EPTOurs will be the UI. As much as the gameplay is ready (though I will elaborate on the changes we are still implementing), the UI is really missing something:
Not implemented yet:
-Friend List and messaging view (this is not high priority as it is not beta critical)
-Game Ending view
-Option View
-Display stats in main view
Need polishing:
-Minimap framing
-Game Event Notification to the player
-Building interface
-Building highlight and action buttons
-Upgrade View
To keep myself focused, I've decided to start streaming.
We are still trying to keep the schedule and release beta in two weeks... If it only was for the UI.
Our recent play testing showed that simplifying and simplifying our gameplay has lead the game lose the pacing of the conflict. Players would feel that the begining of the game would go on forever, and they would only refuel, build refueling station, refuel... Not interesting.
While all this is nice and all, we are relying on the power of team play and strategy... Sadly, it all come far too late and refueling is gimmicky.
We decided to remove fuel mechanics all-together and make it a clear classic HP bar, fly all you want, now, conflict will decrease HP and instead of refueling, you will repair. Same core mechanic, yet 100 times more interesting for the player.
Exploration is a tough one to get right and well, let's cross fingers and hope for the best. Because our next big play test is with a big publisher (The good kind of publisher).
So come follow the progress over my stream
http://www.twitch.tv/0x64
And as a little extra, read the interview of our lead artist:
http://andromeda-blue.com/?p=2892
