Entheogen Studios is proud to announce immediate availability of the Zigfrak 1.5 Feature and Engine Mega-Update. Our first public update in over two years, this release is dedicated to Zigfrak's true cult following. We're here for you until the cold, bitter end. It's risky to change up so many things at once, but these are good changes. Zigfrak has grown up, but it's still as crazy as ever. If you encounter problems or have questions, please let us know. Since it is the future now, we're trying a pure 64-bit release this time. Chime in on the pinned forum thread if you'd like to comment about 64-bit releases. This is Backyard BBQ part one of two. These changes are intended to support the upcoming expansion content patch, eta mid-late 2017.

Changes:

ːflameː Too many to list. ːflameː Everything is different now. ːflameː Same creamy Zigfrak center. No, really, too many to list. See what happens when I even try?

• Retooled controls: Ship no longer tracks the camera; instead, the camera tracks your ship. Pilot mode and gun mode are the new default.
• "Recover" command: Applies duct tape, clears last chance, repairs items, launches decoys. Recover does whatever it needs to do to get you out of a hairy situation. Internal effects have independent cooldowns.
• Tech Specs: Talent Trees in space. Five trees, each with an action skill and host of abilities to choose from. Talent selection begins at level 15.
• Pets and pet-like things: You're not alone. As you progress through the game, your ship will start to accumulate a cloud of friendlies, flying in formation by your side.
• Equipped item changes: Some item types can only be professionally installed at a station, after discovery in the wild. The new Upgrades tab at participating vendors is a browsable catalog of these discoverable items. Essential items like weapons can still be swapped in and out at will, no professional installation required.
• Multiple save slots
• Bank is now shared across characters
• Another massive re-itemization. Items have been added, removed, and changed.
• Vendor stations now have "auto-sell", "auto-discombobulate" options.
• "Merciless" NPCs, and NPCs specced into talent trees of their own. Watch out.
• UI changes, apologies to people with small monitors in 2016.
• Kinetic damage bonus is now derived from physical force.
• Added ship-on-ship collision damage. Ramming speed!
• Added free system roaming; happy exploring!
• Rendering engine update, many graphical improvements.
• Campaign overhauled to integrate with systems changes. Tutorial content has been replaced.
• Literally thousands of other tweaks and improvements are not listed here.

Not Included

Finally, some stuff is *not* included, or not 100% finished. Please don't hold it against us too harshly. These remaining items are planned for the Backyard BBQ Content Patch, ETA mid-late 2017.

• Achievements
• Expansion content including playthrough+ and raised level cap.
• Finalized pet system
• Large ship control
• Partial controller support only.

About Saved Games

Existing saved games will be imported. Those who beta-tested can just keep on playing, there is no wipe. The Zigfrak 1.18 (2014 release) save file will be left unmodified, in case you need to roll back. The free demo has not yet been updated.

Thank You

Good hunting, we hope our game brings you some measure of blissed out space shootin' satisfaction. Sincerely, The Zigfrak Team Alex and Jess (aka Rustysniper)

[ 2016-11-19 19:24:16 CET ] [ Original post ]