FreeHolder Steam Alpha 3 Hotfix 2
2.3.2017
Announcements
"False Bugs"
Due to the way that Unity functions, it soldiers on when encountering an error rather than having your computer explode, when possible. While this is admirable from a design standpoint and certainly has helped me allow you all to play FreeHolder with less frustration, the downside is that this will often cause what I call "false bugs." It's a bit misleading but allow me to elaborate. Some piece of code is not able to be executed properly but rather than crashing to desktop it ignores the error and continues running. Unfortunately, this glossed-over error can lead to other apparent errors later on in the game since everything is pretty much connected with everything else. Some memory value gets corrupted or some such, and it can lead to errors such as these which I have been unable to replicate directly:
-Character panel dismissing needs reselection of equip
-Character non-selectability still happens
-Skills do not save their used status (wildhome)
-Cannot right-click out of “attack” in villa
-Items do not save their used status (watering rig)
These may be genuine bugs, but from my experience I suspect that probably these are game loading errors that have spiraled into other errors. So while it genuinely does not work in-game, the reason it does not work has nothing to do with the code of that section but some other section that caused a non-critical error. Ah, the joys of debugging. This can be dealt with if I release a version with dev messages, so you will be able to see when the game has an error and report that specific error message to me, rather than me trying to figure out something far back in the logic chain. I have mentioned doing this before but had not got around to it; to get saving and loading airtight I will probably need a few volunteers who are willing to do this for me. As the dev, I am literally the least qualified game tester. I am exploring other options as well to make sure we can leave save problems behind and focus on features, which you all deserve and I need to implement.
Multiple Hotfixes, Up Next and Alpha 4
As you have noticed, the mid-game is more a preview with slight functionality than anything approaching the totally fleshed-out early game. I will change this, soon. Essentially, Alpha 4 will be the mid-game as I intended it, although most likely advanced classes will have to wait until Alpha 5, not least because I need to do the art for them, and that will take some serious time. I want to release Alpha 4 this month, and that will require a dozen hotfixes or more. As such, I need to be getting hotfixes to you more than twice a week at this point, including new and improved features. Besides all the stuff that you don't know about, the revamped tool system and fixing the ranged weapons and ammo system are high priority. I have time on Sunday to debug the few things I didn't get to on this hotfix, and add at least one or two new features. Thank you again for your patience and belief in the potential of FreeHolder.
P.S. I will also get on the forums on Sunday, I apologize for going incommunicado again. Getting a regular job has proven difficult and very time-consuming.
Bugfixes
-Year-end faction goals can no longer be exceeded
-Fixed various aspects of animal breeding
-Fixed issues with wildhome and outlander actions, certain actions are restricted due to necessity to claim land first
-Fixed saving issues with mulch on plots
-Slingstaves now working
Graphical Improvements
-Made confirm and cancel on market screen more obvious
Changes
-Tiles with protection from wolves no longer come with free or limited pastures
-Quivers temporarily removed, choose any arrow from stocks in combat, hunting needs but does not consume arrows