Here is an overview of what is going in, in addition to refinements and bug fixes as we get feedback from the community. Check out the latest build that has just gone up. Hopefully folk leaving negative reviews will change their minds as we work on this to make it the best experience we can.
Online lobby system
There will be a lobby host, and lobbies will have up to 4 players. If the lobby host leaves, then someone else will become the host (host migration).
• The lobby host should be able to modify game settings (move timer, 30/60/90 seconds - factions, player selected or random – etc.), and all players should see the options.
• Players should be able to voice chat in a lobby and ready up. When all players are ready, a timer should countdown from 5 seconds, and then the game begins.
• When an online game ends, players should come back to the same lobby, with the same host, who can then tweak the settings for the next game.
• The host should be able to kick and ban players from the lobby. The host should also be able to invite friends.
In general, when selecting the multiplayer button on the main menu, a Find Game feature will take you to a server list of public games. You will be able to host a public game that appears on the public server list or host private game.
Online play private game table support
We'll implement private lobbies after the rest of the online lobby system. This will basically use the same system, but lobbies will be private and only joinable via an invite.
AI sit-in for Quitting Online Players
Gameplay cannot continue if a player leaves an online game mid-game. We will introduce AI substitution for quitting online players.
Local Multiplayer
A hotseat mode will be added to allow local multiplayer games.
Voice Chat and Text Messaging
Both will be added
Tutorial on start-Up
First time players enter the game they will be offered the tutorial. The tutorial will also be accessible from the offline game set-up menu.
Steam achievements and steam trading cards
We will add some steam achievements for the game for player's to collect and Steam trading cards as well to collect and sell on the steam market place.
Leader board/reward system
A leader board will be added to the game.
This will be geared to a reward system, so whenever a player wins a game, they gain XP, level up and unlock some sort of badge or back of card design along side a rank.
Adjustable timers
Timers used in the game will be adjustable to account for the level of player experience.
Proceed button on/off
Will be in a much more obvious place.
Faster animations
Events such as clearing bases that have scored will be much faster.
Factions to come in the Starter Pack
Aliens and Zombies will be joined by: Pirates, Robots, Tricksters and Wizards.
Online Manual
Manual button will be added to the 'My Game' menu.
Here is the link
http://nomadgames.co.uk/smash-up-manual/