The video is a talk between Richard and I about the current state of JP and what we believe to be the best course of action for improving the game, which is overhauling Monolith 1.
A summary of the video
Having completed my playthrough of Junkpunk, It is clear that there are fundamental changes that need to happen in order to improve player experience. Designing and developing a Monolith 3 update which does nothing to solve the root issues will do nothing to benefit gameplay.
That's why although it will be frustrating for some of you to hear, we are pushing back Monolith 3 in order to iron out Monolith 1 and 2.
For now the focus is on the current rework of Monolith 1, followed by a similar overhaul update to Monolith 2, of which then we will progress with Monolith 3 once the foundations of Junkpunk have been cleared up.
There is a lot to be excited about! Multiple areas of Junkpunk will be getting content adjustments, additions and even some removals, all to benefit the game in ways that I and us at SCT see fit.
Here are the major changes that will be coming in this update
Not including the many more minor tweaks that will be implemented.
A full overhaul of the activation process within Monolith 1
- Removing the Biological Key
- Removing the entire farming aspect of the scrap (and NWR) Tier
- Introducing a new, more atmosphere relevant key to replace the biological key
- Adding an "Activation specific" Item that can be found somewhere on the island for the new atmosphere key.
- Bringing in a unique quest line to find said item.
- New areas, buildings, and places to explore within the island.
Reworking the game intro
- A fully redesigned start of the game, removing the crash site and replacing it with a new location.
- Revamped tutorial, one with far clearer instructions and prompts.
- Changing the tutorial so the player goes directly to Monolith 1 first, so they can start building their factory there instead of another location on the island.
- A continuous tutorial/quest line to help guide the player all the way through Monolith 1.
UI Overhaul
- Complete rework of the player & object inventory UI.
- Addition of a sort button to chests and inventory.
- Changes to the upgrade station to make items clearer in purpose.
- Redesigned item icons.
- Many other small QOL changes to improve gameplay.
New Content
- Introduction of a "Scrap Drone." A resource harvester in the scrap tier.
- The Scrap Drone will come with its own unique tier 1 crafting & deposit station.
- Removal of the Scrap Laser Machines
- Introduction of a "Scrap Recycler." An object that converts items back into their base resources.
- A complete overhaul of the health and player power system, combining the two into something new.
- More extreme environmental visuals to improve world ambience.
And much more to be excited about!
There is a lot to clean up in Junkpunk and I think these changes will set JP on the path to reaching its full potential. This is all part of my plan to tackle the games fundamental issues and I think it will really help. This also means that Monolith 2 will eventually get the same treatment, there are other gameplay issues surrounding that so when the time comes, Monolith 2 will likely get an even bigger overhaul with similar changes.
Once the way has been properly paved, Monolith 3 will come! With a whole new host of exciting content!
Thanks to you all and have a good weekend.
Russell
