[Blog] An Insight into the Research Trees for F@FF

After seeing the research trees discussed across a few communities, I thought I'd shed some non-spoiler light on how the trees work to reduce confusion/frustration.

For every tree except the Missing Persons tree, the process is simple: First, you get an initial research dialogue that plays whenever you research a tree for the first time. Then you get the interim dialogue until you acquire enough points in that tree to surpass a threshold. At that point the threshold dialogue plays, and you start working towards the next threshold. Once you max out your points, you get one final bit of dialogue and the tree removes itself from future research opportunities so you don't waste any points.

The Missing Persons tree works differently. It starts the same with the initial research dialogue, but there's also a first threshold you have to reach before you can trigger any revelations about a girl's past life. Each girl has a "flag" that represents you discovering a secret about them in the course of play. These secrets can be the result of choices or even odd throwaway lines that you might not think much on at the time. If you have the appropriate secret for a girl, their flag is set. So long as you have both their flag and the requisite threshold of points for them, you get to find out their past life.

Unlike the other trees, the Missing Persons tree remains available even after the points have been filled up. This allows you to revisit the tree when you discover something new or to see if you've missed anything. Points are lost, however, so be careful! I should also say that some of the girls might require you to also dip into other research trees to reach their threshold in the Missing Persons one.

Complicated, ain't it? But that what makes it fun to play and code!