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HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed News

We didn’t expect that… Hotfix #8 and FAQ for New Players!

We apologise for the network issues and multiple updates. We've experienced some issues with our multi-build system that was not keeping platforms properly in sync. We should have solved the checksum mismatch issues and performance regression issues now.

Please make sure your game version (in the bottom right of the Main Menu) is set to 0.2.4261.560 or above.

We have a new Crash detection system that has also allowed us to fix MANY crash bugs and glitches and found many more new ones due to the influx of new players. Thank you everyone who submitted a bug and reported what they could. This hotfix now contains a few more deep-engine crash issues.
Dear Small Soldiers,

Wow… Who would have thought that action figures would be the new trend?! We had no idea that our indie game would suddenly explode into such popularity, literally overnight. And not to make excuses, but we're a small team of five indie devs - so you can imagine how many things we currently must juggle, haha! (that's us below, hello!) If you are experiencing any issues, please let us know on our Steam Forums and we'll do our best to help.



[h3]TL;DR[/h3]
- We're working on a story campaign for the waves-mode.
- We're vastly overhauling all PvP modes.
- We're improving and balancing waves-mode (this includes buildables, enemies, etc).
- Were listening to your feedback, thank you for the support!
- This is our Discord.

So, for those who are new, we put together an extensive FAQ:

- Is Hypercharge: Unboxed for me?
Hypercharge is designed for young and young-at-heart people. If you love action figures, wave-based shooters, basic defense building, co-op, and classic ‘90s inspired gameplay, then Hypercharge may just be your cup of tea. It’s easy to jump in and out of allowing you to progress at your own pace. It’s a classic shooter that focuses on light-hearted battles.

- What is Hypercharge Unboxed?
Hypercharge: Unboxed is a Solo and Co-op Wave-based First/Third-Person Shooter that has the player fighting to defend the Hypercore; it’s a dangerous world when you’re a pint-sized Action Figure.

- What game modes are there? PvE (Changing to Story Campaign soon)
This is the main game mode. Your primary aim is to protect the Hypercore while surviving each wave. If the enemy destroys each Hypercore, it’s game over. You spawn in your toy packaging, break out of it (literally), and must search each environment for weapons, attachments, coins, batteries, and even hidden secrets. Once you’ve collected enough resources, it’s time to power and build up your basic defenses. If you feel you’re ready to battle the first wave, you can skip build/exploration mode.

PvP
Our Player vs Player modes are not as detailed/in depth as the main PvE mode, yet. However, they provide some great classic deathmatch fun!

Deathmatch: Includes server rules and player bots.
Team deathmatch: Includes server rules and player bots.
Plague: Includes player bots.

- Can I play solo?
Yes, you can play offline on your own.

- Is there a story mode?
Not yet, but we're working on one!

- Is there a survival mode?
Not right now, but we're working on one!

- Can I play with bots?
Yes, you can choose to play with or without player bots in PvP and PvE.

- How many friends can I play co-op with?
Up to 4 players. The game's difficulty scales based on the number of players.

- How many friends can I play PvP with?
Up to 8 players.

- Are there difficulty modes?
Yes, there are four difficulty modes for PvE and PvP, each offering a different challenge. This includes: Casual, Regular, Expert, and Nightmare.

- Is there a tutorial?
Yes

- Are there microtransactions?
No. We believe you should unlock everything in-game with hard work, just like the '90s!

- Can I play in split screen?
You bet! Hypercharge has full Split Screen support.

- Can I play locally?
Yes.

- Can I play with a controller?
Definitely. Hypercharge has full controller support.

- Is there matchmaking?
Hypercharge has basic matchmaking that pairs you with players that meet your search criteria.

- Can I create an online lobby?
Yes, Hypercharge has Online Lobby support. Simply create a lobby and invite your by giving them your Friend Code (bottom right of the lobby).

- Is there a server browser?
Yes.

- Can I use aim down sights?
Hypercharge uses classic hip fire aiming. However, you can unlock "ADS" via the in-game cheats menu. It's not fully functional, as it's more of a fun gimmick. We may consider adding some form of ADS attachments for some weapons.

- What perspective can I play Hypercharge from?
Hypercharge supports first and third-person camera modes (with multiple camera options).

- Is there progression?
Yes, the more levels you complete, the more you unlock. This includes new action figures/skins, weapon skins, medals, and much more.

- Is there cross-platform support?
Not right now, but we're hoping to implement it.

- What is the age rating?
PEGI 7

- Is Hypercharge suitable for kids?
If they meet the age rating above, yes! It’s action figures vs toys. There is no gore or profanity. In fact, even the weapons you fire are plastic BB pellets.

- Is Hypercharge suitable for Mom and Dad?
We designed Hypercharge for young and young-at-heart people, especially Mom and Dad. Parents get to share their gaming childhood nostalgia with their kids, and their kids get to take on the role of an action figure, just like in classic movies such as Toy Story or Small Soldiers. The whole family get to share a special nostalgic experience when playing.

- What engine is the game made in?
Unreal Engine 4.

- Does it support Windows?
Yes. (Windows 7 and 10)

- Does it support Linux?
Yes, Hypercharge has native Linux support.

- Can it run on the Steam Deck?
Yes, Hypercharge is Steam Deck Verified.

- Can I purchase a four pack?
Unfortunately, Steam no longer supports four packs.

- System Requirements | Windows 
MINIMUM:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 13 GB available space
RECOMMENDED:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 
Processor: Intel i7-4770
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 15 GB available space


- System Requirements | SteamOS + Linux 
MINIMUM:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
Memory: 4 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 640
Storage: 13 GB available space
RECOMMENDED:
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
Processor: Intel i7-4770
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
Storage: 15 GB available space

- How big is your team?
We’re just five dudes who love Action Figures.

- What inspired you to make Hypercharge: Unboxed?
We're big fans of Small Soldiers the movie and games such as Sarge's Heroes, Toy Commander, and of course, Counter-Strike 1.6 de_rats! There's just something special about action figures, and something more special when playing as one.

- Is the game still receiving updates?
Oh yes. Since 2020 we’ve launched over 8 major content updates based on player feedback, for free! We’re actively developing the game with our community.

- Is the game out on Nintendo Switch?
Yes

- Is the game out on Xbox?
Not yet, but soon!

- Is the game out on PlayStation?
It will be!

See you on the toyfield, recruits! - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord | TikTok

Hotfix #7 - Fixed achievements not working for some users + More!

Small soldiers,

Thank you so much for your patience. We've squashed some pretty pesky bugs, thanks to your reports! We're keeping a keen eye out for any more, so please continue to let us know if you experience further problems.



PATCH NOTES
[h3]FIXES[/h3]
  • Fixed GPU particle crash issues when loading large levels.
  • Fixed Achievements not triggering on Steam properly for some users.
  • Fixed Server list showing Plague matches under the PvP game mode.
  • Fixed Lobby Title not changing to FRIENDS ONLY LOBBY when started from the main menu.
  • Fixed returning to Play menu from Find Server list going to Matchmaking menu instead.
  • Fixed Collectors Box (Neon Packaging) being crazy rainbow colours for non-special characters.
  • Fixed Free Roam showing in the Cooperative server list. If you want to play Free Roam you can start host a private lobby with friends.
  • Fixed some English localization issues - Other languages recieving bulk updates in near future update!
  • Fixed some issues with new Icons (Lobby Team select and Music Player)
  • Fixed BlueprintFX screen not going away after travelling between rounds in PvP.
  • Fixed Frame Rate Limit not applying at runtime when changing it on the menu.
[h3]ADDED[/h3]
  • Added a tooltip for how to unlock the Free Roam game mode.
  • Added a tip to the new unlock screen for heads and skins that shows when what character is needed to be unlocked to use the item.
  • Added Identifer to server list for Team Deathmatch servers.

Have a brilliant weekend! - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord | TikTok

Major Update #8 - Added new Play & Lobby Menu System & Huge Improvements!

Note: The servers are restarting so you may be on an older version of the game. Make sure to update.

Hello Small soldiers,

You might have seen Hypercharge flooding the internet this past week. Everybody is currently talking about it, even calling it a hidden gem. But before we dive into the patch notes, I would like to address what ignited the game to go so viral.

In a bad turn of events that I (Joe) experienced/have been going through turned into something incredibly positive; the good side of the internet came to my aid.

I made a statement on twitter about the abuse and toxicity that I have been receiving online regarding Hypercharge, and how toxic gamers can affect the mental health of developers. You can read that here.



Overwhelmed by the positivity and support, I followed up with this video. I also went into more detail about how it all has affected my mental and physical health.

Over the weekend, I had a breakdown. To be honest, I felt it coming for a long time, but didn’t talk about it to anyone. The reason for this post is that I hope it will make those who are suffering from mental health working in game dev, speak out.

If you receive constant abuse from toxic gamers about your game(s), please, please talk to your friends, family, partner, just someone about it. Do not hold it in.

For the past few years, I have suffered from panic attacks, sleepless nights, and just a lack of confidence. In fact, my anxiety got so bad that the doctor sent me to the local hospital to have a 48 hour ECG, blood tests, and I’m going for a visit to the cardiology centre to check things over soon. Stress is no joke.

My biggest regret is not talking to my team, friends, family, and partner about it. We as game devs receive so much abuse online that it’s basically the norm. Hell, I thought it was normal to feel like this!

And it’s not just toxic gamers demanding release dates, it goes way deeper than that. I’ve been threatened, made fun of how I look, the sound of my voice. It gets so personal… It wears you down.

So, the moral of this post? Game devs, community managers, marketers… You are awesome people. Keep working on what you love and try to stay positive. Focus on the positive fans. Do what makes you happy!

In response to that video, many developers from AAA's to indies reached out, and many true Hypercharge fans did too. I am incredibly grateful for all the kind and thoughtful messages.

After feeling much more positive, I felt encouraged to keep talking about Hypercharge and not let the negativity keep me down. I decided to submit this video on twitter, which unintentionally went hugely viral. It surpassed over 14 million views, and even Cory Barlog saw the video and played Hypercharge. Tons of media outlets published articles about it, talking about how Hypercharge went under the radar, and the mental health side of things. So yeah. I wanted to be honest with you all. Myself and we as a team, feel it's an incredibly important topic to be open and speak about. If you are suffering from mental health issues, you are not lone. You are loved. And please reach out to someone!



Right now onto the patch notes. As I’ve stated before, there are some big changes coming to Hypercharge. We are constantly listening to your feedback and doing our best to implement your ideas and suggestions. We are so thankful for your support, truly! The most notable addition being a brand new lobby/play menu system. So much hard work has gone into this new system. We want to make navigating through each menu intuitive and clear. So, give the new system a go, and let us know your thoughts! It still needs some tweaks, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

New version

Old version

New verison

Old version

PATCH NOTES
[h3]ADDED[/h3]
  • Added new Play Menu System - We’ve watched enough people struggle on Twitch to realise that a new design is in order to ensure that people are able to find their way to the right game mode and setting that they want to play. With a fancy new design and much more improvements to come in the future, this is a big update and change to how everyone will interact with the game and find the content they want to play.
  • Added new Lobby Menu System - We’ve also overhauled the lobby to cleanup all the multiple options, moving some of them inside the Game Rules instead of cluttering the overall screen. More updates also to come to the lobby design in the near future.
  • Added new Join Friend and Friend Code invite system to the lobby. More information is given when trying to join a friend or when hosting a lobby.
  • Added Team Deatchmatch as separate game mode instead of a hidden game rule option.
  • Added it so Collectibles are given to all players when one player picks them up.
  • Added improved balanced aiming locations for bots in PvP.
  • Added Player Team override option to force players on a specific Team vs. Bots in custom servers.
  • Added Power Node Power icons in build mode to help with knowing when power nodes need power.
  • Added new Main Menu icons that better represent what the function of the button does.
  • Added Spinner enemies to the tutorial.
  • Added 8 MORE voice-sets for different character heads! (including Horseman and Shark)
  • Added ReturnToMenu button to play menu.
  • Added it so Free Roam is unlocked by default until players have played a bit of the game first.
  • Added bot difficulty option to game rules.
  • Added new logo to main menu and other places in the UI.
  • Added more FPS and FOV values to UI adjustments.
  • Added it so Plague players are now experiments.

[h3]IMPROVED[/h3]
  • Improved play menu functionality - will return to the last menu you used when returning to the menu from a session via disconnect, kick, leave or complete.
  • Improved overall music system transitions and fades between sections to improve overall mix and playback behavior of new tracks & sections (less repetitive)
  • Improved power node and core health display to better represent the current state of power on Cores and Nodes.
  • Improved text size and scaling in multiple areas of the UI to help with readability and importance.
  • Improved Primal footstep sounds based on community feedback.
  • Improved design of some of the basic Turrets. More new improved designs coming soon.

[h3]FIXES[/h3]
  • Fix for LAN servers - Testing a work in progress fix for LAN servers. LAN can now be enabled from the Options > Gameplay menu.
  • Fix for networked pickup related crash issue.
  • Fix for failing rare transparent shader crash issue.
  • Fix for rare late-loading texture related crash issues.
  • Fix for missing safety checked particle destruction crash issues.
  • Fix for MANY other generic crash related issues in the engine taken from future UE4 versions.
  • Fix for game log being spammed with unnecessary information, making it easier for everyone to debug issues.
  • Fix for some achievements not being able to be referenced correctly in order in the lookup table.
  • Fix for dedicated server sessions, not shutting down properly after running idle too long with no active server or session connection.
  • Fix for dedicated servers not pinging the master server for very long running servers.
  • Fix for damage flashing after respawn.
  • Fix for death text being too small to read.
  • Fixed PlayerStartBoxes in Airhockey being incorrect for one player or bot in the team.
  • Fixed broken tutorial NPC spawnpoints.
  • Fix for multiple error message dialogs of the same type appearing after certain networking errors.
  • Fixed unlock ordering of new maps to ensure the order of levels is preserved when unlocking maps for the first time.
  • Fixed focus issue with quiet dialog because of menu intro.
  • Fixed dialog focus issues on play menu.
  • Fixed radar ability text reference.
  • Fixed broken nav connection in Garden pool
  • Fixed MissileTruck decals diorama setup.
  • Fixed strange wire collision issues in Kitchen causing instant respawn glitches.
  • Fixed dialog box focus issues on various error dialogs.
  • Fixed diorama and in-game weapon packaging spawn locations not using the right mesh attachments.
  • Fixed packaging decal material showing through walls.
  • Fixed packaging decal name text on in-game and dioramas.
  • Fixed packaging plastic collisions getting stuck in walls.
  • Fixed notices not being re-enabled when unlocking a head from the Credits menu.
  • Fixed NameText decals showing on default hypercharge packages.
  • Fixed wrong plastic meshes spawning with certain packaging in-game.
  • Fixed dedicated server sessions generating a host code and setting themselves to be Public or not.
  • Fixed incorrect check of which maps can have a charger and prize machine in the maplist or the dioramas map list.
  • Fixed server laser particle crash.
  • Fixed packaging widgets texture crash on dedicated servers.
  • Fixed duplicated HUD in party modes.
  • Fixed other gamemodes HUD and spectator classes not being overwritten properly in child classes.
  • Fixed camera shake having infinite range for meanbots and other enemies.
  • Fixes in core engine - AActor, GetVectorValue, ProxyCrash, DecalInitCrash, LightProxyCrash from Sentry.
  • Removed footstep and other animation notify FX from dedicated server.
  • Removed assets from dedicated server package.
  • Removed DLSS from dedicated servers.
  • Removed frozen meshes on dedicated servers as they are not replicated.
  • Removedsound fx from bots joining and leaving a server.
  • Restored old plague mode scoring system.

Well, that's it for now! Again, to our fans, thank you!

I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead! - Joe
- Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord | TikTok

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

Dear Small Soldiers,

The last few days have been what we can only describe as… special. We’ve received an influx of new recruits, became a top seller on the front page of Steam, and not only that, became the 5th trending video on YouTube gaming. We’re honestly lost for words. It’s so lovely to see so many of you having fun playing our indie game.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
Hypercharge truly is a labour of love, and over the past few years, we have worked effortlessly, with your help, to improve it. But we can’t stop here. There’s much more work to be done, soldier! So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know:


    [h3]
  • Big changes are coming to Hypercharge.
  • We are listening to your feedback.
  • We appreciate you.[/h3]

We realise updates take time, but please know we are listening and watching. We're not a large team. Five indie devs created Hypercharge. That’s us below. We’re literally five grown dudes who love action figures, just like you.



If you would like to help us better the game, please write your ideas either on our Discord or Steam Forums. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Once again. Thank you so much!

Kindest regards,
Joe - Digital Cybercherries

Socials
Twitter | Discord | TikTok

HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed gets a huge character overhaul and lots of fixes

HYPERCHARGE: Unboxed came to Linux recently as a Native title and it is Steam Deck Verified but it wasn't without issues, which Digital Cybercherries have now fixed up.

Read the full article here: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2022/05/hypercharge-unboxed-gets-a-huge-character-overhaul-and-lots-of-fixes