Update to version 0.830

The NPC series of updates comes to a close for now. With all of the game's NPC's functional, I have a big announcement coming up... First the patch notes :

• 4 new NPC's with their own short quests

• New type of world map discovery added 'Unique' zones

• 3 Unique zones added

• Oliver the merchant can now be found. He sells a random assortment of finished goods for premium prices, and can be sent out to re-roll his supply.

• Keena will now look around in 3d zones, following the camera

Miuratale Overhaul

From now until version 0.970 the game will be undergoing a full 3D overhaul, reworking nearly every aspect of the game to function in 3rd person. I've been mulling over this choice for months and finally decided to pull the trigger. I ultimately want Miuratale to be the best mermaid/rpg experience it can be and I believe allowing people the freedom to explore in 3D, to see the character and battles more clearly and more personally, will result in a deeper and more engaging experience.

The overhaul will bring the game to near completion, with optimization and final bug fixing as the last few updates. Everything will be reworked, improved, and upgraded to function in 3rd person and to reflect the final vision I want for the project.

Reworked Keena has a less chibi appearance, her makeup and scales glitter, and her normals have been reworked for smoother shading and lighting

The game's combat system will be adapted into 3rd person with changes made where appropriate, while still saying true to the original concept. Attacks will be faster, Keena will gain several new capabilities, but enemies will be more ferocious and active. The Stun/Break system will be more involved overall, with enemies entering a longer 'broken' status where they take more damage for a short time. Bosses will be reworked into this system as well, as they are currently immune.

The combat system as is works in 3rd person, but animations and AI behaviour will have to be changed, and various small adjustments made

The game will be dropping 'arena' combat, with new chokepoints and gates added where necessary for required battles. Most battles will now be optional and players can free explore and battle as they see fit.

WIP 3D Topaz, Keena's starting village, now fully realized

WIP of the 'reef' environment look

WIP of Topaz at night

UI, Music, sounds, sound mixing, and many details, such as NPC movement, will be improved as well. A new map and navigation system will accompany the new 3d zones to help guide players.

The updates will come on a level by level bases, starting with the main menu and Topaz, with each update adding a single story level until all story content is fully finished in 3D. Afterwards side content will be tackled, and finally, the game's minigame's and activities will be fleshed out and NPC's improved.

I'm aiming to get the first update of the overhaul released in February. It's going to be a long journey but one I think will greatly improve the experience.

Thank you everyone that has supported the project thus far! -DevDre Carrionwave