Too-awesome-to-name Update 1.6c

When version 1.5 was completed, I said the focus would shift to deeper interactions. This started with a huge upgrade to terrain: and not just the 300+ new planetary images:





but also a system of transformation for things like freezing, burning, digging, and exploding.





Then fire was introduced, as well as various kinds of gas and other nasty propagating effects.




Then we needed a way to deliver those special effects into the world, so away team weapons were overhauled with 22 different damage types, from physical effects like piercing and smashing, to the standard elements like incendiary and cryo, all the way up to repulso beams and nano-weapons.






The first true consumable was introduced: [h3]The Grenade[/h3] Throw them at hordes of enemies to do massive damage and deliver myriad status effects or even destroy terrain features. Just be aware that you can run out.





And with monsters now being able to resist some of these damage types, you need a way to carry two weapons at once, and switch between them:
[h3]The Swap Slot[/h3]





[h3]Equipment icons also got an upgrade:[/h3]





[h3]Helpful Hails:[/h3]
I've expanded the "hail" function to allow you to call for help!

If you're in combat, and you see an alien ship you have good relations with, you can hail them and ask for assistance. If they like you enough (or if they dislike your enemy), they will come to your aid. You can then either escape, or team up and destroy the offending ship.

Be careful though!

If you betray your allies (attack races you're friendly with), they may call on *their* allies against YOU. So don't betray your friends, OK?


[h3]Extra Mouse Buttons:[/h3]

If you have a "gaming mouse" (or any mouse with some extra buttons), you should try pressing them.

Clicking the middle mouse button will toggle tool-tips on or off. Another button is set up to hail (in space) or throw a grenade (on planets), and yet another is mapped to scan planets or swap away team weapons. TRY IT!



I've executed the greatest speed optimization in Approaching Infinity history. [h3]Lag no more![/h3]
https://youtu.be/jTa_xy0KRN4


Space has been updated too, with some beautiful new features:




All these additions are in public version 1.6c, right now. But wait, there's more!





Chances are, if you've reported an issue, I've fixed it. I think it would be much easier to talk about what I haven't fixed:

• I can't seem to do anything about the "disappearing mouse cursor" when you cycle mouse pointers.
  
• I haven't addressed the "text too small" issue for the captain's log when using custom 4K resolutions.
  

Otherwise, I think I've tackled just about everything. But if there's something still bugging you, let me know...


[h3]What's next?[/h3]


Hopefully, a mind-blowing surprise feature.


And then, for sure,


And I'm not talking about "+2 instead of +1"

I'm talking about skills like "Perform an emergency warp up to 7 tiles away", or "deploy an automated turret that shoots monsters for 10 turns", or "Detect the ion trails of every ship in the sector".


Those kinds of skills.


After that, you're going to be so god-like that monsters will need a serious upgrade of their own :D

But that'll come later.

For now, enjoy your new-found powers of exploding and burning and corroding.


[h3]A note about new weapons and crafting:[/h3]
Currently, you can *not* craft the new effects of weapons and grenades. You can make "normal" versions of weapons, and frag grenades.

The crafting system will need to be overhauled eventually too, and then you can decide on whatever you want to make. For now, you have to buy things, or find them.


[h3]Video Series[/h3]

You can see a lot of this stuff in action in my new video series, "Bob plays Approaching Infinity". I'm up to sector 17 now, having started from scratch. Doing these videos really helped me get a handle on some player issues, and I've fixed most (all?) of the issues that I've found.
https://youtu.be/LvVAgXHxhfA







Wait, did you say something about a "Xenocide" blaster?


Yes.


Short story: it's a combination herbicide and insecticide, so it's great for bug-infested jungles. And yes, the name is a Card reference.



[h3]And hey...[/h3]



If you haven't left a review yet,



I'd really appreciate it.



Event just a "thumbs up" and then name your one favorite thing...



It helps.