Devlog: roadmap status update 3
This is a status update for the public roadmap.
Please keep in mind that I haven't updated the demo. These devlogs are a way to fill the gap between the demo and the game that is about to be released in a month or two. I may update the demo if there is enough spare time after the main release is done.
Equipment: added 4 more weapons. Hydra: a split-missile launcher. Fan cannon: a direct upgrade for Trident weapon, firing 9 projectiles in a wide arc. Vessel buster: a space sniper rifle with high damage and range, but slow rate of fire. Ion sprayer: a fast-firing short-range forward ion cannon, it has remarkable DPS and also burns batteries in seconds. Also added 6 new artifacts, 5 engines, and added tracker to the shop lists.
Flagship: reworked trading module (it can now track all resources instead of just 1 per module). Added radar III module.
Avatars: added some new pilot avatar elements. You can see a new hairstyle in this devlog's preview image.
Quests: added more war-related quests. They are available during a dominion war, and they can affect the war status too. Also added some economy-affecting quests (e.g. some of them allow you to change the resource market state)
Bosses: added 3 new boss vessels and 3 more enemy bases (stationary bosses).
Diplomacy: dominions can now capture each other planets. The player can participate in these events: help the planet defenders or help besieging it. This mechanic is connected to the dominion wars described in the previous post.
Missile tracking: missile tracking system was already present in the game, but it was not available to the player. Only some bosses used the Missile Tracker item along with Zappers programmed to shot down the enemy missiles. Now they're in the game in full. Also, some NPC (both allies and enemies) will utilize Zappers to be guarded against missile weapons.
Programming: implemented some long-waited features like ctrl+x cutting for pasting. Added data flow lines when hovering over COPY FROM or data anchors. Made missile tracker-related commands available to the player.
Campaign: a new Cult mission is added. The Cult will spawn a supply squad from time to time. If not intercepted, they can either build a new Cult base or make an existing base stronger by increasing its level. This new markers are detectable via Cult Detector flagship module. Added 4 new pilot traits. Improved enemy pilots auto stat distribution. Improved some missile-related programs for enemies (they will fire more often and with more accuracy).
UX: missiles now have a color-coded diode attached to them. Allied missiles have green color, enemy missiles have red color. This helps to distinguish between the two during a missile-heavy combat.
