Hey, Galaxy Explorers!🚀🌌
We hope this update finds you well. We've been hard at work on the development of Nebula, and we're thrilled to share some exciting updates with you!
GRAPHICS🎨
We've been working on updating the art style of Nebula, and we're happy to announce that we've found a new aesthetic that aligns well with our vision for the game. This was a challenge as the game's nature and camera perspective required certain conditions to be met, introducing creative and technical limitations. Artists had to find a good balance between having assets that are too detailed and hard to read from a distance and assets that are too simple and boring when the camera is zoomed in.
After much experimentation and exploration, we are thrilled to share some prototype assets showcasing the new style with you! There is still a lot to do including the characters, but our talented artists are working hard every day to bring the galaxy to life!
AI🧠
As we mentioned in our previous update, we’ve been working hard on the AI in Nebula. Specifically, we implemented Goal Oriented Action Planning, which now allows AI agents to create dynamic, context-sensitive plans in order to achieve their goals. We are very excited about this because enemy characters will be able to choose a viable tactic against you based on their strengths and your weaknesses, introducing some new tactical challenges to the combat system. Although this feature is not fully complete yet, we now have a solid foundation that lets us (and future modders) easily add new types of actions to the game.
INVENTORY💼
We had lengthy discussions on whether characters should have personal inventories or not, as they could only carry one item in their hands. Our main concern was that items collected by characters during their jobs would eventually get stuck in their inventory, preventing the player from using those resources. Distinguishing between "job items" and items that were assigned to an inventory by the player on purpose is also not as straight-forward as we hoped it would be. However, we decided to include an inventory system, as expeditions are a big part of Nebula, and what kind of adventure is it where you can't take the loot home? This system now allows characters to carry multiple items and equipment. This is bad news for your crew, because coming home during your mining shift for a lunch break is now a very poor excuse when you have synthesized protein bars in your pockets!
OPERATIONS📍
Nebula is set in a large, dynamic galaxy, full of life and conflicting interests. Our vision for the game is to create a convincing simulation of both small and large-scale events in the galaxy, with various different ways for the player to interfere with how these events unfold. Our next step in that direction is a new feature called "Operations"! Inspired by XCOM’s Covert Actions, players will have the opportunity to take on remote missions and interact with the galaxy in new and exciting ways. Depending on your progress and status, factions and individuals might ask you to accomplish different kinds of favors and tasks, encouraging you to assemble a remote operation with selected crew members. Although you won't have direct control over the operation itself, sending the right people with the right equipment will greatly increase your chances of success. Engaging in operations has significant risks, but the rewards often make it worth it, including material gains, XP, new skills, and even some unexpected trophies.
MUSIC🎵
Our treasured composer, Michael Schuller, has created two brand new music tracks for Nebula! They capture the atmosphere and tone of the game really well, and we are excited to share them with you! You can now listen to them on our SoundCloud! Check them out and let us know what you think!
[url=]https://on.soundcloud.com/zXwmV[/url]
[url=]https://on.soundcloud.com/2REEi[/url]
We hope this update has given you a glimpse of what's to come in Nebula! As always, we welcome and value your feedback, so please don't hesitate to share your thoughts with us. Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more updates!
If you are interested in becoming a backer, please visit our BackerKit Store!
All the best,
The Nebula Team