Greetings, Deep Space Explorers!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Earth Analog v2.0 - the first major update to the game!
This update brings game-changing new features, along with a host of improvements based on your valuable feedback. We've tackled many of the known issues and refined the experience to make your journey through the mysterious deep space even more immersive.
Here’s a look at the most significant changes:
New Features
Refined Flight Mechanics
This update introduces a simplified, streamlined control system, a new auto-leveling feature, and a reworked throttle that replaces Full Thrust mode - all designed to make planetary flight smoother, more intuitive, and more relaxing.
Planetary System Study
The Knowledge system has been replaced with an all-new gameplay mechanic centered around conducting scientific research on exoplanets. Complete tasks such as scanning alien vegetation, analyzing samples in your onboard lab, or deploying atmospheric probes to uncover system secrets and earn Expedition Points. These points can be used to upgrade your ship or unlock new star sectors for exploration.
Base Building
A brick-based building system allows players to construct bases, outposts, etc. Advanced building techniques like SNOT (Studs Not On Top) construction are fully supported! You’ll be able to construct bases with teleporters to travel quickly between them. Imagine building a home on a distant planet, in another dimension...
Online Discovery Database
Tracks and log planetary discoveries - be the first to leave your mark on the universe.
New Dark Energy Gameplay
Dark energy will now appear in pockets you’ll need to fly through, demanding more skill and making flight feel more rewarding.
Enhanced Radio Scanner
Now a key tool for planetary analysis and discovery.
New Ship Upgrades
Earn Expedition Points to upgrade your ship at pylons, with 50+ new ship systems and upgrades available. You can now also upgrade non-ship systems, like your jet pack.
Improved Onboarding
The tutorial has been replaced by a "learn as you play" system making onboarding an enjoyable experience.
Volumetric Clouds
Stunning volumetric clouds bring even more depth and realism to the alien skies.
Polygonal Rendering
The game’s unique rendering engine now supports polygon meshes, bringing enhanced detail to vegetation, ships, and constructs.
4K Visual & UI Overhaul
Textures are now optimized for 4K resolution, delivering sharper visuals. The user interface has seen numerous improvements - for example, the onboard computer now displays in fullscreen mode for better usability.
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If you're enjoying the new changes and improvements, please consider updating your Steam review - it really helps support the game and its future development!
Many thanks!
nkm
Funcraft Games
Full change log:
- new: construction system based on bricks. Allows for base/factory construction and ship construction.
- new: gameplay mechanic: planetary system study. Complete study tasks to deliver a final assessment of the system.
- new: advanced ship and non-ship (e.g. jetpack) upgrades. Upgrades can now be purchased freely with Expedition Points.
- new: laboratory: analyze stones and artifacts under your ownboard microscope to boost their value and uncover their past and secrets.
- new: flight mechanics: auto-leveling feature & reworked throttle. Flying has been made easier and smoother in general.
- new: UI has been completely overhauled to make it more accessible and appealing.
- new: volumetric clouds.
- new: planetary vegeration.
- new: factory buildings, like a Water Extractor, allow you to automate resource gathering.
- new: online discovery database. Tracks and logs planetary discoveries. Be the first to discover a planet!
- new: jetpack rocket vault upgrade: launch over long distances with a powerful jump rocket.
- new: HUD icons.
- new: rich sediment item. May contain interesting items to be found with analysis.
- new: sample nexus POI, a location rich of rich sediment items.
- new: QoL: tooltips and notifications.
- new: Steam leaderboard.
- new: additional achievements.
- changed: reduced the number of controls, e.g. removed all the ship computer controls.
- changed: ship computer interaction is now full screen and with mouse interaction support.
- changed: dark energy is now collected in small pockets.
- changed: radio scanner now scans in sweeps and adds directional information to make finding easier.
- changed: all textures have been upscaled to 4k resolutions.
- changed: all mini-games (drilling, repairing, etc) have been overhauled.
- changed: improved variety of procedurally generated planetary systems.
- changed: map now shows additional information per system.
- changed: parallax bump mapping: improved texture details up close.
- removed: tutorial, replaced with a learn-as-you-play system.
- removed: modding support.
- removed: non-english locales. Will be re-added later.