New Version Update notes:
The new version is now live! Windstone has been completely overhauled from the ground up. This isn't just an update to the game, it's a complete remake where nearly every aspect of the game has been revamped, many mechanics have been added and others have been refined or removed as deemed necessary for streamlining or put on hold for later refinement. Consequently, a list of patch notes as I had previously posted would be miles long and ain't nobody got time to read that.
Below is a summary of the most major changes that have been made.
The entire landscape has been altered and separated into 3 islands; The Mainland (a green forest climate), The Frozen Winter Island, and the Volcano Island. The overhead map has been removed until it can be remade.
Gameplay currently begins at one position on the south of the Mainland Island, instead of s random position. This area is bordered by new rock structures partitioning it from the rest of the island. New regions will be developed and accessible in future updates with more regions added over time. Windstone will remain seamless to these other regions. The borders will slightly change to allow access when new areas are developed. As of now, 10 regions are planned across the 3 Islands with subsequent major updates.
Caves have been added.
All tree models have been revamped with new leaf textures. Some plants have been remodeled.
All wooden huts have been removed and cabins have been added. These new cabins have working doors and windows, fireplaces and chimneys, beds, workbenches and storage containers and provide shelter from the rain and cold.
Rain is also a new mechanic. It currently does two things; rain makes it more difficult to light a flame and makes it easier to fill your water containers.
The main story lore has been changed and subsequently, the main character. You are a settler from Earth who has traveled to and crash landed on Windstone, a colony planet. The player character (and the new proxy character shown in the inventory menu) is a female human.
All clothing and armour models have been updated to accommodate the new model.
First person arms, weapons and armor have been updated to match the new character model.
There is now only one dragon egg. Once hatched, the dragon will remain a small hatchling until future updates. The dragon must be fed and and protected from enemy attacks. She can defend herself, follow you and drink from water when led to an open water source, but must be hand-fed raw meat. You can also give her water by hand.
The dragon model has been greatly improved with a new model and custom texture. She will follow you by looking at her and pressing T, or stay by pressing F. You can also pick up and carry the baby dragon hatchling on your shoulder. If you lose her or get too far away from her, you can press X to call her to you from almost anywhere.
A fire breathing attack has been added to the dragon.
Many changes and balances have been made to nearly all items and mechanics to make Windstone more fun and balanced.
Currently, there are many items you can pick up at the closest cabin to the starting area to help you get started. Overall the game difficulty is easier, but it is still challenging. The difficulty will increase with future updates and difficulty levels will be added.
Have fun playing Windstone and please help with feedback! Donations are welcome, but as this is a test version, feedback is priceless. Any feedback is great, but bug reports and suggestions related directly to current gameplay and mechanics are most appreciated and helpful.
Thank you.