This is a detailed roadmap of what it will take to complete Crypterion. Follow the keys to know:
What I am prioritizing What is coming in next build What long-term plans are
The past year has been very unpredictable for me. Family needs and work has taken priority and I've been on my own for quite awhile developing this game.
I'm still on this journey to make something relaxing, fun, and rewarding. For those that are finding the game today, there is much content and many surprises as this aims to blend a Visual Novel with many game mechanics. The biggest of those being a business tycoon. There is even a secret 2D arcade that plays like it's own game. I've always been a big fan of games-within-games. I set out to create an adventure for you and myself to experience. This roadmap will serve as a guide to help me and show you my progress.
The Journey:
Three story arcs | Artifact Arc | Faction Arc | Emperor Arc |
Media Room:
Newspaper Articles - Read newspaper stories about events. This includes: Storms on planets, pirate attacks, disasters, etc. It doubles as a system of what to look out for.
Crew article events: Lora James Millie Malthus Lora Thurgium Millie Juniper Mr. String Erand Nanami Juniper James Nanami Erand Malthus Thurgium
Mind Melt game show:3 episodes for each Fun Zone representative Millie Lora Juniper Nanami Moxie Astra
Other: Dynamic popularity rating based off choices and performance Face to Face event for Petal Fan Question: what do you like to eat? More T.V. appearances with Sunny Storms and Bountiful Harvest
Endless Arcade:
Dynamite Fully Implemented Forest sounds More endless levels (ongoing) Can't leave arcade level if chest or victory logo is visible
Fun Zone:
Nanami representative event More curses while making phone calls Click to go faster in Chip plant room ha ha ha Give notifications to help through some events Face to face unlocks properly so you can continue events *working on save game compatible Art adds to power level 555-2414 special hot-line for reporting comets Add songs to “best hits CD” used with Jukebox – Ongoing - Added Pretend to Love
Space Station:
New clickable interface that make leaving station easier Can pay taxes, crew, and debt from the space station Jukebox speaker animation when song plays Auction off your first planet Artwork & music credits Watch Omni Link motion picture movie
Ship & Company Changes:
Passenger chances change randomly each week based off advertisements *ongoing Million coin Ice cream is a who-did-it game moment to discover who ate it. Use an array for correct placement of items in inventory Marketplace and Advertisement system completely finished - Outside programming help Dynamic details for faction leaders as story progresses based off player business deals Unique shop items to buy on Teslor Huge update to inventory items – all items usable
Story & Dialogue Events:
Player naming event with Moxie Nanami the bouncer Ask Moxie out on three dates Ask Astra out on three dates Astra uses her ability on Nanami Astra sabotage ability is available Self-destruct code end game event Astra vs. Thugs Cook Advice Thrive or Die questionnaire Ice-Cream murder mystery Red hot lava pepper Replicator The Dance x2 To the Movies x2 Watch the Stars x2 Nanami on Camera Ring Proposal Pilot Pirate Comet Hotline Special unit Zilla Improve anything Not so local genius Cooler than you thought Food you can't resist Any TV Channel A sporofatic virus Cat mannerisms An informed Informant Someone with experience We don't need a Doctor Annihilation The gladiator returns Like a spider You've been hacked Unidentified, yet intelligent Vacation with the Numari's Nanami's true Identity I curse you!
Galaxy Map & Encounters:
Encounter Aliens speaking translatable language Event Interactivity – Example: get hit by asteroid, and then it appears in the ship to dislodge Numari Vacation unlocked – icon appears on planet Remaining planet facilities locations and icons Planet purchasing
Fixes:
Fix Customers served not being tracked in stats Fun Zone panels repaired at same time is double stacked Conversation bug when Moxie uses teleporter and you have the required crystals Pauses in last battle scene between image fades
As always, our Discord Channel is https://discord.gg/9TkdqUJ. The discord channels main purpose is for people to post materials and ideas they want to appear in the game. For example: The questions on the T.V. show Face-to-Face are community donated questions.
Meet the Cast:
I'll be adding more to this Roadmap as time passes.
Galaxy Events and Rewards
This is a sneak peak at what's coming in Crypterion's next build.
Galaxy Events
The biggest focus is events that take place in the Remnos System. I'm not going to put a picture here because it's better seeing the changes as you play.
The map was only about travel to other planets, but now it's also about catching visual events that you can find and identify on the map. Things to know about them:
- They are all optional - The newspaper will describe these mysterious events - Most of them require someone with a specific skill-set - You will earn big rewards from them - More opportunities to interact with all crew members
Newspaper and Planetary Storms
Now that we have events happening in the galaxy, it is useful to read the newspaper. This also includes storms that take place. A planet with storms will not have a great harvest and goods will be expensive should you visit there.
A Planet with perfect weather with have an abundance of goods. Things will be cheap. You won't get your coins worth if you try to sell there.
QOL improvements & Dialogue
The space station has some changes you will notice the moment you arrive. Some buttons to inform you of taxes and wages owed. Some action is also taking place outside of the station.
In the last update, we introduced representatives and a new show called, "Mind Melt". You will soon be able to go on this show and compete for more popularity ratings. (also shown on the newspaper). The show "Face-to-Face" was also soft locked. That is now fixed and you can attend it as many times as you have money to do so. The interview questions on that show are contributed by the community.
Dialogue is usually what takes the longest to work on since I have to write for every character in a variety of situations. I hope I can include in the game everything you want. If it's missing something you think will be perfect, please comment below or on the discord channel. Thanks :)
Crypterion Voyage Update (1/2)
I'm Calling this the "Voyage" update with many of the changes listed below: ːlovemoonː *In my personal testing, this update is mostly compatible with saves. There may be some variables not tracking statistics properly. I've highlighted in bold what I consider the major features.
After Halloween, "Part 2" update will come quicker with more content. I was unable to test sufficiently before the Holiday.
Main Story:
- Advances to main story line - Better story flow and progression - New location “Junipers Medical Bay” - New music for epic battle - New location to discover - Cook guidance near game start
Small Business/Station:
- Fun Zone Statistics unlocked *customers served coming soon - Small business earnings deposited in treasury weekly - Unlock company representative by finding all crew members and upgrading small business - 3 advertisement icon graphics - Percentages for: Adaptability | Persistence | Leadership - Three unique events for 6 characters focusing around: News, Photography, & Video advertising. - Get cursed while making phone calls
Shops/Marketplace:
- Mouse no longer takes money if you don't pass test - Wanderer now sells investments
Gallery/Collection Room:
- 8 new gallery pieces
"Character submissions chosen by artists. Some characters are not yet represented but can be if you wish to submit your own fan art. Please join the discord channel for easy contact to do so."
- Achievements added*steam unlocks coming later
"Achievements are guidance and goals for end game content. There is quite a bit to unlock."
Treasury:
- Three new artifacts for the treasury - New investment system*sell investments from treasury - Investments diminish after selling, grow and shrink in value - Debt brings more penalties, but you keep emergency wealth through investments - Teleporter can now be repaired and used. Good luck finding the power sources!
Space Station:
- Meet the wanderer and purchase from him - Play the game “Endless” once unlocked - You may now petition the Empress. New options include: Petition for lower taxes | passenger Taxes | seek advice
Galaxy Map:
- Brand new Encounter System (part 1/2) *more content coming - Space Station can be clicked before it's unlocked - Travel speed increased between planets - New encounters for story progress
Coin Market:
- Easier to buy and sell coins + limit to purchases/transactions - Coins lost when getting into debt
Media Room:
- Appear on Face-to-face more often - New logo's for various shows - Thrive or Dive has new events - More media events overall (part 1/2) - Brand new show: Mind Melt! *full episodes coming in next update
Character & Events:
- Companion character traits update after progress - Talk more to Astra in crew room - Talk more to Moxie in crew room - Ninja added - Strange cat added - Work with Millie on ship for the first time - Changed foreman into Preceptor for story purposes - Can gift some items to companions
Other:
- Made passengers easier to get with advertisements - Added notification when able to hire representative for Fun Zone - Two new music tracks - Sound added to aid in leaving space station the first time - Debt tokens removed and replaced with investments. There is a fun reward/punishment game mechanic with going into debt tactfully. - Teleporter pulsating light when active - Sound notification when taxes are lowered - Auction house entrance sound - Self destruct code changed *Could be important later?
Fixed: - Upgrade button removed when Fun Zone complete - No longer a way to trick the the coin stock system when going into debt - Fixed being able to play Endless with no money - Was able to talk with Astra when she was asleep - Could not click Empress after she became available - Fixing treasury sometimes made income go negative - Teslor became Soro on reload - Could dial phone and click crew at same time
As always, our Discord Channel is https://discord.gg/9TkdqUJ Thanks for your participation and contributions.
Character Relationships, Business Updates, Polish.
I've been working diligently on Crypterion's next build and have made good progress. It's safe to say the next update is a big one. Starting with fan art, there are several artists working on fantastic pieces for the gallery.
The gallery is a place to collect art submitted to the game. Story scenes also appear in your personal gallery. Anyone may submit art by contacting me on the discord.
Building relationships
The next update will have new dialogue for all characters. You'll be able to go on dates now that relationships have reached a deeper level or you can avoid that completely. Either way, you become good friends with your crew. Vote for your favorites on the Discord Channel https://discord.gg/9TkdqUJ.
Story editing pass #1
Half the dialogue in game has been fully edited (not be me, but with professional help). The other half of editing is waiting on some more writing and fixes to encounters. You should be able to notice the difference now though.
Small Business Statistics
This --->
Becomes this --->
And now there is more to do! Focusing on three examples: The phone is fully activated since last build and you can prank call anyone you like. Or perhaps find a real-hidden-secret number and see who you get.
- The bounty board is getting more additions. Already, you can track down a bounty.
- Click the computer monitor and get business statistics.
Track how much money you're making and total customers. Once fully unlocked, you can choose from 6 different representatives. They will be part of your advertisement efforts including: News, Photography, and Film. > Experience 4 special events with the representative you choose.
Achievements
These are shown in your collection room and will be a part of Steam's unlockable achievements when ready. They have a unique design once flipped. They tell a few secrets now:
Crew Interactions
Looks like Juniper set up shop and even got her first appointment.
That brings us to dialogue. There is a cast of 28 characters and 11 of those are part of your crew or company employee's. Interact with them as you grow your business. Some of them set up shop on your ship, such as Juniper who is the ship doctor. Others, like Erand, become the games hint system. Each crew member enhances gameplay.
The Mysterious Arcade
Somewhat of a spoiler, but not for those that want news and more to be excited about. This is an arcade that will appear and activate only when secret conditions are met. This also represents an achievement. Those who find the arcade will be able to play the MMO "Endless".
Become a Celebrity
Newly introduced in the last patch was Sunny Dae's newspaper. It's meant to give you a heads up on galaxy events and track your popularity.
I've received comments that the media room is a lot of fun, but there is not enough to do there. Upgrading your celebrity status will be an end game goal that will introduce you to more events.
Hmm, should I share more, or is that it for now? Maybe next time I'll tell you what comes of that million dollar ice-cream cone.
Crypterion Business & Crew Update
I'm Calling this the "Crew Update" with many of the changes listed below: ːlovemoonː *In my personal testing, this update should be compatible with saves from the last build
Main Story:
- Advances to main story line – 67% finished - Added romance variable to track interest choices - New mini-game - Can recruit all but 1 crew member - Two new scenes - Foundation built for DEBT TOKENS.* (disabled this build)* - Debt prison room unlocked
Small Business/Station:
- Launch your first mission from the bounty board - Lots more call possibilities for your small business - Easter egg call hidden phone number - Crew members appear in fun zone after time has passed - Recruit 4 hidden crew members. (Two will manage your small business) - New Auction Events - First artifact auction - Purchase your first facility - Created Fun Zone crew member placements - Stat chart of income and Fun Zone guest count (foundation complete)
Shops/Marketplace:
- Error sound when can't buy store object - Added another tutorial for marketplace selected through question icon on top right
Gallery/Collection Room:
- New Gallery Art - x1 New gallery concept mashup - Two new wall art - Added player fan art – Unlocked through story progression - Facilities cost planetary fees or give you funds. Must collect from collection room.
Treasury:
- Find hidden teleportation crystals - Find hidden special item - Extended gold pile growth - Space blanket added to treasury
Galaxy Map:
- Planet Teslor unlocked through story progression - Indo changed on galaxy map - Added graphics for each planets facilities owned
Time Room:
- Time room art changes - Main story progress indicator - Power of other companies/factions will now grow and shrink (WIP) - Measured power-level indicator for all factions - Time clock begins to show events and auctions
Media Room:
- Moxie can be invited to first Face-to-Face event in crew - Read newspapers with important events in the media room. Check your popularity raking compared to other celebrities. (foundation complete) - Another face-to-face event including many player questions (please submit your questions on the discord channel) - Added new character James to Fun Zone
Character & Events:
- Added a hint system that activates when Erand is recruited - Can talk to some crew members in Crew Room - Cook shows up on crew manifest correctly - Recruit 2 brand new crew members as shown in the Crew Room - Can talk to cook from crew room at beginning of game - Crew gives general idea of what they do when clicking them in crew room - Crew displays correct information when recruited Including having to pay them weekly.
Planet Exploration and Facilities:
- Facilities built on planets become part of the background - Visit another area of a planet - Discover a hidden portal - Discover a hidden comet
Other:
- Made passengers easier to get with advertisements - Crew payment warning indication (patched last build) - Tax payment warning indication (patched last build) - Added more music during some dialogue - Tax collector comes if taxes are not payed with huge penalty (patched last build) - Edited existing tutorials - Power level increased by 500,000 in one event success - Decreased black market info cost from $500,000 to $50,000 - Icon will show over media room if haven't done event when required - Sound to indicate when power level increases (In testing phase) - Relationship level further increase chances - Increased performance and optimization
Fixed: - Gem not appearing as purchased - Phone problems - Some character creation choices issues - Window resize issue (hit alt/tab to change window size) - Overlap description in time room when power rises - Story going bad when going to wrong planet with hazard mask. - Story progression issue with black market - Tracking to accurately show your trade test score - Not being able to repair some fun zone panels - Emotion conflict if Astra learns happiness and anger same pace. - Jukebox music from playing when leaving room - Upgrade bar and income invisible to make conversations less cluttered - Mouse disappearing when dialogue history empty. (will reappear when closing history) - Astra appearing as wrong form in crew room
As always, our Discord Channel is https://discord.gg/9TkdqUJ Thanks for your participation and contributions.
Crypterion Releases on Steam Today
Join our small crew as we complete the development of Crypterion. If you are looking for a game that takes you on an adventure to build you're business empire in a fantastical sci fi universe, you may be at the right place.
What is Crypterion about?:
A Tycoon - Explore 5 planets unlocked for the business savvy - Buy quality art pieces for your personal gallery, some made by players. - Buy/sell goods, passengers, purchase stocks. Earn money several ways, or lose it all. - A small mix of cards for the encounter deck. *More cards added frequently - Run a small business and build equipment like a jukebox, phone, or dance floor. - Attend auctions and purchase one-time items - Go into debt and be forced to work it off... literally. - Purchase items from all planet stores - See your wealth and power grow in the "Treasury" and "Time Room" - Upgrade your ship and see marks of your scars and wounds - Invest in the stock market to get really rich! - Unlock a space station bringing with it several areas to explore
A Visual Novel / Story Based Adventure - Meet 25+ characters including potential crew-mates and companions - Follow a story to discover powerful artifacts and the truth about an ancient civilization - Attend several T.V. shows to become famous. - Create relationships and friendships - A unique card system crafts a more personalized story
[NOTICE] While the engine is complete, it is far from content complete. Many items are not yet usable and some NPC's not discoverable. This is our roadmap.
Roadmap: What's coming next!
- Debt prison room unlocked - Huge change to encounters with crew-mates:
All crew members will participate in events
Crew members more related to event will have a higher chance of being selected.
A plethora of cards added to the encounter system
- Marketplace and Advertisement flushed out - Recruit all crew members - Time clock begins to show events and auctions - Story editing and branches - Huge update to inventory items – all items usable not just purchasable - Investment System:
Investments grow and shrink in value
More items to decorate treasury
Valuable items found through encounters
- Dynamic planet details now appear - Power of other companies/factions will now grow and shrink - Find items while exploring planets - Find more teleportation crystals - Quest indicator for what to do next if stuck - Clicking Altear cloak will change her outfit - Visit a 6th planet of ice which carries a hidden secret - Two playable mini-games - Vacation time and relaxation alone or with company
As the game enters a new stage of development we have a Discord Channel https://discord.gg/9TkdqUJ for your participation and contributions.
Early Access - Community Discord / Suzumi & Malthus
Crypterion is getting close to Early Access release and a major update. As it enters a new stage of development we have a Discord Channel https://discord.gg/9TkdqUJ - for your participation and contributions. We are calling upon you to join in the fun!
Suzumi & Malthus join as potential crew members. Time has passed since the great war in Omni Link, so now these two are much older for Crypterion.
Learn about our growing cast of 25 characters that have already been posted to discord. These NPC's represent your crewmates, business partners, friends, and potentially more. Take the role as captain of your own starship and company. Characters will interact and talk with you as you create your story.
Crypterion is both a business sim and a visual novel.
Q&A Crypterion Features and Development
"Valve has announced the Steam Game Festival: Summer Edition has been postponed by one week. We had to re-create the event and it will now start on Tuesday, June 16th"
Crypterion is an interesting blend of genre's. We are sure you have lots of questions and Astra hopes we can answer yes to most of them, because there is a variety of unexpected things you can do in the game. You may have questions along the lines of:
What type of experience does Crypterion give me?
How do we present choices-through-actions, and what does that mean?
What are our experiments with community integration within the game?
What makes this blend of visual novel / business simulation different from others?
Crypterion Steam Group Chat
For this event join us in the Steam Group Chat June 06/16/2020 at 11:00AM MST. It will last a couple hours, but be punctual :).
Although not officially scheduled, I'll also be on later that evening for those that can't make in until night. I'll keep my group chat box active whenever possible. Starting at 6:00PM MST. I'll get on again! During these chat's there will be a few secrets shared that can't be known about the game unless you join the encounter.
Pre-Alpha Update & Art rewards
Crypterion Development
Crypterion has been undergoing big updates and changes. Nearly every area of the game has been enhanced in the last 2 months.
September 2019 - redesigned planet UI - major loan room changes - redesigned marketplace - first CG scene added - 4 new backgrounds added - Finished interactive CG screen
October - planet UI redesigned (*again with further improvements) - loan room graphic enhances - marketplace graphic enhancements - space station total redesign - media room redesigned with improvements - added animations to 3 planet backgrounds
November - Marketplace goods replaced - Advertisement options replaced - New trailer and screenshots uploaded on Steam
* To celebrate, download and enjoy these chibi's from our temporary webpage.
Use of these chibis is as follows:
You may not sell or distribute these files.
They can be used personally, but not commercially.
You may post on social channels and show to anyone you like :)
Edit the art to make badges, forum icons, or other things you'd like to use online
With your crew, you will explore and trade on different worlds!
Soon, I will detail how you can be involved with the game even so far as being "in" the game. Many new areas are waiting to be revealed such as the space station, the throne room, auction house, collection room, gallery, and a wide variety of worlds.Wishlist and follow so you don't miss out. I hope that you will join us in the closed alpha.
Development Log: https://steamcommunity.com/app/1048860/discussions/
Crypterion - launches on Kickstarter (closed alpha access)
Our released game Omni Link offers opportunities to make choices through story and gameplay, but Crypterion takes that to the next level. It's even better that it's about you, and you are the one changing. Act in dialogue as you would it real life and see how NPC's take to you. Make business decisions that may not please everyone.
Kickstarter funding provides an important cornerstone to what we want to build. There are ways you can be part of the adventure.
* Closed alpha testing - With our backers, you can take part in alpha testing. This may be the only chance to play the game before release. Plans are to let people test nearly the full game, and offer suggestions/changes.
* Your name in credits
* Your submitted fan art in the game
* Event creation
* Design an alien encounter
* Sponsor digital artbook creation
* (You) as a Specialized Crew Member
What I am prioritizing
What is coming in next build
What long-term plans are
