Greetings pilots! It's time to discuss the upcoming version update. Heliborne version 0.46, which we're calling "Elevation" as we truly believe we are elevating the game to a new level. Though, this update also provides something of a foundation for future progress and updates as we move forward toward release. This article will go over all the major changes as well as list the preliminary patch notes for you. So, let's get started as usual shall we?
Unity Version 5.5.X
The first big thing of note is our move from Unity 4.X to Unity 5.X. Specifically, we are now on Unity version 5.5.0f3. Your first question no doubt is, "Why does this matter?" The answer to that is simply, it just does. It matters a lot. However the much longer winded explanation follows with the help of Unity's own version 5 website. I'll post a link here: https://unity3d.com/unity/whats-new/unity-5.0
For those not wanting to head to the link, here's Unity's own words for why version 5.0 is better.
- The Physically-based Standard Shader to make your materials look consistent in any lighting environment, cross platform.
- Real-time Global Illumination, built on Geomerics Enlighten technology.
- The Audio Mixer, to massively improve audio in your game.
- HDR Reflection Probes to enhance visual fidelity.
- PhysX 3.3 to bring massive performance improvements to 3D physics.
- Major updates to the animation system.
- WebGL preview.
The above being just the start, or the tip of the iceberg so to speak. Here's a nice Unity version 5.0 Trailer for you to watch as well, which should help show off "Some" of the goodness.
*As a note, I think this trailer is amazing.*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ6Mkx1KEns
Moving on!
The new Stuff
A great deal has changed when you log in to the game now. Firstly, we have an entirely new Main Scene and Squadron Construction update for you to enjoy. This means a brand new map built entirely for the main hangar and squadron view scenes. One that you'll be able to fly on soon. As to what these new scenes and UI updates look like, here's a quick video showing them off,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0CgqmsVCrw
As you can see, the Squadron Overview and construction system has been entirely remade. We're hoping this version is far more intuitive to use. The hangar scene has been redone as well. All of this, as I said, built on a brand new map that we'll be using for training missions in the future and maybe something else special you've all been asking for? :)
The Prelim Patch Notes
Here's a quick look at the preliminary patch notes for Version 0.46,
- Moved the project from Unity Version 4.x to Unity Version 5.x. This means a lot of behind the scenes changes that will yield a great deal in the future for Heliborne as a whole.
- Major changes to internal map building scheme. This has changed and optimized map workflow for creation and fix implementation.
- Changes and updates to shaders and visual effects system.
- New Hangar scene introduced.
- New Main Scene and Squadron Overview
- Squadron Constructor rework
- UI Rework
- Added new Afghanistan, Khost province, map. This map is for Tier 3.
- Increased bullet lifetime by 30%
- Decreased unguided rocket drop height after initial engine burst.
That's it for this one folks, stay tuned for more! We've got a lot more coming.
-Rayne
Team JetCat