AI War Beta 4.028 -- The First Light of the Spire Beta -- Released!

[x4000]

Yeah, those Hunter/Killers are actually a base-game feature, not for LotS.

I coded those in and got the art all ready before 4.0 even came out, but the logic for when to spawn them is tricky and so I backed off that, not wanting to introduce any instabilities right before release.  The concept is that when the human players set up a killing field or bottleneck planet that is too effective, the H/Ks come in and do a sweep of it.

Basically a different sort of de-blobbing agent, this one about defenses rather than offenses.  The tendency for players (including myself) to cower behind a single powerful planet that is the gateway to all my other planets -- or even a string of such planets -- is far too risk-free at the moment.


Oh, by the way, getter77: I meant to respond.  At the moment, we're not planning to start preorders on Alden Ridge until we have an early alpha to release.  I want to make COMPLETELY sure that we'll be able to develop that product out to the point of actually releasing something before I take anyone's money for it.  Most likely that won't be until March or even slightly after, at best.  So you'll have plenty of time to recuperate from the holidays.

[getter77]

Oh, by the way, getter77: I meant to respond.  At the moment, we're not planning to start preorders on Alden Ridge until we have an early alpha to release.  I want to make COMPLETELY sure that we'll be able to develop that product out to the point of actually releasing something before I take anyone's money for it.  Most likely that won't be until March or even slightly after, at best.  So you'll have plenty of time to recuperate from the holidays.

A bold move, but rather interesting as a showcase of intent and faith in the designs of all heaped upon the secret workbench.  Certainly will have to scrounge capital together for it, hopefully via employment, though that's quite a gap of activity offhand calendar wise.

That being as it is though, thanks for a Fantastic 2010 assortment Arcen Games---from all the AI War stuff, to Tidalis, and now back to AI War again it has certainly been a wild ride with this Expansion a classy note to sound out the end of the year on.   

[Volatar]

Yeah, those Hunter/Killers are actually a base-game feature, not for LotS.

I coded those in and got the art all ready before 4.0 even came out, but the logic for when to spawn them is tricky and so I backed off that, not wanting to introduce any instabilities right before release.  The concept is that when the human players set up a killing field or bottleneck planet that is too effective, the H/Ks come in and do a sweep of it.

Basically a different sort of de-blobbing agent, this one about defenses rather than offenses.  The tendency for players (including myself) to cower behind a single powerful planet that is the gateway to all my other planets -- or even a string of such planets -- is far too risk-free at the moment.

That sounds totally awesome. I look forward to getting those in a patch after LotS.

[KingIsaacLinksr]

I am so pre-ordering this expansion as soon as my next paycheck clears.  Sounds like Defender mode will sate my thirst for Turret-defense games, even though it isn't.    Which makes me happy either way. 

Very excited about all this, but I still haven't played 1 single game of AiW to the finish yet!!  (Not since 3.2 anyway)  Darn you Real-life and your interfering ways!!! 

King

[Giegue]

I think you should include at least 1-3 new player ships (ie, both bonus and unlockable included in this catagory). it wouldn't be an expansion pack without at least one.


also: I think you should call the new class dreadnoughts. or maybe have a ship named dreadnought... idk. something.

[Lancefighter]

[23:17:25] <Lancefighter> spire needs a flagship of sorts. Lets call it a dreadnaught.
[23:17:26] <Lancefighter> >.>
[23:17:33] <keithLaMothe> you guessed it

only moderately taken out of context, dont worry.

[Vinraith]

I notice that with the new LotS beta Hybrid Hives start "on" be default in the game setup. That's probably not good for new players.

[zebramatt]

I've noticed that all my starting settings get muddled about after an update...

[Ozymandiaz]

Awesome! \o/


Looking forward to this.

[superking]

the.. the Everything AI? I have a baad feeling about this

[Ozymandiaz]

the.. the Everything AI? I have a baad feeling about this

Too bad i gotta travell for a few days, the next comming days might be very fun testing

[x4000]

I notice that with the new LotS beta Hybrid Hives start "on" be default in the game setup. That's probably not good for new players.

That should only be based off your previously having had it on!

I've noticed that all my starting settings get muddled about after an update...

I think some of that was due to the trial mode being on and thus disabling things like complex ship types.  But, if you either disable the expansion before going into the lobby, or unlock the expansion before going there, it shouldn't do that.  Let me know if that's not what you mean, though.

[superking]

can we get gaurdian fabricators? I want my own MK V flak gaurdians 

[x4000]

Hahaha.

No, probably guardians will always be AI-only (it's just scarier that way -- and easier to balance), but the humans have some goodies of their own coming, too, that the AI will never or rarely get.

[zebramatt]

I've noticed that all my starting settings get muddled about after an update...

I think some of that was due to the trial mode being on and thus disabling things like complex ship types.  But, if you either disable the expansion before going into the lobby, or unlock the expansion before going there, it shouldn't do that.  Let me know if that's not what you mean, though.

It's altogether possible that's what it was, and it didn't do it this time, so it's all good!