Astra Protocol 2 News

Minor patch to allow users to enable logging to a dot matrix printer.
Disabled by default. Enabled by selecting External Log in the config menu and entering LPT1: in the text box

Attention Cadets,

We've received reports that a few users could do with some assistance in getting to grips with the core concepts of Astra Protocol 2.

As one of the key design pillars of the game is discovery, we had made a conscious decision to have the user manual be relatively vague and unhelpful - the idea being that players would learn by trying and feel powerful once they gained full control of their ship.

However, we have received multiple feedback that some users could use a little helping hand in getting started, and therefore we have created a Getting Started User Guide.

Getting Started User Guide

This guide is deliberately separate from the User Manual and Quick Reference Guide to keep that element of discovery alive, whilst still providing help for those users who need it.

So if you're struggling with Astra Protocol 2, or just want to know a little more about some of the underlying mechanics, give it a read! If there's anything else you'd like to see included or want any more details, let us know in the comments or discussions.

See you among the stars soon!

Ahoy Captains,

We're working away on Patch 1.4 (as well as some unrelated projects), however we've had a few requests for a cheat sheet or 'quick reference guide' to aid Captains, both new and experienced, in piloting their craft.

As this doesn't tie in to any code build, we're able to release it straight away!

You can access it via the store page (next to where you'd access the manual) or via this link:

https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/2026750/manuals/Astral_Guidance_Operating_System_Quick_Reference_Guide.pdf

Hopefully this might also help clear up some confusion around the syntax that the Astral Guidance Operating System uses too.

As usual, please let us know your thoughts either via this post or in the dedicated forum thread (along with any other feedback you may have) https://steamcommunity.com/app/2026750/discussions/0/5789982181540189847/.

Until next time, keep your eyes on the skies!

Ahoy Captains,

Work has now commenced on the next feature patch (1.4).

This will be a content patch, mostly along the same theme.

Without spoiling too much, here's a peek.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Plus a few other changes regarding user feedback.

Should you have any comments or feedback, please let us know in the comments or via the usual channels, and remember that feedback can also be left via our dedicated feedback discussion thread - here.

Watch this space for more news!

Attention Captains.

Patch 1.3 is now live. This patch was focused mainly on improvements to the AI, quality of life improvements, and additional features

• Player can enable Signal Jammers to increase the noise experienced by a ship
  
• Players and AI can recharge their shields back to full capacity
  
• Ships can toggle tractor beams between repel and attract
  
• Autopilot can be set to follow the target
  
• Can automatically target lifeforms command to target living objects
  
• Can automatically target the object detected as an imminent collision
  

• AI ships are given an Experience level which determines how aware they are and how they behave
  
• AI confidence algorithm tweaked
  
• The noise generated by moving at speed has been reduced
  
• Noise level shown on transmissions
  
• Missiles are fired / loaded in the order specified rather than the order they appear in menu
  
• Option to adjust the AI spawning algorithm to be based around player rank, preventing powerful ships from appearing until later (turned off by default)
  
• Ship's noise level determines chance of detecting player
  
• Space-time anomalies can close sporadically
  
• Laser array range, active, and target show on ordnance screen
  
• Warning when ship is under a tractor lock
  
• ETA removed from Navigation screen
  
• Tweaked the spawn event to keep something interesting happening nearby
  

• Can override all configuration variables via a config file
  
• Can define joystick configuration
  
• Can specify secondary joystick (to allow partial HOTAS)
  
• Can run the game in a window
  

• Fixed an issue where the autopilot overshoots
  
• Moon orbits based on distance from planet not star
  
• Fixed exceptions when running under WINE
  
• Can specify the computer voice
  
• Can turn the computer voice off at config
  
• Ships shouldn't drop all mines in one go when retreating
  
• Thrusters apply the correct load to the reactor
  
• Fixed issue where high radiation broke the survivor system (making them 100% chance of detection)
  
• Fixed issue with end-game event spawning prematurely
  
• Fixed issue with ships doing nothing
  
• Fixed issue with SCAN SPACECRAFT detecting fighters
  

Numerous save files have been tested, but if you want to keep the data, backing them up is recommended. As per the previous update, the previous patch is available as its own branch.

If you have any comments, feedback, or suggestions, please post them here or via the usual channels.

We hope you enjoy the changes and have fun with the work we've done on Astra Protocol 2.