Here's a little gif for you demonstrating some basic Controller block animations. The Controller block gives you access to any mechincal block on your ship through a keyframe animator. You'll be able to synchronise many blocks' animations together over time, allowing you to build up an animation that is bigger than a single block alone.
In the above example, the Controller block on the left of the gif is moving the powered ball joint at the back of the raft. The UI is shown below.
In other news, we've been fine tuning object placement on the terrain in the level editor and improving the how you interact with the editor through camera conrols, user interface and workflow.
I've also just published S.U.P.E.R Editor Features - Ep 2: Rotate Mode on Youtube exposing the exciting new rotational features that are coming through in the ship editor. Click through and have a listen!
As always, let us know your thoughts and have a shippingly awesome weekend!
SPG
Dev update 21st July - WINGS!
Hiya Gigantic creationist fans
As some of the more diligent amongst you may have noticed, we’ve taken DLC (aka pledges) down this week as we felt that some players just didn’t understand what we were trying to do and negative impact of having them in early access it seems is just a stretch too far. They may well be back once we’ve launched though!
In other news, the level editor is coming along nicely, we’re improving the terrain generator this week which has been our focus on the code side and the artists have been creating artwork for the many blocks we’ve added.
Steve will be posting a new video detailing the new rotation function in the editor so stay tuned for that
We’ve also had some very exciting conversations with other companies this week, which I can’t talk about yet, but we are very very excited…
Have a groovy weekend y’all
SPG
:lastleviathan:
July 14th Update - COLOUR!!
Hello groovy gargantuan goblins!
We have been busy basilisks this week and have been down at the develop conference in brighton, which if you’ve never been, is truly awesome!
The main feature we’ve worked on this week is the new block colouring system, which seems like a simple thing to do at first, then you get into it and it turns out it has lots of knock on effects on the various sub-systems like damage, rendering, coalescing etc! anyway, here’s a work in progress shot of where we’re at, and aptly coloured from our trip to Brighton
Other stuff wot got done:
• Sharing monsters on Steam, and all that entails!
• Alternative Ballast Tank - tries to regulate depth continuously
• Alt Air Rotor Block - Tries to regulate height above sea level
• Added 2 more Tails with more power in them so we have 3 of different powers
• Added 2 more fins with more power
• Add a 'save' & 'Clear' button to the controller block editing screen next to delete.
• Controller - needs to remember the timeline zoom setting when you go back into it each time
• Monster Block order - move 'body' subsection to front(left hand side) as these are what you want to start building with
• Level editor is now almost actually working in the build! albeit not finished...
Short update this week, have a great weekend all and see you in the deep
SPG
:lastleviathan:
Development Update July 7th - TRANSFORMS!
Hello audacious anatomy voyeurs
This week’s update is brought to by the letters L & T and the sound ‘Phut-wham’
Biggest feature this week is the Build Box Toggle. YES!
Building huge beasties actually now works! This feature lets you toggle the build box limiter, so you can think and build, outside of the box (couldn't resist).
In other news, our first in a series of short informational videos is up:
S.U.P.E.R Editor Episode1 This one is all about the NEW Translate Mode in the SUPER Editor – Which allows you to move your helmblock (or anything else) in a myriad of different and interesting ways
This week's main bits:
• Build Box – Players can now build outside the limiting build box – hurrah! This is a togglable option, building outside of it reduces the progression you can do in the game. Massive ships and monsters here we come!
• New Hinge, really small one - good for when you need a really small hinge
• Scaling blocks - scale the weights/mass of the blocks as you scale them
• Tab between scale XYZ fields - dead handy
• More monster blocks added - woot!
• Level editor – now working in play mode (this probably wont get finished in time for the next update)
• Powered BUTT hinge – yes you read that right, a powered BUTT!
• Many fixes for the various new S.U.P.E.R editor modes
• Renamed ‘The Editor’ to the ‘SUPER Editor’! we love acronyms, this one stands for: Scientific Uber Progressive Epic Rotational Editor, as its now very powerful indeed and we are Super Punks
• Changed the flesh & bone material density (effects buoyancy)
• Changed the flesh & bone material density back to the original value, as that’s the correct one.
• Level editor – improvement of the terrain generation and textures
• Created a serpent like monster that animates whilst moving by using the controller block…
• Created a monster I’m tentatively calling “The Big Probe”, inserted said Big Probe into sandbox.
As always, feedback welcome
SPG
:lastleviathan:
Development Update June - A Barge!
Hello Silly Serpent Sausages!
Ok, as part of our efforts to communicate more, here’s an update on what we’ve been doing this past week as part of the monster update
Steve has been building a narrowboat (aka barge) with the new editor features (rotate, scale, move etc) in order to test them out and ensure that they actually work like they should.
Why he chose a barge and not a frickin massive spaceship is beyond me… maybe it’s part of some master plan he’s got where a ‘sedated marketing’ plan is a genius idea and will go viral due to all the peoples of the world actually just wanting to live in a barge… only time will reveal the answer to that one! (unless you already know it, if so, comment or it doesn’t count.)
Evidence of said genius marketing barge (note
Actual working scaling in barge
Onto other work done by people who have less time on their hands:
• Helmblock for monsters has gone in, oh yes it has!
• New Combination Editor options where you can select to build a ship or a monster and get relevant blocks
• Monster Steering and Propulsion blocks (fins, tails etc) work 1st pass – nailed.
• Joint & hinges and wings now scale correctly. They didn’t before, not sure why.
• Normal maps and roughness and specular now in effect in the shaders
• Mount points now light up as you scale/rotate blocks so denote that they will ’bind’ in that location. Extremely helpful this is I can tell you!
• Typing numbers into the XYZ when scaling blocks now works properly
• Keyboard Shortcuts to build modes now work (scale, translate, rotate)
• CTRL-Z = undo – a critical feature that I can’t actually believe we haven’t implemented until now!
• Various defaults have been changed in the new modes
• Can now use the middle of the scale axis to scale ALL axis. Nice!
• Tested actually scaling a whole barge, it bloody well worked n all! Massive barges coming soon to our game!
• Load now filters ships or monsters
• Added new Squelchy SFX to the monster editor, eww
• More Monster blocks were added by art – thanks Art boys!
• Sizes of monster blocks are now standardised. For stability and general ease of placement and binding
• Various other minor bug fixes and tweaks
Steve has also started his YouTube career and will be posting educational videos about our various new features over the course of the next month, so once its live, you actually know how to use the new tools. All Hail Steve!
More next week, so tune in and stay fierce!
SPG
DLC Feedback Request - go on, you know you want to!
Hi Massive Fish Appreciation Society,
We’re wondering if you could give us some much-needed feedback on our DLC (technically its DLC as that’s the only way you can do this stuff on steam, in fact they are more like pledges on kickstarter).
Clearly a number of you don’t like the fact we have DLC (pledges) but also, clearly some of you do (as we get sales). And as we seem to get a kicking on the reviews for it, we thought we’d just ask for some feedback. So this is us asking, just in case that wasn’t clear. 😊
Our aim here is simple, to give players that want to take part, the ability to be more of a part of our game. There seems to be a mismatch in perception on what we’re trying to do and some conclusions that we’ve run out of money etc
To set that record straight: We’ve not run out of money, more is always helpful, and we are a business too, so we’re trying to find the line where we can earn money for things like food n stuff, but also keep a happy bunch of players.
So please share your opinions with us! We’re happy to turn off the DLC if it makes a difference to the majority of you, or keep it on.
DLC update The following purchased DLC will be released with the next update:
1) Create a Pirate with Backstory & Ship Pack
2) Create a Pirate with backstory Pack
The following DLC will be released in a later update:
1) Name a Port Pack
2) Design a Block Pack
If you’ve bought DLC and not submitted your details, please do so now, so we can get it in the next update, use our KRAKEN system and sign in through Steam: https://dlc.superpunkgames.net/
Thanks for reading, an update on what we’ve been up to recently incoming later!
SPG
:lastleviathan::2017stickycrab:
What’s that coming over the hill?
Hello Swashbuckling Epicness chasers!
Happy Steam sale day! (thats a thing, right?)
The Monsters Are Coming
We have been a little quiet of late, and that’s all down to an upcoming update that involves Monsters. It’s massive and we’re small. We apologise for the radio silence but we had to get our heads down in order to actually get it over the line, and now we are close enough to be able to share the expected update-release date:
Start of Aug!
Boom!
In the update, you’ll be able to do many new things, these include:
Monster Creator – Yes you can create your very own monsters to battle with or against, pet, shoot with flamethrowers and generally have a lovely time.
Toggle Size limiter on/off for ships & monsters – Finally! You’ll be able to build in any direction to any size (normal PC overheating after 800* blocks applies, unless you’re Twitch superstar Lirik with a 10k rig)
Scaling blocks in all 3 axes - OMG, like, no way! Yes. Hitting that 800* block PC melting limit? Just scale your blocks and you too can have stupidly massive creations too!
Rotating blocks to any angle you like – WOW! Create curves n stuff
Moving blocks around after they have been placed – Don’t want your monster teeth in the mouth? No problem, you can move them to the arse-area easy (other areas also available).
Symmetrical Building mode - mirror your block placement on 1,2, or all 3 axes in a single click. You’re mad.
The Controller Block – This is ridiculously powerful block controls other blocks allowing animation and, well, everything and will take some getting used to, we’ll do some videos for you. I'm a Youtuber now mummy!
Copying blocks including all their parameters – You’ll need this once you’ve got the hang of the controller block, believe me.
*800 block limit is not an actual limit in-game, you can carry on building as much as you like, its really just a warning that your PC may not run well with more blocks... depends on your PC of course!
Price Increase Imminent
Along with this update, we’ll be increasing our price to $14.99. We don’t expect to raise it again for full launch but you never know.
Which means NOW is the VERY BEST time to purchase The Last Leviathan as we’re on sale!
Closed Beta Testing
We will be opening up a closed beta nearer to the update date, so if you’re interested, keep your eyes peeled!
More Updates
This won’t be our only monster focused release. There will be more with more blocks, bigger monsters and scripting features made available. We promise to try and not take so long next time
As always, thanks for reading and let us know your thoughts, we can't wait to see some of the creations you guys will come up with!
Ooooh I'm Excited!
SPG
:lastleviathan:
The Last Leviathan News
HELLO! Welcome to our June update including the latest on our Epic Monster Creator. We wanted to expose some of the work we’ve been doing over the last couple of months.
So, here’s the headlines and then to the detail.
We’ve been forming a final vision for the game and building tools to help us achieve it.
We’ve been adding powerful new features to the Ship Creator, and building out the all new Epic Monster Creator to produce the BEST creative editor that’s out there. Why? See detail later.
We’ve been designing and building an awesome set of new Monster blocks that will allow us to build amazing creatures great and small, each with unique sets of movements and scriptable AI.
The Final Vision
Of course, we’ve always had the vision for the game, but as we go through the process of actually making it and seeing how you, the players, use the game, some things need to change to best support that. So, what we want to achieve when the game is finally released is an engaging Voyage mode with lots of content to burn through, fierce multiplayer, and a set of tools that really empower creativity. For the Voyage, this means lots of levels designed and built, so we’ve been and still are building a level editor to support this. This is a big task and will take us a while. We also wanted you to know that what we really want to do with this (if at all possible) is give it to you. To build and share your own voyages. That will be amazing!
The Ship and Monster Creators
Since starting to build monsters we’ve been thinking outside the box, or more specifically outside the cube. We’ve completely overhauled the mount point systems to allow for building on angles at any size. This has been a fundamental overhaul of our system which believe to be crucial to bringing more freedom to your creations.
New Editor features include:
Rotation: you will be able to rotate 1 or more blocks to any angle, not only expanding ship building possibilities but also giving monster creation a much more organic feel.
Scale: individual blocks can be scaled overall and on each axis.
Translation: Move blocks or groups of blocks around.
Symmetrical building mode: Mirror your block placement on 1,2, or all 3 axes in a single click.
Copy block: Copy a block and all its settings and parameters, and paste it somewhere else.
We really want there to be no limits to your creations, and we think this set of features give you everything you need to build on the next level. We want this to be the BEST creative editor out there straight out of the box.
New Blocks
Without giving too much away we’re building a flexible range of organic monster blocks that you’ll be able to bind together in whatever form you want. These guys can look like the Kraken, Godzilla, Aliens or giant insects. They can be any shape or size.
Some Monster Bits
The Monster blocks are designed to be flexible but with the ability to have functionality too. Some parts might be great as limbs on one monster but form a mouth or body on another. Each monster will have the capability to move in its own unique way, which will be controlled by our new controller block. And finally bringing the monster creation together, the brain provides awareness and intelligence, bringing life to the monster through a fully scriptable AI.
Notable Monster Blocks:
Epic Monster Weaponry
Numerous body, limb, mouth and head blocks.
Ball-and-Socket joints that are powered by monster muscle. Key or controller activated.
Wings, tails and fins to power the beasties through sea and air. Let the critters fly!
Notable Ship Blocks:
Pistons: Pump it!
Powered Joints & Powered Ball Joints: Joints that are… powered! Move ‘em around, set their angles, set their scope.
Flight blocks: Wings and tail rudders.
Animation and AI blocks skinned for both Monsters and ships:
The Controller (Working Title): This block is unbelievably powerful. Opening up all the parameters from every block on the ship or monster to a keyframe-style editor giving you the power to control blocks over time. For monsters this means you’ll be able to ‘animate’ movement and attacks creating their personality.
The Brain: That’s right, we’re allowing fully scriptable AI.
The Ship Controller Block
Work in progress Keyframe Controller Interface
Schedule
We are indy. We are a small team. We are genuinely doing everything we can to get the game to you as soon as we can.
Our next game update will expose the new editor tools for both monsters and ships. This will be the first monster content in the game and will be expanded upon repeatedly after that.
Then Multiplayer and Voyage mode.
Closed Beta
Pretty soon we’ll be opening up a closed beta. We really need your help testing the new features so if you’re interested in this, please stay tuned!
That's all for now. We really can’t wait to get this supercharged monster creativity update into your hands. As always let us know your thoughts!
Cheers! SPG
MONSTERS!!!! (well, almost...)
Hello little beasties...
Murrah! (our new way of saying Hurrah!)
Our brand new, Epic Monster Creator (EMC) is actually working!
We're not quite ready yet though, it might be working but it needs more, seriously, it actually does.
Taste the EPICness
Feel the Legendary-itus
Bask in the Exuberance
Make Love in the ... no, wait...
This is just a teaser (as you've probably gathered)
He wakes... and brings forth his offspawn
SPG
:lastleviathan:
Development Awards 2017
WOOT! (yes we still use that virtual high five word here..)
We've been nominated for 2 (count them!) awards at the Game Connection Development Awards 2017, nice!
Check it out here: http://www.game-connection.com/development-awards-america-2017
You can vote for us in the people's choice award here: (just like our post in the link): https://www.facebook.com/231087793965248/photos/a.231088630631831.1073741827.231087793965248/231091157298245/?type=3&theater
Happy and Joyous we are!
We're still working hard here in the office but this was a lovely suprise for us today ːsteamhappyː
