We have a progress update regarding CotH’s next demo as it nears completion. We’re currently working on Chapter 11’s script as well as implementing the new units recruited in that chapter. However, what we really want to show you are these:
The first annual SRPG Studio Game Awards were held earlier today, and we walked away with Community Choice awards for Game of the Year, Demo of the Year, and Best Presentation based on votes from the larger SRPG Studio community. We would not have achieved this milestone without your support, and we wish to thank you once again for it.
If you thought our first demo was impressive, get excited for this next one as it showcases new story developments and further improvements in presentation and gameplay. We continue looking forward to your enjoyment and feedback.
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With Chapter 12 completed, Demo 2 of Cycle of the Heavens has now entered its final stretch of testing and polishing. In the meantime, we’d like to give a small taste of the visual improvements you can look forward to, for those of you who haven’t joined our Discord server yet.
Since Demo 1 released last year, new AI tools (particularly Google AI Studio) have become available to us. Simply speaking, these tools are capable of taking images as input and redrawing specific portions to suit our needs. These, combined with Adarya’s usual Photoshop wizardry, have enabled us to put out much nicer-looking portraits than was possible a year ago, with more consistent detailing and fewer errors.
Below are some examples, with the old Demo 1 portraits on the left and the new Demo 2 portraits on the right.
Selenea doesn’t have a sloppy print on the front of her dress anymore, and her arms have been redrawn.
Stella’s cape is now one piece instead of two, has a more consistent-looking decorative pattern, and a little star brooch holding it in place.
Finally, fan favorite Sirius has had the extraneous hood on his cape removed, received nicer looking star decorations (including the same brooch as his sister), and consistently-colored sleeves.
Be on the lookout for more sneak peeks in the coming days as Demo 2 comes closer to completion!
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Here’s a look at more Prologue/Chapter 1 characters with new portraits, starting with the game’s Cain & Abel duo.
Frances’s armor has been tidied up to look more consistent. In particular, that hideous smudgy armor piece covering her navel is now gone.
James also has nicer looking armor now, with less sloppy gold trim as well as a red sash to indicate his special status as King Samson’s retainer.
Besides them, your first flier Odette has an improved collar and shoulders in addition to a red belt around her waist.
As for major NPCs, Samson and Gabrielle have been completely redesigned. I’m especially happy with Gabrielle’s new mask, which is far closer to how I’d originally envisioned the character.
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Portrait updates for Chapter 2 & 3 characters
Paul’s shirt, pauldrons, and armbands have been redrawn to look more sensible. The front of his shirt has also been opened up to show more of his chest and play up his sex appeal.
The ugly leather flaps on the sides of Barbi’s sleeves have been removed. Her belt and tie have also been redrawn, and she now wears a quiver of arrows on her back like any good archer should.
Finally, Asami’s hair is no longer cropped, and her outfit has been redrawn with new sleeves and a flower print on the front in reference to her late daughter Sakura.
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They’re all so beautiful I love it!!! Can’t wait to support conversation some of these hawt guys
