V0.2.0 Release

Hey all - Tom here! 

I'll be honest, this update took far longer to release than we expected... But it's an exciting one!

We've reworked the rover physics controls, added the fancy new 'Research Database', created more seasonal event content to replace the previous Halloween content and done a fair amount more.

Let's jump right in to it:

Winter Festivities Content

With the success of the previous Halloween Update, we had to do something to bring in the Winter Festivities. 

Expect some cool vibes around the colony, with a chance of snow.

Our 3D artist, Leiona, has once again been the main driving force behind this festive visual content. Expect to see a range of festive scenes dotted around the planet.

Note: This seasonal content is only available for a limited time and will be removed in a later update. 

Audio Effects

This is by no means complete, but we have begun the process of adding audio effects to ROVA's world.

Expect to hear a few ambient sounds and bumps as you crash into the wilderness.

We'll be drastically expanding these soundscapes in future updates.

Reworked Rover Controls and New Model

Some players didn't like how 'skiddy' the rover felt, and I had to agree.

Fixing this issue became quite a journey, which resulted in me completely re-writing how the rover moves.

The new movement system is more 'physics driven', with dynamic bouncy suspension. 

It really emphasises turning, and I think it looks pretty cool.

You'll also notice our lil' rover has had a few visual upgrades, thanks to the new Rover model created by our lead 3D artist, Jack.

This new model made it much easier to add some additional animations, such as movement on the propeller whilst underwater, alongside a bunch of small and cute head movements. We have a lot of animation work planned for the future, so this is only the beginning.

Overall, this is a drastic, but hopefully welcome change.

We still imagine we'll need to do some fine-tuning to the controls, following player feedback. Please let us know what you think - it's a massive help!

Research Database

This update marks a pivotal moment in ROVA's development - the inclusion of the Research Database.

Previously, objects around the planet had simple names to aid photography quests, but that was about it. It didn't really feel like making 'discoveries'.

We've addressed that.

Everything.. literally everything on the planet is part of a database, that you can slowly expand as you make new discoveries. 

Want to know what something is? Take a photo, upload it to the Research Terminal and BOOM, you've got a new data entry.

All photos you take are added to the database, ready for you to browse at your leisure. You can even favourite the ones you like best, and view them in the favourites section! 

But that isn't all.. You can also download your photos to your PC! 

*Note: This used to happen automatically and got annoying fast. Choice is important! 

It's still early days for the database... We have massive plans to expand it in some not-too-distant future updates. It truly is the foundation we'll build upon for the next evolution of ROVA.

Ethan took charge of making this system and it's been a heck of a job. I can't thank him enough for his help.

Changelog

Controller Support:

[+] We officially now have Full Controller support for Xbox and Playstation controllers

[+] Better support for other types of controllers

[+] Added controller disconnect popup

Input Settings:

[+] Added Invert-Y look option to settings menu

[+] Invert-Y Setting should save and be remembered when re-opening the game

UI Changes:

[+] UI navigation improvements

[+] Integrated new Database and photo-browser with the Pause Menu

[+] Removed menu elements from the Research Terminal UI, that are part of the database

[+] Added a range menu transitions and animations

[+] Removed photo settings menu (can now save out pics from database instead)

Winter Festive Content (limited time event content):

[+] Added various winter themed props 

[+] Added 'snow' around the colony base

[+] Costumes for colonists

[+] Colonists now leave 'snowy' footprints

[+] Lighting changes around the colony base 

[+] Additional Festive changes to the colony when completing the 'Find tree-like Flora' quest.

Research Database:

[+] Added all world objects to the Research Database

[+] All photos are saved to a save file, instead of as jpgs on player PC's

     *Note: save files are overwritten upon each new game. Load functionality will be added to a later update.

[+] Player photos can now be viewed in the Database menu

[+] Player photos can now be saved to PC as .jpg images, from the Database menu

Environment:

[+] Added lighting overrides to Caves, which dynamically changes light colour, fog colour and fog density

[+] Various asset placement fixes

[+] Various collider fixes

[+] Added enter and exit effects to water

Player Rover:

[+] New rover model

[+] New physics-based movement system

[+] Revised camera system to work with new movement system

[+] Various idle and movement animations

[+] Various bug fixes

Audio:

[+] Added ambient audio whilst driving around

[+] Added ambient audio underwater

[+] Water enter / exit sound effects

[+] Collision effects added to a range of objects

[+] Balance pass on all volume (music is now slightly quieter overall)

Additional Changes:

[+] Disabled photos automatically saving to PC

[+] Lots of back-end changes ready for the next update (we promise they're there!)

[+] Various bug fixes

Community Feedback

Everyone at FreeRangeDevs would like to thank you all once again for your continued support.

Community feedback has always and continues to play a really important role in ROVA's development. 

If you do have any future feedback, the best place to share it is in the steam community forums.

Feel free to share your in game photos with any of our socials - We'd love to see what you discover!