Beta 11 X7 Update

Time for the fourth X7 update :P. Technically two of them were silent Steam-specific updates, so I didn't even announce those, but this one's bigger, big enough to 1) get its own post and 2) break saves.

I would normally just fold all this stuff into X8, but if you've been hanging around on the Discord you might know that X8 is going to be a pure experimental build, one that has a whole new fabrication system that may not survive into future builds if it doesn't work out, so we first need a clean feature cutoff including all the other stuff I've already been working on these weeks.

As this is just an update to X7, there are no major new features, mostly just some little stuff, although you can try out the new map comments interface.

Directional Explosions

Technically this release does include a new mechanic, although not yet with a whole lot of applications to be discovered. One weekend we were joking around on the patron Discord about directional explosions, rather than having it expand equally in all directions out to the radius, and I couldn't resist the temptation to experiment with this idea. So it's already been added in this release, and I'm sure some of you will find it eventually ;)

Here's an example of what I mean, demonstrating a 270-degree explosion (this one's not actually in the game):

Changelog

Aside from what was mentioned above, this update is more about modifications rather than new stuff. I've once again updated the included full Beta 11 changelog (which is getting ridiculously long now), but here are the differences from the previous update:

• NEW: 2 new parts
• NEW: 2 new encounters
• NEW: Map commenting mode (toggle via Shift-Alt-c)
• NEW: Adjustable interval for map comment reminder highlights (advanced.cfg: mapCommentHighlightInterval)
• NEW: Added new trait to a particular A0 bot
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Additional situations with more dialogue lines (total = 710)
• MOD: Pop-up label for item immediately expires if picked up by any robot
• MOD: Hunter-deployed drones self-destruct if parent assimilated
• MOD: Reworked cargo convoy interception response
• MOD: Manifest also lists A-27 Freighter contents
• MOD: Buffed top-tier quantum rifles
• MOD: Door autohacking utilities also work on those requiring manual unique codes
• MOD: Active Sensor Suite 0b10 alert accumulation rate changed from per-turn to once per-robot
• MOD: Updated Active Sensor Suite effect description with more details
• MOD: Dirty Datajack also works on Cutter variants
• MOD: A bots have weapon shielding
• MOD: Non-explosive projectiles reaching max range no longer affect open ground
• MOD: Lowered saw volumes
• MOD: Command garrison composition adjusted to reflect new dispatches
• MOD: Parts produced via preloaded Fabricator schematic now automatically identified on completion
• MOD: Stats of individual parts cannot be opened directly from robot schematics
• MOD: Map export images filename prefix seed uses text form rather than number
• FIX: Crash on Recycler inserting part into Recycling Unit while still labeled from when on ground [Vectis]
• FIX: Hostile Workers could be hacked to dismantle otherwise indestructible machines [Vectis]
• FIX: [Pay2Buy mode] Was still possible to obtain storage units through some indirect means [Salamander]
• FIX: "A New Friend" achievement was only awarded if not using a datajack [Rathori]
• FIX: Quickloading while in targeting mode remained stuck in that mode unless using F2 to toggle cursor
• FIX: Dirty Datajack description was missing Heavy class
• FIX: Earlier Beta 11 prerelease broke Hardcore achievement detection
• FIX: Scoresheet Best States "Relay Coupler Types"/"Relay Coupler Value" entries reversed

Get Beta 11 X7 210923a

On Steam, Beta 11 X7 210923a is located on the new beta branch "beta_11_x7_2" accessible with the code "YaulerGonnaDie", or if you don't have Steam and bought through FastSpring and would like to try the DRM-free version, send me an email at gridsagegames@gmail.com to be added to the Beta 11 cycle notification list. (Anyone already on the list will receive an email with a new link.)

Saves are not compatible with previous releases.