Hey there AFF Community!
While we're still busy implementing and testing the new spaceship netcode, here's another more general update. Mostly AI behaviour and performance improvements this time, but we also focused on improving the Steam-related functionalities:
We got rid of an annoying issue where the game would drop back to the main menu whenever the player lost connection to Steam for whatever reason. We're not obsessed with staying in sync with the Steam master server at all times, so now AFF will only display a warning instead of immediately disconnecting the player from the game server.
Joining your friend in the game through Steam should now also correctly put you in the same match, assuming he or she is playing online. If you don't have the game running at the time, Steam will launch it and connect you right away.
Changelog:
- Improved AI commander retask frequency
- Added and moved some ship core lockout objectives
- Fixed some issues with destroyable spawn module appearance
- Fixed vehicle award notifies not displaying on clients
- Players are now able to manually select warp exit location
- Match timer only pauses for last phase objectives in Incursion
- Increased several projectile speeds
- Fixed several issues with boarding modules attached to capships
- Fixed delay in chat messages appearing on the HUD
- Added console repair section to tutorial
- AI should sprint backwards less
- Buffed underslung flamethrower
- Reduced vehicle post-destruction reoffer delays
- Increased vehicle territories map duration
- Shields should block radial damage better
- Ship engine sounds modulated by throttle rather than speed
- Hooked up "request join squad" functionality
- Removed squad-only restriction from spawning on team capships
- Increased number of AI that can be stolen from an AI led squad by invite to all bar squadleader
- Fixed AI pathing issues with interior core objectives
- Game should no longer exit to main menu when Steam drops mid-game
- Joining a friend in game through Steam will now correctly put you in the same game as him/her
- Fixed AI failing to retask after being kicked out of a helm seat
- AI should fire at destroyables more consistently
- Performance improvements