Dev log: character progression

Hi everyone! With the latest version I finally added proper support for character progression (including a couple of new stats). This is quite a big milestone, as it paves the way for introducing challenges / a story mode / other features.

This is the initial release of the progression feature, and as such I'm looking for everyone's input about how it actually works in the real world. Please don't hesitate to give feedback about how the current balancing feels after you've played for a while. It's quite possible that more tuning will be required.

That said, I'll be looking into adding challenge matches to the game. The current setup (where you select and manage both characters) will be relegated to training / roster management status. In a future first version, challenges will be available as an option during the first character selection screen. The existing Continue button will be renamed to Train (and will preserve the current functionality), and a new button (initially - and very unimaginatively - called Challenges) will be added.

The Challenges button will open up a new screen where you'll be able to select from a range of challengers (it might be a list of names and traits at first, but it will become nicer in the future). Of course, you'll be able to select from various genders, in accordance to your preferences.

The challengers will have their stats set to match (and likely exceed) the player's best characters in their roster (at least initially I will likely average the stats for all the upgraded characters in your roster, and add small randoms to all of them).

As an initial reward, the challenges will allow you to gain more xp points than training. It's likely that in the future I will be adding other kind of rewards too (e.g. items, perks, connected challenges, etc.)

I'm thinking over time to add various personality traits to the challengers, to make them feel more alive and different. I'm also toying with the idea of later on creating a map to tie challengers to certain locations, and introduce a story mode. I'm a bit hesitant when it comes to the story mode, as it will tie the game to a certain universe / particularities. I'm inclined to see a fantasy setting as the easiest to go with, but I haven't made up my mind.

One thing to note: all these things won't happen at once, and will be implemented gradually, in incremental steps, so we see how they feel and course correct if necessary. New ideas might pop up at various points, and priorities may change based on these and the community's feedback.

Oh, and new actions will continue to be added alongside development, so it won't be just new features and mechanics.

Well, these are some initial thoughts. Please let me know yours. I'd definitely like to know how you feel regarding these ideas and direction.