It's been a few weeks since the last update so this one is fairly substantial. I'm putting this one out before voice over recording starts back up again and the work to get the first campaign put into the game really begins. The past two to three weeks have been mostly small updates and touch ups while writing for side quests has also gone on. This announcement will be part recap and part new stuff.

The Nemesis System

Perhaps the biggest addition to the WARMAP is the nemesis system. This system has a chance to spawn a nemesis enemy squadron at almost any time during a WARMAP scenario. It is currently using some place holder audio but character dialogue for the nemesis squadron is in the queue for recording. Your nemesis, Lancer Squadron.
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Third Person UI

A new Third Person UI is now available and can be toggled on/off at will. This UI provides a minimal amount of information to the player but should be more than enough to help with fighting and flying in the third person perspective.
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New Weapons

Two new weapons have been added to the game that use a completely new type of guidance system. The new guidance system is a Semi-Active guidance system and requires to the player to keep their selected target within the radar fan (ring of dashes surrounding the reticle) in order guide the missile to the target. Internal Weapon - Lazerov SAG-40 Morning Star - The Lazerov SAG-40 Morning Star is a semi-active guided high power missile that is considered a main stay in most arsenals. While less of the missile is carried due to its increased size, it also packs a harder punch than standard guided missiles.\n This is a semi-active guidance weapon that will require the user to keep the target in the radar fan till the missile impacts. Heavy Weapon - L&M Quantostorm S-AG Q-201 - The Lochland & Masters Quantostorm Semi-Active Guidance missile is an area denial weapon with a quantum cracking warhead that will toss around any enemy that it fails to destroy, and it destroys a lot. As it is a semi-active guided missile it requires the user to maintain the target within the radar fan. --------------------------------------

Tweaks to Countermeasures

Countermeasures have been tweaked to be more responsive. Additionally the descriptions for countermeasures have been updated to better explain each one. It should be noted that the modules in the outfitting screen aren't necessarily better than each other and that price balancing still needs to be done. Each of them is designed to be different and not necessarily better. --------------------------------------

Terrain Shading & Optimization

Additional tweaks to terrain optimization have been made across the board that should make planetary levels run faster. This also includes tweaks to how textures are rendered on the terrain by exerting better control over what details are visible based on distance from the camera. [previewyoutube=__m6BWbk53Q;full][/previewyoutube] --------------------------------------

Controls Updates

The FullSim control scheme now includes keybindings for the camera. There is also now a keybinding setup for Vertical Trim control that is available for all control schemes. --------------------------------------

General Fixes and tweaks

- The SA-50 Atlatl has had its cockpit camera position adjusted for better visibility of the radar instrument. - The Armored Colum scenario has been fixed to keep the scenario from breaking at key points and to allow for better timing of enemy spawns. - The Sol Confederacy Brigade Carrier has been touched up with some new artwork additions to the lower bay doors and interior. Additionally some parked vehicles have been added to both the upper and lower bay interiors. [previewyoutube=kwGcYlPz6eM;full][/previewyoutube] --------------------------------------

Physical Box Sets

If you've been following in the Discord then you might have heard that I've been working on physical box sets for Frontiers Reach. While I've managed to put together a few simple boxes for giving away I've also been working on something a bit more intricate for sale on the Frontiers Reach website. Below is a preview unboxing of what I am calling the "Black Box Set" [previewyoutube=zxTv017YEic;full][/previewyoutube] -------------------------------------- That's all for this update, the next update for Phase 2 might be a while still yet. The audio director who is getting all the recording done is currently out on vacation but is expected back in the next week or two. Writing for side quests will continue along with further quality of life updates and additional content as those things are made ready for release.

[ 2023-10-21 13:12:40 CET ] [ Original post ]