Phase 2 of the Visual Update will come out in October 23rd.

This new version will be published simultaneously on Itch and Patreon, following the standard we set with the first VU release. That said, this time we'll do one or more playtesting sessions among Good Master patrons. We're rolling out some big changes to the UI for the R&D, Exploration and Hangout mechanics, and we feel that thorough testing is required here for a trouble-free release. Playtesting is set to begin in early October, after we finish implementing these features.

The VU2 release includes:

Updated character sprites for Asterion (half-healed), Pedro, Oscar, Themba, Khenbish, and the Cobalts.

(My most handsome piggy, Khenbish, is not ready to be shown just yet. Please hold on tight.)

New facial expressions for half-healed Asterion, Luke and Kota. Facial expressions for Chapters 4 to 12 have been rescripted by Mino to utilize these new expressions and give more depth to the characters.

New CGs:

Luke's truck stop CG was replaced by a new set of images by ToraGoru. His introduction has been rewritten by Whale and Mino to improve the prose and better match the new CGs (while preserving the content).

Kota's introduction has been reedited by Nemo, though the new set of CGs for it will be added at a later date.

Asterion's nighttime chat with Kota and Luke by the hotel's entrance was redone by Phwog.

Argos gained a set of CGs for his first appearance, and so did Pedro for his introduction after the concert in Chapter 12, both by ActivateIguana!

New BGs for the valley (by Faun), for the bus stop at the start of the game and the hotel's old reception (by Nolan), and the hotel's renovated reception (by Gyrium).

New UI for the Exploration + R&D mechanics, by Gyrium and dilukha.

A truly incredible number of bug fixes, typo corrections and minor adjustments.

With this release, most of the main cast and a good chunk of the main locations will be updated, and I think everyone will be able to get a clear vision of what the game is shaping up to become. The Prologue and all chapters up to 12 are thoroughly improved and even the following chapters will feel fresh with the new sprites. The most notable omissions are Wolf (which will be the subject of the next release!) and fully healed Asterion (which will be a massive effort shared by dil, Rayan and Lappan).

I'm looking forward to sharing this new build and all its beautiful art with you soon. As always, thank you for your support!

— Mino.