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Future Improvements

I wanted to take some time today to talk about the next update and some of the changes and additions you can expect. As of yet I don't have a good idea when the next patch will be available. There are some new mechanics I want to plug in to help with real world combat first, and its hard to tell if or when it will all come together.

Here is a list of some new changes I have been working on as well as a the new mechanics I want to add.

-Web based mechanics are getting shuffled around a little. I wasn't 100% satisfied with firewalls or the port nodes connected to them. I felt that the mechanic was more annoying than challenging, but with a little tweaking I got some satisfactory results. Here is a run down of the changes...
A. Firewalls are now assigned random power levels (1-5) and are no longer connected to port nodes for deactivation.
B. Port Nodes are gone.
C. Cyberdecks got a new stat: Breach
D. The Breach stat can be upgraded.
E. A Cyberdecks Breach stat is used to disable Firewalls.
F. The Breach stat is reset to its maximum each time you leave and return to a Blitz.
G. I.E. - I have the Nextech Modem 101 which has a breach stat of 4. The first Firewall I encounter gets a random power level of 2. I can use my breach stat to disable this firewall by using 2 Breach points. I am now left with 2 breach points for the current run. If the next firewall I encounter has a breach stat higher than 2 I will not be able to remove that firewall unless I exit the system and return.
-Computers will be pass code locked using the old port node/firewall mechanic. This will help retain the use of many programs that can be purchased to help decipher the pass code number needed to hack into a PC.
A. I.E. - When the player first accesses a computer they will be prompted to input the pass code number. This number is randomly selected. If the player has the appropriate software they will be given information (how much is based on the strength of the program) that can help them crack the pass code number. Once the correct pass code is entered the player will have unlimited access to that PC.
-Players will be able to change equipment during fights. There is a cooldown for this action.
-New music for certain areas.
-created 5 more mainframe maps to the random hacking list.

Ideas for new mechanics:

-Mercenaries and Mercenary work: There are random jobs here and there in Titan City already, but I want to add more engaging quests to the game that will allow the player to hire mercenaries that can help with jobs in specific ways. Mercenaries will be used in tactical situations and can provide different results depending on what their specialty is. Snipers will be able to eliminate pesky patrols, explosive experts can grant access to new areas or remove booby traps, an assault team can hold off reinforcements, and so on. The idea here is to pit a player against specific scenarios/situations and let them them choose how to approach it tactically by selecting their team and deploying them as they see fit.

This is all very academic at this point in time but it's my full intention for this feature to be in the demo. Think assault on a corporate building, police station, gang hideout or what have you. What kind of team would you choose? How much are you willing to pay for that team? Do you have enough Leadership skill to command that crack squad of 10 guys?

Hopefully you can find out in the next update.