Nippon Marathon 2 : Daijoubu Major Update - NM2 0.42f

Nippon Marathon 2 : Daijoubu Major Update - NM2 0.42f

This one’s huge: Linux support, massive optimisation, Cup Mode, facial animations, new UI upgrades, new colour options, Collections, and a whole lot more. Let’s dive in.

NEW! Dedicated Native Linux Version and Optimisation!

• Steam Deck now hits a solid 60fps with better visuals

• Faster loading + smoother performance across all settings

• Lighting and memory handling improved

• Linux users officially welcomed into the Nipponverse

Steam post image That's a pretty big visual improvement and performance is better too!

NEW! Each Contestant Now Has Multiple Colour Choices Available!

We know you wanted it, so here it is! Every contestant now comes with a minimum of 4 colour choices, we'll be adding more in the future too.

Steam post image I think the new black and red Zenbei is my favourite - moe moe kyuuuuu!

NEW! Try out Cup Mode and Feel the Real Marathon Experience!

Finally we're all able to enjoy a 3-stage marathon! Scores and popularity are carried across to the next stage, this is the best way to enjoy NM2

Steam post image The cup's emblem features elements from all three stages

NEW! Contestants Now Have Fully Animated Facial Expressions!

Contestants now react to everything — hits, flying, waving, panic, joy, chaos. They’re more expressive than ever.

Steam post image (`･ω･´) It's nice to see the contestants being so expressive now （´∀｀）

NEW! Snapshots and Photos are Saved to COLLECTIONS For Later Enjoyment!

Every snapshot you take is now saved automatically. Up to 108 images, exportable directly to Steam.

Steam post image Awww, precious memories....

NEW! Award System - Check Out The Score Calculation Screen!

The score screen now shows a clearer, more fun breakdown of awards. New awards added too — no spoilers.

Steam post image What's next... Cucumber of Time? Tears of the Mushroom? Don't sue me!

NEW! Weapon Pick-up Indicators

A clean new UI element shows which item you picked up and which hand it’s in. Small change, big clarity boost.

Nishibori is dual-wielding the cucumber!

Whoa, just reading that made me tired and sweaty! But wait, there's still more! The full patch notes are at the bottom of this post.

So What's Next?

We know you’re waiting for:

• new stages

• L.O.B.S.T.E.R. Mode

• trolley bowling

• online play

We’re on it.

SENSATIONAL SCREENSHOTS

Today we're going to start with a bunch of screenshots showing off the new facial expressions, check 'em out!

Shock!

Exhaustion!

Determination!

Surprise!

Anguish!

Pain!

DISCORD DISCO

Huge thanks to ふーにゃ for testing the Linux build:

200 FPS, WQHD, everything is DAIJOUBU! Auto‑snap is a welcome addition.

They also gave great feedback on subtitles, screenshot deletion, and countdown timing — all added to the list.

So you heard it here first, the Linux build is DAIJOUBU!

PLAY THE LATEST UPDATE

Why not jump in and try all these new updates immediately

Nippon Marathon 2 Daijoubu

A Note of Dev Health

Some of you know I (Andy) have been dealing with Fibromyalgia for a while. It affects energy, pain levels, concentration — all the fun stuff. A recent med change shook things up, so if updates slow briefly, that’s why. We’re still 100% committed to NM2, and your support genuinely helps us keep going. Thank you for being patient and daijoubu.

Korean Translation Help

If you know any Korean fan translation groups who might be interested in helping with Nippon Marathon 2, please email Andy at andymadin(a)onionsoupinteractive.com

Until next time, stay DAIJOUBU! - Reiwa Man

Version 0.42f_ea Update and Patch Notes

New features

• Revamped award system for the score screen (previously badges)

• Contestant Colours

• Added animated facial features for all main contestants driven programmatically by game logic

• Added subtitles for contestant voice lines when winning a star or winning a game

• Every snapshot or photo taken in photomode is now automatically saved to disk and can be viewed in Collections

• Dedicated Linux version!

• Cup Mode - Hungry Romance Cup - Stages can now be played with cumulative scores and extra excitement!

Optimisation

• Decreased loading time when returning to main menu by a huge amount!!

• Made Direct3D 11 the default as D3D12 was causing crashes on too many hardware configs

• Optimised the low graphics setting for Steam Deck so locked 60fps is now possible!

• Optimised lighting for better performance and consistency across quality settings

Interface

• Improved the marathon select UI to incorporate Cup Mode

• Added a menu at end of race allowing players to Return to Marathon Select or Return to Main Menu

• Added higher quality stage screenshots for loading screens

• Added popularity percentage to score calculation screen

• Added new weapon collect icons over the contestant to help quickly identify the new weapon and the hand it is in

Fixes

• Fixed contestants getting stuck on weapon spawns

• Avatars at the top of the screen no longer turn to eliminated (greyed out with red X) when passing the finish line

• Fixed bug where players could still use the menu during the loading screen

• Fixed the bug where contestants would get stuck at the podium unable to pose

• Finally found and fixed the bug where contestants be sometimes soft-locked at the final checkpoint

Tweaks:

• Matched shiba inu speed more closely to the player

• Changed podium scaling behaviour to prevent podiums going offscreen during a cup

• Improved Darwin's face geometry and skin shading

• Added cooldowns for most of Sora's commentary lines to avoid repetition

• Updated localisation on the main menu control hint bar

• Sora can be interrupted at the end of a round allowing the winning contestant to speak

• Shadow resolution for most lights now based on quality setting

• Snapshot camera now sometimes has a random tilt applied for more variety

• Shortened the time octopus attack time on the freighter for better playability

• Improved the area immediately after the crow battle in Shika Shika Deer Town

• End of race fanfare song "Your Goal in Life" now plays during the winning celebration