As release draws closer, this update focuses on map generation, map graphics, visual clarity, and user experience improvements, based on feedback from our playtesters.
Map Generation & Graphics Updates
This update improves exploration, readability, and atmosphere across the galaxy:
Added another map generator, introducing more varied and less predictable maps
Added a new network indicator, now enabled by default for better strategic awareness
Added particle effects for harvesting metal, gas, and energy (thanks Pymous for the idea!)
Unexplored tiles are now fully hidden by black fog of war, while explored but unobserved tiles use white fog of war
Replaced space telescope image backgrounds with new painted backgrounds by our artists
Improved anomaly placement and added more anomaly types
Added icons to allied units and planets for quicker identification
User Experience Improvements
Many changes in this update aim to reduce friction and make information easier to read at a glance:
Switched to a more readable body text font
Added colonizable and terraformable icons directly to planet labels
Improved nested tooltips system
Added more game settings descriptions
Unified resource icon sizes
Recolored and reordered ship stat icons for better readability (thanks Pymous for the idea!)
Center planet name is now shown in tooltips
Improved the loading screen and removed the blur effect
Shift-click to build multiple stations or ships at once
Added a button to center the camera on your home planet
Added a notification when a ship is attacked outside sensor range
Added more input and hotkey icons throughout the UI
Added clearer, more instant feedback on victory and defeat
Improved ship descriptions, tooltips, and tutorial texts
AI Improvements
AI behavior has been refined across multiple systems:
Improved AI evaluation of adjacency based production bonuses
Improved AI usage of conversion stations
Improved major faction AI behavior towards minor factions
Various additional improvements to AI economy and decision making
Balance Changes
Several balance updates refine progression and faction behavior:
Rebalanced minor factions and their alliances
Generator, mining, and agriculture planets now provide only 1 resource per adjacent station, but have a base income of 2
Allowed the Myrmidon Horde to gain techs from anomalies instantly
Limited anomaly reward displays to a maximum of 3 rewards
Fixes
Fixed resource icon colors not updating correctly
Fixed stealth ships capturing stations while moving through enemies
Fixed duplicate ships appearing in the buy menu
Fixed scoreboard scrolling issues
More Playtests
If you'd like to help make the game better or get access to the full version of the game you can apply to the playtest in https://nullvectorstudios.com/playtest
Thanks to all the playtesters for the valuable feedback!
See you among the stars!