1.9 Beta 2

This year we've been working on a major release, and we've got a beta version for you all to try out.

Version 1.9 is designed to bring in new players by improving the initial experience, and cleaning up some of the original game mechanics. The result is a much more accessible and enjoyable game.

The beta version is accessible by selecting the NEXT branch on the Betas tab.

Here is a partial list of changes:

• Nears Stars Branch: The entire Near Stars region, including Sol, is now accessible from Stars of the Pilgrim (the core adventure).
  
  
• Difficulty Levels: When starting a game you can specify a difficulty level. At the easiest level (Story Mode) the player deals 10× damage and receives 1/10th as much damage as normal.
  
  
• Support for WASD Controls: When customizing the keyboard layout you can now specify WASD controls.
  
  
• Mining Improvements: Install a Miner's Cargo Hold to keep track of which asteroid you've mined. We've also added several new kinds of mining weapons.
  
  
• Salvage Autons: When autons are destroyed you can salvage the wreckage and repair them, which allows you to get more use out of them.
  
  
• Improved Game Mechanics: We've cleaned up some of the original game mechanics to make them more interesting. For example, donating to the Sisters will allow you to request fuel and repairs later.
  
  
• Improved UI: We've made improvements to many UI systems, including the long-range scanner, item enhancement, dock services UI, etc.
  
  
• Sung Capital at Jiang's Star: We've completely rebuilt the Jiang's Star system; it now contains the capital of the Sung Slavers.
  
  
• New Playable Ships: New ship classes, like the Helgoland, can now be purchased at shipyards.
  
  
• More Missions: We've added more mining missions, Ferian missions, and Commonwealth militia missions.
  
  
• Station Shops Sell Identified Items: Commodities Exchange no longer sells unidentified items.
  
  
• New Images: Updated and improved images for many ships and stations.