OVERVIEW

We’ve added a bunch of new features and we plan to do a quick additional update in the following days, which will introduce campaigns and roof-top levels for side missions. In this first update, we’ve implemented a free-look camera system. This is still work-in-progress with some further work needed to improve it further. We’ve also added a mini-map, which makes navigating mission levels a lot easier. The one item we haven’t addressed is the tactical pause feedback that we’ve had. We do like the pause feature we currently have in the game (activated by pressing SPACEBAR). This feels like it’s working well so we haven’t implemented a full tactical pause system.

WHAT’S NEW IN 1.1.10:

New Mini-Map

• The missions now provide a mini-map to help guide players through the slums of Sprawl.
• You can still use the Objective Tracker feature by pressing the “O” key (default binding).

Free Look Camera

• NOTE: this feature is still experimental and will continue to be improved upon.
• The game now allows players to pan the camera around the battle when desired.
• View distance is limited so players cannot see entire level.
• To Move the camera you can use the buttons A = Left, D = Right, W = Forward, S = Backward (default binding).
• Q and E rotates the camera left and right.
• The X key will snap the camera back to your active squad.
• You can still switch between your Alpha and Bravo teams by pressing the TAB key.
• The LEFT-SHIFT key will select both fire teams.

Missions

• New type of side mission: Rescue Target.
• Players need to locate and rescue a character and transport them safely to the EVAC zone.

AI/Enemy Behavior

• Enemy units no longer can see behind them.
• Close range shots hit 100% of the time for both mercenary units and enemy AI units.

Sell Gear

• Players can now sell unwanted items back to MercNET.
• NOTE: You cannot sell Themis Standard Issue Weapons.

Unit Voice Over

• Units now talk back to you when you give them orders.

User Interface Improvements

• Changed the filtering in MercNET to work more logically.
• Added new help text / tooltips to the Command Center.
• Translated the game to French.

Multiplayer

• Loot crates shared between players.
• Health and credits looted from crates now affect both players’ units.

Added Twitch.tv Integration

• Hook up M.E.R.C. to your Twitch chat and watch your recruits and enemies take on the names of your viewers.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN HOTFIX:

Below is a list of items that we’re currently preparing for release but need a little more time testing. These items below will be released in the next few days.

• Campaign Missions.
• New Roof-Top Side Mission Levels.
• Improvements to story missions to support the free-look camera system.
• French translation fixes.