Dear stylists, thank you for waiting! With the launch of Version 2.0, we're bringing you a special edition of the Miraland Round Table to talk about all the exciting new features, updates, and fresh content coming your way, along with optimization and adjustment plans many of you have been eager to hear about.
Now, let's set off on an early visit to Itzaland!
Itzaland Special Preview
We've gathered some fresh intel on the new version to bring you this special preview. Now then, let's set out for Itzaland!
Itzaland Map Intel Revealed!
In Version 2.0, two new areas in Itzaland will be available to explore—"Elderwood Forest" and "Spira." Stylists will be able to fully explore the diverse landscapes and cultures across this vast land.
The new region of Itzaland lies to the west of Wishfield, where endless fields stretch beneath encircling mountain ranges. To reach it from Wishfield, travelers can go through the Itzaland Canyon on the western edge of the Abandoned District.
(Development screenshot, for reference only).
Between the two steep cliffs lies a winding path. Pass through the valley and the vast Itzaland will present itself to you. In Shroomville, the brave and cheerful Shroomlings live side by side, always there for one another. In the Forest of Slumber, colossal beings lie in deep sleep; every glance at them feels like witnessing the endless cycle of life itself. And in Spira, the tip of an ancient Giant Spear points toward the starry sky, where the light of courage flows eternally... Stories woven across this vast land now await Nikki, beckoning her to live them and feel them with her own heart.
Stylists who haven't completed the main storyline in Wishfield can also choose to use the new chapter selection system in the Sea of Stars to head straight to Itzaland, where Momo will offer a quick recap of the past story.
In future updates, more themed event-island maps will also be introduced, such as one inspired by the dreamy aesthetics of Linlang. Also, over the next twelve months, we're planning to unlock additional areas in Itzaland, so an even greater journey still awaits ahead!
Sneak Peek: Brand-New Abilities in Version 2.0
Version 2.0 will introduce three new core abilities: "Archery, " "Gigantification," and "Sticky Claw."
Archery will serve as the centerpiece of the new combat system. Hold down the button after replacing the Purification ability with Archery to enter aiming mode and fire Homing Arrows that automatically lock onto targets within range. The Sticky Claw ability allows Nikki to swing swiftly through the air or stay suspended for a while at certain anchor points.
When using the Gigantification ability, Nikki has faster movement speed, a wider field of view, and the power to roar. Compared to what was shown in the 2022 first reveal PV, Nikki won't grow quite as enormous in the actual release. This way, stylists can fully enjoy exploring the vast open world while keeping a bit of mystery hidden in the landscapes ahead.
New Control Layout Adjustments Incoming
With Version 2.0 introducing more abilities, continuing to use the old control layout would make key mapping and operations significantly more complex. To ensure a smoother and more convenient combat experience, we've carried out the first round of key layout optimizations across PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Meanwhile, based on ongoing feedback from stylists regarding key mapping improvements, we've taken this opportunity to refine control methods and button configurations for the various platforms. These adjustments aim to help everyone enjoy a more fluid and seamless combat experience in the new version.
What's coming is the first iteration of our optimized key layout, designed by combining previous feedback with the new gameplay features. Once the version goes live, we encourage all stylists to share their suggestions. We'll also continue to monitor real-world player experiences and fine-tune the controls accordingly.
Now, let's take a look at the upcoming key layout system for Version 2.0!
For PS5 players and those using controllers on PC, we've added a brand-new control scheme that's better suited to the new combat mechanics. We hope this new setup will offer a smoother and more comfortable experience as stylists take on fresh challenges in Itzaland. The original control scheme, the one that stylists have used throughout their adventures in Wishfield, will also remain available. But after the update, players can freely switch between the two control layouts by going to [Settings > Controls].
The highlighted keys are the ones adjusted in this update (Development screenshot, for reference only).
To better align with the new combat mechanics and system features in Version 2.0, several default key bindings and button layout on PC will be adjusted:
· The [Ring the Starbell] function will be moved from the [E] key to the [X] key. The [E] key will now be used for a new ability, making it easier for stylists to use while exploring the new maps.
· The [Tutorial] function will be unbound from the [G] key. It will still appear automatically when triggering new tutorials, and stylists can review past tutorial entries anytime via the Pear-Pal menu.
· The positions of some buttons on the main game interface have been adjusted to better accommodate the new combat features.
· New key bindings for certain combat-related mechanics and additional buttons have been added to the main interface.
Above: Old key bindings, Below: New key bindings (Development screenshot, for reference only).
Please Note:
Because Version 2.0 introduces many new gameplay and system features, if there is a conflict between your custom key bindings and the updated default key bindings after the version update, you can go to [Controls > Key Settings] to make adjustments. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
For mobile devices, we've also made several adjustments to fit the new combat system:
· The [Ring the Starbell] button has been reduced in size and moved to the right side of Health.
· The Ability Plus buttons related to outfit [abilities] have been resized and repositioned for better accessibility.
· The [Outfit Special Ability] button and the [Sidebar] arrow have been moved upward, and the [Outfit Special Ability] button is now permanently visible instead of appearing only when swiping up from the [Attack] button.
· New buttons for the Archery Ability have been added.
Above: Old key bindings, Below: New key bindings (Development screenshot, for reference only).
To ensure stylists can smoothly enjoy the new gameplay features, we've designed the interface adjustments to minimize disruption to existing control habits. Stylists can also customize the position of action buttons in [Main Interface Layout] via [Settings > Custom] to create a setup that best suits their control preferences.
After the update, we warmly welcome stylists to share feedback on key mapping based on their gameplay experiences. Our goal is to keep refining everything to ensure a better experience for everyone.
Some Optimizations
One of our ongoing goals is to offer stylists the best possible gameplay experience, and we're excited to announce a bunch of optimizations in the new version!
In Version 2.0, we've made improvements across graphics, sound, and more, aiming to deliver a more immersive gaming experience.
The overall visual enhancements will launch alongside Version 2.0. After the update, stylists will see more realistic clouds, fog, and lighting effects in the game.
Additionally, distant scenery has been optimized, making Miraland even more stunning and vivid than before!
On mobile devices, enabling Ultra Mode will enhance the precision of distant shadows (development screenshot; for reference only).
Beyond visual improvements, the new version also brings extensive and highly impactful audio optimizations! We've added a variety of detailed sound effects and built a rich, realistic ecological sound system within the game.
In the new version, over 20,000 new sound samples were recorded. Different shoe types and ground surfaces now produce distinct footstep sounds, including jumping, sprinting, landing, stopping, walking, and running, adding depth to Nikki's movements in the open world.
Additionally, ambient sounds for plants and trees have been categorized based on the atmosphere and artistic representation of different areas, with unique sounds for cities, forests, watersides, caves, and more. This will more accurately express the unique auditory ambiance of each area and enrich the overall soundscape of the open world.
For example, in the open world, bird songs vary by location. In urban areas during the day, you might hear the occasional coo of pigeons or chirp of swallows; in forest areas, lively warblers and orioles can be heard; near watersides, there are low calls and throaty sounds of cormorants.
These audio enhancements aim to place stylists in a more realistic and immersive Miraland, full of subtle details and delightful surprises. All of these are waiting to be discovered firsthand after the update!
Stylist Q&A
After sharing the latest reveals about Itzaland, it's time to move into the Q&A session that stylists know and love!
Q: When will the wardrobe organization update go live? There are just too many clothes to manage...
A: Thank you for your patience! Your wardrobe assistant is finally here!
After the Version 2.0 update, wardrobe organization will be improved so that the base, Glow-up, and evolved version of each outfit are displayed together in order. In addition, the Evolution feature has been upgraded with a new version selection option, letting you browse outfits by version and quickly find the ones you want!
Q: When exactly will the ability handhelds be separate items? I need them for photos!
A: Coming in Version 2.0!
The first batch of ability handheld items will be available in Version 2.0, including:
· "Enchanted Encounter" outfit handheld item: Immaculate Blessing
· "Nameless, Selfless" outfit handheld item: Final Chant
· "Stardust Flare" outfit handheld item: Path of Blossoms
· "Crystal Poems" outfit handheld item: Snowy Branch
After the update, stylists who have completed a full set can claim their corresponding rewards at [Outfit Compendium].
Handheld items for four-star Resonance outfits will be reissued during their reruns, and other items will keep being added in future updates. Use these beautiful props to create and capture perfect moments in the game!
Q: When will decorations be available for Home?
A: In Version 2.3, Snuggle Puff, Bunny Beanbag, and Bubbly Bath will be placeable in Home. We'll be bringing more decorations into Home in the future, giving stylists even more ways to design beautiful and memorable spaces.
Q: I love crafting in Home, but the load limit really blocks a lot of creative ideas...
A: We've got plans for that!
We'll optimize how furniture is loaded to reduce its impact on Home's load limit without affecting visual quality.
More Home-related improvements for a more immersive experience will also be rolled out over time. For example, some new free building structures in Version 2.0 will support window-opening effects, and future updates will add Nikki's shoe removal animation when using bed-type furniture.
Construction settings will be refined as well, giving stylists the option to control furniture, buildings, terrain, and more according to their needs. Home Construction will become more flexible, so whether you're a beginner or an experienced stylist, you can find the mode that suits you best.
We've also listened to requests regarding the Giant Meteorite drop rate. Adjustments are planned so that if no Giant Meteorite appears one day, the chance of it appearing the next day will increase. These updates will be gradually implemented in future versions, aiming to give stylists a smoother, more enjoyable Home Construction experience.