Patch Notes
- Changed UI Style and cleaned most UI slot placeholders for unit slots and input/output item slots
- Added building upgrades
- Added way to expand buildable area (through upgrading the main building)
- Added 4 buildings (Timber Worker (Level 2), Lumber Camp (Level 2), Command Center, Berry Bush)
- Added Berries item
- Added switching production on Timber Worker and Stone Worker
- Moved berries to a starting product want, moved wheat to next tier product want
- Added related entries in the help menu
Building Upgrades
Added the ability to upgrade buildings by pressing a green up arrow in the corresponding building menu. This only works on buildings whose upgraded version is the same size as the current level. Higher level buildings are also available to be directly built in the building menu.
Expand Area
This is currently achieved by upgrading the main building, but will likely be moved to an unlock option after upgrading.
Switching Production
Previously every production option occupied a spot on the building list. That is, players had to select to build Timber Worker(Spear) output separate from Timber Worker(Bow). Now they are one building and players may switch using the Timber Worker's menu. This is currently implemented for two buildings but it will also be implemented for other buildings like the Small Farm.
I had wanted to implement more buildings and items but found these features to be important to implement beforehand.
The new UI has a style that better fits the graphics of the game. You can see a comparison of the previous UI (left) with the new one below. The new UI has more variety so unused slots and Xs are avoided.
Remaining Plans
The Overworld
Currently the overworld is just a set three nodes with two set enemies. For this and future months I would like to expand and randomize node resource generation and have roaming enemy armies that spawn and try to recapture nodes from the player. I also want to work on different unit types and how they choose to equip, attack enemy types, as well as buff friendly units. and expose this through UI to the player. The fights themselves will still be in an automatic format like it is currently - players won't have much input once the fighting starts. However I hope to make it interesting to set up and watch. Players will not be able to "enter" a node as a different town though I do plan to implement a way to upgrade a node's resource and defense generation. The Overworld is considered a priority for the next update.
Tiers
The items I have planned revolve around tiers of items based around materials. The progression would be wood -> stone -> copper -> bronze -> iron -> steel -> "legendary" (adamantite, mithril, manaium). These materials would primarily form a base for weapons and armor, and would be backed with various other items like food or crafts per tier.
Town: Guilds, Technology, and Unit Skills
The last few features for the town involve giving the units skill stats that they can train and upgrade, which will also boost production if they are working at a building that requires whatever skill they have leveled. There will be buildings called guilds that represent the separate skills, and units may train or research tech there as a job. I also intend to add in a name list so units feel more personable.
Price
I had announced I planned to raise the base price to $10 this update and then to $15 prior to release but I still feel like it is too early. I will keep the price at $5 but then raise to $15 when I feel like the overworld is nearly complete.
Besides the continual addition of buildings and items, the Overworld is a priority and I would like to have it finished or nearly so before releasing another update so there may not be an update in January.
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!