February Update - What once was old is new again

As promised, we're back in the swing of things with another monthly update. Last month, we looked at the new art assets within the maps. This month we'll be looking at renovated sections of previous maps. The mappers have been hard at work with the test team to solidify better and balanced game play. Along the way, we'll explain in some detail, the changes and why they have been made. Also, we'll feature the new look of Fortress.

First up, the new alternate route in Assemble. This was included into the map for not only aesthetically changing the map from almost completely symmetrical to less so, but also to improve the balance. The first objective in Assemble went through heavy testing, and could use a small addition of another alternate route to make things a bit easier for the attacking Punk team. This specific area enters on the left side of the Punk team's route to the eventual goal and comes out overlooking the automated weapon producing assembly line.

The changes to Fortress, although not game play changing, have been quite astounding. TwiNCannoN has gone through and overhauled textures, added extra lighting and detail, changed HDR, plus included a new skybox. The newest feature on the decorative change list for Fortress is the inclusion of an even bigger effect of the Reactor explosion. More of the office area is torn to shreds when this beating heart of the facility comes down! The inner spawn control room requires high-end technology to keep the facility's security system running, and has also gone through a change of scenery. The Deltawave Punks now have more cover and a better looking area in which to fight with the Corporate defenders over this spawn control room.

Finally, we take a look at the changes in one of the most controversial areas of our first release Vaccine. The airlock has always been a subject of criticism from all forms of players, and after heavy testing, has gone through a minor, yet game play-dramatic change. In making the airlock bigger, it is less susceptible to heavy barrages of grenades, rockets and other weaponry with wide area of effect. It also gives more room for players attempting to sneak into the core room to hide. Windows have been added to the outside of the airlock so that the opposing Punks can get a feel for what terrors await them inside.

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We hope you enjoyed the small update, and hope it was as satisfying for you to read as it was for us to develop. Next month, we'll be taking a look at the changes of two of our upcoming maps, Exodus and Injection since last year's July update. Look forward to the pod cast interview next week where we discuss with the mappers their changes, and information about the maps!