Wow! We're finally there, with the latest update the game feels like the one we set out to make in the first place.
The big change to the Early Access version (apart from more polish and features) is the new structure of the core loop. Instead of the ship encountering all types of hazards all the time, the tasks and hazards are now based on which type of "Space Weather Zone" you are flying through.
Solar activity zones will cause heat management tasks, Ion Storm zones will bring electricity hazards and so forth. You still get the chaos and panic, but it will be more focused on certain elements which makes it feel a lot better and logical! I hope you enjoy the full version as much as we do!
v1.0
New Features
- Game starts with a set of linear missions, you can free roam after reaching the end.
- Added Asteroid Zone with impact-based hazards.
- Asteroid impacts can destabilize shields causing shield to not regenerate health.
- Shields can be manually adjusted to boost regeneration.
- For solo players or busy bees the Shield Assist will automatically try to adjust after impact, but considerably slower than a human player and without extra boost on completion.
- Hull repair can now be bought from station shop.
- Fire extinguishers can be used to cool systems.
Big changes
- Warp weather zones now determine hazards player will encounter during warp.
- Missions are considerably longer and get harder towards the end.
- Rewards rebalanced.
- Malfunction and task generation rebalanced.
- Static electricity fields cause nearby systems to overload and cause damage to fuses.
- Fires add heat to nearby systems.
- Added a self-destruct button that resets players back to the first station.
Improvements
- Star Map visualizes space weather better.
- Warp weather visualization updated.
- Station shop announcement after mission.
- Operator now talks to you during mission.
- Added more audio feedback to events and system operations.
It's been a long journey which would not have been possible without all of you, our fans, your love and your brutally honest feedback. It's thanks to all the early testers and buyers that we got the information we needed to bring the game into the state it is now. What a journey it has been!
This doesn't mean that the game won't be updated in the future so keep sending us feedback and come chill with us on the Discord!
Love,
Hipfire team