In the latest devlog, LevelCap and his team unveil two new spaceships, the Pilgrim and the Load Star, showcasing advancements in the game’s layered material system and a dynamic damage representation. Additionally, the team is developing a data-driven mission system and working on a size six pirate battleship and modular space stations to enhance gameplay variety and efficiency.
In the latest devlog for the space game being developed by LevelCap and his team, two new spaceships are showcased, highlighting advancements in the game’s layered material system. The first ship introduced is the Pilgrim, a size three cargo vessel designed for players focused on hauling. While it is primarily a transport ship, it is equipped with two turrets and missile pods for defense, making it somewhat capable in combat. The ship features retro rockets for deceleration during landings, showcasing thoughtful design choices for gameplay mechanics.
The second ship revealed is the Load Star, a size one hauling ship that serves as an upgrade from the player’s starting ship. It offers enhanced capabilities with an additional turret and increased cargo and fuel capacity. The Load Star is positioned as a versatile option that allows players to engage in combat missions without being overly vulnerable, fitting into the game’s multi-role category of ships. The focus on ship design is crucial for the indie development team, as spaceships are central to the player’s experience.
The video also dives into the early stages of a dynamic damage system being developed for the ships. Unlike traditional decal systems that can be resource-intensive, the new approach utilizes a target painting system that paints an alpha channel in real time. This innovation allows for a complex and layered damage representation that can be saved permanently to the ship, enhancing the visual realism of damage in gameplay.
In addition to the ships, the concept artists are working on a size six pirate battleship and modularized space stations that will serve as mission hubs throughout the game. The design of the space stations aims to create visual variety by allowing different layers to be mixed and matched, providing a unique aesthetic for each station. The team is focusing on refining their workflow with smaller ships before tackling larger projects like the battleship.
Finally, Rich, a member of the development team, discusses the progress on a data-driven mission system that aims to efficiently handle a large number of missions without excessive coding. The system uses mission agents that offer quests to players, allowing for modular and scalable mission design. This approach enables the team to create diverse missions with reusable components, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. The devlog concludes with a shoutout to the community for their support and suggestions, inviting viewers to engage further through Discord.