This update brings many changes to the core systems, both technical and visual, aiming to make testing more complete and closer to a real gameplay experience.

Now you can also play the game without downloading it! Here the game page: https://studio-ikhi.itch.io/the-cerulean-forger

Main additions:

• New technical map: replaces the old test map, featuring three enemies of increasing strength. It also includes useful functions such as manual weather switching and a special event for Hako.

• Items: added collectible items with a sparkle effect, the “Take” action in battle, and a variety of new resources, healing items, and state-related items. Some items can also be thrown during a turn to hit enemies, ignoring obstacles.

• Battlefield obstacles: up to two obstacles are now randomly generated (damage, low, or high), affecting movement and how attacks work.

• Move categories: all moves are now classified as Melee, Ranged, or Anywhere, each interacting differently with obstacles.

• Inventory redesign: completely reworked with four tabs (story, resources, healing, states), stack limits, coin counter, and a clearer item panel. The interface now adapts better to combat needs.

• Settings: added options for interface size, glow effect, and a new borderless window mode.

• Other improvements: reorganized inventories and saves, refined lighting and weather effects, improved combat feedback (flashes on damage/healing, HP bars), and several balancing adjustments.

Fixes: resolved issues with audio transitions, weather changes, state duration, battle turn sequence, damage calculation, inventory handling, and movement overlaps.

I found a bug after the day 2. After taking the pills, the map does not change with the corridor outside of the bedroom, but it remains the "normal" house with the red filter. I tried restarting the game but the results are the same.

There are a lot of new features in these version, mainly to improve the combat system!

You can download the free demo here: https://studio-ikhi.itch.io/the-cerulean-forger

Combat System Update: Key Features and Improvements

• Moves can now apply status effects with customizable duration, chance to apply, and target (attacker or defender). Status effects are shown with clear icons during combat.

• Special moves get unique animations and sounds, making battles more dynamic and engaging for both players and enemies.

• Status effects modify core stats like defense, attack, accuracy, speed (turn timing), health regeneration or damage, critical hit rate, and magic recharge.

• Added a variety of status effects including bleeding, fear, rage, burn, paralysis, regeneration, parry, energy infusion, and temporary buffs like acceleration and focus.

• Introduced a knockback mechanic: when a fighter is hit and another ally stands behind, the attacked fighter pushes the one behind, causing damage to both. This prevents characters from being untouchable in formation.

• Cursor now shows detailed info on characters and their statuses during combat for better tactical decisions.

• Enemy and player code unified for consistency and better status effect handling.

• Improved UI with delayed health bars to better visualize damage taken, smoother animations, and clear front line indicators.

• Various bug fixes for movement, icon display, command timing, profile deletion, and inventory errors.

Subarashii.

Thanks!

What’s New in Update 0.9 – The Cerulean Forger

Download here the game: CLICK FOR THE GAME PAGE

A New Look

The main menu has been completely revamped with a stunning animated cave background, fresh music, and smoother navigation. There's even a brand-new Music screen to explore the game’s soundtrack.

A Whole New Way to Fight

The battle system has been reimagined from the ground up. Now fights happen on a tactical grid where positioning matters, edge tiles are dangerous, and area attacks change the flow of combat.

Enemies That Think

No more mindless punching. Enemies now move with purpose and choose their attacks carefully based on range, power, and your weaknesses. Stay sharp or get overwhelmed.

Smarter Interface, Better Feedback

Visual cues, quick HP bars, tile highlights, and real-time messages make every battle phase more intuitive and dynamic. What you see is what you get — no more guessing.

Streamlined Saving

Saving is now part of the world: no pause menu shortcuts. Find the right moment. Make it count.

And More

Improved visuals, higher-resolution artwork, refined move balance, and tons of polish across the board.

Download here the game: CLICK FOR THE GAME PAGE

The Cerulean Forger (Fo zenkaiakon ne terimi) is a top-down adventure RPG currently in development (Alpha version). The game's story is based on the fantasy book series of the same name, which is still being written and has not yet been published.

LINK TO THE GAME PAGE: https://studio-ikhi.itch.io/the-cerulean-forger

Gameplay

The game focuses on exploring the narrative world of Fo zenkaiakon ne terimi. A turn-based combat system is currently in developing, featuring weapon management, character stats, level progression, magical abilities, and line-based movement.

Screenshot of the combat scene (v0.8)

The story

For Keiko and his friends, it was meant to be a spring like any other, full of laughter and peace during a school trip to the Great Forest. But everything changes when his lucky charm disappears—a blue crystal that glows at his touch.

While searching for the thief, Keiko crosses paths with Hako, a girl on the run from an unknown civilization. He soon learns the crystal isn’t just a sentimental keepsake, but a magical material once used by Hako to forge powerful blades for Hiba-renai, her homeland. Keiko’s ability to interact with it is a clear sign: he too possesses a rare, inner power.

His familiar life begins to crumble. Bound to Hako’s troubled past—marked by guilt and mistakes—Keiko is drawn into a greater conflict, one that could decide the fate of the entire continent.

Through doubts and dangers, the two set off on a journey deep into the heart of the Great Forest. Waiting for them is an enemy both distant and painfully familiar: Hiaruko, ruler of Hiba-renai and Hako’s own brother.

Dialogue screen (third party temporary terrain texture)

Development

The game is still in its early stages and is being developed alongside a YouTube series on the Studio Ikhi channel. You can support the project by following us on social media, commenting on our update videos, and sharing your thoughts.

The entire game is currently being developed by a single person (Adri Ikharai), who is working on the story, programming, soundtrack, dialogue, gameplay mechanics, and everything else.

We've finally published the game page :D. Help us to keep on the project, that's is on its early stage.