Hello, and welcome to the THIRD Rocket Tester Developer Blog. In this issue, we focus on the brand new design of the Moon and it’s unique gameplay features!
Roblox Group
Opening
Understanding the new direction of terrain design within Rocket Tester was something that was difficult to decide on. For one the planets had to maintain a realistic factor and feel during gameplay. However these planets needed to remain as a fun environment to explore. From the very beginning of the revamp project we’ve gone through several iterations of what could possibly fit the role of Rocket Tester’s planetary gameplay. What started as simple 2000x2000 sized disks quickly evolved into a new project of its own. The new design philosophy for the planets is for them to be immersive and fun. The first way we accomplished this was by using real world recreations for our terrain. By creating 1:1 recreations of planetary terrain, it yielded amazing results, anywhere you could explore in Rocket Tester was real. That mentality that “I’m exploring an actual planet, unexplored and untouched” creates a wonderful and exciting atmosphere. From driving down dusty hills on the Moon, weaving a lander through ice spires on Callisto, watching fiery fountains erupting on Io, to flying through the geysers of Enceladus, the new planetary gameplay is one that can satisfy everyone’s form of play.
Moon
Choosing a site for the Moon ultimately went to a small formation known as Fra Mauro . Now Fra Mauro has a unique history to it, as it was explored by the Apollo 14 crew. The site was ultimately chosen because of its overall significance and simplicity. Requirements for the site required the site to be easily accessible for newer players, and serve as a practice ground for the Manual Landing system. Fra Mauro allows players of any play style to experience the new gameplay style of RT. You’re entire experience will come down to your own objectives and environment. The automated landing system may place you in the vicinity of a nearby large crater. Sometimes you may land in a hilly valley, flanked on either side. Or you may find yourself isolated in a plain, surrounded by nothing but craters and rocks. By recreating 1:1 locations from our solar system, Rocket Tester allows players to explore like they never have before! But how does the environment effect you and your experience? To answer that, welcome our newest part of the gameplay cycle: meet experiments. ( Experiments ) Experiments, or more specifically player tools and equipment, are a product of of our attempts of realism. These experiments come in the form of drills, surface stations, and rock collecting. The environment ultimately determines the effectiveness of your experiments. A crater field may bring with it some research, but a massive boulder that rolled down a hill is a treasure trove of research. However, these findings dont come to you automatically, its your job to explore, survey, and determine where you can find valuable research. This can be assisted with precise manual landings, so start practicing your landing manoeuvres! Once on the surface, brandish your space suit, mount your rover, and begin your next expedition!
Misc features
•Improved gravity, reduces exaggerated effects seen in current versions of Rocket Tester
•SPACE SUITS!
Current suits:
(NASA)
-A7L (white)
-A7L (Red Commander Stripes)
-A7L-B (Skylab exclusive)
-EMU
(Intercosmos/Rocosmos)
-SK-1 ( pending )
-Orlan D (USSR)
-Orlan DMA (USSR/RUSSIA)
-Lunar Orlan (USSR)
•Original music and score
•Manual Landing system (optional)
•Day and night cycles
•Spherical planets from orbit
