In the original version of the game there wasn't that much indication of when you're shield was depleted or restored.
V1 - Shield Depleted
V1 - Shield Restored
A cool new feature is the revamped Shield Damage system.
The first footage is at normal game speed; the second clip that follows is at 30% to better convey the effects.
V2 - Shield Depleted (Default)
V2 - Shield Restored (Default)
[NEW]
This is disabled by default. If you want even more OOMPH on Shield Damage + Shield Restored you can go to SETTINGS > SCREEN and enable Shield Effects.
> How to enable the advanced Shield Screen Effects
The first footage is at normal game speed; the second clip that follows is at 30% to better convey the effects.
(w/ SCREEN EFFECTS)
V2 - Shield Depleted (Advanced)
(w/ SCREEN EFFECTS)
V2 - Shield Restored (Advanced)
There's actually a few things to cover in this comparison.
VISUAL LANGUAGE
The original game didn't really have that much visual language for incoming damage; using Raptors as an example.
ONLY RED
It flashed a red vignette for shields (same as damage) which was at least something to signal; but confusing because of the same shared color.
NO IMPACT
You'll also notice a lack of incoming damage movement on the screen.
DAMAGE COLORS
Incoming damage with shields active is now blue. Incoming damage with no shields active and towards health is Red.
BEHAVIOR UPDATES
There are also AI behavior updates demonstrated here; in the original the Raptor Swarms would just run straight at you. In the new game they flank, dodge your aim and move naturally, aggressively and react to you.
NEW SYSTEMS
On the new system, even for the default version you'll notice things like bite damage particles for the Shield impact and various VFX and UI.
PERIPHERALS
You'll notice the Shield container pulses red while destroyed.
= Even fighting the most common enemy (Raptor Horde) feels night and day improved with changes like these stacked together.
The Discord is open to ALL fans of ORION, with a focus on poll voting, developer interaction and community.
The Patreon is a brand-new outlet for fans who want to support development, with unique rewards including being listed in the game credits, playing early, private Discord channel access and more. Many development updates are shared there, so if you want as much information as possible, take a look:
ORION: Prelude is back in active development.
The goals are simple:
A better game across gameplay and feel.
A more optimized game across polish and performance.
An open development process worth following along with.
This is all on an existing game that you may already own. Every update and quality-of-life improvement goes to existing owners for FREE.
FREE UPDATE
The new version of ORION: Prelude in development goes to existing owners for FREE.
PRICING MODEL
The price of ORION: Prelude is increasing on October 25, 2026 from $0.99 to $9.99.
The Ultimate Edition DLC will be retired on this day; unlocks will continue to work for existing owners.
NEW GAME(S)
New ORION project(s) are in development.
Join the Discord
https://discord.gg/cY5XHC3
Vote on Polls to provide feedback
Share with your Friends
Leave a Review on Prelude