Great news, a big improvement is in the works! The next release is IN BETA RIGHT NOW and includes:
A new flight space that combines grassland, alpine, desert and canyon environments.
Detailed landscape materials that improve realism and immersion.
A combination of procedurally generated trips and curated flights which highlight amazing views.
In addition to the current antenna towers and wind turbines, there are new obstacles like oil rigs, water towers, barns and cows.
A simplified menu system with four top-level choices - solo flight, mass ascension, night flight and competitive training.
New demo modes that provide an introduction to virtual ballooning for friends and family.
An enhanced in-air experience with other air traffic and new AI balloon patterns.
An update to Unreal Engine 4.21 and many performance optimizations to the code.
Tested on the RTX2080TI.
Subscribe to the Lighter Than AR 'Preview' release branch to experience the latest in Virtual Ballooning tech. Details for accessing Steam Betas
Fall and Halloween Update
The fall update includes seasonal items - ghosts in the night scene, exploding pumpkins and even an occasional UFO. If you are lucky and quick enough to capture one, post your photo on the community hub!
New Release with Easier Navigation!
The latest release includes a new, tiled menu system! Also, features like the soundtrack and the riser may be toggled on and off through a second 'settings' system.
Also, check out the night scene on July 4th for an additional surprise. ;-)
New Activity Selections Added To The Home Scene
Activity selectors for the four types of courses are now available when the game starts!
The silver tutorial selector still provides a quick way to learn about the controls and course markers. The new selectors are colored light blue and will allow direct access to the games for those times when you want to get airborne right away. Selectors for the advanced levels are also exposed, though they're located outside the basket beyond the bench so that new players don't accidentally stumble into difficult play.
Lighter Than AR Now Supports Unreal Engine 4.19 and the Oculus Rift!
Flights using the Oculus Rift are cleared for takeoff! The optics reflect the high standards of the Rift and are vivid and crisp with good handling of the bright sky as well as the landscape's shadows.
This release incorporates important new features from Unreal Engine 4.19 like:
- Landscape Rendering Optimizations, that 'right-size' the terrain's details for the VR headset and
- Cloth Improvements that help the flags overhead flutter with changing wind gusts.
The tutorial level has been adapted to take place in Mesa country. In this new environment, your balloon glides over small hills then out over a vast canyon.
The fall update includes seasonal items - ghosts in the night scene, exploding pumpkins and even an occasional UFO. If you are lucky and quick enough to capture one, post your photo on the community hub!