Part 5 plot spoilers + workflow update

I cannot finish the rest of part 5 with the current system.  There have been too many updates and changes to core mechanics and new additions and so it makes more sense to start finalizing these mechanics then move forward and finish up the plotline for part 4 and 5.  We are moving into the final phase of the project - the final polish of the game.

Starting with part 1 and moving forward, we will be fixing all longstanding bugs and making everything much more user friendly.  We will be pulling mechanics from later parts of the game into the earlier parts, and unifying the whole backend system.  Right now, many macros and code for part 5 are unique from part 4 which are unique from part 2.  I believe the system is ready to be unified because I don't think any more plot content or mechanics are going to be added.

The mall is going to be overhauled and expanded, to resemble the way it used to be in earlier versions of the game.

Part 4 will be finished and all transitions between chapters will be smoothed out.

Part 5 will be finished afterward.  I will be posting an updated game design document for anyone interested.

Below are spoilers for part 5 plotline, because some people are anxious to know what happens and we won't be getting around to it for a while.

Part 5:

The player infiltrates an underground base of resistance members who are attempting to resist the global infestation that has taken over Earth.  After infesting the base and all the members within, and also retrieving their original body, the player gains access to the garage.  The player is then able to go on missions to recover characters from part 2, along with a mission to recover an Armored Personnel Carrier in preparation for an assault on the werm hive.  These missions will require the infested team members to be wearing biosuits.
During the APC acquisition, they will run into Joan and Rene and have the option to infest one or both of them.  Then there is a final preparation period before the end mission, which sees the player infiltrate the main werm hivemind and have a final confrontation.  That will conclude Parasite Infection.  

There is more plot already prepared, out to part 9.   Depending on the outcome of this game we'll make a decision on doing Parasite Infection 2.