Dev Report #18: New characters, new mechanics and new date

First, we want to say hello and hope everyone is doing well.

As previously announced, the new update was set to bring new mechanics: detective puzzles, combat system, and a calendar feature. During this time, we've been hard at work implementing these changes.

However, upon reviewing the results, we must admit that we're not entirely satisfied with how they've turned out.

It's not that they're bad, but all the mechanics feel a bit convoluted or repetitive, not quite meeting our original vision.

We could release it as is, but we want to deliver a game we truly love. We want a game where players can truly immerse themselves in the building, get to know the residents, interact, and have a great time.

After some further testing, we believe we can reach that point, but it will require a few more weeks.

To be precise, it will take us an additional 3 to 4 weeks. But don't worry. Because this announcement is coming so close to October, we've decided to pause Patreon billing for the month. This way, Patreon supporters for this month will still have access to the game next month as we continue to improve it.

We want to emphasize that this delay is being done to enhance the game in the long term and ensure the new mechanics are just right. Here are some of the new mechanics that have already been implemented:

• Dating Simulator: Each story to win a woman's heart has been expanded, allowing players to interact more effectively with other game mechanics (and definitely more CGs). Additionally, gifts, dates, and different events have been/will be added.
• Reputation System: The building's reputation system has been improved and will play a significant role. By helping residents and working at the detective agency, you can enhance your reputation, gaining access to exclusive places and giving special gifts to characters.
• Calendar: The game will feature events according to the season. Holidays, your birthday party (as well as others'), Valentine's Day, and other events can be experienced and repeated (to be expanded in future updates).
• Detective Gameplay: The main story will involve more character interaction: you'll solve puzzles, interrogate witnesses, and accuse a culprit. For those in a hurry, the game will provide a quick help window explaining what to do.
• Interactive Intimate Scenes: Using Ren'Py's "Drag" feature, we've made intimate scenes with the women more interactive and dynamic, instead of the repetitive scenes from before.

Before we go, let's introduce some of the new characters:

• Emily (Lauren's Wife): The lovely teacher of Sewell Plaza. She's sweet and kind, but only to those who deserve it. She seeks your help after the school restroom was vandalized.
• Stanley: The school's guard. He's always grumpy and used to hassle you while you were studying. Now that you've graduated, can you improve his behavior?
• Madison: The school's queen bee. Some say everyone respects her due to her beauty and fashion sense, while others claim it's because her parents are influential politicians in the building.
• Blake: The school's kingpin and Madison's brother. His arrogant and overbearing demeanor makes everyone fear him. However, this behavior hides an intimate secret.

That's all for now. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out on Patreon or our Discord (especially in the mornings). 

As always, we're open to suggestions, and take care.