0.74.1 - Hardened Science

Hardcore sci-fi fans might have noticed that propellant consumption of the K37 Nuclear Thermal Rocket was not really realistic - not given the description of the ships reactor, it's temperature and physics. In recent days we worked, with significant help from our players, on fixing that - but maintaining good gameplay experience at the same time.

Today I can present you the fruit of this: Re-balanced Boosted Nuclear Thermal Rocket. This version changes exhaust velocities, power consumption and propellant tank sizes - and a required a significant improvement in the autopilot. It's now much smarter, able to assess ship's inertia and uses thrusters only when required to conserve your propellant. It's also much better at aiming now.

The re-balance introduced new, interesting gameplay element. Your ship will now behave differently as your propellant tanks empty. As your total mass reduces the ship will get agile and speedy - unless you manage to fill up the cargo hold. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did.

Savegame compatibility note: This version includes new, bigger, propellant tanks that will not be compatible with your old save. You might use that save, but you will need to buy propellant tank to get the ship running.

Changelog:

• New NTR setup for all ships equipped with Nuclear Thermal Rockets.
• New fuel tank upgrades accommodating higher propellant consumption.
• Significantly improved autopilot control.
• Speed-up VFX will no longer flash for one frame at beginning of the game.