[Major Update #1] Hard Mode + No Sake Mode (v0.12)

The next update for Battle Hanafuda (ver. 0.12) is planned as the first major update.

This update will introduce the following two features:

• Hard Mode (as previously announced)

• No Sake Mode

In addition, the Hard AI will be updated to the latest version of Open Hanafuda AI at the time of release.

Note: As of this writing, the win rate against Normal is 60.8% (+0.5% compared to ver. 0.11).

Open Hanafuda AI:

https://github.com/suzukiplan/open-hanafuda-ai

Hard Mode

This mode allows you to play against a stronger CPU opponent.

Additions

• New Achievements (4 types)

  • Win against CPU: 2 / 4 / 6 / 12 rounds (Hard / Standard)

• New Leaderboards (4 types)

  • 2 / 4 / 6 / 12 rounds (Hard / Standard)

No Sake Mode

No Sake Mode is a new game mode played with a 46-card deck, excluding the Sake Cup card and one plain chrysanthemum card.

Rule Changes

• The following yaku are disabled:

  • Hanami Sake

  • Tsukimi Sake

• The occurrence rate of the following yaku is reduced:

  • Aotan

  • Aotan combined with Akatan

While many Hanafuda video games implement this as an optional setting, this title introduces it as a separate game mode.

It will be selectable from the title screen.

Additions

• New Achievements (8 types)

  • Win against CPU: 2 / 4 / 6 / 12 rounds (Normal / No-Sake)

  • Win against CPU: 2 / 4 / 6 / 12 rounds (Hard / No-Sake)

• New Leaderboards (8 types)

  • 2 / 4 / 6 / 12 rounds (Normal / No-Sake)

  • 2 / 4 / 6 / 12 rounds (Hard / No-Sake)

In No Sake Mode, compared to the standard rules, randomness is reduced and the game becomes more skill-based.

At the time of writing, the Hard AI is not yet specifically optimized for this mode, but it already provides a stronger challenge than Standard.

Further improvements are planned to deliver a more authentic competitive experience.

UPDATE

The above statement has been corrected.

Based on statistical analysis, we have found the following:

• Disabling the Sake Cup increases the role of randomness.

• The game becomes less dependent on player skill.

Price Adjustment

As previously announced, the price will increase by $1.00 with this update.

• Previous price: $4.99

• New price: $5.99

There will be no additional cost for existing owners.

Note: Regional pricing outside North America will follow Valve’s recommended pricing.

Schedule

1. Hard Mode implementation → Completed

2. No Sake Mode implementation → Completed

3. Achievements & Leaderboards → In progress

4. Hard AI optimization for No Sake Mode → In progress (Canceled)

5. Major update → Planned for mid-April

We will continue development.

Stay tuned for the update!