This patch is mostly about network optimization and bugfxes.
We have been analyzing our netcode and have managed to rewrite a number of packets, reducing the game's strain on network resources.
A number of additional potential optimizations have also been found, so more work on the netcode will probably be done in the following weeks
Meanwhile, minor gameplay changes include a hatchling HP buff by 500 HP. We know that players were complaining about game being too difficult as it is, and we certainly don't want to further increase overall difficulty, but we've found this particular late level monster dropping far too quickly to present any challenge.
As a counter balance, burrowing units regeneration has been reduced.
We've also determined that buffs from combat readiness were a bit too much, so they have been reduced by half. You will also notice that locked doors will now have red lights on them.
We have also been working on a new feature, ping. It still does not work properly but one nice side effect of the work done so far is that connections should now be established somewhat faster.
Among bug fixes it is worth noting that disarm tools can now be properly used by all players and not just the game host. Action bars for activating turrets, power stations etc. will also now properly reset.
The full list of changes are follows:
BUGFIXES
- fixed bug where clients couldn't disarm turrets due to network optimization changes that happened in previous version
- reduced amount pharmacology reduces the cooldown of skills to prevent insta-usage bug
- when dropping rockets it will drop stack of 3 instead of 2
- Demolition SES: Level 5 will enable detonator instead of place satchel.
- energizer from terminator will not overwrite powercell energizer duration
- fixed bug where weapon equalizer was usable from 30 meters instead of 4
- if action bar gets interrupted while activating turret/locker/power station, it will no longer be displayed
- fixed bug where readiness wasn't given in some cases
- fixed crash in science sector regarding to missions when located in specific region of that sector(far east)
GAMEPLAY
- hatchling HP increased by 500 to make at least partially a challenge
- max stack of disarm tools changed from 10 to 4
- artillery mission can be added only once now
- readiness will increase energy regeneration by 0.5% per point instead of 1% per point
MAP
- doors that cannot be entered are marked RED now
- enabled entire storyline for EASY difficulty
- fixed Evac2 and Evac3 not having waypoint on minimap in north part of sector
NETWORK
- swapWeaponMode packet optimized
- worked on monster death packets
- lookMap packet optimized
- followMe packet optimized
- monsters can now change target minimally every 3 seconds unless a skill is used on them
- optimized monster setTarget packets so they're not sent if target is the same
- separated player to player damage packet (optimization)
- optimized network damage packets monster-player and player-monster by 50%
- sync packets are not reliable anymore (faster network)
- optimized experience packets
- followers will be synced now
CRASH
- fixed crash related to when host is hold mouse over friendly marine who disconnects/quits the game
- fixed lobby crashes
- fixed bug in decal shader where white boxes where drawn (thanx to Intel and indie devs for helping!)
> this could potentially solve some other gfx problems