Unreal 4.15
It's been a while since the last update but it's time to go into some of the new changes that have gone public yesterday.
First of all the game has been upgraded to the latest Unreal Engine version which is 4.15. This new version has a whole slew of new features and benefits in terms of optimization and overal quality improvements.
New DataPad Function
I have implemented a map system into the game. You will be able to see a good chunk of the current area that you're in at any time. The idea behind it is to aid the player enough so that he or she won't feel completely lost.
The map displays location names and will show points of interest. These are illustrated by red dots and they can be anything ranging from a computer interface to a DataPad containing a log. It was important to me that players been given an extra layer of information for them to find their way.
Green dots indicate Data Save Stations and the yellow dot is the player him/herself.
That said, I am always able to hide certain objects and complete areas where I see fit. Hiding objects are reserved for secrets and easter eggs. I will never hide an object that is important to the main mission. I will hide areas however when the player isn't able to reach them yet.
These areas can include secret areas as well. For instance, before you enter the SD-01 (the first ship in the game) it won't show up on your map untill you open the airlock doors and can go on board.
I have thought about a system where only the rooms you've been in would show up but to me that was going against the idea of a map system helping the player so I opted to selectively hide certain areas personally where it makes sense.
Below you can see how the map currently looks in-game. The map system is not yet finalized in terms of how it looks and I most likely will attempt to refine it at some point.
Updated Log System
Lots of updates have been made under the hood. Most of them are not that noticeable in general, fixing minor bugs and issues to further streamline player actions.
I have completely revamped the log system. In general you won't see that many differences but the way they're stored has been changed. This means that if you continue the game, you should still have the old logs, but you can collect them all over again.
Each log now also has a subject line. This has been added so it's easier to distinguish them and I can now create replies. For instance a log has "I am sleepy" as its subject, I can now create a reply to that log called "RE: I am sleepy".
On top of this I have altered a few log entries which make more sense now.
Work On The STARDROP Has Begun
I have staretd work on the main STARDROP portion of the game and am incredibly happy with where it's heading. I don't want to spoil too much so I'll wait a little bit before showing off some more screenshotsbut I'll leave you with an up to date screenshot of the lobby area on board the STARDROP.
I will post a more updated change log soon but for now this will do.
Our Banner For SIA 2017
Lastly I wanted to share with you all our banner for our table at the Sacramento Indie Arcade 2017 which will be happening tomorrow. If anyone is heading there you will be able to also pick up a souvenir in the form of a magnet which we will hand out to fans and attendees.
Our Banner:
The Magnet:
And that's about it for today's post. Hope you enjoyed it and we will share with you guys what happened over at the SIA. While it's a small event it's still something special for us. Our first event ever and hopefully not the last. :)
Joure
P.S. I forgot to mention that this new build of the game is the EXACT same version people will be playing at SIA. :)