Dev Log #53 :: Colonist Improvements

Howdy Folks,

In the previous dev log I went over the various features currently in development and what is planned for future updates. Below are some the things to expect in the next update.

Harvestables

Harvest-able underground plants are being added to offer more early game food variation. Currently these are existing plants that will be obtainable underground instead of only surface side, but I am looking into adding some new harvest-able products as well.

A new harvest mechanic is being added that works in a similar way to mining and deconstruction. Select naturally occurring plants to be harvested by the botanist.

World Generation

The addition of naturally occurring underground plants means changes to world generation, but there are some larger changes than just that. I’ve completely reworked world generation to offer new starting conditions and map variation.

I have three core goals for world generation changes.

Firstly I wanted to update world generation to make the maps a bit more visually interesting and better reflect the aged facility that the player starts in. This includes adding more structure such as rooms connected by hallways, doors and an improved look to aged walls and other parts.

Secondly there will be far less available resources than in the currently generated maps. This is not meant to drastically increase early game difficulty, but to better balance available materials and off more interesting game progression.

Finally, early game progression is being reworked. Something I generally enjoy in this genre of game, is starting with little to nothing and building up from there. In that vein I’ve taken out the starting elevator, power and bio-refiner. Initial structure resin will come from deconstructing the aged facility. Early game power generation is still being worked on, but I have a few ideas in mind that I’m currently testing out.

These changes will first come to the test build branch. Additional changes/tweaks will occur based on feedback.

Updated Colonists

Something that has been on the to-do list for a while now is updating the look of colonists. This is something I’ve tinkered with on and off, but didn’t like the progression or direction it was taking, until now.

New artwork for the male and female colonists is coming. The base models and outfits are just about done. The characters are being finalized and animations are in progress.

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Thank you to everyone playing Mercury Fallen and for the amazing feedback.