Hi ranchers! I’m back with a new devlog for my progress on The Ranch of Rivershine this summer! 🌼🌼
Tutorial & Quests
The main feature I've worked on this month is the first day tutorial. The tutorial includes multiple events to introduce all of the core features in the game, such as purchasing your first horse at the auction house, participating in a riding lesson, meeting fellow villagers, exploring your ranch and taking care of your new horse.
Along with the tutorial, there are also going to be quests you’ll receive as you progress in the game. These quests can include, for example, collecting certain items, training a horse to a specific skill level, winning a competition or exploring a new area. The main rewards earned from completing quests will be unlocking new cross country competitions to participate in, or some money to spend in town!
I also posted a new video going more in depth on what the tutorial contains if you're curious to see how it looks in game! ✨
Villagers & Shops
Now that you’ll be earning money from quests and competitions, you’ll also be able to spend money! Of course, you’ll be able to spend money on horses in the auction house, but there’ll be more things to purchase such as equipment, tools and treats to care for your horses.
For now there are only three stores open in town, but I’ll be adding more specialty shops as I add new villagers to Rivershine!
Arena Courses
In addition to tools and items, you’ll be able to purchase upgrades for your ranch, such as new obstacle courses! These can be used both in your outdoor and indoor arenas to train your horses whenever you want. The courses are sold by the trainer, who offers a variety of obstacle styles and difficulty levels.
Improved Controls
After getting feedback from a few playtesters this month, I worked on improving the controls both while riding a horse and on foot. You’ll now be able to spin your horse on itself to change your direction and run around with 8-directional movement, which is really useful when you’re leading your horse!
Rider Animations
I’ve added more interactions for the rider to create synergy between the player and rider. For example, the rider now squeezes its leg when going up in speed, and will lean forward or backward when going up and down hills.
In addition, you might also catch the rider petting the horse’s neck, looking around or stretching their feet out of the stirrups when you stay idle for a bit!
Character Creation
Finally, I’ve implemented a character creation system! There aren't a ton of options for now but I’ll be adding more clothes, hairstyles and other details along development. You’ll be able to customize your character at the very start of the game, and then change it again whenever you want from the wardrobe in your house.
Thank you everyone for following the development of The Ranch of Rivershine and I wish you all a cozy fall! ❤️