Build 44/45 DevLog up along with the Launch Trailer!
We skipped an update for Build 44 but are going to cover that build plus 45 in this extra special “last” blog post before the final stretch run to release the game onto Steam, GOG and itch.io! We will have an announcement regarding the launch date later this week.
Before we get to the new stuff, take a second to check out our launch trailer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip1YXKKOUes
The biggest new feature we have added is "Follow Mode" that lets you choose a leader and then puts the other troops under AI control! They will stay close to you (offensive) or stay in cover (defensive) while stopping to pick up loot and auto reloading after battle!
Other New features:
Enemy Dispersal
Refinements to enemy spawning
Sub Unlock Objectives
and much more!
Full DevLog:
https://hofstudios.itch.io/doe/devlog/48942/build-4445-almost-ready-for-launch
Build 43: Portraits, Scenarios and New Objectives
Build 43 is now available on Itch and Steam!
We've got all the details on Build 43 in our latest DevLog, including the new scenarios, objectives and character portraits. We also have a sneak peak at all the enemies in the game!
Read the full DevLog on itch.io:
https://hofstudios.itch.io/doe/devlog/44896/build-43-portraits-scenarios-and-new-objectives?utm_source=steam
Encounter System and Menu Updates
Our latest DevLog has lots of great details on the updated Encounter system coming in Build 43. We also cover the updates made to the overall UI and give a status on the next few Builds plus the updated release date info.
Read the full DevLog here:
https://hofstudios.itch.io/doe/devlog/42633/build-43-status-update?utm_source=steam
Objectives and Mission Scenario Changes Previewed
Some news:
DRM free platforms announced
We've hired a writer to help with story!
Updated release/beta schedule
Excerpt about Objectives:
Objectives all have different “final” missions that are more in line with the narrative and provide a more interesting payoff as a result. A few examples:
Hostage Situation - rescue a hostage from a locked room and escort them safely out of the facility
Terrorists Strike - disarm a bomb placed in a facility by raider
Rogue AI - hack terminal to weaken the AI so you can then disable their primary server. The AI won’t go down easily and will leverage facility defenses to repel you.
We’ve got a lot more scenarios that also will feature unique missions. Hopefully this will address the “more variety” feedback that I’ve seen from a few of you.
Read the Full Post on our DevLog:
https://hofstudios.itch.io/doe/devlog/39186/build-43-preview?utm_source=steam
The End of First Access! Next: Steam Launch!
First Access on itch was a great experience, but now we are turning our attention to the launch of the game on Steam, which means that it's time to officially end the First Access program!
The Steam launch is looking like mid-August now! We've had a few delays, but are committed to putting out the best possible product, not hitting a date.
We will continue selling First Access keys on itch.io (at https://hofstudios.itch.io/doe ) through the end of the month of June, at which time we will disable updates to the itch.io version of the game. In July, we will begin distributing the free beta Steam keys to First Access buyers and all updates will be done there.
Build 42: New Classes, Items, HUD Redesign and Rebalance
The HUD has been redesigned a few times already but we had some new ideas. This delayed Build 42 by a few days but I think the change was worth it as the presentation is much cleaner overall. This will still be a work in progress so love to hear feedback or criticism!
We're excited to introduce the latest classes in the turn-based tactical RPG Depth of Extinction: the Wrecker and the Warden. The Wrecker wreaks havoc with his AOE minigun while the Warden is a defensive focused character who lays down covering fire to any enemy who fires on an ally.
We also introduced many new items and did a complete rebalance.
Build 42 Preview: The Wrecker class, Minigun, Balancing and More!
We're pretty excited about Build 42 as it introduces a few new classes (and removes another), completely revamps the items, introduces walls as cover and rebalances the game.
The coolest thing in Build 42 is the Wrecker class. Wreckers excel at clearing out cover and working in tight spaces. Their primary weapons are MiniGuns, which do Area Of Effect (AOE) damage.
DOE Build 41: UX Improvements, Character Customization and More Loot!
There's a lot to talk about in this DevLog! We've also posted the release roadmap, our estimated release date and a link to view known bugs in the game. As usual, we are excited to get your feedback so please check out the game.
Here's the highlights:
Tutorial Overhaul
New Movement Path and Control Scheme Updated
Custom Cursors
More Loot in the Levels
More Music and transitions when enemy are spotted
And by popular demand: Character Customization is back!
We're opening up the hood so everyone interested in the project can see the final release plan and check out open bugs in the project! We'll try to keep this post updated on our itch.io message board so that everyone can see what the final direction looks like.
It's probably worth mentioning that to see the current state of the game (and have the release plan make sense) you'll have to try the game out in our First Access!
Check out the release plan:
https://itch.io/t/212145/release-plan-and-open-bugs
Buy a First Access Key:
(includes Steam key that will be sent out about a month before launch! We're only selling a limited quantity)
https://hofstudios.itch.io/doe
Build 41 Preview and some bug fixes
I'm back from GDC and wanted to get this build out to you quickly with a few bug fixes that we introduced in Build 40 and also talk about what you can expect to see in Build 41.
Procedural Level Generation will be a primary focus. The goal is to have more variety to the missions and less square shaped levels.
We're going to take a shot at cleaning up some cover issues and introduce a "Step out and fire" mechanic when behind a wall.
Ambient Sound Work.
New Grenade Sprites and icons
As always, you can read the entire post on our DevLog on itch.io:
https://hofstudios.itch.io/doe/devlog/28855/build-41-preview-and-bug-fixes-for-build-40
