Build 0.3.5 Chapter Three and Steam Announcement

Version 0.3.0 is now available! This update opens up the third dungeon area of the game, the Storm Cliffs and beyond. New monsters, boss fights and the powerful Dragonform await. This update not only adds a chunk of new content, but also refinement of many game systems, bringing us much closer to a final release. And with that I would like to announce that Monster Souls: Chains of Chimera will be coming to Steam! Check out the page and consider adding it to your wishlist, it really helps the game's visibility on Steam.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2432930/Monster_Souls_Chains_of_Chimera/

0.3.5 Changelog

• Fixed more issues with the dragon fortress and events surrounding being captured and facing the dragon in the Colosseum.

• Added an interaction to the mysterious lightning barrier in the Secret Grotto.

• Slightly improved clarity during item use context in the character menu. (UI is not final.)

• When a status effect cannot be overwritten will display a "Null" text instead of the usual text.

• Fixed a bug with the load menu on the start screen that would not return to the start menu when closed.

• Updated the input plugin. Some prompts will change glyphs to reflect the current input device, more to come on this.

0.3.3.1 Changelog

• Fixed issue that would arise when the party is taken to the dungeon when hero is not in dragonform.

• Fixed issue with surrendering to Hoplites after already going through the colosseum battle.

• Fixed issue with "Retry" on Dragon game over.

• Fixed issue with auto-save not working after transitioning to a new area, resulting in player being set back to a previous area when "retrying" on a game over.

• Fixed backwards facing party during some battles.

Currently "Retry" and "Give In" both result in a reload of an auto-save that happens after entering a new zone. The Dragon boss battle is the only exception, with "Give In" leading to a post defeat scene with a slightly different outcome.

0.3.0 Changelog

Story

Expanded the events in the Smuggler's Cavern and Caspian's quest.

New area, the Storm Cliffs has been added. Explore a Mediterranean inspired coastline filled with hidden grottos and ancient ruins on your quest to retrieve the Dragon Soul gem!

New Monsters

Lizardfolk aka Dragonkin

Descendants of the Old Kingdom, these are remnants of a bygone era when dragons ruled the skies. They cling to small settlements inside the caves and ruins of past settlement. They have carry a proud tradition of martial prowess and will not hesitate to test their skill against any human trespassing on their territory.

Glowfly (Minion)

A large flying beetle raised as livestock by the Lizardfolk. They produce light inside their abdomens through an alchemical process used to attract mates and, when threatened, can use their wings to emit a buzzing sound that disorients predators.

*Minion monsters are smaller enemies that will assist other monsters in battle but not participate in surrender scenarios.

Jellyfish

A type of monster that only appears near the sea. They use their tentacles to shock and debilitate adventurers. Although they seemingly have no interest in consuming them instead they have a peculiar behaviour that has befuddled natural philosophers for decades.

Clam

A rare monster that dwells inside a titanic clam shell. They are said to be the spirits of old hermits that live by the sea and are knowledgeable in the ways of arcane magic.

*The clam monster remains unfinished but will be expanded on in a future update.

And more...

New Monsterform

Dragonform can now be unlocked. Use powerful breath attacks to devastate your enemies!

Battle UI/UX Improvements

• Health bars

• New layout for command menus

• Added Command descriptions in battle

• New turn order display

• New damage numbers

• Smoother target selection

• Updated the Retry option on Game Over screens to load an auto-save instead of continuing as normal

Battle Improvements

• New status effects and abilities

• Attack/Defense balancing

• Condensed potions to two levels and changed them to recover amounts proportionate to max health

• Added party targeted consumables

• Refined attack strike visual and sound effects

• Enemies fade out when defeated instead of instantly disappearing

• Improved behaviour on pet Slimes in battle

UI/UX

• Added Area transition titles

• Updated Title screen

• Updated Shop UI

• Updated pause menu

• Updated character edit screen

• Expanded options menu

• Added Key rebinding

• Credits screen

Misc Improvements

• Added the Dragon Monument to the Patreon monument area

• Ability to unlock a teleport menu from save crystals after reaching a certain point in Chapter 3

• Visual improvements for some existing areas, including updated textures and lighting.

• Expanded selection of equipment and renamed some existing items

• Updated selection of items available in shops

• Updated some treasure chests to contain new items

• Countless hours of cleaning up assets and code

Bug Fixes

• Fixed pet slime drops not being able to be picked up

• Fixed goblin spit roast scene not being able to be triggered

• Fixed some issues with follower behaviour

Download Links:

Windows: Link

Windows32: Link

Linux: Link

Mac: Link

Mac and Linux builds are provided but I cannot offer support for them or promise future compatibility or availability.

Keyboard & Mouse Controls:

• Left click or E to Interact

• Right click to Attack to break items or surprise enemies

• Enter to Confirm

• ~ to Cancel

• A,D or Arrow keys to move left and right

• Space to Jump

• Left Shift to use monsterform Special Actions

• Left Ctrl to Dash

• Q to open Character Menu(Inventory, Class, Equipment, Status)/Show command descriptions in battle

• V to open Transform Menu

• ESC to open Options Menu

• Page Up/Page Down to cycle through characters in menus

Controller (Xbox):

• A to Interact/Confirm

• B to Jump/Cancel

• X to Attack to break objects or surprise enemies

• Y to open Character Menu/Show command descriptions in battle

• Start to open Options Menu

• Left Bumper to use monsterform Special Actions

• Right Bumper to Dash

• Left and Right Bumper to cycle through characters in menus

The game has almost full controller support for Xbox controllers although there are a few bugs left. Other types of controllers have not been tested yet.