Hey everyone, this update is long overdue, but I think it was worth the wait. The focus of this update was to overhaul the beginning of the game, improve new user experience, and lay the groundwork to integrate the story. While I was under the hood I performed several other upgrades which I think everyone will enjoy!
I play-tested as best I could, but I'm sure a bug or two slipped through. Please post anything you find in the discussion, as I'll be in bug-killing and support mode.
Important thing to mentions: Due to the nature of the update, a new game is recommended, but your current game will only be a little broken. The Q missions are "unplugged". If you are in the middle of them, you won't be able to finish, nor will you be able to start them (yet). They will be woven into the story a little differently in a future update. The ECHO missions should be working fine.
Change Log
- Changed character creation. Instead of the long interview players can choose 1 of 4 premade characters, or custom build their own character.
- Added 11 new Perks which can only be gained at character creation.
- New tutorial level, which is a normal level where you ware assigned a variety of tasks. In this level you cannot be crashed or booted from the system so there is ample time to play around. The contextual tutorial buttons still appear.
- Redesigned the safehouse to make it seem more like a hidden underground bunker, than a basement-suite apartment without windows.
- Changed the look of the RIG to be a portable cyberdeck opposed to a large bed.
- The menu to updrade RIG Hardware can now be accessed from your computer desktop.
- Brand New UI for the Contract List, now called the Workboard.
- Brand New UI for the Message Center and emails.
- New Chat mechanic so you can converse with NPC's while hacking. This will be crucial for the story update in the future.
- Cleaned up and improved several UI elements.
- Moved the contract payment logic from the email to the job turn-in button, preventing several known issues.
- Fixed an issue with Player Reputation for Freelancers that was preventing it from increasing.
- Fixed an issue with IC reaction speed not factoring Response increases from Mods and Perks.
- Fixed a bug with Ravencore bonuses, preventing the player from recieiving the money.
- Fixed a bug with Network Operations not being generated.
- Shed unused assets and saved almost 5GB on the install size.
- Replaced the jarring dumpshock noise, and tied it into the sound effect volume setting.
There are a few items that were on the list to-do, which never made it due to time constraints and deadlines, but will be rolling out in future updates.
As always please leave a review, and let everyone know what your thinking of the game. The more visibility this little indie title can get, the better. If you have an issue or some feedback, hit me up in the discussions and we can see what we can do to fix it up or improve things!