DJC'S PROFILE

author=kalledemos
So, how is testing going? you didn't find any big bugs didya?

Still testing. No significant issues. I'm just having difficulty finding time to play. I do need to test before releasing, however, as I already encountered and fixed several small bugs that prevented plot scenes from progressing.

I'm also increasing the default encounter rates and lowering experience earned per battle, generating more random monster fights.

Another idea that occurred to me and that I've already implemented was an experience to next level count. I integrated it into the hero info display, toggled with a single key press.

author=kalledemos
That custom stat screen is AMAZING!! so that's what broken rm2k3 limits look like in action huh? It's also pretty great to see the enemies' hp/mp/atb status in battle.

Moogle Manor? Is that a new place or am I forgetting something (again)?

And whole new dungeon?! in a week?! with all this other stuff done as well? you're on fire DJC!

Thanks to Corti for the monster HUDs showing HP/AP/ATB. He also improved his ATB plugin upon request, and that's what I'm currently using to accelerate battle speed.

I made the custom hero info screen specifically because of the stat limit breaks caused the normal menus to only display current HP and AP. This made it difficult to know if healing was required or how much was gained per level. It also makes it easier to see how the entire party fares and is equipped in a single button press and glance, including if spare skill shards are available to be spent.

Moogle Manor is in the mines of Occultus Gaza, where you can get the Moogle Suit from Mog. It's basically a FF6 Easter Egg. There's a ton of beds in there too, now providing a free rest in the middle of the dungeon.

The Dreaming Forest dungeon was cut from the initial release over a decade ago. I already had the tileset from the town mostly ready to go, though the overlapping bridges required some tweaks. It's also a shorter dungeon with less maps, but causes the player to criss-cross repeatedly to obtain all treasures. I did get carried away with the dinosaur monsters since it's something I'd really wanted to do for awhile. There's 12 new monsters arranged in 40+ battles. Most of them have numerous special attacks and sophisticated, patterned behavior. Otherwise it would have taken less time.

author=kalledemos
It might not be finished, but the help menu is looking nice so far.

Thanks. I'm also planning to have the special monster skill damage algorithms explained, each revealed after its first use against the player. That will go in the tactics section along with the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy types.

Unfortunately I couldn't justify a bestiary. There's no plugin for pulling the relevant integers, strings, and images from the database.

author=kalledemos
my goodness! If the cut additions are anywhere near as cool-sounding as this feature or the rebirth mechanic, I hope that you will eventually finish them to your liking; I would genuinely wait the remainder of my life for the definitive, "director's cut" version of this super game to release.

There's a massive list of over 100 game play additions. There's a separate longer list of story and character development changes. If I ever did a commercial version with a modern engine and editor I would try to incorporate these.

The current update was originally meant to utilize DynRPG to eliminate some long standing bugs and game issues caused by engine limitations. At times I get carried away playing around just to see what's possible with rm2k3 and the available plugins. I'd like to release the update for players soon, though, so they can enjoy a better experience.

author=kalledemos
whaaaaaaa?! rm2k3 characters surpassing their 9999/999/999/999/999/999 stat limits?! I can't believe it! and weapon style switching? sammy won't be so lonely damage output-wise anymore! though these awesome changes bring up a critical question: will this new version be compatible with old saves?

The new version is definitely NOT compatible with old saves. Way too many database changes and the use of DynRPG would probably break saves from previous versions.

Sammy can also switch to single weapon and shield style, gaining access to weapons other than claws.

Sources and Golden/Silver Apples boost stats above the old limits too, but that's a much slower way to increase them.