Finally got some time to show for the major rework I’m working on!
Sorry about the silence as I said in the previous update, I’ve been busy getting accustomed to my new work life.
So let's get to the menu!
Before I release this rework update, I wanted to have some significant content for player to experience even if its just a demo. Well, I think that the way to go, have the player taste all forms of content in the demo before I expand it further in full release.
These are some features I’ve been cooking and that I’d like to share!
Recap: Main Game mode, Odyssey
I don’t remember how much I’ve explained about the new game mode but I’ll briefly introduce it again.
As players start a new run, they will be entering a big arena filled with various obstacles, interactable, events, and rewards to find. But time is essential because this big area will start to shrink smaller and become much more hostile over time.
Once players are finished with the area, they can call for the teleporter to escape to a new area and repeat the process. There will be a set limit number of areas players are able to explore before being forced to fight the final boss.
So basically the goal is to try to gather as many resources as possible and get stronger before the time up and fight the boss!
Point of Interest & Hazard
Continuing from the last dev log, a unique point of interest and hazard will be introduced to each level.
Points of interest can range from simple interactable that give you a small reward, to a full-on side quest to complete for huge payout. While hazards will be things like obstacles that randomly spawn to environmental damage or mechanics.
The main things to note are unique mechanics and global hazards that will be added to each level.
For example in the first level (Astral Ocean)
There is a special structure called Observation Tower.
They can be scattered around the playable area. Players need to activate these towers in order and be rewarded with plentiful research points. This can be great for the early game for players to grind those points for unlocking meta progression.
And is here some shot at the global hazard, Heart of Starlight.
With a very rare chance of triggering, this global hazard can take place at the center of the area. Creating a gigantic magnetic storm that sucks up nearby asteroids. But if we are tough enough to venture through inside, you might find something valuable!
I hope this will bring more characteristics to each level make it less repetitive and make players excited to see what’s new when they unlock a new level!
New Meta Progression
I’ve added more meta progression to this new demo, which will use some of the new material that I’m implementing and will explain later.
Arkship: Absolute Aura
The player can acquire a shard and essence of a specific Arkship to increase their Absolute Aura. These aura grant global permanent bonuses to all ally units during gameplay.
Starship: Attachment
I’m reusing of the old mastery system into new ones. This system allows the player to spend “Modules” to attach offensive, defensive, or auxiliary modules to their starship of choosing. Which will provide further stat bonus to the starship. It work similarly but this one will be permanent upgrade that can unlock outside the gameplay.
[NOTE: This is old picture of mastery system]
Global Modification: Unique & Cheat Modification
Expanding the global modification, The unique tab as the name suggests provides unlock for unique upgrades instead of simple stat upgrades. The cheat tab something I'm testing, it will allow players to willingly turn on difficulty challenge mode or even spend an absurd amount of research points to buy some game breaking cheats.
Expanded Currency, Materials, and Resources
Previously, the game only had research point as a main currency for unlocking new content and upgrades. But now we have modules and materials.
Module: This can be dropped by defeating the corresponding enemies. The enemy that focuses on attacking will drop the offensive module, an enemy that is more tank drop the defensive module, and an enemy that heals or buffs drop the auxiliary. This applies to everything in between.
Material: A new set of materials is being added to the game. This includes Nanomaterial, Life Thread, Synthetic Fuel, and Starlight Crystal. These materials are most often dropped from completing specific events or destroying corresponding interactable like mining depots. Players can use the material to create new stuff in the future, stay tuned!
That’s about it for now, I’m eagerly awaiting to finally polish the rework update for players to try it out.
I’ll try to update the dev log more frequently if I have the time. But for now, see you later!