After over 2 months and 2 major revisions, Mechanica's programming rework is finally complete!
Programming is Mechanica's most fundamental gameplay aspect, and I've put every effort into ensuring the new system is an objective improvement - I rewrote the entire programming system from scratch (twice) to get it right, and I'm really proud of the new system.
With that being said, humans are resistant to change, and I know some people will not be happy with such a big change. All I ask is that you keep an open mind - it'll take some getting used to, but I think you'll find that the new system is easier, faster, and more intuitive to use, whilst still being as powerful as the old system.
It'll be difficult to explain every aspect of the new system in text, so I'd encourage you to jump in game to see the new system for yourself. Here's the most notable changes:
- There is now a 'programming mode' in which all of your programming is performed. Toggle it by pressing caps-lock (by default).
- Functions, variables and events and now represented in world space by little round ports found on the associated object's model.
- When in programming mode, click and drag on the aforementioned ports to create a link. For variables, links replicate a value from one variable to another. For functions and events, they transport execution signals.
- For all advanced programming purposes, you use the newly added computers. These contain all of the advanced functionality (logic functions, math functions, timing functions, etc). You can lead links in and out of these computers.
Important info about this update
- This update includes a total rewrite of several of the game's major systems. The way programming functions, both from a player's point of view, as well as internally, is totally different from the old version. For this reason, games created on older versions of the game are not compatible with this version.
- You may notice a few objects missing. Most notably the Speeder and the Buddy-Bot. The Speeder is being replaced by totally customizable vehicles (see below) in the next update. The Buddy-Bot is being replaced with a much more capable and flexible robot in the near future.
- For the reasons listed in the first dot-point, creations made with the Creation Tool on prior versions of the game are not compatible with the new version.
- If you wish to keep playing with the old programming system, you will be able to opt-in to a 'Mechanica classic' version. You can do this by right clicking on Mechanica in your Steam library -> properties -> betas -> clicking on the dropdown. Keep in mind I will not be maintaining this version of the game going forward.
I've been running this update in open beta for a while now, and I think I've ironed out most issues. However, please expect a couple of minor bugs here and there - I'll fix those ASAP.
Tutorials
I've made the new system as intuitive as possible, but I understand programming can still be a little overwhelming at first. I'll be adding tutorials to the game within the next month or so.
What's next?
It's been a while since Mechanica has gotten new content, so that'll be the main focus for the next few updates. The next update will add mechanical objects such as pistons, motors, springs, etc. This will really open up the possibilities of what you can build in Mechanica. You'll be able to make your own cars, flying vehicles, elevators, etc.
The following update will include an entirely new map, as well as major graphics improvements, performance optimization, UI redesigns, and more.
Following that, I'll be adding some sort of core focus/objective to the game. I haven't finalized it yet, but I can guarantee it'll add some much-needed direction and progression to the game.
Thanks for the patience, everyone! I hope you enjoy the update.
Tyler
