The Anniversary Update is here!
Hello again!
We are happy to announce this major update to Ascendant Realms!
It’s officially been one year (and a bit, heh) since Ascendant Realms launched on Steam!
And what does it bring?
Well... quite a lot actually. Let's dive right in!
Reworked Movement System
We completely changed the way movement is handled, with each move now being animated step-by-step, letting you know what your enemies are up to during your off-turn!
We also made sure this system is way more optimized than the old, making longer and larger games run much more smooth, even on older devices!
Reworked Turn System
We have also completely revamped our turn system, to work smoother and be more clear as to which player is currently playing, while also being much more performance friendly and focusing on reliability when playing during multiplayer.
Multiplayer Changes
Steam integration has been expanded, and our lobby system has been improved in variety of aspects.
This includes variety of new features, and smaller fixes, as well as bug fixes of some issues, encountered in the past. Here they are:
Added
In the lobby, both Steam nicknames, and profile pictures are now properly displayed.
Instead of players being addressed numerically, they are now identified as colors instead, to avoid confusion. For example "Player 1" is now referred to as "Player Blue". Hopefully, this makes it easier for you identify your friends or foes!
Players may now choose their color in the lobby, which also determines their turn order, allowing for much customization, and even choosing your proffered position when playing custom scenarios.
Players who prematurely disconnect from the game, or leave, are now properly replaced with AI players, and the game continues seamlessly.
Fixed
Mid-game issues leading to the multiplayer connection being lost, and game being stopped.
Sometimes the players would not load in properly due to the first connection failing.
After one player has been defeated, an issue would occur where the remainder of their units, is not replaced with AI, and the game becomes stuck on their turn.
New Graphics!
Alongside gameplay improvements, many new icons and in-game graphics have been reworked and improved, alongside some of our 3d models, which will hopefully make for more memorable visual experience!
New Technology Icons
Some new technology icons have been introduced to make more of units look more distinguishable in the technology menu!
Here you have a few examples of those new icons!
New Unit Model
The knight model has also been revamped, in order to be look more unique and intimidating, as well as more fitting its intended role as the high-end unit.
New Soundtracks
We are happy to say, we finally have our own soundtrack numbers by the amazing Antoni Prałat!
These include 2 tracks for the game proper, and one track for the main menu & game setup!
If you have a moment to take a listen, we encourage you try them out on Youtube using the links below:
Night In The Port :
Main Menu :
Calm Growth
UI Overhaul
There are many changes to our menus and lobby UI, that will hopefully pleasantly surprise you and make choosing your next in-game adventure much more aesthetically pleasing(as well as allowing for more options)!
Multiple Language Support
We decided to make the game more accessible to the wider audience, so if you're more comfortable playing in Spanish, German or Polish, then well, you're in luck!
Translations are complete, and were tested by a number of players, so they should cover all of the game. That being said, we would really appreciate your feedback, as translation work was not done by native speakers for the German and Spanish language.
We hope this makes it much more accessible for you!
Exemplary translations:
English
Polish
German
Spanish
Optimization and Stability
This update was originally planned to be delivered to you earlier, but we decided to spend some more time updating and fixing many miscellaneous issues that were in the game from the very start. What this means in practice for you? More stability, much less crashes, and much more smoother gameplay, that will be especially felt if you are playing on a lower end device.
Miscellaneous and Bugfixes
In order to avoid accidental interaction when intending to pause the game, when the menu is brought up, no interaction is possible.
Building is no longer allowed when the unit is in motion to prevent accidental foundation placing.
It is no longer possible to open more than one panel (Technology, diplomacy, trade etc.) at once. This is to prevent clutter, and confusion for new player learning the UI.
Fixed a trading related issue, where on occasion, during multiplayer, resources would not be properly transferred.
Save system now provides more data for clients, in order to allow them to more accurately save the game on their end.
Notifications is now shown when save is taken to confirm it being succesful.
Fixed numerous potential issues with fog of war, most that were occurring on multiplayer.
Added unique sounds to a few different unit classes. (siege, catapult, galleons, archers...)
Added an indicator showing that the unit or building is in melee range, or is in range to shoot the enemy.
A field that you currently have a mouse over is now highlighted, this is to avoid confusion with selecting your units.
Fixed numerous connection issues with multiplayer games.
When you are missing a resource to buy some unit or tech, it will now be named directly, and you will be shown how much of it you are missing.
Fixed an issue where negative food meant that you are no longer able to train build buildings.
Fixed an issue where player leaving the game on multiplayer would block the turns. He is now properly replaced with an AI.
Fixed an issue with multiplayer games, where leaving the match could sometimes cause miscellaneous minor issues in game.
Fixed an issue with constructing buildings, where sometimes it would not be possible to build in tiles, where one should be able to.
Berries are now only collected when standing directly on them. It is to make it more difficult for enemies to sneak in and capture them in the early game.
Changed the technology cost of some naval technologies, to be more affordable.
❤️ Thank You
Thank you for all for checking the game out during this year of games development.
Every bit of support has helped Ascendant Realms continue growing, and we’re excited for what comes next.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
Have fun playing the new update!