The hosts of “Answer the Call” discuss Star Citizen 3.22 patch, expressing disappointment in the simplified structural salvage gameplay and changes to the Reclaimer ship, while acknowledging the opportunity for early player feedback and the potential for feature development. They also mention other updates, including new hairstyles, derelict settlements, and enhanced inventory organization, indicating progress towards more complex in-game systems.
The video “Answer the Call - Star Citizen 3.22 PTU: Structural Salvage, Settlements, and More” features the host and their co-host “Crony” discussing several updates and announcements regarding Star Citizen. They highlight that they are creating a dedicated YouTube channel for the podcast “Answer the Call” to separate the content from the host’s main channel. This move aims to give the podcast its distinct identity and is a result of a few months of collaboration between the host and crony. They urge viewers to subscribe and announce that future podcasts will be streamed live on the new channel in conjunction with Twitch.
A major focus of the discussion concerns the new 3.22 patch of Star Citizen, which involves the introduction of new gameplay features, such as structural salvage. Commenting on the state of the new update, they express that while it is stable, with few bugs and crashes, the structural salvage gameplay is relatively boring - essentially, it is too simple and quick compared to what some had anticipated based on earlier discussions by the game’s developers. Despite initial disappointment, the duo recognizes that the release timing aligns with the end of the year and the upcoming vacation time for the developers, allowing early access to new features and the opportunity for player feedback.
The feature of structural salvage came across differently than expected by veteran community members. Many had envisioned a more hands-on, skillful, and unique process involving the use of a salvage claw on the ship Reclaimer. Instead, the current iteration involves a less interactive method that essentially mirrors mining mechanics, which has led to community pushback. Developers have responded to the community by stating that the simple mechanic was introduced early for feedback purposes, with plans to develop the feature further. The host and co-host discuss that while the implementation is not exciting, early feedback is essential for the developers.
One particular ship, the Reclaimer, central to salvage operations in the game, has been affected by the patch in such a way that it has become more of a solo ship than a multi-crew vessel due to its internal cargo mechanics following the update. This change has been a point of contention for the hosts because it has altered the intended gameplay dynamic. They discuss potential solutions and adjustments that could be made to re-balance this aspect.
Apart from salvage mechanics, the hosts touch on other features introduced in the 3.22 patch. Newly designed hairstyles have been added, improving character customization despite some uncanny results when paired with older character models. There are also new derelict settlements and cargo boxes that players can now buy and fill, which offer increased organization for in-game items. This ties into a larger framework of crafting, trading, and inventory management enhancements. Despite some of the patch’s features feeling incomplete or placeholders for deeper systems to come, the hosts express excitement over seeing concepts demonstrated during CitizenCon start to manifest within the game.