The 'Ascension' update is here! This major update introduces some completely new game mechanics centered on 'science terminals'. At these terminals you can access log files from the space station's former inhabitants and discover the astounding truth behind the alien infestation. At the same time, you will decrypt a complex digital key allowing you to access extraordinary multidimensional technology and 'win' the game if you choose - or if you prefer, continue the game with a major bonus.

There's also a new Steam Achievement, numerous bugfixes and some significant balance adjustments to make for a more gradual increase in level difficulty and increased challenge at very high levels.

Here's a full list of changes:

NEW: Ascension Mechanic
NEW: Lore available through science terminals
NEW: Ascension recorded as part of morguefile
NEW: Ascension Steam Achievement
NEW: camera shake effect for explosive attacks
NEW: log messages for when aliens acquire status effects
MOD: removed regen globes from game to improve late game balance
MOD: increased chance of finding singularity globes relative to other globes
MOD: reduced number of small and large equipment crates at higher levels
MOD: various adjustments to alien spawning algorithms to ensure more gradual increase in level difficulty and increased challenge at very high levels
MOD: increased chance of finding ammo types other than bullets, especially at higher levels
MOD: reduced duration of radioactivity and paralysis for player
MOD: duration of various status effects is lower for aliens than for player (nerf certain ammo conversions)
MOD: blue aliens no longer vulnerable to stun damage
MOD: max ammo for RPK (machine gun) reduced to 36
MOD: increased scrap/qchip value of mind/alien globes
MOD: large medkits now restore a maximum 30 health
MOD: scrap cost to repair armor significantly reduced
MOD: max size of levels reduced
FIX: divide by zero error when taking damage while not wearing armor
FIX: added some missing trap decription text
FIX: sledge hammer description (which incorrectly states that it requires both hands)
FIX: bug where incorrect total armor value sometimes shown on armor screen
FIX: correct description for 'That's handy' achievement (requires 8-slot belt not 7-slot)
FIX: bug where able to use second weapon turn to reload by pressing 'r' when dual-wielding.
FIX: log message when reloading second weapon now also shows ammo remaining
FIX: bug where illness status can be activated multiple times with cumulative impact on weapon skill not cured by antipack
FIX: bug where opening inventory causes energy fields to activate for one turn without using power
FIX: on running out of power forcefields and energy fields now show as turned off in main display, belt slot and with log message
FIX: ammo and scrap display improved to cope with amounts >999
FIX: bug where hatched eggs leave non-radioactive tiles in radioactive rooms, trapping hatched aliens
FIX: bug with hacker and mindcontrol achievements sometimes not activating correctly
FIX: bug whereby hacking and mindcontrol can be used outside device range using the mouse
FIX: some minor errors in status descriptions
FIX: multicoloured aliens damage type, resistance and vulnerability now working correctly (and deadlier!)
FIX: misleading log message when entering brown goo square while ill
FIX: friendly turrets and drones target neutral drones
FIX: player controlled drones no longer get 'stuck' due to detecting an enemy behind a wall or door
FIX: powered items with empty battery are no longer automatically merged in inventory
FIX: improved misleading log message on failed mind globe attempt
FIX: aliens are consistently described as unseen aliens in log while suffering from severe blindness
FIX: confusing order of some combat log messages
FIX: incorrect power value shown in pop up message on acquiring forcefield or energy field
FIX: 'hostile' or 'neutral' more prominently displayed in turret and drone descriptions
FIX: telepathy globe can no longer detect turrets