This update includes some major engine overhaul to lay the ground work for upcoming mod-support and a new save-data system.
Firstly, I've modified the engine to be able to read data of ships, modules & tradegoods from simple text files. This means when its enabled, players will be able to tinker with these easily.
Secondly, I've created a new text-format save-data system that stores your progress in small (~10 Kilobytes), easy to read or edit format. This gives gamers more choices, they can edit mistakes if they wish or even cheat.
Importantly, it's much smaller than the current save-system which snapshots the memory and encrypts it (~5MB). The tiny save-file also should hopefully make Steam Cloud more reliable when it syncs.
These changes are in parallel to the current system. This update serves as a bridge to the next update when these changes will be LIVE and the old data will be obsolete.
To ensure your saves transfer over to the new format, please continue with your Pilots, launch into space and dock again to create the new text save-files which will be read & loaded when the next update comes.
When the modding changes will be live, I'll post more to explain what the data in the text-files mean to enable players to make changes as they see fit.
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Update 17/01/2016 (v1.13):
* Improved engine to be able to load game data as text files. Improved the save-system to generate save-data as text format.
* Added new ships (Templar Corvette, Devastator Frigate & Revelation Cruiser) for the Human Empire. Available in all modes.
These ships are inspired by the Beam Frigate from Homeworld & Space Battleship Yamato, whereby the entire hull is dedicated to an over-sized energy weapon.
Due to having an inbuilt weapon, they cost a lot more than other varieties. Neo Eden & Neo Kyoto shipyards will have them for sale (after a few minutes of flight to cycle the market). More info on the ships on the forum thread:
http://steamcommunity.com/app/414950/discussions/0/458606248621969169/
Thanks to some players for suggesting these, I had a lot of fun making them work & playing with them!
* Improved primary weapon energy calculations to take into account efficiency gains (skills/modules) when determining if there is enough energy to fire.
* Added Hunter Drones on sale more often in all Major Faction ports that are tech-focused.
* Added Stalker Drones to Ionus Black Market, increased chance of appearing in Eos Market.
* Fixed damage text popup for Particle Beam Cannon weapons vs. NPC Hunters.
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Update 18/01/2016 (v1.131):
* Set the random encounter that starts the Nadeshiko Carrier quest-line to be less random. When players have renown and if they have not met the NPC yet, the encounter will occur.
* Changed the layout of the Devastator Frigate to prevent a bug with the weapons firing animation.
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As always, if you wish to help me, please leave a nice review and tell your friends to play Star Nomad 2! :)
Thank you,
-Huy