Introducing the Architect's Collection: a brand new expansion for Megaquarium!
I'm going to talk about the design process for some of the key features later in the post but before we get started, head over to the store page for a full rundown.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1339440/Megaquarium_Architects_Collection/
The expansion will be priced at $7.99 or your regional equivalent and will launch on 11th November 2021 on both GOG and Steam. Remember to wishlist if you want to be notified when it goes live! ːsteamhappyː
This expansion will be launching alongside a big upgrade to the base game introducing more quality of life features as well as some brand new mechanics. More on those another time.
Spaces between the tanks
Now I love designing tanks in Megaquarium as much as the next person, but wouldn't it be cool if you could spend as much care and attention over the design of the spaces between the tanks?
This is what the Architect's Collection, and the update that releases alongside it, are all about.
Layering up
You may not realise, but up until this point Megaquarium has been limited to just a single layer of objects. In other words, you can't build objects on top of one-another.
For an expansion all about architecture and design, this limitation had to go!
It took a major system rewrite but adding multiple layer functionality paves the way for all manner of new objects in the game. Without it, archways, roofs, bridges and tunnels simply wouldn't be possible.
Over and under
Have you ever built yourself into a corner? You finally finish that Mega Tank and then you realise there's no route for your guests to continue their journey further into your aquarium. Enter bridges and tunnels...
This is just one of the many uses of bridges and tunnels! I also think they add so many possibilities in terms of layout, design and aesthetic.
Paintable = Customizable
Painting offers a wonderful opportunity to make our aquariums unique. It was only earlier this year when designing this expansion that I realised how powerful this tool could be.
By making almost every object included in the expansion paintable (major props to my artist here as this was not the easiest task!) it allows almost infinite creative possibilities.
Plus it gets better, all paints are back-compatible, so as new paints are added in the future the creative space grows even more.
Aquatic VIPs
Let's talk about the animals. This expansion was the perfect opportunity to go all out on the inclusions.
If you're an aquatic enthusiast, you will already know and love so many of the animals on this list. If Megaquarium is your entry point to the world of aquatic life - well you're in for a treat, this eclectic mix of the weird and wonderful may just ignite an interest you didn't realise you had.
Designed for Sandbox
We believe the Architect's Collection is best enjoyed alongside the content from other expansions (both past and hopefully future!). For this reason we decided that a standalone campaign wasn't the right fit.
Instead, the Architect's Collection is launching alongside a huge update to the game's sandbox mode!
My goal: to generate a campaign-like experience but where all your expansions (and even mods) can intermingle to create the deepest and most varied experience possible.
I will be releasing a separate post specifically about the new sandbox mode closer to release, but here's a taste of what to expect:
Until then,
Tim Twice Circled