I don't really know what else to say besides... IT'S OUT! (in more ways than one LMAO)
After five years... (two of those just spent on the remaster)... the remastered, overhauled, redone, and most complete version of this game... is finally done.
This game is a piece of my soul. I have changed as a person while working on it, both as a direct result of it, and also simply through the long passage of time. I have discovered parts of myself through this game. I have found catharsis through this game. I have found friends through this game. I have found community and support through this game. It lays bare so many pieces of myself. So many of my struggles. Challenges. But also joys. Wonders.
According to Leafo, this game is pornography. I am unsure why. But I hope now it can have new life in a place where it can be seen. This doesn't mean I'm not nervous and anxious as hell. But at least I have hope again. Also I'm tired. Really really really tired lol.
Please play the remaster! It includes a whole wealth of new and overhauled stuff!
And if I can ask a perhaps selfish favor: it would mean the world if you could leave a review on Steam. Visibility on Steam is directly tied to engagement and reviews: until it gets 10 reviews, it's basically invisible, then each time it hits a new threshold (50, 100(?), 500, etc.) it helps it even more, allowing the game to be pushed more across the site. So I ask with all the hope in my heart that you might leave a review -- even if it just means copying a comment or review you've already left for the game on itch (since I've gotten so many wonderful and kind comments throughout the years there). I'm worried because the game is so long that it will take people a while to finish it (either for a first or second time) and then the reviews will take a while to come in and by then the game will already be buried into obscurity because it didn't get reviews quickly enough... so it would truly mean the world to me if you could leave a review quickly about the OG game if you've enjoyed it before (and ofc you can then update it once you have a chance to complete the entire remaster, etc.).
tl;dr if the game doesn't get to at least 10 reviews quickly, it's gonna flop
Here are the full FAST FACTS about the remaster:
The new After Stories add an additional 15k+ words, taking the complete game to over 300k words (around 23 to 25-ish hours).
The new CGs take the CG count up to 570+ (actually 580'ish with the After Stories CGs).
I've lost track of how many redone CGs there are, but there's easily at least 100 completely redrawn CGs + 100s of partially updated CGs.
The UI and menus are completely redone, including new character bios.
A new After Story (a short story taking place after the game) has been added for each LI that can be played once you've unlocked their epilogue.
The new Iggy side sprite has been implemented throughout the entire game, making a lot of the scenes feel more immersive and dynamic.
The entire game has had a thorough scripting polish with a multitude of small to large tweaks that probably only I would notice to make it feel more cinematic + various small narrative updates + sprite updates + music updates.
There are 13 Steam achievements you can earn (some tied to endings, some tied to CGs, etc.). To get all of them, you'll need to discover every possible thing you can discover in the game.
Complete controller support has been added, so you can now play with keyboard, mouse, or controller (which should also make it playable on Steam Deck, though admittedly, I have not been able to test it because I don't own a Steam Deck weep).
And... I think that's it. But I may be forgetting something. My head's a little empty right now LOL
Oh yes, the game is also releasing as part of the Alice in Wonderland Steam festival!! So you can also go check out some other cool games inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Did I mention you can play it on Steam???
Here's the Steam link again!!!!!!!!!