Hello everyone!

It's the beginning of July, so that means the June build is now available to all on itch.io!

https://stormsingerstudios.itch.io/santa-lucia

Today's update is something you see often in television shows: a "Bottle Episode". I have reached an important moment in the game I've been planning, finally bringing most of the characters together to interact. Things are going to start getting interesting from here on out now that personalities are able to clash and choices are to be made. I really look forward to hearing what you guys think about the writing!

While the writing may be slightly shorter than the usual update, it also wraps up day 3 in-game, so next month we'll begin day 4. We're getting closer and closer to the big route branch on day 8, so get hyped!

This build is also a pretty hefty features and under-the-hood tweaks update. As I discussed in an earlier post, I've had to make some changes to how I'm running the Patreon page, so that means I've unfortunately had to cut access to the Gallery section of the game for anyone under the Junior pledge tier. To compensate, though, I've made some sweeping quality of life changes to the game for most players, particularly those on Android.

A common complaint I've heard is how players have to skip through content they've already seen to get to the new stuff, some from as far back as having to start a new game. I've  added a couple new systems to help alleviate this pain in the future! There is a chapter select system now that lets you begin the story from predetermined spots, and there is a password system that'll unlock these chapters if you don't already have them unlocked!

If you don't mind skipping through the game to get to where you were, you can still do that. For everyone else, you'll want to use the password system. You can find it in the "Preferences" menu in the main menu under "Special".

The password is "Vanguard".

As a heads up, next month's update is a  "housekeeping" one, meaning I focused on improving the game's presentation rather than forwarding the narrative. That doesn't mean there's no new writing next month, but I didn't get as much done as I usually do. I needed the extra time to make the necessary changes to accommodate Patreon's policy change. I hope you understand! Also, if you haven't started a new game in a while, please do so at least once this build! There's a special surprise I've been working on for a while that's finally ready to be unveiled!

Please enjoy today's update! See you in August!

~Dzahn

Build 9 notes:

+ Second half of day 3 added
+ Auto mode restored by request
+ New sprite for Shay
+ New outfit for Chris
+ 3 new songs added to the soundtrack
+ Opening video added
+ Chapter Select system added
+ Password system added
+ Clear Data system added

If you're interested in checking out the exclusive July build, please consider supporting us! Every little bit helps!
https://www.patreon.com/stormsingerstudios

If you'd like a more direct line to us, we're usually active on our public Discord server:
https://discord.gg/WTjM3S5

We hope you enjoy the build!
~ Dzahn & Dev