First things first, I've hoped you have had a merry christmas. For those of you still following this project, then here's an update.

This past December has been one of mixed fortunes for me, culminating with me being laid off from my job and ending with a bad Boxing Day in which I came down with a sickness bug. In addition, December also saw me and my family remembering my late mother who passed away eight years ago, around this very time. 2011 has yielded many highs and lows following my attempts to try and work my way into my first job, completing an apprenticeship course, and meeting up with old friends who are making their own way in the world, at university. Indeed 2011 has been a year that I would look forward to seeing the back of.

Now, as most of you might be aware, I've had to take a break from working on this project due to insufficient time to work on it. This was an inconvenience also caused by the project being stuck in a phase of development hell, where ideas for the game struggled to come and I had issues trying to get the ideas I did have, actually put into the project.

As a result of these issues and a change in heart somewhat of the game, I've actually got into a state where I am happy to resume work. This, ofcourse is not without several in game changes.



THE WORLD MAP

First off, the world map will be scrapped. This is due to several reasons.

1. The tileset used for the world map is Inquisitor's, and unfortunately the tileset integrates badly with the standard tilesets used by RMXP. This provided the issue of a game with art styles that clashed, and other tilesets available for using on a world map were either ripped from other projects or commercial games, or ones that I didn't like.

2. I am unhappy somewhat of the shape of the world map in game. The map is very restrictive in terms of size and shape.

As a result I will not use a world map. This will instead be done through a series of field maps linking each location to each other, and instead a map will be created to show locations and respective paths.


THE BATTLE SYSTEM

Secondly, I'm also considering going towards a new battle system. Whilst the one I have is a good side-view ABS, I want to move towards a battle system similar to the one in Chrono Trigger. However, since I'm not a scripter and the fact there are no CT-style RMXP battle systems (to my knowledge) this may be impossible to do. The main reason is that I would prefer a battle system in which the battles take place on the field map with no/minimal transitions.


THE TITLE SCREEN

Thirdly, the Title Screen. Whilst the current title screen I have is a welcome improvement over previous efforts, again I am considering a redo of the title screen. The third title screen is better, but again I doubt it's ability to fit into the game. As a result the title screen will be redone, in order to blend into the game better.

I will promise to get a working demo out sooner rather than later but again I can not put a timescale on it. However, since I am now motivated to carry on the project once more, more so than I have in previous months, hopefully early 2012 will show the first actual playable demo.

I will perhaps take time to note though, that this is a lone project. I am the only one working on this and as such I have very limited resources. However, I am confident to make do with what I've got available to me.

However, until next time, I hope you have had a Merry Christmas and enjoy a great start to a new year.