First off, I made a video explaining a lot of this stuff while I play through it, in case that's how you like to get your information.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lkqsiA9y4w
Also:
- You can learn something about The Engravers (or can you?)
- Hear me talk like a pirate (for good reason)
- I Lie about my accomplishments
- Listen to my loud keyboard
- See what all this "Captain's Log" fuss is about
All of this is taking place in the Beta Branch, called "betafromnowon", and that is open to everyone, just opt in, no password needed.
So, the Captain's Log feature is coming along nicely. It allows you to leave notes for your future self, so you can come back to finish something you weren't able to before, or possibly avoid re-visting a dangerous or otherwise undesirable place.
One recent feature is that the notes will now appear right on the warp screen, for whatever sector you're looking at. You can even enter new notes right on the warp screen! Easily remember where you want to go and why.
A completely new feature that comes with this beta (and should have been there all along) is the "Past Lives" section, or "Graveyard". Every time you die (in perma-death) or win (whether perma-death is on or off), the game will save the date, score, and method of your demise or success.
I faked most of that data!
I have only legitimately won a few times, and none in the current version (what?!) . Hey, I'm the one who's making all these awesome new features here! You play it. You tell me what's good or wrong. Then I'll make it better, ok?
Anyway, speaking of new features... Has it ever occurred to you that when you land your shuttle on a planet, you should maybe be able to take shelter inside it? Well, now you can (sort of)... Standing on (in?) the shuttle during an away mission will now provide 75% cover against incoming damage! (The airlock on a shipwreck or station level gives 50%).
But wait, there's more! Sure, it's a good place to hide, but notice in the action log that the shuttle sometimes takes damage! What does that do?
Well, you have to spend time repairing it! In the future this might also cost you supplies, credits, or spare parts, but for now, it's only time...
Another new small but useful feature has been added for users who prefer mouse control: if you open menus with the hotbar buttons, pressing the same button again will close that menu. It sounds small, but it can really improve your efficiency!
As long as no major problems are found, all these changes should make their way to the main branch in a few days.
Enjoy!