Hey guys! I've been working behind the scenes since the last announcement, preparing for the upcoming patches. First and foremost, we'll kick off with version 0.2.0. This major release marks the beginning of ACT II with its initial segment and sets the groundwork for future events. For the 0.2.0 update, we're introducing the beginning of ACT II along with some fresh features, such as the Shadow Realm. We'll delve deeper into that below. While it will eventually receive its own dedicated announcement, this is its first release. The patch should go LIVE in less than 24h by the time you're reading this.
Now, let's start with the notes for 0.2.0 Update. Shards of Her 0.2.0 Notes

• ACT II - Echoes Story Content (Start of ACT II)
• SplashScreen updated for ACT II - Echoes
• Main Menu UI Updates
• Game now starts by default in FULL SCREEN
• Launch Teaser can now be skipped by pressing any key
• Additional spellcheck fixes and typography for ACT I
• UI Updates for Characters Menu
• Characters Menu renamed to "Eternity"
• Timeline was renamed into "Echoes of the Past"
• Music Gallery is now called "The Orchestra"
• Additionally, music from ACT II was added, and now you can change between ACT I and ACT II
• ADDED Shadow Realm (Main Menu > Shadow Realm)

That concludes the 0.2.0 Patch details. More updates will follow. This version lays the foundation for me to add additional content for both the Story and the Shadow Realm.
Now, regarding the Shadow Realm (please note that the UI is very much a work in progress at this stage) At the moment, Omikami, Nakata, Izanami, and Emma are present in the Shadow Realm. Over time, and as we approach the game's final release, all characters will be included In this patch, I've included examples of my final design, featuring options to toggle clothes on/off, and various outfits. Some outfits can be discovered in the game and unlocked by meeting specific criteria, while others will be available by default.
In the EARLY ACCESS phase, all characters, outfits, and options will be readily available, given the nature of its early release. However, the 1.0 version will have specific conditions applied where appropriate. The requirements to unlock each outfit are detailed under its respective button, but consider these descriptions as placeholders for now. That said, I'd greatly appreciate your feedback and suggestions for additional features. The version for Omikami serves as the complete prototype. By "complete," I mean this is the ideal template for all characters in the final product. Each outfit will come with an in/out animation for a close-up view, plus added options where feasible. For instance, in a close-up view of a character's upper body wearing a simple t-shirt, you'd have the option to toggle it on or off. More outfits and options will be added as the game gradually updates. Now, let's return to the main content of the game. In the 0.2.0 update, we kick off ACT II, which will introduce some intriguing events and sensual scenes. Later, as the game updates, we'll delve deeper into Emma's background: who designed her, the objectives of her company, and more. While we'll spend a significant amount of time with Nakata, Izanami will only make a comeback towards the end of the ACT. However, in the interim, we'll grow closer to Omikami and encounter some new characters. So far, my schedule for this version goes like this (keep in mind that it's possible to get a 2 in 1 patch)

• Patch 0.2.0 - Base update for ACT II
• Patch 0.2.3 - Main Story Content
• Patch 0.2.6 - Main Story Content along with some new characters
• Patch 0.2.9 - Closure for ACT II Story

These are the primary and most crucial updates slated for version 0.2. Between these, there might be other patches, hotfixes if needed, and added content for the Shadow Realm if it's not included in the main patch. As always, please share your feedback either here or in the Discussions section. As you can see, I always read them and respond. The main store page will be updated soon to reflect some of the changes that occurred in this patch.

[ 2023-08-05 08:01:32 CET ] [ Original post ]