to access directly use: https://discord.me/captainhannon
Enemy Ships & Loot
Pirate loot is has been moved to the Salvage Section and can be salvaged into multiple resources. Keep hold of some as future NPC's will also require these.
Along with Bounty Hunters dropping Dog Tags, normal pirates will now begin to drop differing types of dog tags. Collect these for Military based missions from Terminals and upcoming NPC's.
Note the drop is random, so don't expect one on every kill.
Some enemies will now be much tougher, have more HP and access to missiles. Take note when you spot these ships as they can be more of a challenge in groups. Also note, if you are outside their normal weapons range they will continue to fire missiles at you!
At this stage, they do NOT have homing missiles, but that is expected as the enemies get tougher.
Fixes
Altered the approach distance on the new art terminals, so the captain can get closer to them. Please report any + location that he can't.
Removed the F5 option from the base engine. You may not have noticed, but pressing F5 took you directly back to the loading menu and lost any playtime since the last save. Not great, so this has been removed.
More New Art Incoming
A new slew of Artwork has filtered through and is being added as I move from section to section. A big thank you to Igor for his stellar work.
We are working our way slowly through sections of the game replacing/updating old original art. Its a slow process and one based on our ability to afford it lol. Art does not grow on trees!
Crafting Update
We have been making great strides in the Crafting system. We now have a prototype in place and working. There is still more work to be done and a boatload of testing before moving it to the live EA game but, we are getting there.
I need to decide how we are going to treat and work with schematics for the builds but, it will open up a massive element to the game. All those of you asking, what do I do with all these rocks and resources you answer is fast approaching :)
Have fun folks and see you in chat hopefully!
Coops