Boat Crew - v1.6.1 Stable | Shock and Awe

Dec 19, 2024

Hello Captain,

It's been three weeks since the v1.6.0 Shock and Awe update reached the Stable branch and we are temporarily deviating from our usual style of making big updates with extended experimental cycles to release a smaller interim update, composing of features that didn't make it in 1.6.0 on time as well as some other changes and additions we had planned for a future update; a sort of a "director's cut" of 1.6.0. if you will.

The resulting update is the v1.6.1 update, coming with a range of things you might find interesting. Let's go over them briefly.

We have added 3 new torpedoes, wrapping up the planned torpedo roster. These torpedoes are the Mark 17 Torpedo, Mark 18 Torpedo and Mark 21 Torpedo, the last of which already previously existed as a misnamed Mark 28 previously before that was corrected.

The Mark 17 Torpedo is a large, destroyer sized torpedo; a previously cancelled design that was revived after seeing the effectiveness of the Japanese Long Lance torpedoes but still did not end up seeing service. It's essentially an upgrade to the Mark 15, sharing the same look with a distinct trail that is less detectable by the enemy ships, while also being a faster torpedo with better acceleration and a (fictional) magnetic detonator. It does not deal more damage, but its secondary qualities make it more likely to hit compared to the Mark 15. It is the only oxygen torpedo in the game.

The Mark 18 Torpedo is an electric propulsion sidegrade to the Mark 14, having worse engine performance but also being less detectable.

The Mark 21 Torpedo is an electric, acoustic guided torpedo based on the Mark 13. Compared to the Mark 28, it has better engine performance and tracking capability while having less damage, and also has a (fictional) magnetic detonator.

Overall, we are happy to say we have filled all the torpedo niches we can think of, and barring any future surprises, don't expect to be adding additional torpedo types.

We added two new torpedo trails; for electric and oxygen torpedoes specifically, making them more visually distinct. In addition to the new electric torpedoes being added, the Mark 24/27 have also been updated with the electric torpedo trails, given that are electric torpedoes themselves.

Torpedo visibility ratings have also been re-balanced, and electric/oxygen torpedoes in particular have a great advantage on this department, being all but invisible at night time and having reduced visibility in day time.

Torpedoes that has both rack and tube variants have also been given a toggle feature to switch between tube and rack, compressing the list down and hopefully making it easier to navigate.

If you'd like to know more, the full changelog is below.

Enjoy the update!
Captain,
T.T.

v1.6.0 Full Changelog

Additions

• New Akizuki variant with 4 x 2 127 mm Type B turrets for the fictional named Akizukis.
• Mark 17 Oxygen Torpedo added (reduced visibility Mark 15 with a magnetic detonator like Mark 14)
• Mark 18 Electric Torpedo added (completely wakeless Mark 8)
• Mark 21 Electric Torpedo added (Wakeless and Homing Mk 13)
• 20 mm Oerlikon now available in gun tubs.
• Groups with Tenders will now refill you like bases do on the strategic map.
• Torpedo cooldown added for Tender.
• Destroying air units causes air strength depletion, resulting in reduced effective threat temporarily.

Changes

• IJN aircraft weapon nerf.
• Torpedo Tube/Rack turned into toggle.
• Higgins now has access to torpedo tubes.
• Mark 15 (and 17) given a second rack to secure the heavier torpedo better.
• M2 Browning cost reduced to 2500 RP from 3500 RP.
• Torpedo placement adjustments.
• '80 Elco can now carry two rows of Mark 15/17 Torpedoes.
• Torpedo visibilities adjusted.
• Overboard crew are now tracked in the UI.
• 3-inch shell impact sound changes.
• Player Bofors now has a flak-like explosion effect and proximity fuse but no shrapnel when targeting aircraft.