Cogmind (now at Beta 14)

[Kyzrati]

I've been working on a new article series, the first two parts of which are up now:

Building the Ultimate Roguelike Morgue File: Stats and Organization


Building the Ultimate Roguelike Morgue File: ASCII Maps


Also was able to put Cogmind on 10% discount for the week

[Kyzrati]

SITREP Saturday #47: "Under Siege" - Featuring siege mechanics, a huge scoresheet data expansion, lots of neat QoL stuff w/demos, rebranded difficulty modes, new parts, plenty more pretty fan art, and more!

[Kyzrati]

Cogmind Beta 9 is out! As big as two major releases in one, it's got upgradable bothacking, siege mode for treads, Explorer/Adventurer modes with optional permadeath, even more detailed scoresheets, and much more...

In the works for more than half a year, this release brings us pretty close to 1.0, at least based on the fact that there's little left in terms of "must-have" features on the roadmap.

Even just the changelog won't fit in a post, so I'm just going to point to the full release notes, demo images, and changelog over on my forums.

Here's an overview of the notes in image form:



And the same for the changelog:

[Kyzrati]

Hot on the heels of our massive Beta 9 update, time for an extreme change of pace...

Beta 9.1 "Abominations!" fixes a few new issues from Beta 9, but more importantly adds a special Halloween event that's been in the works for a couple weeks. This event's special mode includes:

• 20 new robots, most with new capabilities and mechanics!
• 1 new hidden map, complete with boss
• other event-specific mechanics

(Please excuse the lack of detail, it's a surprise!)

Full release notes can be read here, including a link to a lengthy article covering the the mode's content and entire design process, for those who don't mind spoilers.

[Kyzrati]

New release! With 9.2 Cogmind gets Rich Presence on Steam, an explicit colorblind option, Abominations mode improvements, yet more scoresheet updates, plus the usual bug fixes and more.

For the full release notes and feature demo images, see here.



Cogmind Beta 9.2 "Robotic Riches" (191112) changelog:

• NEW: [Steam] Supports Rich Presence, sharing current build, location, and status with friends
• NEW: [Steam] Option to deactivate Steam Rich Presence (advanced.cfg: disableSteamRichPresence)
• NEW: Options menu "Colorblind Adjustment" setting to modify certain color schemes to be more colorblind friendly
• NEW: Option to display remaining integrity in item/robot popup labels (advanced.cfg mapLabelsShowIntegrity)
• NEW: Option to fully highlight visible cave-in areas rather than the low-distraction default (advanced.cfg highlightCaveinAreas)
• NEW: Manual explicitly mentions "Ctrl-Alt (Hold)" also highlights areas that can cave in
• NEW: Manual explicitly documents "Ctrl-+/-" as global volume up/down commands
• NEW: Scoresheet records current movement-related variables under Cogmind header
• NEW: Scoresheet relative alert level percentages now also recorded on a per-map basis
• NEW: INVERT renderFilter variable
• NEW: [Abominations mode] Explicit log message when Paradox Anomalies repair Cogmind parts
• NEW: [Abominations mode] Final boss also has unique parse text
• MOD: [Abominations mode] Fire/Sundering Anomalies won't appear until -7/-8 respectively
• MOD: [Abominations mode] Negative Anomaly effects no longer applied to themself if affiliation modified via Field Lobotomy Kit
• MOD: Complex 0b10 capable of remotely opening blast doors under certain additional circumstances
• MOD: Scoresheet Parts and Peak State lists now align part names taking into account any prefix
• MOD: AI combat pathfinding and targeting behavior updated, less likely to be blocked by non-combatants
• MOD: "More Dakka Please" achievement condition more specifically requires kinetic projectiles
• FIX: New pushing algorithm for machines releasing parts might unnecessarily destroy parts under special circumstances [Valguris]
• FIX: External issues likely caused by Steam cloud for runs played across multiple sessions could cause incomplete scoresheet achievements list [Valguris]
• FIX: A8 manual hacking code wasn't reported in message log in a certain scenario, even though properly received [Valguris]
• FIX: No longer able to enter Proximity Caves directly via large 0b10 bases [Valguris]
• FIX: Possible crash under extremely rare circumstances involving a controllable ally attempting to attack Cogmind [Gitida]
• FIX: New scoresheet game number tally incorrect for Rogue mode if previously played Adventurer or Explorer mode [Solar Sloth]
• FIX: Part autopairs weren't remembered between maps [Benjamin]
• FIX: New scoresheet system wasn't handing out score threshold-based achievements for current run, instead based on previous run in same session [5taquitos]
• FIX: New scoresheet "Challenges" subsection did not list applicable challenges [sideriver81]
• FIX: Field Recycling Units could be used to refine matter into even more matter [NikolayAg]

[Kyzrati]

Our sixth annual review is up!

As usual this one is only available on the blog, and includes topics like dev hours talk, a quick overview of the major releases and special events this year, new milestones reached, and musing on finishing, or not finishing, 1.0 in 2020 (something we gotta do for every new year, right? :P)

There might be a hint of things to come, things in the not-so-distant future...

IndieDB is also voting for GotY again, so if you could, I'd appreciate if anyone can spare a moment to help Cogmind take its place in the Top 100 this year :D (might as well keep the five-year streak going!)

[Kyzrati]

Introducing "RPGLIKE", this year's Winter special event and all-new optional way to play Cogmind, with a completely different progression system and other significantly game-altering mechanics!

Raise levels, select permanent upgrades, repair your core and parts--keep your build :)

This mode plays with the concept of making Cogmind a little bit more like other traditional roguelikes, though combined with Cogmind's unique content opens up quite a few new strategic horizons.

For the full release notes and feature demo images, see here.

Cogmind Beta 9.3 "RPGLIKE" (191217) changelog:

• NEW: Special event for Winter 2019, automatically activates between 12/17 and 1/1 (inclusive) for anyone who has played at least 10 runs
• NEW: Command line argument "-forceMode:Winter2019" (or "-forceMode:RPGLIKE") to enable the Winter mode from 2019, regardless of system date
• NEW: [RPGLIKE mode] Cogmind does not evolve, instead uses leveling mechanics with an XP system enabling free-form assignment of permanent upgrades
• NEW: [RPGLIKE mode] Gain XP by exploring and/or raising the alert level
• NEW: [RPGLIKE mode] Start with much higher core integrity, but only one of each slot type (can upgrade immediately in Scrapyard)
• NEW: [RPGLIKE mode] 90% of incoming damage to parts instead transferred to core, thus losing parts is relatively rare
• NEW: [RPGLIKE mode] Use Protomatter to restore integrity of core and parts
• NEW: [RPGLIKE mode] Storange units do not exist and Cogmind starts with no base inventory, optionally expand capacity with level upgrades
• NEW: [RPGLIKE mode] Dynamic build type analysis always shown above parts list, even before activating showBuildType advanced.cfg option
• NEW: [RPGLIKE mode] Fewer Relay Couplers spawn, but all that do have double their normal value
• NEW: [RPGLIKE mode] Extra "RPGLIKE" section in scoresheet containing mode-specific stats
• NEW: "Alternative Rules" section of manual describes all previous special modes/events and how to access them
• NEW: Mouse movement pathfinding and running via keyboard both stop on spotting a hidden door or phase wall
• NEW: Keyboard mode pathfind to cursor (Shift-Alt-g in examine mode to set, same key outside examine mode to continue approaching if stopped)
• NEW: Ctrl-Alt in keyboard mode also highlights path to most recent keyboard pathfinding target, if still valid
• NEW: Pathfinding directly to an interactive machine automatically initiates hacking on arrival
• NEW: Scan window shows faint map label buttons while no object info loaded
• NEW: Item labels outside FOV remember which are Faulty or Rigged, include this status in label name
• NEW: Item labels both within and outside FOV also reflect the "Non-functional" status (marked as "Broken")
• NEW: Option to always close robot/item info windows instantly rather than animating the close (advanced.cfg: disableInfoWindowCloseAnimation)
• NEW: Option to adjust movement interval for running and pathfinding (advanced.cfg: movementDelayInterval)
• NEW: Option to have parts list always sort destroy-on-removal parts like Processors to the top (advanced.cfg: partSortSeparatesDestroyOnRemoval)
• MOD: Running via keyboard stops before reaching corners and doors rather than continuing one space past them
• MOD: Running via keyboard now supports layout-based autostopping on diagonal movement as well
• MOD: Removed disablePersistentScanInfo/disablePersistentAccuracyInfo advanced.cfg options, both now default behavior by necessity
• MOD: Keyboard running behavior matches mouse pathfinding when approaching stairs, allowing a run to exit a map if recently confirmed the exit action
• MOD: All Gyrokinetic Inverter overweight penalties increased from 30 to 40
• MOD: "Perfect Aim" achievement description specifies accuracy bonus from utilities only
• MOD: Class name modifier "Mechanic" renamed to "Machinist"
• MOD: Unidentified parts no longer display their integrity in Scanalyzer lists
• MOD: Sorting inventory by type or integrity groups all unidentified parts together
• MOD: Allies reactivated via Datajack no longer recalled automatically for subsequent "attacks"
• MOD: Updated some major NPC parse text
• MOD: Temporary allies gained via streamctrl_ hacks no longer follow to other maps
• MOD: Dormant bot systems no longer accessible for RIF hacking purposes
• MOD: High Security dispatch composition expanded to deal with a wider range of threats
• MOD: More time to explore W base, tweaked composition of later attacking squads
• MOD: [Pay2Buy mode] Hotkey for opening Cogshop change from '0' to '9'
• MOD: [Pay2Buy mode] Cogshop windows displaced from bottom/left edges of map view to avoid covering intel markers and exit labels
• MOD: Special game modes now override challenge modes, rather than the other way around
• MOD: Toggling special modes or challenge modes via command line or advanced.cfg will not apply the effect unless game started for a fresh run (no saves)
• MOD: "-forceMode:" command line argument's mode name no longer case-sensitive
• MOD: "Challenge Modes" list in manual moved under new section "Alternative Rules"
• MOD: Simplified Hacking immunity context help accessed via robot info page
• MOD: All achievements are allowed to be earned regardless of active challenge modes or special modes
• FIX: Holding cursor stationary while using 'f' to retarget a previously targeted robot that moved displayed incorrect base hit chance [Valguris]
• FIX: Ejecting Relay Couplers from a just-opened Garrison Access might not be able to create the Couplers in some layouts [Valguris]
• FIX: Any type of damage that didn't destroy a door could cause a malfunction, instead of just EM [Valguris]
• FIX: Unpowered/Broken bots could still have active parts which might cause side effects [Valguris]
• FIX: Controllable ally names might be the same if allies of same class acquired on different maps at the same depth [Valguris]
• FIX: 0b10 Decoders attached to a hostile could give Cogmind info [Valguris]
• FIX: Crash while pathfinding to a distant location and using keyboard to order nearby drones to RETURN and have a Drone Bay with free space [Valguris]
• FIX: Hostile Programmers assimilating Protectors converted them to non-threat faction, causing Cogmind allies to stop targeting them [Valguris]
• FIX: Warlord outpost in caves might have two Commanders, both of which could offer an escort in rare cases [CaptainWinky]
• FIX: Crash in rare layouts while closing hacking window when that target machine is indirectly destroyed by the hack itself [CaptainWinky]
• FIX: Abominations update began allowing Cogmind to use autoswapping to swap in unidentified parts [core_nxt]
• FIX: Crash during a certain special event if player had specifically muted Prop audio levels, or had system audio off at the time [MitchellFJN]
• FIX: Terminal dynamic key increased difficulty of hacks with negative chances of success, sometimes noticeable with hackware or Operator allies [Joshua]
• FIX: Part autopair validity may not always be checked correctly, potentially even crashing on attempting to leave the map [Driana]
• FIX: Becoming enemies with Zion after imprinting could still allow for terminal network hard line cut in 0b10 [Finestep]
• FIX: Post-streamctrl_high behavior of Operators unusual [Benjamin]
• FIX: "Winner's Signature" achievement was still possible if scanned by any Researcher, rather than only in a certain map [sideriver81]
• FIX: Comparing different Datajacks showed a numeric difference next to their effect even though irrelevant to player [aperiodic]
• FIX: Any potential [C]-type Relay Couplers unattached but in inventory on acquiring Crosswire RIF ability became usable from inventory [Pimski]
• FIX: Crash on a Worker following deconstruct_machine orders on a Network Hub [Xii]
• FIX: Beta 9.3 prerelease bugs hunted down by: [Terminus, Zyalin, NikolayAg, Tone, Xii]
• FIX: Stopping a running/pathfinding movement in progress was not completely reliable
• FIX: Potential crash if a Core Expander used while any info window open
• FIX: Temporary allies gained via overwrite_iff hack or Autooverride RIF ability would follow to a new map if exited quickly enough after hacking

[Kyzrati]

Multiplayer Cogmind is here!



Are you stuck at home?

Want to play some Cogmind but with extra social interaction?

How about taking on Complex 0b10 with a friend! Don't worry, NO REAL FRIEND NECESSARY, we'll provide one for you!

Welcome to Cogmind Beta 9.5...

This April 1st, just fire up a run and leave the Scrapyard to join forces with Player 2 on the adventure of a lifetime

Use the superior firepower of TWO COGMINDS to teach the Unaware that they should've stayed a safe distance away from you.

Your brand new friend comes with

• new AI behaviors
• most of your same capabilities and will evolve and manage their own build and inventory
• over 600 lines of situational dialogue to keep you company on the way

For the full release notes and feature demo images, see here.

Cogmind Beta 9.5 "Player 2" (200401) changelog:

• NEW: Unique AFD mode for 2020, automatically activates on 4/1 for anyone who has played at least three runs
• NEW: Command line argument "-forceMode:AFD2020" (or "-forceMode:Player2") to enable the AFD mode from 2020, regardless of system date
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Join forces with Player 2, another Cogmind with most of your same capabilities
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Adds a special interface displaying Player 2's class and movement data, with persistent access to their loadout (toggle w/'9' or LMB)
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Cogmind and Player 2's core integrity levels are linked
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Multiple smarter AI behaviors for Player 2
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Over 600 lines of situational dialogue
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] 1 new unique superweapon
• NEW: List of item schematics during manual hacks darkens any that are already known
• NEW: Option to block achievement earning while in challenge modes and special modes (advanced.cfg: onlyRegularModeAchievements)
• NEW: Manual "Difficulty" section includes explicit subsection for Rogue setting
• NEW: Manual part list data visualization descriptions further clarify meaning of heat mode values
• MOD: Part autoreplacement feature compares items based on based on current integrity rather than percent integrity remaining
• MOD: Part autoreplacement feature never swaps in known faulty or broken parts
• MOD: Advanced option "ignoreAscendConfirmation" no longer prevents warnings about leaving allies behind
• FIX: Size 36 fonts had become unusable on 4K screens [mudshark]
• FIX: [RPGLIKE mode] Pressing '0' with an open ally order list would open RPGLIKE upgrade menu [NikolayAg]
• FIX: [RPGLIKE mode] Protomatter might have a negative value under some conditions [Terminus, Rumbl3]
• FIX: Part autoreplacement feature was sometimes making undesirable swaps with regard to relative integrity [sunqingyao]
• FIX: Automatic waypoint recall for guided weapon attacks had stopped working [Valguris]
• FIX: Changes for RPGLIKE mode broke Sensor Arrays and Visual Processing utilities, allowing them to stack [Kerapace]
• FIX: Beta 9.5 prerelease bugs hunted down by: [CaptainWinky, Xii, lsend]
• FIX: [Pay2Buy mode] Hotkey for closing CogShop was still '0' rather than the newer '9'
• FIX: New "Broken" prefix for non-functional parts did not automatically update until part changed in some other way
• FIX: New "Broken" prefix for non-functional parts was included in log messages regarding that state change
• FIX: [Abominations mode] Abominations more effectively switch between propulsion modes when more than one available
• FIX: Since AI modifications to support autonomous weapons, disarmed combat bots might continue chasing targets rather than fleeing after loading a save
• FIX: Regular map exit warnings were not displayed if attempting to exit while somehow already on top of stairs
• FIX: Starting XP for RPGLIKE mode was added to score data even outside that mode

[Skeletor]

Great to hear development of this gem is still up and going.
I quite like polybot-7 as well.

[Kyzrati]

Hey Skeletor, very much still going... at this rate maybe forever? xD

Don't hear much about P7 these days, although people do play it occasionally. I should stream another run at some point, although in the near term I'm very much occupied by streaming this fun new mode (and some more 7DRLs!).

[Kyzrati]

Cogmind Beta 9.6 is out, now with a new and improved Player 2!

For the full release notes and feature demo images, see here.



Cogmind Beta 9.6 "Core Friends" (200414) changelog:

• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Added dedicated "Player 2" section to scoresheet with 15 new entries
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Player 2 better understands the tactical use of launchers when conditions permit it
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Player 2 can now swap parts from ground into a full inventory to improve type and quality of spares
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Player 2 much less likely to stack utilities that won't benefit from it
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Player 2 tendency to use heat sinks as armor toned down
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] Player 2 part loss also contributes to alert level reduction, as per the Cogmind mechanic
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] 2 more dialogue situations (total = 83)
• NEW: [Player 2 mode] More dialogue lines (total = 660)
• NEW: AI-controlled bots with a large energy-based volley may proactively deactivate one or more weapons if it will enable them to fire immediately
• MOD: [Player 2 mode] Player 2 no longer considers wasting turns on smaller integrity upgrades when rebuilding from salvage
• MOD: [Player 2 mode] Increased frequency of Player 2 dialogue
• FIX: Beta 9.6 prerelease bugs hunted down by: [CaptainWinky]
• FIX: AS-neutralizer No. 17b applied effect across entire map rather than limiting to specified range [Valguris]
• FIX: Scoresheet "Unauthorized Hacks" tally higher than intended [Valguris]
• FIX: Part info comparisons with a part using a manual tag misaligned the values by one row [Pimski]
• FIX: Scoresheet history log message for bump-rewiring detected and displayed incorrectly
• FIX: autoActivateTreadsOnAttack option caused inactive treads to appear active on automatically switching back to core propulsion on a move after attacking
• FIX: [Player 2 mode] Potential load issue under certain conditions

[Kyzrati]

Cogmind leaderboards are back in action!



The highly detailed new scoresheets introduced for Beta 9 finally have a centralized home :)

You can read more about them in the full announcement.

[Dreadoosa]

Man, wild to see how far this has come along scrolling through the updates!

[Kyzrati]

Man, wild to see how far this has come along scrolling through the updates!

It has indeed been quite a long time, certainly way beyond "yeah this'll be done in late 2015, maybe 2016"

Next major release is coming this month, and still lots of plans after that... I wonder when 1.0 will happen! (I guess 1.0 is a minor milestone at this point, haha)

[Kyzrati]

The full ambient soundscape is here, and it's not alone! Cogmind Beta 10 is a major release that also comes with expanded bothacking abilities, two more alternate endings, many more types of drones, and of course lots of other features to improve the overall experience.

For more details and demo images check out the release notes on Steam or the forums. (Only the latter has the entire changelog in text form, though, because it's huge and vastly exceeds Steam's character limit on news announcements xD)