Shattered Galaxy 1.5 Q&A

While the best-known real-time strategy franchises have streamlined online play in recent years and focused more attention on ladder rankings, there is no RTS game with a persistent online world like that of Shattered Galaxy . In Shattered Galaxy, players can develop heroes over time, and the spoils of victory directly translate into the ability to buy upgraded units. Teams of players combine arms and fight together for control of territories on a world map.

Now that Shattered Galaxy has been out for a little more than a year, Nexon has a major update in the works for the game. We recently had a chance to speak to Terry Park, game director for Shattered Galaxy, on what the 1.5 update has in store for players.

GameSpot: How long has the Shattered Galaxy version 1.5 update been in the making?

Terry Park: We first began seriously considering Shattered Galaxy 1.5 in late July, after evaluating the first year of Shattered Galaxy. Because Shattered Galaxy provides players with a constantly evolving persistent universe, we are always working to bring new updates to the players. Of course, during the updates, there are some ideas we just couldn't fit in due to circumstances at that time. After a year of updates, we've accumulated a ton of great ideas and inspiration for new features that we felt would have a great impact on Shattered Galaxy. Shattered Galaxy 1.5 is the consummation of all these great ideas.

GS: What are the most obvious changes that 1.5 makes to the game? How have the graphics been improved?

TP: The most obvious change in Shattered Galaxy 1.5 is the dramatically improved graphical interfaces. Every single interface in Shattered Galaxy 1.5 will sport a sleek new futuristic look. The other major change in Shattered Galaxy 1.5 is the brand-new unit technology sets. Different factions will now have access to specifically different sets of units and items. Finally, Shattered Galaxy 1.5 will offer many subtle upgrades that will significantly enhance the gameplay, such as a scoreboard and specialized armors.

GS: Tell us about the changes 1.5 makes to unit technology sets.

TP: In the past, we had always wanted to make different factions have different types of units, similar to having different races in traditional RTS games. However, due to resource issues and balance difficulties, we were unable to do so when we commercialized. However, for 1.5, we have found a simple but cool way to split our existing unit base into unique technology sets, making it possible for factions to have their own unique identity.

Basically, there will be two technology sets, one being a "brute strength" group, while the other is a "high tech" group. Currently, the main differences between the two sets are their graphics and the choice of weapons. However, we are still considering even greater changes between the sets to give each set even more individuality.

GS: How do you think the division of units will affect the majority of players?

TP: We think the new addition of the varying technology sects will add a great deal to the overall atmosphere of Shattered Galaxy. With so many factions and a limited number of technologies, this has great potential for a dramatic storyline. We think players will thoroughly enjoy the new look and feel of the unit divisions.

GS: What are some of the other gameplay changes?

TP: One of the big changes in Shattered Galaxy 1.5 is the overall pace of the battles. Unit speeds have been upped for the most part, greatly increasing the action. Now, you can get to the hot spots more quickly, but you have to keep your guard up at the same time, because your enemies can do the same. We've also improved the tactical pace of the game by lowering many of the cooldowns of weapons, allowing commanders to better react to the ever-changing situations of the battle. The new Shattered Galaxy will definitely offer more intensity and strategy in battles than any other versions.

GS: Of the subtler changes that version 1.5 introduces, which do you think will have the most impact?

TP: One really subtle but powerful change in 1.5 is the new enemy hit point bar. In 1.5, you will be able to see how much health an enemy unit has by simply hovering your mouse cursor over the unit. I know it may sound like a really small feature, but it has already had a great impact on the strategies of our beta testers. Now instead of just blindly going up against an enemy squad, you can immediately assess battle circumstances with a simple mouse-over. The enemy HP bar also works great with the new elemental armor types, giving you vital information when you are attacking opponents with protection against your weapons.

GS: Given the major changes to how units work, how are you handling compatibility between players' existing unit inventories and the new version 1.5 unit sets?

TP: Unfortunately, because of the huge changes to the units in Shattered Galaxy 1.5, the new units and the current units will not be compatible. For this reason, the old units and weapons will not carry over to Shattered Galaxy 1.5. However, we will be holding a special event to allow everyone to recruit the brand-new units and weapons based on their progress thus far. Most importantly, hero progress and growth will not be affected in the update, and players will even get the chance to rearrange their hero attributes.

GS: More generally, does Nexon plan to focus on developing the existing Shattered Galaxy product? Are there plans to introduce expansion packs or a full sequel?

TP: Nexon will continue to evolve in the direction of improving and diversifying the Shattered Galaxy experience. Beyond that, there are no plans on the immediate horizon for a traditional expansion or a sequel, though we are always evaluating the direction of the Shattered Galaxy name. But in the meantime, we are gearing up for Shattered Galaxy 1.5, which is an expansion in itself, with all the changes and improvements being included. Best of all, it's free.

GS: How would you describe the Shattered Galaxy player community? How many subscribers does the game have? Where are most players located?

TP: The Shattered Galaxy community is a tight-knit family of true gamers. Because they compose the community of a game that revolves around massive online warfare, they're definitely competitive, but there is nonetheless a very solid social spirit. The majority of our thousands of subscribers are currently located in North America and Singapore.

GS: Finally, when will the version 1.5 update be released?

TP: The open beta of Shattered Galaxy 1.5 will be available in the very near future for everyone to try. After that, Shattered Galaxy 1.5 is scheduled for a November launch. We look forward to seeing everyone in Shattered Galaxy 1.5!

GS: Thanks for your time, Terry.