It has been a while since our last news update. That is because we are currently working closely on several systems and preparing for the second playtest with updated mechanics, improved based on your feedback.
Navigation System
One of the biggest and most important changes is the navigation system. Players will now be able to make more informed decisions based on what surrounds them and on the additional information stations now provide.
Players can also have three routes active at the same time: a delivery route, a route to a station, and a route to the nearest ship - enemy or allied. Random encounters with enemies and stations will still be possible, but they will happen much less often. Routes will also have their own safety rating: longer routes will be safer.
Stations and Economy System
The economy system is also receiving major changes aimed at making it more predictable and easier to understand. Trade stations will now have not only a type, but also population, effects - both negative and positive and requests.
All of this will directly affect pricing on stations. As a result, players will be able to make more informed decisions about where it is better to buy or sell goods, based on the information available in advance.
Combat System
We are continuing to develop our combat system. Enemy ships can now do more than just damage the player: they can also apply effects such as burning, and attack with missiles, mines, and torpedoes.
We have also made changes to the drop list from enemy ships.
Pirate Station
This is a new station we have been working on for some time. First, it has unique crew members from the pirate faction.
Second, one of the station’s main features is the ability to buy a “save.” These have different characteristics and different prices. If the player dies, they will appear at one of the pirate stations according to the conditions of the “save cassette” they previously purchased. The player can have no more than one save cassette at a time.
Third, the station allows players to buy missiles, mines, torpedoes, and various upgrade modules.
There is still a lot of exciting stuff ahead. Stay tuned!