Lock & Key Progress Update - August 2024

Hello again, Magical Girls! It’s Rachel here with another Lock and Key update. We’ve been hard at work developing more choice-based scene variations and improved CGs, the latter of which you’ll be able to see multiple examples of in the revamped demo - but you can also see some of the updated artwork here! There’s also some fun extras to look forward to, like these super cute chibi versions of our cast made by kanoo! Isn’t she adorable?

(note: this is still a WIP)

Speaking of Ruby, I wanted to share some information about the choice system that connects to her specifically. We’ve talked before about how the player’s perception of the Magical Girl genre can shape the story and ultimate outcome with regards to the fate of every character in the narrative, and a major part of that is how Sherri and Kealey teach Ruby about what being a Magical Girl means. As veterans, teachers, and mentors, the Cohens not only know what there is to know about being a Magical Girl but also know full well what struggles can come with the role. Are they heroes? Are they soldiers? Are they victims? What has the past caused them to believe?

Ruby is, at her core, a good kid. A bit awkward, a bit insecure, not great at making friends, but still a kid with a pure heart and a strong desire to make the world a better place. Is that enough on its own? Given the situation she finds herself in before the Cohens come to the rescue, it’s pretty obvious that it’s not enough. And given what happens next, she knows it. Asking for help takes courage, and no matter what the Cohens choose to teach her, that courage will always be rewarded.

One thing that was very, VERY important to me is that, regardless of route, neither Sherri nor Kealey (or Nina, for that matter) are ever flat-out mean to Ruby. These aren’t “we like Ruby” vs. “we hate Ruby” choices; that wouldn’t be in character, and it sure as hell wouldn’t be fun to read. These choices are about preparing for the future, and what matters is just what kind of future that’s going to be. There’s no “everything is perfectly fine and you won’t have to deal with anything bad ever” option, of course. Even Sailor Moon had scenes like Nephrite getting impaled, and we know that the Cohens lost a friend in the past. They know that things are going to be tough. Sometimes a tough world needs a tough person, even if it means losing something in the process. But is it worth losing that something for safety’s sake? Only you can answer that question.

As mentioned previously, Ruby’s choices aren’t the only set of choices. There’s a whole other axis related to the villain, but I’m not about to go around spoiling our own mystery. Regardless of other choices, though, Ruby is the heart of Lock and Key. Just as the old guard of Sherri, Kealey, and Nina have to make peace with the past, Ruby has to stand for the future. It’s your job to make sure that the future she’s standing for is the right one.

It won’t be long now before you’re able to see that future for yourself. I hope you’re looking forward to it!

Love (as always),

Rachel