DevLog #93: January 2024 (Patreon)

Hi everyone! It's time for the first DevLog of 2024 😊

Light Fairytale Episode 3

I'm currently testing a real-time map feature for the game. This will provide an overview of all exits, NPCs, etc.

Additionally, I'm planning to support multi-monitors in all my games. Imagine having a map on a second screen in the Light Fairytale series, or a mirror view in the Super Night Riders series, and so on.

This feature will be available exclusively on PC. However, console players will be able to switch views using a button. Speaking of, I wonder if the next Nintendo console will support dual screens like its ancestors? 😁

Anyway... Can you spot Haru in this screenshot?

One more screenshot from Episode 3: The port town near the Capital. The layout is still not final.

Light Fairytale Episode 2

Here's a first look at the physical release of Episode 2 for PS4.

These photos have been provided by the publisher, so please keep them confidential 😅

The game is available for pre-order now. Worldwide shipping will commence this quarter:

neko.works/index.php?page=merch&tag=red_art_games 

Throwback

Here are a couple illustrations of the 'mysterious girl' created by two Japanese artists I collaborated with for the Light Fairytale prototype.

Note that these illustrations were not used in the final game.

Asahiro

Nachiru

Super Night Riders S1

I've updated the system for the distant backgrounds.

Previously, I utilized 3D models for the mountains + volumetric clouds. Below is a screenshot for reference.

And now, I've shifted to using mostly 2D elements. Not only has this significantly improved performance, but I also believe that the backgrounds look better this way 😉

A couple more screenshots.

Throwback

Here are a couple prototype screenshots of Super Night Riders from 2015.

Yeah, this was before the game's release in 2016 😉

Originally, I used a 3D road that existed in world space, similar to most modern 3D racing games.

Later, I decided to shift to a style reminiscent of pseudo-3D 'super scaler' games, like Outrun and Super Hang-On.

The outcome of this change is what you see in Super Night Riders 2016:

neko.works/SNR2016 

Bonus

Enjoy these 4K+ (21:9) wallpapers featuring the lead girls from the Light Fairytale series️ ❤️

Choose between two versions, one focusing on Kuroko and the other on the mysterious girl.

You might currently favor Kuroko, as the mysterious girl remains an enigma. But your preference could shift after completing Episode 3. Trust me on this 😗

Here are the original cels prior to compositing.

What's Next

Now that most systems in Super Night Riders S1 are operational, my focus will shift to developing various stage designs.

So, expect to see lots of beautiful scenery in next month's update 😉

This will be a great opportunity to create a new video - specifically, the Steam Early Access launch trailer 🙀

Regarding Light Fairytale Episode 3, my plan is to work on a particular location and events in Hydropolis. This is primarily because I want to produce an anime-style cutscene set there, and the artist requires the 3D backgrounds to be completed first.

This cutscene is going to feel like an actual anime, as I intend to have it dubbed by indie voice actors in Japanese 🙀

And that wraps up this month's update!

As always, thank you for your continuous support and patience. See you all soon 😊

baka-neko / neko.works