I think what could work is creating "check" points rather than allowing for save games. That way you can pre-define check points. The only thing then would be programming what inventory items are there. And that could be as easy (maybe?) as:
Wrench=1
BoltA=0
BoltB=1
And exporting those into the check point - and importing that from the check point save.
That way you don't need to worry about saving on every screen - or where Ace was standing when the game was saved.
Downside - takes away the freedom from saving whenever to quit - but if you do enough check points, it shouldn't matter.
Agreed - ideally, the save anytime function is what I'd want.
But I would be fine (and it would probably appease others waiting - if this was even an easier option - I don't know if it is) - but the Auto Save spots (when you reach Screen X - auto save, write inventory items to file).
And then later, release an update that allows you to save whenever/where ever.
Again, not even sure if the "Auto Save" function is easier (just seems easier in my head - and that's a scary place). :)