We decided to populate town buildings like Guild, Shop, etc. with random NPCs to add ambiance to the game. Some of the NPCs are displayed here:
Guild NPCs
Shop NPCs
Dying Antagonist Dialogues
Some Antagonists are important to the story, and lore, and play an important part in progression. As they die, they say their last words which may give out some important information, they may be words of hatred, or of pride.
Crimson Tactics Devlog #064
The archive serves as a repository in our game for crucial information and lore that the player can access and explore. As the player progresses through the game, they can find new information regarding different events, characters, locations, etc. added to the archive.
The player can access the archive from the World Map.
Tidings
Tidings show a summary of the events that unfold within the world. These include events where the main character might or might not be involved in.
Factions
Factions consist of all the relevant information about the different groups and organizations present all around Wendalle.
One can understand the faction's political ideologies, religious beliefs, influence, and control over the game's world.
Characters
All the necessary information about the characters that have made their appearance can be found here. It can include their personal details, their appearance, their status, who they follow, what faction they belong to, what their beliefs are, etc.
Locations
The player can find detailed info and some interesting backstories for various locations found all across Wendalle such as how the location was named, what the location symbolizes, who rules over them, memorable incidents, etc.
Crimson Tactics Devlog #063
Many battles in Crimson Tactics are sieges. They consist of multiple battles that take place one after the other. For this, we created a level-select mechanic that allows the player to progress through the battles.
The player may choose to quit in the middle of a siege and go back to the world map. When they return, they will continue from where they left off.
Crimson Tactics Devlog #062
Damage Preview
Being able to see the potential damage inflicted on your opponents before taking an action helps you to make more informed decisions, plan your strategy more effectively, and ultimately enhance your gameplay experience.
Magical Damage Preview
The damage inflicted by the magic can be seen on the bottom-right screen when an opponent is selected along with the relevant information:
1. Potential Damage Dealt by the Magic 2. Accuracy 3. Weather + Time Modifier 4. Chance to Block 5. Chance to Crit Hit 6. Affinity Damage Modifier
Physical Damage Preview
The physical damage inflicted by the weapons can be seen on the bottom-right screen when an opponent is selected along with the relevant information:
1. Direction Modifier 2. Elevation Modifier
Status Effects With Stacks
1. Status Effect along with the stacks.
Mend Preview
The potential HP restored can be seen on the bottom-right screen when an ally is selected.
Rekindle Preview
The potential HP restored along with the rekindle can be seen on the bottom-right screen when an ally is selected.
Gameplay Speed
You can increase the gameplay battle speed through the top-right corner which allows you to play the game faster.
1x - Normal Speed
1.25x - Faster Speed
1.5x - Fastest Speed
Crimson Tactics Devlog #061
Crimson Tactics is set in the fictional continent of Xenthania in the country of Wendalle, a charming and magical land full of political intrigue and dangerous beasts. The story is set in 1763 AE in this mysterious country full of interesting people, power-hungry monarchs, and wandering Bards spreading their music and tales across the many taverns dotting the country.
This soundtrack reflects the personality of Wendalle and the peace it enjoys from time to time.
Here is the poster:
The soundtrack can be heard here:
Crimson Tactics Devlog #060
Based on internal playtests as well as valuable feedback from our community, we have been polishing the game and iterating on various mechanics to make it a more enjoyable experience.
Here are some screenshots from across the game that showcases the improvements:
Crimson Tactics Devlog #059
Variability in playstyle is a hallmark of the combat system in Crimson Tactics. Your units are allowed to change their Classes as much as you desire. It is showcased here.
Accessing Class Change
Class Change can be accessed through the Unit Condition screen of every unit found within the Party Management System.
Changing Class
In order to change your unit's Class, you must first acquire a 'Class Mark' for that Class. This is the currency required to change classes and can be found across the Shops in Wendalle or after battles as loot.
You must select the Class you want to change the unit to via the carousel where you can view various bits of relevant information such as Attributes and Usable Gear.
Class Stat Changes
Every Class has certain basic Stats that it inherently possesses. As units level up, they gain stats based on that Class's traits. However, if a unit changes its Class, its Base Stats change even though the stats it gained on leveling up remain.
Crimson Tactics Devlog #058
Magical Affinities of all units determine the kinds of Magic they are proficient at. Some of the Magic Spells using those Affinities are showcased here.
Sweltering Hell Fury - Fire Magic
Slash the target with furious flames, dealing fire magic damage.
Vengeful Slashes - Dark Magic
Repeatedly slash the target with darkness, dealing dark magic damage.
Vortex - Air Magic
Repeatedly slash the target with a Vortex, dealing air magic damage.
Zap - Lightning Magic
Fire a piercing zap of lightning at the target, dealing lightning magic damage.
Sirocco - Earth Magic
Conjure up a Sirocco, dealing earth magic damage to the target.
Whirlpool - Water Magic
Envelop the target in a spiraling whirlpool, dealing water magic damage.
Impaling Icicles - Ice Magic
Impale the target with a flurry of icicles, dealing ice magic damage.
Crimson Tactics Devlog #057
The ability to Block is an important part of any battle. Units will block incoming attacks in two different ways based on whether they are Physical or Magical attacks.
Shield Block
All Physical attacks - Melee or Ranged - can be blocked using a trusted Shield. Shields must be equipped in the Off-Hand slot in order to use them.
A Shield's usage will depend on its Block Chance and the unit's own Agility (AGL) stat.
Tome Block
All Magical attacks - Spell Casts or Abilities - can be blocked using a Tome. Tomes are special defensive spellbooks used by Mages across Wendalle to defend them and their allies from incoming magical projectiles. Tomes must also be equipped in the Off-Hand slot in order to use them.
A Tome's usage will also depend on its Block Chance and the unit's own Agility (AGL) stat.
Crimson Tactics Devlog #056
The World Map has been improved much farther through lighting improvements, model and code optimization and UI updates.
Map Menu
In the image below, the side panel with various options remains on screen at all times. It can be used to access Party Management and the Archive. However, the options for services like Shops, Guilds and Stables become available only on entering a location that offers these services, such as Towns.
Navigating the Map
Once you click on a location, Arlys walks over to it. In case it is a battle, he will plant a flag into the ground, ready to conquer the location.
There are a few different kinds of objective icons in the World Map:
