September Devlog: A Deeper Case, a More Responsive World

A look at the investigation, visual interactions, and presentation improvements we're making ahead of October's Steam Next Fest.

Hello, detectives! 👋

This September, we've been working on a simple goal for Stories Terminal: make investigating feel as important as reading the story.

That has meant revisiting the KAD-43 case, rebuilding parts of the interface, and giving your actions a more visible impact. Here's a look at the current development build.

🔎 More investigation, fewer automatic answers

We've revised clues, testimony, and the case timeline so that conclusions have clearer support. The case file brings together evidence, people, and a timeline, helping you compare what you observed with what someone told you.

Conversations now track claims and challenges, and presenting evidence can change how an exchange unfolds. We've also added an optional hint ladder for when you need a nudge without immediately getting the answer.

⌨️ Your actions show up on screen

Open a refrigerator, check the CCTV, or examine case files: these interactions now have visible changes in the scene.

Our AI-powered command system lets you describe supported actions naturally. You can type “I want to look around” instead of hunting for one exact phrase. The mystery, clues, and consequences remain authored; AI helps connect your words to your next action.

📺 A clearer terminal, a livelier world

The gameplay interface now sits inside a physical CRT-style monitor, with a cleaner reading area, command input, and integrated case file. We've removed unnecessary labels and given the investigation more room.

Locations have also received a visual pass: separate depth layers, subtle mouse-driven parallax, rain particles, lighting, and room-specific ambience. We've added text-size options, reduced-motion and CRT-effect settings, and separate audio controls.

🛠️ The less visible work matters too

We've improved save recovery, added confirmation before replacing progress, and worked on AI loading and reuse between scenes. Polish and English text have both received revisions, with further editing and playtesting still ahead.

📅 Next stop: October

We're preparing the demo for October's Steam Next Fest. Our priority is making KAD-43 a satisfying case to investigate, with readable scenes, useful feedback, and clues worth thinking about.

What makes a detective game satisfying for you: questioning witnesses, comparing documents, or spotting something everyone else missed? Tell us in the comments.

Wishlist Stories Terminal and follow the demo on Steam.

Thanks for following development!