In this optional beta update, we're introducing Remix - a new game mode accessible from the Arcade menu. With it, you can play almost any level in the game (from the campaign documentary missions, extra levels and demo levels) with almost any combination of ants or termites. The possibilities are nearly limitless!
This optional beta is for Windows 64 bit systems only.
We're also introducing two new savannah-themed custom game maps - Grasslands, and Drive Them Back (custom game version). As far as the latter goes, this is something that has been requested for a whole and we've been meaning to give it a go. If it goes down well, we might make custom game versions of other campaign levels in the future. On both of these maps, you will spawn in a termite mound if playing as termites, and the remaining termite mounds will spawn non-colony fodder termites (as long as at least one Matabele colony is in play).
Finally, the long-awaited tier 5 & tier 4 challenge mode achievements are fully implemented and activated. You'll be able to earn these achievements on Steam immediately if you participate in the beta, but please report any issues you encounter with them to us on the discussion boards.
Code: balanceandchanges
If you would like to join the beta, the code is balanceandchanges. If you don’t know how to join a beta and would like to, follow the instructions below:
- Find Empires of the Undergrowth in your Steam library, right-click on it and choose "Properties"
- Choose the "Betas" tab
- In the box titled "Enter beta access code to unlock private betas", enter balanceandchanges
- After the "Access code correct" information appears, make sure you've chosen "Open beta" from the "Select the beta you would like to opt into" drop-down menu
- Press close - the game will now update to the beta branch.
Headline Features
- New game mode - Remix
- Can play almost any level with almost any combination of ants or termites
- Custom colonies will adopt the feeding habits of the selected queen
- Accessed from the Arcade area of the main menu
- Some combinations disallowed for technical reasons (ie, no Matabele medics in leafcutter colonies)
- New custom game maps - Grasslands & Drive Them Back (custom game version)
- If playing as termites, will spawn in mounds otherwise in regular nest entrances
- Non-colony fodder termites will otherwise spawn from unoccupied mounds if Matabele ants are in play
- Tier 5 & Tier 4 Challenge Mode Achievements
- 8 new achievement for tier 4 levels with challenge mode
- 45 new achievements for tier 5 levels
- Can now be achieved and earned on Steam from this beta
Additions & Changes
- Custom colonies now display the appropriate graphic for their chosen workers
- Custom colonies now just say "worker" and "queen" rather than gene thief
- Dead fish landmark replaced with map-appropriate large food sources
- Large food source landmark will spawn opposing ants that are map-appropriate
- Added Aloe version of aphid plants for savannah custom games
- Added an extra harvesting slot for woodlice
- 5.3 challenge scorpion no longer gets its abilities back when it respawns or moves underground (abilities that happen at 25%, 50% and 75% health)
- 5.3 challenge scorpion will no longer attempt to walk away when it performs a ground thump
- 5.3 challenge scorpion will only run away if engaged underground; if on the surface it will continue to fight so long as there are enemies to fight
- 5.3 challenge scorpion now only escapes when termite sun damage is in progress
- Fixed an issue that could cause an aphid to be deleted if a new aphid was taken to an occupied aphid slot on a plant
- Custom colony setup now has an "OK" button instead of a "Close" button for player assuredness
- Updated Strawclutch thumb to show alternate nests
- Updated the Slug Disco logo on the main menu
- Many localisation updates
Fixes
- Fixed leafcutter colonies in a Skirmish game spawning as basic ereptor colonies
- Fixed termites, leafcutters and BHA major soldiers not harvesting the correct resource type when in a custom colony different to their usual feeding habits
- Custom Matabele colonies in custom games are now only given soldiers if they have them available
- Fixed custom AI leafcutter colonies building a media chamber even if they don't have them
- If the 5.3 challenge scorpion is killed on the surface its dialogue no longer plays on defeat (as it mentions being killed underground)
- Fixed a crash related to titan climbing
- Fixed a lignocellulose landmark issue
- Pheromone markers in enemy nests now respond to the smoke visual option
- Fixed remaining tile materials
- Prevented destructible barriers from being inspectable
- Fixed an issue where freeplay games would always assume 4 colonies in description
- Colony creatures other than leafcutters now make cutting sound when cutting leaves instead of digging sound
- Tug of War 3 text label fixed