Chapter 3 — Devlog #1

Hi!

Today is going to be a slightly unusual devlog. Before talking about Chapter 3, I want to look back a little at Chapter 2.

If you don't want to read this stupid wall of text, just scroll down. There will be a short TLDR at the end.

Ok so, overall, I'm happy with how it was received. Most of the feedback was warm, and that honestly means a lot. Of course, there was some negative feedback too, but that's not surprising. I knew from the start that Undawn would be much darker and heavier than IU. It's not the same kind of simple, modern story, and this tone isn't for everyone. And it's fine.

Still, I want to thank everyone who gave the game a chance, played the chapter, and shared their thoughts. For some people, it's just a few hours of gameplay in the evening. For me, it's months of work, nerves, renders, edits, and a constant desire to make everything better. So I really appreciate it when people don't just pass by, but actually pay attention to the characters, the world, and the story I'm trying to tell.

Now, a few words about Chapter 2 itself.

I was honestly worried about how people would react to Irsha in her combat form. When I created that look, I wanted to show how much the pain and torment of the Underworld had changed her. I didn't want her to look simply cute or beautiful. In that form, you were supposed to feel what she'd been through. Judging by your reactions and by how much interest in Irsha has grown, I think it worked. And I'm really happy about that.

The same goes for Niko. For those who didn't know or didn't notice, Niko has several different paths in Chapter 2, and they depend entirely on your choices. Your decisions define what she becomes and how her storyline ends at this stage.

I'll reveal a small secret. In the novel I'm adapting the game from, Niko dies no matter what. It becomes one of the important reasons why Rhiannon starts feeling something again, even if not exactly in the way people might expect from her. In the game, I needed to keep the dramatic weight of that story, but also give the player real agency. Making those paths feel logical turned out to be harder than I expected, and it became one of the reasons for the delay.

But I'm happy with the result. Especially considering that Niko is now among the top three most popular characters with players. Don't worry, her story isn't over yet. She'll return.

There was also some criticism regarding the logic of certain scenes, especially the ones involving Rhiannon, the catacombs, and the Duke's castle. I understand why some players had questions. Maybe some moments should've been shown in more detail or explained more clearly. I relied too much on players reading certain things between the lines.

That was a good lesson for me as a writer. In the future, I'll try to make moments like that clearer within the story itself, especially when a character's actions might seem strange without additional context.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the feedback and the results of Chapter 2. There were mistakes, there were successful choices, and most importantly, I understand where to go next.

Now, about Chapter 3.

I know not everyone has finished Chapter 2 yet, but work on the next chapter is already in full swing. How much in full swing? The script is already fully written. Of course, I'm still editing, adding things, and polishing it from time to time, but the foundation is done. More than that, I've already started working on the renders.

Yes, you read that right. Some of you haven't even had time to delete the Chapter 2 folder yet, and I'm already making renders for the next one.

So, what can you expect from Chapter 3?

First of all, the final timeskip. We're getting very close to the start of the main events, so this chapter will be a little calmer in terms of pacing. After two eventful and heavy chapters, I think we all need a bit of breathing room.

There will be more conversations and less action. But you know me. I don't write dialogue just for the sake of dialogue. There will be meaning, character development, and worldbuilding. You'll learn more about what's happening beyond the North, where the heroines currently live, meet new characters, and of course, get dragged into new intrigues.

So, basically, business as usual.

There is also one thing that some of you might not like. In the upcoming chapter, Rhiannon will have roughly a third of the screen time. Overall, the chapter will be split between three different heroines. This is done so you can get to know them better, see events from different perspectives, and eventually make small choices for them from time to time.

One more thing. A calmer chapter doesn't mean a lack of interesting content. Quite the opposite. This chapter has two curious scenes planned with our beloved demoness. However, to get at least one of them, you'll need to follow the same principle as with Zaghrona or Loraine.

I hope the lesson was learned.

And I almost forgot. Some of you asked me to make a mini-guide for achievements, for those who don't know how to get them all. I decided to prepare a small list for the prologue, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2. I'll probably make the next guide like this after a couple more chapters.

Mini achievement guide

Prologue
Widowmaker: Kill Rosanna’s husband yourself.
Pacifist: Complete the prologue without killing anyone.
Double Kill: Kill the Inquisitor and his son.

Chapter 1

Lucifer Knows Best: Threaten the bully kids harassing Niko.
The Walking Dead: Do not burn hunter Kazmir’s body in the prologue.
High Life: Betray Loraine (while having the lowest approval with her) and agree to the deal with her father.
No Thoughts, Head Empty: Suggest that Loraine use the spell and become a bimbo.
Oops!... I Did It Again: Let Loraine drink your blood.
Aria Effect: Help Loraine and allow her to kill her father, earning a farewell kiss.
Duel of Blades: Reach maximum approval with Zaghrona and choose the dominant option.
I Want It Right Now!: Reach maximum approval with Zaghrona and choose the submissive option.
For Whom the Bell Tolls: Leave the infected Joran (Vera’s father) alive.

Chapter 2

This Was Personal: Kill Katria, then resurrect her corpse and use her to kill Loraine’s father.
Useful Ally: Reach maximum approval with Amelia so she helps you get to the Countess.
Worthy Apprentice: Reach maximum approval with Niko so she and Radomysl survive the prison escape.
Look What You’ve Done: Reach minimum approval with Niko so she and Radomysl die during the prison escape.
You Missed Your Chance: Ruin your relationship with Irsha badly enough that she loses control and kills the Duke herself.
Forgive Me: Reach maximum bond with Irsha and kiss your beloved demon.

TLDR

Everything is fine. Work on Chapter 3 has already started, and I'm currently working on renders.

That's all, folks.
 Have a good weekend!