In Devlog #39 of C-Beams, the development team showcases significant advancements, including a VFX overhaul, a new targeting system, improved AI, and a revamped settings menu, all in preparation for an internal demo. They also introduce new ships, a tutorial system, and dynamic music to enhance gameplay, while encouraging viewers to wishlist the game on Steam and join their Discord for updates.
In Devlog #39 for the spaceship game C-Beams, Level Cap discusses the significant progress made by the development team, which now includes Rich and a growing community team. The focus is on preparing for an internal demo, showcasing various new features such as a tutorial system, a visual effects (VFX) overhaul, a new targeting system, improved AI logic, and a revamped settings menu that allows players to adjust graphics settings in-game. The team has also been working on new music tracks to enhance the gaming experience.
The VFX overhaul is a major highlight of this update, with the addition of a new team member, Will Janette, who is reworking the thruster effects, bullet firing visuals, and explosions. The thrusters now have a more realistic gaseous appearance, and the rocket engines feature a gradient falloff and blue flames. The ship explosion effects are also being improved, although they are still a work in progress. The team is excited about the visual enhancements that Will is bringing to the game.
Level Cap introduces several new ships designed for different roles within the game. One notable ship is a multi-role vessel named “The Fenic,” designed to handle various tasks such as cargo transport and combat. Another ship, “The Jackal,” is a size one multi-role ship equipped with missile pods and designed for combat. Additionally, the team is developing smaller NPC fighters that will serve as enemies, adding to the game’s diversity in ship types and combat scenarios.
The development of a new settings menu is also underway, allowing players to adjust frame rates, display resolutions, and enable features like DLSS and FSR. This new menu is still being refined but has already proven useful for testing various game effects in real-time. The tutorial system is another key focus, aimed at teaching players how to engage with the game effectively. The team is learning from testing sessions, as players often approach the tutorial with unexpected strategies, highlighting areas for improvement.
Lastly, Level Cap discusses the introduction of dynamic music composed by Peter Chambers, which enhances the gameplay experience. This new music system features complex logic that triggers musical layers based on in-game events, creating a more immersive atmosphere. The team has been working hard to meet demo goals and plans to shift focus to performance optimization in the future. Viewers are encouraged to wishlist C-Beams on Steam and join the Discord for ongoing updates.