Update 1.4.0 - Corona Challenges, 36 Checkpoints, Buildings...
This is a big update with some core changes to the game, focused on removing grind and adding new things to do.
Old saves will no longer work, though they aren't deleted and you can still play version 1.3.4, just follow the pinned post in the Discussions section of the Community Hub.
There's also a new gameplay trailer!
New Things
Corona Challenges!
A major gameplay addition are the new corona challenges. They can be started from any checkpoint, and they consist of 7 randomly spawned coronas that you have to collect in under 5 minutes.
Each unique completed corona challenge adds 10% bonus reward to all deliveries.
Corona challenge progress is lost when you crash or load a save.
The Gas Giant
A unique gas giant will be generated as part of each new world. Besides being a nice visual, it also provides ground illumination on clear nights.
Future updates will bring more clarity as to why you're flying a bush plane in the presence of advanced space-grade transport tech.
Trust me, it will make sense!
Buildings and Boats
There are now buildings near checkpoints on the ground and boats in the water.
Some water platforms are also in the form of aircraft carriers.
New Sky, Water, Music and Engine Sounds
Sky and water both look significantly better than before.
There's also no longer an ugly horizon line during sunset.
5 New musical pieces have been added, 4 have been removed.
Old music that stayed has been replaced with higher quality versions.
The engine sounds have been redone.
Gameplay Changes
There are major changes to existing mechanics:
The checkpoints have been reduced from 100 to 36.
The center of the map, where you start the game is now home. You can refuel for free there!
You can buy fuel while being in debt.
Weather is no longer better towards the middle of the map.
The weather is now always perfect in the first 2 days, regardless of difficulty.
There's ground effect! You have less drag when flying very close to terrain.
The goals for 100 deliveries, 40 and 100 checkpoints have been removed from the Travel List.
Going Forward
Storyline and Missions
I had prepared a linear story, but it doesn't fit the open-ended nature of Bush 1022 well, so I'll be working on some sort of a message / challenge / mission system instead.
Input System
The input system is also problematic when you have more than 1 controller. I'm still thinking of a good way to handle it without damaging the experience for Steam Deck players. This is also likely the key to solving the HOTAS integration as well. Anyway, an input system update will pop up at some point, I just can't give a timeline yet.
There are a lot of other things too, this is just in my head right now.
Thank you for the feedback and support!