I think we all agree that the upgrades system needs an overhaul, if for no other reason than because it takes so damn long to click on things and they keep jumping around so we click the wrong ****.

So, if there’s going to be a redesign, why not make it something that’s actually aesthetically pleasing?

The idea is pretty simple:

Display the remaining upgrade points in a prominent location

The stats go off to one side. Each stat has it’s current value listed, a text box for entering how many points to add, the standard +/- bumons for people who can’t be bumed to use a damn keyboard, what the stat in question would then be (For Eco/Secondary, at least), and the cost of the upgrade.

A simple vertical column, nothing too special or interesting.

For the abilities, those go into a starburst pattern that takes-up the bulk of the layout.

Ability chains radiate outward from the center, with every ability accessible to your level visible as an icon. Mousing over each icon shows the ability’s information.

Any ability you have is shown in full color and has a blue aura.

Any ability you don’t have is greyscaled, contrast-reduced, and blurred a bit.

Abilities that you can’t get at the moment (Not enough UP, for example) get a red aura.

Abilities that you don’t have, but cost 0UP (Starter packs) have a green aura.

Abilities that are beyond your level are not shown.

Clicking on any unpurchased ability results in the upgrade system buying abilities along that chain until it either runs out of UP or reaches the chosen ability.

Clicking on a purchased ability results in the upgrade system selling that ability and every ability beyond it.

At the bottom of the layout are two bumons: “Reset” and “Submit”. Reset clears all the changes, “Submit” makes them permanent. You still need Haxl to do any resetting.

Aside from being more visually appealing, this would allow for more flexibility in the future. For example, what if ET decided to add some more-complicated ability chains? Perhaps adding a new ability chain that depended on two or more other abilities? Or branching ability chains?

As always, feedback is welcome.