Welcome to this update post (27) for "a ghostly desire".

THANK YOU for your interest in this project!

I would like to start today, with a small recap for the latest release "Alpha 0.7",
being the first Ren'py version.

After almost three years in development, it was the first version without any major issues
or anything for the majority of players.
Alpha 0.5 back then was pretty good, but still needs a hotfix.
Alpha 0.7 needs nothing and the feedback for things which doesn't work were besides
some small (but not game breaking) things are almost unnoticeable.
This fact leads me to the conclusion, that the change of the engine was absolutely worthy!

Of course, this is not the end of improvements, because some stuff is (and was) still
disturbing me while working on alpha 0.7 and now  again while working on the new 0.8.
Especially loading times for several screens.
For example "Ranch courtyard" and "VRB bar" are outstanding when it comes
to loading times. (still after reducing the image count for the animations)
Even on my computer it takes a second or two, two fully load everything and 
and be able to continue playing.
Renp'py isn't that good in handling huge "image-based" animations, so I'll replace
several "image-animation" to "video-versions" which drastically increase loading times!
Additional to that it saves up resources too!
From what I've done for now, the named screens are now loading instant, with full frame
animations as video and it already saves up around 150mb with this replacements.

Screen upgrades
Another thing I want to announce is the upgrade of "MC home".
It has been visually in tech-demo state since almost the start of
the development of the game and it really needs the upgrade to
match the style and quality of the newer screens.
Especially, because it is the first interior a player will see after starting the game.
Here is a little preview:

This upgrade will take a little while because there is not "just the screen" to replace.
It also needs to be adapted for animations, idle-objects, buttons and so on.

Further rooms of "MC home" which will be upgraded:
-- Living room | Kitchen | MC room
Rooms that will be improved:
-- Dayna's bedroom | Second floor
This upgrade won't be available in alpha 0.8, currently I can't tell
how long it will take to finish all of this [soonTM]

What about alpha 0.8?
The progress is going pretty well and the main story line is almost done
at this point, but the optional activities and side quests will take a bit more time.

And additional, there is a dating-sim feature coming with alpha 0.8
In case you want to read more about it, I have a full explanation
on discord: READ MORE HERE

If you want to keep track of the progress or wanna
have a look what is already done in particular:
https://trello.com/b/UJheZYEv/a-ghostly-desire

Merry Christmas and a good start into the New Year!
See you in 2024 :D
best
~Sitho