90 Minute Review

[JaxckLl]

Played the new starting biome for 90mins this morning, here's some early thoughts.

• Wood & Snow being the primary early building materials is great. Resource management feels notably different. However Snow tiles melting so regularly seriously limits their long term utility. Perhaps we could get some kind of "structural snow" (Packed Snow?) tile later on, that still lets us build with Ice & Snow but is significantly less vulnerable to melting?
• Floxes are fun, but most of the wild population spawned without available food. The spawning rules for their food (the stinky fruit) needs to be looked at. It also feels extra restrictive that advanced research is needed before their antlers can be harvested. Why not have Wild Floxes periodically drop their antlers, like how Pokeshells drop their shell? That way the player has a trickle of Wood early game and has an immediate incentive to make sure Floxes have what they need, without fully getting into Ranching.
• Bammoth's had the same spawning problem. Way too cramped without their food available. I really like the idea that these guys radiate heat, not sure if it's enough to run a base but it's a nice idea to have some critters that play directly with the temp mechanics. Perhaps we can get an Icy Slickster that converts CO2 into Ethanol but also consumes heat?
• It would be nice if there were more coats that could be found, at least one for each of the starting duplicants. Would make for an extra incentive to stick with three duplicants for longer, again changing up the core experience.
• Maybe change up the starting research pattern entirely? Force us to use the new resarch station and to explore for additional charges, instead of having the standard research station immediately unlocked.