🛠️ A Reboot in Progress...
Unit ownership is a key focus for our team, ensuring that hosts can maintain control of a session when needed. This allows for better delegation of duties during gameplay or to prevent abuse. To support this, we’re implementing two control modes:
- Open Mode: Free unit control for all players.
- Ownership Mode: A gifting system inspired by the Total War series.
Watch an early look at the gifting system in action:
https://youtu.be/Ba0MDc4TU2k
In addition, the Abort Move feature has been integrated with replication support! It served as a testing ground for scaling systems like Attack Move and Patrol, helping us establish a robust framework for future mechanics:
https://youtu.be/9tjB1u5wHRk
Shared Gameplay Elements Update
Progress continues on core mechanics for both TPS and RTS modes. Here's a sneak peek:
https://youtu.be/l020RBv4oOQ
We’ve also made strides in implementing live dismemberment, reloading, and basic combat functionalities. Check it out here:
https://youtu.be/1BvcEMpdcA0
Operator Progress & Customization
Work is underway to finalize Operators and Chelsey. These Operators will act as "heroes" on the ground, complete with weapon customization, skins, and unique outfits. You'll play as them in both TPS and RTS modes, similar to the "Create a Hero" system from Battle for Middle-earth 2.
Operators will bring depth to your squad with unique abilities and a personal touch!
Here’s a look at our progress:
- Veronica
- Unnamed Male Operator
- Allen
- Chelsey
- Kira
🚀 Doctrines Backlog Progress
Our efforts on doctrines are nearing completion. Dimitry has finalized all required models aside from the MOAB’s remaining VFX. Here's a look at what’s been added:
GBU-12 Paveway II:
A bunker-buster designed to target underground threats(Levi and his tunnels).
GBU-43/B MOAB - Features:
- Extremely large radius: 10,000 UU.
- Mass destruction: Destroys all in range, including people inside buildings.
- Civilian consequences: Significant reputation loss per civilian casualty and hostile responses from groups nearby.
- Cooldown: 12-14 minutes (subject to change).
- Cost: $150,000 per strike (subject to change).
Alcatraz Island Blockout
Our base blockout of Alcatraz Island is almost complete, though progress has been delayed due to wildfires in Los Angeles. Here are some early screenshots of the map:
Alcatraz will serve as your "hub" world for mounting deployments into new/old Pandemic sessions, viewing how your last ones have left the surrounding city, Customizing Operators & for launching the campaign when we get to that point.
🎯 Coop Test Arena & Roadmap
To stress-test gameplay mechanics, we’ve created a Coop Test Arena. This environment allows us to evaluate key features in layers before implementing them in larger-scale maps.
Stage 1 Focus:
- Structure building.
- Death mechanics and damage systems.
- Engineer reliability and formations.
- Gifting systems (units, money, DNA).
- Combat logic for infected and CERC infantry.
- Airstrikes and non vehicle related doctrine upgrades
- Core Combat Logic for Infected and CERC ground Infantry
- DNA Gathering
Stage 2 Focus:
- Abilities
- Helicopters and ground vehicles.
- Abilities and vehicle-related upgrades.
- Vehicle related Doctrine upgrades/unit unlocks
🎙️ Stay Tuned for More Updates
We’ll be sharing more details about these updates during our Podcast on January 11, 2025. Make sure to tune in via:
Stay Frosty,
The Cepheus Protocol Team