Post by Space Borders on Aug 9, 2015 5:44:05 GMT -5
OK, thought it was time for a little progress report, so here it is.
Features:
- Lots of performance improvements. I've really taken apart the entire Sparrow Framework to improve performance wherever I could. Also, added an SD / HD switching system, that now allows the game to switch the textures from SD to HD and vise versa, with respect to the camera zoom. This greatly enhances performance when the player zooms out and lots of objects are on the screen at the same time.
- New intelligent memory manager. The game now has a new memory management module, which allows the game to throttle its memory profile when the user returns to the home screen. This largely increases the probability that the game will "stay alive" while running in background mode. Additionally, for lower end devices, the game automatically throws out all unused memory in-between missions, thus decreasing the odds of a crash due to low memory. Finally, on all devices, the game now handles low memory situations when signaled by the operating system, much better.
- All character icons during dialogs are now updated.
- New smooth background textures, the old ones were interfering with the foreground too much.
- Added a new bloom effect to the game. The game now detects the background color and draws a soft layer on top of all game objects, making it appear as if they are reflecting the color from their environment. This feature was requested by Yann.
- All ship and station textures are updated, only the alien turrets are still WIP.
- Sandbox aka "Builder" is now complete and working great.
- Intro video fixed.
- Added the confirm exit / restart dialog requested by three3pryme.
- 80% of Tutorial mission complete.
Bugs:
- Nasty scaled screen bug should now be gone for good.
- New clamping algorithm should not allow space stations that are slightly off screen to disappear suddenly.
- Fixed the freezing bug caused by the "WING" menu.
- Several Builder bugs fixed. I know, you haven't experienced those.
There is probably more, what am I saying, there is definitely more, but I can't think of it right now. Should really make a change log.
Features:
- Lots of performance improvements. I've really taken apart the entire Sparrow Framework to improve performance wherever I could. Also, added an SD / HD switching system, that now allows the game to switch the textures from SD to HD and vise versa, with respect to the camera zoom. This greatly enhances performance when the player zooms out and lots of objects are on the screen at the same time.
- New intelligent memory manager. The game now has a new memory management module, which allows the game to throttle its memory profile when the user returns to the home screen. This largely increases the probability that the game will "stay alive" while running in background mode. Additionally, for lower end devices, the game automatically throws out all unused memory in-between missions, thus decreasing the odds of a crash due to low memory. Finally, on all devices, the game now handles low memory situations when signaled by the operating system, much better.
- All character icons during dialogs are now updated.
- New smooth background textures, the old ones were interfering with the foreground too much.
- Added a new bloom effect to the game. The game now detects the background color and draws a soft layer on top of all game objects, making it appear as if they are reflecting the color from their environment. This feature was requested by Yann.
- All ship and station textures are updated, only the alien turrets are still WIP.
- Sandbox aka "Builder" is now complete and working great.
- Intro video fixed.
- Added the confirm exit / restart dialog requested by three3pryme.
- 80% of Tutorial mission complete.
Bugs:
- Nasty scaled screen bug should now be gone for good.
- New clamping algorithm should not allow space stations that are slightly off screen to disappear suddenly.
- Fixed the freezing bug caused by the "WING" menu.
- Several Builder bugs fixed. I know, you haven't experienced those.

There is probably more, what am I saying, there is definitely more, but I can't think of it right now. Should really make a change log.