Hey, folks.  Usually I don’t do any kind of updates unless a patch has just been issued or a game has been released.  However, more consistent updates on what’s going on seemed like a better idea.  That being said, here is the first planned dev diary, for both Haulin’ Oats and The Dope Game remaster.

Haulin’ Oats Status

Since the initial Haulin’ Oats playable alpha, there was a lengthy and expected list of bugs that needed fixed.  Everything from weird screen resolution issues, to offset mouse clicks, and even the inability to play the game except for roll dice.  All of those, hopefully, have been fixed at this point.  With all that out of the way, for now, the focus shifted to multiplayer, Steam, and adding in missing content.

Multiplayer will offer two different modes: first-to-place and placed.  First-to-place is obviously the first driver to complete all required deliveries and make it back to the warehouse.  Naturally, placed mode is the top three drivers to do so; since it’s a 4-player game, one of you will lose.

Multiplayer and Steam will go hand-in-hand as the game will be using Steamworks’ P2P and networking functionality.  This will give easier invite options, server lists, and NAT-punching than what was in Into Oblivion (though this is getting changed in the Brewmaster update).  While it is not planned, there may be a non-Steam version of multiplayer utilizing Godot’s networking.

Speaking of Steam, the game officially has an app ID now and bits of pieces of the store page and Steamworks stuff has been started.  The store page will become public once the first beta version comes out.  However, Steam keys for alpha testing will roll out this week for all cast, crew, and early adopters from Itch.io; it will also make updating the game a lot easier too.

Missing content is being added in the form of cards.  Currently all missing Encounter cards have been placed in the deck, bringing the total up to 75.  They are a pretty good mix of pick-up / drop-off missions, offers to do things (cure disease or sell stuff), etc. and finally round out the cast list for the game.  While they will be present in alpha v0.0.2 the remaining Incident and Resource cards will not.  A lot of drawing and programming goes into the card system so expect to see the last two categories in v0.0.3.

Additionally five more guest characters have been added (Isaac McDaniels, Phyllis Guffy, Unknown, Ol’ Glitchy, and Dankey Kang) and two new regular characters (Amara Hanks and Ford Dowling).  All guest characters are locked by default and only available after certain tasks are completed.  Now that stats are actually being recorded in v0.0.2, you should be able to unlock those characters and use them.

Speaking of stats, achievements should also work in v0.0.2; if not in Steam, at least in the game itself.

The Dope Game Remaster

Most of the time spent on the remaster has been, well, remaking all of the graphics in the game; mostly to support resolutions up to 1440p.  That and a little touch-up never hurt.  The location graphics have been a huge time-sink; with the interfaces being less so.

Like the bus map. You will even notice in this image of the new bus map that there is a new location you can visit.

The Starkham Docks, which are actually a location from The Dope Game 2, will be added to The Dope Game remaster.  It felt like there needed to be one more location added due to multiplayer.  This new area, of course, comes with a new sub-location and new NPC.  You will be able to visit the Brewery and talk to Jenkins (from One Way To Die and Into Oblivion); he will offer you a way to spend some of your cash as well as sell you some drinks that have different effects.

Speaking of multiplayer, it was mentioned previously that it is being added as a test for The Dope Game 2 but will have less functionality.  The Dope Game remaster’s multiplayer will only let you join or host timed matches, much like the single-player mode.  The goal still being to raise as much cash as you can before time runs out.  Or just kill all the other players.

That being said, you can fight other players or even jump into a fight another player is having with an NPC, like the cops or Sweaty Mike.  You will be given the option to either join the NPC or the player in combat.  Of course, killing NPCs means they are dead for everyone and will lock off whatever services they provide.

Lastly, the newest thing has been an overhaul to the HUD.  The HUD now sits across the top of the and has color coded data points.  The player’s avatar also sits in the corner and changes based on damage taken.  Players will also be able to change the hoodie, hair, and skin color of their avatar; primarily because of multiplayer so everyone doesn’t look the same.

Henchmen will also get their own little avatars and and health bars; though in this image they are missing their armor bars.  Obviously armor will now be a thing you can acquire and equip.

That’s about it for now.  Stay tuned for more information.