Descent: Underground – New patch significantly improves AI


Descendent Studios released a significant artificial intelligence (AI) update for its reboot of the classic 1990s FPS, Descent. As the press release reads, this patch features Moon Collider’s advanced Kythera AI system, cooperative play against “bot” opponents, new ship types, and additional gameplay enhancements.

Moon Collider’s Kythera AI is renowned in the gaming industry for powering some of the most challenging AI opponents in games with unique gameplay requirements. In Descent: Underground drones navigate complex, maze-like maps in which “up” is relative! Moon Collider swiftly integrated Kythera into Unreal Engine 4 to power Descent: Underground’s rich and diverse stable of robotic enemies.

Descendent’s CEO, Eric “Wingman” Peterson, said:

“I was blown away by how quickly Moon Collider was able to translate our game designs into working Kythera AI behaviors. Within a few days, they turned our bots from flying bricks into dangerous, terrifying enemies! Just wait until you see what they can do in Survival mode and our upcoming singleplayer campaign!”

Moon Collider worked with Descendent Studios to push the envelope of AI navigation. With improved awareness of three dimensional combat and voxel-based wayfinding, enemies make use of Descent: Underground’s full six degrees of freedom without any intervention from designers.

This game update allows players to fight these smarter opponents in offline, single-player practice and online in cooperative battles with up to four players in a match.

In addition, this patch includes two additional player-controlled ships- the Warlock and the Goliath. The Warlock is a stealthy infiltrator capable of bypassing security doors and stealing from enemies. The Goliath is a hulking cargo transport that can compress ore into blocks to barricade tunnels.

Descent: Underground is now available as an Early Access title through Steam, its official website, and other online sellers.