Hello everyone!

I am actively working on the next chapter, but in the meantime, why not enjoy the regular updates I’ve been adding? Version 1.26c doesn’t introduce major progress in the storyline, but it significantly enriches the player experience and refines existing elements, including a brand-new introductory scene (1), the new skill system (2), and the inclusion of the French language ingame (3). 

On top of that, we’ve added a brand-new preferences screen! This feature allows you to customize your text and dialogue box in great detail while previewing the changes in real-time. It’s designed to give you full control and an even better gaming experience. That version also includes several important fixes, including resolutions for two major bugs (and a few pesky typos).

That being said, the chapter 3 is progressing well and remains my top priority, but these updates were necessary to help me better project myself into the future of Apocalypse Lovers. By reworking the foundations and optimizing the current content, I am ensuring that the next chapter seamlessly integrates into the overall game while delivering a smooth and immersive experience. Chapter 3 will come with version 1.3, but for now, here’s what this update brings:

Main Highlights

1) New Introductory Scene in a Cemetery

A brand-new introductory scene has been added, featuring lovely cultists at your service. This sequence acts as an immersive personality test, allowing you to define the initial values of your main character's (MC) variables in a personalized way right from the start of the adventure. Think of it as a free therapy session, except the psychoanalysts are probably even crazier than you.

Two fresh new cultist recruits: Soraya and Olyana.

2) Skill Implementation and Customization

Skills are now unlockable and have a significant impact on the gameplay experience. They allow you to customize your preferences in terms of gameplay, interface, and interests. These additions offer a variety of advantages: better visibility, access to additional content, and features tailored to your choices.

Each skill comes with its own detailed description and an explanation of how it interacts with the game and how to use it.

Simplified access to the skill tree and a quick view of already unlocked skills

3) French Version Retranslated, Optimized, and Implemented In-Game

I’ve meticulously reworked the entire French translation to ensure optimal quality. It is now accessible directly in the game menu. Additionally, a new framework has been introduced to easily incorporate future translations for other languages via the same menu.

Some examples of the painstaking translations to achieve the perfect text.

Conclusion

This update marks an important milestone in the refinement of Apocalypse Lovers. While working on Chapter 3, I remain focused on enhancing the overall experience to deliver a game that’s more immersive and memorable.

These adjustments were essential to solidify the game’s foundation and make the creation of upcoming chapters smoother. So, gather your courage and get ready to dive even deeper into this world where chaos and depravity are the new norms.

Your feedback is crucial: don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and suggestions to help further develop this post-apocalyptic universe. Feel free to reach out on Discord, where I do my best to respond to everyone as quickly as possible. It’s thanks to your support that this project continues to grow.

Change Log

• New Feature: Customization Screen Introduced a brand-new customization screen with tailored scenes to help you fine-tune your text settings based on the environment, visibility, lighting, and more for a more immersive experience.
  
• Bug Fix: Skill Screen Performance Resolved an issue causing significant lag when displaying skill selection on the skill screen, which led to a major slowdown.
• Bug Fix: "Medical Inspection" Scene Fixed a bug in the "Medical Inspection" scene with Jessica in the Submissivness path, where the display of the [inspection] choice in brackets was misinterpreted by Ren’Py, resulting in unexpected behavior.
• Enhanced Personality Modifiers: Variables like arrogance, idealism, humor, or aggressiveness now have a greater influence on how the game unfolds.
  
• New Sound Effects: Over 30 sound effects have been added to enrich the atmosphere throughout the adventure. Yes, this includes bizarre and unsettling noises you didn’t know you needed.
• Improved Visuals: Around 20 images have been reworked to provide a more immersive graphical experience.
• Scenes Adapted to the Skill System: Some sequences have been rethought and adjusted to better align with the new skill system.
• Progression System and Tutorial: Instinct (XP) progression has been reworked, with the introduction of a tutorial explaining the leveling system and skill trees.
• Linguistic Revisions: Numerous dialogues in both English and French have been adjusted for greater fluidity and coherence.
• Visual Effects and Interface: Several new visual effects and layers have been added, along with minor adjustments to character and objective windows, as well as improvements to the countdown screen.
• Save Compatibility: The save system has been updated to include the new variables for the main character. Because losing your progress is the true post-apocalyptic nightmare.