Hey everyone!
As things wrap up for the year we wanted to take a quick moment to give you a little update with how things are developing with the new content. This is just a small check-in, but we hope it comes as reassurance that things are still moving along confidently!
While it’s been a slightly slow year for development, we’re happy to say that the end is finally nearing sight. The new gameplay is fun, solid, and we’ll be proud to show you what we’ve created.
But what does this actually mean? What’s in store? Well, while things are still subject to change and we’re not safely able to do any sort of grand reveal, we do have some fun new gadgets to show that we’ve shown prototypes for in our Discord. Behold:
The Manned Manoeuvering Unit (MMU)
This mean, glorified jetpack of a machine gives you improved mobility when performing tasks outside (and, if you're so bold inside) of the station. You'll be using it frequently to move around the large new spaces we have planned, so it's worth having a read of the manual and getting to know it well.
Of particular note, is the ability to enter a 'hands free' mode when using the MMU. This allows you to use your tools without losing the unit.
The Drill Tool
We've been keen to get this into the game for a long time. It's actually been in the design docs since the early days but we just never found the right place for it. For the DLC we've finally picked it back up and given it some proper attention!
Currently, you can drill together specific objects with bolts on them, as well as remove them to take objects apart. It's turning out to be a very satisfying mechanic that we're hoping to use all over the place, so keep an eye out for those special bolts while you're playing!
The image above also features something else that's new to the game... tool storage! This will be a way to keep items secure, and allow a place for tools to respawn if they happen to float off into the void.
The Magnet Gun
When engaged, the Magnet Gun will attract magnetic objects towards you and allow you to collect, move or carry multiple objects at once. The Magnet Gun can also be attached to your belt hooks while it's still activated, freeing up your arms to continue moving around while collecting objects as you go.
You'll be making use of the Magnet Gun for all sorts of purposes, so keep it close.
All of these fun new additions will be available as part of new gameplay content which, while I can’t yet give away too much about (a tease, I know, sorry), I can say is shaping up to be hours of new open-ended fun. It’ll be all the goodness and chaos of the Heavenly Bodies you know… but presented in a slightly more open, fresh way that, based on the feedback you've given us from the base game, we think you'll love.
Of course, this all begs the question: WHEN?
Please forgive me, we still don’t have a date. However, we’re past the trickiest stages of making new gameplay, so provided things stay smooth, we hope to have things ready to go in the first quarter of 2023. As you probably know, we’re a 2 person team, so everything takes frustratingly long, but we recognise how patiently you’ve all been waiting and we’re immensely grateful. Hang tight, friends.
That’s about all for now. Stay tuned as announcements will definitely become more frequent as we approach release! We have some more development posts on our Discord which we welcome you to visit! It’s a humble time, but a nice time.
Have a safe and pleasant end of year!