In the latest Star Citizen Week in Review, host Salty Mike recaps the significant updates and events that occurred in the week of October 22, 2024, including the release of patch 3242, gameplay experiences in the 4.0 EVO test, and highlights from CitizenCon 2024. The patch 3242 faced issues upon release, with multiple hotfixes needed to address ongoing problems, including a broken refueling system and radar clutter. Despite these challenges, players were able to engage with various missions and explore new ships added to the in-game shops. The patch aimed to test the “Save Stanton” event, which unfortunately did not function properly.
The 4.0 EVO test provided players with a glimpse of upcoming features before CitizenCon, but Salty Mike expressed concerns that this timing detracted from the excitement of the event. The test included a thrilling jump experience from the passenger seat and exploration of newly designed environments, such as the Ghost Arena. However, Mike felt that showcasing 4.0 before CitizenCon did not generate sufficient hype and may have been better suited as a post-event reveal.
At CitizenCon, the first day featured a panel titled “Brave New Worlds,” which introduced impressive technological advancements in the game, including new biome data sets and enhanced environmental interactions. While the visuals were stunning, Mike felt a sense of emptiness as the focus seemed more on showcasing technology rather than providing concrete gameplay experiences. The panel also highlighted improvements in AI behavior and sound effects, but Mike expressed a desire for more playable content rather than just visual demonstrations.
The panels continued with discussions on social features, including a new friends list, party systems, and organization updates. Notably, the game will introduce a guide system and enhanced chat features, mirroring functionalities found in other MMOs. Additionally, the “Dress to Kill” panel introduced new armor customization options and the concept of raid bosses, which generated excitement among attendees. However, Mike noted that some panels lacked in-depth details, leaving fans wanting more information about the game’s future.
The second day of CitizenCon focused on crafting and base-building mechanics, which Mike found particularly promising. The introduction of blueprints and resource management for crafting items and structures was well-received, although he remained skeptical about the feasibility of these features given the current state of the game. The final panel discussed the long-term vision for the game, including large-scale PvP and the potential for player-built space stations. While Mike felt a mix of excitement and skepticism about the ambitious plans, he emphasized the importance of transparent communication from the developers moving forward. Overall, the event left him eager for future updates but aware of the challenges that lay ahead for the game’s development.
