Where we've been We launched in July of last year, and started development on the Steam project a bit over a year ago once we received Greenlight support. The game was based off a project that we had started developing on and off in 2010, but since we launched on Steam, players have been seeing a game being build pretty much from the ground up. Doing Live development was not new to us, but this was the first time we started it so early in the process and we have to say that it has been very rewarding for the team. Though we have had a couple moments where we have been slow to get new updates, the response we have gotten both positive and constructive criticism is exactly what we were hoping. The Present We have the core game elements now functional for our Faction Wars system, including base mission mechanics, economy system, mech customization system, persistent balance of power map, squad management systems and our core mech functionality, and basic AI functionality. The game has come a long way, but we know that some of the systems are still rough (i.e. Mech movement, AI functionality for SP and online support, and visual fidelity). So for our next part of the journey and to live up to expectations set by ourselves and all those whom have and continue to support us we are taking steps to improve in these areas. The Road map Though we are not putting dates on the roadmap at this time, we can tell you we are already working on several of these items. As we get close to implementation we will be sharing details. - Updated AI systems and Single Player -- The current AI system is receiving updates in the next couple patches to make SP and MP games involving AI bots a more competitive experience. -- We will be updating to a new AI system that allows us to bring to the game a more compelling SP experience, along with bolster AI support of Faction Wars missions. - Engine updates -- Updates to visual Fidelity to bring in line with modern game engines -- Physics and animation system updates -- Updates to hit detection - New Gameplay modes for MP and SP missions - New customization's -- New equipment pieces (repair bots, ammo stations, radar jammers, etc...) -- New ammo system allowing you to purchase ammo per weapon -- New torso and legs combos - Cross platform support. We will still be pushing a Linux branch client out that does not support the Steam overlay. As we work toward updating our visual fidelity and adding more AAA features we will be working also toward a fully functional Linux and then Mac Client. The Team Many do not know that Max Gaming is a fully functional game studio whom has been part of development of well over 50 titles across mobile and PC games over the last decade. We are mainly funding development of DHMC ourselves with help from EarlyAccess. With the focus now shifting to bringing more Polish to all aspects of the game we have been able to add more resources. Outside of adding a couple more programmers and a art resource, we have also asked one of our long time community members to join as to help with the community. We would like to welcome DeMyztikX to the team, whom will be helping us get the word out, be the point person on setting up community events and available to answer question on the forums. You should still expect updates to the game every 2-4 weeks, and we will be ramping up our community and public relations output over the next couple months. To join the conversation hit the forums: http://steamcommunity.com/app/266470/discussions To keep up to date join the official game group: http://steamcommunity.com/games/dhmc

[ 2015-06-26 20:51:39 CET ] [ Original post ]

WARNING: THIS GAME IS CURRENTLY IN EARLY ACCESS AND IS CONSIDERED IN ALPHA. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE DEVELOPMENT OF A GAME, PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE THIS ITEM. YOU WILL EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE BUGS, GAME RE-BALANCING AND PERSISTENT STAT RESETS DURING THE DEVELOPMENT PERIOD OF THIS GAME.

In the year 2210, fifty years after the start of the machine wars, the battle mech is the premier weapon of war. Standing over 35 feet tall and weighing up to 40 tons, these hulking behemoths are walking arsenals of firepower and armor that have no other rival in a theatre of war. As part of your factions Mechanized Corps, you will need to utilize your intellect to custom configure battle mechs that suits both your play style and the mission parameters as well as hone your skills and cunning as a pilot to survive

Play on your own or join the action online in a persistent warzone called “Faction Wars” that enables you to not only fight for domination over mission zones to earn unique unlocks and achievements, but also create and manage squadrons, and tracks player and squadron stats.

Dark Horizons : Mechanized Corps is the sequel to the 2005 Independent Games Festival Finalist “Dark Horizons Lore” reviewed on The Junkyard http://legacy.the-junkyard.net/reviews.php?action=viewreview&id=46.

Currently Implemented Features:

• Intense mech based combat. Unleash your firepower and tactics on your opponents. focus your attacks to localize damage to destroy weapons, equipment or even cripple and more readily destroy enemy mechs.
  
• Customize multiple mechs to suit different styles of play or mission types. Choose from 4 different mech classes, 41 different weapons and pieces of equipment, custom paint styles and colors and more. You can employ any of these saved configurations in-game as you play.
  
• Play any mission offline versus bots, in instant action mode.
  
• Or get into the action online against up to 16 other players (per mission)! NOTE: 32 players being worked on.
  
• Earn stats for leaderboards and achievement unlocks in a persistent game environment.
  
• Faction Wars, persistent online battle.
  
• Multiple mission environments, with 6 zones currently available.
  
• 4 games modes including Attrition, Team Death Match, Free for All, and Mini-nuke.
  
• Create or join a squad and fight together to take control of various mission zones online.
  
• Pilot progression through military ranks that also unlock faction bonuses.
  
• Implementation of 3 main factions (Federated States, Eastern Confederation, Overload Mercenary Guild).

NOTE: The Faction Wars system is currently still in development, but out first order of business after EA launch is to work on getting the persistent stats feeding into the online war map system.

Features that are in development

• 32 players for online missions.
  
• Addition of dozens of new and unique weapons and equipment to configure your mech with.
  
• More mechs for each class, providing additional unique configuration options to try out.
  
• Faction Wars, the persistent online war component will be implemented on a ongoing basis with features like:
  
  • Variable spawn points per mission based on which faction has control over that mission online and other factors.
    
  • Contract missions for mercenaries and faction pilots.
    
  • Co-op missions with special raid and recon missions.
• Deploy equipment in-game at various locations throughout each mission to construct bases that will help secure key locations and enable your team to take control of the mission against your opponents.
  
• Additional Game play modes like Siege, Raids, and Arena mode.
  
• Addition of new missions through out Early Access.
  
• Support for additional platforms (Linux/SteamOS/Mac).