Hello folks! Over years of work on Creatura, it has evolved from basic, almost clicker/mobile game, into complex DNA and evolution simulation, spanning multiple gameplay mechanics. Even year ago, with only couple animals swimming around in our tanks, progression system was oriented towards unlocking new plant mutations. Sight of first leafs or flowers was a massive achievement for players, often requiring hours of gameplay. Mainly as a side effect of missing animals content. Meanwhile, Creatura is supposed to cater for 3 main gaming "styles": - Evolving animals and experimenting with ecosystems - Designing sandbox aquariums/terrariums - Changing genes using realistic DNA editor ...And truthfully, none of above necessarily includes watching green stubs grow for hours until desired mutation pops up. Players would use cheats, developer editor or global inventory to jump-start the game into point where it became fun for them, and while it was viable solution for people already experienced with Creatura - it also turned the game into grass watching duty for other, with many resorting to the very late-game DNA editing tool as progression mechanism (And the alpha tutorial introducing DNA editing in one of first objectives certainly didn't helped). While realistic DNA simulation and manipulation methods are fundamental parts of the game, those are optional features for players interested in genetics or other educational aspects of Creatura, and aren't fun for players just interested in designing tanks and evolving animals. To make the game more entertaining for them, starting with first revision (and update cycle) of version 0.32, Creatura implements freeplay vivarium generation. Customize any tank creation conditions, decide on spawning flora composition and colors, all with proper live preview. Whether You want to start the evolution from basic algae, or with nightshades and clovers of your favorite color, new freeplay generator got You covered. Along with the more customizable generator, scenario vivariums are introduced. Gradually over next weeks You'll see patches adding more tutorial scenarios, explaining in much more accessible and predictable environment all the aspects of the game, and moving the DNA editing out of the way for new players. The feature will not be however used only for tutorials - hopefully before release of 1.0, scenarios will be the best way to experience ecosystems evolution in Creatura, with objectives to sustain environments and emerge species under pre-specified conditions.
Upcoming changes will also affect game balance. Mutagens price will be decreased, while structural mutations rate for plants will be increased, hopefully resulting in faster flora progression. There is also now a guide on Steam describing every animal evolution tree and requirements in game. It's far from perfect solution, but should help until proper scenarios for each evolution tree are implemented. Public list of cheats is also coming soon, along with many, many revision update waves. Until then, stay tuned, and stay safe! PS. Last month Creatura broke the daily players record, by basically doubling it up to over 100. Great, great thanks to each and every one of You, nothing of this would be possible without Your support!