Day/Night cycle system is going very well. We've implemented custom skyboxes along with volumetric lighting system at day and dense fog when the night falls.
Weather system is still WIP but the fundamental idea is already implemented. Weather in Floatlands will be a Simplex noise, where each color of a cell around you coresponds to what type of weather that cell will have – cloudy, rainy, snowy or clear.
A noise map will then move around and generate a procedural generated weather! How cool is that! Will work on particles (rain, snow) next week.
THE “BUZZARD” – craftable aircraftThe “buzzard” tier 1 is the basic craftable aircraft capable of traveling medium to short distances at slow speed. It provides some mobility so you can visit and explore floating islands at medium range. You can however upgrade the key components to improve the performance and add various utilities to the aircraft. For example, the tier 1 fuel tank will allow you to fly for 2 minutes continuously. If you choose to upgrade it to tier 2 you gain visual update on the aircraft model itself, and extend the flight time to approximately 3 minute flight time. (keep in mind the numbers are still subject to change).
You will also be able to upgrade utilities, such as the storage capacity to store the tools and craft materials you find on the way, and even add different light sources to the aircraft to keep you illuminated at night. Because the conflict with enemy NPCs is imminent, you must also find a way to protect the aircraft. To repel the attackers you can mount a small turret to the front of the “buzzard”, and to protect yourself you can also upgrade the shell so the enemy NPCs will have a hard time hitting you.
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