0.2.27 RC is now live for Snorkelers+

DOWNLOAD ON ITCH | MEGA

Hey everyone!

Thanks all for being patient as we welcomed our new addition to our family. It's been a bit hectic and sleepless but I think we've adjusted now (to being sleepless xD ). I'm also realizing as I type this I only said this in discord so far haha. I'm... very tired so hopefully this all makes sense.

Well either way on to the feature highlights for the update!

The changelog will be below.

Blacksmith Minigame

This is our freelance coder's first minigame for us. Thanks Booom313!

Let us know what you think so far! We already have plenty in mind for improvements, balance and of course non-placeholder assets (we've already shown them in discord!)

The main inspirations for it are GW2 and Stardew fishing. Definitely expect more variance in 0.2.28 most likely (And the GUI)!

Barmaid Minigame rebuild

Originally I planned to only do some minor edits to the Barmaid minigame this patch in order to add the tie-in for the Cassandra scene but I started to get on a roll for rebuilding the entire logic of the minigame. I went with the flow and basically rebuilt it to make room for the massive amount of content we are going to be added in the next few patches.

My goal overall to make it as dynamic as I can so that repeated instances aren't as repetitive. EG the "HEHE, I got your tip right here." delivery event haha. Special events, how busy the tavern is, how patrons treat Emma, table dispositions, orders and new "post-delivery services" are all on the menu. I'll talk more about this in the next DEVlog.

The biggest noticeable changes to you for this update is that you will see a WAY better patron and table randomization. It is also MUCH MUCH MUCH easier for me to balance now. The patron interactions should also be a bit smoother.

Autogrey Feature

This one was a pain in the fucking ass. You can also turn it off and pretend I never implemented if you don't like it lmao. (Option is in the UI settings.)

The idea is that I didn't want to add a massive workload having to manually dim/brighten standing busts as the speaker changes during cutscenes. This system just takes a look at the speaker's name and matches it to prespecified bust folder and dims any images that aren't in that folder.

This probably would have been impossible without the help of Booom313. Once we get the additional funding from this patch I plan to have them work on even more systems for us.

Art

This time around we've got two new H-CGs. A little less than the last update but don't worry we've got a LOT in the pipe due to roll out over the next few updates.

Plans for the Next Patch

I'm planning to do a much quicker patch for 0.2.28 RC. This one will focus mainly on the Barmaid mini-game but will also balance/tweak the Blacksmith minigame, new pixel art, framework for "solo" workouts with the guards, map and of course new H-CGs for Emma. (One is a followup to a CG from 0.2.26 - Yeah, that's right. You know the one. ;)

Estimated Upcoming Release Schedule:
0.2.27 RC | Toe Dippers | 6/29/26
0.2.27 RC | Public Release | 7/24/26
0.2.28 RC | Snorkeler+ | TBA 

I hope you all enjoy the patch/update and definitely leave feedback on the discord server!

Changelog 0.2.27 RC

• added TWO new H-CG sets

  • Cass+Emma 1

  • Lorraine+Emma 1

• added 2 h-scenes

• added next part to Gropler Quest

• added special event after a Barmaid shift during week 3 or later

• added three new VN busts (all have been placed in relevant scenes)

  • Templar Squire

  • Inquisitor Christoph

  • John

• added 4 new chibi walking sprites for

  • Emma's workout outfit

  • Cassandra's workout outfit

  • Inquisitor Christoph

  • Inquisition Squire

• added new QoL feature; AutoGrey Busts

  • toggle to turn off feature is located in UI settings

• added completely revamped Blacksmith Mini-game

• added Rent System (no more freeloading!)

  • starting on Day 8 rent owed will accumulate on a daily basis.

  • You have some leeway but please make sure to pay your rent!

  • exact amount will be subject to balancing in future patches

• added major changes to base Barmaid minigame logic (revamp)

  • added support for randomized patrons

  • added busy calculation

  • redid round logic and calculations for barmaid mini-game

  • redid Barmaid grope logic and made it easier to balance and be more varied

  • added base for pleasure system (will be expanded upon)

  • improved day 2 barmaid intro/tutorial

• added option to turn on/off showing completed objectives

• added small scene on day 19 with Caleb

• updated Lorraine NPC logic

• updated credits

• improved day 18 Church scene

• cleaned up the logic of several cutscenes

  • things like using old sprites, wonky calls, etc

• flipped the background for stat screen/pause menu

• improved Second Night quest text

• cleaned up several CG graphics for autogrey support

• got rid of some references to the monoliths being "crystals"

• slightly improved magicless/gate explanation on day 1

• improved a line when talking to Gar and Cass on Day 2

• improved/updated backend logic framing of Lorraine Voyeur scene

• improved a couple Cassandra training scenes

• cleaned up and improved day 5 dialogue with Cassandra

• cleaned up and improved day 6 dialogue (will also be expanded in a future patch)

• cleaned up General Store Shift 2 slightly

• increased total save slots from 20 to 40

• added Hilda call if the player hasn't asked Hilda about Lucian yet

• added small questioning during Hilda reveal

• renamed dryad 1 quest to "Just a Package"

Fixes

• fixed dryad request description not updating

• fixed bug that caused Emma to dress when doors would opening during night events

• fixed several Hilda/Caleb callovers that were missing expressions

• fixed general store week 3 job not paying Emma

• fixed a bug that allowed a small scene from Day 18 play at any point in the Grove

• fixed bug on day 13 where visiting cross causes a soft lock

• fixed a bug that caused a crash when a user would save while choices are present

• fixed a bug where choice text would appear in the upper left for a couple of frames

• fixed <disabled> key not working on choices

• fixed issue where completed objectives would still sometimes not disappear.

• fixed issue that allowed skipping the delivering and end the day during 2nd shift of Barmaid minigame

• fixed a softlock while working barmaid shifts

• fixed bug where Emma's menu sprite wasn't showing in the pause menu

• fixed bug with displaying completed objectives option in options menu

• fixed bug that deleted tiles during cursed realm 1st visit potentially causing future issues.