I'm posting a new build that will only be available on the public test branch. I'm hoping a few of you are willing to download the new build and test it a little. It will stay there for a few days and then I'll move it to the public branch where everyone will get the new build. The build addresses the following issues, some of which are directly related to feedback Early Access players provided - thank you!
What changed?
Completed a major re-write of the resource object code - this should reduce patch sizes significantly going forward. There is still some work to do to reduce patch size, but that will come later.
Removed AI debug data from the log - this should speed up the game on lower end systems a bit. I left this in initially to help with any blockers or issues.
New highlight system. By default, objects that can be interacted with now use a much brighter glow so it is very obvious which items can be interacted with. The glow is color coded (green for loot, yellow for mission/log objects and purple for non-lootable inter-actives). This should also fix invisible highlights for systems that are using Intel chipsets without the latest drivers. Many issues with glow, screen resolution issues, crashes and other problems have been related to on-board Intel GPU chip sets using default manufacturer drivers that have never been updated.
The original, more subtle highlight shader system is still available. Now the glow is static so it does not pulse and is set to maximum highlight until you release the CTRL key or move your mouse cursor off the object. If you want the alternate highlight, you can open the video options screen and select "Subtle object highlight".
What I need help with
I'm looking for a few things:
1) Are all objects highlighting that need to highlight?
2) Are any objects that needs highlights getting stuck with the highlight on
3) Are all enemies loading
4) Are all interactive objects working the way they were working before?
5) Are your previous saves loading and functioning as expected?
That's it. I'm creating a pinned thread in the "Submit bugs" forum where you can post any issues you find.
Here is how you can get to the "Public Test Branch" in Steam. Activating this branch will download a new build. It will not delete your save games.
1) In steam navigate to your Library
2) Right click Stellar Tactics
3) Select properties
4) Select the "Betas" tab
5) From the drop down list, select "publictest - Public Testing Branch"
6) No code is required. Click the "Check code" button
7) Close the properties window, exit Steam and log back in. The updated build should start downloading.
Thank you!