Final Stages: Exciting Progress!

In addition to finally finishing all the hand-drawn cutscenes in the game, I have survived yet another major surgery and healed faster than anticipated.

I recently had feedback, based on the last iteration of the beta test game file, and used my recovery time to focus on a multitude of game visual improvements; important in-map interaction points such as the Godspires and loot chests are now far more visible/animated.

This feedback also inspired me to make the in-map battle setup more visually interesting. Rather than the pokemon-esque style of surprise encounters, I programmed respawn-able battles that feature animated enemy sprites in the proximity:

Battles and other types of cutscene-like interactions are also receiving more visual overhauls. I just finished working on a pivotal character's new look and I plan to review similar characters before the game's full release this year:

Regarding the beta test game; I do not plan on releasing an updated copy, this is so I may focus on the continuation of the game's final stages and overall forward progress. Thank you for all your time and much appreciated feedback!