Techtonica is a first-person factory automation game set beneath the surface of an alien planet. In this game, players can work alone or in co-op to build factories, gather resources, research new technologies, mold the destructible terrain, establish a base of operations, and uncover long-forgotten secrets.

The Confusion with Power, Energy, and Charge

In Techtonica, there are some instances where power-related terms are being used incorrectly or confusingly. To address this, it is important to clarify the proper usage of these terms to avoid confusion among players.

Power and Energy Units

In most cases, power should be represented in kilowatts (kW) while energy, which refers to stored power, should be measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or kilojoules (kJ) or gigajoules (gJ) depending on the scale. Consistency in using these units is important for clear communication within the game.

Inconsistencies in the Tech Tree Screen

One specific area where there is confusion is in the bottom right of the tech tree screen. The term “Power” is displayed in kW, but the number shown actually represents the amount of energy currently stored in the accumulators. To fix this, the label should be changed to “Energy” or “Charge” and the unit should be updated to kJ to accurately reflect what is being shown.

Clarifying Power Production with Water Wheels

When using a water wheel attached to a generator, the amount of power being generated is labeled as “Maximum Charge” and is displayed in kW. This labeling is confusing and should be reconsidered. Instead of “Maximum Charge,” the label should be changed to “Power Production” to maintain consistency with generators that aren’t connected to water wheels.

Indication of Water Wheel’s Limitation

It would be helpful if there was some indication of how the water wheel is powering the generator. Currently, there is no visual representation or notification of the limit to the number of generators that can be powered by a single water wheel. This information should be displayed when viewing the generator so that players are aware of the limitation.

Potential Further Labeling Issues

It is important to note that the provided feedback is based on the experience of unlocking water wheels. It is possible that there may be additional labeling issues that occur later in the game. To ensure consistency and clarity, it would be beneficial for the development team to review and address any potential labeling inconsistencies throughout the game.