Chapter 1-04 is Live!

Hiiiiii!  So sorry this update took so long!

Before I get into what this update entails, I need to get something off my chest: I need a break from this project.  Technically, I already took one while I was trying to get this update out, but I really want to take an actual break from this without having to worry about writing or the next deadline.  I originally wanted to take a break once Chapter One was completed, but I really want to take one now.  During this break, I’d like to dedicate some more time to some other projects and also rework the framework for this VN, like reworking my sprites and how I display them so I can have universal naming conventions for all the layers and such.  Also, I want to build a 3D model of the scenery so I don’t have to use stock images or shitting drawings I randomly cooked up.  I’d also like to rewrite certain parts of this VN so they’re more coherent and stuff.

I think I grossly underestimated the scope of this project when I started it, so it might be better for me to work on some smaller projects and games for a while.

Now getting into this update itself, I have about 25 pages worth on content in here.  I made sprites for Roland, Trillian, and Zeno, but I didn’t go back and animate previous scenes they were in.  So, much like the sketch characters, they will remain in the default mode.  I also added flavor text for all of the cakes you got in 1-03 (flavor text, get it?).   I also ensured that if you used the Chapter Select, the game will just pick out random cakes for you to choose from and keep in your “inventory”.

I also removed the old placeholder musics.  I didn’t compose anything to replace them, but they were really ugly and I hated them.

I also changed the UI a bit!  The in game buttons have been replaced with Emojis!  Because I can!  Don’t worry though, there’s an option in preferences to turn them back to text!

Finally, I’ve completely revamped the music room!  Now, you get to see little tidbits and thoughts I have about the songs that’s playing, just like the music rooms in Touhou!

But yeah, I hope you enjoy this update.  Maybe I’ll cave and do Chapter 1-5 during my break?  I don’t know.  I’m not setting any set date but don’t expect anything new this year.

If you wanna keep up-to-date with smaller and upcoming updates, you can follow this project on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/nocturnevn.bsky.social and join it’s dedicated Telegram Channel https://t.me/+79Y3U4RpkTdhZGMx

Also, I’m in a really deep financial pickle right now so if you could spare some money for my Ko-Fi it’d really help a lot.