Devlog v0.0.2: War Of Dots – Key Updates Released!

Devlog v0.0.2: War Of Dots – Key Updates Released!

We're excited to share the latest advancements in War Of Dots with our new v0.0.2 update! This version brings significant enhancements to battlefield dynamics, focusing on more sophisticated unit behavior and refined gameplay mechanics.

Expanded Roster & Enhanced Unit Roles

A new, highly mobile and long-range unit has been introduced. This addition offers fresh tactical possibilities, emphasizing strategic positioning and flanking maneuvers over direct confrontation. With improved stats, this unit is designed to influence battles from a distance while maintaining the ability to relocate swiftly.

Core Gameplay Refinements

Several foundational aspects of combat have been polished for a smoother and more intuitive experience:

• Combat Engagement Logic: Units now manage their combat actions with greater precision. This includes better control over when they engage targets while moving, ensuring more consistent attacks. Units will prioritize stopping to fire when a target is within optimal range.
• Active Unit Behavior: Idle time for units has been minimized. The system now prompts units to actively seek out threats when not otherwise engaged, ensuring continuous participation in combat.
• Target Acquisition: Unit AI has been enhanced to identify and prioritize the most relevant threats within their operational range, leading to more effective engagements.
• Support System Improvements: The internal mechanics governing unit recovery and self-preservation have been refined for better reliability during prolonged engagements.
• Damage Application Accuracy: Adjustments have been made to ensure that unit damage output is consistently applied, contributing to more predictable combat outcomes.

New Visual & Tactical Elements

To improve situational awareness and strategic depth, new visual and mechanical elements have been integrated:

• Range Indicators: A clear visual indicator for unit attack range is now displayed when a unit is selected. This provides immediate feedback for tactical positioning.
• Advanced Positioning Tactics: The new unit leverages an enhanced AI routine to actively seek advantageous positions, such as flanking angles, allowing for more impactful engagements against enemy formations.

Sophisticated Unit AI

The artificial intelligence controlling units has undergone a significant overhaul, leading to more adaptive and intelligent behavior on the battlefield:

• Dynamic Threat Management: Units can now intelligently assess the validity of their current targets. If a threat is neutralized or moves out of effective range, the AI will promptly identify and transition to a new engagement.
• Movement and Engagement Adaptability: Unit AI now dynamically adjusts its movement patterns based on combat scenarios, including pursuing retreating foes and making tactical withdrawals when necessary for self-preservation.
• Multi-State Behavior System: A comprehensive Finite State Machine (FSM) has been implemented, enabling units to transition through various behavioral states, from initial deployment and positioning to active combat, disengagement, and recovery, reflecting a more complex and adaptive AI.

These updates aim to provide a more strategic and engaging experience in War Of Dots. We look forward to seeing the new tactics you'll employ on the battlefield!