In Devlog #25 of the Unreal Engine 5 spaceship game, the developer showcases the introduction of an AI-controlled ship that can move and engage players in combat, along with a new sophisticated light system that enhances the game’s visuals. Future plans include a mechanic for disabling enemy ships for looting, aiming to add depth to gameplay and strategy.
In Devlog #25 of a spaceship game being developed in Unreal Engine 5, the developer shares exciting advancements in gameplay and mechanics. The introduction of the first moving and firing AI-controlled ship marks a significant milestone, allowing for the testing of new combat theories. Additionally, the developer highlights new assets contributed by a community member, including a sophisticated light system that enhances the visual appeal of the game’s environments, such as the asteroid base with dynamic landing lights.
The developer explains the technical aspects of the new light system, which was designed to be both performant and flexible. This system utilizes sprites with special scaling and dithering to minimize anti-aliasing issues at a distance. The developer also showcases how these lights can be easily integrated into the spaceship models, allowing for features like blinking lights during emergency conditions. Furthermore, a custom ribbon renderer was created for missile engine effects, enhancing the visual fidelity of the game.
One of the most thrilling developments is the implementation of a moving AI ship equipped with a weapon and movement brain. This ship can patrol a path until it detects the player, at which point it will engage in combat using missiles. The developer demonstrates a mock battle, showcasing the challenge of dodging incoming missiles while attempting to close the distance for an attack. The AI ship drops cargo upon destruction, adding a new gameplay loop centered around resource collection.
The developer discusses plans for future mechanics, including a system for disabling enemy ships. The idea is to allow players to dock with disabled ships to loot them, rather than destroying them outright. Although the current implementation is still in its early stages and requires refinement, it opens up new possibilities for gameplay and strategy, especially in scenarios involving multiple enemy ships working together.
In conclusion, the developer expresses excitement about the progress made in AI integration and the potential for more complex fleet maneuvers in the future. The ongoing development will focus on balancing and refining the AI systems, alongside designing the foundational looks for the spaceships. The developer invites viewers to follow the project more closely through their Discord channel and devlog playlist, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of game development and the continuous evolution of the project.