This week we're graduating the branch from Experimental to Main, which has a host of additions and fixes to improve the overall experience.
Structure Build Order
The biggest change we've made in this version is sun setting the way the Skill Tree is used. Previously, the Skill Tree required Proficiency to unlock the ability to build various structures and utilities. While we've been conducting our balance pass internally, we found that this created unnecessary steps towards survival. Essentially, you should be able to build what you need and in what order, having the choice based on what resources the astronaut has available therefore allowing you to chart your own path.
The Skill Tree will be going through changes as we go. The look will be similar, but we will use it instead to advance the player's abilities. More on this later.
On Structures we set up some meaningful prerequisites for various structure types. Our goal is that this will lead to proper build order while having the Utilities and Structures needed to support your base, rather than building something only to find you need a power source, for example.
Stealth indicator
As the game evolves its stealth style combat, we've added a noise and visibility meter in place of the Pressure meter in the lower left of the HUD. We found that the Pressure meter, while important in real life space travel, did not find much use in this simulation, and replacing it with the noise/visibility reading made the most sense. That stated, pressure is still a big part of the game and can display pressure in other ways that does not require a dedicate meter.
The Stealth indicator will be very useful going forward. Hiding spots are being added allowing you to gauge if you are visible and in hiding. Creatures will respond to this per species, based on each creature's senses. Our hope is this will allow for more strategic options in encounter scenarios.
Debug Console
We added full feature Debug Console allow you to bypass or build anything with various cheat commands. Totally optional and invisible unless used, the Debug Console can be very handy if something gets lost in space or you'd like to reset your play condition by regenerating a new object through these commands.
Fixes
We listed all the fixes and additions in last week's Experimental Branch, which you can check out here:
Change List
We hope you enjoy this new main branch update and look forward to sharing the material we have coming down the pipe. And now, a quote from one of my all time favorite actors:
"Well that's just great! Game over, man. Game Over!"
Brian