Port Royale 4 News

Hear ye, explorers!

Today sees the release of update v0.1.0-15080 to the Port Royale 4 beta. This update adds the Netherlands as a playable nation as well as many improvements, changes to balancing, optimization, and lots of bug fixes, all of which could not have been addressed and tackled without your feedback. Thanks for all of your help thus far and keep it coming!

Full changelog below:

[h3]Improvements and additions[/h3]
[h3]Unlocked the Netherlands as a new playable nation for Campaign and Free Mode[/h3]

[h3]Introduced new Hardcore Mode[/h3]

• Increased game difficulty and player requirements for veterans and experienced traders

[h3]Warehouses[/h3]

• Construction of warehouses no longer requires owning 10 production facilities
  
• Added further description text
  
• Added filling level display

[h3]Convoys[/h3]

• New convoys can now be created via the lighthouse regardless of whether an existing convoy is currently docked or selected in the respective town

[h3]Naval battles[/h3]

• Naval battles now begin with an atmospheric, cinematic show-reel
  
• Successful boarding manoeuvres now render ships immobilized for only 3 turns instead of until the end of the battle
  
• Naval battles now have clear instructions and visual cues indicating whose turn it is

[h3]Trade routes[/h3]

• It is now possible to manually set the number of commodities to be loaded onto a convoy
  
• Town settings within trade route dialogue can now be easily copied onto further towns
  
• When editing trade routes, city names are now highlighted

[h3]Free Mode[/h3]

• At the beginning of a game, the player can choose to discover towns themselves or have them already plotted on the map

• Players can now fly their flag atop city buildings
  
• Added alternative voiceover lines for the Viceroy

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]

• Fixed instances in which convoys could not be moved
  
• Fixed game speed option where nothing would happen when the player paused the game via Space bar
  
• Added missing percentage symbol in the description of the Inn after player places a Guesthouse
  
• Fixed display errors in various menus, dialogues, and text
  
• Overhauled naval battles
  
• Added notification when there is an insufficient amount of crew available to commandeer a vessel
  
• Hid information about ship when it is being boarded
  
• Ships can no longer attack while undergoing repair
  
• Fire damage is now calculated and displayed
  
• Added missing tool tip when tactics are on cool down
  
• Fixed annexing of towns
  
• Overhauled AI behaviour
  
• Construction AI (no longer ‘blocks’ its town centre with construction sites)
  
• AI loots more convoys
  
• AI can now attack player convoys docked in port
  
• Balanced mission objectives and rewards
  
• Fixed various scripts and trigger conditions
  
• Looped theme music in main menu
  
• Fixed various bugs and improved siege dialogue
  
• Fixed animation and visual display of roads and pathways
  
• Added missing information and icons to convoy menu
  
• Demolishing a building now reimburses the player the full construction cost
  
• Adjusted the display of town names and labels when zooming in and out
  
• Fixed bug which prevented demolishing the Master Builder
  
• Fixed bugs in tutorials
  
• Green areas are now shown (Tutorial 3)
  
• Added arrow display indicator on Necoli (Tutorial 4)
  
• Neutral vessels are no longer displayed outside of the mini map
  
• Clarified instructions for Tutorial 3
  
• Fixed incorrect Viceroy city (Tutorial 6)
  
• Removed irritating arrows (Tutorial 1)
  
• Fixed bug in Viceroy tasks (unachievable objectives, confusing tasks)
  
• Production bonuses are now calculated correctly
  
• Adjusted Spanish campaign
  
• Fixed display of chimney smoke
  
• Adjusted rewards when wiping out Pirate hideouts
  
• Improved performance when running multiple trade routes (less lag)
  
• Improved factors influencing duration of trade routes
  
• Added missing thunder and lightning sound effects
  
• Fixed faulty animations in Viceroy menu
  
• The value of commodities contained in warehouses has been tweaked
  
• Fixed some graphical glitches
  
• Fixed inconsistency in the display of prices for trade and building permits
  
• Adjusted texts within the main menu
  
• Optimized keyboard and mouse controls
  
• Added preview when constructing buildings
  
• Adjusted and repositioned info box in the main menu
  
• Fixed faulty display of neighbouring effects on various buildings (construction menu)

[h3]Known issues[/h3]

• Gamepad controls are currently broken. (will be addressed in an upcoming hotfix)
  
• Regional distribution of commodities (set at game start) is not yet fully functional

Hear ye, explorers!

Today sees the release of update v0.1.0-14393 to the Port Royale 4 beta. This update adds improvements, balancing changes, optimization, and lots of bug fixes, all of which could not have been addressed and tackled without your feedback. So please keep it coming!

See the full changelog below:

[h3]Improvements and additions[/h3]

• Added ability for the Jolly Roger to be lowered at any time
  
• During naval battles, players now receive a notification when it is their turn
  
• Added option to select Captain’s portrait
  
• Increased discoverability of new cities
  
• Reduced the cost of trade and construction licenses
  
• Prayer sounds in Churches can now be played multiple times
  
• Demolishing buildings no longer refunds all initial costs

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]

• Fixed bug where player’s flag would change after plundering a convoy
  
• Overhauled naval battles and improved AI (reduced spamming of smoke each round, added missing minimap symbol)
  
• Fixed CTD when reaching a draw in a naval battle
  
• Fixed button legend (e.g. arrows pointing in the wrong direction)
  
• Tweaked task list (e.g. economic tasks were previously classified as ‘Military’ tasks)
  
• Fixed instances in Free Mode where missions would immediately auto-complete
  
• Fixed instances where the event window would temporarily not show any information
  
• Overhauled ship sequence in the Lighthouse
  
• Adjusted task list in English Campaign
  
• Fixed waterfalls (particles were displaying incorrectly)
  
• Fixed instances where players could besiege cities without the required amount of Command points
  
• Optimized the display of various items and vegetation (e.g. sea spray occasionally a grey-colour, decreased size of anvil icon)
  
• Added missing map marker when digging out a Pirate’s hideout
  
• Adjusted audio settings so that changes always save
  
• Optimized mouse scrolling
  
• Fixed abrupt ending to ‘boarding’ audio clip
  
• Optimized Warehouses (added additional description text)
  
• Optimized button ribbons in the Settings menu
  
• Removed redundant notifications (e.g. new tasks appearing at the end of a campaign, ‘attack not possible’)
  
• Adjusted naval battle HUD (tactics now display on top)
  
• Fixed naval battle game speed option so that changes always save
  
• Overhauled trade routes so that distribution convoys work as planned and available convoys are no longer hidden on the minimap and will update while the game is paused, and convoys now distribute all goods
  
• Reworked filling level indicator (previously, amount of goods delivered deviated from amount of original cargo)
  
• Overhauled Cathedral missions (placeholder graphic removed, fixed incorrect line spacing, ensured goods can no longer be selected twice)
  
• Fixed incorrect display of specific lines of dialogue and info text (Viceroy speech bubbles, boarding manoeuvre, sorting order)
  
• Added missing icon for Gold
  
• Added display for number of workers in Construction menu
  
• Fixed instances where multiple notifications would block each other
  
• Tweaked Patrol Mode so that toggling now requires a Captain
  
• Fixed instances during naval battles where an empty dialogue box would display
  
• Adjusted objectives in Logbook
  
• Optimized flag selection procedure
  
• Reduced amount of optional town missions
  
• Reduced visibility radius for ship-wrecked persons
  
• Fixed instances where convoys could not approach cities
  
• Fixed instances where, during naval battles, players could move with more manoeuvring points than were initially available
  
• Overhauled mission scripts and triggers (previously, construction of the Cathedral was not recognized; removed duplicate missions)
  
• Fixed partially incorrect effects related to Captains
  
• Adjusted number of missions available during Free Play (task lists were previously insufficient when choosing military objectives)
  
• Optimized advisor notification (added clear indication as to what the problem is)
  
• Fixed HUD error when cycling through convoys
  
• Overhauled Pirate hiding places (previously much more difficult to discover)

[h3]Gamepad:[/h3]

• Fixed issue with Trading window (+/- step)
  
• Fixed incorrect button legend display for gamepad (Cathedral missions)

Hear ye, explorers!

Today sees the release of update v.0.1.0-131519 to the Port Royale 4 beta.

Here, we have added more language options, made some changes to gameplay balancing and fixed a lot of bugs. We love reading your feedback. Please keep it coming!

Full changelog below:

[h3]Improvement and additions[/h3]

• Added the languages: French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Brazilian Portuguese.
  
• Added more flags to choose from
  
• Vessels at the shipyard are now sorted alphabetically
  
• Added new description texts within the ‘Convoy Management’ tab
  
• Overhauled animations and sound effects for various vessels and Captains’ tactics
  
• Overhauled ‘Boarding’ animation during naval battles
  
• Added animation to the character ‘Sammy’ in the Tutorial menu
  
• Overhauled triggers for achievement conditions
  
• Added notification for quick saves

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]

• Optimized UI: button legends, dialogue, and menu windows
  
• Fixed various (reported) crashes
  
• Fixed some graphical glitches: yellow coloration of Nassau, incorrect camera angle in ocean, abrupt lighting changes in game menu, tooltips and markers disappearing
  
• Fixed ‘Viceroy’ tab from triggering positive notification when collapsed
  
• Fixed incorrect rounding of Fame points
  
• Fixed missing animations from naval battles: boarded ships now show visual indication of an engagement; sinking ships leave a trail of flotsam
  
• Optimized button placement in ‘Town’ window
  
• Fixed subtitles during intro and outro videos (these are no longer cut off)
  
• Fixed incorrect placement of arrow marker
  
• Fixed missing convoys during Tutorial missions
  
• Fixed instances where mini map would not update while game is paused
  
• Optimized ‘Town’ filter and the grouping of goods by adding a color distinction
  
• Fixed graphical flickering on city plaques and info text
  
• Lowered town satisfaction for certain ports and cities, which was set too high
  
• Adjusted date shown during Spanish intro video: previously, this was set too far in the future
  
• In Spanish campaign, fixed objectives and some tasks that fulfilled automatically
  
• Balanced Spanish campaign objectives: some objectives proved to be too difficult for the amount of fame the player receives
  
• Fixed missing text in ‘Warehouse’ menu
  
• Fixed crashes (CTD) during tied naval battles
  
• Fixed instances in which multiple turn skips during naval battles would prevent progression
  
• Optimized text and icons within ‘Treasure Hunt’ window
  
• Decreased density of Treasure Fleets
  
• Removed redundant mission dialogue e.g. “attack not possible”
  
• Fixed issue where highlighted buttons no longer worked
  
• Fixed instances of naval battle markers on the Campaign map disappearing
  
• Optimized day to night transition
  
• Fixed the incorrect display of trade route waypoints
  
• Fixed info text for ‘Shipyard’ within the Construction menu
  
• Added naval battle sound adjustment to Audio Settings control panel
  
• Fixed missing sound effects for construction and farming when player zooms in or out
  
• Added timer to naval blockades when attacking pirate hideouts
  
• Fixed missing illustration for building plots
  
• Overhauled English campaign dialogue and task updates
  
• Tweaked English campaign objectives (e.g. balanced trade-off between difficulty and reward)
  
• Fixed instance where error messages could display when players boots up the game
  
• Fixed input delay when editing trade routes and optimized controls
  
• Fixed broken city map during Campaign setup at main menu
  
• Fixed bug which prevented convoys from entering ports
  
• Fixed missing tooltips for: ‘Sailors’ icon, ‘Captains’ icon and ‘Siege Battles’ icon

[h3]Controller[/h3]

• Fixed issue where selecting a flag would result in nothing happening
  
• Fixed issue where player could assign two actions to one button on gamepad
  
• Fixed issue where, if engaged in a naval battle, the player could not open the game menu during their own turn
  
• Optimized in-game manual colour assignment
  
• Fixed bug which prevented players from leaving the ‘Town’ dialogue
  
• Fixed incorrect button legend display that occurred when a controller is disconnected
  
• Fixed a bug preventing gamepad settings from updating
  
• Fixed low-quality textures in the ‘Setting up a Trade Route’ tutorial

Hear ye, explorers!

Today sees the release of a new update for the Port Royale 4 beta. This update adds improvements, additions, balancing changes, optimization, and lots of bug fixes, all of which could not have been addressed and tackled without your feedback.

Thank you for supporting Port Royale 4 and reporting!
Please keep it up!

Full changelog below:

[h3]Improvements[/h3]

• Tutorial dialogue can now be skipped
  
• Steam Achievements have been tweaked

[h3]Additions[/h3]

• Clearer instructions regarding where to acquire Queen Anne vessel after completing all 10 tutorial missions
  
• Added icon to convoy names
  
• Added placeholder thumbnail for save states
  
• Added marker on solid cannon ball shots during tutorial
  
• Added additional tool tips for naval battles

[h3]Balancing[/h3]

• Balanced Buy vs. Order prices at the shipyard
  
• Balanced mission objectives (‘unrealistic amount of goods to be delivered’).
  
• Balanced character perks

[h3]Optimization[/h3]

• Vessel and captain tactics ribbon now has clear visual cues for what is selected
  
• Adjusted drag and drop delay on pins when adjusting trade routes
  
• Tweaked ship rotation during naval battles
  
• Optimized keyboard/gamepad input legends
  
• Optimized Free Play start settings and adjusted alignment of certain game options

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]

• Fixed hot keys that were having issues previously
  
• Fixed Fullscreen Mode in Graphics Settings
  
• Viceroy mission now shows location
  
• Fixed missing convoys when anchor point was missing
  
• Fixed issues where building and trade menu would not open
  
• Fixed missing UI, mission and spoken dialogue text
  
• Fixed graphical glitches occurring in the water and on the hexagon grid
  
• Fixed wind movement animation and direction on the trade route map
  
• Fixed convoy menu so that sailor numbers no longer show in adjacent menu
  
• Fixed incorrect displaying of “current profit per day”.
  
• Fixed incorrect siege tool tips
  
• Fixed issue where language configuration would not save
  
• Fixed tutorial marker which highlighted the incorrect tab
  
• Fixed an issue where ships could not be repaired
  
• Fixed naval battle tutorial, which could be completed by surrendering
  
• Fixed missing game music during English and Spanish campaign videos
  
• Fixed incorrect nation size and distribution order
  
• Fixed redundant task during Spanish campaign
  
• Fixed victory conditions for English campaign mission ‘Conquer All Cuba’
  
• Fixed abrupt ending to English campaign
  
• Fixed graphical glitches during naval battles ‘Imprint of Sunken Vessel’
  
• Fixed bug which prevented certain tactics from being used
  
• Fixed missing naval battle sound effects (‘grenade sound’, ‘Kraken’)
  
• Fixed missing animation for ‘Fire Arrows’ tactic
  
• Fixed and optimized automatic trade route ‘Distribute convoys works as intended’
  
• Fixed incorrect sound effects in construction menu
  
• Fixed and added asymmetry to ‘fish swarm’ animations
  
• Fixed missing contribution to ‘Fame’ points
  
• Fixed issue where AI military convoys would ignore player while successfully attacking a trade convoy
  
• Fixed issue where a stranded person would disappear

[h3]Controller[/h3]

• Fixed ‘Convoy & Cities’ filter
  
• Fixed route planning
  
• Added ‘Tool tips and Hints’ tab to main menu
  
• Optimized button legend
  
• Fixed highlighting issue in button legend
  
• Removed duplicate button offering the same functionality (‘Continue’ key)
  
• Fixed missing animation for ‘Hold’
  
• Fixed ‘Trade Window’ tab (‘+ / -‘ now works properly for sailors)

Publisher Kalypso Media and in-house developer Gaming Minds Studios announced that from today (around 7pm CET) the upcoming trading sim Port Royale 4 will be available to pre-order and playable in closed beta on Steam.

Available in English and German, the Port Royale 4 beta includes the game’s tutorial, full Spanish campaign and newly added English-nation campaign, and the option to play as Spain or England in the game’s Free Mode. Players are also invited to complete a survey to shape the game ahead of its full release on 25th September 2020.

Arriving with the Steam beta is new developer livestream, new screenshots, an updated beta roadmap and the developer featurette ‘6 Seaworthy Questions’, in which Gaming Minds Studios Creative Director Daniel Dumont dives into Port Royale 4‘s varied gameplay as well as important changes to the series’ fourth entry, such as turn-based naval combat.

[h3]Another Developer-Livestream in sight! - Today: In-depth Trading in Port Royale 4[/h3]
The HMS Gaming Minds will set sail with (Creative Director-)Counter-Admiral Daniel and his (QA-)Quartermaster Sebastian. This time both will deep dive into the special trading mechanics of Port Royale 4!

You will find us in Kalypso Media's hometown harbor:
https://twitch.tv/kalypsomedia


[h3]Port Royale 4 - 6 Seaworthy Questions[/h3]
https://youtu.be/79_d56ysQ4Y


[h3]Port Royale 4 - Updated Beta Development Roadmap[/h3]



[h3]New Screenshots: 'England joins the roster'[/h3]





[h3]INFORMATION:[/h3]
Title: Port Royale 4

Platforms: Windows PC, PlayStation®4,
Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™

Developer: Gaming Minds Studios

Genre: Strategie, Handelssimulation

Release: 25.09.2020, Nintendo Switch™ 2021

Hashtag: #PortRoyale4