-> Read the full change log on our blog. <-
Our biggest update yet.
Remember, this is early access. We aren't releasing this because we are finished with it, we are releasing it because it is better than what you currently have. Expect lots of small fixes and general polish updates in the coming weeks. Here's a quick run-down of what we added.
Systems Overhauled
- World simulation rewritten from scratch to fix bugs and allow economy.
- Save files redesigned.
- Universe generation from noise sampling and mod data rewritten.
- Music mod API.
- Interior rendering.
- Universe map rendering.
New Gameplay
- Dynamic economy gives NPC ships real purpose and adds an entire new layer to space piracy and overall replay value.
- Capturing ships is no longer guaranteed, they will often self destruct, encouraging you to buy blueprints instead.
- Most unlocks and item upgrades are now gated by the economy and need to be purchased.
- The travel drive now speeds the passage of game time allowing the NPC population to compete a little better.
New Art
- The universe map got a 3d camera and loads of visual upgrades that makes the map screen look a whole lot better but it should also load much faster and run smoother as well.
- Ship interiors got upgraded with dynamic light effects. No shadows yet, but ships now have mood lighting and alert lighting and the light applies to objects inside the ships like crew and monsters making the game much more atmospheric.
- Almost all modules had a light emission layer added to them.
- Added many new station assets.
- Added many new modules for station interiors and some still-secret assets for use in ships at some point in the future.
- Added a 2nd full length audio track to every biome, doubling the music in the game.
New Content
- All tier 2 industrial ship interiors remapped.
- 6 new fully mapped station interiors with new modules and some wide open spaces.
- All existing station interiors upgraded and polished.
- Tons of new item types for trading on the economy.
- The first (visual) pass at adding a new biome.
- World generation now makes more interesting layouts of space.
Balance and Tweaks
- All turret type weapons received multiple balancing passes. They might need more balance, but they received a lot of consideration this time.
- All reactors received an initial balance and consideration pass.