After a bunch of Dev Diaries explaining the basic concepts and gameplay mechanics of MENACE, we want to start giving you an insight into the actual development. So this is a selection of what we are currently working on:
Concept Art
We started working on concepting armor variants for some early game armors. Similar to the different variants of squad weapons, armors will come in a variety of styles. These variants not only look different, but also offer better stats or confer other bonuses.
Apart from the armor variants, we designed some additional structures to add more variety and tactical challenges to the combat maps, like barbed wire (infantry can’t pass) and tank barriers (vehicles can't pass).
UI
We finally started implementing the second iteration of the tactical combat UI, which is a big step for us. Showing all the relevant information while not cluttering up the screen is a challenge for any game, especially for MENACE, given its complex design and high number of moving parts.
Designing the UI wasn’t possible earlier due to ongoing changes and tweaks to the game systems. Now that the core mechanics are more stable, we feel confident enough to begin implementing the necessary UI. The final look will differ from this mockup, but it should give a solid impression of what we’re aiming for.
3D
Our 3D guys are working on more assets for civilian settlements to reduce the repetition of certain assets and make the settlements look more organic.
Another vehicle chassis, working title “generic light carrier,” is going to join our roster. This platform will be able to transport troops and/or be equipped with a variety of weapons. Depending on its loadout, it might lose this ability.
Tech Art
While we’re already discussing vehicles, let’s crack straight into it.
This is a heavy work-in-progress, but we’re reworking how vehicles are set up in the game so they can be equipped with a variety of weapons, just like infantry squads.
Building the system is a challenge, but we’re confident it’s worth the effort. Each basic chassis has different hardpoints for mounting light, medium, or heavy weapons. That opens up a wide range of loadout possibilities, giving players the tools to build the vehicles they want.
Unique vehicles with fixed features (like the Rogue Army heavy tank) will still exist, but the general goal is to make the system as flexible as possible.
The tricky part is getting the 3D models for vehicles and weapons to work together—some of them need to be modified so everything fits visually.
Engage, Explore, and Stay Informed
That's it for now! We'll see you next Friday.
You can find us on Discord, BlueSky, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit for discussions, updates, and feedback. You can also subscribe to our monthly MENACE newsletter on our website — just scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2432860/MENACE/
And here are the recent prior Dev Diaries in case you've missed them:
https://steamcommunity.com/games/2432860/announcements/detail/642433677808108044
https://steamcommunity.com/games/2432860/announcements/detail/515206275424846335
https://steamcommunity.com/games/2432860/announcements/detail/515205641165341679