Hello everyone, happy Steam NextFest!
It has been a stellar few days so far. I have gotten a lot of feedback that has helped me fix a tonne of issues with the demo.
Here’s an update on all the changes to Dereliction 2022 in the past few days:
So, let me start by mentioning that this demo is in pre alpha, and the actual game is way off. I have so much that needs to get done, or fixed.
The reason I put this demo up for the Festival is to get the amazing feedback that I have gotten, fix any and all issues that come up, and continue to work on the game.
Thank you to everyone who has tried the demo, added it to their wishlist, streamed the game and posted comments. It means a lot and helps so so much.
Control changes:
There is no throw weapon button - Picking up a third weapon will drop currently equipped weapon
Call / send Vanth is now separate from use button - currently bound to Space bar, Right thumb stick button, and Dpad Up. Im testing out the options to find what works best.
There were some issues with PC controls too. Long story short, It should play a lot better, and feel a lot better.
Quick tips in loading screen:
To help cover some of the mechanics of the game easier, I added some tips to the loading screen. I know it’s not the perfect solution, but hopefully it will help until I improve the layout of the tutorial and starting area.
The loading between levels is also a bit faster.
Hud and UI:
I’ve tidied up the UI, and made sure that everything looks a little cleaner and sharper. Especially at higher resolutions. The compass also got a much needed overhaul.
My computer has been giving me frame issues, and I may have oversimplified the art, files, etc, trying to fix this. I will be adding more quality options for those who have faster systems that can run the game with the shadows, the SSR, ambient occlusion, and such. I will also have some color and gamma settings in the near future to work with the different screens that everyone has.
Also, theres been improvements to when the player picks anything up, the past 5 messages (like picked up Rifle ammo) It works a lot better. I still need indicators for when the player has max ammo or grenades, etc.
Tutorial area:
I am trying really hard to keep the tutorial quick, easy, and skippable. If the player already knows what to do, it can be done in less than a minute. That’s for whatever reason they would have to do it again, for example if they lost all the settings, or its on a different system etc.
There are more prompts for the player to go the the elevator. This is where the actual game is. And the entrance area is mostly there as a safe environment for the player to start in, figure out the controls.
A lot of polish has been put into this area, first impressions and all. Theres a few things that aren't covered there yet. But, its getting that everyone is able to get past the intro, and into the actual game now. Which is great!
All in all, I feel that I have made some great progress, thanks to everyone who pointed out any issues or confusion they were having.
The game now is way different than it was just 2 days ago, and I hope that everyone likes the improvements. And those who didn’t like the demo as it was, I hope that they can give it another look!
Thank you again, I hope this wasn’t too long of a rant. I will continue to work on the demo throughout the Festival and after.
If you have any questions, comments, criticisms or ideas, here is a good place to post them. I will read them all and get back to you!
Cheers,
~SALT_
