The New CCT
This video is the first time we’ve shown a “big guy” character model being created, with all of the morphs, including some new ones. Of course, we’re using the more advanced character model we revealed in July.
This video is also the first one in which we’re showing the powers selection feature in the CCT, including multiple primary and secondary powersets with several powers in each powerset. Not all of the named powers are fully developed with unique icons and descriptions yet, but this footage provides a strong indication of our progress to date. SoH has about 50 fully completed powers, and we are steadily increasing that number. Completed powers include damage and other stats, secondary effects, visual and sound FX, and animations.
As before, there is enormous potential variety in the way a single costume set can be used. Costume pieces can be mixed and matched, including with street clothing. We provide a shot of how the Ambassador costume would look in a few other color combinations and with a few pieces swapped out as an example.
The new CCT video is our third video for September, the other two being a trailer produced for PAX West, and a video of the PAX West panel. We revealed the upgrades to the Science Park area in the PAX West trailer – that’s the location of the combat scene –as well as in other videos with YouTube interviewers.
As always, comments and suggestions are taken on our forums in the Ask the Devs section at https://shipofheroes.com/, where a discussion of this video is already underway.
Technical Notes
This video also demonstrates the current condition of our character creator, just prior to our first CCT testing in a couple of weeks. We have integrated the new male models from July into the CCT, and are using the tool to create Ambassador for the first time. Ambassador is an example of the “big guy” character model.
We’ve added a zoom camera to the tabs in which it would be helpful to be able to zoom into the face, allowing players to see the eyes up close. We’ve also added description for the archetypes to the appropriate tabs.
The most important additions to the CCT since January are the powersets and powers. Currently, about 50 powers have been coded, animated, and have had FX and SFX applied to them. However, a great many more powers have been specified and are in the process of being developed, and many of these are visible in the CCT itself.
As previously stated, this character creator is our own original code, not a plugin from the Marketplace or other sources.
As always, comments and suggestions are taken on our forums in the Ask the Devs section at https://shipofheroes.com/, where a discussion of this video is already underway.
Infusions in Melee Combat – Dev Video
This internal dev video shows a Martial Arts Brawler in melee combat against several Yekus Mercenaries with and without infusions. In the first fight, no infusions are used, and the hero is defeated, though he does kill a few enemies first. In the second run, the same hero consumes five random infusions to improve his combat stats, then he fights and defeats all of the Yekus. The location is the Ship of Heroes arena map.
Our Unusual Story
In Ship of Heroes you can write your own short backstory for the unique character you create, which other players can read and enjoy. Your personal story will tie into the larger stories of the FHS Justice and the various planets as you explore them, so let’s talk about the setting, dialog, and themes of Ship of Heroes. We haven’t covered this subject much, though you may have seen pieces of the story in our public events and Betas.
Ship of Heroes is Now on Steam!
The new Ship of Heroes Steam store page shows off the game with a gameplay trailer and screenshots. Some of these have never been seen before, not even by past Beta participants.