Its been 3 years since updating this demo... where did that time go?

Since then, I moved to Minnesota, probably doubled the size of the Voiceless demo, polished/redid most of the game, and still have not really touched the combat. I've built cool combat systems that should invoke the feeling of NES dragon quest, but with all the modern comforts we learned were pretty important. Plus two super cool systems that I have high hopes for: 

- A 5th party member that you can sub in their turn for someone else (and they are the only one who can use items, so items can be BUFF).

- A global 'status' bar that tracks how much raw violence vs tactical thinking has occurred, and buffs that style as one plays into it more and more. This should encourage/reward the player for diving deep into a core combat style, but could also hamstring your mindless progression if you power up certain foes too much - as this 'temperance' system is effected by AND affects friends and FOES.

On top of that, some of the maps I've made feel so amazing. Open and straightforward (I hope) at first, but filled with hidden loot, optional lore, and even secret quests if that is your kind of thing.

Did I mention that you can steal from literally everyone? Enemies in combat, sure - that's standard now-a-days (the 5th party member can mug a foe with a 100% chance - at the cost of someone else's turn). But have you ever robbed a priest? The entire town guard? What about an orphan? It really tears down this 'wall' we have come to accept in video games - when the guard demands some McGuffin Pass to proceed - and rather than go on a side adventure to find one... just lift an extra from the guard's own pocket!

So much awesome... and yet, my White Whale is still out there - JRPG combat numbers. HP, Damage, Defense of foes - it all is beyond my grasp. I thought that one day it would come to me and be my thing. Three years later, it still isnt. Some people can march through a spreadsheet and create fearsome sharks, mighty giants, and epic Evil Lords with nothing more than some common statistic changes and a different sprite... that is not me. 

Perhaps one day the team will grow and someone will fill that position. Perhaps there exists out there JRPG Monsters-as-a-service. Or perhaps this month might be the one in which I can catch the lightning!