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Unnatural Disaster News

Minor update ~ 20 August

  • Added defense level slider to Sandbox Mode. A higher defense level equals more durable buildings and more capable obstacles
  • Added saving to Sandbox Mode. Currently allows saving one custom configuration - terrain, buildings, obstacles, and defense level - which is then loaded automatically on the next visit to Sandbox Mode
  • Right-click to cancel stops any in-progress aiming but no longer deselects the current disaster (so it works the same as dropping an unwanted disaster in the deselect tray)
  • Bugfixes

Minor update ~ 15 August

  • Added ability to right-click to cancel current selection (dragging to the side of the screen also still works)
  • Changed target icons to make fire- and earth-type targets more distinguishable
  • UI improvements in Sandbox Mode
  • Minor graphics upgrades
  • Bugfixes

Bugfix release ~ 11 August

  • In response to complaints about the news anchor's mumbling being "repetitive" and "annoying," we're trying out a new vocalization technique that makes dialog sound more simmish or AC-like while still capturing the tone of the original
  • Numerous bugfixes in Sandbox Mode
  • Added volume option to main menu

Sandbox Mode: First Look

Sandbox Mode is our most-requested feature, so we're taking advantage of Early Access to put it in your hands as soon as possible. Fair warning, it is not as polished as the other gameplay modes! Not yet, anyway. But core functionality is there, so this is the perfect time to put it out there and start getting feedback.



The first thing you'll notice about Sandbox Mode is the lack of strikes or objectives. All upgrades are available (fast-plant trees, wind control), and there is no limit to the number of disasters you can spawn.

But that's just the beginning. Click the wrench icon to switch to the edit tools and unlock a whole new level of control!



The top three tools on the left are for manipulating the terrain. Raise, level, or lower the ground by clicking and dragging to highlight rectangular patches of earth. (Raise and lower also work by clicking a particular spot).

The shield icon brings up the defense tray. Select any disaster icon and click on the map to spawn defenses against that disaster type - Wind Turbine for Tornadoes, Tuned Mass Damper for Earthquakes, etc. Keep in mind, most require at least a 2x2 section of flat ground.



Finally, the pin icon allows full control over the map and city layout. Click and drag on the map to move the city 'core,' where buildings are initially spawned.

On the right side, the building icon regenerates a new city at the current core location. The trash can icon removes existing buildings and roads, simplifying terrain editing. And the warning icon generates a new map entirely, providing a blank slate for experimentation.

[h3]What's Missing?[/h3]

This is the earliest possible version of this mode we're comfortable sharing, so there are going to be a few rough edges and missing pieces. For instance, there's no tutorial (since things will probably change around a bit anyway), and it's not currently possible to save your creations and come back to them later.

That said, those and more features are in development. Stuff like the ability to speed up or disable city growth, or change the 'defense level' that dictates how powerful defensive structures are and how resistant buildings are to damage, are on the way.

We hope you enjoy Sandbox Mode and can't wait to see what you do with it. Above all, please share your thoughts on the discussion board. Your feedback is essential for developing this mode further!

Happy smashing!

Unnatural Disaster: Steam Early Access

Unnatural Disaster is now available in Early Access! Download and play to get in on the ground floor with a full-featured game at the best possible price. And stick around to help shape what more it can become! With your support, we'll continue to add to and improve on what we've built - and have some fun along the way.


https://store.steampowered.com/app/1414400/Unnatural_Disaster/

[h3]Why Early Access?[/h3]
So players can help us grow Unnatural Disaster into the best game it can be! We're proud of the core gameplay and existing content and already have a detailed roadmap for future improvements, but your feedback will be crucial for shaping what we build going forward. With your help we'll refine what we have, prioritize what comes next, and ultimately deliver something for everyone to enjoy.

[h3]Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?[/h3]
We're planning on 3-6 months of concentrated collaboration with the community to take this game to the next level, but of course plans may change depending on what our players value most. And exiting Early Access is not the end - we'll continue to grow and support Unnatural Disaster even after it's 'done.'

[h3]How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?[/h3]
We have big plans for Unnatural Disaster. Daily challenges, real-world cities, and a custom level editor are just some of the things we're working on. But we need your help to decide what to make next!

[h3]What is the current state of the Early Access version?[/h3]
In many ways, Unnatural Disaster already stands on its own. It includes two feature-complete game modes: Story mode is more puzzle/tactics focused with 60 levels of increasing difficulty, while Arcade mode leans more action/strategy and provides a different randomly-generated experience every session. These modes will be revised and improved, but the bulk of Early Access will be focused on expanding the scope of the game with new modes and more content.

[h3]Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?[/h3]
Everyone who supports this game will be able to enjoy its improvements no matter what. Early adopters are compensating us with their valued feedback, and we will in turn support them with free upgrades forever. The price will scale for new players as more content is added to the game to reflect the additional value.

[h3]How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?[/h3]
Your opinions and feedback will help us shape what Unnatural Disaster becomes. Contact us in the Community Hub, or right from within the game, and tell us what you'd like to see!

Happy smashing!