It’s been a few months since the last proper update on FoA, but I haven’t sat dormant on the game. I’ve set some good time aside to work on everything that I felt needed some attention…which it turns out was a lot.
I’ve taken the suggestions and comments to heart and decided I need to bring the update that would represent a true version of the game it was always supposed to be.
The Intergalactic Update brings graphical updates, complete UI overhaul, mechanical changes, balancing improvements and a few new features.
Full list below.
BUG FIXES:
• Fixed the menu button disappearing when enemy vessels were around.
• Bug fix on corvette firing which often needed to be switched off after re-arming before it started firing again.
IMPROVEMENTS:
• Complete visual update on the menus, UI, ships. Better colouring to fix that red on black nightmare. Clearer, smoother menus, fonts and interface options.
• Engineering module now links much better with functions that require engineering, making it feel a bit more intuitive and obvious where you need to go.
• Ship information is now visible on each ship instead of across the screen.
• Function buttons are split by ship. Each ship has an individually functioning re-arm, repair and shield system now. Making for easier balancing between your resources.
• Menu tabs now show how much engineering is used per module when in use, making it quick to spot where your engineering is running at any time.
• Ship sprites are clearer, lighter and generally a bit easier on the eyes, while still keeping the same look.
• Ship function changes include a single deploy/dock button for fighters that also activates and deactivates their firing.
• Ships repair at twice the rate while no enemies are around, meaning you don’t have to sit and wait forever in between battles just to get your ships back into working order again.
• Quests are better laid out and encounters feel a little less mechanical with dialogue boxes and character art.
• When not in battle corvettes can now be freely moved around in whatever formation you want, to best optimise your fleet efficiency.
• Ships using engineering now have engineering trails; giving you a better idea what ship is consuming your engineering.
• Quest backing, screens and layout has been changed as well to make it a bit easier on the eyes, with a clearer indicator of your options.
• Shortcut keys now make accessing different menus easier. These are laid out in the options menu as for reference.
For example: A quick press of 1,2,3,4 will switch on all three your corvette shields as well as your command deflector.
• Trading can now be properly profitable if used right. No more saving up from scraps and such to buy new corvettes or fighters.
• Ship tabs flip open when pressing on a ship, as well as with shortcut keys.
• Left-click, Right-click functionality has been removed. Right click now only serves as a deselect, whereas everything else requires a single click.
• Naturally with all these new changes there’s also a new tutorial, which explains the game in better detail for those starting up new.
• Arratelle corvettes now have “scramble” weapons that will make your command autocannons and fighter turrets shoot in all directions while active.
NEW FEATURES:
I’m happy to announce a great new feature to the game.
• You are now able to select a unique commander character at start (this will reset your reputation).
• Each commander has a different and unique perk that will affect your gameplay.
I hope you enjoy this new version of Fleets of Ascendancy...