Dev Diary #13 - If I Say "It's Close" One More Time... [Tracker Edition]

Hey everyone,

"Maybe the real NTR was the delays we experienced along the way." 😅

I know, I’ve been saying "it’s close" more times than I'd like to admit, and trust me, even I'm starting to cringe when I type it. But I meant it every time. What happens is, I keep revising scenes, adding CGs, and making sure everything fits together just right. As a solo developer, even small changes can push things back by 1-2 weeks, and those delays add up.

I totally understand if that’s frustrating, especially without concrete updates. So, based on your feedback, I’m introducing a progress tracker to help provide more visibility. Here’s where I am at:

Remaster Progress (The current focus):

• New CGs: Around 750 new images/CGs are done, including key scenes and variations. For context, the original game had about 900 images, but that included animation frames, which the remaster doesn’t. In terms of key CGs, I’ve surpassed the original - but no, I’m not quite done yet.

• Remaining CGs: There are 6 scenes left that need some work based on my last playthrough. These will likely result in around 30-50 more CGs (about 12 key CGs + variations). Some scenes are being completely reimagined, but I’m excited about how they’re shaping up. If you are on Discord, you know one reimagined scene is now my favorite in the whole game, so I think it’s worth the extra effort.

• Character Sprites: 10/10 done. This includes a new side character I’ve wanted to introduce for a while. Found the perfect scene for them!

• Script Work: 90-95% complete, needs polishing.

• Menu UI & Resolution Support: 99% done. Just final checks to ensure everything looks good.

• Gallery & Skip-to-Day Feature: 0%. This is lower priority and will be tackled toward the end since it’s relatively quick to implement.

• Secret Element: 0%. Can’t say much without spoiling it, but it’s a fun addition that will add a little extra something to the game.
  

  As many of you know, this game was one of the first to use AI in its development, and that tech has evolved rapidly since I started. With the introduction of the 2-path system later in the game, the narrative also became more complex.

  Revisiting older scenes with these paths in mind has helped bring more consistency to the story. Without reworking the old content, the new tech and the 2-path system would have clashed visually and tonally.

  I get that not everyone is on board with the idea of the remaster, and that’s fair. But I hope this breakdown gives you a better sense of the work involved.

  I don’t expect the initial remaster release to be perfect. I’m sure there will be plenty of feedback, and I’m actually looking forward to that. Working 'in the dark' for so long is not ideal, and your insights will help - as they always do.

  If you’re still here supporting me, I genuinely appreciate it. It’s been a long journey, but I’m confident these efforts will lead to a better game in the end.

  As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or thoughts. I’ll keep you updated on significant progress.