Hi everyone!
On the eve of Hydro's FULL RELEASE scheduled for August 1st, I thought I would push a MASSIVE update to the Demo version, that includes a HEAP of Quality of Life (QoL) improvements and NEW FEATURES ported across from the upcoming full version release! 😃
See below the big-ticket list of features that are now also gracing the demo!
Addition of the Guided Tutorial - now you can get a detailed walk-through of power station operation when you start a New Game (you can also trigger this tutorial anytime during game play afterwards by selecting the option from the Difficulty Settings page in Pause menu) - receive a free Generator Grid Fuse upon completion! 😅
Improved Local Power Fuse box - no more clicking around to pull or place the fuses! Plus, you can now load-up your pockets with more than one fuse at a time...
Enhanced supply ordering system! No more ordering one item of each per shift! Now, using the brand new Supply Order Form, you can monitor market prices and wait for a 'cheap day' before you place a bulk order. But be careful, items can also be 'SOLD OUT' occasionally...meaning you'll have to go without for a little while, if you don't have reserves...so plan carefully!
Difficulty Settings - also included in the upcoming full version, this will help you customize your Hydro experience! Play it your way! Many settings available for adjustment in the Demo, reduce supply costs, turn off the calm river, disable ships, auditors, adjust grid volatility, and more! (note: except for advanced power pole mechanics - this is reserved for full version release)
Brand new line shaft mechanic - for the first time in the Demo, you can now manage and maintain the line shaft in your power station using the new Hand Oiler! Don't let it get too noisy...it can trigger noise complaints too...
Power Pole Insulators mechanic - this is a brand new mechanic coming to the full version as well. You are now responsible for keeping your power pole insulators clean so that you can generate reliable grid power! Neglect them and you'll notice that your grid sync will 'drop' more and more frequently. Climb up the power poles and keep those insulators clean. Note: in the Demo build, only visual effects (such as sparks/flashing) of the insulators are modelled - you're still welcome to keep them clean, but no actual grid sync issues take place. The full version of Hydro however will be a different story...
Electrocution! It's not a vintage power station simulator without this feature, right? Watch out for those aforementioned sparks and 'DANGER' signs...they aren't kidding around... 😅
Player Journal - you can now access the brand new Player Journal in the same way as you will be able to in the full version ('J' key) - it'll give you all the vital stats and the 'current thoughts' will help you plan your next move!
Enhanced HUD interface - for a cleaner look. Or if you prefer, go with the 'classic' HUD with all the info on-screen 100% of the time
Radio with additional music tracks - please just note these are not streamer-friendly, so make sure you only listen in your 'private time'...
Time acceleration feature! (Page Up/Down keys) This is handy for those shifts when you want to pass the time a little more quickly...but be careful how you use it!
So, so many QoL improvements - including code and performance optimizations (too many to list here!) included from the full version that have been made since February!
Note that the Demo is only a 'vertical slice' of content and game-play, in that only a very limited amount of Township Demands, Noise Complaints, Upgrades and Auditors are included (not the mention the Generator Fire Suppression still won't work!). 🔥
For the full Hydro experience, wishlist and look out for the game to officially release on August 1st!
Until next time, happy generating! 🌊🛞😎