Ahoy again everyone!
Today's update is mainly focused on polish and test feedback. Major improvements have been implemented in terms of Localization, Stability, UI, Bug fixing and QOL features.
I'm quite happy with the state of the game currently especially around Localization. There is plenty of room to work with now and it was in a nice space to park. I worked around the localization system for the majority of this patch, but moved on to more critical issues and gameplay items for about half the time.
Main Items
A full list of the issues are available on the discord, but here are a few of the main issues listed off.
- Redone the tutorial flow so that its faster to get through, less invasive popups/etc.
- Improved localization coverage.
- Redone some Audio extensions.
- Improved Custom Scenario workflow.
- Removed Intro & Customize formation stages of game start.
- Fixed issue with default shot-powers.
- Fixed issue where oars would remain in soldiers hands after a landing boat was intercepted by cannon fire.
- Redone how the ship navigation grids are generated.
- Removed outdated navmesh components.
- Fixed issue around builds with new "addressables".
- Removed some tutorial steps that were over-explaining.
- Added a new library to improve performance.
- Redone some code that was generating alot of work for the "Garbage collector".
- Fixed issue with default localization items not being properly parsed.
- Added language selection to options screen.
- Improved UI in Character Creation screen.
- Improved UI in Tutorials and Scenarios screens.
- Improved wording around some Campaign and Scenario descriptions.
- Redone the Character Traits.
- Improved Notifications across the board.
- Improved Popups both appearance and how they're called in code.
- Trade and Encounter screens rewired & localized.
- Redone the General Island transitions.
- Redone the Drydock transitions and Upgrade screen toggles.
- Improved the way some controls were implemented.
Game Mechanics Rundown
Today's mechanics rundown is focused mainly on the Fleet-to-fleet combat! One of Rise of Piracy's main features is the ability to build and manage a large fleet of powerful warships and trading vessels; upgrading and curating your fleet to your play style.
Your fleet will stay with you wherever your journey takes you throughout the campaign. Shipyards at major islands contain an assortment of ships available to purchase. Improvements and upgrades to each individual ship can be done at most drydocks you'll encounter.
Your first encounter
Your fleet will appear in the formation you have set in your fleet screen. It's a good idea to keep your trade ships to the rear, faster ships on your flanks, and stronger ships protecting your flagship near the center of your fleet.
When the battle begins, the enemy fleet will begin to approach and spread out, engaging the closest vessels whilst trying to find ways to target the weaker ships. It's important to use the RTS mode in Rise of Piracy heavily when commanding larger fleets as you'll want to make sure your heavy ships are tying up their stronger vessels, as your faster ships perform flanks.
You can score critical hits on enemy vessels by hitting near the rear of each. Some ships are capable of firing off some cannons rearward to protect these weakpoints.
As you work your way through the enemy ships, you may find its better to command your ships directly, you can switch to orbit or chase camera modes to directly control your ships. Its very satisfying to command ships of the line directly and getting a nice broadside line on an enemy ship in close combat.
After you sink the enemy flagship, and completing any secondary objectives, the battle will result in a victory. You'll be brought back to the campaign map where you can choose to claim or scuttle some of the captured vessels. Any successfully boarded, or disabled vessels will appear at this stage.
The number of ships you can have in your fleet is determined by the level of your character. At the beginning of your campaign you can have up to 3 ships - unless choosing the Admiral trait which allows you to have an additional starting fleet capacity of +2. As you level up, your fleet will grow in size. You may want to sell or scuttle some of your ships in order to make space for more powerful ships.
That's all for this updates mechanics breakdown. Feel free to ask any questions about these mechanics in the comments & I'll try to answer. Also, do let me know what mechanic you'd like to hear about next time.
Upcoming
The next few months are going to be mainly focused on the battle map, feedback and bug fixing. I'm very happy with how the game plays at the moment, but I'd like to clean up the core mechanics a bit more especially on the battle map.
I'd also like to start implementing the new audio improvements & refining the language a bit more.
Thank you
Special thanks as always for all the comments & feedback. Its always great to hear that folks are looking forward to the game & I'm working very hard to try to get the game to Early Access as quickly as I can.
Until next time,
- John