Each Deluded Diaries: Roadmap post pulls back the curtain on what to expect in the future. So far, we’ve covered our plans all the way up to v1.0, with the latest one focusing on Lindcliff—a place you already know in one way or another.
v1.1, however, will introduce another settlement called Acreton. So what is it exactly and how is it different from Lindcliff?
Acreton town
Acreton is a small but modern town, filled with student energy, nightlife, and a noticeable streak of chaos and crime. You may've noticed it before: you pass it when the mysterious driver takes you home from the cemetery (the very start of the game).
In terms of places to visit and things to do it’s everything you expect from a town this size: a restaurant, a gym, a night club… All of these can be roughly categorized—and I took some creative liberty here—into:
- Spicy (e.g. Porn Studio, Strip Club)
- Customization (e.g. Clothing Shop, Beauty Salon)
- Services (e.g. Bank, Post Office, Convenience Store)
- Apartments (both of familiar NPCs and new ones).
Imagine the possibilities! We’ve already mapped out some ideas for activities, jobs, random events, lore connections, romanceable characters, and more.
Besides, I’ve pestered our lead game designer with a bunch of questions, and here’s what v1.1 means for the world of Deluded:
How is Acreton different from Lindcliff gameplay-wise?
Compared to Lindcliff, Acreton offers way less survival, and way more rewarding exploration. The main idea is to spend most of your time discovering everything we’ve put into the town.
Does Acreton bring any unique features?
While all the core gameplay loops and mechanics are expected to be in place by v0.9, that doesn’t mean Acreton doesn’t have a thing or two to surprise you! There are some Acreton-only factions, for one, and new facilities also imply new mechanics. Think of it this way: if there’s a Fitness Centre, Alisa can do yoga, go to the gym and swim in the pool. If there are Hot Springs, she can go for a dip or chat with someone while soaking.
Keep in mind that almost every location has 18+ interactions one way or another 😉 That should give you a good idea of how dense and detailed the gameplay is going to feel!
What could a day in Acreton look like for Alisa?
Alisa wakes up to knocking on the door of her little room. A well-built man on the doorstep reminds her about the debt. She’s just landed a job as a masseuse thanks to her high [STR], so she heads to work.
Clients come and go as the day rolls by. One of them asks for a happy ending, and now Alisa can afford going to the gym after work ([STR >>]), which means clients will pay her even more. Someone is peeping at her in the shower, but she chooses not to notice it… yet.
Later she goes to a nightclub to unwind and restore her [MOOD]. She meets an intriguing woman who likes to be in control. She invites Alisa on a date. Alisa goes home pleased with the day and falls asleep.
Won’t Acreton feel too easy compared to Lindcliff’s social survival?
Less survival doesn’t mean no pressure! You’ll still need to engage with the city and earn some money (including plot-related reasons), so it shouldn’t feel like a pure sandbox with no direction.
Are any Lindcliff NPCs going to appear in Acreton?
Some Lindcliff NPCs and characters from certain factions might have their arcs continued in Acreton, though it won’t be very common.
Can I go back and forth between Lindcliff and Acreton?
By that point you’ll most likely be done with your Lindcliff quests, but yes—there will be several ways to travel back and forth. It’s basically fast travel, so the road won’t tire you out.
Can players get a glimpse of Acreton before it’s released?
No peeking, probably 👀 Acreton is planned to stay hidden until its proper release!
Is Acreton going to be fully ready by v1.1?
Not exactly. We’ll be adding more quests and content in v1.2, but Acreton will already be fully playable in v1.1.
Does that mean we finish the story in v1.1/v1.2?
Nope! Acreton is the second-to-last major location, so the plot unravels further on (further than what our Roadmap currently covers 😄).
How many more hours of gameplay is v1.1 expected to add?
That depends on our resources. We have plenty of ideas for Acreton, but we’ll only commit to what we can deliver well.
v1.1 is quite some time away, so plans can still change. We’re always keeping an eye on your comments and suggestions, so we know how excited you guys are about the open world. We also have dedicated channels and roles on our Discord to make it easier for everyone to share their thoughts and ideas!
Got any questions? Hop in the comments!
Faithfully yours,
Lantsova