Hello Ectypes!
Today the triple-i initiative starts, where we, as a small independent studio, have been honored to part of their showcase! So check it out here!
With that, I thought I’d share a few words on the state of things, taking a breather from trenches we are currently in, churning away at a very exciting update 4!
We acknowledge Update 3 was a stepping stone update with some compromises we weren’t proud of, but it did move us closer to our three goals.
So what are those three goals? I’ve been itching to share, so let’s go over them - here’s a few words on the three biggest topics we are bringing to the next big update (in addition to all the in between stuff, of course)
1. Roguelite Endless Mode
It’s been teased previously, but after an internal play session yesterday I can just say … wow - it just clicked (well, someone else said it, but I agree!). True, there’s much work left, and the following updates will definitely include more work. It’s taken us some time to get here, and being a small studio and all, we've been a bit hesitant to just jump in with both feet ... until now.
But as the community already has vocalized: This is what the game has been missing. So thank you for helping us make what feels like the right choice.
Note: We may discontinue the “old” pilgrimages and the concept of unlocking blueprints in the fabricator (via Player Ranks that is), but for update 4 we will support both the new and old experience, even if the old is relatively “limited” in comparison. The final decision will of course depend on the reception (For example: Is everyone just playing the Endless now?)
The endless run will likely have a disclaimer in line with:
Also, after completing an objective in the Endless mode, you get a care packge with goodies of your choosing!
2. Perks & Roles
Another topic on our most wanted list has been making the characters feel more unique, each with their own ability and customized perk selection for some meta game madness.
So the next big update will include 4 new “active” abilities and the first array of perks, one column for each role (Engineer, Gunner, Pilot, Scavenger). Now the sweet thing here is players can multi-spec perks, so no need to stick to one column! So do you specialize down one tree, or go wide to become jack of all trades?
And my favorite Ectype ability so far - the Scavenger's GRAPPLING HOOK!
3. Social drama
As mentioned in my previous blog, there is the very important social aspect. We’ve already sneak peaked on a few things - including the Ectype-C02-Panic-Exhaust, allowing Ectypes to move slightly when panic occurs in vacuum, more tactile feeling with repair hands ingame, and the dear Salute to praise METEM ... or even getting those flappy ectype arms to behave with Inverse Kinematics!
But, today I’d like to reveal another one of our “immersion” social features we’ve been working on: "ingame contextual voice alteration" (in lack of an official name yet!). Of course still some work left, but here's a video snippet LINK. (Disclaimer: Though this might not be for update 4)
[previewyoutube=bb6O4FZZRxk;full][/previewyoutube]
Closing words
To close off, we will take our time to ensure we have more time to test and bugfix. It’s Early Access, yes, but we’ve found that people’s tolerance varies a lot - and all we want to do - duh - is give our players the best possible experience. Don't worry - Update 4 is coming very soon, and we can't wait to get it in your hands!
Don't forget to comment, like and head over to our discord and share your ideas in the Feedback channel :)
Until the next rambling ...
// Daniel, Creative Director
Hutlihut Games
