I wonder if this is effectively Dev Diary #7: Explorminate's Benjamin Halford (BATTLEMODE on their forums and Discord) got an exclusive look at the game's research & technology system...
https://explorminate.co/an-exclusive-research-in-distant-worlds-2/It appears it's going to be a fairly major upgrade/revamp over what was in DW:U, at least under the hood, although the basic research screen still looks much the same as before. (If anything, that's one thing I have a concern about -- it look as if there might not be scalable text, which was an issue with the previous game, as it made it difficult for some players to read technologies and their descriptions.) Still, there are some genuinely interesting changes/features being added.
Some highlights (though definitely not all -- the full article is definitely worth reading):
- The tech tree is now "hidden" beyond a certain point past your current technology level, adding an element of uncertainty to that part of the game.
- The tech tree can be randomized (this option is chosen at game start) players who prefer a less predictable research path, and/or enjoy "exploring" the technology tree (ala Stellaris).
- There are also now repeatable techs, so that research doesn't suddenly become a dead-end in the late game, but remains useful throughout.
- The three separate research trees from the first game have been combined into a single tree in DW2, though players retain the ability to research multiple techs/projects simultaneously.
- When making first contact with an alien race, you now gain access to "diplomatic technologies" which will allow you to better make friends with them (even the usually-unpleasant insectoid species!).
- The technology tree in general has been greatly expanded -- even with now being a single field, it's still significantly larger than DW:U's original three tech trees combined.
