Summary
Last time I mentioned the next patch would bring a new map — however, I want each new map to come with something more substantial, so it doesn't feel like just a reskin. In this case, I'm working on a new goal mechanic tied to the map, and those extra features take time to implement properly. And to avoid long waits between updates, I've decided to split my time: half on larger features, half on smaller improvements like the ones in this patch.
So in this patch, have I been experimenting with camera-shake effects for abilities, which I think really enhance the feel of the game (still possible to disable in settings if you dislike it). And I also added some loading-screen tips.
The main focus, however, was adding the first Utility Ability, Recall, designed to be available to all characters (currently, only one playable character exists).
New Ability – Recall
Overview:
Recall is now available by default and functions similarly to classic teleport abilities like “Town Portal” or “Teleport” in games such as Diablo and Path of Exile.
It was added to eliminate the tedious back-and-forth of running to the castle to start upgrades and then back to the frontlines.
In the future, Recall may be replaced by a waypoint system (e.g., using a waygate to choose between multiple destinations). For now, Recall provides a simple solution and lays the groundwork for more advanced teleportation systems without over-engineering an early solution.
Access:
Button next to the quickbar
Default key: B
Cannot be modified by talents or other abilities
Usage:
Cast Recall with “B” - cast time applies; may require “Hold Button While Casting” depending on your settings (see Settings → Gameplay).
You must remain stationary while casting.
Once cast, a portal appears with a large interact button (default key: E).
Interact with the portal to teleport back to the Altar at your starting location.
A second portal is created at the Altar (used for returning).
Interacting with the second portal brings you back to your original location.
Only one Recall portal can exist at a time.
Quality of Life
Re-added the ambient light around the player - now works again with the Game-engine’s new version (woo-hoo!), nothing extreme, just to brighten the immediate surroundings slightly.
Updated the loading-screen, mainly by added hints & tips.
Enhancements
Added camera-shakes when using abilities
you can disable camera-shake entirely in settings
I found ChainLightning in particular felt much more satisfying to use.
And it is primarily to test it out - I think there might be a risk that it could make the game too “shaky” - on top of other existing ones like when buildings are destroyed. So I might need to dial it down a bit.
Gave MagicCircle a placement sound
Xp-orbs obscurations no longer create silhouettes - they will still be visible behind other stuff, e.g. other things can still create silhouettes for the orbs.
Balancing
Default map-settings (first time playing the game) will now be the easiest & smallest map - to make the first match more like a tutorial.
Harpooneer attack range reduced from 15 to 13 — it was reaching a bit too far.
Other
Changed position of the new “default selected armour piece” - so it is first in the group. (I forgot to update this when I changed the default armour piece).
The error window can now also handle errors it throws itself - If you choose to try to continue the game and it doesn’t work. So will the game try to save your progress before closing down the game.
Fixed bugs
An introduced bug with enemies chilled / slow effect - now fixed.
Evasive elite bugs currently being hunted
These are known issues that I haven’t been able to reproduce or are hard to fix.
MagicCircle Aegis - the new AI sometimes sneaks inside, even if they shouldn’t be able to.
Chain Lightning: Doesn't always jump to the next target in the vicinity.
Upgrades in progress don't always cancel when the building is destroyed.
The new AI version has a large impact on performance - will look into it if it gets out of hand (most noticeable with a lot of units, e.g. with the pack of the black wargs).
Elusive bugs — presumed eradicated (since Patch 0.74)
When you restart multiple matches after each other the game crashes, the culprit is the Pathfinding AI tool the game uses - Thanks to the community for finding and reporting it. Will try to get hold of the author to see if he knows a fix.
If you're slowed by a chill effect, the blue visual effect sometimes doesn't disappear.