DevLog #28 - Info about Extended Version

Hi everyone!

There’s been a lot going on in the industry lately, hasn’t there? I haven’t had much time to think about it.

I’ve been working on the Extended version, and I believe I can now provide a solid list of changes! I’ll mark each change as follows:

(!) Minor changes; no need to re-read the entire scene. For example, a few lines added for better context or fluency.

(!!) Other changes; they may not significantly affect the scene but are worth revisiting. For example, new options added to older dialogues.

(!!!) Important changes; these require revisiting for new context. For example, complete or partial reworks of certain scenes.

🥭Extended version: List of changes

Chapter 1 changes:

• Removed Free Roam from the first morning section, added transitions between scenes, and new dialogue lines. (!)

• Rework of Erika’s first meeting. The scene is still tense and awkward (intentionally), but now it’s portrayed from a different angle. (!!!)

• Partial rework of Erika’s second meeting (after giving a gift to Valerie). This one is tricky... more details later.

• Added an option after hanging out with Satoshi. No spoilers (!!)

• Added an option after meeting Beth. No spoilers (!!)

• General improvements to older text.

Chapter 2 Part A & B changes:

• Added an option after receiving the second phone pic. (!!)

• Rework of MC's inner thoughts (after Cass). No spoilers (!!!)

• Added an option at Cass's house. No spoilers (!!)

• Added an option when Satoshi calls you in the morning. (!-!!)

• Partial rework of Erika’s third meeting; a new outcome can now be achieved. (!!-!!!)

• Several text adjustments to accommodate the new options and variables.

General changes:

• Addition of a Chapter Report system. More details later.

• Addition of a “Intimacies” Character Dictionary system. More details later.

Many of these changes are aimed more at future releases than at the current content, and that’s something important to keep in mind. The Extended version isn’t really a new release with brand-new content, but rather an expansion to establish a stronger foundation.

As you can already imagine: old saves will no longer work. Several variables have been added, removed, or renamed.

🥭About Chapter Report, "Intimacies" and Part C

What’s "Intimacies", some of you may be wondering? Well, over the past few months I haven’t been able to work as much as I wanted, for several reasons (mainly my throat illness earlier this year and, later, these damn CPU problems) During that time, I started envisioning more clearly what the future game would look like.

There are tons of characters I want to introduce, and I’ve already been told it can be a bit complex to keep track of everything.

So… this felt like the most logical step to take. You’ll unlock new entries as you progress with each character, sort of like a log system, so you can refresh any piece of information you need for context.

Adding this one has been much harder than I wished. Worst case, I’ll include it with Part C. Sadly, there’s still a lot to polish in the Chapter Report, and I feel it’s crucial to implement it now so no new saves will be needed for future releases.

Oh… right… that "tricky" Erika rework. That’s actually what’s left, along with Intimacies and the Chapter Report. It’s the one scene that has me doubting whether I’ll be able to deliver in August or next month, since it would require an animation overhaul and I’m also trying to learn a new animation software.

There’s nothing certain about this... I'll just try my best to hit the August date. Sorry for the massive delay affecting everything...

Part C isn’t being worked on until I’m done with this. I’ll get back to it immediately after finishing the Extended version.

That’s pretty much it for now, guys! Sorry if these aren’t the best of news. I’ll share more info soon. The release is getting closer and closer every day.

Stay safe and thank you for everything 🧡

Mango