The UI is going well. We have about three separate screens to add in... a shopkeeper screen (for when characters want to buy or sell things), an inventory screen (for using items), and the general UI. Things like the save, load, help and about menus. There's a general theme with what we're going for, so the main deal is to make sure none of the UI elements really brutally clash with each other or the game.

Sound design for cutscenes is another animal, full of not just feedback but straight up trial and error. I want each scene to have a certain vibe to it, so making sure I capture that vibe with music or sound effects is really important. No promises on it being a PERFECT MASTERPIECE or anything, but hopefully the players will be able to pick up what we're putting down.

When I said there were only three general screens to add in, I wasn't accounting for the fact that we're working on implementing a map system! You'll be able to choose where you want to go and in what order, which is all fine and dandy until the actual coding comes in.

The folks doing the programming are either massively patient or immensely talented, though in my case it's honestly just stubborn. We're working on ironing out the kinks in the map's functionality enough to add in placeholder visual assets.

Some of its functions include the ability to set the time of day (morning, noon, evening or night), which locations are available, and what I lovingly like to call a "bystander variable"; some code that allows us to toggle whether there are other people in a given location. Are you completely alone in a dark alley? Are you in a bustling restaurant? Are you walking home, not a soul in sight except for Bob? I dunno, man. Play the game when it comes out, I guess!

Also, for good measure, shoutout to our programmers. Everyone on the team is awesome but the programmers are total professionals at beating their (our?) heads against a proverbial wall until they (we??) find a solution to whatever problem or asinine glitch comes up.

— Rae