Chapter 2 Update: Maps are done!
Hey everyone, and (almost) welcome to the new year. About time I shared some progress, so here it is: Mapping is done, and I can now officially say I'm past the 2/3rds mark with the game! I've also finished up a few other things, which I'll get to in a moment.
Some people might be curious why mapping has taken as long as it has. There are two reasons. The first is that "mapping" actually involves a number of things: the actual mapping itself, lighting, clutter, and a bunch of scripting and writing to put the "game" part of the game in as I go. Currently the first part and much of the middle can be played through, it's just not especially exciting as there's no defeat scenes in yet. The combat system is tested and up and running, as well as most of the fight staging and balance thereof. One of the three boss battles (two bosses, but there will be variations on the second) is also set and ready to go. One minigame is nearly set, another will probably wait until after initial release.
Long story short, I've been thinking of stage 1 as art asset creation, stage 3 as cg creation, and stage 2 as everything else. So, as of now, I'm 100% done with mapping, and about 90% done with "everything else" that isn't cg creation. I'll be finishing up those odds and ends over this month (January), but it won't result in anything new to show, so I thought I'd get this announcement out first. Once the event CG is ready I'll have to do some scripting and writing to integrate it into the game of course, and there will be fine-tuning throughout, but the bulk of things that are not the scenes themselves should be done by the end of January (and most already are).
So that's reason #1: "Mapping" actually includes a lot of misc stuff. Reason #2: There are a lot of maps, and they're pretty big.
Second point first. Here's a shot of one of the main exploration areas from CS 1:
And here's a shot of (most of) one of the many exploration areas from CS 2, to the same scale:
There's also quite a bit more. Not counting recycled areas, CS 1 had nine maps. CS 2 has twenty six. Not all of them are as big as the one above of course, some are smaller interiors, or just connecting passages. But a number of them are that large, or larger. As you can imagine, it takes a while to get all that laid out, lit, flowing properly and so on. But I'm pretty happy with the end results, and I think you will be too.
Now, as to the "other things" I mentioned at the beginning. As I was finishing up the maps and working on a minigame, I realized I was still short a few art assets, so I've been spending the end of this month working on those. One of which was a new outfit for Mezz! Take a look, if you don't mind spoilers.
So that's where things stand for now. Maps have been finished on time. I'll be finishing up the additional assets and a few programming odds and ends this month, and then dive into getting the event cg done. I've double-checked what I need, and while it's always hard to predict art speed, as far as I can tell, and barring something dire, I should be able to get the main CG, and some of the side stuff, done within the previously mentioned end-of-june deadline. Worst case I may have to roll into July to get some final scripting and play-testing done before it "ships", but I'll do what I can to avoid that.
Thanks to everyone for your support and feedback through all of this. It feels wild to be this far along, and I can't wait to actually see it finished and released.
Comments
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The day of the premiere of chapter two is near. I wish you much success in this new installment, friend. I'm still enjoying chapter one. I still insist that the stair guards cannot be defeated (I love this part of defeating Mezz hehe).
Thanks! Ha, and yeah, fully intend to do another pass over Chapter One eventually to smooth out a few things and finally get to a place where I'm happy raising it to ver 1.0. BUT, all time and energy on the new release for the moment.
Oh! You are going to make other changes to Chapter 1. Interesting. Although I think it's fine the way it is. But it is your work of art and you, as the artist, are free to make the changes you think are pertinent to improve it. And, equally, you are right. It's better that you finish chapter two and the following ones (which I'm sure will be pretty good hehe). there will be opportunity for the changes you say.
I am very glad to hear chapter two have a release date at the end of june, the first chapter was perfect and I am excited for the update.
Remember to take your time and don't be afraid to move the deadline.
I hope the second chapter has polish like the first one.
Have a very lovely day and I wish you the best of luck~!
People have been waiting a while, so I'm going to do what I can to deliver on time. Still on track, though life (and gamedev) can be unexpected at times. Thanks for the kind words, and glad you're enjoying it so far!
"here is a comparison between one of the ch 1 maps and one of the ch 2 maps, big difference in size yeah?"
yeah nice!
"Oh by the way there are going to be a little over THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF THEM!"
Actually fell out of my chair.
I don't want to get anyone's expectations TOO high. But my goal with this one is to make it a little closer to the size of an actual game, and I think it's coming along fairly well in that regard.
Sending plenty of support your way! Extremely impressive progress with the mapping... and damn ambitious I must add.
Good luck with the final few chunks of development and asset creation... but be sure to work through it all at a steady pace!
Aw, thanks man, really appreciate it! And I definitely will: not too fast, and not too slow.
that's a good deal of progress! just make sure not to get burned out on such a large project, i look forward to playing the next update!
Thanks! And I'll definitely be sure to pace myself.
thats awesome progress! good luck as i will be eagerly awaiting for it ^-^
Thanks!
looks amazing, really galvanized for that next release, keep on chugging, looks like the exit is in sight.
Damn, these maps look huge! Exciting stuff, can't believe pt.2 is coming up this quick.
Thanks as always for the extensive updates on this, looking forward to celebrating the year of the (hypno'd) rabbit :).
What wonderful news! Happy New Year and thank you for continuing to work on the next chapter!
We look forward to it. If you don't mind, I would like to offer some ideas. Of course, the general concept, maps and scenario are already readyб I guess, and perhaps all this is already planned or realised, but what if something comes in handy?
I will rely on what was in the first chapter, because I don't know what can be implemented in the second. In a location like a club where there were also boars that did not show aggression towards Mezz, both neutral and bartender, it would be reasonable to see a change in their behavior depending on the state of Mezz, if he is in "slut mode", responses or actions can be others (dialogs or agression). for example, a "bartender" may send him on a false trail or to a trap, or ask for a favor or satisfaction in exchange for a response.
Also would be nice to get some answers about the history of Mezz, where he came from, where the clips came from and why he resists boars. Who is behind hypnotic things and why.
Maybe there will be some additional mini-quests that will not affect the main plot, but will expand it or lead to some bonus scenes or items?
Never the less, looking at the maps, it is already clear that something amaizing is planned. Thank you for your selfless work!
Will consider. I'll definitely be filling out the world/lore a bit with this next one.
Very exciting!!!
Thanks for the update! It's super cool to get a glimpse into the process, really really enjoyed reading this :)
Also IN AWE of how much bigger this game is gonna be, as well as how diligently you're approaching such an ambitious project (I could learn something here...). Glad to hear production is proceeding well, and of course SUPER excited to see the final project.
I'm rootin for you, Shifty! (or is Bitsy better? Or should I just not?)
p.s. I have NOT forgotten about our deal, just been suffering writer's block and general life busy-ness of late :c
Also I am in love with that new Mezz outfit <3
Ichthy! Hey, I'm just glad you didn't drop off the face of the planet. Miss seeing your stuff. And pff, I kinda dig Shifty, let's go with that.
Glad you're liking it so far. It is a lot to take in, but it really does just come down to planning it out and then NOT THINKING about anything other than the little piece you're working on at the moment. As long as progress is at a good speed, you get there eventually.
Ha, and glad you like the outfit. The perfectionist in me really wishes I could do several more revisions, but I know there would be diminishing returns, and I think it'll do its job well enough as-is. Time to move on to the next piece.
This seems like a REAL large project... I have an idea, but it might be stupid...
So, We get the earclips in the one place that i dont know what to call, but they dont give any stats.
So, what if...
Every chapter, we get another type of hypnosis item, except it DOES give a stat boost.
So, Lets say that in Chapter two, We get a bo-staff made of metal, but it induces hypnosis. Maybe,in chapter 3, Our MC learns of the effects of the earclips and possible bo-staff,(Only available on the non-slut path) and learns of a way to temporarily get rid of the effect.(For the chapter, or requires material from the enemies and lasts for X ammount of battles.) and, In chapter 4, MC gets armor with same effect, but supplies Much more defense then the clothes. This goes on until the final chapter.
Consider it if you want, Im just a fan of the game.
"Cursed" items are a fun concept, but unfortunately I already have (most of) the general hypnosis mechanics planned for the other games. There probably will be some kind of physical object tied to each for various reasons, but it will be more symbolic than the direct connection the ear clips had.
Oh, Understandable! wouldn't want to mess up your game planning, so its fine. Though, with this teaser, you peak my interest. Keep up the good work!
You are a God, friend. You are well advanced. Look at those maps! they are quite extensive! We are going to need a 'map' so as not to get lost. hahahaha... It shows that you have taken great care in organizing them. I take my hat off to you...
Ha! Well that might be a bit much, but I do think they'll be a lot of fun to explore once it's out.
of course you do, friend.
Oh by the way! I love the new look of Mezz hehe
I notice by the color of his eyes that you will now use a new form of hypnosis
Thanks! Yup, bunch of new stuff in that regard.
uuufff... that's good! I already want to see Mezz going through all of them hehe...
I look forward to this.
needs an android version please
No Android version is planned unfortunately. The plugins used and some of the odd things I'll be doing with it don't play well with mobile.
that sucks
like it works with joiplay but its just meh
maybe you eventually get it worked out ^^
btw do you have a Patreon ?
then ill follow you there ;)
No, but I do have a SubscribeStar.
Ahh wait! So chapter 2 isn’t finished yet? damn i dumb, better read properly next time…
(still waiting)
Yeah, just a progress report for now. But we're getting there.
ok Good luck!
Seems the hypno color for the eyes have changed, and this plus the last color don't show any ear clips. Guessing he doesn't need them anymore or a new mechanic hypnotizes Mezz? Shame, I really liked the look of the clips. Either way, can't wait!
Yep, new mechanic in each chapter. I've mentioned it before, but it does get a little spread out.
Will there ever be a mechanic revolving around Electric Blue? Given the hints at it and the minor role it’s shown in I imagine it’ll play a bigger part later
He can't give away ALL the secrets!
Ha! Nothing is planned currently, but we're only two games in and I just have the main story beats and settings planned for the rest, so we'll see!
Nice, glad to see you've made a lot of progress. I'm excited for it. Don't feel pressured to release it to soon though!
LOVE that new outfit on Mezz, makes him look like a confident powerbottom!
God damn talk about a huge upgrade! Or, uh, massive scale up in size!
6 months sounds like a lot for someone without game-making experience, but I bet that's pretty short time for all the work you have to do!
Personally, can't wait to see what you've been cooking!
Here's hoping the progress is smooth and fun!
Thanks! And remember, six months is only the final 3rd, the others are already set! And what remains is mostly art, which I have been doing for a few years now. And writing, but that's fun and easy.
excited to see more when its done! I can understand the amount of effort it takes, so try not to burn yourself out. It looks great so far :3