Greetings, valiant adventurers! I’ve many tales of trials and tribulations overcome, decisions rendered, and milestones met. We have been rather quiet since Community Alpha Test 2. You may recall at that time we mentioned our focus post test; revamp the UI. It has been truly painful keeping our progress under wraps and we are very relieved to be sharing it with you now!
Though the original UI had some charm, it left a lot to be desired and more crucially, was built on a rigid foundation that made it hard for us to improve and enhance in the future. The UI has undergone a breathtaking transformation, casting aside the shackles of pixelation and embracing the splendor of stunning new art. Built for modern resolutions and variable aspect ratio without the artifacts we witnessed especially pronounced in the old Paper Doll window and chat text. Every window has been updated, rethought, and made more consistent. We will continue to improve the usability, functionality, and aesthetics of the UI.
Throughout testing, the most persistent concern we heard was the lack of progression visibility for the player. Other players get to witness and see all your awesome gear and customizations, but we only had the one small pixelated Paper Doll window for the player themselves. We have heard your cries for better progression visibility and have woven it into the very fabric of our world. A grand paperdoll window now graces the Character Screen, while a separate Avatar Window (default F7) allows you to bask in the glory of your avatar's visage as you adventure! Additionally, your portrait now adorns the Player Window, as do those of your target and valiant group mates.
As we continue to enhance the world of Adrullan, we understand that immersion is a crucial aspect of your experience. To that end, we have implemented Full Body Awareness, a feature that truly elevates EverCraft Online to new heights. For the first time, you, the local player, are represented with an entity model, allowing you to feel more grounded and immersed in Adrullan. As you traverse this captivating realm, you can now look down and see your own body, observe your shadow, and even witness the powerful swings of your weapon! Fear not, traditionalists, for if you prefer the old school look, you can simply toggle "Use First Person Weapons" on in the Options Menu (F8). This harmonious blend of innovation and tradition ensures that each adventurer's experience is tailored to their unique preferences.
To further enhance the visceral immersion of your EverCraft Online experience, we have introduced the option to toggle on Head Bob. This feature seamlessly matches the camera position to the neck using the full body awareness, creating a realistic sense of movement as you explore Adrullan. With customizable intensity and Z Rotate settings, you can fine-tune Head Bob to find the perfect balance that suits your personal preference. Rest assured, for those who prefer a more stable view, we have set Head Bob to be off by default, ensuring that each adventurer can tailor their journey to their own comfort level.
We are thrilled to announce that all entities in EverCraft Online have been upgraded to feature 8-directional animations for all locomotion states. This means that your avatar will come to life with smooth and dynamic animations as you walk, run, crouch, and swim through the dangerous world of Adrullan. These 8-directional animations provide a more immersive and visually satisfying experience, making your adventures feel more realistic and engaging than ever before. Embrace the fluidity and grace of your character's movements as you traverse the diverse and wondrous landscapes that await you!
Our new Directional Damage Indicator improves your awareness, subtly flashing your screen in the direction of incoming Damage when its source is Offscreen. Love it? Hate it? No problem! In addition to the default Offscreen option, you can toggle the Directional Damage Indicator to None or All in the General Options Window.
We are excited to reveal that all player models have been meticulously retooled and updated from the ground up. Our talented team has been hard at work refining each race's design, ensuring that their unique features and characteristics truly shine in the world of Adrullan. And, for those of you with a keen eye and an adventurous spirit, we are delighted to tease that the unrevealed race models are also in various stages of final implementation. Rest assured, the unveiling of these mysterious new inhabitants will further enrich and enliven the vibrant tapestry of Adrullan.
The winds of change have also brought forth an expansive weather system, breathing life and depth into the atmosphere. And as the elements shift, so too do the champions who walk our lands. We have revised the ways of the Paladin, Warrior, and Enchanter, and even unveiled the mighty War Wizard!
Marvelous advancements have not only graced the surface, but also delved deep into the very essence of our realm. Our dedicated team has undertaken significant optimization work, refining the inner workings of Adrullan to ensure a seamless and immersive experience for all. We have reimagined and rewritten our lighting, casting a smoother and more ethereal glow upon our world, further enhancing its breathtaking allure.
So, rejoice, for a new era dawns upon us! Embrace the enhancements, the beauty, and the endless possibilities that now lie before you. The world of Adrullan has never looked brighter, and it is you, our courageous adventurers, who shall write its next glorious chapter.
With great anticipation and unyielding excitement,
- The EverCraft Online Team