DevBlog #12 - Game Loop

From Insertion to Extraction

When we started designing the mission structure for Earths Edge, we wanted every deployment to feel like a complete experience.

From the moment you infiltrate the objective area until you extract we want you to have a good time.

In this blog post, we're taking a look at an example mission.

INFIL

Every mission begins with a dropship insertion. During this short sequence, you can already scan the general area and prepare for whats ahead.

You arrive with the equipment you selected before deployment.

Steam post image Dropship Insertion

Changing classes is currently not supported, but depending on the playtest is obviously subject to change.

RECCE

Before approaching the main objective, you'll have the opportunity to explore the map. Secondary objectives, resources, and other points of interest should invite you to leave the main path and investigate their surroundings.

Steam post image Example of a Lunom Digsite Some of these activities provide useful rewards, while others simply offer an alternative challenge for players looking to fully clear an area.

OBJ

Depending on the mission type, you may be recovering assets, defending an important location, or eliminating a Lunomite threat.

We're trying to make the objectives feel very different from each other and to encourage different playstyles.

Steam post image Objective Equipment arriving on Site

The objective equipment pictures above, for example, needs to be defended against an increasing threat of lunomites.

If all "Uplink Terminals" get destroyed before the data has been transmitted to the ark, the mission fails.

CONT

Once the main objective is complete the gameplay changes again. Enemy spawns increase and specialized enemies start to appear more frequently as well.

Reinforcements are disabled, since the objective has already been cleared. Steam post image Hostile spawn rate increases

Staying longer may be worth the extra rewards you've previously collected, but failure to extract means loosing that as well.

Your current objective is to reach the designated extraction area.

EXFIL

Once you've reached the EXFIL-Area, you'll have to call an extraction dropship and defend the landing zone.

Earths Edge is by no means an extraction shooter game. You'll only lose the additional experience and currency if you fail to "properly" extract. Mission and kill rewards will still be granted.

Once you've extracted, you'll get a summary of the mission in a post-mission screen where you level up your "Account" and the class you've played as.

Steam post image End of Round Screen

Check out last months blog post for a quick dive into the progression systems of Earths Edge!

DEBRIEF

Once you're back on the ARK, you can upgrade your gear, purchase attachments from the ARK Shop, and select the next mission!

Steam post image Mission Terminal on the ARK

Between missions, you can swap your class, weapons and customize your EM-BR to suit your next objective.

Thank you again for your continued support!

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