The Hive - Update 1.301 Released

This patch addresses many long-standing issues and implements significant improvements based on feedback from our players and reviews over an extended period. Your input has been invaluable in helping us refine and improve the game. Thank you for your continued support!

[h2]Bug Fixes[/h2]
Resolved a major performance issue related to collisions:

• Identified and fixed inefficiencies in how collisions were handled across all levels.
  
• Result: Noticeable performance improvements across the game, particularly on larger maps with more units and effects.
  

Why: This fix addresses long-standing performance bottlenecks, significantly improving the player experience by enhancing stability and responsiveness.

[h2]Water Shader Updates[/h2]
Water Shader: Completely overhauled and tailored to meet project needs:

• Fixed compatibility issues with Unity 2019 that rendered the old shader broken.
  
• The new shader supports adjustable speed and flow direction, offering greater flexibility and visual consistency.
  

Main Menu Water Shader: Updated to match the new system so it now functions properly and aligns with in-game water visuals.

Why: These changes were necessary to restore broken water shaders while improving customization and maintaining consistency in visual quality.

[h2]Unit Changes[/h2]

[h3]Legionnaire[/h3]

• Squad size: 1 unit
  
• Updated Values:
  
  
  
  • Construction time: 3
    
  • Food cost: 10
    
  • Population usage: 1
    
  • Speed: 0.25 (up from 0.2)
    
  • HP: 45 (up from 35)
    

Why: Squad mechanics were removed to make units easier to control. In response, Legionnaires were adjusted to focus on being fast, swarming DPS units and gap closers, with values balanced for their new role as single units.

[h3]Hunter[/h3]

• Group size: 1 unit
  
• Construction time: 10
  
• Food cost: 30
  
• Population usage: 2
  
• Speed: 0.18
  
• Life: 80
  
• Max life: 80
  
• Damage: 6
  
• Armor Pierce: 3

Why: Hunters have also been converted to single units for improved control. Their stats were updated to reflect their new role as resilient light skirmishers, with a focus on consistent damage and flexibility in early-game strategies.

[h3]Worker[/h3]

• Speed increased from 0.16 to 0.2.
  

Why: Workers were made faster to improve resource collection efficiency and overall game pacing, particularly in early-game scenarios.

[h3]Rhino[/h3]

• Size increased to 2.5.
  
• Speed increased from 0.16 to 0.2.
  

Why: Increasing the Rhino’s size and speed reinforces its role as a heavy frontline tank, enabling it to reach key targets faster and hold its position more effectively in combat.

[h3]Wasp[/h3]

• Angle speed increased from 7 to 20, improving handling.
  
• Speed increased from 0.2 to 0.5, making it extremely mobile.
  

Why: The Wasp’s mobility and handling were enhanced to emphasize its role as a highly agile unit, ideal for hit-and-run tactics and fast repositioning in battle.

[h2]Level Additions[/h2]

• Rhino: Added to the start of Level 2.
  
• Infestor: Added to the start of Level 3.
  
• Wasp: Added to the start of Level 5.
  

Why: These units were added early in the campaign to showcase their unique strengths and strategies, allowing players to experiment with them before deciding to unlock them with DNA. This encourages strategic planning and exploration of playstyles.

[h2]Level Improvements[/h2]

• Level 5 Cutscenes: Two cutscenes redesigned with improved camera angles to reduce disorientation.
  

Why: Player feedback indicated that the original cutscene angles were confusing. The updated angles make these moments more engaging and visually coherent, improving the narrative experience.

[h2]Summary[/h2]
This patch addresses critical performance issues, improves unit balance and gameplay progression, and enhances visual and narrative clarity. The Hive 1.301 is designed to provide a smoother, more strategic, and immersive experience for both new and returning players.

All the best,
Skydome Entertainment