Welcome to the New Moons Closed Alpha Version 1.3! This update features major enhancements to level design, sound, animations, UI, and gameplay mechanics, along with improvements powered by Unreal Engine 5.5. Here’s everything included:
Closed Alpha Status
New Moons remains in its Closed Alpha phase, focusing on refining core systems, incorporating player feedback, and preparing for the upcoming Closed Beta.
Wishlist New Moons on Steam to secure exclusive rewards and follow our development journey!
Level Design Updates
AlienLab Level (Multiplayer FFA):
Enhanced verticality with new ledges and platforms for diverse combat strategies.
Added 5 new spawn points to improve player distribution and reduce spawn camping.
Improved lighting and environmental details for better map readability during high-action moments.
Adjusted cover placements to create a more balanced flow for Free-for-All matches.
Spaceship Level (Campaign Mode):
Redesigned bridge layout featuring a central starmap display and panoramic windows for an immersive galactic feel.
Added interactive elements on the spaceship's main deck to enhance player engagement.
Refined lighting and post-processing effects for a brighter, more cinematic atmosphere.
Adjusted enemy placement to create a smoother difficulty curve during exploration and combat sequences.
Unreal Engine 5.5 Connectivity Update
Enhanced Multiplayer Stability:
Leveraged Unreal Engine 5.5’s connectivity tools for reduced latency and smoother online play.
Optimized server-client communication to ensure reliable multiplayer session stability.
Seamless Lobby Transitions:
Faster and more reliable transitions between lobbies and game sessions using UE5.5 networking tools.
Replication Enhancements:
Updated weapon and player replication systems for improved accuracy in real-time multiplayer environments.
Sound Refinements
Balanced overall audio levels to ensure consistency across gameplay:
Shotgun Sound FX: Further reduced volume to match other weapon levels.
Sniper Rifle and Energy Blaster FX: Fine-tuned to enhance their distinct feel.
New Sound Effects Added:
Jump Pads, Sniper Rifles, Shotguns, Energy Blasters, and default reload animations.
Refined audio cues for respawn events to improve immersion.
Animation Polishing
Polished key animations for smoother gameplay and visual consistency:
Reload animations now integrate with sound effects using anim notifies.
Improved transition animations for jumping and landing.
Adjusted weapon swap animations for faster response times.
Respawn Animation Updates: Smoothed ragdoll transitions during respawn sequences.
UI Updates
Main Menu Overhaul:
Imported a new background for the Main Menu and Custom Match Screen to align with the game’s aesthetic.
Custom Match Screen Redesign:
Updated layout and styling for better readability and easier navigation.
Enhanced session rows to display clearer match details.
In-Game HUD:
Added player health bars with dynamic changes based on damage.
Updated UI flow for health, ammo, and match timers to ensure clarity during gameplay.
Weapon Balancing
Rebalanced stats for all weapons to improve gameplay fairness and variety:
Shotguns: Reduced damage falloff at medium range and slightly increased spread for close-quarters effectiveness.
Sniper Rifles: Adjusted reload times for better pacing and reduced body shot damage to emphasize precision.
Energy Blasters: Increased projectile speed and decreased charge time for smoother combat flow.
Assault Rifles: Refined recoil patterns for a more consistent feel during sustained fire.
Rift Gate Portal Updates
New Visual Variants:
Introduced light and dark rift gate portals, adding aesthetic variety to the gameplay experience.
Improved Scalability:
Rift gates can now be scaled and rotated without breaking particle systems, offering greater flexibility in map design.
Portal Blueprint Upgrades:
Adjusted portal effects to ensure smoother visual transitions and eliminate "popping" when viewed from specific angles.
Miscellaneous Improvements
Respawn FX Refinements:
Removed unnecessary hexagons and the green center effect.
Retained 10% of streak effects and 50% of white particles, scaled down by 50% for a cleaner look.
Earthship Doors:
Adjusted door blueprints to open and close dynamically when approached by a Commander or Drone.
Asteroid Field Updates:
Removed large asteroids, planets, and spherical asteroids for improved map clarity and performance.
Thank you for being part of the New Moons Closed Alpha! Your feedback is essential to shaping the game’s future. Don’t forget to wishlist New Moons on Steam to stay updated and secure your exclusive in-game rewards. 🚀