Another week came to pass and Ale Abbey starts to feel like a "real game" already. Still a long way ahead of us, but we're sure you can see the progress and changes that happened over the last few weeks, especially after watching the internal build we're showcasing below.
Apart from the video though, don't forgo the work on the UI redesign and the character perspectives ;)
Onwards with the news!
-- Finishing up character perspectives
These should be the last few touches - if not the last touches - on the different character perspectives we have been working on these last few weeks. The last characters that will be able to interact with the Monastery and its spaces, the local poor populace that will visit from time to time to get their much needed daily portion of ale :)
-- Overall UI redesign
With the idea of redesigning/overhauling the UIs coming into focus - and most of the work being funneled towards that direction - our Art Director, Francesco had his hands full this week. With the Recipe Creation being an important and complex part (that also needed redesign and polishing) in Ale Abbey's gameplay, it was also the best candidate to start the redesign with. Our goal is to create a UI that is not only visually appealing but also something that can better carry all the information necessary for you to devise the perfect brew!
Francesco used both older references, references used to dictate colors and overall art direction for other scenes and UI in Ale Abbey, as well as some newer references that would relate more to the way information was written and presented at the time. For example:
The following screenshots show the differences between the previous state of the UI and the suggested mockups that will guide the final art style :)
Potential Brew quality:
Choosing the room and Monk for the job:
-- Latest internal build
This post's cherry on top... we managed to grab a highly classified video of the team testing the latest internal build. Although still in its very early stages, and somewhat crude, you can notice some of the work we shared earlier in animations, UI, and gameplay loops (placement of equipment/furniture). Regardless, most of the activity in the video revolves around the UI specifically.
Also, keep the video's volume up... this is the first time we release one of Clint's (our composer), WIP pieces for Ale Abbey! ;)
-- Brewing with lower calories in mind
When it comes to beer, many people assume that low-calorie options must be bland and unappealing. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can create delicious and refreshing low-calorie beers that are just as satisfying as their higher-calorie counterparts. One of the most effective ways to reduce the calorie content of your beer is by using lower-calorie ingredients. For example, you can substitute malt extract with maltodextrin, which contains fewer calories and carbohydrates. Another option is to use a sugar substitute like Stevia, which can help to reduce the sweetness and calorie content of your beer.
Another way to create low-calorie beer is by reducing the alcohol content. Alcohol contains a significant amount of calories, so by lowering the ABV of your beer, you can significantly reduce its overall calorie count. One way to achieve this is by using a yeast strain that produces less alcohol, or by simply fermenting for a shorter period of time. Additionally, you can experiment with using lighter grains and hops to create a lower-alcohol beer that still has plenty of flavor and character.
Overall, making low-calorie beer doesn't have to be a compromise. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create delicious, refreshing beers that are both lower in calories and full of flavor. Whether you're looking to cut back on your calorie intake or simply enjoy a lighter, more refreshing beer, there are plenty of options and techniques to explore.
Make sure you join us next week for more of Ale Abbey's news! For now, enjoy your weekend responsibly ;)
-- Hammer & Ravens
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