So this whole announcement is going to be about the new island we've been quitely working on for the past couple months.
The current island has served its purpose.
It was the best we could do back then considering our team size and resources.
But thanks to the amazing support from y'all (thank you very much) we are now more than equipped to create something that better tells the Story of Volcanoids!
Before we get into the details tho, there are two BIG disclaimers:
1) First the boring old PR phrase "none of these represent the final product".
It's all one big work-in-progress from textures, to lighting, particles, even entire assets. So don't get hung up on the details. This is just to give you a rough idea of what's coming.
2) The new island is NOT coming in the next update. I'm talking about it now because more and more people seem to ask about it. I go into more detail about how we plan to release the new island at the end.
OK ROLL THE TEASERS!
Adranos 2.0
Scale
First, I would like to show you this snippet that nicely captures the scale of the new island. The island is going to be bigger than the current one.
But we're not making it bigger just for the sake of it.
We need to make it bigger so we can fit all the unique locations, events, and points of interests we want for you to explore and learn more about the story.
[previewyoutube=9ym7AkQmWlU;full][/previewyoutube]
Areas
If you paid a bit of attention, you'll know that the current island is divided into 3 areas.
The new island will be roughly divided like that as well but each area is going to be completely different now (like a new biome).
The first area is going to be looking the nicest. Lot of greenery, waterfalls, lakes, and so on.
Storywise, this is also going to be the part of the island where most people lived and where you'll start your journey.
Area 2 however, is going to look noticably different from that.
Taking inspiration from Yellowstone, this area is going to have lots of geysers, toxic lakes, damaged nature with the occasional patch of greenery.
Storywise, this is where a lot of the minning took place.
[previewyoutube=vuMvjWVwNGI;full][/previewyoutube]
Area 3 is going to step it up even more.
So much so that the working title for it right now is "MORDOR" because, I mean, look at it.
For this part of the island we draw inspiration from the Saint Helen volcano because its eruption ripped through the side of the mountain. That's why this area is going to look the most devastated with lava flowing everywhere.
[previewyoutube=hHC--jdrQms;full][/previewyoutube]
Caves
The new island is going to have many different types of cave systems.
Each offering different events, points of interests and challenges.
The first type will be closest to the surface and therefore have lots of light, waterfalls and sun rays piercing through the ceiling cracks.
Some you'll even be able to access on foot.
[previewyoutube=IgGm_kS4RCg;full][/previewyoutube]
The next type of caves will be in medium depths with main charasteristics being low visibility, high environment and toxic atmosphere.
You will need a gas mask in order to survive in these types of caves.
[previewyoutube=CqONCTgpk5Q;full][/previewyoutube]
Located the deepest will be the darkest and most dangerous caves.
We're talking small lava eruptions, extremely hot temperatures, falling rocks, and more.
Heat resistant suit will be required to withstand the atmosphere in these.
[previewyoutube=86a6g3NGayM;full][/previewyoutube]
Boss Caves
There are also going to be specialzed caves with bosses that I'm saving for upcoming teasers.
So stay tuned!
All I'm gonna say now is that the lava lasers you had to face now will be nothing in comparison to the boss caves that await you on the new island.
Here's a little sneak peek at an entrance to one of those:
[previewyoutube=Oid0JpIamLQ;full][/previewyoutube]
COG Tech
Bunch of new enemy tech will be introduced on the new island for you to sabotage.
Like the excavator.
Or this refinery rig and many more.
Human Ruins
Having proper cities that tell the story of how the humans lived on the island is a massive priority.
Here's a snippet of one of the cities we're working on so you get a sense of how much more complex they'll be compared to the current ones.
[previewyoutube=-Hzi85pSqiQ;full][/previewyoutube]
Since all the houses are going to be destroyed on the surface level we plan to make up for it with a robust underground system with sewers, tunnels, basements, caves - all connected.
That way you will be able to sneak around undetected and safe from the eruptions.
The Plan
To achieve the level of polish and complexity we want, we won't be able to release the entire island all at once anytime soon.
But at the same time, we do get that you guys are hungry for some new locations to explore.
So the current plan is to release a couple more updates focused on other parts of the game to keep the regular updates going while we simultaneously get the first chunk of the new island ready for you.
Once it's ready the new island will be introduced and you'll be able to explore that first chunk of it.
Then we will keep releasing more parts of the island in the subsequent updates till the whole thing is released.
-FAQ-
If you got any questions, drop them below and I'll continually update this section.
And watch out for those teasers!
- Rich
EDIT:
Q: Will you be able to access the old island once the new one gets released?
A: Yep, you will definitely be able to access it in some way.
Q: Will you add a driveable vehicle to move faster around the island?
A: Some smaller vehicle (like a motorbike) to drive around the island is planned. But likely won't make it in the game before the new island is available.
Q: Do you have any estimate for when the first chunk of the new island will be released?
A: Doing our best to get it ready by Q1 of 2024. Will keep you updated.
