v0.3.1: release retrospective and upcoming improvements

Hello cadets!

Version 0.3.0 was released last week and we're absolutely stoked about how well it's been received by all of you.

This release marked a significant milestone for us, introducing many of the systems that will be used for the remainder of the game (time management, quests, navigation, wardrobe, shops, etc...) and many new locations. So you can imagine, there were plenty of opportunities for things to go haywire.

We've been reading all the feedback and bug reports you've sent our way, and we're grateful for your help. We've fixed most of the bugs you've reported, and we've made some tweaks based on your suggestions. For example, we've removed intermediate scenes when choosing to nap or sleep in your apartment.

Another topic that was brought up quite a lot is the travel time between locations. In the next version, we'll be introducing a fast travel feature which will allow you to quickly move between main locations.

Fast Travel

A new button will be available in the sidebar for the fast travel system. It will turn green when fast travel is available and grey when it is not.

When you enter freeroam, you will automatically get access to all academy locations. Other location are unlocked by visiting them, and as an additional bit of good news, if you have visited the various districts of Novaris in version 0.3.0, they will be automatically unlocked when you resume playing in version 0.3.1.

Beauty Salon

Styling at the Chromascape Lounge beauty salon was disabled in version 0.3.0 due to some bugs that couldn't be fixed in time for the release.

All of the bugs are now fixed and styling will be available in version 0.3.1 to freshen up your character!

The beauty salon's styling interface is built to be very similar to the character creation page. It features a live preview of the changes so you know exactly what the final result will be. 

As development continues, more options will be added to the salon, such as new hair styles, hair colors, but also brand new customization options such as makeup for playthroughs embracing feminity.

You may also have noticed our friend looks a bit different in this preview! We are currently doing some updates to the male and female dolls to bring them up to the standards of our new third option.

Hold up... third option?

Final Word

That's right! Next week, we will talk about a major change coming to the game, which is the introduction of the androgynous state and appearance, serving as a bridge (or permanent stop) between male and female. 

Oh wait. Did you see what's going on out there? Is that Starwatch security forces?

Have fun out there!