Methods: The Detective Competition
Release IX // Chapters 21 & 22
Release IX is here!
Release IX is a significant update, because for the first time since I began putting out chapters, Methods is no longer free. If you already downloaded it, you should still be able to access the full version (I have discovered this is not the case. Please claim your free copy through the reward on the game's main page. More information here: https://lockedon.itch.io/methods/devlog/94450/free-copy-of-full-game-limited-off...) I have released a free demo for the game, which contains the first ten chapters.
This new update contains two new chapters, two bios, two CGs, some tweaks to the title screen, a new music track and a brand-new special feature: interviews!
I'm very excited about this new feature because it has a lot of potential depth. What I mean is, a special feature like bios or the ranks can't be updated if there are no new characters in a while or no new mysteries. This will be a problem with later story arcs, as the mysteries get spread out a lot and the number of detectives narrows down until there aren't too many new characters being introduced. However, there will always be potential for more content with the interviews because I can keep adding questions -- and now that the interface is done that's pretty easy.
Next release will be the tenth one, so that'll be pretty big! In addition to the three chapters, I also will be going back into these two chapters and tweaking them slightly, since there were a few things I wanted to get done that I didn't have time for this week.
So, the great pricing experiment begins! If this totally falls flat, I may explore other prices, but in the event that I do sell a few copies of the game, that money will be funneled into the Methods Steam Release Fund, a charity that may or may not be a scam.
Enjoy!
-- LockedOn.
Comments
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Sorry to hear that there was some difficulty getting the launch to work the way you want it, but I'm glad it sounds like you've got a plan. As for the release...
No kidding. Farenell! I'll miss her, since I'm assuming we're sticking with the mysterious/long-suffering infiltrator, and though the parting of ways was rather glum... I thought it was well done, with Detective Mellie's little aside really adding a lot.
I also really enjoyed GM Bob! What a fella.
But I'm really looking forward to the Interviews, they're the sort of bonus function I like best. Adding context to a game by including something from before it began is pretty neat, after all. They were all very enjoyable, and I'm looking forward to other possible interviews and questions - guess you could say I was entertained, and a receptive audience!
At some point I can't keep eliminating detectives that nobody's seen or heard of and start making some tough decisions! Haha. Yes, I also feel that Nell's story was cut a bit short. In the original novel she was less interesting, so it wasn't as big a deal when I switched her out. I may tweak the later chapters a little so she has a bit more time... funnily enough, Hackett had a much larger role in the original novel, but it didn't make sense for him to be palling around with the high-ranked detectives since he isn't supposed to be very good at solving mysteries, so I gave most of his lines to Asper and Slakes, or just cut them entirely.
Tough decision, but well-handled; stepping back as a fan/cultist, you built up that it was gonna happen, making the moment more effective. Regret that comes well-written is the best kind of regret. And the way it effects 77< is, to paraphrase, fishtastic. Also, I can see Hackett hacking it more, but feel his, uh, presence holds it own, ahaha!*
Being able to catch-up with the cast we don't get to sign as much time on via interviews is kinda giving me the vibe of a TIPS menu, a feature I love seeing in VN. I've got a lot more thoughts, but in short - my method (which is gut-hunches) tells me you're doing good, pal!
*i just hope she can pay those things off, student loans are.........Hmm, a tips menu? You mean like the characters giving you hints or something?
Ah!
In Higurashi, there was a feature called the TIPS menu; it comprised of random one-off scenes, scenes shot from another character's perspective, and items (newspaper clippings, etc) from the world. It's been ages since I read Higurashi, but I remember it being a really cool way to add atmosphere that wouldn't have fit in the main story.
But really, anything you have in mind sounds good by me - and that sounds like a pretty cool idea, too! (Although, we're getting to the point that, uh, I'll admit I might end up leaning on the characters for help more often than not.. :P )
Ah, I see. That does sound cool. I've been meaning to play Higurashi ...
Ahhh, that's awkward. I have the game downloaded; I just can't download the newest file.
Sorry to bother you-- the image is mostly to show that I have indeed had an older version xD
Huh, that's weird... I'm going to email itch.io about this to see if there is an easier solution than emailing out 400 download keys. If anyone else is experiencing this issue please tell me!
You can now download a free copy of the new release + all subsequent releases by claiming the reward (simply press the "claim reward" button under the "Exclusive content" section on the game's page). This reward is limited to be claimed by 400 people -- if it runs out before you claim it, let me know (though I doubt it will). :)
Thanks very much! Sorry for the inconvenience haha.
It's no problem at all! Thanks for letting me know. :)