Backer Build Three
With Backer Build Three just around the corner, we're taking this time to run you through some of the features and changes to expect to see. At the time of writing this, finishing touches are being applied. As a result, the released version may vary slightly from this update in appearance and features.
The Geoscape
According to our Twitter and Facebook surveys, the thing most of you have been waiting for. The Geoscape strategic layer is where everything comes together. We still have a lot of features and functionality to add, such as the events system, base management, research & development, but the basics are there to move from mission to mission.
On the Geoscape, you can explore the map to find scavenging sites, Havens, alien nests and abandoned Phoenix Project bases. You will be able to save and reload your progress from the Geoscape screen.
The Geoscape
The Geoscape
You will start with one base, one transport and a squad of 4, plus an Armadillo APC. You will have to carefully explore the points of interest on the map to discover the various different locations. Your transport only has a limited amount of fuel, affecting the distance it can travel. You can use resources to build refueling stations at certain locations to extend your range, or use resources for an emergency refueling. That latter is less expensive and useful if you have nowhere to build a refueling station, but it's a one off boost. Plan your exploration wisely.
Explored sites
As you uncover the various locations around the map you will reveal scavenging sites which you can clear for resources. Faction and independent Havens which may come under attack. In the above image we can see an independent Haven being attacked. The closing circle around the Haven icon shows us which way the battle is currently going (in this case the Haven ais winning) and will tick down as the battle nears its conclusion. If you arrive there fast enough, you can help defend the Haven in exchange for resources and reputation.
You will also find new Phoenix Project bases which will increase your range and squad capacity, along with giving you another transport and allowing you to hire soldiers for the food resource.
Additionally, alien nests will start to spawn on the map if you wish to take the fight to the enemy!
Squad Management
From the Geoscape screen you will also be able to access the squad roster.
The Squad Roster
The Squad Roster
The roster will allow you to see all of your available soldiers (and vehicles) at a glance, along with their class, status, current loadout and which facility or transport they are assigned to. From this screen you can reassign your available units to different locations or access their gear loadout.
The Loadout screen
From the loadout screen you can reassign your starting equipment between your soldiers along with any additional items you have recovered from previous missions. You can re-equip armor, weapons and additional consumables.
New Environments
In the previous Backer Builds, all battles took place in one variety of New Jericho Haven. Backer Build Three sees the introduction of more variety: Run-down and dilapidated scavenger sites, neutral Havens and a variety of different New Jericho Havens. In addition you will also see alien nests for the first time!
A Haven defense mission
The Mist
We have added the first implementation of The Mist to the tactical missions. Spawned by certain enemies (such as the Mist Sentinel), The Mist will slowly start to crawl across the map. In the final game The Mist will have a variety of effects. In Backer Build Three it blocks your line of sight and gives the enemy vision of any units you have in contact with it.
The Mist and a Mist Sentinel
New Enemy Types
Speaking of Sentinels, we have two main new enemy types in Backer Build Three. We have the aforementioned Sentinels which currently come in three varieties. We've already given away the purpose of the Mist Sentinel. We will let you discover what the others do for yourself. Sentinels are usually dormant until they become aware of your presence. They take a single turn of preparation before using their main ability. Use this to your advantage.
The Sentinel Variants
Mindfraggers are fast little buggers. They will scuttle across the map and attempt to latch onto any unsuspecting soldier, taking control of them. Your Technician has an ability to remove them, so try to keep him safe. In an emergency you can always attempt to shoot them off........ it isn't recommended.
A Mindfragger
New Class Abilities
Several new abilities have been added to the 4 classes included in Backer Build Three. These open up more tactical opportunities which might get you out of a pinch. Be warned, such abilities can take their toll on the soldier using them, greatly reducing their Will Power.
Below: The Heavy's new "Rage Burst" ability which consumes a high amount of Will Points to unload an entire magazine of ammo between two target points.
After Backer Build Three is delivered, we will be updating our roadmap and starting to reveal the next stage of development with things you can look forward to in Backer Build Four.
