Hello everyone. After some months, we finally have an update on our progress. (*sigh* early projections on progress-percentages were way off...)
The good news is that programming of the game has finally seen some significant progress. Due to the way things are organized, the script entered(programmed) in the game can vary from the script written in documents. Due to this estimation, roughly 23.15% of the demo script is programmed. This comes to 6250 out of 27000 words programmed. Programming in this sense means the structuring of the playable portion of the game. While this is mostly data entry, it also entails the layering of events/commands that translate to what you view/play. This number can fluctuate especially if the script comes to 30k words in the end, which it very likely could.
There's some missing scenes to be written for the script as well as some final polish that could be implemented in the writing. That said, I'd put the writing at about 80% complete. The alternate route is WAY longer than the standard route, being more elaborate and drawn out, especially with more character dialogue. Even though programming has a long way to go, the standard route (demo-wise) is probably 50% completed. The way ZWC handles routes is that there will be 2 main routes, and a number of branches from there depending on your choices. The "branches" can open their own routes and so on. My plan for the "true" route is to be something players least expect and to defy typical VN conventions (sort of like how romance is handled from a boy->girl perspective over the whole game). Originally, the demo was suppose to only encompass the standard route (only about 13k words) but then I decided to get a little ambitious in the development process. This ended up being more work true, but it allowed me to brainstorm additional scenarios for the game and character interactions.
ZWC at the onset was more of an introspective game, with only the protagonist and main love interest. It was aiming to be different by minimizing the MC's interaction's with other characters. You'll still experience this on the standard route, of course. On the alternate path, you'll meet Arctia and our new character, which shifts the tone/focus of the story dramatically. I wanted the first playthrough to be as emotionally gripping as possible with very little comedy elements. As described, the alternate path can only be accessed on a New game+ run (beat the game/demo once).
Speaking of, our new character, Arctia's assistant, is almost ready to show off. Her sprite is pretty much 90% done, but I have debated on the proper
color scheme for her. It's really aggravating in this sense, as I never really had this problem with the rest of the cast. Rayen/Siona follow color schemes appropriate for their high school as their defaults, and Arctia's just sort of worked with her wolf theme. Arctia's secondary costume will also borrow heavily from new girl's default, hence the dilemma I'm currently in. I wonder if light or darker colors will look better on them? Leaning toward dark, as that was the original design from the artist.
Actually, in other news, the GUI and logo will be getting an overhaul by another talented artist. I'm hopeful that these elements turn out great. I was never happy with the original logo (made it myself) and it was always intended to be a placeholder. We'll see how things turn out.
If you've been following our twitter (@AniClashStudios), we've posted a few non-canon skits with the characters. Yes, there'll be a sort of popularity contest to vote for your favorite heroine/female character in the game. The choices will be Siona, Arctia, Rika and our latest character to be revealed. Speaking of new girl, she'll have 2 different (and interesting) sides to her personality that essentially makes her two characters in one. The winner of the poll will get an extra alternate costume!
Speaking of costumes, I have done some testing for our costume-equipment system, and I believe I have laid the groundwork for things. In theory, you'll be able to switch any character's costume in real time (for the main girls atleast). By reaching various goals or achievements, you can earn various costumes. There will be a default switch (costume according to scene) or player controlled costume (which character "x" will be wearing such and such depending on what you choose). Due to this design decision, most characters will only have 1 pose. I'm not personally a fan of different poses, since I think the collectible aspect of costumes will enhance the gameplay of ZWC (where there is usually a barebones amount on basis of being a VN).
Likely we'll have lots of little things to show off on our twitter, so stay tuned!
-Zanthos