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Are you enjoying the retro inspired FPS Ion Maiden? Time to jump back in as the latest update is rather great.

The current game is only a preview of what's to come, even so they seem to be committed to supporting it and keeping it up to date. While they're working to finish off the full game, they just push out quite an interesting update. Specifically, they optimized and eliminated mid-game texture streaming and generation, improved the overall OpenGL renderer performance and did more scripting optimizations. Together, these have made the game perform quite a lot smoother in my testing.

Also, they added in a new "Queen of the Hill" arcade mode, which is a wave-based survival mode full of ruthless cyborg cultists with nothing but a gigantic chaingun at your disposal, here's a quick look at it:

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I think this new mode could use a little work, for one the enemies seem to spawn a fair bit too slowly for the timer that you're given. Actually finding them can be a bit of a problem, so you end up losing a fair amount of time wandering around doing nothing. If they tweak that, it would actually be a lot more fun. There's also an issue with enemies being stuck at times, which I think is part of the issue with them not always coming towards you. Still, nice addition while we wait for the full game.

See a full changelog here.

You can pick it up right now on GOG (affiliate link) and Steam.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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17 comments

Grimfist Apr 13, 2018
Just the right thing for a funny and bloody friday evening :D
Shmerl Apr 13, 2018
Great game. I was replaying it in bombardier mode. Also, it apparently has references to other games like "They promised me cake" with a fake cake on a box (is that from Portal?).

Some secrets are pretty hard to find, and it's part of the fun. In game jokes an humor are quite good (some posters and paper notes are very funny).

UDPATE: just for the reference, GOG doesn't have the update yet.


Last edited by Shmerl on 13 April 2018 at 3:03 pm UTC
RTheren Apr 13, 2018
I am waiting for the full release. I don't want to spoil myself of anything
D34VA_ Apr 13, 2018
Quoting: RTherenI am waiting for the full release. I don't want to spoil myself of anything
This is its own standalone campaign. It's not part of the actual game, but instead is more of a prelude.
Hamish Apr 13, 2018
I am not seeing the update on the 3D Realms store either.
RTheren Apr 13, 2018
Quoting: aFoxNamedMorris
Quoting: RTherenI am waiting for the full release. I don't want to spoil myself of anything
This is its own standalone campaign. It's not part of the actual game, but instead is more of a prelude.

So you're saying, that I should buy this game right now and enjoy it?
D34VA_ Apr 13, 2018
Quoting: RTheren
Quoting: aFoxNamedMorris
Quoting: RTherenI am waiting for the full release. I don't want to spoil myself of anything
This is its own standalone campaign. It's not part of the actual game, but instead is more of a prelude.

So you're saying, that I should buy this game right now and enjoy it?

Sort of. I'm saying that if you bought the game now, you could enjoy a spoiler-free campaign, and on full release, you'll have a whole new experience. They also stated that even after they release the actual game, you'll still have access to the preview campaign.

Basically, you would be buying a small prequel game, and getting the real game for free with no spoilers.

The "preview campaign" is pretty darn fun and nostalgic. I really can't recommend it enough.


Last edited by D34VA_ on 13 April 2018 at 9:25 pm UTC
ison111 Apr 13, 2018
This completely fixed the mouse input lag for me. Perfect time to replay it on ultra viscera


Last edited by ison111 on 13 April 2018 at 11:27 pm UTC
Mblackwell Apr 14, 2018
Quoting: HamishI am not seeing the update on the 3D Realms store either.
Sorry, we've sent packages but it takes time for GOG to update (the publisher has to send files and GOG packs it themselves) and 3DR is in a different time zone. Hopefully they appear quickly and I apologize for the wait.


Last edited by Mblackwell on 14 April 2018 at 1:17 am UTC
RTheren Apr 14, 2018
Quoting: aFoxNamedMorris
Quoting: RTheren
Quoting: aFoxNamedMorris
Quoting: RTherenI am waiting for the full release. I don't want to spoil myself of anything
This is its own standalone campaign. It's not part of the actual game, but instead is more of a prelude.

So you're saying, that I should buy this game right now and enjoy it?

Sort of. I'm saying that if you bought the game now, you could enjoy a spoiler-free campaign, and on full release, you'll have a whole new experience. They also stated that even after they release the actual game, you'll still have access to the preview campaign.

Basically, you would be buying a small prequel game, and getting the real game for free with no spoilers.

The "preview campaign" is pretty darn fun and nostalgic. I really can't recommend it enough.

Ok my weird furry friend. I shall buy it then
axredneck Apr 14, 2018
QuoteActually finding them can be a bit of a problem, so you end up losing a fair amount of time wandering around doing nothing.
This.
mtdew365 Apr 17, 2018
Quoting: Mblackwell
Quoting: HamishI am not seeing the update on the 3D Realms store either.
Sorry, we've sent packages but it takes time for GOG to update (the publisher has to send files and GOG packs it themselves) and 3DR is in a different time zone. Hopefully they appear quickly and I apologize for the wait.

GOG has the windows Update 2 but linux is still Update 1. :( on 4/16.
Shmerl Apr 17, 2018
Quoting: mtdew365GOG has the windows Update 2 but linux is still Update 1. :( on 4/16.

I suppose they are still testing it.
Hamish Apr 17, 2018
I am still not seeing the update at all on the 3D Realms store. Not the best way to treat the customers that have chosen to support you directly 3D Realms.
Shmerl Apr 17, 2018
I pinged GOG folks about it. Let's see what's going on.
Shmerl Apr 17, 2018
The update is out on GOG!
Hamish Apr 18, 2018
And it has now finally appeared on the 3D Realms store.
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