Hey guys!
First of all, I apologize again for no devlogs the past month, but I have been super busy again. However I have a lot of cool new stuff to show!
Disclaimer: All this stuff is not final, meaning it can change until the release. Also a lot of artwork ist still dummy artwork!
PS: All content in this post is already available to be tested in the alpha! If you are interested in trying it out - Join the discord server!
Alright, let's get to the content!
Summary
For those who haven't read the past devlogs: The wires update is a huge update coming to shapez.io soon. It adds an additional "wires" layer which you can switch to and allows you to build logic gates, filters, and much more! It is additional content, meaning it will be unlocked after finishing level 18. However, the requirements to reach level 18 will be lowered.
Read this post to find out more about the update. Warning: Spoilers!
Logic wires
I have decided to split the update into two parts. I felt like the energy part didn't really fit into the game so far, so I will wait with that. Instead, I will focus on the logic wires entirely for the update.
So, what can you do with logic wires?
Generating Signals
A signal can either be a shape, color or a boolean value (0 / 1). They look differently on the map, which you can see in the screenshots below.
Constant Signal
This one is simple: You input a shape, color or boolean value when placing it, and it will emit this value.
Button
This building can be placed on the regular or the wires layer and will emit an 1 when pressed and 0 otherwise:
Hub
The hub has a special connector which allows to read the currently required shape. This will allow to make an "automated make-everything machine"!
Storage
All storages now have two pins: One which returns if the storage is full, and the other returns which item is currently stored:
Item Reader
This building is still in progress, but it will be a 1x1 building where you can put an item in and it will emit that item on the wires layer. It will also pass through the item on the regular layer, so you can just place it somewhere on a belt.
Using signals
Logic gates
There are multiple logic gates already available: AND, OR, NOT, XOR and a transistor-style building.
Shape processing
This is still in progress. However, you will be able to virtually:
- (Un-)stack a shape
- Cut a shape
- Rotate a shape
- Read the color and shape type of a given quadrant
- Maybe: Paint a shape
- Maybe: Mix colors
With this options, you can for example analyze the currently required shape (Coming from the hub) and configure your make-everything machine with that!
Item Filter
If you are a fan of mixed belts, you'll love this! This building accepts one input and splits it into two: The items which match the given shape, and the others.
You can pass the filter shape or color on the wires layer. If you don't pass a shape, the filter will block everything. You can also use 0/1 to use the filter like a gate.
Display
The display can be placed on the regular layer and accepts all types of items on the wires layer!
If you input a color, it will shine in that color. If you input a shape, it will present the shape. If you input a 1, it will shine in white.
(Notice how the wires layer shines through when placing a building - I think that's pretty cool!)
And yes, people have already made a programmable 7 segment display (video) with that!
Wiring / Insulation
Instead of having tunnels, there are two types of insulation: A regular one and a crossing. By default, wires connect to everything arround them (Just like redstone). If you don't like that, use insulation:
Use Cases
So far there are only two different use cases, but I'm still trying to find more! For me it is important that they fit into the game.
- Build a make-everything machine which automatically produces the required shape
- Build logic circuits (For example displays, calculators, even computers)
I'm considering to add a new building which randomly corrupts an item so it can contain black on certain quadrants - You'd then have to filter the item to produce a fully black item for example. This is still just an idea!
FAQ
When is the update going to come out?
There are a few parts missing which need to be done:
- Shape processing with wires
- Migration of old savegames
- Re-Balancing the upgrades
- New levels
- Performance improvements
- Testing!
Once I have all of these finished, I can prepare the release of the update. So, it's quite hard to tell an exact date! Instead of giving you a date this time and disappointing you, I'll make an announcement arround 1-2 weeks before the update will go live.
Will the wires update also be available on the web version?
Nope! The web version will be limited to it's current state and receive no major new features.
What comes after the wires update?
I have a lot planned! Be sure to check out the Roadmap.
To mention a few: Blueprint Library, Puzzle Mode, Minimap, etc, etc ...
Will my old savegames still work?
Yes! Don't get confused, they won't work on the alpha. That is because I still have to write the migration.
Final words
I'd like to say huge thanks to all the testers who are constantly testing this content and building super cool stuff! Also the input has helped me a lot and I have based a lot of decisions on player feedback!
I think the wires update will be super cool, and I'm looking forward to your opinion!