Hello captains,
We want to give an update on our current plans for the future of Vanguard Galaxy.
If you've been following our updates most of this won't be new to you, but we feel that its good to emphasize our dedication to the project. And specifically to some important features that we want to add sooner rather then later. Over time we have built quite a long list of our own wishes for what we want to add to the game mixed with your feedback. So we needed to prioritize and this update is a result of that. :) We are very happy with how the game is progressing and are even more happy with all of you giving feedback. Don't let this stop you from giving feedback and bug reports. We appreciate all of you and your ideas a lot!
Currently a beta version is available in Steam, which you have to actively select for the game in order to play it. The current plan is to give this beta another few weeks to a month to mature and get ready for the merge to the live branch of the game.
This version of the game currently adds:
The beta introduced crew in the form of deckhands, miners, salvagers, gunners and marines that each have their own strength, giving the ship they crew a relevant bonus.
Crew can also be used to enter other ships and if successful claim the ship as your own for a material cost. Or you can scrap the ship to gain materials needed for a better target.
They can also be used to infiltrate installations scattered across the galaxy in different forms. Industrial Stations, Military Outposts and Research Stations are just a few examples. You can enter these and find all kinds of loot there.
The Dry dock also serves as the new facility in the space stations to facilitate Hull upgrades for your ship and as a longer term goal the option to increase the rarity of your hull, making it possible to push the hull upgrades even further.
This beta we also introduced a way to lure impressive bosses to the system you are in and if you manage to kill them they will drop some interesting new loot. With these bosses a bunch of new weapons were also introduced, like the Corropult that leaves corrosive damage over time areas in your wake. Or the Cryo lance that freezes your enemies with a constant beam of ehm, freezing cold stuff.
Besides all these changes we remain focused on bugfixes, performance improvements and quality of life features.
The story currently stops halfway into the conquest area, so it will pick up where it stopped to setup the entry for the next area that will be introduced. There might even be some interesting technology uncovered here, Fast travel is already quite helpful to get around quickly. But we do want to expand the quick travel options even further.
Destroyers are already in the game, so a logical next step is the big brother of these ships. A big step up again and an even bigger challenge to try and engage in combat.
Ever wanted to hold on to those beautiful smaller cutters and make good use of them? Now you can, place your own size 1 ships in a carrier and let them loose on whichever target you please.
We want to make sure the game can be enjoyed in full as soon as possible, we really want the player to enjoy the entire levelling process. The max player level cap right now is 60, but we want to get this up to 100. Restrictions to levelling further will not be hard capped and the player will be able to push as far as possible, with the goal to reach infinity. The existing map will become bigger and more areas will be added. Maybe we will find out where Meridia's Chosen have their base of operations...
It is currently possible to hire a mercenary, this has been introduced as a very first iteration of how fleet mechanics can work in Vanguard Galaxy. When fleet mechanics land you will be able to train your officers to become captains in your fleet. With the players ship as flagship and your new captains at the helm of ships selected from your own collection.
With proper fleet mechanics we will also introduce RTS controls and formations.
Set up supply lines to ferry materials from one space station to the next. Manufacture products that can be shipped to a location of choice where it can be sold or used for the next product in line. Build your own spaceships and spacestations to increase your dominance. Rather then support a faction of your choosing, become your own faction in the expanded conquest that will engulf the whole galaxy.
The current beta will introduce battlecruiser sized ships (size 6), but we want to go further. Get ready to captain even bigger ships...
Expeditions that allow you to chain different activities into a longer campaign
Increase the opportunities for all ship sizes by adding size restricting portals
A robotics skilltree that will enhance the utility of deployable turrets and gear
Expansion of the torpedo systems to expand the utility of this weaponsystem
Further upgrades for the captain and officers
Economy/Trading improvements
Salvage space stations
ECHO improvements
More mining/salvage weapons and expanding upon these systems
More worldbuilding, story and lore
If you made it all the way here, thank you for reading :) And we thank all of you for following, playing and enjoying Vanguard Galaxy.
Join the Vanguard Galaxy Discord
Cheers,
Bat Roost Games