No, I meant the second morning, after Rocky got injured under the waterfall. He wakes up and that's where free gameplay begins. Yes, we are trying to do what no one else does or does rarely. The only exceptions are any illegal topics and some topics that I personally don't like. Everything else seems pretty funny to me and that's why the game will have a lot of depth and at the same time a lot of stupidity, etc. When we are completely free from working on mechanics and the system (I think that's already from 0.8.0) we will finally be able to calmly develop the plot and then a lot will become clearer with each step. But we (especially me) love different tricks, so there will always be something in the game that the player didn't notice during the first playthrough + Easter eggs/references/scenes, etc. According to the good old school tradition. We will hide some content and other interesting things for the most regular and attentive players. In our game, almost everything matters and for a reason. For example (this is not a spoiler) one of the butterflies in one of the locations flies backwards... In short, before the game it is better to read "Alice in Wonderland" to prepare your head for the game). There is no absurdity there but...
I see, think that's when he crosses over the log?. Sorry my memory can be crap sometimes.
Also when you mention free play I assume talking about all the other goals or missions. That was in the player's journal that players were unable to tackle at the time. Like what you initially have right now, was the main story missions/path? and the other things were side missions? Then later will also have option to freely grind xp and what not with the turn base combat elements.
Think see what you mean now overall this is like a first impression. Not being the official game in a certain capacity. Like an introduction to how things and the story will generally work. Tbh at first, I was thinking that this all was all more or less a prologue. Then would become free play some time after. While other options maybe weren't available yet, being under development. Yeah, that's how my brain works.
Although I assume rocky would still be more or less the main protagonist of this game? While the other characters played would still have a somewhat linear path. With a touch of freedom to explore. With different inner monologues, events and responses. Which could also provide useful information for that specific character. That could be helpful in the future for the players. Like for instance I never would have known what well Stacy dropped her childhood teddy in. Until she pointed out the well, she dropped it in. Mentioning it to herself privately. Since for her character I imagine be too embarrassing to say out loud. Although could remember to use Rocky to retrieve it later. Since sure she would still love to have it back. So, it's cool being able to use that to the player's advantage. Also nice being able to dive deeper in the complexity and personality of that character.
Can understand could take a while with so much on the table and yeah, I can be the same way regarding story telling. My father wrote a few comics when I was younger. The only one I liked was the one he didn't like. Cuz he was just trying to make the story ridiculous, making fun of the pompous dude who commissioned him. Was called Lance Stanton Wayward Warrior. My father preferred more of a serious approach in his writing. Although I still like things to make sense, appear authentic that imo is when the true skill of writing comes in. When comes to comedy never been a huge fan of Slapstick comedy. Regarding the adult stuff not really a fan of games that are just there for the sake of porn. I don't like porn games just games with some porn in them. If that makes sense, since I still enjoy the eye candy. Pretty much exactly what you been doing. As mentioned earlier feeling more organic.
This game I'm sure will become a true gem over time. Pretty sure as this grows more through development. It will become very popular and build a massive fan base. The artwork and writing are very good. Along with gameplay, choices and evolving gameplay mechanics. Will only make this even better over time. I also do tend not to be very perceptive at times. So likely I will miss a bit of stuff. Like the reference to Alice in Wonderland I likely would have never got. Been so long since I watched that tbh. Alot that stuff like the Labyrinth, The Witches and the Neverending Story I haven't watched for ages. Still love me some Willow though. Not much of a reader tbh prefer the films. Games are the only exception for me because there interactive and provide images.
Yeah, was thinking about it, in truth haven't used it for a while. Alot people really pissed me off on there in the past. Which were all supposed to be chill. just so many immature a-holes. Seem to attack me at random or like to twist my words. Making me really hate Discord so barely go on anymore. I'm also, not one to cry to moderators about it either. Granted are some good people on there but the crap I went through was total bs. If I do, consider joining I likely won't be super active at first. Given my past experiences with it.