View source for Squadron 42 Vertical Slice

The '''Squadron 42 Vertical Slice''', Vertical Slice or simply VS - was a recorded demo for [[Squadron 42]] shown during the [[Holiday Special 2017]], showcasing a one-hour "vertical slice" of the game's content/story/features. The demo was initially intended for [[CitizenCon 2016]] but could not be completed to a satisfactory state in time for the event.<ref>[https://youtu.be/BHR1aEdTA4M Squadron 42: Pre-Alpha WIP Gameplay - Vertical Slice]</ref>

The demo showcases a segment of Squadron 42 around 1/3rd of the way through the story{{fact}}, with a mix of game-play styles and environments. Most of the demo takes place from [[Player Character|the player]]'s perspective, however some scenes switch out to a cinematic camera to highlight elements of mo-capped acting or to give a cinematic experience.

The demo begins with a cinematic shot of the [[UEES Stanton]] arriving near [[Archon Base]]. The player wakes up onboard the Stanton sometime after the events of [[The Morrow Tour]] and the [[Holiday Special Teaser]]. Walking around, the player interacts with several members of the crew including Captain [[Noah White]], [[Lars Neuer]] of the Security Team, and Chief Mechanic [[Cara Webster]]. The [[Render to Texture]] technology is utilized in the Briefing Room for live 3d video calls as well as military maps. It is also used later for ship-to-ship comms.

After selecting a loadout from the Armory, the Player and "Old Man" [[Steve Colton]] depart on a mission into [[The Coil]] to rescue a missing [[Starfarer]]. This segment of the demo shows off procedural tech for nebulae and dust clouds. Upon reaching The Coil itself, we see lightning effects bolting between the two sides of the opening, creating very cinematic lighting.

Later in the demo, the player must EVA to examine the wreck of [[Advocacy]] Agent SAIC [[Rebecca Trejo]]'s [[Avenger Titan]] in the orbit of [[Gainey]]. This environment shows off a lot of procedural scattering of orbital debris.

Descending to the planet, there is a break in the action to let [[Geoff Zanelli]]'s soundtrack break through the sound design. The location features orbital debris raining down and burning up in the atmosphere. The destination - a rusting [[Chemline Solutions|Chemline]] facility, is a sprawling complex showing off advancements in the procedural cityscape tech shown off earlier in 2017 in the [[Procedural Cities Demo]].