- Windup Minds
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- Alpha: Final Ruff Cut
Hey Stay Community!
Well Play Testers, the time has come- our final Play Test before the big launch! Read all the way to the bottom to see the team’s thanks to all our Play Testers from the beginning until now. 🥳
New Toys, New Memories, New Fun!
Table of Contents
What’s New?
Ember:
Is now more likely to stick with you while you explore.
Now grows tired and expresses a need to rest.
Is no longer obsessed with letters!
Gameplay, Thorn Vines:
Have had a glow up with new flowers, better feedback. More JUICE.
A counter keeps track of how many vines are left in the level.
Clearing all the vines causes a change in the Heart Tree.
Gameplay, Trade:
Huge catalogue of items to trade for! From framed art to doghouses to fake mustaches.
New shop tune plays around the trade board.
Trade board no longer needs to be upgraded to use. Just pay Ember the biscuit tax during the tutorial.
The full catalog can now be previewed (albeit silhouetted).
Gameplay, Mosslings:
Thief Mosslings have new feedback when they’re on the prowl!
Get special rewards from rare gifting Mosslings and rare thief Mosslings.
Letters:
Letters now de-spawn after you’ve read them. You can review them later in the pause menu.
Letters have a new narrative pass.
Tutorial:
Ember’s performance in the portal is more polished.
New portal VFX.
You can now try planting a seed indoors.
Ember now reveals a thorn flower to clear vines on the door.
Additional language support:
Incremental quality improvements to French, Italian, and German. (Note that all three are still undergoing full QA!)
Spanish, Korean and Japanese are all available, but haven’t undergone QA.
Locomotion:
Expanded locomotion options, including Arm-swinger!
Outdoor Level Improvements:
Loads of new art, set dressing, and audio. Check out the new heart tree and the waterfall!
Customize the fenced area around your yard with traded goods.
Sticks:
They’re bigger than ever. And more useful!
Distance grab:
Is now simplified to use the grip trigger. Visual feedback is aggressive at the moment. We’re still tuning.
Most interactive objects are now highlighted. Valuable items sparkle and sometimes play a sound to help find them.
Other:
Audio is more accurately spatialized for even greater immersion.
Double the Sticks - Double the Speed!
Did you know Ember is on Reddit?
https://www.reddit.com/r/StayForeverHome/
Known Issues
Ember only understands English commands at the moment. (Don’t worry; we’ll have options for other languages at launch!)
Large Fruit can sometimes follow you back to your house from Ember’s world. It’s ok, you can just break them!
Objects in MR can shift when the game loads
Sometimes Ember’s wants can’t be met. She just really really really wants that ball, forever, it’s her precious.
Magic Toadstool isn’t as magical as it’s supposed to be
Gifting Mosslings are still a bit too greedy with their gifts
Mosslings and some items have a bit TOO much magic and can be seen floating in the air
Hands can occasionally get stuck on items.
Objects in MR can sometimes spawn in walls or floor
We’d Love Your Feedback
Do you find yourself spending more time with Ember in MR or VR? Why?
What’s your favorite thing to do in each space– MR and VR?
Are there any frustrating or unclear parts?
What changes or improvements would you like– if any?
What are your thoughts on communicating with Ember?
How do you feel about the gameplay?
What are your thoughts on the Mosslings and their interactions?
Pretty sure those ears get both AM and FM.
How to Playtest & Provide Feedback
Your feedback is crucial to shaping the game– so let us know your thoughts! If you’d like to participate:
Sign up for the Alpha: Ruff Cut Playtester
Make sure you have the Playtester Role in our Discord
Join the Alpha: Ruff Cut Discord channels to share your thoughts with others
Contact the Devs: Use our support portal channel to submit feedback, bug requests, and more!
Looking forward to hearing what you think. Enjoy the update and your time with Ember!
