Update 1.0.1 is now live and aim to address all reported bugs and issues. In addition it brings a few improvements.
The improvements and fixes are:
Updated start menu
Updated save logic/scripts to improve stability
Added auto-save points to all levels to avoid progress/gameplay loss
Updated animations/transitions
Upgraded music controllers on all levels to address music resetting to 0
Added frame-rate sync option (v-sync)
Galactic HUB improved visually
Orion station improved visually
Riva Prime improved visually
Riva Prime: Weapon projectiles not hitting flying bats: Fixed
Riva Prime Deep halls improved audio
Fixed footstep sounds not playing
Improved projectiles/particles for certain weapons
Minor bugs and issues
We encourage all players who experience bugs or issues to report them in the forums here on Steam, and we will start working on a fix asap!
Thanks for all feedback so far!
Leaving Early Access today!
Lost Empire 2977 has been in development for many years and is finally ready to leave Early Access!
Is the game complete?
Yes, the core game is complete, and we have added many side-missions and areas to explore, along with the main story/quest line to give the feeling of a living sci-fi universe.
Will the game be supported in the future?
Of course! As any game we publish, the plan is to support the game for a long time, adding new content and improvements.
Can I see gameplay videos and play-throughs?
You can see extended gameplay videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSOfWRaYhknX--42qAr5d-EIa7aYiDNYB
Will there be more content?
We hope so! If the game gains enough traction and player feedback is positive, there will be more content. We hope to explore the backstory of both team-members, the two other ARK stations, add more bounty-hunter missions and perhaps introduce one or two more fractions (with separate side-quests). We also have plans for a sequel.
What happens next is up to the players - there is basically no limit to how big this universe can become. If people like the game and give positive feedback, the game will grow and gain new content.
Are all the bugs fixed?
We have only one bug that has been reported lately, that will be patched within a short time (audio volume resets to 0 when exiting a level while combat music is playing or force-stopping the game).
If anyone experience bugs, please report them in the forums and we'll start working on a fix asap.
Full release version 1.0.0 is now live!
The game could have transitioned today, but unfortunately it collides with the Winter sales, so the official transition is set to January 10 next year. This also leaves a few more weeks for us to polish, add content and eliminate any remaining bugs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: INVENTORY SYSTEM HAS BEEN FULLY OVERHAULED AND ALL PLAYERS ARE RECOMMENDED TO START A NEW CHARACTER/GAME. CONTINUING ON A PREVIOUS SAVE WILL CAUSE ISSUES!
The list of the most important improvements:
Orion Station is upgraded with more NPC's, ships and activities
Orion Hotel has opened
Added camera adjustments: Armed/unarmed can be set separately
Physics improvements
Updated character creation screen
UI updated
Warp effect on spaceship in "sub-space FTT" (afterburner)
Added "lore records" that can be unlocked throughout the game
New start menu
New game menu
Save/Load has been fully overhauled and should work without issues
Camera "jittering" is fixed
More items, clothing and improved outfits
Improved player character textures
Player armor plates upgrade option added (strengthens your armor)
Crafting is now fully developed and allows to craft many useful items and upgrades
Credit-check issue fixed
ARK station level 1: New construction and improved performance + more loot
Unknown planet level 1 and 2: Improved performance and more loot
"The Dunes" level 1 and 2: Added enemies, improved performance, and bug-fixes
Riva Prime, level 1 and 2: Improved performance, added details and bug-fixes
The Death guilds base: Improved visual, added details and bug fixes (mission)
Ship upgrade window updated/improved
More items added
Inventory accessible while in space
More voices/dialogues
Apartment pool/water fixed
Currency check on "The Dunes" mission fixed
Terminus station: Improved visuals and bug fixes
All load screens updated/improved
Currency update: Credits is renamed USN Credits. Cents/Chips is added as option for Credit fraction.
Still reading? Impressive!
Mishap with shotgun have put bullet-holes in a few UI elements. Looks cool.
Added galaxy map in space (press M)
Fixed/upgraded controller mapping
More key-mapping options
Full cleanup of menus, all settings accessible from game-menu
Brightness(gamma)/contrast adjustments now also work in space
Improved projectiles for "Black widow" sniper rifle (faster/smaller)
All items re-balanced and re-priced
Added controller binding options for spaceship
And much more
Known issues
Exiting from a game back to the start menu and starting a new character with another gender, locks player character to a T-pose (fixed by exiting game and re-loading)
Leaving an area while combat music playing set music volume to 0 (fix by adjusting music volume in game menu)
If anyone experience bugs, please (as always) report them in the Steam forum and we will start working on a fix asap.
Thanks to everyone who has helped by reporting bugs and issues, and as the last update, especially Wise primate and Romulus! Your help has been truly invaluable!
For now: Merry Christmas and a lovely holiday!
Update 4 patch
Update 4 has implemented many new features, including a new save/load function with multiple saves. This also included a new save folder in "my documents" instead of the old folder. The new save location has caused issues for some players as the game was unable to find or access the folder.
To fix this issue the save location is reverted to the old folder, also meaning that old save-games will be working again.
There are also a few issues with the controller and other features that will be fixed shortly.
Update 4 was an extensive update and bugs / issues have been expected.
The last few days before full release is focused mainly to address all the bugs/issues and if you experience problems, don't hesitate to report them!
Update 4 is now live! The final update before full release.
Major updates
Translation to German, French, Spanish and Italian.
Controller support (X-box / PS-4 controllers) with aim-assist and controller key-mapping options. The game now fulfil all requirements for the Steam "full controller support" label.
Multiple save options: 3 save slots + auto-save and quick-save for every character (unlimited character saves).
Melee weapons and shields (sword+shield). New inventory slot for swords.
Mo-cap animations for both player-characters main movement (unarmed/armed).
Major improvement to the male main character.
Cover features is greatly improved with aim/shoot from behind cover options.
Improved jet-pack transitions, animations, and particles.
A complete side-quest "headhunter" thread with 4 missions and player rewards.
Possibility for attaining a player apartment on Orion station (reward for mission)
New level/scene structure to improve load times and conform with "best practice".
179+ bug/issue fixes.
Improved(increased) camera limits and default settings.
Performance improvements and optimizations.
Important update notes:
The default save folder is now moved to "...*Documents\My Games\Lost Empire 2977".
The new melee equipment-slot might disrupt previous saves
The old save-folder and save-files can manually be moved to the new folder (must be complete with all files). This is not recommended and might result in unwanted bugs and issues. The reason for this is the changed inventory window structure/melee slots, not the new save system.
The new save system need testing and if anyone experience bugs and issues, please report this in the forum. All internal testing indicate it is stable and working, but all test machines have the same default file configuration (windows 10).
Is the game complete?
Yes, but there are more bug-fixing and some final updates/additions left. Anyone experiencing bugs are urged to report this in the Steam forums, so they can be fixed before full release.
If players want additional features and content, now is the time to add requests in the forums!
When will the full release be published?
In just a week or two. All bugs must be checked off the fix-list and a few additions are planned.
Update 3 is now live
Important notice about update 3: Key-map conflict
Key-map structure has been updated but existing players should update manually as a previous save will overwrite the new structure. R and F has been remapped to jet-pack altitude control and weapons have been remapped to G and V(lock aim). Players can of course remap all key-bindings as they wish. Players that doesn't update will experience duplicate actions when pressing R and F.
A list of the major updates and improvements:
All Steam Achievements unlocked
Jet-pack altitude control and updated UI
More jet-pack upgrade options (speed boosters)
Better camera collision behavior
Improved combat performance
Changed/fixed mission structure on level 3 ("the first planet level") and updated the mission markers (they should now work).
Added quick-save functionality (still experimental, use with caution)
Improvements to many levels, both space and ground
Jet-pack HUD has been updated
More space enemies and "fraction bounties"
Adjustments to spaceflight characteristics
More crafting options, "camp-crafting" should now work (look for "campfire" markers).
A graphic settings recommendation and tool-tip information about the different settings.
A long list of bugs reported by Wise Primate (not all are complete), huge thanks for all the effort - the feedback is invaluable ːsteamthumbsupː
What is to come before full release?
Multiple save options
More space combat and missions
Much more crafting options, including a "scrapping" workbench
More bounty hunter missions (available from Orion station)
Projectile improvements
Player input / requests (be sure to post input and requests in the forums)
More graphics options
Bug fixes
and more
Known issues:
IMPORTANT: Delete all games button doesn't work as it should (it works but players must quit/restart to update the game). Loading a game after "deleting" will result in a never-ending load screen. Restarting the game after "delete all" fixes this issue
Save/load UI interface in main menu sometimes doesn't work properly (fix is complete but not published)
Loading a quick-save and then saving with default 'main save' overwrites the previous 'main save' file. The main save will be relabeled "auto-save" and more save options (files) will be added.
Further testing on the quick-save (and additional saves) must be done to fix potential bugs
Walking during dialogues issues (currently being addressed)
Level 4: multiple/duplicate missions activated on level entry
Companion HUD update on "warp" (should change to "guard")
Level 3 mission markers have not been fully tested (fix applied and working in internal testing - needs verification). Mission triggers work so walking up to the "terminal" inside the mercenary base should trigger the mission dialogue.
Update 2 brings Steam achievements, tons of improvements and new content!
A list of the major updates and improvements:
Steam Achievements (currently only two active, still being tested - 9 are ready to be activated)
Better camera behavior
Better player animation / control behavior
Improvements to many levels, both space and ground
Changed the main vehicle (huge improvement)
Upgraded the male player character. The new model is more detailed and is a much better fit to the animations used (the old was very good, but didn't work well with the animations).
HUD has been updated and looks much better
Anti-aliasing is changed to TAA (previously FXAA) - big thanks to Wise Primate for all input ːsteamhappyː
Weapon/ammo scripts updated to remove a float percentage conversion issue (weapons only fired once)
Weapon active behavior now has a weapon down state (as most 3rd person games)
Aim lock (continuous aim) added as a shortcut
Game menu updated
...and much more!
What is to come before full release?
Flight altitude (pitch) controls (currently being tested)
More space combat
More main quest missions, mainly space/end-game missions
Much more crafting options
More bounty hunter missions (available from Orion station)
Dismantling of old, unused equipment (to make crafting material)
Better cover/combat gameplay
Projectile improvements
Player input / requests (be sure to post input and requests in the forums)
More graphics options
Bug fixes
and more
Version 1.0 update 1
The most important updates and improvements:
Improved camera functions and movement
Improved player movement; animations and transitions
Improved jet-pack animations
Level 1-3 have been partially finalized (not quite done yet)
Vehicle handling updated
Cross-hairs now change according to the weapon type
Major improvements and updates to companions and how they work. Fixed the "stuck" bug and they have more attacks and defense abilities
Improved music on level 1-3 (not quite done)
TC has a better "beam" weapon
Game menu improvements: Key-mapping and camera settings are now accessible through the main menu. Their keyboard shortcuts was under-communicated and many probably doesn't know they existed.
Updates to player character models and textures (not quite done) but better in line with lore.
Race-classes have been updated / reverted to Lost Empire classes. Descriptions are not quite complete but almost.
Known issues:
Key-mapping and camera settings windows accessed through the game menu will lock the mouse cursor. To fix - press "LEFT ALT". This will be fixed asap.
Some "grounder" issues with the male character leading to a small animation glitch when sprinting and walking up/down slopes.
Intro to level 3 and level 3 in general is to dark.
Several minor issues
Next update is planned in 1-2 weeks
Game version 1.0 is released
WHAT UPDATES AND IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN VERSION 1.0?
There are many updates and impossible to mention all of them.
The most important improvements have been made to the character controller, RPG elements and the space combat/exploration element. The gameplay have also been streamlined and polished. Many of these elements have been rewritten/remade and should give players a much better experience.
A LIST OF THE MOST IMPORTANT UPDATES:
Player controller completely remade
Updated and improved animations
Updated and remade the Companion framework
Improved UI
Added a Jetpack and jetpack upgrades
Improved character creation and development
Introduced new RPG elements and stats
Improved crafting and upgrades
Added upgrades to the spaceship
Improved space combat and exploration
Updated the vehicle
Streamlined the gameplay, making it a pure 3rd person that better suit the game and storyline. Also removed some elements that players didn’t enjoy or understand.
Many areas have been completely remade from ground up, to better suit the gameplay and more detail and content have been added.
Voices added to all dialogues
The following weeks, we will be uploading gameplay videos and more trailers to Steam, and also to our YouTube channel.
WHAT REMAINS BEFORE A FULL LAUNCH?
A few things must be completed and polished before the game is ready for the full release:
Improving enemies that not yet have been updated/improved
The last few weeks before full launch will be intense in terms of development and testing. Players who have thoughts and opinions about the gameplay, are invited to join the forums and share their opinions!
Let's play Lost Empire 2977 tutorial series
We have had many requests about gameplay preview videos and will now start to add just that to our YouTube channel.
A few selected videos will also be uploaded to the Steam store page, but for a more in-depth look, head over to our Youtube channel.
At the moment there are only two videos in the playlist, but more videos will be added shortly.