Cogmind (now at Beta 14)

[Kyzrati]

Hey Xecutor, thanks, it's a lot easier to do good work when I have the privilege of developing my project full time, unlike the majority of devs out there . Gotta make the best of it!

[Kyzrati]

SITREP Saturday #41: "Be the Tank" - Art, mechanics, streams, IndieDB Top 100, long lost friends...

[Kyzrati]

Special release



Full details in the announcement, but the gist is that from now through the end of the year, each day Cogmind will feature different new content, including 17 new unique parts (some with completely new mechanics).

This mode will start up automatically for regular Cogmind players.

[Kyzrati]

SITREP Saturday #42: "5A-N7A Report" - About those presents...

[Kyzrati]

SITREP Saturday #43: "Pwning the Early Game" - Including a bit of Beta 8 preview

[Kyzrati]

SITREP Saturday #44: "Code 403" - Tons of Beta 8 QoL, plus some art, and a date

[Kyzrati]

!!! ALERT: FORBIDDEN SCIENCE DETECTED !!!



Beta 8 has landed, and with 38 new special items and a new mini-faction with long-term strategic implications, it's like we're back to the good old days of Cogmind Alpha where there's plenty of new content to explore and you're not always quite sure what's out there waiting

The best part: Most of Beta 8's features are accessible from the early game, so everyone can get to the new fun stuff right away.

(For the full release notes and feature demo images, see here. Cogmind is also 10% off for the next week on the website (includes DRM-free plus Steam key), but not until 2/13 on Steam due to limitations on their platform settings.)

Cogmind Beta 8 "Forbidden Science" (0.10.190212) changelog:

• NEW: Branch map "Exiles"
• NEW: Special sensor ability obtainable early on, with long-term effects
• NEW: 5 more unique named NPCs
• NEW: 3 new robots
• NEW: 38 new items (mostly uniques, many with completely new mechanics) (total = 936)
• NEW: 2 more alien artifacts
• NEW: 18 more sound effects (total = 890)
• NEW: 29 new score sheet entries (total = 799)
• NEW: Several dozen more lore entries
• NEW: Potential random NPC encounter in Materials and Mines
• NEW: Regular doors hit by EM now malfunction, remain open
• NEW: DISPOSABLE weapons have a unique log message when expended
• NEW: Quantum Capacitor and Weapon Cycler effect descriptions indicate incompatibility with autonomous weapons
• NEW: All treads grant +2% accuracy per slot
• NEW: Added random NPC encounter in Storage
• NEW: Flight/hover speed now slowed by attached inactive non-airborne propulsion parts (see new "Drag" stat on treads/legs/wheels)
• NEW: The fabled Hcp. Storage Unit has returned!
• NEW: Activating Transport Network Coupler reports the number of Haulers across the map, and the number currently in view
• NEW: -8/Mines map (inaccessible from -8/Materials)
• NEW: Manual explicitly indicates heat-based accuracy modifiers only apply when heat is positive
• NEW: Maximum Security, for times when High Security simply isn't enough
• NEW: Option to disable Cogmind self-destruction (activate in advanced.cfg: noSelfDestruct)
• NEW: Option to stop drag-dropping inventory item to non-slot location in parts list from applying autoequip assist (advanced.cfg: disableDragDropAutoEquip)
• NEW: Option to replace per-move HUD net energy display with turnwise value including movement (advanced.cfg: hudEnergyPerMoveTurnwise)
• NEW: Option to replace per-move HUD net heat display with turnwise value including movement (advanced.cfg: hudHeatPerMoveTurnwise)
• NEW: Option to show real-time clock on HUD (advanced.cfg: showClock)
• NEW: Option to show real-time run timer on HUD (advanced.cfg: showRunTimer)
• NEW: Option to show per-weapon accuracy chances in parts list only while cursor over a robot (advanced.cfg: disablePersistentAccuracyInfo)
• NEW: Option to have Scan window only show object info while cursor/examine marker is over an object (advanced.cfg: disablePersistentScanInfo)
• NEW: Option to silence all sfx played for non-plot-related global alerts with on-map indicators, such as assaults (advanced.cfg: muteGlobalAlertSfx)
• NEW: Part swap menu lists any currently disabled parts in orange, and known faulty prototypes in red
• NEW: Part swap menu includes a removal option (button or 'z') as long as source is not an empty slot
• NEW: Robots hacked with streamctrl_low/streamctrl_high now display a ring around themselves, inside which control can be maintained
• NEW: no_distress robot hack also blocks calls for local garrison reinforcements
• NEW: Item gallery export data marks non-repairable items
• NEW: Three new advanced options for on-map indicators for Cogmind part loss (see cogmindPartLossMapIndicator in manual)
• NEW: Right-click on machine hacks (or Shift-a~z) for context help describing the function of each (total = 95)
• NEW: RMB over machine Hacking or Results window closes the hacking interface
• NEW: Recycling Units automatically process parts once their contents exceed a certain threshold
• NEW: Even when outside FOV, machines processing fabrication and repairs display their on-map countdown timer, and report completion to the message log
• NEW: Having RIF installed removes one of the requirements for one of the special endings, and also affects the animation for that ending
• NEW: RIF enables 100% chance to seal any Garrison Access
• NEW: Closing an active robot hacking UI using any method other than the close button requires confirmation to avoid accidentally forfeiting the hack
• NEW: Advanced option to automatically activate all non-launcher projectile weapons on detaching an active launcher (advanced.cfg: autoUnreadyLauncher)
• NEW: Added a helpful alert message during a Warlord-related plot event
• NEW: Scan window shows solid terrain armor value if cursor or examine marker stationary for 500ms
• NEW: Scan window shows machine/prop armor value under name if sufficient space
• NEW: Recalibrator info explicitly states inability to repair alien technology, and prototypes above rating 8
• NEW: All Alpha supporter names registered since Beta 7 added to in-game list (see Credits menu)
• NEW: All Alpha item-attribution names registered since Beta 7 added to the item collection gallery
• MOD: Advanced option showMapBorders now activated by default for new players
• MOD: Core reset also clears any known manual hacking codes
• MOD: Maintenance intel markers changed from green to dark gray
• MOD: Reduced delay on all stasis weapons
• MOD: Instead of automatically opening adjacent Garrison Access doors, RIF gives 100% to open via Unlock Access command
• MOD: Recycling Unit matter cap and other parameters differ by security level
• MOD: First central database lockout check ignored, guaranteeing at least one successful indirect database hack (more guarantees on easier difficulties)
• MOD: Z-hack mapwide cutoff threshold higher on easier difficulties
• MOD: Treads minimum ability to escape stasis increased 50%, legs increased 25%
• MOD: All armored treads slowed by 10
• MOD: All tread coverage increased by 40, and base tread overweight penalty dropped from 30 to 20
• MOD: Investigators don't start accompanying some high security assaults until -3/Research
• MOD: Transport Network Coupler only works in 0b10-controlled maps, and ignores any inactive Haulers
• MOD: DISPOSABLE part label includes number of uses remaining, which may be greater than 1 for some weapons
• MOD: Can no longer swap positions with immobile allies, will push past them instead
• MOD: Immobile allies no longer follow to another map, or into chutes, nor warn about leaving them behind
• MOD: "The Most Popular Achievement" renamed to "First Step to Greatness"
• MOD: "Explosive Specialist" achievement renamed "Launcher Specialist"
• MOD: "Hehehe" achievement description explicitly indicates Datajack requirement
• MOD: "Wheee!" achievement description more specific
• MOD: "Curiosity Killed The Cat" achievement description less specific
• MOD: "Brute Force" achievement awarded even for the one Force() hack that has a second test which might fail
• MOD: Plasma Storm info displayed using same format as Potential Cannons
• MOD: Warp Cannon eventually breaks down
• MOD: Datajacks always disarm Alarm and Ambush Traps rather than have a chance to also reprogram them
• MOD: Item info window no longer repeats part name across the bottom unless there is a prefix to expand, also now appears in parenthesis
• MOD: Succeeding at hacking machine targets with an exact 0% chance no longer possible
• MOD: Manually entered schematic hack targets simply indicate "unknown schematic" if N/A, rather than distinguishing between two possibilities
• MOD: Attempted attachment of a Faulty part warns about that before most other potential issues
• MOD: Phase Shifter part list info ('q') mode ability abbreviation changed from CLOK to SHFT
• MOD: Intercept squad composition and behavior changed
• MOD: Garrison Access Trojans have no effect on Prototype bots
• MOD: Momentum damage modifier displayed in status window now rounded rather than truncated
• MOD: Zion generation parameters slightly more constrained to improve layout consistency
• MOD: Advanced renderFilter values for SHIFT_HUE now automatically wrap negative values to be within range
• MOD: Manual updated to reclassify Cogmind core movement type
• MOD: Manual clearer on conditions for increased detection chance when accessing an interactive machine multiple times (must have been previously hacked)
• MOD: Thermal Generator effect now reflected in HUD net energy readout (though may not be completely reliable)
• MOD: Traps manipulated via Terminals now count towards various trap-related score sheet stats
• MOD: Options menu "Log Calc. Detail" renamed "Combat Log Detail" (existing player setting reset!)
• MOD: Line-of-fire and explosion AOE visualization not shown on map while any info windows open
• MOD: Autosaves no longer take place while machine hacking or evolution UI open
• MOD: Autosave system restores game to turn prior to exiting a map if restoring a run that was force quit during evolution UI
• MOD: Robot info page Integrity and Temp stats prefixed by "Core" instead of "Est."
• MOD: Mass support range is inclusive before overweight penalties beyond the first penalty
• MOD: Bonus points for fast wins reduced overall; curve is steeper and only awarded below 6000 turns
• MOD: Keyboard examine mode no longer replaces weapon info ('q') mode with per-weapon accuracy readouts (only occurs in firing mode)
• MOD: Updated context help for broadcast_data/disrupt_area robot hacks to indicate their effect stacks when installed on multiple bots
• MOD: Removed Datajack Penetration from score sheet
• MOD: RIF Influence readout in HUD moved below Location
• MOD: Relay Coupler [NC] rating upped to 4
• FIX: Derelict logs providing exit/entrance intel might end up identifying the wrong access points [Valguris]
• FIX: Pre-learned intel for machines would not show log message on entering an applicable floor if no locations currently within map view [Valguris]
• FIX: Beta 7 broke score sheet hit/miss streak tallies [Valguris]
• FIX: Part list info ('q') mode did not update melee weapon damage display in real time while toggling propulsion when momentum positive [Valguris]
• FIX: Fusion Compressors and Desublimators not factored into HUD net energy readouts [Joshua]
• FIX: Random traps could spawn in special encounter rooms [Joshua]
• FIX: Recycling Unit hacking interface crashed if attempt to list contents while more than 50 parts [Joshua]
• FIX: Robots could still leave scan signal markers within FOV under rare circumstances [MTF]
• FIX: Achievement threshold achievements not earned until completion of subsequent run if threshold was reached via a subset of run-end achievements [MTF]
• FIX: "Guerilla Style" achievement could be earned via certain unintended means [Raine]
• FIX: Watcher map_route hack did not ID exits under easiest difficulty mode [Raine]
• FIX: Rare condition could allow armed hostile patrol to spawn within view at Materials depths on entering map [UlyssesB]
• FIX: Crash while using an applicable Data Core and sabotaging an explosive machine which destroys the active Terminal [UlyssesB]
• FIX: Opening part info via keyboard before hacking list appears while connecting to interactive machine superimposed item info over targets [Mojo]
• FIX: Layout(Zone) Terminal hack did not ID exits under easiest difficulty mode [Mojo]
• FIX: World seeds could randomly diverge for individual maps if a schematic or similar player-held data were also present on the map [kiedra]
• FIX: Disabled/rebooting/shut down 0b10 bots might summon reinforcements from a nearby Garrison Access [PlasticHeart, kiedra]
• FIX: Some renderFilter values for SATURATION advanced customization option could decrement by 1 when saved on exit [Bravo]
• FIX: NPC dialogue referred to traps triggered on 0b10 robots raising alert, which was no longer the case since adding Trap Extractors [KernelPanic]
• FIX: Melee attacks against aware targets still considered sneak attacks if true base hit chance is 120% [GJ]
• FIX: Some types of map labels could appear below the HUD on certain resolutions [JackNine]
• FIX: Certain renderFilter combinations could cause map to blink while accessing machine hacking UI [yoggo]
• FIX: Performing a certain action within a few-turn window during a special event would result in an unintended line of dialogue (spoiler) [Decinym]
• FIX: Allied robot info inventory list did not distinguish between faulty and non-faulty version of same prototype if contains both [Pimski]
• FIX: Possible crash on exiting game while temporary popup info still visible on map [XenoFiery]
• FIX: Potential crash if Borebot destroys itself while clearing an explosive machine [Tone]
• FIX: Ramming a hostile bot off an exit with allies in tow but outside transfer range took the exit without warning about leaving them behind [whitenitro0]
• FIX: Potential oddity during a particular extended game event interaction (spoiler) [lsend]
• FIX: Original Wizard analysis text inconsistent with new robot hacking-related lore [Heavyrisk]
• FIX: Simply targeting bots would aggro them even if outside range or the line of fire and sight are obstructed [Terminus]
• FIX: Colemak keyboard configuration included an incorrect key assignment [ericmoyer]
• FIX: Typos [Raine, Snelheid]
• FIX: Auto-replacement skipped the usual warning when attempting to swap in a Faulty part directly from the ground
• FIX: Ctrl-RMB and examine mode ('x') would not show info for open doors
• FIX: Updated weapon cycling system introduced for Beta 7.1 incompatible with advanced autoReadyLauncher setting
• FIX: Knockback resulting in triggering traps was excluded from some score sheet stats
• FIX: Part swap menu failed to include manual item tag for unidentified items
• FIX: A certain (spoiler) launcher's explosion radius visualization showed incorrectly when targeting positions near edge of map view
• FIX: Imp. Core Analyzer art contained an extra character revealed only by animation
• FIX: AI ignored additional time cost of attempting to escape various forms of stasis (Stasis Beams etc. now somewhat more effective)
• FIX: An item on a newly-unlocked Garrison Access door or newly-created shortcut exit would be inaccessible (now pushed away)
• FIX: wipe_record hack did not prevent ARCs from deploying

[Kyzrati]

Huge new in-depth blog post "Level Design and Shaping a Cogmind Experience," giving a complete rundown of the entire process behind designing and building a new map, and explaining how it integrates with gameplay. Covers everything from concepts, notes, the design doc, thinking high-level gameplay, integrating it with the world, creating and adding content...

[Kyzrati]

SITREP Saturday #45: "STATUS=WINNING" - Beta 7 stats are out, and I'm thinking about Patreon

[Kyzrati]

I've set up a new Patreon page where players and fans of my work can support my projects :D



If you've never heard of it before, Patreon is basically a subscription service through which you can support individual creators and their work.

A number of developers have relied on ongoing donations (or specifically Patreon) over the years to help support their projects, and I've always thought this kind of model would be more suitable for the way I do things--less focused on the end-game commercial value of something and more about just making cool stuff :D

Even $1/month can really add up, but I guess we'll find out how feasible this is over the long term.

Check out the page for lots more info!

One of the possible perks is partial access to my debugging tools for Cogmind, which a number of players have been clamoring for but I didn't want to widely release. I'm cool with a more limited-scope release like this for some patrons, though :). I'll be writing more about this stuff in the future on the blog.

Speaking of the blog, for all patrons there's also early access to the latest article "Roguelike Level Design Addendum: Procedural Layouts." I've got a bunch of other new topics lined up as well.

Also, specifically with regard to the future of Cogmind, there's a new notice on the forums.

I should emphasize that although Cogmind happens to be what I spend most of my time on, the Patreon is actually not exclusively for that purpose. In a more general sense it's like the cool roguelike stuff fund for Kyzrati :P

[Kyzrati]

!!! ALERT: SPECIAL MODE DETECTED !!!



It's that time of year again, when all sorts of fake things appear on the internet... But I've become a fan of using this opportunity to make crazy unprecedented things that are true, so Cogmind is going P̶a̶y̶2̶W̶i̶n̶  Pay2Buy! Well, for a day, anyway

Get the latest Cogmind update and fire it up on April 1st, and anyone who's past the tutorial starts and has been playing the regular game will automatically have new runs start in Pay2Buy mode!

The general changelog is below, but you can read more about this event in the full release notes (includes feature demo images).

Cogmind Beta 8.1 "Pay2Buy" (0.10.190401) changelog:

• NEW: Unique AFD mode for 2019, automatically activates on 4/1 for anyone who has played at least three runs
• NEW: 1 new unique superweapon
• NEW: Special NPC encounter under certain circumstances
• NEW: Additional improvements to reduce turn delay when holding wait key or moving at extremely high speeds
• NEW: Command line argument "-forceAFD2019" to enable the AFD mode from 2019, regardless of system date
• NEW: Command line argument "-forceAFD2018" to enable the AFD mode from 2018, regardless of system date
• NEW: [AFD 2019] Includes a special interface for "purchasing" items with CogCoins, an event-specific mechanic
• NEW: [AFD 2019] Earn CogCoins by raising the alert level
• NEW: [AFD 2019] Other event-specific mechanics
• NEW: [AFD 2019] Score sheets include list of all purchased items at the end
• NEW: Any AFD mode scores can now be uploaded as well for aggregate stats and potential special leaderboads, but are still excluded from main leaderboards
• NEW: Added Phase Armor and Phase Redirector mechanics to manual's Attack Resolution section
• NEW: List of patrons added via Credits menu
• MOD: Tweaked various Exiles scenario reactions
• MOD: Master Thief behavior changed to make them more dangerous
• MOD: New internal turn system, harder to game for free peeking around corners
• MOD: Dropped items/salvage allowed to fall to other side of map exits (on same map)
• MOD: Overloaded Fabricator effects no longer count as Cogmind kills, or for alert purposes
• MOD: Signal Generator only works in 0b10-controlled areas
• MOD: Firepult damage reduced
• MOD: Keyboard's Pause key no longer has an effect
• MOD: Alpha Supporters shortcut command changed from '0' to '9'
• MOD: Lore no longer has '9' as an optional shortcut (access via Records page)
• MOD: AFD runs no longer added to scorehistory.txt
• FIX: An active Stasis Generator brought into a new map has no effect unless toggled off and on again [Joshua]
• FIX: Ejecting couplers from certain unlocked Garrison Access instead destroys them [Joshua]
• FIX: "Batter Up" achievement description did not specify melee impact damage only, despite kinetic cannons now being capable of knockback as well [Joshua]
• FIX: Gallery CSV/HTML exports were missing a header for the new propulsion Drag stat [Mx. Eldritch]
• FIX: Rare crash on an allied Mechanic seeking a repair target after robot it was following is destroyed [Horse]
• FIX: In rare layouts a special hidden area of a certain map might be slightly disconnected from the rest of the map [8fpsbossfight]
• FIX: Possible to crash the UI by switching into the game menu extremely quickly while also switching pages [geedmat, Horse, 8fpsbossfight]
• FIX: Crash on hitting a controllable ally with a Field Lobotomy Kit [ApolliniaD, alice_fexa]
• FIX: Manual seeds could be applied incorrectly in some cases, resulting in different seeds producing the same world [Suslik]
• FIX: Combining any Thermal Generator and Cryofiber Web could show a net negative energy readout in HUD, even though still positive [lsend]
• FIX: Advanced flashProjectileVictims option could in some locations cause flashes outside of combat as well [Puzzlebark]
• FIX: Integrity Redistributor could result in the wrong effect if core integrity near 50% of a total value greater than 1000 [mtf]
• FIX: Crash on accessing the Z-Roster if earlier on same map summoned a hero and in the turn immediately afterward a new hero was added to roster [Rumbl3]
• FIX: Fixing a separate issue in previous release broke schematic list highlighting while hacking a Fabricator [Malthusis]
• FIX: Typo [mindcog]
• FIX: Scrollable lists containing multiple keyboard ASCII colors may not align properly with list items when more than 26 items, after scrolling
• FIX: Hacking Prototype ID Banks did not immediately update identified inventory items if any happen to be matching unknown prototypes
• FIX: Multiple Stasis Generators being used at once may not always remain active depending on relative toggle states

[Kyzrati]

Expanding on my roguelike level design article from earlier, I've got a couple of new ones up!

The first gives additional level design details specific to underlying layout planning for procgen maps.



And the second discusses the advantages of static, procedural, and hybrid maps in a roguelike.

[Kyzrati]

SITREP Saturday #46: "Extreme Bothacking" - Featuring an avalanche of art, putting the word out about RIF upgrades, and a whole bunch of other stuff

[Kyzrati]

Since my Beta 9 preview/bothacking run was running under the debugger while streaming and I screwed it up and lost it at the end of the stream, I started a new one this week which will go much further, seeing how far we can reasonably take this new play style . It's getting strong already, with some interesting new possibilities...

https://youtu.be/ciCC37FuFac

(Also put Cogmind on discount right now for 10% off over on Steam and my website.)

[Kyzrati]

New article: Special Game Modes in a Roguelike Context, exploring the hows and whys of alternate modes of play for roguelikes, taking a range of mode types from Cogmind and other games as examples.