Progress update - March
Added 2024-03-05 23:39:20 +0000 UTCHi everyone! I was going to post something quick after the sneak peek, but I wanted to finish the most tedious part of the update first before doing anything else. It's not very showy, since it's more parts for Laura's main sprite, but it was a necessary step before I could continue writing.
New sprite
I've already started working on the back side sprite, and I still have to color-correct the skin, add details to the horns and add the rest of the clothing pieces, after that I can move on to the close-up CGs (similar to Emily's from the previous update) and then the main dish.
Side-by-side comparison of the new sprite vs the old one.
I know the sprite rework isn't the most exciting thing to show, but I felt it was necessary as I realized that having a sprite capable of conveying a wide range of emotions, a higher resolution for close-ups and a good frame for body movement can save me from drawing additional CGs for some cases. I also gave this sprite the same treatment as the encounter sprite from Emily's update, so I drew 3 sets (4-5 variations) of mouths to animate the talking, eyes for the blinking, and set up a range of expressions that makes this sprite easier to work within the code.
I didn't make a graphic or an image showcasing the different parts of the sprite because it would be a pain in the butt to do so, but here are some of the different poses and expressions.
About the gameplay
Once I'm done with the rear sprite, I can start writing the interactive scene, there are some assets that I still have to draw, but I'll do them as I build the scene. I still have to draw all the different things you can find while searching her, plus the MC's hands for the minigame.
I'm going to need a lot of finesse to pull this off because if I want to make a real game out of it, I have to balance credit exhaustion vs Laura's arousal in a way that's fun.... If I feel like I'm unable to pull it off, the mini-game is going to be a point-and-click about undressing Laura and finding all the trinkets she carries around, plus being able to fondle her while you do so.
Main course
I have yet to define the scope of the final scene, I'm not going to leave the MC blue balled again, and the whole point of talking to Laura is getting the magnetic screwdriver and unlocking your boxers, so now all sorts of possibilities open up.
I could add a sex scene in this update, but I've planned a more romantic scene for when the girls lose their V cards. Still, the scene I plan for this update leaves the assets ready for it, so if the schedule isn't pressing I could add a sex scene, with the caveat that it's not the ideal time to do it, it will have more significance if you do it later... but for those who don't like Laura as a romantic interest, it could be a good option.
Blender stuff
I've already started working on the mc, there's still a lot of tweaking to do, and I have yet to finish the body, but once I'm done with it, I might try my hands at retopologizing. with a male and female model I can start doing some pretty cool stuff :)
The MC is one of the most time-consuming ones to draw as the male koi models leave a lot to be desired, here is a side-by-side comparison of what the base koi model looks like (left) vs what I would like it to look like (right). Just having the profile and hair would save a lot of time, so I may try to retopo up and rig the mc first so I can start using it.
That's about it for now. I should start working on the translations integration now, but I want to finish all the assets for the minigame so I can write and then draw the juicier parts of the update, work is going well, but I don't post more often because I want to have something interesting to show graphically, so the next sneak peek will have the back sprite finished and maybe some closeups.
Stay tuned! Bye!
Comments
1.) Ah, I see. Now I'm even more intrigued in the mini-game. 2.) I personally resonate with this a lot. Coding in general is a pain in the butt. I attempted to learn coding many times, even sat on my chair for months fumbling around with the codes, I eventually gave up because I felt so frustrated at some point. Regarding the update schedule, what would you prefer? I think many share the same sentiment that we care a lot about your well-being and respect your private life, so I'd assume the 2 per updates takes less toll on you than one big update? 3.) Wow, a lot faster than I initially anticipated. Well, animation is always the hardest hurdle, but look at the bright side your subscribers will already be satisfied to hear that the update is halfway finish. I strongly doubt anyone would complain knowing that. 4.) I wouldn't call the new design rework edgy, he looks way mature and manlier than before (a stark contrast to his 1st design). Especially the facial feature is notable, makes him more distinct and memorable. But then again, i don't know your intention.... whether you wanted a youthful innocent-looking virgin (the typical loser self-insert), or a cool-looking dependable chad protagonist (the self-insert who isn't painfully dense and is likable).
Wilfried Ehrenburg
2024-03-10 02:48:43 +0000 UTC1) Yes, all pieces of clothing are removable, and the mini-game includes more than just groping. 2) Making the sprites as I'm building them now takes a lot of work, so I should probably refrain from making more than 2 per update, but in the long run they make it much simpler to build the scenes. For example, to make the characters open their mouths every time they speak, I had to code it manually. 3) I will probably finish all the close-ups and mini-game assets for this month, but then comes the main course (which is animated), I won't be able to have the update ready for this month. :( 4) Glad you like it, I hope it doesn't look too edgy (in a bad way). Depending on how complicated it is to make, ideally, I would like to have 3 versions of the MC, making the initial model (used at the beginning of the game) a bit skinnier with softer features, then as the game progresses I would make the effect that the collar has on him more noticeable.
MateDolce
2024-03-07 13:30:34 +0000 UTC1.) Regarding the minigame I've been wondering whether the MC is willing to strip her completely naked? Another question pertaining to the Minigame; does that involve fingering or just groping her breasts? 2.) Well, it's a good thing. It means in the future it'll certainly lessen the burden of you, by that I mean you will feel the sense of satisfaction. 3.) Romantic won't hurt, besides romanticizing the cute commie sounds extremely appealing to me. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it. Also don't feel pressured to finish it by the month, take as much time as you need to finesse what you consider to be fleshes out. 4.) The MC looks bombastic, you certainly have improved a lot over the years of developing this game. His model rework looks more distinct than your typical Eroge protagonist, or Kirito Clone. That's overall my personal assessment of the update. There are little to no complaints about everything thus far ππ».
Wilfried Ehrenburg
2024-03-07 00:58:17 +0000 UTC
