I've been working hard on getting non-VR support fully working again, and this version moves in that direction. In the process, I introduced more bugs into vr gameplay which I then had to fix! #facepalm
Anyway this version, 0.991, fixes all that and should work ok for both VR and non-VR gameplay. If, by chance, this version does not work for you ... please get in touch either by commenting here or contacting me directly at scottgj AT gmail.com . However, so far with testing, this version has been very promising. If you really can't cope with this new version, you can revert to the previous release by opting in to the 'beta' channel. This currently holds the previous release.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: SteamVR controller configuration is no longer required. The game will work with most Xbox-type gamepads, Oculus Touch, and Vive wands. I *highly* recommend using VR and motion controllers to get the most out of flying Aquila. :)
In addition to the notes for version 0.990, version 0.991 introduces the following:
- In the Settings menu, an option for Quality is now available. Previously you had to change Unity's player settings by holding CTRL on launch from Windows ... but they took that away so it's now in-game. Settings range from Simple, and go up to Everything.
- Back view distance from the bird is adjusted on landing, so in both VR and non-VR you're not right up close to the bird, and you're moved a little further away.
- Numerous bugs swatted, and Unity libraries updated to their latest versions.
- SteamVR controller configuration is no longer required, as I'm using the new Unity Input System.
- More achievements added for efficient flying. :)
Limitations:
- Sometimes in VR on the main menu, your point of view may jump slightly. This doesn't occur in-game. It usually occurs when you re-centre the view on the main menu.
- The game resolution on your monitor is simply your desktop resolution on starting the game. You can increase performance by lowering your desktop resolution. 1080p should be fine, but I sometimes see a hit on my 1080 Ti if I launch in 4k.
- On past versions, sometimes on starting the game you may see sky blue, before the game would crash. This was due to a bug in Unity, and that version has been updated with this release of Aquila. If you do experience this with this new version, please get in touch. Try launching the game with a lower quality setting, or reducing your monitor resolution ... that should fix it.
What's next?
- Just started work on multiplayer, as the previous network code is out of date.
- I have been trying to recreate the maps without satellite photography, and a higher resolution mesh. So far performance has been rather poor, but it's better than it was. The benefit of this is grasses, more tree's, more lakes and rivers. I don't have an eta for this yet.
- There will be some kind of prey to catch soon... probably fish for the bald eagle. :)
- If landed in a tree, and the sun has set, add an option to skip to dawn.
Thank you for reading. :)
Graeme