EMP and Unit Orders

Triverse 0.2.0 introduces a new EMP part, core-claiming mechanics, and RTS-like orders.

The new EMP part fires a shell that bursts in the next turn and unpowers any nearby hostile parts. The EMP burst strength is reduced by distance and by certain parts like hulls (and storage to a lesser degree). Like other parts, EMP power level is determined by its proximity to cores. L1 EMP is mostly a minor nuisance that just forces units to move, but L2 and L3 can unpower hostile cores. All levels cause shields to drop.

(Above: Units with L1 (no core adjacent), L2 (one core adjacent), and L3 (two cores adjacent) EMP)

There are a few defenses against EMP. Because it bursts in the next turn, nearby units have a chance to move away if they can, making mobility a good defense against EMP. Units with less mobility may want hulls to block propagation of EMP. Those measures come at a cost, so if you know you're not facing EMP, you can instead favor firepower or shields rather than hulls or thrusters.

To complement EMP, external cores (those with fewer than three immediately-connected parts) can now claim unpowered cores. This means you can use EMP to unpower hostile units and then take them over using 'worker' units with external cores, which is quite effective if the EMPs land. Also note that as units are damaged and lose parts, cores may be exposed and allow those units to take over others, so battles with EMP can become chaotic as both sides attempt to take over each other. 

Finally, Triverse is venturing into RTS territory with unit orders. These are the new controls:

• `Right-click empty space`: Move to point
• `Right-click unit`: Approach, follow, or attack unit
• `Right-click selected unit`: Pick up selection
• `R`: Cancel order
• `H`: Halt

To fulfill orders, units will attempt to move in their main propulsion direction and steer around obstacles. Turrets will prioritize firing on the targeted unit. In some cases, it might be better to cancel orders and allow the AI to freely decide which units to attack. In other cases, the AI might need some help from you. This is the first version with orders, so please let me know if you find any weird behavior!

More details in full blog post.