Hi, I want to give an update on the development process for the upcoming big changes to the game. I want to give a high-level
overview of what is in the works and also what is planned to be added in the update. Note, that all of the things below are current state descriptions and are subject to change
Transport logic:
- Passengers and freight are constantly transported by other means. The train transport now competes with these other means. So, no more situations when the production is not operating because one of the components is not delivered
Economy:
- Passengers are separated into two categories: local and regional. Local passengers want to travel to the neighboring cities. Regional passengers want to travel between neighboring capitals
- The player is able to set a price level per connection. This influences the number of passengers generated by the connection. The relationship is not linear so it allows for various strategies in passenger transport
- Freight transport is also split into two categories: one-time contracts and recurring deliveries. One-time contracts pay a fixed sum of money for a specific cargo delivered to the neighboring capital. Recurring requires a constant flow of cargo from the source to the destination. Recurring deliveries are split into batches. A player is able to adjust batch sizes that will be transported
- Transportation profits were significantly reworked. Now profits are calculated from actual spending (maintenance and train cost) and a set margin
Maps and industries:
- Maps will be significantly updated, and regions will be changed. Expect city density closer to the one seen in the "Noran Island" map. The number of cities per region is reduced to four including the capital. So "Noran Isand" will have five regions
- Each region will have industry specialization with production centered around that specialization
- Regions do not have default consumption. This was replaced by industry-centered deliveries and one-time contracts
- Production facilities appear on the map as the player progresses with the game and the type of facilities that appear is random and depends on available resources
- The plan is to have over twenty industry specializations with more than a hundred production facilities and cargo types
Trains:
- Trains are split into passenger and freight. Passenger trains will never be able to become freight trains and vice versa
- Lines were removed, and now trains have routes that a set per train. While cloning a train a player has an option to include the route
- Depots were added. Now the train has to get to the route from the closest depo
- Routes can end at the depot. This way the route will not be looped (very useful for one-time contracts)
- Cargo types are grouped (liquid, bulk, etc.). Now wagons and stations transport specific groups
- Added locomotives lifespan. When the train reaches the end of its lifespan the power drops significantly to the point that the train stops. Lifespan affects sell price
- Added adjustable maintenance. Higher maintenance will cost more, but expend lifespan of the locomotive
- A few wagons will be added
UI:
- Will reflect all the changes as well as some minor updates and improvements
I will provide information on other changes in the next announcements. I hope you will like the changes.
Important, previous saves will not be compatible with the new version. I will try to keep the old version of the game available on a separate branch.