Hey guys, got that demo update I promised. Some major changes to note: Bellatrix's sprite has been changed to better reflect their voice actor's appearance, per the VA's request.
The stat screen can no longer be viewed while clicking through and reading. I saw a lot of confusion in testing over how to close it during choices, so I've added a 'close' button to head that off.
All skin tones have been added and reflected in the CGs.
Please report any bugs to the Celestial Crowns discord. Here is the full changelog:

• Added additional voice "barks" for Lune, Terra, Sahi, Celeste, and Aalam
• added 15 new SFX
• added existing SFX in places where it made sense to
• added additional art assets to ballroom scene
• added camera animations throughout first 3 chapters
• created chapter cards for first 3 chapters
• implemented new skin tones
• added voice lines where needed
• fixed bug where camera was not working properly when skipping
• updated textbox
• updated popup for increased stats
• updated save/load screen bg
• updated preferences screen bg
• added additional text effects in some places
• added new theme song
• added new sad song
• added new romance song
• changed music on character select screen
• adjusted button size for title buttons to ensure the hitbox was working properly
• adjusted text size of save file names so they fit under the screenshots
• adjusted Terra's history screen picture to be generic to accommodate all skin tones
• changed some text for clarity (no trade at all if marriage goes through, the only benefit is they must protect each other when wars happen)
• changed main menu
• changed character customization music

There is also a new trailer. Give it a watch, it has some new CG teasers ^^

[ 2024-04-08 03:14:06 CET ] [ Original post ]

Our Kickstarter ended on 10/12/23, and was successfully funded! Not only did we meet our goal, we hit a stretch goal! I cannot thank you guys enough for the support and the encouraging words. Where do we go from here? Development continues! Aalam's route is in full beta testing and I am working on the second draft of Sahi's route. I expect to finish it by the end of October. + I will be streaming the first three scenes of Aalam's route on twitch (harlevinvns) on 10/20! I'll be letting chat choose the answers, so join me if you want a say! I'll be recording a clean copy without all my chatter to send out to Kickstarter backers afterward. + I am adding extra polish to the prologue! In between writing I've been experimenting with new scene transitions, subtle background animations, and planning out extra sprite assets that will be needed for the final game! For example, additional outfits for the LIs in key moments, like...nighttime attire. + I will also be adding in the new skin tones for Terra since we met our stretch goal! I will share pictures in the discord SOON.
I look forward to sharing more with you all soon!

[ 2023-10-17 21:27:55 CET ] [ Original post ]

Our Kickstarter is live! You can support development and get one of these great rewards:

• Game key
• Game+ key
• CG pack
• Game guide
• Early access
• Exclusive discord channel access
• Lore book
• After stories
• Poster prints
• Pinup wallpapers
• Your NPC in the game

Check it out here.

[ 2023-09-12 13:00:13 CET ] [ Original post ]

Celestial Crowns has gotten a big update! We're also running both a fanart contest, and a giveaway! Participate for fabulous rewards, including a cash prize. Check out the details below!

9/1 Demo Update

The 1.57 build includes the following:

• Implementation of partial voice
• Three original songs
• 2 new sprites
• Choice text now changes to yellow once you've picked that choice before
• Steam achievements
• Gallery
• New character expressions
• Planet stat bars have been made bigger
• Small changes for story inconsistencies
• Spelling/Grammar fixes
• Made it easier to get on the route--now depends on ruling style only.
• Additional dialogue variations for Terra based on personality

For any bugs, typos, or other issues, please make a post in the bug report of the Celestial Crowns Discord.

Fanart Contest

Draw fanart of a character of your choice and post it on your social media platform of choice with a link to the Kickstarter and @ our account. The winner will receive $100 USD and a key for the game! TLDR: To participate: Post your fanart + the the Kickstarter link and @ our account. Prizes: $100 USD + game key Winners: 1 Deadline: 10/12 Twitter: @harlevinvns Tumblr: @celestialcrownsvn Instagram: @harlevinvns Tiktok: @harlevinvns

Giveaway

I'm doing a giveaway counting down until the new KS launch on September 12! All you have to do is post a screenshot of your favorite part of the demo on your social media platform of choice with a link to the Kickstarter and @ our account. Participate for a chance to win a guide of the game and a sketch of your OC with one of the characters! 5 random winners will be chosen on 9/12. TLDR: To participate: Post a pic of your fav screenshot + the Kickstarter link and @ our account. Prizes: Game guide + a sketch of your OC with one of the characters Winners: 5 Deadline: 9/12 Twitter: @harlevinvns Tumblr: @celestialcrownsvn Instagram: @harlevinvns Tiktok: @harlevinvns

Community Goals

We have new community goals! Help us reach them by sharing updates about the game. Steam users, if you have not already, wishlist the game and unlock an additional CG for the prologue!

[ 2023-09-01 13:00:29 CET ] [ Original post ]

Thank you all for playing Celestial Crowns! There is some exciting news coming up. The demo is getting an update on September 1st! Check out the features below:

• Partial voice acting
• 2 new sprites
• Choice text now changes to yellow once you've picked that choice before
• Steam achievements
• Gallery
• New character expressions
• Planet stat bars have been made bigger
• Small changes for story inconsistencies
• Spelling/Grammar fixes
• Edit: Route is now easier to get on

Sprites

Two new sprites are joining the group! We have Councilmember Saiph and Councilmember Bellatrix, who will both be featured more as the story goes on. Councilmember Saiph also serves as the castle doctor, and is known as a very pragmatic woman. Councilmember Bellatrix is Laut's ambassador, and can come off as a bit aggressive. While they would normally deal with ambassadors from other Kingdoms, the previous King let foreign relations fall to the wayside so much they often find themselves bored.
New expressions were also added for other sprites! Inlcuding blushing for multiple characters, including the main character, some more expressions for Leo, and special expressions for Aalam.

Achievements and Gallery

Now you can view all three CGs in the gallery! The gallery is split my route as well as 'other.' There are also several Steam achievements you can get by playing through the prologue! You can view these in-game as well.

Quality of life improvements Edit: I forgot one of the biggest quality of life improvements! Several people have complained about it being difficult to get on the routes, so I have adjusted it so that now it is only the ruling style that affects how you get on each route.

Due to the sheer number of choices in Celestial Crowns, I added a feature that makes the choice text change colors if you have already selected it. This will make it easier to remember past choices on multiple playthroughs.
I also updated the size of the stat bars after receiving feedback so it will be easier to check your stats as you play. In addition, you can now see the actual number of points you have by hovering over the planet icon.

Conclusion

I'm so excited for you guys to hear our awesome voice actors at work! As our first Kickstarter failed, we will be launching a new one this September. Check out the page here to follow and be notified when we go live: Kickstarter page. If we can get to 300 followers on the Kickstarter page, I will release a sneak peek at one of Sahi's spicy scenes! Let's make it happen! Don't forget to join the Discord to stay up to date on all Celestial Crowns updates. And get looks into what I'm currently writing! Every day I post a snippet from the route I'm working on. There are also screenshots for scene testing and weekly art to look forward to!

[ 2023-08-04 21:28:07 CET ] [ Original post ]

The Celestial Crowns Kickstarter is live! Enjoyed the demo? Please consider supporting us on Kickstarter! The team needs additional funds to bring the game to life.

Here are just a few things the Kickstarter funds will be used for:

• A beautiful soundtrack
• Over 40 beautiful CGs
• Over 30 gorgeous backgrounds
• More outfits for the love interests

And, if we hit our stretch goals, we would be able to add additional routes to the game! Including:
In Celeste's route, Terra chooses the Trade Ban option and travels to Canis with her and the advisor. Along the way as Terra spends more and more time in close quarters with Celeste, they begin to develop feelings...which is a big problem. A monarch cannot marry a maid!
In Leo's route, Terra goes to war with Andromeda. They need to select this season's knights before they march. One day while heading to the training grounds, Terra sees Leo practicing...and he's actually really good! Nothing like how he was sparring with Sahi. Can Terra help Leo get his confidence up so he can perform just as good during the Knight Trials?
And who is this mystery Match?! Check out our Kickstarter to find out! The Kickstarter features great rewards such as:

• Early access keys - For a limited time! For the first week of the campaign, we have a tier that will offer early access to the game. Get them while they're available!
• Adorable Stickers
• Discounted game key for steam
• Discounted Shining Star version Game key (This version will feature hints you can turn on and off, a screen for endings, and a screen that shows your current points with the different characters)
• CG Pack
• Game Guide
• Keychains
• Posters
• After stories set after the "best" ends for the love interests
• Discord role icons and access to exclusive channel in the server that will offer CG WIPs and writing snippets
• Design your own hairstyle for the MC!

Check out the Kickstarter page for more info!

[ 2023-05-02 13:00:51 CET ] [ Original post ]

To celebrate the release of the demo, we are raffling off 5 route guides! This route guide will give you spoiler-free instructions on how to enter each love interest's route in the prologue, so you'll be prepared when the full game is released! The full prologue is in the demo, so you can get on a love interest's route by playing the demo. TO ENTER 1. Add the game to your wishlist 2. Post a screenshot of the "in your wishlist" button in the "steam-route-guide-raffle" channel of the discord server That's it! Winners will be selected on 5/5 and the guide will be provided via Discord.
[image text: Thank you for playing!] Did you know that we will be doing a Kickstarter for Celestial Crowns? It launches 5/2! Follow the page to be notified. Additional information will be provided on launch day!

[ 2023-04-28 17:02:34 CET ] [ Original post ]