So, I did a bit of everything this week. First, I did some writing for the walkthrough. We are still missing one quest, but I got the big one out of the way, at least. I did some more work on chapter 6 (some writing, some coding, some planning, mostly focused on Erica's escape plans, so to speak). I added the chance for your boss at the Imperial Offices (Mr. Geralt) to get you pregnant, as well as the option to settle down with him (although he won't marry you) if you want to see his "what if?" ending.
I also did some work on TOTDC 2, although it was mostly technical stuff: I figured out how to use videos, because I thought that would be the best way to have an animated spiral in the game (because of course we need those XD), and how to set its opacity if I want to overlay it on top of the images (it's slightly more bothersome than I'd hoped for, since you need a second video to do that, even if it's a fixed opacity that you want), and I finally solved an issue with how I was placing certain elements of the UI when reading your personal profiles (you can check your profile and that of your crew, like you could in TOTDC 1).
I did take one day off, because I am feeling a little tired (I am still trying to improve the puzzle I mentioned last week, and trying to force a solution is probably what's boiling my precious brain cells).
Anyway, more of the same is probably on the menu for next week. I'll try to add a few scenes so you guys get something tangible in the release, I'll work some more on chapter 6, and maybe I'll have a day or two for TOTDC2, or for the walkthrough/H-scenes or whatever else needs to be done. As for the release, I'd actually like to get it out for the 21st, but it should be fine even if I delay it a day or two, so it should be out for the 23rd at the latest.
As far as the news goes, this is pretty much it. Look forward to the release, and let me know your thoughts, if you have any. Until next time! ^_^
I'm very interested in hearing more about your plans for TOTDC 2.
ReplyDeleteWell, let's see: the game will use Ren'py for the engine, and 2D art for visuals.
DeleteIt's going to play similarly to TOTDC 1 (so, the players can pick 3 out of 5 traits, it has turn based combat, there is some "room-based" exploration for action missions, which work as a throwback to RAGS games).
It will have some new/different stuff as well (the UI and non-action missions should be smoother to navigate, there will be some light point-and-click elements, probably a couple of new mechanics).
The game is going to continue the story from where it left off, and you'll be able to import data from the first game (or customize the outcome for the various events in TOTDC 1 from within TOTDC 2).
If you have some specific questions, just let me know, I'd be happy to answer. :)
Any particular Ren'py games that you are looking to emulate? FYI, you might want to look into or even talk to WinterWolves Games, he often pushes Ren'py to limits beyond what others are capable of with his advanced use of combat, map exploration, crafting, skill trees, etc. Are we going to begin exactly where TOTDC 1 ended or will we get a reintroduction or time jump? Any retconning of past events or people?
ReplyDeleteI *think* I have most of the technical stuff figured out for the game: I have a questlog, the extranet, the inventory, the combat, the exploration, a hacking mini-game, the replay gallery, and probably some stuff I am forgetting, although I am still struggling with the UI (It's good in parts, but others are still placeholder-y, or just need more work). I have played some of WinterWolves games, and they are definitely quite nice, maybe I should take a look at them again, for reference. My main problem is UI elements, since my artist doesn't do UI. Maybe I should just commission some custom-made stuff, although I already have some generic elements which I could probably use instead of wasting money.
DeleteThe game should be a few months after TOTDC 2, just to skip past Celeste's recovery from the surgery and to have some minor breathing room from the first game. I think I'll add an optional story recap for Chapter 1 (something like "the story so far"), but this is strictly a sequel, so I don't want to bog it down with a full reintroduction (although we will still get an intro to the game, of course).
There should be no retcons (except maybe some really minor stuff like Celeste's age when she left home, which is too low for how the plot evolved in my head over the years, so nothing that happened during TOTDC 1), but I am considering narrowing down some branches. For example, in the first game you could make it so Piper doesn't join the crew, or you could not pick up Boo the hamster, and I am leaning toward making them part of the default, instead. All major events will retain their various outcomes and affect the game, however (like the destiny of Verania's colony, if you helped Darenzia and Jane with their side-quests, and even less important stuff like if you worked as a model or if you started your porn star career).
Sounds great! I'll keep following for updates. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFor UI assets, I'm not sure what style you are looking for but you might look at an artist named Rexard. His stuff is often cheaply bundled through Humble Bundle and possible Fanatical. He might also do commissions.
ReplyDeleteIf it's been on Humble Bundle or on Fanatical, there is a high chance I bought stuff from him. Is Wenrexa an alias of Rexard?
DeleteI think they are different people. Wenrexa has nice quality stuff.
DeleteChecking in my collection, I do have stuff from Rexard as well, and I am actually using some of the GUI elements already, it's just that he didn't add any credits in the files I downloaded from Humble Bundle, and I had forgotten to label them as such. XD
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