Posted May 21, 2020 by Steamberry Studio
Please do not use old save data.
Old saves are incompatible with the new updates and will cause things to break.
Hello everyone! Esh here with a quick devlog about the recent update! There are a lot of new changes that have been done. This is a pretty big demo update, and is probably the last demo update before the game gets released (I'm saying probably but who knows?)
Below you can find a short list of updates if you want the gist of it without getting into the details, but there's a detailed list for those who are interested in all the deets.
We hope you enjoy the changes and updates!
Abbreviated Changes
Detailed Changes
Content
Reuben Encounter
The Reuben encounter has had some edits which includes the introduction of a new character, Wynter Ashton, who is a backer character and Reuben's partner (he only makes a very brief appearance). There are a few other small changes/edits to the scene.
There is also a CG that can now be acquired from meeting Reuben.
Chapter Four
The player can now play through the entirety of Chapter Four. This means that most of the common route is now available to the player. There are only a couple of short scenes that are left in the common route, but those have to do with route selection and will not be made public until game release (most likely).
World Building Changes
There have been a few notable world building changes, mostly regarding the names of various things.
The planet on which the story takes place was previously Altair, but is now referred to as Arcalis.
The Ivory Tower, Endgame's headquarters is now referred to as Cor Solaris.
Caravaners are now referred to as "Nomos."
Music
Music has been edited to include the official game music by Tobi Weiss instead of the placeholder tracks we were previously using.
Profiles and Galleries
New KS love interests have profile pages and galleries which can be accessed from the appropriate screens. New characters are: Reuben Kelner, Kauri Leere, and Yuu Sasaki.
At typo on Caissa's profile has, at long last, been fixed.
Game Mechanics
Additional Customisation
The game now includes the full selection of physical traits the players will be able to choose from in the full game. The customisation page has been redesigned to accommodate the new options.
Options now include:
8 skin colours (as opposed to original five)
7 eye colours (as opposed to only one previously)
10 hair colours (As opposed to original five)
6 skin tone specific eyebrow colours (as opposed to only one previously)
This customisation is now reflected in the first CG as well.
We will not be adding further customisation of the main character.
PLEASE NOTE: If you attempt to load an old save with a customised character, the previously chosen options are likely to be messed up. It will potentially throw errors as well.
Flowcharts
We have now implemented a flowchart system that lets you view your progress through the game and routes. Flowcharts can be accessed via the Extras screen or from the in-game side menu.
These flowcharts are slightly simplified from the actual branching variations available in the story. Minor branches due to previously chosen paths (such as whether you go through the crowd, avoid the crowd, or join the crowd) are often not shown as separate story branches. Rather the icon in the flow chart has a dashed outline around it (instead of a solid line). This dashed line usually means there are small variations within that scene. There are numerous small continuity based branches like this throughout the game, but to keep the flowcharts cohesive and easy to view, many of these small variations are not specifically noted outside of the presence of the dashed outline.
We have focused on a simplified structure that makes note of branches significant to story or characterisation - or those that are related to customisation.
Faction Score Removed
You'll notice the little symbols that flashed in the corners after some choices are now gone.
This was a mechanic that was more relevant when all the love interests were aligned to either Endgame or Crimson. Your scores in this area affected a choice in chapter four and what options were available to you there.
With the addition of new LIs, we now have three that aren't aligned to either of the two major factions. So the faction scoring felt a bit superfluous.
As such, it was removed.
Interface
Title Screen
Title screen has been altered to include artwork for the three additional LIs that were added as a result of the Kickstarter. Profiles, glossary, gallery, and endings are no longer accessible from the title screen.
A new "extras" section has been added for access to these areas, as well as the new flowchart area.
UI Throughout
There have been numerous UI changes. Most of these are purely cosmetic - changing background images or the location of buttons.
The in-game side menu has been updated to include a button that leads to the "extras" section so that galleries, glossary, and flowcharts can be accessed from within the game.
Confirmation Screens
We have added confirmation screens to warn the player that a specific choice is going to put them on specific routes (or the faction related pre-route content). This is in lieu of having Lance's route locked from the start - there is now a confirmation and spoiler warning when the player makes the choice that will put them on Lance's route.
Completion Tracker Removed
We removed the tracker that let you know your completion percent. Due to the number of very small variations and branches, we decided this was an inefficient way to track progress. This is replaced by the flowcharts instead.
And that is, I believe, everything.