Esoteric Update #174 - Mostly About The Engine

Another week, and quite frankly, it's not been good to me. But I did manage to get a good deal of work done. No lore, though; I am far too exhausted to wrestle with that.

So, firstly let's talk about the more technical bits, as I did a lot of programming on the engine level this week. I first added a full syntax for function/extension definitions. This is a feature I've been asked about many times, and while it is not strictly needed, it simplifies many things and, as such, might find future use. The second addition is the introduction of reference variables; this is something that I'd have used extensively in the past if I had access to, so I assume it will get quite a lot of use in the future. The third is a full implementation of mset operations. Which was really just a hole in the API someone pointed out, and I've filled in. I generally only use msets for bows and, as such, never had a use for the other operations, but it's not like this was some huge undertaking to introduce them.

Now, for the more game-design related stuff, we're continually working on the emotional expression mechanics/narrative elements, and it seems there will be some going back to implement it in earlier parts of the game (mainly the intro). The basic functioning is solid, though, and their introduction is surprisingly simple.

However, we're also experimenting with a new concept, and that's interactive writing. For the moment, there's a proof of concept version of it introduced before the intro (or immediately when you load a game, if you're updating).

In this case, once you are done, the poem is recorded in your journal.

This was introduced to showcase and reinforce some recurring themes in the game. It's not quite finished yet, as while it does work, we feel it might need a bit more polish and more options to fully come into its own.

The following week will probably include further work on the emotional expression, but there are a few more things I need to get done, including finally bringing the API up to the most current version. I also hope to catch a breath and let my health stabilise, but I feel physically ill and stressed.