First
As Always, thank you for all your support through this project. I’ll give the details about the current update, an update on development, and another community key give away.
Update 1.9
Full Linux support*
*until proven otherwise.
I’ve traced down every build error and shader issue. The game currently runs as well on Linux as it does on Windows.
All Linux testing was done on:
Ubuntu 16.10
Using Nvidia proprietary driver 367.57
Intel Core i5-3570k
With a Nvidia 750 gtx
If you are a linux user and you have the free time please go Here and let me know your system specs and whether the game is running properly.
Graphics/VFX:
Volumetric lighting
Vertex Painting
Particle effects for walking/running
Gameplay:
- Camera rotation lag added – This will make movement even more fluid and provide a buffer when running into objects.
- Elevator Transition worked on – It now actually raises or lowers based on where you’re heading.
- Android 42 will follow you through all cave levels - Android 42’s navigation seems to be working good but if you find a problem please let me know.
- Android 42 got a flashlight.
Menu:
- Added Dev tools tab to options menu to help troubleshoot future bugs.
Level Design:
- Re-worked the surface to make it more intuitive and encourage exploration.
- Filled in dead zones with events and more environments. I’m deliberately not being specific about this.
- Decals in the base make directions easier.
- Placement of generators in the Mine level are placed “less arbitrarily” with more support around them.
Story:
- I rewrote most of the dialog to make the story much easier to follow. You’re going down into un-explored caves with Android 42 to see if you find anything weird. All the back/side story is still inherently in the game but, it isn’t crammed into the core dialog sequences.
- The Mine level has been flushed out with Android 42 walking you through to the generators.
- Android 42 has been added to the Caves and there is even a testing area for his navigation.
Bug fixes:
- Music not looping on Surface level.
- Fixed the fullscreen bug.
- Screen settings will stick from the intro level to DOG.
- Assorted holes in the map
Development:
“Signals” is still not done. I’m hoping to at least open it up to the beta branch for testing by next week. I sincerely apologize for this taking so long. Lack of content is, without a doubt, the #1 complaint. I’ll give you more details on why exactly it’s taking so long when I release it to the beta branch.
I have also tried to stick to a bi-weekly update scheme without much luck. The situation that arose this time was Linux. Why release a build when you could fix a few shader issues and release to Linux at the same time? Now that Linux works it's two weeks later and you need you need another week of double time to stay on schedule. It's an organizational problem I'm trying to get better at.
I've already gotten feedback on a beta build I pushed last night so I'll aim to release a hot-fix of some minor issues by Friday of next week. I'm going to try to stick to bi-weekly updates until release. When's release? I think the best guesstimation for a release date is a month after "Signals" is released. The game really isn't that long. Space, Base, Surface, Caves, Earth, Space, Done.
Community:
Originally, I was going to do another “find the cat” giveaway since I moved her to a more appropriate place but it’s a little too obvious. Instead, I’m going to try to get your ideas on how to handle a problem with Android 42’s text boxes.
In order to get this update out I did what any good programmer would do and brute forced a solution. You can find all the details about it HERE.
To get a key go there, leave a comment, solution, inspiring quote, whatever you want.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO PROGRAM. The problem is a logical one. There’s literally dozens of ways to solve it I just thought it would be interesting to see what you all came up with.
Once we decide on a solution I’ll give everyone a key (Once Chazz shows up with the solution).
Once again, The post is HERE.
Also, let me know what you think of these community things. I don't know if they're cheesy or not. Do you want more?
TLDR;
Signals is not done but the game is worth another play through.
Edit:
Almost forgot about VR!!! The awesome people at Epic games sent me Vive and a Rift to develop on. I have to spend this month focusing on content but holy cow the Vive is incredible. I can't wait to get it working with CAT Interstellar. I'm racking my brain on how to implement the motion controllers. If you have any ideas or examples of games that did it right I'd love to hear about it.