Hey everyone!
We've spent every hour we had before launch getting the game to run as good as possible (which is why this log is slightly late).
After a long while we've finally got everything in order and launched into Early Access (and Humble Bundle)! After major optimizations the game runs better than ever before and has a ton of new stuff to boot!
For those of you that have been with us since the closed beta test I've compiled a list of changes since the last fully published build:
Cargo
One of the more notable changes is that you can now store stuff in cargo modules! There are also two new ones too choose from:
While they may look like large boxes they contain a large amount of computer servers and matter transporters that convert compatible matter pieces into energy and data and reconstruct them later when they're needed.
Totally.
Once you grab any cargo pieces you can inspect them in the inventory view (TAB by default) and eject them when you want to use them. You can also sell items directly from the inventory at the space station trade terminal.
U.R.A. Mk 2 Command Pod
Larger and more independent than any other command pod, with a larger fuel tank, more power and more health.
It also looks pretty cool.
Optimizations
We've done some tremendous ship rendering upgrades and optimizations, allowing you to now build bigger than ever without annoying your graphics card.
Map
Since the system for generating the universe changed substantially to allow for hundreds of systems instead of a pregenerated small amount we also needed a new way to present it.
Main Menu
We'd be mad to launch without a main menu so here it is, offering a selection of two game modes, options and controls (which you can also alter later in the pause menu of course):
Steam
In preparation of our Steam launch we got some usual Steam perks done as well, including Workshop support, Achievements and cloud saves.
Changelog:
Additions:
+ a main menu
+ saving and loading your game
+ creative mode (the old mode is now labeled as campaign)
+ a few new quests
+ some new billboards
+ a new command pod
+ a brand new universe map
Steam Integration:
+ achievements
+ Workshop integration
+ cloud saves
Cargo:
+ two new cargo modules (one for U.R.A. and one for the Ind. Conglomerate)
+ cargo modules can now pick up other modules and ores
+ selling cargo at space stations if you have any cargo modules
+ a ship inventory, accessible with TAB by default
Changes:
- huge performance optimizations regarding rendering ships and building
- overhauled the universe generation system, allowing for large galaxies
- ore can now be picked up and sold at space stations
- quest billboards now show a "!" marker to make them more visible
- music now triggers slightly differently
- running out of fuel will trigger a tow option so you don't get stuck
Fixes:
- fixed a cropping problem when recording the game with Open Broadcaster Studio (OBS)
- added bugs
- removed bugs