Barring any major bugs discovered this will be the version used for the full release.
Why do a Full Release?
CAT Interstellar was always intended to be about an hour long and tell a very short story about an unfortunate event on Mars. I think it meets the requirements of the original design document. Regardless, doing a Full Release has a number of benefits, one of them being my psyche, with the other two being that I can focus a lot more time on support issues like VR and Localization.
What’s Next?
I know a significant number of you see a lot more potential in this game but keep in mind, nothing is lost. We’ve built a number of systems, pipelines, and mechanics that will absolutely be used again (and should eventually be available to you through the project files).
This isn’t the end of the CAT Interstellar universe either. Earth is still a frozen wasteland with a population of just under a billion people. All of them starving for a new home. There are half a million androids in geostationary limbo with no place to call their own and no task to focus their, so called, sub-sentient minds. The contracting company, CAT Interstellar, has failed to terraform Mars and they are desperately looking opportunities to exploit. A massive communications array on the Moon that connects all outposts and habitats in the solar system is beginning to become self-aware. Androids 388 and 461 aren’t ready to abandon Android 42 if there’s a chance he’s still alive. All while the United Nations Common (UNC), Earth’s loosely agreed on government, is trying to ensure everything doesn’t come apart at the seams.
Anyways, back to the update...
What’s in the Update?
Gameplay Adjustments:
- Set subtitles default to off
- Adjusted the Cat characters fur to look a little better
- Minor Layout adjustments to all the levels
- Adjusted Android Trigger volumes
- Changes to Signals Ending Sequence
- Added “Planet:” to chapter start screen to make the locations more obvious
- Added additional dialog to the Base level
Bug Fixes
- Key Rebinding is back online!!!
- Fixed numerous grammatical errors on android 42’s text box
- Fixed bug where Laboratory door could trap the player
- Adjusted Android 42's follow distance so he shouldn’t trap players anymore
- Bug on the surface where players could get stuck near the greenhouse
VR
I've added a VR branch for alpha testing. Thank you for your patience with this. To gain access go to your Steam Library, Right-click CAT Interstellar and select Properties. Inside the properties window select the BETAS tab. You Should see a drop down with vr_alpha – VR Testing. Select this and the game should start to update on its own. Once the download is complete you’ll be able to play. The VR mechanics were rebuilt from scratch and any feedback on the controls or perspectives would be greatly appreciated.
I’ve started a new support thread HERE.
Project Files
The first iteration of the project files uploaded as free DLC. It includes the Meshes, Animations, Audio and Code(blueprints) for DOG-V. I’m releasing the files under the Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International. You’re free to strip what you need for your own projects but give credit in some form. I’ll update the project with new textures, audio, meshes, and shaders as I replace the ones in-game. The format of the project requires that you have Unreal Engine 4.17.1 installed. I DO take requests so if there's something in the game you want to know about don't hesitate to ask. I've started a thread specific to the project files here.HERE.
Employee of the Month
I also want to take this opportunity to recognize an Ionized Games employee who went above and beyond what was expected. Ziggy is a junior programmer who has been with us since the founding of Ionized Games. For his efforts in getting this game released he is being promoted to Senior Programmer effective immediately.
Lastly, Thank you
It's hard me to wrap my head around just how far this game has come but, one thing is for sure, I couldn't have done it without your support. I have written and re-written this statement over and over and still can't think of a way to express my gratitude to you. The best I can do is try to make more and more assets available to you to make your own games. Regardless, thank you again for everything.
Sincerely,
IG