Okay this is a fairly big update with a number of new features.
1. Shared Treasure Chest in Cities 2. Version Checker - IMPORTANT 3. Controller Functionality
Shared Chest
Each city has a special treasure chest that can now be used to store items. The special chest is the same chest in each city, so items you store in one city will be available in all cities. This feature was requested by players, and i hope it helps!
IMPORTANT
Version Checker
Because of some of these changes, I have included a version checker that will prevent players from loading old saved games. If you are not ready to stop your existing playthrough, you can load the old version of the game (1.0.5) by going to "Islands of the Caliph > Properties > Betas" and select "version1.0.5 " from the drop-down menu.
The main reason for the incompatibility is the shared treasure chest mentioned above. I will write a post about how to transfer your old game to the new version. There are a few steps involved so I feel it requires a separate discussion thread. Check here shortly: https://steamcommunity.com/app/1845670/discussions/0/6644556627480836068/
Partial Controller Support
Controller should now work through the in-game Options Menu. The game is still designed for keyboard only controls, but players who really prefer using a controller can now set it up to work.
Ideally it would be better and more compatible to use Steam's controller configuration tool. It has a more robust interface and will probably be easier to set up. However if that is giving you trouble, try the following.
Just go to the: "main menu > options > key-binding" and select the commands you want to assign to your controller. When prompted hit the controller button, joystick direction or directional pad to rebind the controls.
Testing Branch Updated to Version 1.1.3
I found a bug in the previous build that basically disabled all your commands if you hit 'escape' while in the key-binding menu. Hitting escape there basically resets all your controls to those that were in the options file when you loaded the game, however I forgot to update that function after adding controller support. So it was trying to apply controller based commands assuming they were keyboard commands and it just couldn't do it.
Now it should all be working as intended, and I think the game is pretty much controller friendly now.
Even if the interface is not particularly elegant, the game will also work better with the Steam controller configuration tool. The splash screen and controls menu used to be kind of hard wired to 'enter' and 'tab' but they are now linked to the 'advance dialogue' and 'approve' commands ('enter' and 'y' by default) so you will not have to use the keyboard when starting the game.
Also when entering a number you can used the "forward" and "backward" commands ('w' and 's' by default) to change that number, instead of having to type into the keyboard.
I mentioned this in previous updates but I am just saying it again for anyone who missed it.
I will test this out a bit more and then set it to the default branch, probably tomorrow. Note, the update has a lot of other new features including a shared treasure chest in cities, and it will require starting a new saved game.
However, I will also provide a work-around for this, in case anyone wants to keep playing their current game.
To try the test branch go to "Islands of the Caliph > Properties > Betas" and select "Public_Testing" from the drop-down menu.
Testing Branch Updated to Version 1.1.2
There was a major issue in version 1.1.1 that prevented certain controller buttons from working. I believe that is fixed now. Let me know how it goes.
As for creating customized button names, it seems it may vary a lot from one controller type to the next. I do not plan to use different controller layouts, but it might be possible to make a separate text file with the button names that users could customize.
I want to get it working first before attempting any kind of fine tuning or customization though. And there may be bigger issues to deal with, so it's definitely not going to be a priority at this time.
Testing Branch Updated to Version 1.1.1
The controller interface has been updated in many ways.
The move forward/backward keys (and therefor controller input) can now be used to raise and lower numeric amounts.
TAB has been replaced by the "Approve" key. So now you toggle the controls menu with the approval key.
Also, the splash screen is not fixed to the "enter" key, but whatever key or button you assign to the advance dialogue command.
What this all means is that you should be able to fully enjoy the game with the controller. There should be almost no reason to use the keyboard once your controller is set up.
The only keyboard commands remaining are: F1 - Resets the options file to default values. F2 - Opens the instruction manual F3 - Opens the credits screen
I am probably not going to bother with these unless it makes a difference to a significant group of players. Also, I imagine I may have to update these to get the Steam Deck green check-mark. We will see what happens.
Other Stuff
There are a bunch of smaller fixes to the rest of the game. I will outline those once this becomes the default branch. I want to wait until this is more thoroughly tested before that happens, because it will require players to start a new saved game.
Go to "Islands of the Caliph > Properties > Betas" and select "Public_Testing" from the drop-down menu.
FREE DEMO - Testing Branch Updated to Version 1.1.0
A similar announcement was just made for the full game but this is for the FREE DEMO.
I have tested things out, but I imagine there will be some issues. If you are willing to try it out and offer feedback before it goes to the default branch, you will need to enable the "testing" beta.
Go to "Islands of the Caliph > Properties > Betas" and select "testing" from the drop-down menu.
There you will be able to rebind the keys to your controller sticks and buttons.
Note: The game requires the use of the "Enter" key and "Tab" at this time. Also, at this time if you are selecting a number in the inventory dialogue or other places, you will still need to type the number on your keyboard. I will address this in the next couple updates, before it goes to the default.
Also Note: You will need to restart the game to use this update. Trying to load an older save file will show you an error, and direct you to the manual.
Testing Branch Updated to Version 1.1.0
For anyone who wanted to have controller input this is your update!
I have tested things out, but I imagine there will be some issues. If you are willing to try it out and offer feedback before it goes to the default branch, you will need to enable the "Public_Testing" beta.
Go to "Islands of the Caliph > Properties > Betas" and select "Public_Testing" from the drop-down menu.
There you will be able to rebind the keys to your controller sticks and buttons.
Note: The game requires the use of the "Enter" key and "Tab" at this time. Also, at this time if you are selecting a number in the inventory dialogue or other places, you will still need to type the number on your keyboard. I will address this in the next couple updates, before it goes to the default.
Also Note: You will need to restart the game to use this update. Trying to load an older save file will show you an error, and direct you to the manual.
Update 1.0.5 - Hugo Rodrigue Appreciation Post
Hugo Rodrigue is a musician and composer, and he did all the music for Islands of the Caliph.
I find the songs have been growing on my more and more as I've playtested the game (a lot) over the past few months. The songs have also evolved over this time, and they have become really important to establishing the atmosphere of the game. I feel like they lend it a style and authenticity that I would never have been able to reach on my own as the game developer, so I just wanted to express my appreciation for Hugo's work on this project!
Check out his website for more info: https://hurodrigue.wixsite.com/portfolio?fbclid=IwAR0dJHcsx9LxlP0QIa1TVRwxv_DB2ov-A53gOS3CNYAFGp9jNpjf9tNoAGw
Fixes in Version 1.0.5
I have also fixed another issue in the game where Aziz the Jailer did not show up at the right time.
Updated to Version 1.0.4
There are some pretty big changes in this patch. A lot of them have to do with two specific quests and the descriptions will have spoilers so read at your own risk!
The Jinn Quest
The jinn quest had a major problem in that, depending which island you chose, it could cause you to get stuck and unable to progress. The new update makes the following changes:
Prevents player from traveling to Salam Island or the Isle of Tazkiyyah if the ship is not available for return
Isle of Tazkiyyah has an extra naturalist and tent so player can rest and sell goods to recover lost silver coin
Isle of Hikmah the Naturalist in the City of Shifa was moved out of town to prevent players who had not yet opened Meezan Village from getting stuck there.
All Naturalists will now also purchase raw fruits
If the player took the jinn's passage to the Ikhlas Atol, they would be stuck in a square between buildings - this has been fixed
Minhaaj Island now includes an additional stairway that leads from the top of the crater rim down to the beach, so players will not get stuck north of the city
The Squid Quest
Player will not be able to attack squid after accepting the quest for eggs
Eggs cannot be sold unless the player attacks the squid - this will prevent the squid egg quest from starting
Robots:
Players will no longer be able to destroy Automatons until the correct time
Other Issues
Strange NPC should no longer appear over Captain Akram on the south dock of the Isle of Hikmah until the correct time
Going to stay at the Inn without enough money would cause the game to freeze - this has been fixed
I noticed a few other bugs but could not address them today. Venom is not behaving properly if the player rests, and getting bit by snakes AND spiders seems to able to cancel one venom with the other.
Rest assured by the next update you will be able to get poisoned to death once again!
Updated to Version 1.0.3
I am getting some great feedback on improving some of the game's systems. For today it's mostly some small fixes. The bigger stuff will require a little extra time.
Bugs:
Bows should no longer do 100 damage, but whatever amount they show in the weapon description.
Empty string fixed when talking to Abdul Qawi in Al-Hadid
Fever and stomach medication should now deplete properly when used
All treasure chest conflicts should be resolved now*
Updates:
Introducing Cloud Saves**
*Shared Treasure Issue
If you have stored any gear stored in these locations don't panic!
In the City of Sih'ra on the Isle of Jahiliyyah, there is a chest in the crypt that was mixed up with another chest in the Ghabiun Ruins (on the same Island)
The Cave of Sakhar on Salam Island has a chest that got mixed up with one in the Ruins of Al-Kharab on the Isle of Hikmah.
In order to retrieve this treasure, go to "Islands of the Caliph > Properties > Betas" and choose "Version1.0.2" from the drop down menu. You should be able to get whatever you left there and store it in one of the city chests. Once you have done that and saved your game you can update the game to the default version 1.0.3.
**Cloud Saves
This is now in the testing process. To test auto-cloud syncing, you will need to use the Steam console command: testappcloudpaths [1845670] when starting your game.
Go to "Islands of the Caliph > Properties > General" and enter the above command in the "Launch Options" field. Please report back whether it works or not. I will start a pinned thread about cloud saves.
Future Changes:
There are some really good suggestions as well as some more complex bugs being reported. I will summarize these here and open the floor for feedback if anyone is interested in contributing their thoughts.
1. Auto Saves: Right now the game automatically saves progress when you transfer from one level to another. The suggestion to remove this has me intrigued. But I am worried it might be too big a change to implement in one move. I am considering adding a toggle to turn auto saves on or off.
To do this I will have to test it out a lot, as most of the game was written with auto saves in mind, so I am unsure how much this might effect other systems if at all. I might start up a testing branch for this feature. Let me know if you would be interested in trying it.
2. Map Resetting: On some occasions maps are resetting when a player returns to a level, or slight changes happen to the existing map. I believe this happens when I make a change to that level and the game gets updated while that map already exists. If anyone is interested in testing this, start a new game and map out some areas. See if you can reproduce the issue while the game is not being updated. If it is reproducible let me know how you did it. I will be testing this myself, but my preliminary experiments do not produce any issues.
Regarding the map issues after updates, I will be trying to figure out how to address that. I guess was not planning to update the levels as much as has been required.
3. Connected Chests: With the connected chests bug, one player has suggested that I actually incorporate this as a feature for the chests in towns. This way a player could put extra stuff in that chest, and then access it from any of the towns. I actually like this idea, but it could potentially delete the contents of chests players are using right now. So it would be a major change that would basically require you to restart the game.
I'm just putting the idea out there for any feedback. If I do it, I would again introduce a legacy version for anyone who wanted to keep playing their existing game. But they would not be getting the new fixes and updates in this case. I don't like to force players to restart their game (despite what many of you might think) and I don't want to leave a large player base behind without any updates either.
It would be nice to know how many people would like or dislike this feature. So let me know!
Updated to Version 1.0.2
A few bugs were addressed and some slight improvements were made.
Bugs:
You should now be able to rebind keys and use them without having to restart the game. Actually most of the keys worked fine, but the "use/attack" key and the "advance dialogue/menu button" key required a restart if changed. This is why I did not notice the problem ... should have tested all the keys!
You should now be able to sell arrows at a weapons dealer
Missing broken wall model was fixed
You may now unequip the diving (ghaws) helmet without having to equip another helmet
You can now finish delivering the letter to Abenazer even if you did the thing (SPOILERS)
Two chests that shared the same contents were fixed and should now have individual contents
Fixed a bug where an NPC appeared before they were supposed to
Updates:
Changing the window resolution can now be done faster when holding shift
The Book of Months now gives a more comprehensive description of the Lunar Months and their importance in the game
A new naturalist (buys and sells monster parts) was added to Asad Island so you don't get stuck there with no way to make money
Some rocks were removed so players do not get completely stuck in a certain area
Other things were changed but they would be spoilers to describe here...
Don't Get Rid of Useful Things!
Some players have encountered situations where they broke through an obstacle, and then sold or discarded the tool that let them break through that thing, only to find themselves stuck. Barrels, rocks and trees will respawn when you exit and enter an area, so it's a good idea to hang on to things that help you break them.
This is a problem with the game's design I will admit. I am brainstorming ways to make it impossible to happen, but until further notice, I strongly advise keeping your useful items until and unless you find a thing that can do the same job.
