First of all, thanks to everyone who has jumped into Super Mutant Alien Assault at launch! It was such a great feeling seeing so many of you slaying the enemies of the galaxy, utilising the crazy weapons, and learning a few things for myself from your videos. Thanks for supporting the release, it really is fantastic!
We're getting ready to release the first major update for SMAA, most of which is based directly on feedback from you wonderful people. Today I wanted to share some of the insane new features that Cybernate has thrown into the build that has been murdering us during testing sessions - seriously, I need to lift my game!
First up we have a brand new weapon, the Mega Chakram! Inspired by a suggestion made by NorthernLion, not to mention the comments in the forums, and the Pulse Chakram being a fan favorite, it was obvious that there needed to be a primary weapon version. Though it couldn’t just hit harder - it needed an extra special something. What can you possibly add to an already perfect weapon? Cluster grenades!
The new Mega Chakram has 6 charges. On impact it releases its customary pulse blast, plus the special magic of cluster grenades. Make no mistake, this is the most dangerous, and chaotic weapon in the game. It should probably be banned. Handle with extreme care.
Chris has also added another primary weapon, the Magnum. To offset the craziness of the Mega Chakram he felt the game needed another more traditional, easy to use weapon. The Magnum was an obvious choice. Predictable, reliable, high damage, moderate fire rate. It’s bullets hit harder than any other weapon in the game. A real pleasure to use. Just mind the kick.
There will also be an update to the Blaster Sidearm. Initial implementation of the blaster was a little rushed. This update brings a new set of sprites and sounds to its overcharged state. Converting to overcharged now looks and feels the part. As does shooting. If you overlooked this weapon previously, give it a second look. Any run with this badboy is interesting, and tactical, if you make good use of special ammo and its overcharge state.
There's going to be a bunch of tweaks and changes in the update outside of these killer new features, but that should be enough to whet your appetites. Speaking to Chris, he is super excited about all of the feedback that is coming from you guys in the Steam threads. Even suggestions that are simply out of the realm of possibility are sparking thoughts in his head.
Without making any promises, the two ideas that are really sticking our right now are the addition of an endless highscore mode. He is also thinking about different robots to have different play styles rather than just cosmetic changes - but as I said, no promises as yet.
So sit tight - the new update is undergoing some final testing and will be in your hands early next week. Until then - keep slaying those aliens, one pogo stick at a time!
Steve - Community Manager / Pogo Master!
