Chapter 2 was originally going to have a choice to switch between any route at the pub. This was done so players didn't feel "locked in" through one decision. While this was a "fair" way to plot out a multiple-choice game, it didn't make for a very interesting or relevant way to tell this one.
The choice has since changed so that after spending a day with Joe, Billy or Ranzo, you can choose to switch to Griff. If you choose Griff on day 1, you're set on that path.
A lot of the planned "hybrid routes" didn't have a lot of payoff on their own and left a lot of established plot hooks hanging. With others needing to be re-established in the next chapter, it felt messy and unfulfilling. However, as an outsider to the group, Griff can explore those setups from a different perspective.
Griff's route being a lock-in (with a choice to switch to it from others) is also a way to show Riley's infatuation with him. Though it's a choice-based game, the player is still only in control of someone with their own wants and biases.
Simple summary: picking Griff's route means you're on Griff's route. You can switch to him from any other route in the second chapter, with some differences based on who you picked first.
I'll have to think on this one. I know people want a place to listen to what's currently available, but I'd also like the time to make versions of the tracks that are less rough-around-the edges.
Do you mean an option to hide the text-box? Hadn't thought of this, but I'm sure it can be done!
The most recent update has built on the route focused on Griff. I should make an update post here to state that. I forget that not everyone comes to this page through Twitter where it's usually announced.
As for 'Romance' pictures, the story will continue to develop on the relationships between characters and have CGs for significant moments. These will include more romantically/sexually focused scenes, but I don't plan on including any explicit imagery.
I have no issue with it and think it works well for some VNs, but it's a personal preference for how I want to tell this particular story.
The next 3 updates will feature a lot of new music. Once they're done, there'll be a "volume 1" soundtrack put out with fully mastered, extended versions.
It's up to you! His presence is meant to bring up a lot of mixed emotions for Riley, so it's really down to the reader's personal thoughts about the situation.
A number of people have asked about the soundtrack. Once the rest of Chapter Two is complete, there are plans to release something along the lines of a "Vol. 1" OST featuring extended cuts of the tracks so far.
I've recently made a change to mark the file itself as a Mac app. Could you retry downloading this and let me know if the problem persists? Are you using the Itch app or a direct download?
I've been asked a few times about making a Discord, but it's a platform I personally don't enjoy using very much and feel that the attention needed to run/moderate a server would eat into the already limited time I have to use on development.
It is being worked on, though it's had to return to the status of 'hobby project' due to some major life changes. I'm currently aiming for August as the next chapter release and have a couple people helping me achieve this.
Thanks! I am aiming to release later builds with language options, but need to finalise more of the overall writing before getting to that stage. I'll keep this in mind!
Well spotted on the naming conventions! The setting is heavily based on that region, albeit a fictionalised version of it. Porthwarren is an amalgamation of a few towns in the area and geographically speaking would be situated along the North coast.
Without giving too much away about the next chapter, the choices you make in this one lead to the openings of certain routes, but won't "lock you in" just yet. It's more of a chance to get to know a chosen character better before making a more solid decision on what direction you want to take.
Eventually and ideally, yes. I want to make sure that the UI for the android/iOS version is designed with mobile devices in mind, which will take a bit more time.
Thanks for flagging this. It was disabled intentionally in an earlier build and I hadn't changed the statement after re-adding the button. Just updated so it should be working now!
