This month's first update is a big one. We have new artwork, new game mechanics, and are prepping for a host of changes to come in the weeks ahead. Redesigns of existing starfighters are on the board as well as integration of existing starfighters into the new paint job customization pipeline. New starfighters, new worlds, new weapons, and new enemies are also being planned.
To begin the ground work for this, we've stripped out the old primary and secondary weapons system to make way for a completely new weapons systems that includes an array of new types of weapons and an ammo system. Much of this is still in development but in this update we've released a preview version of this new weapon system.
Custom key and axis bindings have been a requested feature for some time and in this update we've finally been able to get them integrated. Currently we support a rudimentary mouse and keyboard scheme, a joystick scheme that should work for generic joysticks, a controller scheme, and keyboard only scheme. We've also integrated a HOTAS scheme but that is still in testing as we've had some trouble with it on some HOTAS configurations so key and axis rebinding is quite ready for that but you are welcome to give it a try if you like.
Over the next few weeks we aim to get back to our regular update schedule with a focus on artwork. At the end of the month we hope to introduce the next phase of major mechanical updates and bump up the version number of the game from 0.3.x to 0.4.x.
We've also updated the demo this week and will be updating that on a monthly schedule.
- Fixed a bug that would cause the resolution setting in the config menu to revert to a very low resolution that would break the UI.
- Added new secondary weapon system that allows for multiple different secondary weapons to used in a mission. Currently supports dual lock, sidewinders, and multi-lock missiles.
- Added new tertiary weapons system that allows for multiple different tertiary weapons systems to be used a once. Currently only supports small and large bombs.
- Added a host of new sound effects to accompany the new weapons systems. These new weapons sound effects are a rudimentary implementation and will be refined in the next update.
- Added new intro music and new music for the mission on Frontiers Reach.
- Completely new HUD system that is part of the new weapons systems. Each type of weapon has it's own reticle for aiming and locking onto enemies where applicable.
- New controls have been added for switching between secondary and tertiary weapons.
- Completely new artwork for human settlements. This artwork has been worked into the Frontiers Reach map and is in the process of being added to several other maps.
This covers just about everything we've gotten done in the past two weeks. We'll post hotfixes over the next couple of days as needed so please do not hesitate to report bugs on the forums. For now, fly safe and we'll see you out on the frontier!