Executive Assault 2 News

Hello Executives,

Todays patch has some great new requested features and bug fixes:

[h3]New features[/h3]

• Observe mode added so you can watch peoples multiplayer games, an option has also been added to the server creation screen if you want to prevent this.
  One thing to remember is that because the game runs via a server there no need to fret about having people observing as it wont slow down your game.
  
• Mining and cargo ships can now be told to stop and be directed around like other units.
  
• Can now change cargo ferry route destination by selecting the mining outpost and then right clicking on the target destination.
  
• Super defence shields for the Science faction has been reworked so its less intense trying to work it. Now they don't drain power when on and auto engages when researched. It does however drain power from the stations capacitors each time a weapon hits it.
  
• Science now has Capacitor boost research to increase the amount of energy stored.
  
• If you try and fly out of the system you will now be automatically turned to face the system centre again instead of blowing up.
  

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]

• Fixed bug where game didn't wait for all players to join in.
  
• Updated dropdown visuals.
  
• Mining ship now explode better.
  
• Fixed a bug where you could load a game and fly a starfighter into the ground and not die.
  
• Fixed an issue where pasting a map seed didn't update all the options thus causing lots of issues like hundreds of trading ships appearing or ships not warping around correctly.
  
• Fixed issue with interceptors not continuing to construct after a power cut.
  
• Fixed issue with dumping capacitor power locally.
  
• Fixed issue with unable to call OOPS delivery after its been blown up.
  
• Contents of dropships are now included in the ground cap.
  
• Missiles from silo will no longer stutter when taking off over multiplayer.
  
• Fixed cataclysm laser being rebounded.
  
• Can no longer control the trader as an observer.
  

[h3]Balance Changes[/h3]

• Decimator now starts with zero missiles in stock and has to build them which should take 10 minutes.
  
• Invaders were being used as primary assault ships so I've reduced their hull strength, removed some heavy turrets and missiles now exit similar to other missile systems making them harder to attack ships too close to them.
  
• Longbows have had their aim error increased to prevent Executrons being instantly shot at the moment they enter a star system.
  

The new observe mode is quite new and although its been well tested well it might still have some issues so please do let me know through the games bug reporting system.

Next I will be looking at adding features allowing you to create more balanced maps and look at balancing randomly generated maps in general.

Cheers,
Rob

Hello Executives,

Happy new year everyone!

Small patch release today to fix a few but important bugs along with adding a new feature.
[h3]New features[/h3]

• Added new 2nd tier waste reduction tech
  
• Added a waste reduction toggle to the power screen so you can remove the buff if needed for nuclear missile construction.
  

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]

• Fixed loading a game after playing the tutorial and it still continuing.
  
• Fixed an error reloading mining drones which would cause tactical icons to break.
  
• Fixed waste reduction research.
  
• Can no longer buy radioactive waste back off the trader.
  
• Made it so that self destructing a mining drone makes it rebuild.
  
• Adjusted the hit point on the nebular extractor so things are more likely to shoot it.
  
• Fixed bug where sometimes large mining ships didn't fully update after being upgraded.
  

[h3]Further notes[/h3]
I will be focusing this year on smoothing out the rough edges, adding in requested features and generally improving what's already in the game based on the feedback I've been getting.

So far on the list I have:

• Look into choosing where mining ships and cargo ships set their homes.
  
• Allow mining ships to stop.
  
• Create balanced maps in the map editor.
  
• Rethinking the science super shield so its more like the other 2 factions.
  
• Make the AI harder for veteran players.
  
• Look at making piloted ships fly back into game area rather than blow up if exiting comm range.
  
• Tweaking the Decimator so that it requires a warmup of some sorts.
  
• Giving the science faction more AoE weapons.
  

And longer term projects:

• Upgrading the games graphics pipeline so that it makes use of the latest technologies.
  
• Explore the idea of allowing Excutrons to construct buildings.
  
• Explore the idea of giving Executrons their own economy.
  
• Improving station security with forcefields, scanners, traps etc.
  
• Adding more win conditions.
  
• Adding more content/Infestor types/random encounters.
  
• Adding in different types of command outposts.
  

Cheers,
Rob

Hello Executives,

Now that the tutorial has been done and seems to be well received I've now gone back to improving the game.

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]
I've released a minor patch to fix some issues with the AI strategies and a few other little bugs:

• Fixed Industrial economy so it makes goods factories and mines resources at lower difficulties.
  
• Science now builds up bots before sending them over through the gateway.
  
• Ai will no longer try and blow up its own troops with missiles or lasers.
  
• Ai plotting routes will now try and avoid colony systems if possible when attacking another opponent.
  
• Ai now bumps outpost ships to the front of the build queue.
  
• Fixed Infestors button in game setup screen not working.
  
• Fixed AI not prioritising better ships in shipyards.
  
• All 3 factions research priorities have been adjusted to help with achieving powerful tech.
  
• Fixed some power issues for the AI.
  
• Fixed a bug with the Spy not making teleprobes after destruction.
  

[h3]New Industrial upgrade[/h3]
I've now added a requested feature where Industrial upgrade their mining fleet instead of building new bigger ships, this brings things into line with the other two factions and removing micromanagement and making it easier for the AI to improve its economy. This upgrade does not apply to mining drones.

Thank you for all the support this year and I look forward to keeping the updates coming in 2024.

Whatever you are doing over the festive period I hope you have a great one, for me I am celebrating Christmas so Merry Christmas 🎄

Cheers,
Rob

Hello Executives,

Been getting some great feedback from new players, one of them being that the game can be challenging experience for some learning how to play. To address this I've implemented several adjustments to the UI and game mechanics to enhance clarity and understanding.

Additionally, I've introduced six comprehensive, step-by-step tutorials. These tutorials are designed to assist newcomers in mastering the economic aspects of all three factions and to familiarise them with the game's fundamental mechanics.

These tutorials are readily accessible directly from the main menu.

[h3]Changes[/h3]
I have also changed a few little game mechanics to keep things consistent with the science mining stations which will now act like all the other buildings and just blow up returning the resource point back.

• Mining ships can now mine all science mining outposts.
  
• Nebula outpost design has been changed so the nebular spot is visible to be mined.
  
• Can now blow up mining outposts instead of being disabled.
  
• Removed mainframe from science mining stations.
  

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]
Along with this I have also fixed the following:

• Crates on back of troops are now saved.
  
• Reloading now fixes turrets on colony outposts.
  
• Fixed green arrows in design screen for non assigned tech.
  
• Changed bot/robot cap to say ground cap.
  
• Prevented drop pod units and bio pods landing in the freight terminal.
  
• Fixed bug where you could sometimes see the Executron on an opposing team.
  
• Fixed a graphical issue with strategic interceptor buildings not showing the floor.
  
• Fixed deflector defence causing error on Blackstar.
  
• Prevented lingering building information displayed when you hover over a spaceship.
  
• Blackstar super weapon is no longer absorbed by the base shields.
  
• Patrolling troops no longer chase after cloaked Executrons.
  
• Starfighter now has better deacceleration to prevent ploughing into the back wall while docking.
  
• Fixed navmesh on science bridge steps leading up to podium.
  
• Fixed issue direct controlling a bomb unit while its detonating.
  
• Fixed issue where AI Very easy and easy industrials would remain stagnant.
  
• Derelict ships should no longer spawn on top of derelict outposts.
  
• Fixed the research speed multiplier in game settings.
  
• Fixed pistols on invasion clones.
  
• Fixed issue where some industrial bulkhead doors would block navigation.
  
• Fixed navigation issue in command outpost when hiding behind reactor.
  
• Right clicking on a resource label will now have the same effect as right clicking on the asteroid/nebular point its self.
  

Thank you all again for your continued support and feedback, I have a lot of great ideas on what to add to the game and will be looking at improving even more aspects of the game along with adding more content.

Don't forget to check out our discord which along with the in-game lobby is a great place to find random people to have multiplayer games with or just relax and watch other people play in the video streams.

Cheers,
Rob

Hello Executives,

A big welcome to all the new players enjoying the game, it's been an amazing 2 weeks with thousands of new customers and some excellent feedback on how to improve things.

Today is a small but important patch to fix a few things including exploits and some fiddly issues based on what has been submitted so far.

[h3]Changes[/h3]

• To standardise hacking in the game, doors now have a hacking port just like control terminals, so you fire the hacking beam at that now and not at the door.
  
• Made the game window resizable which is handy for people on ultra wide monitors.
  
• Updated rarity/amount settings of loot so you shouldn't get useless crates any more.
  
• Reduced the effectiveness of Excavators to balance out with the industrial faction with extraction rate increased to 20 seconds and Energen amount reduced to 60.
  

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]

• Shield values are now better synced over the network.
  
• Fixed floor in Spy office.
  
• Fixed navmesh issues with spy faction generally.
  
• Fixed various doors where their interaction panel was not visible.
  
• Added a ramp for one of the strategic missile asteroid.
  
• Fixed issue where sometimes units wont exit Tritanium refinery.
  
• Fixed a problem where sometimes an Executron would join but not see structures.
  
• Fixed an issue where sometimes the Executron getting into a fighter made by the CEO would prevent them from flying it.
  
• Ai should no longer try and update its turrets every few minutes or when being invaded.
  
• Long ranged weapons like missiles or transgalactic lasers will charge now at the efficiency rating.
  
• Trader no longer gets extra pads assigned to it over multiplayer.
  
• Fixed unable to pilot monolith.
  
• Added a message to say if spaceship is occupied when trying to dock.
  
• Brightened up the docking area under spaceships a little.
  
• Derelict outposts now explode correctly.
  
• Renamed trade routes to cargo routes.
  

[h3]Feedback[/h3]
From the looks of the feedback the current issues that people would like addressing are:

• More control over mining/cargo ships such as setting their home and destination.
  
• Balanced maps for tournament games.
  
• A harder AI especially late games.
  
• The ability to upgrade mining ships rather than buy new ones.
  
• An adjustment to the Science super shield so its less "intense".
  
• Localisation (language support).
  
• More weapons for the fighters so they can take on large ships.
  

Also based on feedback I can also see that even with a tutorial/guide and manual in the game that there is certainly some room for improvement so I will be looking at addressing this as I really want everyone to be having a great time.

Thank you again for all the help and happy Halloween.

Cheers,
Rob