Astro Colony News

[p]Hey Colonists!

The game just received another big update with an improved look of some 3D models like conveyor belts, new generation systems, and gameplay mechanics such as water sensors.[/p][p]In addition, I've been able to iron out some recently reported issues!
[/p][h2]CURVED CONVEYOR BELTS[/h2][p][/p][p]New, improved conveyor belts are finally part of the game.[/p][p]It wasn't straightforward, since the entire interpolation system for resources had to be rewritten. All resources are now following the rotation of each curve or a slope.

[/p][p]Many rotation corrections had to be made to match resources pushed out from containers or transferred to another station via docking station.
[/p][h2]LOGIC SIGNALS WITH UTILITIES[/h2][p][/p][p]It is now possible to detect water level in a water tank, electricity efficiency in the network, or gas level in gas containers.
[/p][p][/p][p]Utility signals are sensed automatically when selecting a device. The system recognizes the type of device and creates a signal for water/electricity/gas. That signal can be suppressed by custom resource pick.
[/p][h2]FIXES & IMPROVEMENTS[/h2][p]Thanks to you guys, I've been able to reproduce and fix many existing issues.[/p]

• [p]It is now possible to set the 300 FPS setting[/p]
• [p]Many devices are now allowing to navigate flying bots through them[/p]
• [p]The terrain is no more blocking selection, so it's way simpler to select objects on the surface[/p]
• [p]Box Voxel Tool no longer allows removing large volumes of voxels, it is possible only in BP[/p]
• [p]It is now possible to migrate AIs that are busy[/p]
• [p]Transport bots are now showing delivery status[/p]
• [p]Migration is now preventing from having incorrect states or AIs stuck[/p]
• [p]All astronauts are having new hairs groom config, should prevent crash and increase performance[/p]
• [p]Fixed transport bot problem that would try to get into removed device to pick required resource[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where removed devices on the planet could leave utility symbols (electricity, water)[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue where loaded devices (mine, farm) would not consume electricity[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue with incorrect orientation of Box Selection Tool[/p]
• [p]Fixed issue that invalid path bot would not use newly created valid path[/p]
• [p]Fixed multiplayer issue that vehicle cost would be different on a dedicated server[/p]

[p][/p][h2]GAME DISCOUNT[/h2][p]The game is currently participating in the STEAM SUMMER SALE and is offering the highest discount ever (50%). It's the perfect moment to grab the game and try it out or play it together with your friends!
[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Please don't forget to join Our Discord community to let me know about your Astro Colony wishes ;)

https://discord.com/invite/EFzAA3w[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for your support!
Tefel (Terad Games)[/p]

Hey Astro Colonists!

The new big update about the UI Overhaul is OUT!
There are many improvements and fixes coming together.
For example electricity was reworked for all machines to be consumed only when they are active.

[h2]New game systems[/h2]
There are new game systems working differently now.

• Hand Crafting - only crafting one recipe at once
  
• Electricity - is only consumed when machine is active
  
• Astronauts arrival - calling shuttle always takes 2 minutes
  
• New tools swapping
  
• Thruster with stopping button
  

For example, laboratory is not consuming 5 MW since the recipe is not started, waiting for 8 oxygen tanks. The same would be if there were no astronauts inside!

[h2]Redesigned HUD[/h2]
[h3]Before[/h3]

[h3]After[/h3]

With the new simplified windows look, the game interface readability has improved. Semi-transparent windows with blur give it sci-fi vibes.

[h2]New player stats[/h2]

The player panel is now more readable, with icons and an oxygen bar clearly showing how much oxygen is left.
When there is no more oxygen, healthbar becomes red, indicating losing hit points.



[h2]New sleek UI[/h2]

Every simple interaction menu feels fresh and tidy with new transparent slots.

[h2]New Interactions[/h2]

Interaction menus are now presenting data in very elegant form. It's way more clear which elements are important and interactive. Some widgets got simplified to not overwhelm the player with too much text.

[h2]Interface elements[/h2]

Interface elements got their final touch, with stylized sci-fi graphics. The player hotbar was moved to the middle of the screen, so dragging items into slots is easier.


Many small elements, like tooltips, got their final shape. Again, not using too much text, but using graphics and diagrams.



Please share your feedback about all changes, what you like and what not.
I believe some systems and UI elements can further be improved to match the sci-fi style of the game.
https://discord.com/invite/EFzAA3w

Thanks guys so much for support!
Tefel (Terad Games)

Hello, Astro Colony explorers!
After the last major update Threats & Defense, the work has not slowed down, quite the opposite! Many new improvements are coming to the game very soon!

The game is currently being prepared for its release (end of the year), so it's the perfect time to improve the user interface to be more intuitive and sci-fi at the same time!

What's coming to the game?
[h2]Redesigned HUD[/h2]
[h3]Before[/h3]

[h3]After[/h3]

With the new simplified windows look, the game interface readability has improved. Semi-transparent windows with blur give it sci-fi vibes.

[h2]New Interactions[/h2]

Interaction menus are now presenting data in very elegant form. It's way more clear which elements are important and interactive. Some widgets got simplified to not overwhelm the player with too much text.

[h2]Interface elements[/h2]

Interface elements got their final touch, with stylized sci-fi graphics. The player hotbar was moved to the middle of the screen, so dragging items into slots is easier.


Many small elements, like tooltips, got its final shape. Again, not using too much text, but using graphics and diagrams.



When will the update be?
[h2]Update comes 1 June (Sunday)[/h2]
Of course, if everything goes as planned. The game has a massive UI with thousands of elements and supports 12 languages. Currently, about 90% of the UI is remade, and it seems everything is coming nicely together.

Please share your feedback about the upcoming changes. Let me know if there are UX elements that can be further improved.
https://discord.com/invite/EFzAA3w

Thanks guys so much for support!
Tefel (Terad Games)

Hey Astro Colonists!
It's time to announce a Developer stream during the ongoing Threats & Defense major update!
The game just received another update with improvements you asked about!

[h2]IMPROVEMENTS[/h2]

• splitter can now push into all directions if other directions are blocked
  
• there is a new setting in the gameplay options menu that disables Cosmic Events
  
• new passive tool (stabilizer) that makes movement precise. Passive tools are now switching from one to another
  
• precise movement is active when using blueprint designer
  
• it is now possible to dismiss the tutorial bot topic (end mission) that is known to the player
  
• guidebook explains how to clear the hotbar + new improved localizations
  
• UI mouse scrolling is now faster
  

[h2]FIXES[/h2]

• fixed issue that savegame made during possessing vehicle would clear blueprints and architecture themes
  
• fixed nebulas visibility after traveling to the next universe
  
• meteor storm no longer throw meteors at the last moment of existence
  
• multiplayer player host no longer can have invalid camera offset after other player rejoins
  
• multiplayer player host improvements for origin rebasing (should help if there are any teleporting problems)
  
• fixed issue with UI visibility - blocking some mouse interactions, like multiplayer chat buttons
  
• fixed issue with logic blocks (blockers) being unable to block conveyor belt flow
  
• fixed issue with low framerate animation vignette when possessed
  
• fixed nebulas loading issues for universes > 1, they are now visible after loading
  

Tonight, 20 CET I will be streaming live Astro Colony!
It's a great opportunity to find out more about this unique colony building game, with endless exploration and automation possibilities where you can take planets with you!

Don't forget to try the new demo created for the Threats & Defense major update!
Please wish me good luck and don't forget to come over to say hello!



Thank you very much for your constant support!
Terad Games

Hey Astro Colonists!
The game just received the Major Update about threats & defense!
Cosmic Events have been redesigned to appear from time to time, making it a great experience throughout the game!

Before the update, players could occasionally encounter objects as they traveled and discovered new parts of the endless universe. These objects were small enough to pose no threat.

In this update all of that changes. Events occur periodically. Traveling further increases the chance of them occurring.

[h2]COSMIC EVENT SEQUENCE[/h2]
When the Cosmic Event starts, the player is hearing a warning message, and the music drastically changes. It can be easily located due to the marker visible on the screen.
For the next minute, the player's attention shifts towards defending the station.

[h2]DEFENSE[/h2]
A player who is not prepared can deal with it on their own, repairing, cleaning, or simply by waiting.
However, it is much better to counteract the event in time. Defense systems come to the rescue:

[h2]SERVICE CONSOLE[/h2]


An automated way to repair and clean the station. It is using service bots to eliminate the effects of cosmic events.

[h3]SHIELD[/h3]


The shields provide ideal defense against meteor showers and comet impacts.
It requires engineers to operate.

[h3]HARVESTER[/h3]


Harvester automatically creates a sphere that attracts both solar wind and storm clouds. It absorbs them, providing electricity to charge batteries.

[h3]CANNON[/h3]

Cannon is the ultimate defense versus comet strike. It's targeting and shooting it down with ease.

[h2]OTHER IMPROVEMENTS[/h2]


A lot of other improvements have been added to the game. Many effects, textures, e.g. conveyor belt have been improved. Many 3D models have been changed, e.g. a battery showing the state of charge.



[h2]IMPROVED GUIDEBOOK AND TUTORIAL[/h2]

A few new topics appear in the Guidebook. The tutorial has been thoroughly checked, and minor translation and keyboard shortcut issues have been fixed!

[h2]NEW BASIC SCIENCE[/h2]


After listening to the community's suggestions, we came to the conclusion that the basic science point system needs to be changed, to avoid an excessive number of points.
Now basic science points are obtained by manually harvesting resources from asteroids and planets.
These points can be spent on technologies that are rather optional, just like decorations or gravity boots.

[h2]REALISTIC MOVEMENT SYSTEM[/h2]


Comments about the movement system being unrealistic made me take action. Many parameters have been adjusted to reflect movement in space.
The new system certainly gives a feeling of levitating. I would like to know if this change is a positive change and does not hinder development. For ease, I have added more precise controls to the GYROSCOPE itself!

Please share your feedback with me on Discord. It is what pushes the game to one or another direction!
https://discord.com/invite/EFzAA3w


Thanks guys so much for support!
Tefel (Terad Games)