Update on the Update
We'll update to 1.09 on March 1. We got a lot done this week, so I thought I'd jump in and make that official (And now come the late nights!).
Personally, I'm very excited about this update for three main reasons. The first is that the changes to the early game that we have been discussing and developing with your input are going to really change a few things without changing much of anything at all. I see it as the whole game just comes into better focus. What happens is that now you have in chance in the bar scene to really define the relationship you want to develop with your wife. Originally, we had the approach that you needed to "manage" that relationship. Now, I feel like you are "cultivating" that relationship. It's going to take more than what we have in 1.09 to fully realize that shift, but I feel it is a good start. The flip side is that shift will allow us to be more dynamic with the relationship over time. I'm not changing the core story, but the ability to branch and return to the main line with a branch that is representative of your play style has been greatly enhanced.
I will add that making this shift changed the "ride the train" scene with Donny and Steph. That scene centered around one animation. That animation has been updated and now it has three different angles and three different speeds (It's now eight little movies). Also the return to the bar option was eliminated because it doesn't make sense anymore. You still have choices through that scene, and now they lead to two different outcomes downstairs (One pleased, one not pleased). I'll stop there and let those who are interested in that content explore it and see what we've done. But I am pleased to say that one of our early game ending moments is now gone.
The second reason I'm excited is that the content we are adding is fun. The content in 1.08 was dramatic and challenging, so now we have a change of pace. Anyway, this has been fun, and it advances your relationship with Tori, Steph and maybe someone else as well.
The third reason I am excited is we are going to hit our first ending in 1.09. I haven't talked about it because I wasn't sure if it would happen in 1.09 or 1.09a. That ending will pull back the curtain just a little on what has been slowly unfolding in the background while you and Steph are experimenting with your relationship. For me, this is a great big FINALLY! No, you don't learn what the words mean yet.
I also want to say I appreciate the conversations this week. I apologize that I have to jump in and out of those because I'm trying to stay focused on getting out the current content. It's a problem solving thing for me and sometimes, I just have to stop myself so I can stay focused on what I need to do. However, I will say that the conversation did give me an idea for something I'll add eventually. Think of it as a monogamous path through the game + Gina (I know that's not monogamy, but in this game, it qualifies as damn close). And this would eliminate another early game ending moment. I'm sure a few of you will figure out what this is going to look like really fast with that hint. Anyway, that will happen eventually, and knowing what it is lets me get back to focusing on 1.09.
So I wanted to give you an update and share my excitement. If you feel you've been teased, I apologize. I'll let Steph make it up to you for me with this in game shot. If nothing else, she did learn at least one thing from Tori.
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