Quest Journal: A Comprehensive Survey

Hi Voidseekers o/

Today we've something special to showcase. Something that we've been working on for a while now and is widely considered as a major cornerstone for any role playing game- the Quest Log Journal.

Now we have built two distinct samples, each with an additional variation based on text element positioning. We'll show you all four and make a small description alongside to explain their characteristics. 

Lets start with the one that takes the minimalistic approach and makes use of all the available surface estate.

Sample 1

Click here for full size enlargement 

A typical approach to a quest log whereby quests are populated vertically on the left, each categorized according to their availability and status. The right side carries the details of the quest, its rough objective location, the expected difficulty curve and finally the rewards at the bottom. A very clean and to the point layout.

Sample 2

Click here for full size enlargement 

Almost near identical in concept to Sample 1, this one reverses the positioning of the quests with the journal quest details panel, while hosting subtle changes all around i.e reestablished menu tabs and reputation counter. A somewhat unorthodox layout but carries its intent across without compromising the esthetics.

Sample 3

Click here for full size enlargement 

Stark opposite to the previous samples, the very first thing that'd jump out at you is the presence of a location dot alongside a more spacious furnishing of each panel positioning. As mentioned in previous progress reports, Galaxy Mapping will become central to VoidBound's travel system. Having a quest log that'll not only mention the objective location but also provide a visual guide reference, will go a long way helping the player track multiple quests with ease. However, some might feel this akin to spoon feeding/hand holding, even though the intent is neither, but we'll leave the final call to you.

Sample 4

Click here for full size enlargement 

Finally, the reverse of Sample 2 with placements swiped around. Quest lineup on the right, with the quest details on the left. Apart from that, the difficulty expected, the location marking, the rewards, the rep gained as well as the counter itself, is near identical. The only thing that you have to decide is, "Do I like it set this way or do I prefer the original style?".

A bit about the Journal itself

The envisioned log system will not only allow you to track all categories of quests, but will also filter them out based on location. Scrolling through a sea of quests that you picked up in order to find the one near to you, will not paralyze your game-play . Simply cycle through the area choice options, e.g "Henosis", and all quests around Henosis will que up neatly in one row while simultaneously hiding Tripteen objectives. Additionally, the log will also give you a heads up when you're about to run into a naughty activity while pursuing a specific quest, so you can make doubly sure that the area around you is NSFW before you trigger any (un)romantic rendezvous. Finally, the logs will not only track quests given to Caly by NPCs but also quests that randomly pop up around her, like any objectives that a random item might trigger. So no worrying if you missed something happening because you were quick to move on to the next dialogue box. Just shuffle around in your journal and you'll find exactly what needs be done and where.

And that is our survey poll for you. Please let us know about your thoughts by casting your vote in the poll attached alongside. If you don't have a Patreon account, fret not, for we've floated similar polls on Twitter, as well as on our Discord as well. Though you can only cast for one choice, if you end up liking more than one choice or you'd rather suggest something entirely different, feel free to pen your feedback down below or alternatively get in touch with us directly via our Discord! 

Thank you for your time!

Kind Regards,

Cursed-Atelier Team