It's been quite some time since the last game update, and during all this time, many have talked to us or merely posted under the community forums, implying that this project was dead because of the lack of posts on Steam announcements and game updates. But here we are, releasing our first major game update. We do take more time to get things up and running than other developers, but never forget that we are a group of not many developers which are working on their free time to bring everyone a free game.
NOTE: Due to issues regarding Mac and Unreal Engine, the Mac release of v1.0.12 was delayed. Hang on tight since we are working on a way to solve the issues we are currently experiencing and an update should go live soon.
Now, time for the patch notes! Since there have been an ENORMOUS amount of changes between the two versions (v1.0.11 and the new v1.0.12), here's a list of all important new game features:
Play in Virtual Reality
Step into the body of your favorite character! The project now supports Virtual Reality via both the Oculus SDK and SteamVR. Currently only single-player is available, but full cross-platform multiplayer support is in-progress.
NPCs
Walking around an empty starship can feel a little lonely sometimes, so we’ve added a first iteration of our NPC crew. They’re a work-in-progress, and will be expanded over time.
New Rooms
Several new rooms have been added to the project, including the ships Armory (on Decks A and E), 3 Brigs (on Deck G), the Chief of Security Office, with working security cameras, and an expansion to Main Engineering.
Flyable Shuttles
What use is a shuttlebay without some flyable shuttles? Go for a joyride in local space in one of the ships shuttles, but be careful when re-entering the bay, you don’t want to scratch the paint! The shuttles fully support multiplayer so if dogfights are your jam, have at it!
Shuttlebay Redesign
The shuttlebay itself has been completely overhauled and should be far more accurate to the show, with the Upper-level control room now available so you can sit back and watch the madness taking place in the bay below.
New Playable Characters
You can now play as a Krill and bring glory to Avis! Or suit up in the Planetary Union EVA suit, which in future updates will be required for some Extra-vehicular antics!
New Original Music
Many new unique musical pieces are in the project and are triggered based on various events, composed by the talented Patrick Phillips for the project.
More Space Locations
Several new space locations are available to start your adventure in, including several Solar System planets and even an interstellar black hole! Many more to come.
General UI Redesigns
General UI improvements all over the board! Most of the UIs in-game have been completely redesigned to be more straightforward and match the aesthetic of The Orville!
Quick Session Options
The all-new session options will allow you to carry out quick actions in Single Player, and also if you’re hosting a multiplayer session. Is there an unruly player replicating too many bananas? Teleport them to the brig so they can think about what they’ve done.
All of this and many more bug fixes and small updates and features should be released soon for everyone!
Finally, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Messy Desk Interactive!