Sounds awesome, can't wait to see the next published update! Thinking might just start over again to make sure I don't miss anything new along the way. Keep it up sounds like you're near the finish line? Unless you have more plans after the test and beyond...
Yes, starting from the beginning is a good idea. All my old saves still work with the current version, but the game structure has changed so much that it feels like a miracle they still function.
I’m close to finishing, but to complete the announced game overhaul, I still need to:
1. Create a short tutorial. I have a cool idea (at least I think it’s good) for this tutorial. It shouldn’t be boring.
2. Add achievements. There won’t be many, as I want them to be interesting and challenging, not just rewards for reaching certain scenes.
3. Add translations. This is probably the most frustrating part. My current translation files are almost useless because if I move a string to a different place, its translation stops working. I created a script to make the most out of the existing translation files, but it’s still a lot of work. On top of that, I’m constantly adding new text for hints and descriptions. I’m considering releasing the English-only version first and adding translations later.
4. Test the game. At some point, I plan to hire a professional tester, but that may take weeks or longer. For the release, I’ll try to test everything myself. I might also ask my supporters on Discord for help, but I’m not sure if there will be any volunteers.
5. Possibly extend existing scenes if I find it necessary (nothing major). Additionally, as a gesture of appreciation, I promised the guy who proofread the game that I’d add a small watersport extension to Lisa’s math test scene.
Sounds great!
So after the exam is pretty much the end... then sandbox for anything else needed to do?
Google can translate words/sentences /pages for many languages if not against their rules, and depending on the layout in python and in game. I use it all the time living in a mostly Spanish country and only able to speak it a little, that and a little German.
Makes sense to me, make sure all is good in one language... then hopefully with easy translation of the language files to as many languages as you'd like to support.
Of course, looking forward to also seeing you work on the better deal once this is done.