Games by JimD Newsletter – Preview of Safe Haven Part 3 and My New Vampire Game

This newsletter is all about previews! I recently asked my readers for topics to cover here and the top responses were for previews for Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 3 and my new vampire game from FableLabs. I tried to write up two previews with only light spoilers, but if you haven’t finished Part 2 of Safe Haven yet, please skip that section.

Preview of Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 3

Zombie Exodus: Safe Haven, Part 2-2 is deep into development, and I am already developing content for Part 3. As the group departs the camp on the hill with Eli, they head to his Junkyard, at which point the story unfolds.

Spoilers Below

Arriving at the Junkyard, your group finds a well-protected area with space for everyone, resources for crafting, and access to places to explore and scavenge. Chapter 8 will be a lot of exploration, from surrounding areas, warehouses, a close-by settlement, and of course, the Junkyard itself. I promise to give ample time to players for all of this searching and scavenging while still being able to craft, work on relationships, manage the group, and other activities common in open-world scenes.

A lot of talk in forums and my social media relates to the Silverthorne Militia. Many players believe the Silverthornes will be the main antagonists to the MC’s group. This is not entirely true. The Silverthornes may very well be antagonistic to the main group, especially if Natalie or Wyatt is dead or Benton is dead or kidnapped.  However, the Silverthornes are a group who have specific motivations and numerous members. They will not be a one-dimensional group.

In addition, Part 3 will introduce us to other groups. For those who have played the militia side mission in Parts 1 or 2, you know of the New Army. At least three other groups will be introduced, each with their own goals and personalities. Allegiances will be tested in your group. Members may leave and join other groups. You may steal members of other groups. Trade, wars, and diplomacy may occur. This new avenue of gameplay will add a huge element to Safe Haven, and both leaders and non-leaders will have ways to influence the story.

You can also expect;

• New characters.
• New weapons, gear, consumables, and clothing/uniforms.
• New romantic options, including new teen options.
• Lots of additional crafting recipes.
• Improve your vehicles with weapons and armor.
• Build up your Safe Haven! Add new defenses, repurpose buildings, and even craft structures.
• More chances to raise skills naturally and through training. Also, I will be exploring new ways to use Attributes (Dexterity, Intelligence, etc.) instead of relying mostly on Skills.

My goal is to release Part 3 in 2020, but given the size and scope, I may have to revise my schedule or break Part 3 up and go to a Part 4.

Vampire Fiction

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I am writing a new vampire-based game for FableLabs. This is a passion project, and one I am thrilled to be writing it. Though I have discussed the mechanics of the app, I have not discussed the story. Below is a brief preview.

You start as a newly born vampire, having been created and abandoned by your Sire, the vampire who created you. Having recently awoken, you must feed on the blood of mortals. As you hunt for your first meal, you learn of vampiric powers at your disposal.

• Darkness: create and wield manifestations of darkness, like creating clouds of darkness in which to hide or enshrouding an enemy to drain their lifeforce.
• Dominion: a form of mind control to seduce, trick others, or force them to do your will.
• Perception: heightened senses and the ability to perceive outside the scope of normal human ability. 
• Savagery: grow fangs and teeth to deliver more powerful attacks.
• Shapeshifting: changing one’s body into animal forms, or at higher levels of power, into mist.
• Weather control: from rolling in fog, to summoning rain, or even more violent weather.

Using any of these powers costs blood. If you use a primary power, the cost is minimal. While restoring blood is fairly easy (there’s a city full of people), allowing your reserves of blood to go too low may leave you severely weak or have other unpredictable side effects. Staying well-fed will be a main goal always.

As with all of my games, you will be introduced to a number of dynamic characters and even romantic options. The city will provide opportunities to make friends or enemies with mortals and vampires alike. 

Episode 1 is already written and coded! Episode 2 is in development, and the game will release once the first three episodes are ready. Hopefully by October, you will all be playing this new game.