CitizenCon 2953 showcased exciting developments and upcoming features for Star Citizen, including demos of the Pyro system, detailed stations, and updates to FPS gameplay. The event highlighted new mechanics, such as ship repair and tuning, reputation-based access, and manual effort for Quantum jumps, while also revealing new ships and showcasing the impressive progress of the single-player game, Squadron 42.
CitizenCon 2953 took place recently, showcasing exciting developments and upcoming features for Star Citizen. The event included live gameplay demos of the Pyro system, which had been previously promised but is now closer to release. Pyro introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the need to fight fires on board ships using fire extinguishers, and the importance of engineering teams for repairing and tuning ship components. Larger ships may also become immune to fatal damage from light fighters, adding more diversity to combat scenarios in the game.
The event also highlighted the detailed stations within the Pyro system, where combat can potentially occur, including social areas. Reputation with specific gangs will play a major role in accessing different areas, gear, and mission givers. Sneaking through ventilation systems will be an option if players have a bad reputation with certain factions. The level of detail in the environments, interconnected modules, and maintenance shafts was impressive, giving players new options for infiltration and exploration.
FPS gameplay received significant updates, including the addition of a compass for better on-foot navigation and mapping functionality. The scanning system allows players to detect enemies through walls, creating a risk and reward dynamic. Reloading from backpacks was introduced as a more realistic and tactical option. Master modes were also showcased, offering different ship gameplay experiences and increasing the time to kill in combat, leading to more balanced and skillful fights.
The new mechanics for making Quantum jumps require manual effort and skill to keep the ship within the quantum tunnel. Quantum boosting enables shorter jumps but requires constant control. Base building and player-controlled industry were revealed as new features, providing players with more meaningful ways to spend credits and create personal goals. The Squadron 42 segment and trailer were particularly impressive, showcasing the beauty and final polishing phase of the single-player game. Finally, new ships were unveiled, including the RSI Zeus and the Polaris, adding even more excitement for the upcoming year of Star Citizen.
Overall, CitizenCon 2953 showed off a wealth of exciting developments and features that will enhance the Star Citizen experience and give players even more variety and gameplay options in the future.