What's next update about?

So, now that all characters have had their new story arc, what's next? I know I've shown Spinelle in an earlier post (https://www.patreon.com/posts/character-in-138997368) and she's still planned to be the next character, but there are a couple things I'd like to do before that. To be honest, there have been a couple character content updates in a row, so I'd like to push some polish updates before adding more character content.

TLDR; focusing on balance and quality of life first, then probably another update with sexier elements added, then Spinelle (plans may change still)

Balance

First of, I want to address the balance regarding a couple things. I will take time fine-tuning cards and effects so that each is one is attracting, limit frustrating patterns and balance out characters and encounters more (at the moment, Beryl is stronger than the other characters for instance). I may also implement enemy variations similar to relic and potion variations to accomodate for how differently characters work at higher levels.

Still, remember that you can play and progress however you want! You can even finish the current content without going through Maze Power 2, it's just a tool, and completing it is but a side challenge at the moment.

I may also remove gathering shards throughout the maze, and instead make them an automatic reward as you play, so you can focus on your current run. This friction was initially implemented on purpose, but I think I changed my mind. Progression pace might also change, potentially making acquiring shards a bit easier.

Things change a lot. Effects, mechanics, cards, receive a lot of changes all the time. My philosophy is just to try and make what I think is best for the game as it is currently, even if it involves switching things around quite a bit. I know it may end up in some people having trouble finding their footing at times, but I hope you don't mind it much. I also tend to not send detailed patchnotes on Patreon, so tell me if you'd like that somewhere.

Replaying story fights

This feature has been requested a lot. Of course, it's something I wanted to add as well, but never took the time to implement it, but now should be the time. Probably also gonna add an event for it.

Japanese localization

Already in the works. Won't really matter for most of you, but don't be surprised if starting next update, posts are written in both English and Japanese. It is mostly a manual translation, especially when it comes to UI, effects and mechanics. I am using some help from AI to create more natural sounding dialogs for cutscenes as it is not my native language, but I am checking everything, as I do not approve of the quality of auto-translation. That said, I don't plan on supporting many languages, as they require long-term maintainance.

Fixes

Hopefully, most bugs from the Kindred update release have been fixed. I am still going to take some time finding and hunting out various bugs, but also image fixes. The quality of a lot of Amber images could be improved, as well as some scenes (Beryl's hair, Ruby's bunny girl encounter).

--- Below are plans for updates after that ---

Improving sexiness

I want to add elements that make going through the maze make monkey brain neuron activated, it's an adult game after all.

• Gameplay animations: things like having Ruby climax on climax, ground shaking on quake trigger, milk splashing on milk draw, can improve

• Maze interactions: sexy time with NPCs, with enemies? What about being able to talk to them and exchange based on your size/corruption/other, give some of your exp to make them grow, challenge NPCs to fights...

• Champion reactions: I want to make the growth feel more pleasant, maybe have a small portrait of the champion on the side with their reaction as they grow, fight, etc, or potentially mini animated videos (or whatever I manage to make) for when they gain a level

Other things

Listing here a handful of other things that I eventually want to work on, but don't know how much priority to give them. So I'm polling you to know if there is something that needs to be prioritized.

• Optimization: There is a bit too much lag for a turn-based game. It is not a common complaint, but may be a quiet one. I know how to optimize it, but it will take time, requires me to change the base system of the game and might cause bugs. It was hard to justify when I was late on content.

• Achievements: Completing challenges for gallery unlocks, with new arts, potentially character costumes and such, could be interesting. It is a bit tricky to handle when card effects and balance is being updated often, which is why I haven't done it until now.

• Ascension mode: A easy-to-maintain side mode that would have your character start from nothing, no trait, and eventually grow up to max size, with traits increasing during the run, with slightly different rules. It would just be an alternate way to play for those that want to experience the full extent of the growth in one run.

• Easy mode: I did put that on the side for a few reasons. I wanted to work on rebalancing shard gain, cards and difficulty. The objective is to provide a flexible enough game where you can progress regardless of skill level. Still, maybe some people want an easier and faster experience with easier encounters, increased shard gain, continues after game over...