FreeHolder Alpha 7 Hotfix 8
1.31.2020
New Tutorials
Finally, a small collection of tutorials have been added to the game, with more to come. The question mark button in the upper left now opens a book with several sections outlining some of the early information you'll need to start playing right away, including some specific advice on making it through your first year. These tutorials will be added to extensively. While they won't have the completeness or detail of a large wiki, at least there will be some in-game resources for new players to familiarize themselves on a basic level with the mechanics and necessities of the game.
Keep in mind, as FreeHolder is a true roguelike (by our own estimation, admittedly, but it is our core design concern), it is important for there to be a certain level of obfuscation between the player and the specific game mechanics, so: A) the player must learn by trial, error, and experimentation, rather than simply consulting a large manual with all the answers in it and B) the game more closely mimics the risks and rewards of real life, as one never knows precisely what the outcomes of one's actions will be, though with experience and skill one can more accurately predict said outcomes.
So while we will eventually want to have a tutorial "covering" just about every aspect of FreeHolder, the coverage will be an explanation of HOW to interact with a mechanic, as opposed to a detailed explanation OF the mechanic. We hardly want to rob you of the novelty and exploration that makes roguelike games so fun and replayable. We want you to know HOW to play the game, but as for what to actually DO? That's up to you, the player. As it should be.
Bugfixes
Button Fixes
-Save button can no longer be clicked at inappropriate times such as during actions
-Tips/tutorial button can also no longer be clicked at inappropriate times
Action Fixes
-Sodden lockbox now properly gives tool rewards
-Game will no longer softlock when attempting actions on sapling plots
Crafting Fixes
-Crafting recipes now properly recognize various equipment types as prerequisites and consumes them
Skill Fixes
-Mastercraft now properly retains the tool durability bonus from lower-tier skill Toolsmithing
Upcoming Features
(! = Major feature)
(!)Steam Achievements(!)
Dark Gadgetry for Agent (requires addition/reworking of Use Items)
Muse's Song skill for Guildmaster (requires addition of art objects)
Journeyman Smith for Warrior (requires additional items and iron)
More battle gear (battlecapes, battlepack, sling pouches and special ammo)
-----alpha 8 (tentative)--------
More advanced classes and class skills
Remove studio action
Second factorium size upgrade