Welcome to the new v1.0 branch of GearHead Caramel! Or, at least, welcome if you want to try it out. I've been working on this branch since last summer and it is finally ready for wide release. But, since there are probably still some bugs still lurking, the first couple of releases will be as an optional beta version.
To activate the beta, right click on GearHead Caramel in your game library and go to the Properties page. From there you can select "advanced_beta" as the branch you want to use. Please note: you can probably load games started in the default public version, but after playing in the advanced_beta you won't be able to return them to the default public version.
What has changed? The biggest change is under the hood. GHC used to run using dozens of separate blocking game loops. Now, all game IO is handled from a central unblocking game loop. You don't need to understand what any of that means except to know that the code is cleaner, easier to maintain, and less prone to stuttering/slowdowns.
Improved Dynamic Combat. The rules of the game have been updated based on player feedback and extensive playtesting. Movement points and action points have been decoupled; this means your mecha can move its full distance while also performing skills or attacks. You can move before or in between your actions. Missile weapon ranges have been reduced to make movement and positioning more important. Underneath the hood, NPCs and PCs now use the same action system. Animations have been added to make certain skills and status effects more clear. And that's important, since a whole lot of new attack attributes and status effects have been added.
GH2 Themed Upgrade System. Version 1.007 beta updates the champion system from previous versions to add the mecha themes from GearHead 2. Use classic weapons such as the Deadly Bouquet and the Volcano Cannon. As of this moment, the first ten GH2 themes have been ported: Soldier, Sophisticated, Pirate, Ninja, Mad Science, Dragon, Industrial, Beauty, Dark, and Pyromaniac. NPC pilots will choose their mecha based on their specialist skills. Themed weapons and mecha will now work correctly in shops.
Expanded Character Generator. The character generator has been updated with new life events and career paths.
More Adventures Coming: After I get the bugs worked out of all of these changes, I will get to work on new chapters. My intention has always been to fill in the main events which happen between the Typhon Incident of GearHead Arena (NT156) and the rise of the Red Mask Raiders in GearHead 2 (NT161). Plastic Island Panic, Shopper's Paradise, and Summer Dolce will be the main adventures of GHC Season 2.
So there you have it. Try it out and let me know if you encounter any problems.