v1.2 build (final) + Thank you message + Reflection

v1.2 Build for web and pc platforms

Consistent 16:9 aspect ratio as reference for UI elements.

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v1.2 is the definitive build for the time being. Despite my initial uncertainty of whether I would update all builds, I've done it anyway because it's actually a straightforward process (with Git cherry-picking copying changelogs to other branches).

The v1.2 changes are only noticeable for the web build, as you can now play the game in the browser without enabling fullscreen mode. But it might make the game significantly easier? As the smaller the viewport the better the overview you have.

Most importantly, it takes away the claustrophobic vibes that I wanted to aim for, where you're sitting uncomfortably too close to the screen like the Mindreader character. So yes, fullscreen mode is the recommended option as that is how the design is made in mind and how I playtested it.

If you can't see the text descriptions next to the web build 'window', the important information is within the game's Help as well. The most handy tidbit you miss out is the direct link to the guide if you're stuck, but the link to that DevLog is also on the game's main page.

The game (potentially) doesn't have support for fullscreen mode for an aspect ratio different than 16:9, so for that I recommend playing the web build version without fullscreen enabled.

To be honest I'm not sure what it looks like for 16:10 for example, since the editor has the GUI elements not shown properly on screen, while another setting implies that the letterboxing should be present. In the far future I might look into it if it's a real issue, but I don't find it pressing to fix. 

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Thank you for the ratings (especially the 5-stars are essential for a small indie dev to remain visible on the site), comments, collection adds, and 200+ combined browser plays and DLs!

Find My Mind has by far the most successful launch for a game I've ever had, and it's all thanks to your support. The O2A2 VN Jam hosts deserve special shout-outs: tofurocks and PRINCESS INTERNET CAFé (Mikey as the original O2A2 host, and Nai of DevTalk).

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Reflection:

Overall, I'm really content that I submitted a complete entry without missing story parts (almost wanted to forego the 100-word drabbles), code mostly working as intended, and even squeezing in effort to draw a huge CG (there were days when the drawing is a complete wasteland with no details.. that it even got me a little worried). I wasn't sure how much maintenance would be required after the Jam Build, but I'm glad it's all wrapped up within a week's time where I added bugfixes, a hint guide, and slightly altered Itch cover that better reflects the genre of the game. I even managed to play a few other Jam entries as well. You can see reviews in my Community Profile.

This is my first project I can call as fully completed, which is a personal achievement. Almost all my solo projects are either WIPs, random practice projects on private Git repos, or never took off after their brainstorm. It's cathartic how it's a story about writer's block and in some ways it felt as if I overcame my own struggle. But I want to reiterate that the Novelist character is not me (let's hope not, haha), it's just that when had to come up with a sudden fiction-within-fiction I went: okay, you're allowed to borrow a cancelled jam project of mine: https://twitter.com/Gaming_V_Potato/status/1520372878985895937

For that old idea I did not make it beyond the few shown art assets and a little bit piece of code. No story written for it in fact. If I had to be honest here, I share no love for the old story, because I simply did not feel for it. Most likely one of the biggest reason that I lost interest in my first jam quickly. It was more the excitement of 'doing a thing' that kept me going than 'this is a story I want to tell'. Nevertheless it's quite interesting to perform a super compression on some vague random story idea.

It's very meta how the identity of that old story changed to match the darker narrative of Find My Mind's main story.  Venus originally was less Vaporwave. Don't believe my lie in that tweet that the characters never get together... I only got an inclination for dramatics... when I've always mapped out 'by the power of friendship' endings. Although the story already changed its course the moment it's written for the first time in Find My Mind, it is a little bit more ambiguous now. The microfiction pieces are surprisingly accurate to what I had in mind, all things considered, but also allowed me to adjust parts I did not like from the original.

Currently I want to put Find My Mind to rest and move on, but there might be a longer DevLog coming that goes more in depth about the concept. I don't have estimation when I will write it though.

If you enjoyed the game, don't forget to follow me on Itch and/or Twitter to not miss out on any news.