We're entering our sound novel phase at ChoiceBeat.
Changing the name to SoundBeat. (not true)
Hi, devs! A Heart of Butterblue got a review in the newest issue of ChoiceBeat: The Visual Novel and Interactive Fiction Zine. Check it out if you feel inclined: https://willyelektrix.itch.io/choicebeat-issue-12
I don't really remember how all this works (I made this game 10 years ago), but after looking at my scripts, the ending is based on hours of play only. Minutes don't count, so 1 hour 59 minutes is 1 hour.
The breakdown is something like this:
There are also endings based on number of times you died
Endings based on enemies killed
Endings for money spent
Thanks!
I added to link to you on the Choice website: https://choicebeat.wordpress.com/
In the next issue (due out in a few months), I'm doing a round-up of zines. I'll be sure to mention you all in that article!
Hi! I write for ChoiceBeat: The Visual Novel and Interactive Fiction Zine https://choicebeat.wordpress.com/
Our newest issue just came out. Feel like including a note in What's New in IF?
Thanks for playing! I'm the developer of this game, and I agree that it needs an FAQ! There is all kinds of hidden stuff in Alien Squatter, and I wonder if anyone has ever found it.
Concerning the pets: You can only have one pet at a time, so if you already have a pet, you'll have to get rid of it or the opportunities to get a new pet won't work. If I recall correctly, you can get rid of a pet by selling it to the curry shop in the northeast corner of the map.
You can get a pig by repeatedly buying curry from the curry shop. Randomly, when you buy a bowl, there will be a pig in it.
You can get the cat by collecting roses. The more roses you have, the more likely it is that the cat will appear in your tent at night. Then you can adopt her.
You mentioned the chinchilla already.
There is a parrot too. I can't remember how you get him.
There is a robotic fish. I think you can buy it from the junk shop on the north side of the map.
Xenopolitan assumes you will play with 2 or more players (1 GM plus 1 or more players). Sessions might last an hour or more.
If you are new to role-playing, the Xenopolitan book has a very thorough example of play in the last chapter. It basically shows what an entire session of the game might look like with 1 GM and 3 players. This will probably answer some questions about how TTRPGs in general might work.
Here are some BIG SPOILERS, so don't read any farther if you don't want to know:
The endings in Superstorm Melon Date basically revolve around how much you flirt vs. how friendly you are. Each of the endings is on a spectrum based on how flirty/friend you are. (You can check this in the stats screen).
Flirtiness > 81%: You and Mel have a super steamy romance, but it doesn't really last. You stay friends and hook up every so often, but you aren't a couple.
61-80%: You are Mel have a strong physical relationship. Sometimes you fight a lot, but your strong physical connection keeps you together, and you make a long-term relationship work.
41-60%: You and Mel have a really balanced relationship. Every jokes about how you're the perfect couple. It's kind of embarrassing, really.
21-40%: You and Mel can't make a long-term relationship work, but you do go into business together selling clothes that Mel designs.
< 21%: You and Mel aren't really a couple at all, but you are best friends for life.