• Add Review
  • Subscribe
  • Nominate
  • Submit Media
  • RSS

2020... What a Year - Progress Update

  • Raze
  • 08/29/2020 02:35 PM
  • 361 views
Well... this is a tough post to write.

I've been mulling over wanting to write one but not knowing exactly what to write. One thing is for sure, I am still working on this game, even though it might seem like I'm on infinite hiatus with the updates because things have been slow and the current climate doesn't exactly stimulate my creative senses.

Though, funnily enough, since my game takes place in 2020, I wonder if I should retroactively add current events into the game? I might add some interesting current events easter eggs here and there, since this game takes place around the April - May 2020 period. Hmm... I recall SpaceX's first human launch to the ISS was around May...

Anyway, I digress, here's my update report for... August?

The first Ending is Officially Complete! - For now
Huzzah! After like what? 3 to 4 drafts rewriting and reviewing the plot again? I can finally say that the first ending is complete and to my satisfaction - For now. Given the circumstances, it is likely it would change again, depending on the ultimate direction I take with the next two endings. But for now, I'm satisfied and able to move on to the next 'ending'.

Not too sure if you guys would be interested in a preview, or a spoilerish screenshot, but let me know!

Reminiscent Chapters - Damien, Lyeric and Isabel
One of my favourite things to write about is finally on the horizon, and I can start on their own individual chapters in life. Lyeric's own chapter will discuss a little bit about his past and the circumstances that led him to be adopted by the Horzon Family. It's probably the SHORTEST story out of the three, and like some of you speculated, the least involved in the overall plot.

Isabel's own story will be slightly longer and discusses about her past with the Aria Family, and perhaps answer the most important question weighing in her mind: What exactly happened to Venor Aria? Her long lost forgotten estranged brother?

Followed by Damien's story, which will be the longest of the three. It delves into his relationship with a girl he met 3 years ago, expanding on his personality and the background of Cliva and what life was like before Grid Palistia was completed.

I'm most excited about Isabel and Damien's story. For reasons I'll talk about next time.

For now, I have the draft completed and ready. So it's time to start implementing stuff!

Designing Bosses
Another thing I love doing, and spend quite a bit of time doing, apart from writing is designing bosses! I've revamped quite a few bosses and added some interesting gimmicks to make each of them feel unique. While I can't share the bosses themselves, I'll share some of the gimmicks they're using!

ID Wave - A special field effect that increases Attack on both sides of the field. Both enemies and allies utilizes 'ID Nullifier' to remove the effects of ID Wave for 3 turns. While simple, it's a gimmick that will drastically change the way you approach battles on a certain chapter! Especially for opponents who are FASTER than you...

Daze - Inspired by XCOM's War of the Chosen, this is a unique status effect that in function works similarly to Stun, but lasts for 7 -9 turns. It can only be lifted by slapping some sense into your own ally in combat. When Daze is removed, there is a chance your ally will be confused, so be wary! On a tactical level, the way you approach the flow of battle will be different. Weighing against the pros and cons of wasting a turn to remove 'daze' vs doing damage to the boss against the clock...

That's all for now! There are more interesting gimmicky fights, but I can't share them all yet!

Expanding the Locale
Another little thing I've done is to expand on the locales a bit. That's so it makes things a little easier for me when I move onto more plot heavy chapters.

Some new areas I've added:
  • Viscaria Amusement Park
  • Added some 'fun' activities to do
  • Added a new district to Marzus City


And that's all for now! I hope it's interesting and I do hope to make some more progress by the end of the year.

Thoughts on Current Events...

I just hope everything will be smooth going in the upcoming months... since we can expect the economy to plunge into further contraction in the later months and not expected to recover for the next 1 - 2 years.

For now, stay safe, stay happy, and don't despair if things look bleak! You're not alone!

Thank you very much for reading! Till then!