Features you want the most?

[biscuit]

Just thought of something after playing some of Hanako's games:

Could we get an automatic updater, where if we check for it, it will automatically inform us of new updates and let us do so without checking the forums?

[jack1974]

That one is hand-coded, the new Ren'Py version has that feature but works a bit differently, in practice I need to upload the whole file again every time. But probably will use it for beta testing of next RPG, or at least code a simple "check for new update" and then you'll have to download it manually

[nightshadengale]

I've many ideas about the sequel, including some that favor more the classic "exploration" part of RPG, since is one of the main complaint I got for the games (I got very few complaints in general, but this is one). I had the idea of using a isometric view like Puzzle Quest 2, where you could see the town and click on some zones/characters to interact (so not a full iso map with pathfinding, it would still be quite simple to code but require lot of art).
As always it comes up to the question: better to invest more in the game, making people wait one year more, or it wouldn't be worth it? considering how eager people seems to be, perhaps is better if I save those "experiments" to other minor/secondary RPGs and not in probably the most waited game (Loren's sequel).

Oh, I wasn't thinking new art or anything! Just wondered if it would work with existing sprites + existing map. Honestly all I think it really needs is a bit more framing for the tasks--it would make the cities feel more "alive" if that makes sense. It wouldn't even have to involve talking to someone--you could just have a bit of introductory text between the "Tasks" button and the menu of tasks the first time you look at the tasks for each town ("After asking around the town, you find out that they've been having trouble with bandits attacking farms. They also hold regular tournaments in the arena, etc etc etc")

[jack1974]

Ah ok, yes that can be done without problems. Probably the texts should appear only once, otherwise people who are grinding would skip them all next. Maybe in the sequel I'll reduce the amount of grinding needed anyway

[Mongoosechan]

I didn't read it in this thread, but I think it would be cool if you LI had a slightly different default dialogue line when the romance has advanced past a certain point. So, in Loren 1, after say 3 hearts, instead of Rei saying 'It's boring when I haven't killed anything in a while' he could say something to recognise the developing attraction - like 'It's boring when I haven't killed anything in a while... Though I guess you make things a little more interesting'.
I'm sure you guys already have something sorted with Loren 2, especially since there are continued romances, but I think it could make things seem a bit more immersive.

[jack1974]

Yes that's a good suggestion indeed. For the sequel yes the beginning will change a bit depending who you choose to be your previous romance (which could even be "none"). We're doing that in Planet Stronghold 2 now and is interesting to see all the different beginnings

[Maelora]

Do romances carry over to the sequel?

What about other things, like killing Mesphit?

[jack1974]

The romances carry over, meaning you choose in the beginning who you romanced. As for Mesphit and other plot thing we're going to go with a "canon" ending, otherwise it would be a big mess - obviously, he survived!

[ATrulyAmazingToaster]

Will you be able to start a game without a previous romance? I don't want to have to break up with a character to romance the new ones...

[jack1974]

Yes you'll be able to choose to be single at beginning of the story if you want