GUIDANCE

This game is still in early development.  Any feedback is highly appreciated. ^.^

This game features:

• A unique relationship between player and player character.

• A rich and well thought out world and story.

• Unique characters and many optional NPC’s.

• Dynamic cutscenes.

• Intuitive turn based combat.

• 3 characters with unique roles in and outside of combat.

• A unique system of character progression.

• Diverse playstyle options.

• 2 unique boss fights (for now).

• Elevators (I’m proud of them).

• Various Puzzles.

• Lots of laughs.

• The seeds of a mystery.

• At least one spine chilling moment.

Nearly a century ago, CORRUPTION EVENTS stripped countless individuals of their identities, losing who they were, and being replaced with blank slates known as the "GLITCHLESS".
Without a face, without a name.  Now, 100 years later, surely such a thing couldn't happen again, right?

GUIDE Verity and her companions on their quest to SEAL the GATEWAYS to the UNSEEN PLANE, and "restore the balance of the world".

That's the right thing to do, right?

The path isn't straight forward, but then again it never is.  In the twists and turns of destiny, the choices you and Verity make will shape the end of this road.

The choices of others too, some you've yet to meet.

Whatever the case, you best be sure to FOLLOW YOUR HEART.  And let Verity follow hers.

GUIDANCE uses a unique system for character progression!

• Collect SOUL SHARDS of different varieties by defeating enemies! FORGE these SHARDS into new WEAPONS, PENDANTS, and USEFUL ITEMS!
  PENDANTS have a variety of effects, such as increasing your stats, making certain damage types stronger, and much more!
  
  Play it safe, or play it risky! Specialize in any damage type! The way you build your characters is up to you!
  No leveling! You get stronger through FORGING new EQUIPMENT and it's up to you what you focus on!

• Watch out for your enemies weaknesses! There are four damage types, SLASHING, WHACKING, FLAMING, and LIGHTNING!
  Each one is strong against different foes, and each has a chance to apply a unique status effect whenever it is used!

• Collect SPELL SCROLLS to unlock new SPELLS! Throughout the game you will encounter SCROLLS which will grant
  new spells to Verity and her crew! These can also be read for extra lore, and some tips and mechanics information.
  Ned Adams hopes you enjoy his dissertations, even if they are pretty old!

• Simple puzzles stand in your way, push-able rocks as well, and you never know when you might need to run for your life!
  The game is fairly linear but be sure to explore a little, you never know what you might find!

Epilepsy Warning!

This game contains some minor flashing lights, and more intense "pulsating effects".

If you suffer from severe epilepsy, please exercise extreme caution when approaching the game, at your own risk.  Maybe have someone else who knows your condition try it for you first.

Luckily, these effects appear near the very start of the game, so if you can handle those alright, you shouldn't have anything to worry about! <3

As for an option to turn these off, it's something I would like to look into down the line, however coming up with a way of not making those same scenes look like crap may be tricky.  Of course, maybe you don't mind if a few scenes look like crap as long as they don't give you seizures.  That's probably fair.

At the moment though, finishing the game is my top priority.  I hope you understand. ^.^

Mature Content?

The developers describe the content like this:

The word kill, and the concept of killing is semi-frequent, including used by protagonists.
Only monsters are actually killed... so far...

"Bleed" is a status effect that can be inflicted, and the concept of making enemies bleed to deal extra damage is an aspect of gameplay.
There is no realistic blood, nor does blood display on any characters at this time.

Damn and h-e-doublehockeysticks are used infrequently, including with hostility.

The game may get pretty emotionally heavy, with some difficult moral dilemmas, if I pull this off right!

Q: When will this game fully release?
A: I’ve been working on the game for about 2 years now, and I’m less than halfway done.  I’m hoping I can finish the game sometime late in 2024, but it'll be finished when it’s finished.

Q: Will there be any updates to the game before the full release?
A: Yes :>

Q: How much will this game cost?  Where can I buy it?
A: I’m planning on selling the game on Steam and Game Jolt for $10.

Q: Can I help with the game?
A: When it comes to passion projects like this, I prefer to work alone, but I will need playtesters later in development.  I’ll update you all once I start looking. ^.^

Q: Who all is working on the game?
A: Just me.  I use a number of plugins, instrument packs, and programs (listed in the credits) but all the work of actually composing, spriting, and programming/cutscenes is all me.

Q: Can I make something with characters from GUIDANCE?
A: Yes, you are more than welcome to create fan-content of any kind.  I only ask you link back to the gamepage on your project page; whether that be an art post, video, or fangamepage.

Q: Can I mod the game and share my modded version?
A: You’re free to mod the game how you like, and use the existing game as a base for a fangame.  However, I’d have to ask you don’t simply reupload the entire game with a couple files swapped.  If you’re going to reupload a full working copy of the game, please make sure the changes are substantial, and it’s lacking much of the current games cutscenes and maps.

If you’re unsure something is ok to upload, you can ask me directly.  I’d recommend you do that anyways, as I’d love to see anything you make. ^.^

Naturally, the rules regarding linking to the original game page apply to modding as well.

Modding rules may become stricter once the paid version is released.

Q: What do you plan to do after you finish the game?  Will there be a sequel?
A: I have no shortage of ideas for games and project ideas, they practically infect me.  However, I do have a very specific idea for a DLC/Sequel to GUIDANCE I plan to make after GUIDANCE is finished.  It’s an idea that really expands on the story and does some really fun stuff, so it’s something I’m definitely planning on making.  That’s way down the road however.

Q: Can I suggest a question to add here?
A: Of course! Just leave a shout on the game's profile, and I’ll answer it as best I can and add it to the list. ^.^

Kadokawa for providing the engine and a lot of less important sound effects.

A variety of plugin developers, which are linked below:

http://sumrndm.site/mv-plugins/
https://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?threads/altimit-pixel-movement-0-50v.85408/
galvs-scripts.com
https://mogplugins.wordpress.com/rpg-maker-mv/
https://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?threads/iavra-text-sound.49347/
https://hakuenstudio.itch.io/eli-font-manager-for-rpg-maker-mv

Myself (naturally)

There are credits in-game as well, which are more accurate to the most recent demo release. I may update this section of the games page in the future as well, but for now this is just a quick and dirty, so this footnote will have to do.

GUIDANCE, it's characters, music, and story, are property of Luke Stevens (pen name) aka LukeLCS aka myself.

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