Greetings, Researchers!
I've been working on the main storyline and NPC content, but can’t share much about those yet. Instead, I'll share some of the improvements and additions to Research Story this month!
Research
Improved Research UI 📖
I’ve revamped the research UI - players can now select one research item and look at its specific tasks. The new format gives more clarity, uses larger fonts, and looks prettier in my opinion :) This also means I can have more flexibility in the types and number of research tasks for each plant/creature/fish without things looking too cluttered, which leads us to… varied research mechanics!
New Research UI, with each task clearly separated in a textbox (marked when completed).
Varied Research mechanics 🔍
One of the feedback from the demo was to have more varied research mechanics, particularly for creatures. I agree that some variation keeps the game fresh. Now, plants and creatures can have different research tasks tagged to them. For example, some creatures require you to find and record their footprints! 🐾✨
Identifying a Sproutkitten footprint sample.
Fishing
Fishing Spots 🐟
Fishing Spots can randomly appear in the water, indicated by a swimming fish. By fishing there, the waiting times for fish bites are reduced, and getting a fish to bite is confirmed. This would be helpful when players are specifically trying to find some fish to catch! The fishing spot fades away after a few catches.
Fishing at a Fishing Spot
New NPC reveal: Sesame! 🐱
I’ve been working on more NPC portraits - and here is one for Sesame! He’s a fisher in Shimmerbrook and is super awesome and fluffy. And yes, Sam is short for Sesame <3
Other news
I’m also honoured to share that we won 2nd place in the Colors of Indie Awards 2022! It’s a really nice boost in motivation and I’m grateful to be a part of the event hosted by Mooneye Studios. Check out the event site here!
Like always, I’m always so thankful to everyone for your patience and support! I’m really excited that RS is slowly coming together, and have been working extra hard to make the game as fun and cosy as possible.
Thanks for reading, and see you next month (or come chat in our Discord)!
- Miki
