Development Update: 04/06/2022

Hello everyone,

It's been a busy week. I feel like I always say that; however, this past week it's been especially true.

Let's start with the renders, I had hoped to have all the remaining scenes created, but I expanded the pool event quite substantially, and because of that, new images needed to be done (currently stands at almost 100!). So this particular goal is going to be pushed for one more week.

I have completed many of the game systems like the end screen and relationship screens. I've also updated the credits scene, though this will need a final polish for timing as I've added a few new music tracks.

That's the recap of the last week. Going forward, I want to get the last scenes created and the proof reading will also be starting this week.

I would like to give you an overview of what changes you can expect in Chapter Four (0.4.0) Part One.

One of the first and probably biggest changes is the introduction of an achievement system. Now as you play some achievements can be unlocked. There are some of the obvious ones "Your first decision" as an example, however, I have included several 'platinum' achievements that will aggregate over time as you play.

My plan for these achievements is, once unlocked, to provide a reward for the player. I'm not yet ready to reveal just what that reward will be, but I do have some great plans.

Because the system is integrated partway through development, if you're an achievement hunter, you'd need to start a new game. I do try to prevent anyone having to do this. But of course being that this game is in active development there is always a risk that previous saves will no longer work.

Anyone not interested in getting all the achievements can continue from their excising saves with no issue, you will unlock achievements going forward, but will miss out on the chapter 1 - 3 achievements until you replay those chapters.

The next system to receive a facelift is the free roam aspects of the game. This is not a sandbox; think of it like a graphical representation of the choice menu. The first iteration (actually it's probably the 3rd, but who's counting) will be when you get to the beach house in chapter four. 

I've kept it simple this first time, the locations can be done in any order and you will not necessarily miss out on content. In future I plan to have events change depending on locations you have visited previously. This can be as simple as one conversation happening in more than one location. Of course, there is the render and script overhead for this - but now that I have the core code in place, it will be easier to add more events for future free roams. 

Part of the graphical update is the addition of a 'task' list. This is accessible via an on screen button that will show up whilst the free roam section is active. Again, it's simple but may be developed further with future events.

The task list is still a work in progress so is subject to change before the final release.

Looking ahead to the following update, I will be adding the Graphical Choice Menu (GCM) to previous chapters, starting with the one you get at the MC's house. I will also be looking at improving some chapter one images. This time it will be the turn of the initial breakfast images with Louise and Emily.

As a side note, I currently stand at 1999 followers on Twitter. By the time you read this, it might have clicked over to 2k. This is quite a milestone as I only joined Twitter in January 2021!

That's it for this week.

Thank you for your support.

Cenc