I am happy to say that the Big update is here. In my previous announcements, I already shared some information on the changes. Here is the last part.
Reputation:
- Calculated each time the train delivers cargo. Train utilization and connection utilization are taken into account
- Reputation controls how many research points a player gets
- Low reputation will block loans or the unlocking of new regions
Achievements:
- In-game achievements are almost the same as Steam achievements, but they are unique for each session and provide an additional income stream
- Achievements are useful, especially during the early stages when cash is low
Trains inventory:
- Added inventory allows a player to keep locomotives and wagons for future use
- This is very handy for completing one-time contracts as a player does not need to sell the train or wagons after use
- Locomotives in inventory do not lose lifespan or pay maintenance
Industries:
- More than 32 industries
- Production becomes available over time and may be different based on what resources are available at the moment
- Some industries have production only in the late era (cars, tractors, etc.)
- Production may require up to 5 different components
- More than 160 cargo types are available now
Depots:
- Can be placed anywhere
- Can be selected as a waypoint. In this case, the route becomes linear and will terminate at the depot. Very useful for one-time contracts
- When launching a train, the train will always go to the first waypoint in the route
Visuals:
- Added new vegetation and animal models
- Added 2 new wagons
- Added models for new cargo types
What's next?
- Fixing any issues that may be discovered.
- Continue to work on train navigation and movement, quite a bit still needs to be done there.
- Additional research on the economy model is required and more updates will be in that department. A lot was changed in the current update and things got better, but there is still room to improve.
- The help section needs more work
- Visuals and graphics updates needed
On a larger scale: more content, locomotives, wagons, maps, and more diversity in biomes. I will start a new round of feedback collection to make a new plan for the next big update.
Thank you for your support and interest in the project.