New DWVR update. This update gets us one step closer to release.
Engine Upgrade
The update upgrades the game engine to Unreal Engine 4.15, using the new Forward renderer. The new features in that engine alongside the improvements we have done mean that the game now has MUCH higher image quality. We are using the forward renderer using MSAA as default antialiasing, alongside a considerable amount of performance improvements wich allow us to up the default settings to higher quality. This engine version is the same Robo Recall uses.
Better Graphics
The graphical improvements are a much more clear and stable image thanks to the new antialiasing, new lightmapping that improves the look of the game overall and the removal of “hierarchical level of detail” for the environment means that distant meshes now have higher detail than ever before. The optimization of meshes and light makes the game use HALF the HDD space than the older version.
Mission system
On the gameplay side, we have the first iteration of the new “missions” system. The game doesnt have select level and difficulty, or separated training and survival system. There is now 1 central mission list and it has all the possible playable levels and challenges.
This system is not completely finished, so all the missions in the game are unlocked by default. On a later update, we will add new progression to unlock the missions in a mission tree with loot.
New Weapons
Talking about loot, we have remade the weapon system to be easily extensible and use a new inventory. We have added new weapons, and changed older ones. As the progression and unlock system isnt there yet, each mission has its own set of weapons. The Survival Easy missions only have sword, magic, and a pistol, while a Hard mission will have a full arsenal (to simulate what the progression will be).
We have a new magic system, with new spells. You will be able to see the new “magic wand” 3d model, of a higher quality. Currently spell switching is disabled due to some last minute bugs, but it will be here in a hotfix in less than 3 days. After progression is implemented, you will be able to unlock and equip the spells you want.
Improvements to 3d models
Some of the 3d models have been fixed or improved, check the new plasma sword. Enemy AI has been improved a bit, and the Necromancer and Archmage bosses had several bugs fixed for them. Due to those 2 bosses working well, we have added a mission where you can fight the boss itself without any other waves.
There are a few issues with this build. We have tested the new graphics on a Nvidia 970 GPU, but we arent sure about AMD cards. If you have issues with an AMD card, please report it to us. Scoring is disabled right now, and the challenges havent been fully ported yet. The new Gladiator challenge has issues with skeletons clipping through the floor in the map, and leaderboards are disabled. The new and improved Drone Assault isnt in this build due to not making the deadline.
Better CPU performance
Alongside the graphics improvements, we have improved the game code to be more stable and more performant. Higher number of enemies will now lag much less, and most stutters have been fixed.
Roadmap
In general, this update brings us much closer to the final version of the game. The next thing to arrive is the progression system, wich will let you unlock new missions and new gear or spells as you pass the different missions. The new missions and weapons systems will allow us to create new content without any issue, including joke or weekly missions and lots of weapons with different stats.
All the screenshots are taken ingame