The Companions
Characters traveling with the protagonist make an interesting RPG even more interesting. In the December story update, two partners are waiting for you, each with their own quest, skill branch and plans for the future.
The first of them, a stern Orange nicknamed Crump, can be found in a bar in the suburbs. Just before the appearance of the player, he finds himself in an unpleasant situation, and will gladly join the protagonist, who is able to help him.
On the laboratory floor of the Magellan, you can find a scientist who will ask you to save his daughter, who is in trouble. We will not spoil exactly who the missing girl is. Let's just say that she is the second companion available in this update.
Encased partners can engage in dialogue, condemn player decisions, and give advice. You can quarrel to the nines with them (and then they will leave), or you can build friendly or even closer relations.
Companions can engage in battle. We heeded the wishes of the players, so we made it so that partners can be controlled directly.
The Modified Mechanics
When we were creating the gameplay, mechanics, and the Encased role-playing system, we could not even imagine that we were opening the Pandora’s box. Now that the game is in early access, many of the mechanics are still broken, and we are actively repairing them, adding new ones and modifying the old ones. There are many changes and we will talk about them point by point.
— Psychic abilities will be available;
— It will be possible to purchase a special psionic glove from in-game traders, without which psi abilities do not work in battle;
— The branches of medicine, heavy and high-tech weapons will be expanded and corrected;
— Many small changes will be made to the abilities of other branches;
— Destructible objects will appear: now the player will be able to blow up doors and some small obstacles;
— Traps, mines, as well as exploding objects with different types of damage dealt will be added;
— Weapons with area damage (grenade launchers, flamethrowers, etc.) will be reworked;
— The ammunition system will be modernized: the number of calibers will decrease, however, special ammunition with effects like poisoning and freezing will be added;
— A number of changes will be made to the game economy, prices and characteristics of most items;
— Some elements of the interface will be fixed and improved;
— Also new perks will be added.
Instead of an Afterword
We end this text with words of gratitude that have already become traditional. Thanks to everyone who believes in us. Thank you for the bug reports, support, criticism and dozens of hours spent in game.
In the coming days, we will begin to publish some story materials for the year 2018. Most of these ideas have been discarded, or got into the game in a very modified form, so if you want to learn how Encased was being developed, you will have such an opportunity.
And yes, today part of the team is leaving for DevGamm, which is being held in Minsk, to participate in the exhibition and compete for the Grand Prize, as well as prizes in the Best Desktop Game and Excellence in Narrative nominations.
Wish us good luck!