After the launch we made some smaller improvements but since then we've been working like crazy to give you a bigger update. It includes quite a lot but most of the work really can't been seen in this list. We've rewritten large parts of the codebase, improved our tools and added tons of new features to the engine which should enable us to do a lot more cool stuff faster from now on.
A few examples of what this enables are the new liquid hazards and nitro pickups. They show off bigger systems that can leverage other types of objects and gameplay bending effects. Let's see what we come up with. And as always, let us know what works and not, that's the whole point of Early Access! We want an extraordinary game for the full release later this year that is a ton of fun. Well, here's the traditional list of coolness to enjoy, or just get playin' right now and experience it for yourself!
We won't increase the price for this update but may soon once more content gets in there so take the opportunity to buy now while it's cheap!
New features
- Liquid hazards (of course)! Deep water puddles and oil slicks will randomly appear on the track with chance based on the weather to make your life harder. This will require you to alter your paths every race making the tracks more varied to play. Plus it just feels awesome driving through them thanks to our new engine updates! We have more updates for these planned but this is a first example of what we can do.
- Randomized weather in career mode. Weather is now randomized according to rules set individually for each type of environment for a more varied career.
- Nitro pickups now spawn during the race adding another tactical element. Go for the refill or keep the optimal racing line? Boost is still filled like before by braking, drafting, drifting and burn-outs.
- Two new cars! The Vertex (Class E) and the Vulture (Class D). Both are low level for more variety in the beginning of the game and like all other cars have their unique feel on the track - how they turn, how they slide, their acceleration, speed, weight distribution and so on.
- New double-resolution Countryside tileset for crisper graphics!
Gameplay
- Improvements to most tracks. More run-off areas.
- Drifting and drafting no longer provide boost. Chase boost pickups instead! Braking still generates some boost.
- Difficulty was tweaked for lower level drivers to improve their skills.
- New collision effects that fires based on what you hit and how hard.
- New car models are now unlocked already at level 2.
- Garage slots can no longer be bought but are instead granted for free by the club for every other level up.
- Added difficulty slider to career starting screen so you can start at whichever level you like.
- Added a default car to new career so you don't have to buy one before your first race. Lowered start cash instead.
Usability
- Huge menu improvements in career mode. We've redesigned most of the screens in career mode to be easier to use and more fun to play with. Some of these improvements apply to other screens outside the career mode as well. More detailed improvements follow.
- Car shop can now compare the cars available to buy with your current car and you can buy and sell on the same screen.
- Easier access to upgrades and repairs with the Upgrade & Repair button on the main league career screen.
- Upgrade the with just one tap on the right button instead of all that moving around we required you to do before.
- Added a bigger colored cursor so its not so easy to lose track of.
- Several other minor UI improvements like challengerating being removed and now Forza-like class numbers are instead shown by the class for cars.
Tech
- Massive engine updates not utilized yet that allows more advanced particle effects, animated objects, destructible objects, more effects and custom scripted events. We will definitely make use of these new tools in upcoming updates. The water puddle and oil and nitro pickups are just the beginning of what these updates enables us to do. Throw your best ideas at us and we'll see how we can make the tracks more fun!
- Many optimizations in map rendering and object handling, particle management and car logic should provide a smoother experience.
Aaaaaaaand there's probably even more we forgot about during this draining past month.
In this update we've implemented suggestions by Sarky, Rafael M, Nokando and several Youtubers and more. Keep it flowin' and we'll listen!
Please keep in mind that because of our massive changes to the engine, more bugs may be present than in the launch build. But like then, we'll do our best to correct any wrongdoings as fast as we can if you report them!
Oh and due to changes in our settings format we need to wipe your settings files. Sorry! Shouldn't affect many or much though.
Anyway, we really hope you like what we've done and look forward to more!
/Benny