[img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/80f0a5d8ee8572d09c2b2d9c19abc03e8e31002b.jpg[/img] Welcome to another edition of the Hostile Mars dev log! Going forward, you can anticipate a monthly dev log update, scheduled for the first of each month. [h1]DEVELOPMENT[/h1] We've been hard at work experimenting with a wide range of enemies, turrets, traps, and weaponry, and this phase of development has been an absolute blast. Our primary goal is to elicit that "Wow, that's incredible!" reaction from our players, inspiring them to explore and utilize game mechanics in innovative ways while contending with hordes of robotic adversaries. [h2]Magnet Gun[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/281f13f59991714c1ffa9057dc2a493e89d63ec6.gif[/img] One exciting addition to our arsenal is the Magnet Gun, a versatile tool that generates a magnetic field along its aiming axis. This magnetic force can be employed in numerous strategic ways, such as pulling groups of enemies together, launching them into deadly traps, or simply slamming them into the Martian surface for maximum impact. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. [h2]Magnet Trap[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/f9c37a62cde6aa1f24cf3eacae270576c397ddbb.gif[/img] We've also integrated this magnetic mechanic into one of our traps, allowing players to efficiently group large numbers of adversaries, setting the stage for epic battles and creative strategies. [h2]Boss Design[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/f0807e7d5e27334ff163be23bec604bd993c82ce.gif[/img] We're also diligently exploring ways to make boss wave encounters a truly unique and captivating experience, steering clear of the typical "bullet sponge" enemy archetype. Given our focus on the "massive amounts of enemies" pillar, you can expect the boss battle to integrate this element in an intriguing and innovative way. Stay tuned for some thrilling surprises! [h2]Obstacle Course Testing[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/b047e82c5ce3a9d1c79d215d2496c9b06e1677dc.gif[/img] The previous bots would override their velocity and thus could ignore bumps or be completely stopped in awkward positions, but it resulted in unnatural movement and would occasionally cause them to go through walls. Now that they are properly using physics though, it’s possible for them to get stuck against steps. So, we’ve been observing and testing solutions to help them be more dangerous >:) It turns out that having them perform a small jump when they detect being stuck is really effective. As a bonus it gives them some funny personality, don't you think? [h2]Status Effects[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/467a93aeb0f7d647d5539cacaabeed3d43aa8f45.gif[/img] Leveraging the modularity of the new system, we’re extending the base behavior of the bots with status effects. Starting with a slowed and stunned effect which is already being used by traps. Additionally, we made a couple to disable the physics and entire behavior to manipulate the enemies with weapons and traps. More will be made as we work on the traps. By the way, the Orb bot has been updated to the new system as well. [h2][b]Breakout Mode[/b][/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/0415b6387bf579dd1537c2e79e1aa99b693d5075.gif[/img] We’ve also brought back the behavior of attacking structures when the enemies can’t path to the core, they’ll still try to come as close as they can, but if they come across walls, traps, or any other building they’ll angrily lash out on it. [h2]Build Mode Improvements[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/a6c72714ad16f663e9723a0de5c39c63bc7c1306.gif[/img] Players now have the ability to go into an inspect mode while in the build mode which allows them to drag over an area to select placed items. The UI changes to now show a list of all selected item types and the amount selected. From this mode, the player can choose to remove all selected items or only remove items of a specific type. We have more plans for how the player can interact with the world in this mode in the future but that will be covered at a later time. [h2]Featured in Unity Unite Keynote[/h2] Hostile Mars received an exciting spotlight at Unity's annual Unite conference, and it's truly thrilling to witness our game take center stage and generate buzz among gaming enthusiasts! [previewyoutube=6nGhPmMQ13g;full][/previewyoutube] [h1]ART[/h1] During November the art team has continued working on new enemy designs and assets that will populate the world. Check out these enemy concept art pieces: [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/b72d577ce8188e50b1ddf665458326217648dddc.jpg[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/d059312512dfd6d79911b3e6b70c05a476c62456.jpg[/img] And some early testing of the combining bot enemy type. This enemy will be able to combine, forming a bigger and more powerful adversary. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/af110f3c067ae81cea83a401b1724398ec0dcaa2.jpg[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/a1cf6e20f757536b0cae8038b5cf205d3dda6083.gif[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/38753232/5cec12b3272feac96e04fcdd8d2b9192ec0ce8ce.gif[/img] That's it for this dev log. Remember, moving forward you can expect a new one on the first of each month! If you want to keep up with development, join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/Xd88eF8Teg Take Care, -HM Team