[Status Report #1] Sicae - Episode 6

[WARNING: LONG POST AHEAD]

What's up, everyone?

I'm back to officially announce the start of Sicae Episode 6's development!

I was expecting a more extended break, but I've been too restless and looking for something to do. I tried playing some games but got bored after a few hours. So, instead of spending my time on insignificant stuff, why not just work on Sicae? Don't worry, though; I've given myself proper time to rest.

Before we tackle the update, I'd like to discuss what is the most critical aspect of this development: The character design improvements and changes.

(Please refer to the images provided above this post for a clearer look.)

It has been a long, long time since we've given attention to Sicae, and as time passed, I've become too picky about character designs. When I checked everyone's designs, I could no longer stomach some of them, especially the MC, Lance.
There's no denying it—he was 100% a default male character. Those with at least a little knowledge about HS2 will immediately recognize this. If we look at his OG design on the left, can we say he's been killing people his entire life? I'm not sure about you guys, but he looks like your snotty preschool classmate. 🤣 So, I spent hours today adjusting him and making him not just less default but actually look the part. As you can see on the right side, there's a massive change in his design, so much so that he's already too different from his OG design.

Now, what about the first five episodes? Will I rework it to incorporate his new design? I'd say no. We'll continue, and Episode 6 will start with his new design. There will be critics, that's for sure. But I'd rather make the change now while the game is still in its early releases than regret not doing so later. I just couldn't stomach his old design any longer. Nevertheless, I'm delighted with the results, which only inspire me more to work on Sicae. A good character design goes a long way.

Next is Yuna.

Yuna is one of the most basic designs I've created in my three years in this industry. She's actually the very first girl I've designed. My lack of skill back then is now impacting my OCD. I tried my best to tidy her design up, but I hit a wall. If I try to push it, she'll no longer be the Yuna we know.

As you can see, there isn't much change between the two images, but if you look at her carefully, you'll notice her head is now less broad than before, and her eyes, while still retaining her usual cold demeanor, are now less droopy. I'll be honest; this is the best I can do for her unless I change her entire design. But we won't do that, as I love her as she is now.

Next on the list is Kana.

Oof... boy, this little shrimp was my biggest headache.
Note: She's taller than the MBML shorties.🤣
She just didn't look right to me, especially looking at her eyes. But I managed to figure out the problem: the inner part of her eyes had dropped a tad too much. I raised it, closed up her eye distance, narrowed down her head width, raised her nose a little, stretched her lips, et VOILA! 🥳

With those little changes, I made her look a little more mature than before, with her overall facial structure making sense. I also found a hair that looks cute on her, so we'll swap her hair from time to time. So far, her improvement has been my favorite, and I'm really ecstatic about it.

And here comes your landlady, the real one, Alice.
Uhm... What do I even say about her? Her design, in all honesty, was really, really ugly. So much so that I called her an abomination the moment I removed those side bangs.

Uhhh..... close your eyes.
But all you have to do is trust the process...
Plastic surgery COMPLETED! 😂
 
Her improvement process was too complicated to explain everything, so we'll leave it at that. But now, you've got a landlady not hiding her true colors behind her bangs. KEKW!
I've given her new hair to emphasize her changes, but this isn't final. I might be able to find better hair for her, and if I do, that would be her hair the next time you see her again.

The rest also got some improvements, but they're all just nose adjustments.
Here's an example from mommy Nicole:
It's nothing big; just their nose bridge shape and height got tweaked, which is not even noticeable in the front view. But this improvement gives us more opportunity to do side angle shots, as I'm now confident they will look nice.

MBML characters also had some nose improvements, except for one character I went wild on—Freya. But we'll leave that discussion for another time.

On to the next one!

Let's get straight to the insights about the update.

As we already know, the update will mainly focus on Yuna and include topics about the CGS or Chimera Genesis Serum. I can't say this will be the most awesome Sicae update ever, as we need to build things up first before the massive explosion. One has to cook before serving the dish.

However, it will be interesting as most of you probably want to know more about Sicae lore after the latest MBML update. And this update is where it's at. Some secrets and truths get revealed, and Yuna holds one of the puzzle's biggest pieces. You, the almighty Lance, will have to get it out of her and then, maybe... give her what she deserves.😈

Also, a mysterious character is making an appearance!

Who is she? I don't know; you guys take a guess! 🤣

"Ever felt a shiver crawl down your spine? She might be the reason,
Beneath the moon's eerie light, her whispers fill the night."

Another action-packed update is coming, so hold on tight!

As usual...
Take care, and have a fantastic day ahead!

• NiiChan