Added a new score bonus modifier for starting a game with less helpful artifacts. Each of the artifacts now have a bonus for selecting them ranging from 0 for the best artifacts, to 4 for the least helpful ones. That number is a percentage bonus. For example selecting 3 artifacts with a value of 3 would give you a 9% bonus to your final score. Whereas selecting three artifacts with a value of 0 would result in NO artifact bonus. This was done to give players a reason to want to try lower value artifacts to start the game with.
So if you were thinking of starting a new game, nows the time to try it!
Added the rain and wind sounds to the sound emitters. So now they will accept the volume of the sound effects master volume control.
Removed the ‘Leaving Orbit in’ delay screen that appeared when you pressed the button to leave orbit. Pressing the button now takes you back immediately.
Player’s window and sound preferences are now saved each time the player goes to the Escape Menu. These are loaded when you first launch the game.
Comet Encounters now start with the shuttle craft as full speed since there is no reason to every have it at anything else.
Adjust the effect of some of the planetary terrain on the planet lander. For example cracks in the earth will only slightly slow down your planet lander as these are hard to see on some planets. They were at 60% of normal speed now they are set to 85%.
Message to upgrade ship bays or modules will no longer show up each time you go into the fleet edit screen. It does it every 10th time.
We are currently working on combat balance for mid to late game and should have an update soon.