argentgames

RE:P Alpha Update v.0.0.21.1 LIVE! (+ Important REP News)

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.21.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

Alpha password (this will no longer require updating): repalphabuild
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

__________________________

Changelog Summary

This update focuses on more visual upgrades, including better MC model customization and new animations for MC/NPCs.

Check out the changelog below:

• Avatar customization: Your character's 3D model now reflects hairstyle changes (which are still a WIP, obviously!), and you can change between body types!  
• New animations: That's right, NPCs now finally feature animations in dialogue! MC also now (optionally) goes full badass beating the casino door down. There will be more animations added in the future.
• Convo edits/updates: Some new dialogue snippets and edits!
• More bugfixes: Various minor issues for dialogue/story progression/mechanics etc. have been fixed.

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest, please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for October?

More polish! We're hoping to release a public demo on Steam very soon. 

However, work on RE:P will unfortunately see a slow-down in the near future, as its development has become unsustainable for us. Our revenue from games is not sufficient to support full-time development work for our designer, and our programmer is focusing primarily on their Ph.D. 

Hopefully, we can keep making progress on RE:P and eventually see it to completion. We are planning to adjust Patreon so so that a one-time pledge at $10 will allow access to current and all future updates (including the final game) without requiring you to remain pledged. (If you've already pledged at the $5 tier, you will still have access!) We may disable the Patreon indefinitely, or at least between updates.

Throne Content Submission:

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

Guilded Hearts Release

Thank you everyone for your support! If you backed it on Kickstarter (Player+ tiers), you should be getting a Steam key in your email. Crown/Throne patrons will receive keys in Patreon messages.

Otherwise, it's 10% off right now.

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2105700/Guilded_Hearts/

Itch: https://gallium-games.itch.io/guilded-hearts

(Alt text: Physical rewards from the Kickstarter)

<figure></figure>

We'd love to hear any of your thoughts in the ⁠#🧡guilded-hearts channel of our Discord.

Thank you again!

September WIP: New REP Animations!

Hello all!

We're pushing hard for this month's update to give RE:P a lot of polish. One major update is the addition of animations, which we're hoping to have many of!

We're focusing on adding them to the intro sequence first, but eventually they'll make their way through the rest of the game.

We think they add some movement and emotion that the game is sorely in need of, visually speaking! 😅

Thank you so much for your support, and keep an eye out for lots of shiny polish in this month's update! <3

RE:P Alpha Update v.0.0.20.1 LIVE!

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.20.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

This month's alpha password: repalpha0831
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

__________________________

Changelog Summary

This update has namely been prioritizing RE:P's user experience/interface, and includes some new additions as well as fixes.

Check out the changelog below:

• WASD Movement: You can now move around using your arrow keys! A feature never before witnessed in modern gaming.
• Resolution and window modes: New settings added to the menu screen. We'll be attempting to add graphics options sometime soon as well.
• Loading screen bar: Now actively shows your loading progress. We're thinking of adding a click-to-continue button to the loading screen since it's quite fast.
• Intro fix: We just realized the intro CG sequence has been breaking after Cas appears on screen. This was a pretty major bug. Should be fixed now!
• More bugfixes: Lots of minor issues for dialogue/story progression/mechanics etc. have been fixed.

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest, please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for September?

Our plan is to continue polishing the current build and making it more user-friendly. We'll definitely be adding more dialogue, but our current focus is to refine RE:P's current content and make it a smooth experience. We're hoping to roll out a public demo (cutting off at where MC leaves the Sisters' mansion) in October!

Throne Content Submission:

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

August Dev Log

Hello all!

Wow, has it ever been a wild past couple of months.

In between working on Red Embrace: Paradisus updates, finishing Guilded Hearts, and one of us scrambling to find a new place to live, it's been difficult to update Patreon quite as frequently. 

We apologize for the lack of content! We're hoping to make up for it by rolling out some major RE:P updates this fall. :)

_________

Red Embrace: Paradisus

This month's RE:P update will (most likely) see WASD movement implemented finally! We're pretty excited for this feature, since it'll make navigation far easier (especially in smaller spaces).

We're also planning on adding in some more conversation options with existing NPCs, as well as more skill/trait options for existing content.

This may be a smaller update due to life circumstances mentioned elsewhere, but rest assured, we've got a lot planned for the upcoming months!

Guilded Hearts

GH is on the cusp of release! We're just waiting for the go-ahead from Steam to launch. 

If you're interested in the game, please add it to your wishlist on Steam! It'll help our visibility immensely when we do launch soon. <3

Life Update

It's been a crazy few months, namely due to an upheaval in living situation/finances for one of us. It looks like things will calm down come fall/winter, but in the meantime, we're trying to avoid exploding from being stressed over too many things at once. 😅 We hugely appreciate your patience and support over the months--we never take you for granted.

For now, please enjoy some snippets from this summer.

Gremlin spotted

A ridiculously bright moon

Public menace #2

An Iscari drink

__________________

And that's the update for this month! For all our RE:P fans, please stay tuned as we kick into high-speed gear for Steam Early Access by the end of this year. 

As always, we hugely appreciate each and every one of you, and we hope you have a wonderful day (and week, and year). Stay safe.❤️

RE:P Alpha Update v.0.0.19.1 LIVE!

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.19.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

This month's alpha password: repalpha0731
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

Changelog Summary

A big update! While this update was mostly graphics and save/load updates, there's also a new bit of main quest content. 

[Main quest note: You can now meet a certain somebody, but won't receive a message from them until a future update.]

Check out the changelog below:

• Main quest continuation: It's time to meet another major char/love interest! 
• Save/Load fixes: The save system should finally be (mostly) working!!
• Interactive cursor (still a WIP): Your cursor now changes depending on what it's hovering! NPCs get a talk icon, tooltip/flavor text objects get an eye, interactable items/areas get a hand, and area transitions get a door.
• Lighting/shadow upgrades: We've finally diminished the unappealing reflections/lighting in most areas. Color fidelity should also be improved.
• More bugfixes: Some more reliable outlines.

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest, please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for August?

It's going to be a busy month as one of us goes through moving/relocating again. However, we're hoping to get more quest content and general updates/improvements pushed out.

Throne Content Submission:

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

July WIP: New REP Portrait!

Hello all!

We're back to working on new character portraits for Red Embrace: Paradisus with our amazing artist, sh00.

The newest sketch is for a character you'll soon be encountering (again...?) within the next few updates...

Who might they possibly be? 👀

~

Thank you so much for your support, and we're excited to share more RE:P content with you soon! <3

RE:P Alpha Update v.0.0.18.1 LIVE!

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.18.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

This month's alpha password: repalpha0630
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

Changelog Summary

We're happy to say that this month's update contains quite a bit, including both main and side quest content, as well as lots of visual and under-the-hood updates/bugfixes!

[Main quest note: You can't yet meet a certain someone who emails you, but hopefully soon!]

Check out the changelog below:

• Main quest continuation: Check your email~
• Model upgrades: Everyone (including MC) looks spiffier! Most NPCs match their portraits more.
• Fourth House side quest: You can now have an enlightening convo with Chae-won at the back of the clinic after triggering the quest. [Note: The next step of this quest is not currently available...but soon (tm)]
• Jack Reacts: He'll now have some choice words for you if you speak again in the clinic after a certain club encounter.
• Area edits and upgrades: Working on making things more visible and accessible!
• New custom cursor: Still a WIP, but now even your cursor wants you to stay immersed.
• Bugfixes: Many buggies squashed in this build! Some save/load issues should be patched, as well as an issue with Mac saves being eaten. 

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest, please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for July?

We're going to be working on more content for the main quest, plus adding in more NPC interactions! As we start to gear up for Early Access, keep an eye out for lots of shiny additions in the coming months. ^^

Throne Content Submission:

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

June WIP: REP Character Model Upgrades!

Hello all!

There's an exciting visual upgrade coming this month! 

While we're still using a lot of placeholders due to budget constraints, we wanted to get some better NPC models that reflect their portraits a little more accurately. 

Most of these - especially the outfits - will likely still be placeholders (unless we fail to meet our funding goals), but they add a little more immersion to the game.

Check out some screenshots below!

What's this? A Sal and Jiwa that kind of resemble their portraits? 👀

A slightly less cursed Izefia and Dakayivani, now that they've ditched the high-top sneakers (*wipes single tear*) in favor of their formal clothing!

NPC variety level up! (ft. Man Who Is Totally Not Agent 47)

---

Along with the model upgrades, we'll be adding some exciting new quest content for the end-of-month update. Your unlife as a vampire just keeps getting messier...

As always, thank you so much for your amazing support! <3

Red Embrace: Paradisus June Poll

Hello all!

We're back again with another poll to see what you'd like us to prioritize for this month's update. All of these will be implemented regardless in time, but we want to know what you all might like to see first!

Here are the poll options (pick your top 3):

• Continue the main quest: Pursue the next main quest goals, which involve meeting Koziol soon!
  
• Implement NPC approval rating: Various main characters will begin to have some different responses (and different available questions) based on your relationship with them.
  
• Fourth House side quest: Unravel more info about the Fourth House, your special powers, and your MC's relationship to the House (and the eccentric vamps who are a part of it).
  
• Feeding/blood interactions: Buy blood from Jack, or nibble on an NPC or two!
  
• More conversation options (major characters): Have more discussions with conversable NPCs who are major characters!
  
• More interactable things: Use your vampy fingers to poke and touch more objects in the environment! Learn more about the world!
  
• More skill checks/trait/house unique options: More special texts that relate to your MC's personality, skills, and House!
  
• Various minor NPC encounters: Interactions with minor NPCs, whether it's casual convo, getting info, small XP gains, or just putting asshats in their place.

_____

Let us know what you'd like to see most! Please pick up to 3 options (max).

Thank you so much for your support!! We've got an exciting little update to visuals this month, so keep an eye out for a sneak peek of that soon! <3 

RE:P Alpha Update v.0.0.17.1 LIVE!

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.17.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

This month's alpha password: repalpha0531
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

Changelog Summary

This month's update sees a new area and a small further continuation of the main quest! You can chat with some new folks and (hopefully) see a little more clearly in dark areas. [Main quest note: There is no email from a certain someone implemented yet, but it will be coming hopefully next update.]

Check out the changelog below:

• New area (Circuit Skein): Hang out with the NetiZen crew, admire the decor, meditate at a prayer wheel! 
• New NPC convos: Chat with Kiefer and Nadim! (More will be added to their convos soon.)
• Chinatown lighting revamp: A lot more fiddling has been done with hub lighting. Hopefully it's more visible now!
• Bugfixes: As per usual, random buggies have been squashed. Patrolling NPCs should be a little less dumb/prone to spontaneous teleportation, too. Thanks to everyone who submitted bug reports!

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest, please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for June?

We'd like to add more onto existing conversations and potentially introduce a new NPC or two! We're also planning on exploring more of the side quest (Three Fourths) that follows MC's connection with a certain Fourth House.

Throne Content Submission:

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

May WIP: New Red Embrace Paradisus Area!

Hello all!

This month's WIP is a sneak peek at a new area in Red Embrace: Paradisus. It's an internet café called Circuit Skein, and it's where you'll hang out with the NetiZen vampires should you choose to befriend them!

The cafe's still majorly a WIP (we're currently adding in props and testing lighting) but here's a tiny taste of the vibe we're going for!

Look forward to chatting with Kiefer, Nadim, and Sanjana at Circuit Skein in the update coming later this month. (Can you spot them staring judgingly in the background?)

As always, thank you so much for your support! <3

Poll: New REP Character Convo!

Hello all!

We're adding a new area and at least one new opportunity to converse with an NPC for this month's update!

The new NPCs are the NetiZen faction vampires. While you'll be able to chat with all of them eventually, we want your feedback on who you'd like to see first.

Without further ado, here are the options:

Kiefer

Sanjana

Nadim

Let us know who you'd like to hear the most from first! :)

As always, thanks so much for your support! <3

RE:P Alpha Update v.0.0.16.1 LIVE!

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.16.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

This month's alpha password: repalpha0430
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

Changelog Summary

April's update sees a conclusion to the first main quest, and various smaller shinies added/updated!

Check out the changelog below:

• First main quest conclusion: After finishing Zhang's part of the main quest, head to Izefia's office to wrap it up! You can't advance the MQ further yet, but Izefia will give you some info about what's coming next. :)
• New area: As implied above, you can now visit Izefia's office! (Her side convo/chat will be coming soon.)
• New interactable objects: More items to interact with in various places!
• Bus stop hub map: You can now view a full map of Chinatown at both bus stops! 
• Visual updates: New lighting adjustments to areas, including a minor rehaul of Dakayivani's office, and new shiny neon lights in Chinatown.
• Day 4 skip button: Mostly for dev testing (and buggy), but if you want to test/play through later parts without playing through earlier stuff, feel free to use!
• Various bugfixes: They never end...

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest, please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for May?

We'll be working on adding a new area (Circuit Skein, the NetiZen base), as well as adding more interactions/choices and visual/feature upgrades! 

We're aiming to advance the main quest a little more and potentially add in side convos with NPCs (Izefia, Kiefer, Nadim, and Sanjana) in May, although some content may be pushed into the June update due to travel/releasing our side project visual novel, Guilded Hearts.

Throne Content Submission:

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

April Dev Log

Hello all!

We hope April has treated you well, and spring weather is rolling in (or fall, if you're on the other side of the world).

Read on for a brief update on our projects and extremely exciting, action-packed lives! (We wish.)

RE:P Update

This month's update will finally see a conclusion to the first main quest, plus a hint as to what the next quest will bring!

We've also added some additional interactable objects/flavor text/dialogue options to existing convos, as well as various visual upgrades (and exciting features, such as...a bus map!).

Keep an eye out for the RE:P update coming tomorrow!

Guilded Hearts Update

We're about 3/4ths done with the programming for Guilded Hearts! Our plan is to get the game released before the end of May. Once GH is complete, we'll likely be turning our focus mainly to RE:P, with some potential side projects.

Life Update

It's been another busy month, as usual! We're hoping things can calm down a bit after we release GH. 😅

The month in a few pics:

Cattos found in the wild

A tasty dinner

Another wild (grumpy) catto

Extremely fancy homemade latte art

_____________

And that's all for this month's dev log! We'll see you tomorrow with the RE:P update. We hope your upcoming May will be a lovely one. :)

Thank you as always for your support <3

April WIP: Izefia's Office from RE:P

Hello all!

For this month's Red Embrace: Paradisus update, we're hoping to have Izefia's office accessible, so that you can chat with her/check out her cool stuff.

Her office is a bit more of a struggle to build than Dakayivani's, since Izefia has more of a taste for color and fine décor than her gloomy business partner.

So how goes the office building?

Phase 1: Not looking so hot, but we have a structure.

Phase 2: Lighting and some models in!

Phase 3: You'll see it in this month's update (most likely)!

________

Thank you all so much for your support! Dev log to come soon. <3

RE:P Alpha Update v.0.0.15.1 LIVE!

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.15.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

This month's alpha password: repalpha0331
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

Changelog Summary

We spent March tackling a number of buggies, adding graphical improvements, and implementing new minor features! 

Check out the changelog below:

• Graphical polish/additions: Lighting overhaul, new NPC animations, new UI animations, camera animation (now focuses on the NPC currently in dialogue with), area navigation improvements, and other various shinyness! (Note: Lighting is still very WIP/placeholder)
• Special House text indicator/option: All unique vampire House text is now marked by an indicator, just like skills/traits. You can toggle this option in the settings menu.
• New House-specific texts: Some new House-specific dialogue, with more to come soon!
• Glossary: There's now an in-game glossary, with linked words inside the dialogue window! (All current entries are immediately unlocked, but eventually they will be unlocked only after seeing them in-game.)
• Walk/run button: Saunter at your preferred pace! Particularly helpful for smaller indoor areas.
• Outline fix: The outlines in the last build were extremely unreliable--but we've pinpointed the issue, and they should now (mostly) be working as intended!
• Various bugfixes: We've squashed quite a few various buggies, but if you encounter any new ones, please let us know by entering them in the sheet! 

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest, please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for April?

We're planning on adding in more features, fixing some known issues, and continuing to add more content to beef up existing dialogue/quests/interactions. We are aiming to add some new NPCs to talk to (Izefia and/or the NetiZen vamps), as well as new dialogue and narrative based on stats/traits/House.

Another poll will likely be coming up to gauge what you guys would like to see next--so keep an eye out!

Throne Content Submission:

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

March Dev Log

Hello all!

2023 has come in like a storm, and we're hard at work on our current projects. Read on for a small update on what we're up to this month!

Red Embrace: Paradisus

This month's update is going to see a lot of small feature updates/additions, as well as some new dialogue! (You can check out some progress pics/gifs in this month's WIP post!)

We're currently focusing on polishing up what the content we currently have before progressing much further in the main story. Keep an eye out for more polls as we reach out to you guys to figure out what we should prioritize!

Guilded Hearts

We're happy to say that GH is coming along quite swiftly! One route is now in alpha, and we're working on catching up the rest of the routes. 

Our aim is to have GH finished and released this spring! At our current pace, it seems like it'll be quite feasible.

Life Update

Many apologies for not rolling out a dev log last month--February and March have both been pretty hectic for us two AG gremlins.

Below, a small complication of random life pics:

Dov's catto planning world domination from atop his new toy

Gam's eggplant mac 'n cheese

More domination plotting

A pretty skiing vista in Washington state

___________________

And that's all for this month! We hope Spring 2023 will be a fab season for everyone. Stay healthy and we'll see you again soon! Thank you as always for your wonderful support. <3

March WIPs: New Red Embrace: Paradisus Features

Hello all!

As we mentioned before, this month's RE:P update is going to see various small feature additions/upgrades and bugfixes, along with some new choices/dialogue.

Let's check out some of the additions!

__

Ever felt lost when certain terms were mentioned in-game? We now have a handy-dandy glossary, which will at some point (hopefully this month) include hyperlinked entries from the actual dialogue window.

While we haven't yet been able to implement WASD movement (it's up there on our list, believe us...), we did add in a run/walk toggle button to assist with navigating smaller areas, and for roleplaying purposes. Swagger to your heart's content.

If you've been curious about House-specific text/options, which were previously unmarked--wonder no more! We've implemented a tag in the text to show you when you're getting special text for your chosen vampire House. (Note: this tag does not always appear, particularly in minor cases where only your House name is mentioned, but no other unique text.)

____

The RE:P update will drop at the end of March! In the meanwhile, stay tuned for a short general dev log/update. :)

Thank you as always for your support! <3

March RE:P Poll: Content Updates!

Hello all!

If you haven't had time to check out the latest RE:P update, take a look! We added quite a bit of content/overhauling in February.

This month, we're planning on adding to/polishing/bugfixing existing content and generally sprucing up the game.

Please help us out by voting in the poll (up to 3 options): What would you like to see more of in the next RE:P build?

Thank you so much for your feedback! Feel free to leave any non-listed ideas in the comments below.

RE:P Alpha Update v.0.0.14.2 LIVE!

Hello all!

This morning we pushed a minor update that fixes:

• Minimap (should now be working mostly as intended)
• Player spawning into the casino on day 1
• Rollover text in the character customization menu

If you have switched to the new alpha branch, you should be able to automatically download the update through Steam without having to enter in anything new.

Please let us know if you run into any issues!

RE:P Alpha Update v0.0.14.1 LIVE!

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.14.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

This month's alpha password: repalpha0302
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

Changelog Summary

This month's update includes a variety of additions and fixes!...

...And also a lot of new bugs. While we did integrate a lot of new content, it's resulted in some very bumpy code. However, we plan to squash these buggies to the best of our ability during March. 

Check out the changelog below:

• Main quest update: You can now finish Zhang's ~special quest!~ More will be added to this section as time goes on, but we wanted to get the base sequence finalized. (Note: You might want to save early on, as this is the first quest you can potentially fail at.)
• Outline/Interaction System update: Interactable objects and NPCs now highlight when you press tab/mouse over them. There are quite a few bugs with the outline and interaction radiuses, but we're working on these and hope to have them fixed in March!
• Bugfixes/tweaks/polish: Quite a few old/long-standing issues have been resolved, and various minor improvements implemented. Thanks to everyone who pointed out bugs in the previous build! We're still attacking the remaining ones.
• Debug/Hacky Buttons: There are a few buttons that should help circumvent any potential game breaking bugs now on the HUD. You can forcibly open/close the dialogue window (useful if you get stuck), or forcibly trigger an interactable object you might be standing on if it's not properly activating.

Soon to be added/changed/hotfixed:

• Minimap: You may notice an empty circle in the top right corner of your screen. The minimap has decided to spontaneously perish inside the build, but never fear! We'll be hotfixing it soon, so it can actually be of use.

Since the build is quite buggy, we've separated it into a different branch, so you can still access last month's stable build if you want to replay it.

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest [you will be brought back to the main menu once it's complete], please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for March?

We plan to spend next month polishing, bugfixing, and making various small additions/improvements to areas and dialogue. We'd like to spend some time improving RE:P's existing content and fleshing out what we have already before we continue on main/side quests and more NPC conversations in following updates.

Throne Content Submission:

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

RE:P February Update Delay Notice

Hello all!

It is with shamefully bowed heads that we admit to needing an extra day to finish the RE:P update. February and its cursed short length! 

We ran into an unexpected, last-minute-discovered bug with our new highlighting/trigger system that's breaking a great deal of things. We're trying our best to fix it, rather than reverting to the previous system just for this update.

Regardless, you can look forward to the RE:P update tomorrow! If the bug continues to plague us, we will revert back to the old trigger system and push the new system as a mid-month additional update.

Don't you love it when literally everything other than what you moused over decides to highlight itself?! Unity, pls.

Many apologies for the delay, and we'll see you tomorrow with the (hopefully) shiny update!

February WIP: Red Embrace: Paradisus Minimap

Hello all!

After the results of this month's poll, we've been working on implementing a minimap into Red Embrace: Paradisus!

We didn't originally intend to have the minimap implemented for interior areas yet, but we're happy to report it came along smoother than expected! It should be available in most scenes.

Areas/doors you can enter will be marked on the map as pink or violet triangles, depending on whether they load a new scene (exit the area) or move to a different room.

We hope to make these pins hover-able icons at some point (so you can see the name of the pin you're hovering), but aren't entirely sure how/if we want to implement it yet.

We hope the new minimap will assist with navigating the world as it expands. After playing with the map in the upcoming update, please leave us any feedback on how you'd like to see the map adjusted further!

Red Embrace: Paradisus New Feature Poll

Hello all!

For the upcoming update, we're planning on adding an additional feature to the build from our long to-do list of important things! (Another new feature is also in the works... a much needed overhaul of the very broken tooltip system.)

While we plan to eventually (ideally) include all of these features, we wanted your input on which you'd like us to prioritize. Please check out the poll below and vote for which feature one you'd like to see soonest! The poll will close on the 18th of February!

Thank you as always for your support and feedback. <3

RE:P Alpha Update v0.0.13.1 LIVE!

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.13.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

This month's alpha password: repalpha0131
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

Changelog Summary

This month's update includes a variety of additions and fixes! Check them out below:

• Main quest continuation! A big reveal, and half of the next quest segment (the remainder is planned for February). There's a bit of a cliffhanger, fair warning.
• In-game level up and XP implementations! You can now increase your skills after character creation by gathering XP through quests/dialogue/world interactions.
• Wandering NPC additions and fixes! (Although they are still quite unpredictably buggy and may jump around on whims...please be patient with them.)
• More loading screen info blurbs! (Now including tips on mechanics as well as in-game lore.)
• A "Skip to Day 3" button in the Character Customization screen! Since saving/loading is still somewhat finicky, we'll be adding a proper skip mode eventually that will allow you to jump to any day in the story. For now, though, we're using some temporary buttons to skip any intro bits you might be sick of playing through.
• Other various bugfixes! There are ever more buggies to be squashed.

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest [you will be brought back to the main menu once it's complete], please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for February?

We plan on namely finishing up the rest of this main quest segment, but also hope to add some extra bits here and there--more flavor text objects, and some more skill/trait interactions!

There will also inevitably be some bug fixes and minor changes as we incorporate your invaluable feedback--thank you to everyone who's posted bug reports on the Discord thus far!

Throne Content Submission:

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

January Dev Log

Hello all! 

We hope you're all having a wonderful 2023 thus far! We're welcoming in the new year by hammering away on our current projects, determined to meet all the deadlines! 💪

Red Embrace: Paradisus

This month's RE:P update is going to be a hefty one! Read on for some details. 

The main quest continues--with a rather major reveal! Half of the new area/quest will be released this month, with the remainder coming in February. Hold onto your hats, things are going to get a little strange...

We've finally implemented the in-game level up system! XP gain has now been added to many different interactions and dialogue options (including dialogue from previous updates), so you'll now be able to gain tangible rewards for exploring/talking to characters.

Animated NPCs are now noticeably less inclined to slide around as if they're wearing greased banana peel shoes on ice. They're still quite temperamental as of right now, but we intend to keep improving their AI and appearance as time goes on.

Keep an eye out for the update coming soon!

Guilded Hearts

The progress for our BxB visual novel, Guilded Hearts, is rolling along nicely! 

We're now in the final coloring/shading phase on the second batch of CGs--once these are finished, we'll only have a couple of NSFW pieces left to complete!

We also recently approved the finalized script! The mighty task of programming still lies before us, but we're hopeful about it going smoothly--and with any luck, the first route should be playable soon!

Final Nocturne

Work continues in the shadows for our not-yet-officially-announced VN, Final Nocturne. Keep an eye out for more info soon...

Life Update

It's been a busy month (as always) as Dovah and Gamma recover from the holidays and deal with various AG and non-AG deadlines. We didn't get everything accomplished that we wanted to in January, but we're planning to pick up steam and make up for lost time in February!

Some pictures from the past month:

Gam's doggo having a nice relaxing time

Two gremlins Gam happened to be catsitting

Two other gremlins discovered by Dov

A loaf of unadorned banana bread baked by Dov

_______________________

And that's all for this month! As always, thank you so much for your amazing support for Argent Games--we appreciate every one of you beyond words. 

Let's blaze together into February and make 2023 a year of achieving all the goals! \o/

Stay safe out there!

January WIPs: New REP area, FN key visual sketches!

Hello all! We hope your new year is off to a fabulous start.

Let's check out a couple of recent WIPs, shall we?

Red Embrace: Paradisus WIP

This month's update takes something of a wild turn, to say the least. That involves a particular new area...

...Which, while still a work in progress, is going to have some proper wackiness to explore!

Any ideas as to where we might be heading? 👀

Final Nocturne Bonus WIP

We're finally starting work on the key visual/main promo art for our new BL visual novel, Final Nocturne!

Below is one of our artist sh00's sketches for the rough layout. We're still making some tweaks to the design, but this look is more or less what we'll be ending up with!

We're super excited to share the full thing with you all once it's ready!

________

And that's it for this month's WIPs! We'll be seeing you soon in the dev log and RE:P update later in January~

RE:P Alpha Update v0.0.12.1.1 LIVE!

Interested in joining the alpha, if you haven't already? Read the instructions to get your Steam key and start playing!

__________________________

Update v0.0.12.1.1 is here!

We're excited to announce that the next update for RE:P is now live!!

This update is listed as an extension to v0.0.12.1 due to its relatively small size/additions. 

Apologies for the day's delay (again...): Similar to last month, we've had some issues with accessing our build computer due to traveling. However, as the holidays are over, we shouldn't be running into any more delays!

Download the new update in Steam via the Patreon Alpha branch! Make sure to come share your thoughts on the new content with us in Discord. :)

This month's alpha password: repalpha0101
(Re-enter into the check code area in the beta testing window and hit "check code")

Changelog Summary

This update concludes where the last update left off--a conclusion to the minor climax of this early main quest! The appearance of the next major character might just be hinted at...

We also experimented with adding in wandering NPCs to the hub area, which are mostly working (minus their single broken foot...) as intended. Once some various bugs with them are ironed out, they'll be added (with new animations!) to other areas, and we'll eventually be adding in small dialogue barks for them as well.

A few other minor bugfixes have also been implemented--thank you to those who brought them to our attention!

(Note: Should you get stuck at any point in the main quest [you will be brought back to the main menu once it's complete], please ping Dovah in the Discord server for a hint!)

Next Month's Update

So what's up on the agenda for January?

Now that we're settled back in after holiday traveling and chaos, we're planning on buckling down for a juicy update! We'll likely be seeing a new area and a more major story climax for the early main quest. 

We're also going to attempt to iron out the bugs with existing/almost-ready features and implement them more widely, such as the wandering NPCs and the minimap (it'll be out Soon™️, we promise).

Once we've finished this climactic arc, our focus will likely switch to side quest/polish for a month or two, before we return to your regularly scheduled main quest programming.

Polls & Throne Content Submission:

The polls for next month's new content will be posted on Patreon soon! What skill and trait would you like to see implemented next?

For our Throne patrons: Make sure to submit your design suggestions for next month in the sheet or on Discord to be polled on!

_____________

Thank you so much for supporting us during the RE:P Alpha!! Your patronage helps us immensely with developing the game, and all feedback/bug reports are hugely appreciated. <3

RE:P Update Delay Notice

We're super sorry to say that the monthly update for RE:P will be delayed until tomorrow, January 1st--we've had another unfortunate technical issue with our build computer due to travel.

Fortunately, all traveling and holiday frenzying will come to a close in January, so these delays should no longer be a problem.

Happy New Year, and we can't wait to see you with some juicy RE:P content in 2023! :)