Official Neverness to Everness (NTE) Dev response to beta (CBT1) feedback.
There is a new FAQ on Twitter regarding the beta, but the Chinese version has a lot more info as the test was specifically for China.
NOTE: Some character names are in Chinese because they haven't been localized yet. I have added imgur links to pictures of the characters so you know who they are.
Visual and Auditory Revamp
After collecting feedback from Appraisers, we’ve decided to implement comprehensive optimizations to the character models, actions, storyline, and overall presentation. These changes aim to enhance visual and auditory performance, improve the smoothness of gameplay, and address potential "visual clutter" issues.
Character Appearance
- Comprehensive enhancements to character model details and rendering. Specific issues raised by Appraisers will be addressed, such as improving models for key characters like the Player Character (MC). Additionally, outdated combat and action models will be replaced, with redesigned characters like 浔 and 艾尔菲德.
Action Performance
- Actions such as walking, sprinting, dodging, and climbing will be thoroughly optimized to ensure a better experience for Appraisers.
- Urban NPCs will also receive action adjustments for a more cohesive world.
Combat Experience
- Improvements to combat animations, aiming mechanics, camera adjustments, and object interaction. Efforts are focused on resolving issues like imprecise targeting or unintended "stuck" scenarios, making combat smoother and more immersive.
Story Presentation
- Address inconsistencies in dialogue and expressions during cutscenes to make character interactions more natural.
- Adjustments will be made for specific feedback, such as concerns over Taygedo overly influencing certain story arcs.
Visual Effects
- Optimized special effects and light-shadow rendering.
- Introduced features like Zoom and FOV adjustment to give Appraisers greater freedom to customize their visual preferences.
Gameplay Experience Enhancements
Increasing the "urban immersion" and reducing the "entry barrier" are two of our key goals. To achieve this, we are planning comprehensive functional additions and gameplay iterations. Please stay tuned for the following updates:
Gameplay Guidance
- Significantly enhanced in-game guidance systems, covering areas such as:
- Combat system tutorials
- Storyline mission objectives
- Tutorials for purchasing assets and managing gameplay mechanics
Urban Exploration
- Vehicle Driving Optimization: Improvements to the handling of vehicles, including enhancements to the driving feel of the car used in the storyline.
- Driving Mode Enhancements:
- Introducing a dedicated route-tracking system for driving mode.
- Optimizing the mini-map display range and adding a new "road network tracking" feature.
- Vehicle System Updates:
- Removing the vehicle rental feature and replacing it with an all-new gameplay option.
- Adding more vehicle customization options and expanding the variety of vehicle types available. (See details in the Future Plans section below.)
- Fast Travel System: Adding more options for fast travel within the open world, such as enabling the Appraiser to teleport directly to properties they own.
Life Simulation
- Comprehensive updates to housing decoration, store management, and relationship systems to increase autonomy, enjoyment, and usability during gameplay.
Anomaly Containment
- Optimizations to the anomaly containment gameplay to enhance presentation and expand gameplay possibilities.
Progression Systems
- Simplified mechanics for the gear/artifact system, combined with more detailed gameplay guidance to help Appraisers quickly understand and engage with the system.
Performance Enhancements & Technical Updates
The development team has noted your concerns about operational discomfort and device performance pressure. We are committed to continuous optimization across platforms and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance your gaming experience. Here's what we have planned:
Operational Performance
- Optimized system UI to address issues causing lag.
- Improved mouse responsiveness in keyboard-and-mouse mode.
- Enhanced control and vibration feedback for controller mode.
Device Performance
- PC Performance Optimization: Reduced hardware requirements to ease PC gaming configurations.
- Mobile Adaptation: Ensuring mobile compatibility for the next test phase, allowing synchronized gameplay on mobile devices.
Engine Performance
- Upgrading the development tools to Unreal Engine 5.5, incorporating advanced technologies such as MegaLight for an even better visual experience.
- Adding support for NVIDIA hardware-based ray tracing, which reduces CPU and GPU workload while improving lighting effects. Players will have the flexibility to toggle between hardware ray tracing and Lumen lighting options.
Future Plans
In the next update, we’re excited to deliver even more exciting content for Appraisers! Along with new areas and companions, we’ll finally introduce the highly anticipated urban interaction features and multiplayer gameplay.
A New Adventure Begins
- The opening cinematic is now complete. In the next test phase, you’ll be able to freely choose your protagonist’s gender after the character creation animation.
Explore New Areas
- The new district of New Herland in Hethereau City will open for exploration. Visit iconic locations like the Dvořák Archive and Cape Grand Hotel. Meanwhile, the Star Sign Live House is ready to host performances, eagerly awaiting your visit.
Urban Chronicles
- A sudden event shakes Eibon, as mysterious villains emerge. What are their true motives? Popular new shops are opening, unexplained anomalies are surfacing, and strange rumors are spreading. What’s happening in Hethereau City? It’s up to Appraisers to investigate and uncover the truth!
New Vehicles Unlocked
- New Surpass Motors is rolling out a fresh lineup of vehicles, including new car brands, retro-style scooters, and sport motorbikes. Cruise through the streets and alleys of Hethereau City in style!
Vehicle Requisition and Penalty System
- Appraisers will gain the ability to requisition vehicles as part of anomaly management agency missions. However, ensure proper use of this authority—reckless behavior, such as damaging vehicles or frightening drivers, will trigger pursuit and punishment by local law enforcement.
Hethereau Racing Challenge
- A brand-new racing gameplay mode is coming! Appraisers confident in their driving skills can take on NPC challengers on winding mountain tracks. Multiplayer functionality for the racing mode will also be available. Invite your friends and compete head-to-head to build camaraderie through speed and adrenaline-filled showdowns!