Evochron Legacy 1.0408-1.0488 Updates...
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 5:26 pm
Version 1.0488 details are provided in a post below (length of this post is now too large for the forum software).
Version 1.0428 includes the following improvements:
- HUD docking/landing tunnel behavior near planet cities improved.
- Glass effect on civilian cockpits made glossy to better align with military spacecraft.
- AI traffic patterns updated to increase frequency of routes to main cities on planet surfaces.
- AI traffic patterns updated to be more varied and responsive with movement/activities in sector.
- Ability to consolidate and transfer matching commodity cargo in open space added (hold Alt key and left/right click).
- Option to adjust throttle level with mouse wheel at 10X added for mouse flight control modes (hold Alt key, then adjust mouse wheel).
- Save data output option updated to include vertical velocity, horizontal velocity, control input, and thruster output values (see customizing kit for details).
- Residual shield benefit could still be applied to certain station modules after a shield module was destroyed, now fixed.
- Default basic axis configuration for mouse pointer control updated to better distinguish between joysticks and gamepads.
- Default basic axis configuration for flight control updated to better distinguish between joysticks and gamepads.
- Location data received from NPC/AI pilots in ship-to-ship trades now automatically stored in map log.
- Improved city docking tractor beam holding system to prevent slow reduction in altitude while docked.
- Player's ship no longer has to be absolutely still to quick save while inside a carrier hangar.
- Docking zone indicator in stations and at cities scaled 2X for improved legibility.
- Nav map database updated to correct misplaced icon listing for an uncharted planet.
- Sensor range for target scanner (2500) now displayed with item description.
- Verification step added for right click deleting map log entry.
- Verification step added for jettisoning cargo.
- New option to rename map log entries added.
Notes:
The game can now better detect certain control device conditions for a basic default axis configuration. Pitch and yaw are now configured uniquely for the first two axis channels depending on the class of device, whether joystick or gamepad. The new system also includes the addition of roll control to axis channel 3 while throttle remains unbound, leaving it controlled by keyboard/mouse options and open to mapping by the player as may be desired. This will help set basic default axis mappings for joystick users and gamepad users, particularly for the mouse pointer control mode (when the player wants to use their flight control device to control the mouse pointer). But it also works for a default setup the first time the game is launched. The player can still select a preferred alternate device control profile in the Axis Configuration menu, manually map controls as desired, or activate a non-controller flight mode as well. The changes in this update simply provide a default basic axis configuration that's better relevant for the preferred device being used (the top listed device in Windows). If you've already mapped controls, these changes won't effect any existing control configuration since they only apply if the configuration files don't exist and the game is creating them for the first time based on what it detects.
You can now consolidate and transfer commodity cargo while in open space, you no longer have to dock at a station to move things around. Simply hold the Alt key as you would when docked earlier, then left or right click on the matching commodity types you want to consolidate/transfer.
New verification steps have been added by player request to the map log entry deletion and cargo jettison option. These options now require two clicks to complete and a text prompt will be displayed after the first click to verify if you want to complete the action. The relevant button will also change color to red before the second click as an additional alert and in the case of map log entries, to verify which entry is ready to be deleted.
If you receive location information for discovered planets or cargo containers from NPC/AI pilots in ship-to-ship trades, the information is now automatically stored in the map log. If you want to delete this information, simply open the map log and right click on the entry you want to remove twice.
The new rename map log entry option lets you change the name of an entry while viewing the log. Simply click on the 'Rename Entry' button, then click on the entry you want to rename. The naming prompt with then be filled in with the original entry name and you can use backspace to remove characters and change the listing as desired. Press enter when finished.
Version 1.0418 includes the following improvements:
- Station attack alerts in multiplayer now include name of attacking player in message log.
- Dedicated contract objectives added for terrain walkers (survey, plant sample, and lost item recovery).
- 3D item description icon for terrain walker now constructed from modules in memory for optimal loading performance.
- Server programs updated to display station attack alerts in message log (including new addition of the name of attacking player).
- Smoothing now standard across all texture detail modes for softer light reflections and higher detail appearance.
- Particle cannon weapon range and damage level tapering updated to align better with indicated MDTS range value.
- Scenarios that could result in parts of a nebula cloud or planet ring being left behind during training fixed.
- Radar display mode 1 horizon plane separated from base texture image and is now a fully 3D rendered surface.
- Energy score displayed in shipyard now includes higher base capacitor level for military ships in value.
- Target MFD detail mode ship orientation tracking indicator also updated to render as a full 3D surface.
- HUD target direction indicators updated in VR to remain locked to a fixed orientation (player request).
- Issue that could cause faction ID mismatches in cooperative delivery contract in multiplayer fixed.
- Default VR depth scaling and head movement scaling adjusted based on player feedback (see notes).
- Collision system added to plant structures, including potential damage for higher speed impacts.
- Pitch ladder depth reduced to better align with gunsight depth and render ahead of lens flares.
- Compass cylinder 3D position updated to better align with menu frame in experimental VR mode.
- Waypoint placement updated to better account for potential planetary defense ring conditions.
- 25% pay bonus notification line moved to below contract pay line to avoid overlapping.
- 25% pay bonus notification added to relevant planet side missions in war zones.
- Radar range and mode controls enabled for terrain walkers.
- New mesh structure and texture for terrain walker cockpit.
- New mesh structure and texture for jump gate object.
Notes:
The server programs will now display attack alerts in the message log. The name of the attacking player will also be displayed (and recorded in the server message log). When an alert is logged, it will display the sector location of the attack, the faction of the attacking player in brackets, the name of the attacking player, and finally the faction of the module being attacked in parenthesis.
For radar display mode 1 and target orientation indicator, the new horizon plane 3D surface also has a new additional dedicated index for its texture. The filename is 'ccpitblue1c.png' and details are included in the customizing kit. The horizon plane has been made into a full 3D rendered surface to better align with the 3D sphere in the experimental VR mode.
The new default values for the experimental VR system are 3.4 for 'EyeDistanc', 3.4 for 'HeadMScale', and 0.4 for 'VRUIScale'. So if you want to adjust those further, simply make changes to any vrsetup.txt file you may have in place. And if you want to restore the original values for any reason, they are 1.0, 1.0, and 0.5 respectively.
Particle cannons now have an increase of at least about 80 meters to their range. This helps them better align with their indicated MDTS locking ranges. Some custom weapons may have over an 80 meter increase, depending on their previous MDTS locking range values. So overall, particle cannons can now shoot a little farther and should better line up with their locking ranges. They can also now shoot a little past their MDTS locking distance, but not by much and their damage effectiveness can deplete when over the MDTS limit.
Since smoothing is now standard across all texture detail modes, the 'High + Smoothing' option has been removed from the Options menu. More objects in the game now also have smoothing applied for a more unified appearance between various structures in the game. A new 'Surface Smoothing' option has been added to the texture detail menu that will still allow you to turn smoothing on or off as may be desired.
Version 1.0408 includes the following improvements:
- Ability to import a custom global asteroid mesh added (see customizing kit for details).
- Ability to import custom station/city module meshes added (single player only, see customizing kit for details).
- Military cockpit design updated to move upper canopy strut lower (below compass and console menu) and to add side struts.
- By player request, AI traffic and guidance systems updated to allow hostile ships to more frequently arrive near player in disputed and hostile systems.
- Rate of potential non-contract battle scenarios in disputed systems increased (including friendly and hostile ships jumping in for reinforcements).
- Low light visibility mode updated to additionally apply illumination to asteroids and metallic structures rather than terrain only.
- Fix for an issue where terrain walker step sounds could align with music volume rather than effects volume after switching views.
- Dedicated HAT control modes for game control devices now align with indicated device ID in configuration menu.
- New black hole effect (layered swirling accretion disk with dark center) and extended gravity field.
- Directive 88 in custom quests now clears any quest object left behind automatically.
- Altimeter updated to align with navigation distance scale factor.
- Dedicated sound option for disruptor effect added (s4c.wav).
- Heat alert indicator updated to be more visible.
- Aurora borealis effect added by player request.
- Lighting effects and visibility improved.
- Collision system added to jump gates.
- Improved MFD transition effect.
Notes:
The new aurora borealis system is designed to render with unique colors based on atmosphere type and provides an animated movement effect. If you would like to try your own custom textures for the effect, see the customizing kit for details.
For those interested in using over-sized DPI scaling values in Windows 10 (over 100% in display properties) rather than an aligned 1:1 pixel scaling (100%), one of the 'Locked (FS)' screen modes is recommended. When using the default 'Optimized' full screen window mode, the game will attempt to submit/adapt to an over-sized scaling level, which can look strange (blurry, low detail, etc) on some configurations. Using a locked screen mode will force the game to use a 1:1 scaling factor, even if the desktop scaling level is set to something else in Windows 10. As a result of the benefit of using locked screen modes with over-sized scaling conditions, the locked screen modes are no longer highlighted in red in this build.
To retain the original large value altitude readout scale level, simply create a text file name altitudemode.txt and place it in the \hud folder (you'll need to create one if you haven't already) within the game's install folder.
Update 10-11-2016: An update is available which should fix any instance of a 'runtime error 118' that may occur rarely on some systems when trying to launch the game from the main menu. I only had three reports of the issue after the original update rolled out, only one of which provided specific line number details and followed up with me. So it was a difficult issue to pin down and solve over the last 24 hours. But with the help of the one user who encountered the problem and provided details, I was able to locate the problem and sort it out in a quick update. Most users will likely never run into the problem, but for any that do, simply re-download the game if you are a direct customer (link in your registration e-mail) or if you are a Steam user, the update is live on their service as well.
Version 1.0428 includes the following improvements:
- HUD docking/landing tunnel behavior near planet cities improved.
- Glass effect on civilian cockpits made glossy to better align with military spacecraft.
- AI traffic patterns updated to increase frequency of routes to main cities on planet surfaces.
- AI traffic patterns updated to be more varied and responsive with movement/activities in sector.
- Ability to consolidate and transfer matching commodity cargo in open space added (hold Alt key and left/right click).
- Option to adjust throttle level with mouse wheel at 10X added for mouse flight control modes (hold Alt key, then adjust mouse wheel).
- Save data output option updated to include vertical velocity, horizontal velocity, control input, and thruster output values (see customizing kit for details).
- Residual shield benefit could still be applied to certain station modules after a shield module was destroyed, now fixed.
- Default basic axis configuration for mouse pointer control updated to better distinguish between joysticks and gamepads.
- Default basic axis configuration for flight control updated to better distinguish between joysticks and gamepads.
- Location data received from NPC/AI pilots in ship-to-ship trades now automatically stored in map log.
- Improved city docking tractor beam holding system to prevent slow reduction in altitude while docked.
- Player's ship no longer has to be absolutely still to quick save while inside a carrier hangar.
- Docking zone indicator in stations and at cities scaled 2X for improved legibility.
- Nav map database updated to correct misplaced icon listing for an uncharted planet.
- Sensor range for target scanner (2500) now displayed with item description.
- Verification step added for right click deleting map log entry.
- Verification step added for jettisoning cargo.
- New option to rename map log entries added.
Notes:
The game can now better detect certain control device conditions for a basic default axis configuration. Pitch and yaw are now configured uniquely for the first two axis channels depending on the class of device, whether joystick or gamepad. The new system also includes the addition of roll control to axis channel 3 while throttle remains unbound, leaving it controlled by keyboard/mouse options and open to mapping by the player as may be desired. This will help set basic default axis mappings for joystick users and gamepad users, particularly for the mouse pointer control mode (when the player wants to use their flight control device to control the mouse pointer). But it also works for a default setup the first time the game is launched. The player can still select a preferred alternate device control profile in the Axis Configuration menu, manually map controls as desired, or activate a non-controller flight mode as well. The changes in this update simply provide a default basic axis configuration that's better relevant for the preferred device being used (the top listed device in Windows). If you've already mapped controls, these changes won't effect any existing control configuration since they only apply if the configuration files don't exist and the game is creating them for the first time based on what it detects.
You can now consolidate and transfer commodity cargo while in open space, you no longer have to dock at a station to move things around. Simply hold the Alt key as you would when docked earlier, then left or right click on the matching commodity types you want to consolidate/transfer.
New verification steps have been added by player request to the map log entry deletion and cargo jettison option. These options now require two clicks to complete and a text prompt will be displayed after the first click to verify if you want to complete the action. The relevant button will also change color to red before the second click as an additional alert and in the case of map log entries, to verify which entry is ready to be deleted.
If you receive location information for discovered planets or cargo containers from NPC/AI pilots in ship-to-ship trades, the information is now automatically stored in the map log. If you want to delete this information, simply open the map log and right click on the entry you want to remove twice.
The new rename map log entry option lets you change the name of an entry while viewing the log. Simply click on the 'Rename Entry' button, then click on the entry you want to rename. The naming prompt with then be filled in with the original entry name and you can use backspace to remove characters and change the listing as desired. Press enter when finished.
Version 1.0418 includes the following improvements:
- Station attack alerts in multiplayer now include name of attacking player in message log.
- Dedicated contract objectives added for terrain walkers (survey, plant sample, and lost item recovery).
- 3D item description icon for terrain walker now constructed from modules in memory for optimal loading performance.
- Server programs updated to display station attack alerts in message log (including new addition of the name of attacking player).
- Smoothing now standard across all texture detail modes for softer light reflections and higher detail appearance.
- Particle cannon weapon range and damage level tapering updated to align better with indicated MDTS range value.
- Scenarios that could result in parts of a nebula cloud or planet ring being left behind during training fixed.
- Radar display mode 1 horizon plane separated from base texture image and is now a fully 3D rendered surface.
- Energy score displayed in shipyard now includes higher base capacitor level for military ships in value.
- Target MFD detail mode ship orientation tracking indicator also updated to render as a full 3D surface.
- HUD target direction indicators updated in VR to remain locked to a fixed orientation (player request).
- Issue that could cause faction ID mismatches in cooperative delivery contract in multiplayer fixed.
- Default VR depth scaling and head movement scaling adjusted based on player feedback (see notes).
- Collision system added to plant structures, including potential damage for higher speed impacts.
- Pitch ladder depth reduced to better align with gunsight depth and render ahead of lens flares.
- Compass cylinder 3D position updated to better align with menu frame in experimental VR mode.
- Waypoint placement updated to better account for potential planetary defense ring conditions.
- 25% pay bonus notification line moved to below contract pay line to avoid overlapping.
- 25% pay bonus notification added to relevant planet side missions in war zones.
- Radar range and mode controls enabled for terrain walkers.
- New mesh structure and texture for terrain walker cockpit.
- New mesh structure and texture for jump gate object.
Notes:
The server programs will now display attack alerts in the message log. The name of the attacking player will also be displayed (and recorded in the server message log). When an alert is logged, it will display the sector location of the attack, the faction of the attacking player in brackets, the name of the attacking player, and finally the faction of the module being attacked in parenthesis.
For radar display mode 1 and target orientation indicator, the new horizon plane 3D surface also has a new additional dedicated index for its texture. The filename is 'ccpitblue1c.png' and details are included in the customizing kit. The horizon plane has been made into a full 3D rendered surface to better align with the 3D sphere in the experimental VR mode.
The new default values for the experimental VR system are 3.4 for 'EyeDistanc', 3.4 for 'HeadMScale', and 0.4 for 'VRUIScale'. So if you want to adjust those further, simply make changes to any vrsetup.txt file you may have in place. And if you want to restore the original values for any reason, they are 1.0, 1.0, and 0.5 respectively.
Particle cannons now have an increase of at least about 80 meters to their range. This helps them better align with their indicated MDTS locking ranges. Some custom weapons may have over an 80 meter increase, depending on their previous MDTS locking range values. So overall, particle cannons can now shoot a little farther and should better line up with their locking ranges. They can also now shoot a little past their MDTS locking distance, but not by much and their damage effectiveness can deplete when over the MDTS limit.
Since smoothing is now standard across all texture detail modes, the 'High + Smoothing' option has been removed from the Options menu. More objects in the game now also have smoothing applied for a more unified appearance between various structures in the game. A new 'Surface Smoothing' option has been added to the texture detail menu that will still allow you to turn smoothing on or off as may be desired.
Version 1.0408 includes the following improvements:
- Ability to import a custom global asteroid mesh added (see customizing kit for details).
- Ability to import custom station/city module meshes added (single player only, see customizing kit for details).
- Military cockpit design updated to move upper canopy strut lower (below compass and console menu) and to add side struts.
- By player request, AI traffic and guidance systems updated to allow hostile ships to more frequently arrive near player in disputed and hostile systems.
- Rate of potential non-contract battle scenarios in disputed systems increased (including friendly and hostile ships jumping in for reinforcements).
- Low light visibility mode updated to additionally apply illumination to asteroids and metallic structures rather than terrain only.
- Fix for an issue where terrain walker step sounds could align with music volume rather than effects volume after switching views.
- Dedicated HAT control modes for game control devices now align with indicated device ID in configuration menu.
- New black hole effect (layered swirling accretion disk with dark center) and extended gravity field.
- Directive 88 in custom quests now clears any quest object left behind automatically.
- Altimeter updated to align with navigation distance scale factor.
- Dedicated sound option for disruptor effect added (s4c.wav).
- Heat alert indicator updated to be more visible.
- Aurora borealis effect added by player request.
- Lighting effects and visibility improved.
- Collision system added to jump gates.
- Improved MFD transition effect.
Notes:
The new aurora borealis system is designed to render with unique colors based on atmosphere type and provides an animated movement effect. If you would like to try your own custom textures for the effect, see the customizing kit for details.
For those interested in using over-sized DPI scaling values in Windows 10 (over 100% in display properties) rather than an aligned 1:1 pixel scaling (100%), one of the 'Locked (FS)' screen modes is recommended. When using the default 'Optimized' full screen window mode, the game will attempt to submit/adapt to an over-sized scaling level, which can look strange (blurry, low detail, etc) on some configurations. Using a locked screen mode will force the game to use a 1:1 scaling factor, even if the desktop scaling level is set to something else in Windows 10. As a result of the benefit of using locked screen modes with over-sized scaling conditions, the locked screen modes are no longer highlighted in red in this build.
To retain the original large value altitude readout scale level, simply create a text file name altitudemode.txt and place it in the \hud folder (you'll need to create one if you haven't already) within the game's install folder.
Update 10-11-2016: An update is available which should fix any instance of a 'runtime error 118' that may occur rarely on some systems when trying to launch the game from the main menu. I only had three reports of the issue after the original update rolled out, only one of which provided specific line number details and followed up with me. So it was a difficult issue to pin down and solve over the last 24 hours. But with the help of the one user who encountered the problem and provided details, I was able to locate the problem and sort it out in a quick update. Most users will likely never run into the problem, but for any that do, simply re-download the game if you are a direct customer (link in your registration e-mail) or if you are a Steam user, the update is live on their service as well.