Galactic Civilization 2 Version 2.0 is being designed to blow our other updates away.
A few months back we traversed all the suggestions/requests/demands we've received since GC2:Dreadlords 1.0 and compiled a definitive list of new features to cram into our penultimate update.
I think these next two are going to make alot of people happy...
External Ship Designer
Yes, we've finally done it! From the title screen, you now have the option to open up the Ship Designer!
Filled to the brim with every engine, weapon, fleet module, and extra component available in the game, you can now create without completely unlocking every tech in-game.
The end result is a quick, easy, and fun way to fill your tech-tree with unlockable ships based on your strategies.
It's been asked for since 1.0, so I apologize for the wait. I hope it was worth it!
Starbase Upgrade Managers
One of the major complaints we've received - again, since 1.0 - was the end game stream of Constructors and the resulting click-fest in getting new Starbases fully upgraded.
Now, when you bring up the Starbase Details window, you'll be able to sort the 'classes' of module that you want a Starbase to focus on. This is a very macro-friendly approach (we tried doing a explicit module queue and it ended up just as cumbersome as the old method).
So lets say you have a Economic starbase in friendly territory that you want to use in pumping up Production and Trade Income. Just bring up that Starbase's queue, send 'Production Assist' and 'Trade Assist' to the top, probably followed by some Starbase Defense and Offense module types. As constructors are sent, they'll automatically pick the best modules from your priority list and build without hassle.
More To Come
We're not done yet! Version 2.0 has some great new galaxy setup features that we have yet to talk about. Add to that a new ship style, negotiation, and our aformentoned espionage tweaks, and you have an update that feels more like an expansion.
Or, at least, that's what we're hoping for.
Up Thursday (er...now Friday...sorry, busy week): We'll dive into the new Galaxy Setup options, and finally show off how Espionage has been tightened up.