Hey there!
It's been a while!
Sorry for the lack of news (it's been 7 months!), Null and I are still working on Chimera Capsule, and a lot has happened in the meantime. Things took longer than we thought!
As we were making progress on the demo update, which we initially wanted to release by the end of 2024, development slowed down and it became clear to us that the game and demo needed more depth, characters and polish, far beyond a simple update.
So we returned to our kitchen, picked up momentum, and COOKED!
MASSIVE Demo Update On The Horizon!
Honestly, it's closer to a completely new, reworked demo than an update!
It will reflect something much closer to what you can expect at release this year.
We're trying to get it done ASAP, aiming for this month.
While you wait, here's a preview of what's coming!
This is a work in progress and the final result is subject to change.
New window borders! The game now sports a brand new, integrated look!
New dungeon! The demo will feature the first 5 floors of the Necrospire.
And yes, those two are indeed new Chimeras!
The Beast, and Anestasia. An obsessive and mysterious assassin bunny bride, and the strongest and smartest Oni nurse!
One makes them bleed, and the other puts them to sleep with her huge hammer!
A complete rework of the Quarters window with better UX!
Minions, Chimeras and your Ingredients inventory now each have their own screen, and Fusion has a little cutscene!
This comes with a new Inspect screen that shows more in-depth info and stats.
...And as you can see, Null_Skull made new gorgeous character illustrations.
Every Chimera now has her own portrait!
New Chimera dialogue and lore!
Chimeras now have their sets of dialogue, from random chatter when you select them to expressing their surprise after a Fusion.
They refer to you in their own way and have very colorful personalities! Make sure to check them all out when the update releases!
Some of them are a bit unhinged, though...
But enough about Chimeras, what about Minions?
Complete Minion Gameplay Overhaul!
The Workshop is being replaced by The Backyard, an entirely new gathering minigame!
Here's a rough peek:
The previous owner of the Remote Laboratory made the mistake of dumping all of their alchemical byproducts in the yard behind the building, that were then absorbed by the soil over the years, turning an otherwise green pasture into a grove of legendary alchemical plants!
Their sap is made of refined Prima Materia, and their fruits, when picked by someone with a heart free of sin, take the form of whatever they desire.
So Magnum had the great idea of sending Minions to gather them! But here's the catch, all they think about is food!
This is the new way to gather basic upgrade ingredients in Chimera Capsule!
Prepare a group of Minions, similarly to Chimera Squads, and send them away!
They have new gathering-related stats (Efficiency, Movement, Sight and Luck). Mix and match them to fit your needs and playstyle!
You can let them do their thing, or manage them by hand to focus on specific plants.
Different plants yield different ingredient types, Prima Materia, and even sometimes random dungeon ingredients.
...But that's not all!
There is a new Partner system, allowing you to pair Chimeras with Minions!
This grants bonuses to your Squad during an Expedition, and works similarly to an equipment system.
When transmuted, each Minion comes with a Partner Bonus stat type (Power, Health, Bonus Damage, Critical Chance, Critical Multiplier) that grants two bonuses: A fixed one that scales with the Minion's level, and an additional, random one. And yes, you read me right, the game now has critical hits! And don't worry, enemies can't naturally crit.
When fusing Minions, you keep the first one's bonus only. I am also experimenting with a Trait system that adds fun and powerful passive effects, we'll see if this makes it in!
In total, the update adds 4 new Chimeras and 6 new Minions.
This includes the Harpy and flying book you can see in this screenshot.
And yes, if you've already played the original demo, you will recognize a playable Nebula here!
In fact, there is another new mechanic I haven't mentioned:
After you beat her for the first time, Nebula will regularly visit the Lab for a friendly chat, at random intervals.
Her presence allows you to transmute a special Chimera version of her!
Sketch by Null_Skull
There is so much more I'd love to show and announce, but that'll have to wait!
For those of you who would like to get further involved with us and Chimera Capsule, or just want to follow the game's development, we are going to launch a Discord server along with the update, keep your eyes peeled!
By the way, we're in the currently ongoing Creature Collector Fest!
Thank you for following and supporting us so far, it means the world to us!
Wishlist & Follow: Store Page
Feedback & Questions: Steam Discussions
See you in the Lab!
- Talops