www.planetepoch.com

Epoch 3D - Laser Beams

Check these out, new weapon system.

Posted By: Mike

Epoch 3D - Enemy AI

Okay so I’ve started dabling into AI, heres some screens.

Posted By: Mike

Epoch 3D - Tweaked Engine Trail

Okay so you cant use Lens Flares for engine glow as when you fly your ship away from the camera the flare does not reduce in size. So I’ve come up with a new particle system that uses 1 particle and a neat new graphic of a flare I created. Check it out.

Posted By: Mike

Epoch 3D - Engine Trails

So up until now I have been using a simple particle system for the engine trails. A lot of space sims use a lens flare on each engine and a render trail so I’ve tried it out here it looks a lot more realistic and less cartoony. Take a look.

Posted By: Mike

Epoch 3D - Development back on track

So, after taking a bit of a break (1 year) from Epoch 3D, I have just got back into development about two weeks ago. I’d like to share some of my work here.

Posted By: Mike

Fortune Cookie

“All warfare is based on deception.” - Sun Tzu

Posted By: Mike

Annoucement: Game Over

The current game has just ended, it ran for an entire year. Although the plan was to run it for longer we have a new patch wish we want to start testing and since it changes nearly every aspect of the game we feel its time to end this game. Here are the final scores.

1st - 10th position

11th to 20th Position

Posted By: Mike

Annoucement: Game Ending

After some thinking and eating donuts, some more thinking and some data analysing I’ve decided to call an end to the current game of epoch. I know this game was intended to be “Always On” however changes are needed. The Combat Evolved patch is ready however I now dont believe it brings the game in the right direction it means combat has to be more mico managed where as I think the game really needs some sort of new PVP stat gathering mode where two or more players can go to war with defined victory conditions and rewards. Currently players are free to attack any one of the right level the only problem is there is zero insentive. Due to life constraints Im pulling this game down, and when I get the time to come back to it I will start it up again. Thanks for all playing this has been one of the most successful games yet, and we have tested many new features that will stay with the game. Epoch is not gone, it is just gone asleep for a while. It will be back.

I would like to hear feedback so please post to the forum on your thoughts to reward and enhance the experience. The game ends in 1 month.

Thanks for Playing
Mike

Posted By: Mike

Server Down, Up!

Server went down about 5am. Its back up now, there was a power outtage. It should be fine, I have kronos running full speed to catch up. Any problems let me know

Posted By: Mike

Web Epoch - Combat Evolved (Patch 2.5 coming soon)

Patch 2.5 will have some major updates. Firstly combat is being overhauled to include tactics. You will now be able to move ships around a star system into and out of gun range. This feature utilizes a grid (Battle Grid) and represents every ship as a blip on the grid. You can click a grid square to see the units are in it or view all units in system as usual. As a general rule defences will have longer weapon ranges than ships, this is to give the defending player an extra advantage. Further more different ships have different sub light speeds, noted as a maneuverability rating. All Defence Stations will also have a very low maneuverability to allow you deploy them near units you wish to protect. Interdict and jump gates will work as before you will not be required to be within range of a jump gate to use it nor will interdictors have an area of effect. These are things that may be considered for a later patch.

As well as the new combat system which will require extensive testing, the entire user interface has been overhauled, to make room for a more intuitive combat system. Combat alerts have been changed to show your damage against the enemy as well as damage you take.

A lot of work has gone into Patch 2.5 and I feel it will be the most ambitious patch Web Epoch has ever had as it will change the very nature of the game where combat is involved. A lot of testing will be required. Currently the plan is to patch the current game and test for one week if there are any major problems the game will be rewinded one week and the previous version will be re-installed. If however there are no major problems the game will continute on with these new features. Before the patch is applied a CB will be sent to all players explaining the test period and the update.

See you in-game!

Posted By: Mike