I've just finished uploading new beta test build 0.983b, which includes non-hostile NPC interactions, dynamic factions, armor, and new creature sprites. There are now two violent gangs roaming the map, DMC guards patrolling the sprawl, and looters caught in the middle. What's more, all of them are "strangers" until they do something that identifies them as friend or foe.
Guards shaking down some looters near the DMC sprawl.
The build is available to anyone who owns the beta at bluebottlegames.com, or on Desura and Steam. Desura (and therefore, Groupees) users can use Desura Connect to gain access here, or even get their Steam keys and try it on Steam.
To access the test build on the official site, simply visit the beta page, and click any of the download links below the usual Windows, Mac, and Linux buttons.
Steam users can access the test build by opting into the beta for it. To do so, open up your Steam client and:
- Right-click on NEO Scavenger in your Steam library
- Choose "Properties"
- Choose the "BETAS" tab in the resulting dialog box.
- In the drop-down, select "public_test."
Following the above steps will begin downloading version 0.983 immediately. Just click "Play" when it's done!
Updates Included in Beta Test Build
So what exactly is in this new test build? Here's a list:
- Added DMC Guard faction to game. Guards patrol around DMC sprawl, slightly favorable to player, and attack any hostiles and monsters. Carry special equipment.
- Added armor to the game. New armor items added, and old clothing items now have armor values.
- Added new clothing types and a firearm to game.
- Added non-hostile NPCs to game. Some NPCs will ignore player, and even fight against common foes.
- Added factions and reputations to game. Creatures will remember good and bad experiences with other creatures, and will share this info with any allies they meet.
- Added ability to talk with wandering NPCs. Each has default greetings, and some have multiple conversations.
- Added ability to offer ceasefire to enemy at the penalty of one extra move. Can also accept enemy ceasefire.
- Added ability to right-click a creature in the same hex to re-engage after talks/ceasefire exits battle.
- Added crippling effects to arms and legs for severe cut damage.
- Added item damage when wound slots hit.
- Added Project Zomboid button to title screen.
- Added code to prevent random creature spawns above global population cap.
- Added code to prevent too many creatures of the same faction from randomly spawning in a small area.
- Added ability to ditch vehicle in combat.
- Changed NPC names to be "Stranger" unless they attack or talk to player.
- Changed creature names to show "Leader" if that creature is followed by others nearby.
- Changed creature sprites on map to show what they are wearing and holding.
- Changed raiders and bandits to Bad Muthas and Blue Frogs gangs, to better match lore.
- Changed main map button to have TAB as hotkey, rather than Q (since Q toggles Items screen).
- Changed wearable items to prefer slotting first, then carrying in hands.
- Changed melonheads so they are unable to equip helmets/headwear.
- Fixed a bug that caused too many creatures to spawn in random spawns.
- Fixed a bug that caused blunt damage to not be reported on arms and legs.
- Fixed a bug that caused cut wounds to be preferred over blunt wounds if weapon did both types of damage.
- Fixed a bug that caused AI to choose attack modes with no ammo.
- Fixed a bug that caused current camp to disappear from inventory when using hide.
- Fixed a bug that caused AI to carry items that they could equip instead.
- Fixed animal AI so it doesn't wield arrows stuck in wounds.
- Fixed bug that allowed water tester to be used if no charges inside.
(Plus more! So much that it breaks the Steam Announcement character limit!)
Much of this is new stuff to see and play with, but hopefully, quite a lot will fix issues that people encountered in 0.982. And if this build seems stable enough, I'll make it the official build to replace 0.982. (And likely, update the demo at that time, too.)
As always, let me know if you have any feedback or issues with this build. And have fun!