December 20 Update
Added 2020-12-20 19:29:21 +0000 UTCI'm actually taking a real break this week, I swear. Mostly. Somehow, events have conspired to make this update seem cluttered.
OEA Progress
Look at the new maps! Give feedback if you have any thoughts.
Overall, this game is moving very close to the point where I can pick it up, finish a huge chunk of my remaining work, and then put out a build. Decanter especially has been immensely helpful in taking care of coding issues that have been obstacles for a long time (I've even put out calls offering to pay programmers and didn't get any professional responses).
However, I need to wait on the maps to get a little bit further, or there will be conflicts with map data. That's why I'm relaxing a bit this week, then I'll probably work hard over the holidays. That said, the next post will be quiet (I have a cute little bit of art ^-^), as I traditionally don't throw much at people over the holiday season.
Links to Support Me
Somebody suggested that I try promoting TLS to harem novel fans, so I did that here:
https://old.reddit.com/r/haremfantasynovels/comments/kh0a93/the_last_sovereign_is_a_free_harem_game/
No idea if this will draw in any players, but all it cost was a bit of time. Please consider upvoting so it gets more attention.
Second, if you care about the fantasy genre and are already a member of r/fantasy, please consider nominating me for the Stabby Awards:
https://old.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comments/kfskjm/best_of_rfantasy_2020_the_stabby_awards/
If it goes like last year, I can't win, but I can get enough nominations to get on the shortlist, which is good exposure. That said, they restrict who can participate and don't want vote manipulation, so only bother if this is already your thing.
Relaxation
Yes, I'm going to give a report on my taking a break. Don't judge me. =P
I actually bought a Switch. This is the first time in my life that I've owned a current generation console and it feels weird. It has some well-designed games that are a nice break from my usual RPGs, hardcore platformers, and experimental projects. Just having something that I need to step away from the computer to use is helpful in shifting my mindset away from work mode.
Even so, I probably wouldn't have gotten it if not for lostone2, a longtime fan of TLS who sadly hasn't resurfaced since the pandemic. He couldn't join Patreon, but supported via gift codes and other unusual methods. Those have been tricky to use, but they have expiration dates, so I decided to put them toward something fun.
I'd take recommendations for the system, if anyone has any. No need to mention Odyssey or Breath of the Wild. I probably won't get to them very quickly, since my break will be ending soon, but I try to wring everything from systems I own.
Comments
Did everyone have a Merry Christmas?
JJS
2020-12-26 19:04:16 +0000 UTCSince April. He's been ignoring TLS emails since then, so though I'd like to know he's okay too, I'm not sure if he's checking anything online.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-21 14:51:22 +0000 UTCI've heard good things about this one, thanks.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-21 14:49:16 +0000 UTCIt's a purely voluntary donation model and it will remain that way. When I started it, I was working entirely from Patreon donations, and the side games came about as breaks to keep myself mentally fresh. That said, since Patreon can be fickle, I'm trying to diversify to make sure that I can bring it to a conclusion even if I lose this stream of income.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-21 14:49:02 +0000 UTCHmm... you've been out of contact with lostone2 for how long? At what point is it appropriate for his friends from the wiki to start making discreet inquiries? I'd kind of like to know he's OK.
DukeLeto7
2020-12-21 12:54:03 +0000 UTCIf you like turned-based strategy and lots of characters, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is fantastic.
Russell Whitelaw
2020-12-21 12:01:53 +0000 UTCHowever, it's worth mentioning that its singleplayer mode is almost nonexistent.
Decanter
2020-12-21 09:37:02 +0000 UTCI super recommend Duck Game! It’s great fun to play couch 4p, it’s my favourite thing on our switch. Fast low stakes one-hit point 2d twitch shooter platformer with ducks
J
2020-12-21 07:11:19 +0000 UTCWhile not a switch exclusive, I can't recommend CrossCode enough. Great adventure game with a very sweet story based in an MMO.
2020-12-21 06:58:37 +0000 UTCI have a question primarily out of curiosity, whats the monetisation/profit model for TLS? I personally love the game, and it essentially made me binge all your other games and join the patreon after getting to the end of the content, but is that how you envisioned how the game would be worthwhile to make?
Peter
2020-12-21 06:23:19 +0000 UTCA good suggestion, as I quite enjoyed Hollow Knight. Anyway, hope you enjoy the OEA update when it does come out! It'll be a big one.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-21 05:27:42 +0000 UTCYeah, I just hope he's alright. He was gone for most of a year with health issues before, but I don't know him personally, so I just won't know.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-21 05:27:11 +0000 UTCThanks for all the suggestions! Rune Factory... how close to Harvest Moon are the sim elements?
Sierra Lee
2020-12-21 05:25:42 +0000 UTCThanks for commenting on the maps! I hope the third one hits you even more intensely in the game: it appears suddenly with a music shift and the background pans.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-21 05:24:57 +0000 UTCLooking forward to the OEA update! For games: It's a few years old but "Hollow Knight" is available on the switch. A metroidvania with some great platforming and combat, and a fantastic story and art style. Would highly recommend.
Tim
2020-12-21 04:23:10 +0000 UTCDamn, I'm sorry to hear lostone went inactive. That sucks.
Runcible Technician
2020-12-21 03:28:48 +0000 UTCIf your looking for RPG games Rune Factory 4 is a light farming sim/action rpg that's a lot of fun. Disgaea 5 is great if you want to sink 1 or 2 hundred hours into a strategy game.Dead Cells, Smash brothers, and Hades are good for 15 minute fighting sessions. Mario cart and Animal Crossing are good for couch multiplayer.
Nathan Phoenix
2020-12-21 03:16:57 +0000 UTCOther people beat me to recommending FE: Three Houses, so instead I'll comment on one of the maps. Specifically, the third one is intense. It brings to mind some kind of formless netherworld of twisted emotions. It's good art. I am looking forward to seeing OEA come together. I hope you get to have a good break!
StormyAngel
2020-12-21 02:51:09 +0000 UTCHades is on my list, and I expect to enjoy it. ^-^ That said, I'm focusing on games I can't get on PC.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-21 01:41:16 +0000 UTCInteresting! I do play bullet hells sometimes, so I'll look into this.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-21 01:40:35 +0000 UTCI've enjoyed Hades on my Switch, though that game is also available for PCs. Are you looking for recommendations of games exclusive to Switch?
Aris Katsaris
2020-12-20 23:33:27 +0000 UTCA game I would recommend is "Just beats and Shapes". It's a bullet hell that plays to the music in which you can play by yourself or with other people locally.
2020-12-20 21:37:02 +0000 UTCHe's been incommunicado before, but yes, he hasn't responded to messages for some time. I have some solid stuff already prepared for 2021, so I hope that it'll be a good year overall.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-20 20:59:55 +0000 UTCAh, everyone in health care has things really rough now. I hope you stay safe and stay sane! As mentioned, the Christmas update will be a quiet one, but after that expect my yearly post to contain a ton of interesting TLS info.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-20 20:58:22 +0000 UTCI actually have Shovel Knight collection! I haven't played it yet, but the first one was so well-designed, I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I don't really do multiplayer games, though.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-20 20:57:30 +0000 UTCThat's sad to hear about Lostone, I'll keep an eye out for him on LOK, enjoy the holidays, and rest up, 2021 will hopefully be a great year.
Darthjake
2020-12-20 20:48:52 +0000 UTCI hope everything goes well, it is not so well for me,I am starting to feel the burnout(I work on an hospital) and even having covid is not enough for us nurses to dont work,My emotions are very irrational right now. Enjoy your free time and I hope we know something about an update on TLS soon. I saw the sprites and are neat. Have fun!
BleBle
2020-12-20 20:42:30 +0000 UTCSplatoon 2 is a good game if you are inclined to play some multiplayer. It also has a decently fun single player campaign. If you get the $20 a year Nintendo online service you get emulators for NES and Super NES. The Shovel Knight collection is also good if you don't have it on PC or anything else.
Taium
2020-12-20 20:37:16 +0000 UTCI've heard good things about that one.
Sierra Lee
2020-12-20 19:53:44 +0000 UTCSo you really know that game? Three houses? If you do then I bet you know why we'd view rhea as the villain?
JJS
2020-12-20 19:39:34 +0000 UTCPersonally I think of getting a Switch as getting a handheld more than a console, if that helps it feel any less weird. Glad to hear you've been able to relax, though! Personally, I would highly recommend Fire Emblem: Three Houses. Even if you don't play FE in general, you shouldn't feel too lost, and I think you'd appreciate the themes in the Crimson Flower route in particular (choosing Black Eagles as your house and being sure you're close with Edelgard) or the Verdant Wind route to a lesser extent (pick the Golden Deer house). If you're looking for something a little action sidescroller-y, I also enjoyed the Gunvolt Chronicles a lot. Whatever you end up getting, hope it's fun!
Lord Forte
2020-12-20 19:37:28 +0000 UTCYou might like fire emblem three houses. Doing the black eagles crimson flower route because the route doesn't follow usual plot cliche. Matter of fact I'd say that game route was like taking down the church of Ivala and replacing it with something better.
JJS
2020-12-20 19:35:51 +0000 UTC
