Hi everyone! Check out the biggest update yet! [h3]NEW CONTENT[/h3] [list] [*] Added new Hotshot and Freak difficulties! Freak mode can be customized further by activating the freak stars. 5 new steam achievements have also been added for these. [*] New encounter mechanic! Meet the denizens of the desert and manage your risks and rewards. Replaces the research mechanic which has been demoted. [*] New wave generation! Get a preview of the next waves enemies for more strategic play. Waves are now procedurally generated and more dynamic. [*] New Shield Charger structure! Boosts your max shield HP. Shield expansion perk has also been buffed to boost a % of max shield also. [*] Updated Research Lab! Now has a chance to level-up when you build. Level up the perk for a better chance. This new system feels fairer and gives the player more control! [*] New Perks! New mastery-type perks boost weapon sub-types. Use the Contingency Cores perk for extra lives. [*] [/list] [h3]BALANCE[/h3] [list] [*] Buffed player move speed. [*] Buffed briefcase upgrade damage. [*] Nerfed angel kaiju satellite drop attack - replaced with bombard-style attack. [*] Nerfed horizon beam range slightly so it no longer offscreens. [*] Nerfed swarm launcher damage. [*] Nerfed nova tower upgrade damage. [*] Nerfed flamethrower piercing down slightly. [*] Nerfed miniroller generally. [/list] [h3]BUG FIX[/h3] [list] [*] Fixed some bugs for players on ultrawide monitors. [*] Fixed damage calculation for personal weapons. [*] Fixed stat calculation for drone factories (drones are no longer affected by adjacent buffing towers). [*] Drone factories no longer have 'Tower' subtype. [*] Fixed some minor performance related bugs. [/list] As always, thanks for playing! And please let me know how you're going with the game and the new updates. The feedback is very much appreciated. Cheers! Adam