We had our last report public 2 weeks ago, but decided to make another one purely because of things to say and the timing of it. Rather say it now than postpone for next public one. I did discuss all of this on my server already, but gotta make a post here as well.

First of all, Ep3 has been completed! 🎉(let's ignore being late)
My alpha testing team, at least those that had time, managed to test it as well, and I already fixed/implemented all of their main comments, typos etc. Honestly, one of the most smooth-sailing ones, no save issues (besides one jumpscare but false alarm), and I even counted all LI points right. Shocker. First time ever possibly.
Seeing the few of them enjoy the update gave me some nice dopamine. Man, I am really starving for some for releases... 😶
I also tasked them have special attention on few things, one of which I'll talk here as well. I've said it few times already, in some previous reports as well, but tldr- Serena's rooftop scene is now removed in rework. Just as I said weeks or months ago, I made a test version with new rooftop section playing out and then right after old one copy pasted with all renders and anims. All my testers shared the same opinion that I had for a while -> new one is much better, and Serena's behavior is much more refined and with more depth its much better off without a quickie on the rooftop. Well, my game was never a gooners wet dream game but(t) even so I wanted to say it up front for those in the back that might raise hell.
She will have a much better scene in future, and this also gives me more room to plan it rather than intentionally avoid so she doesn't get too ahead of others. I only see positives (especially as the scene was extremely rushed and just mid before).

After alpha was given to the testers, I had a few days to myself to slightly recharge and plan some things. I've been thinking and planning like crazy, but I keep getting to the same answer. I really really enjoyed the redone Gym and Supermarket sections that got moved, and so did my team. Even though they were made in ep4 back then, and not to like glaze myself, but I did evolve over time. Graphically it's just superior, and not to mention all the character design fixes over time. I said multiple times that the big 3 in ep4 (Koko bar section, Raiko cinema (not) date, Avis bar + flashbacks) would remain the same. But now, after reaching it (technically, 5-6 weeks of new new content renders first)... I don't think I can skip them. At the very least, I'd like to reshot with the replaced characters to fit updated looks. But if I do that, why don't I just do properly and redo the lightning?...

This has been weighing on my mind a lot recently, and the decision is slowly making me depressed as there is no "win-win" solution. Either I'd do as initially promised, include old renders without a change and then my perfectionist brain will eat me alive later, and on the first comment of graphical difference I'll flip my table. Or, I bite the bullet, go back on that word, and extend the release by additional 6 or so more weeks by redoing them all, making all the players flip their tables instead (so we move from early January to more like late February). I did get a suggestion which I took to heart, and that is to not just yet make a 100% decision, but decide after I do my favorite "before and after" comparisons. I'll take a few old renders, try to redo them. If a big difference with my newer knowledge - welp, we redoing. I'll most likely do some testing in the upcoming month to make a final final decision on this.

Besides that, I've cut my off days early and just went to work on other bits in preparation for ep4. Can't really relax more than a day with how behind I am. I'm preparing my characters for their Ep4 appearances, most cards are now resaved. I've also now 99% agreed with myself that I'll use new Koko hair going forward, till it breaks on me again(😠I know there are things broken with the mod but I just can't prove it). I am also in the process of choosing an update for Levy hair for also going forward, or at least for a period of time. I also commissioned 2 more maps, and I thiiiink that's probably the last I'll need for this episode, maybe 1 more but I'll probably make that one myself. Might need a few items ported too but that's for later Kat to worry (stare). 

I am really motivated to finish Episode 4, both because I am finally seeing the end of the tunnel (t-the release, not death 💀), but also being encouraged by my team on some decisions I've made so far. I am also extremely grateful for all the people still patiently waiting, and finally slowly watching the end of the tunnel (r-release once again) with me. To anyone supporting financially, I'll be gathering monthly till release the names of supporters + some extras. 

Thank you all, and see you soon!

Kat <3