Prototype Update #1 – Why I Made the Game, and What’s Next


Hi everyone,

In this blog post, I wanted to talk a bit more about why I created the prototype and share details about the first update.

Please note: this update is a quick fix to improve balance and make the game smoother for new players. Thanks to all the great feedback, I now have a clearer idea of what can be improved going forward!

🔄 What's New in the First Update

Here are the changes included in the prototype's first patch:

  • 🏘️ You now start in town. Before, the game began directly with enemies.

  • 🧍 The player sprite is now visible on the battlefield. It marks which enemy is being targeted.

  • 🌀 New portal rooms have been added. These increase your portal count. You can’t buy portals in town anymore they now drop from undead and stronger enemies.

  • 🧪 Potions are now stackable and can be used when needed. You can upgrade your max potion capacity in town.

  • 🖱️ Hold the mouse button to pick up items or open doors no more clicking each thing individually.

  • 📱 Increased clickable areas for items and doors (better mobile support).

  • ✍️ Fixed some grammar issues.

  • 🔊 Fixed sound and music problems.

🔮 About the Big Update

As I said above, I need to test things first before working on a major update.If all goes well, I hope to release a big update in 30 days or so—but I can’t promise any dates yet.

🎮 Why I Made This Prototype

Some players noticed it’s not a full game yet, and that a few parts aren’t as fun as they could be. That’s fair, and I totally understand. I’m sorry if that disappointed anyone.

My goal with this prototype was to test the core gameplay loop and find out what players enjoy, what needs work, and what features to add.

Thank you all for the amazing feedback and for playtesting. The number of people who played it really surprised me, and I’m so grateful. This is a great community, and I appreciate every one of you.

🐾 About the Name – and Something Personal

I’ll keep this part short.

Six years ago, we found a cat and named him Khan, because he had a sword-like pattern on his back. It was so unique, I even made a Reddit post about it:
My cat has a sword pattern :) : r/mildlyinteresting

Sadly, about a month ago, Khan was diagnosed with cancer. On June 8th, we had to put him to sleep. He was with us for 6 years and 2 days, a loyal friend and companion.

While we waited for the results, and I saw that he was suffering, I realized the end was near. To deal with it emotionally, I put all my focus into creating this prototype. It helped distract my mind and gave me a creative outlet.

If I ever make this a full game, it will be dedicated to Khan. 😢

Thanks again for playing, commenting, and helping shape this project.

Comments

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(1 edit) (+3)

My Kitty I already said it before, and I’m saying it again now: great game, and the update really improves the experience.

It's so addictive!

I'll try the update more to see if it feels like there's more of a sense of progress — something that was definitely missing in the previous version.

wow your cat has black/pink nose first time i see it like this :D

Khan had completely dark nose and his small potatoes on feet were black too :D

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These are great additions to the Prototype.

I wasn't expecting there to be a cat story connected to this game, and what a strikingly beautiful pattern his coat had. I just went down a rabbit hole looking for other cats with that pattern, haha. I know you didn't ask, but after looking at many pictures, I think you had a kitty with some brown marbled bengal traits.

Thank you for the update and for sharing your personal story of Khan, I look forward to the development of this game.

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I had to google brown marble Bengal traits and yes remarkably similar :D ty for playing and reading the blog post.