Game Update
Things are really moving along as we finished an update to the dialogue system that will allow me to launch functions from our towns. We can create any function and then type the name into a yes/no dialogue box to make it happen on the yes or the no. This means we can now create choices that will raise or lower money, reputation, and even effect the interacting squads stat lines during stages. That’s kind of a big deal as prior to this we had no way to allow the player to directly impact alignment of troops.
The next major thing to add on will be some sort of boss dialogue system which will allow the bosses to chat with the player before combat starts. This should only happen one time per stage. I don’t think it will be to hard to also allow the player to recruit some of the bosses after they defeat them. We can also base this on some factors and that could change the players reputation as well.
If we can do that then we might also allow players to acquire beasts for their army as well, which would further add to the options allowed when building out the army. I was thinking about creating some sort of invisible wandering monster system to handle this, but the dialogue system might also work.
Stages can be re-played over and over again, which means that players could potentially grind specific locations to change their stats around. In order to balance this I think that I will make gaining one stat reduce an opposing stat. Something like gaining more damage might reduce defense for a troop etc… It should make for some interesting choices for sure.
Personal Update
We set up a date for my boys to return which is good as I do miss them. I really hope that I got enough work done while they were away this summer. I had a list of goals I wanted to accomplish while they are away. One of which is finishing all the levels for the game. I could do better at being a bit more intentional in this area. The last time I blocked out time to do level work it all went to fixing the live version of the game to get the achievements working which was also very important.
My girlfriend is here with me this weekend which has been a very nice relaxing time. It’s so important to be with someone that builds you up and adds to your situation. She does that very well. We talked earlier about how much we appreciate how easy the relationship is.
Having the boys away means we can take some time to clean up their rooms too. I’m so blessed to have a good house keeper to help me make headway in that area. Working every day makes it hard for me to come home and have the energy to tackle their messes. I was also able to frame some nice pictures for the boys that I picked up when I worked the Momo Convention about a month ago.