Progress 30.01.2026

 

Hello all!

What’s up? I’m doing builds. And then what? The release, first, will be the PC and Mac versions. Android? Well, it takes a while to convert the images and test the build, and fix whatever is broken as usual. Note of that: I won’t be testing android 16 as the device I have is Android 14. I will not guarantee that it will work on anything beyond that.

So what then? I’ll write and start rendering the update on Monday. Also of note, all patrons will get the launch version on the same day. After this initial release, we will return to the usual schedule. Like always, 5th VN, same routine.

What features are in? Codex. It works and it can remind you who the characters are. There are some variations in how things work from the main menu and in-game. Not everything is in there intentionally yet though. So it will remain "work in progress" until completion. The empty spots in the codex? Those are characters that will appear, eventually. Some of the "side cast" aren’t there yet. Could have added them, but that would delay the release even longer, and they aren’t important right now. I will add "filters" to narrow down things in future releases.

Hidden images. They are in, similar way as in ToaM, ranging from fan service to... moments elsewhere. The functionality of them is slightly different. Now when you hover over the spot, it will leave a button there to click (a magnifying glass icon). This was done for two reasons: first is to reduce the errors. The ToaM version works, but it was error prone because of having more steps to make the interactive spots. Second reason is that it allows for me to "hide" the spots more easily. Now I can ignore character movement between the images. Previously, I would have made the spots follow character movement or be in a place where they wasn’t movement. Both reducing the spots where I could place them.

The dialogue wheel and its icons, they are back. I like the concept. There is still the toggle for the old ren’py menu for those who like it. The VN isn’t designed for that, but it functions. There will be some tweaks in future updates to it.

And all the preferences in the preferences screen. Well, most of them. This time I’m not using custom fonts outside of the few UI elements. Easier to read, I reckon.

Beyond that? It should function as it should. Some tweaks and changes here and there as to be expected.

Right, a palate cleanser, if you will. It has been a busy month, so something else to refresh my mind. Cade and Xella. Yeah, it’s cyclical. When I do modern-day or fantasy, I think cyberpunk, scifi and so on. When I do scifi I tend to go with fantasy. It helps with creativity and lessens the chances of burning out. Anyway, more stuff to do and see what explodes on Android. Hopefully, good news soon... You all have a great weekend!