An apology to all supporters

I apologize for not being able to release Chapter 5 as expected. We've been in a financial bind for almost two weeks, and I've lost quite a bit of weight thanks to my daily diet of fried egg, half-cup rice and water.

I'm really sorry. I'll do my best to get back on track with Chapter 5. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your continued support.

What a hectic week!

It's been raining almost non-stop here in the Philippines for a whole week, and I have yet to make any good progress with Heart of the Kingdom! But thanks to that, I was able to make a few things work with my daughter's project, and have a house date with her.

So, what's this all about? This just to say that the next chapter may take a while to be released, but I guarantee that it will be released before the end of July. As always, thank you for supporting the game and I hope that you'd share the same devotion to any future games.

Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom v.2.4 has been released!

Just a short mention since I don't have much time writing this. Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom v.2.4 has been released. I'm also on the works on making Chapter 5, let's make it to the end, shall we?

SO, a little poll along with the Patreon release

So, I'm announcing Chapter 4 release for Patreon subscribers, while the regular followers will get the link one week later. And, I had a bit of free time for these images. I am wondering which among the three would you like to see as the cover of Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom.

Place your votes on the poll to your right. The winning poll gets its appearance in the next chapter and in the Patreon page.

As always, thank you for supporting Heart of the Kingdom and please continue to support, as there will be more games after this.

Poll name: "Quadrangle-type"

Poll name: "Panel-type, body"

Poll name: "Panel-type, face"

And so the plans for this year...

I've finally got the fruits of Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom from two months ago, and I can say it's been going well. So now my close friend gives me a suggestion for what to do next.

1. This is my personal target for this year; I'm saving up the three months' worth of Patreon pledges to get myself an Android phone, which is around $100. Why a phone? Well, I'm looking at accessibility and portability, one where I can access the Internet without having to pull out my laptop. That, and I need it for a personal project.

2. My friend is offering me to build up a mid-level gaming desktop, which is around $200. Not a bad offer, since I know how well he can make one. Personally, I trust him since we've known each other for more than ten years, and he has a mid-level gaming desktop he built on his own.

For now, that's about it. I was planning to gather some gadgets and build a desktop some time after reaching my first milestone, but nothing beats a good saving. As for news on HotK, it's still on the works, but with the kind of progress I have, I'm guessing I can finish Chapter 4 in a few weeks. Then, I'll get to work on helping my daughter with her first RGSS3 script. She's done about 90% of her target in just three days, and if she succeeds in this I might just take her in to the studio.

The next generation of game development just got younger, because the daughter I'm talking about is only thirteen...

Alright, that's all I have to say. Take care everyone!

Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom 2.3 released!

Hey everyone! HotK v.2.3 has been officially released! Links via Patreon will be taken down for general purposes. There are also a few things you need to know about this version, so please visit the Hongfire thread for more details.

Also, we are now entering HotK's Chapter 4. I hope everyone's excited at how the story will flow from here on. What could have happened to Justin after his encounter with the little murderess? Find out on Chapter 4!

Here are some of the new characters that appear on Chapter 3, as well as some graphics overhaul of Amenisa and Fey. For the meantime, Era can only access Electra Knight skills, but will have more circuits available on Chapter 4 onward.

Announcing Patreon edition release of Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom v.2.3!

Just announcing that Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom v.2.3 is available for pre-release download at Patreon. Those who pledged $1+ will get the link to the game, while those who pledged $5+ will get the link plus a developer's walkthrough of the game. Please take time in reading the documents included.

For everyone else, be advised that the game will be officially released one week after the Patreon release, so wait for it, and the Patreon links will be removed as soon as the official release has been made.

The results are in!

Announcement for Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom fans!

Chapter III is just about ready for download! Expect the Patreon release on 11 May, 2015 (Philippine Time) and the official Hongfire release on 18 May, 2015.

For those who would like to get the early release, you may subscribe to my Patreon page with additional benefits!

Also, I've monitored the polls, and it looks like there will be a Fey 3DCG faceset for her appearance on Chapter III! You'll be surprised at what she has in store for everyone!

And...a bit disappointing to see, but people wouldn't want to see a video trailer for the game itself. Oh well. That means I can now focus on working on the game itself hahaha!

Let's get it on!

Getting hectic, but with guarantees!

Hello again. Been busy these past few days, but I'm glad to say that Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom has been getting on its way to where we last left off: Chapter 3!

I could say the players of the old Chapter 3 would be somewhat surprised as to the new additions to the new Chapter 3, including but not limited to:

- new storyline
- new character/s
- new systems

I'm mostly halfway through finishing Chapter 3, I just need to fix up a few parts of the old story to make way for the new ones. I can't say an exact date of official release (and a Patreon-exclusive release), but what I can say is this: it's close.

Thread carefully; here there be monsters...

Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom v.2.2 has been released!

Finally! After many weeks of work, the next chapter is up and running. Players of the old game will be surprised as to what new changes are done to this Chapter. I hope you like it!

Also, links to the Patreon version of the game will be removed whenever an official release is announced, so you may want to check it out once in a while if you want to get the game a week before and would like to get a developer's walkthrough as well.

Here is a small preview of the updates on characters playable on Chapter 2.

Some things I've thought about, and thinking about...

So, I was pondering over a few ideas and I've decided on what to do with some of them.

1. "I'll start releasing my games under a specific studio name."
- Yeah, studios are supposed to be a group of people working on something, but I've decided to take on the challenge of becoming a one-man studio, meaning I'll be doing all the work, from programming to design to sounds to playtesting and debugging. I'll also have to change my Patreon page for that, since that's where I'll be hosting my games.

2. "I'm thinking of working on a new game."
- Despite the current success of Heart of the Kingdom, I usually get stuck when I hit something along the way. So instead of pondering over what to do, maybe I can get to work on another project or two. Actually, I'm working on it right now, and I'll be releasing it in my Patreon page once it's ready.

With those crossed out, here's some others I'm stuck with:

1. "Should I make a promotional video for Heart of the Kingdom?"
- Seeing the game and its features through a video sounds good, but what makes the most impression is some sort of music video, like a trailer.

2. "Should I make Fey's faceset 3DCG or RTP?"
- Fey joins the HotK gang, but lacks the face for it. What do you think, since she'll have a part to play in the story now?

I think that's all for the moment. Have a say by voting at the poll on the side. I'll see what I can do before I release Chapter 3.

Working out a few bugs before the release...AH!

Hi there. I know you're all eager to see what changes might be present in Chapter 2 of Heart of the Kingdom (for those who aren't, ignore what I said), so I'm getting all worked up to finish it as soon as I can. There have been major changes in Chapter 2, so feel free to look for them once the game comes out.

I'm also checking on a few things that could help out the game in its developmental aspect, but that might take a while to get up. I'll also set up a small poll upon the release of the game, so share with me your thoughts about it.

If I'm checking this correctly, the game should come out around April 6-8, 2015 for Patreon supporters, and April 13-15 for standard supporters.

I really am glad that I finally have something to do that I love rather than sit in front of the computer for an entire day watching the same anime for the millionth time.

Once again, keep a weather eye out for Chapter 2!

Woohoo! A new scene! What could this be?

Getting back on track with the original story was hard work, but I guess it's worth the time I spent making this scene and the others after it.

Are you curious as to what it might be? Find out on Chapter II!

Some good news for me and everyone

I've recently mustered the courage to move out of my current home and move to my aunt's place while I work on Liberty. Which means I now have a temporary way of working with the game without using too much money. It would also give me some peace of mind as I work to my heart's content until my Patreon campaign can help me buy a personal computer and establish a place of my own. Right now, I'm aiming for around $400+ per month after I save up for a laptop or desktop (preferably a laptop so I can work out of home).

For now, expect the game to be released quicker than expected, but not as quick as it used to be. In a few weeks I'll be moving out of my godforsaken home and to my aunt, then after getting a laptop and reaching the $400+ per month mark, I'll be moving out to a place of my own.

There will also be changes to my Patreon campaign, specifically the pledges and milestones. Also, Chapter 2 is close to its release, so keep a close watch on the sites I've mentioned.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

P.S: The image below is for site-improvement purposes only.

I've made my decision! No going back!

I've had a lot of things going on with my personal life, and I've been thinking a lot these past few weeks. So I didn't have much time to work on Liberty. At least now some of my thoughts have been cleared.

First, I've decided to get a Patreon account. Actually, I already made one to see what it has to offer. I had my account for about a month now, updating the details to my needs and making sure I don't go overboard with the pricing. I've also set some goals, rewards and a simple "thank you" message for those who are willing to support. For those who have voted "yes, get a Patreon", thank you for encouraging me. I'll work even harder despite the chance of not being able to continue with my studies (it's actually a small price to pay in exchange for being able to work on HotK even more, and I've already graduated a 2-year course). And for those who voted "no, don't get a Patreon", thank you as well for giving me your thoughts.

Second, I've decided that, if I cannot continue my studies, I'll just focus on working with Heart of the Kingdom to make sure it meets the deadlines I've set for myself. While it's true that education is important, I've had my fair share of learning and, truth be told, I'm tired of being a student. I don't like being told what to do without a good reason. I only studied again because I was bored and couldn't find a job (that was about three years ago now). In reality, I just wanted to sit down and practice my skills in game development, which in a short time led me to create HotK.

I also received a personal comment from some people saying that I should try working on Liberty as a Unity3D project. While I have been tinkering with Unity3D, I'm not quite sure I'd be able to convert my project's progress to Unity3D that easily since I'm only starting with Unity3D. That's another thought for another time I guess. I'll let you decide if you want to see Liberty as a Unity3D project (which I cannot assure).

Heart of the Kingdom v.2.1 is up and running!

Hello everyone, and an early Valentines greetings to all! I'm here to announce that Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom v.2.1 is ready for download! See the Hongfire thread for detailed information on the changes.

Here are some of the characters and their respective skills available for v.2.1:

 As always, thank you for waiting! Now, to INTER-VIEW! a few games before getting back to work on v.2.2!

Good News, Bad News

Hello again. I dropped by to say that Chapter 1 of Liberty - HotK is about to be released. Please be reminded that your old save data will NOT work for this version, so it is strictly advised to play from the beginning. After that, your save should work with all future release of HotK until further notice. The expected release is in between February 8 and February 14, 2015.

That's the good news. Now the bad news:

I'm now having a lot of trouble working on Liberty in financial terms. I'm running a bit low on budget to rent a computer just to work on HotK. So I set up a poll to help me decide whether to create a Patreon account for HotK or keep it as it is. Honestly, I find Patreon not to my liking because it makes money whenever the individual posts something. And, as I've said, Liberty - HotK will always remain free for download. But now, contradictions arise: whether to use Patreon to support my game or stick to my virtues and find alternative ways to work on it.

The poll may end at any time, so it would mean a lot to help me decide.

HotK v.2.1 is almost done!

Finally! After a hectic schedule at school (and reviewing a few games), Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom's Chapter 1 is about to be finished! There have been many changes since the Prologue version, so please read carefully about the changes I've posted below:

1. The game's ability to read save data has been personally altered, which means carrying the old save data will not work with the upcoming released version. Even if you try, your old save data will be deleted automatically so as to prevent any...unwanted attempts of hacking the game via save data (this has been on my notice list for quite a while).

2. There is an added feature to the title menu once you save your game which is the Memory Engine (personally developed by me). For the moment, this is unavailable for anyone's use. What's unique about this engine is that it uses one's save data to view past events of the game. You can try it out after saving your new game.

3. Amenisa, as you all know (or knew), had a little dispute over how to get her to join your party. Also, she can only choose a job class once. In this version, she can now freely swap between seven class types (Warrior, Fighter, Magician, Marksman, Assassin, Tank, Support) and will now feature her own story. This only means that Amenisa is officially a part of Heart of the Kingdom's storyline.

4. Some minor adjustments have been made to the story of Chapter 1, but still do not go beyond an all new story. The plot still goes the same as how it was in its first version, the only altered ones are that of Veneia's and Amenisa's encounters.

And before complaining "Why can't I carry my old save data?!", I'd like to point out that playing this version will give you a free item the moment you start over, which you can use later on at Hotus (you'll see what I mean once you get there hehe).

That's all I can say for now. Continue to strive for battle; your home is the battlefield.

Found an issue regarding HotK's freedom policy

I was browsing through the internet checking on my dev site and the HF thread when I accidentally scrolled down, and something took my eyes. It was entitled "Liberty – Heart of the Kingdom (v. 1.0.1) (DEMO)" under kdownloads.info, and so I went to check it out. Obviously it's not working (because it's already in v.2.0), but I still had the urge to check it out. I tried downloading it and to my surprise, someone was using it to make money via LinkBucks and other similar sites that shrink your URL and gain some cash for every 10,000 or so visitors. I've checked their About Us and they say they offer a wide range of titles, from games to TV shows and movies, and they offer for free, yet they make money out of LinkBucks and others.

Quoted from kdownloads.info About Us page:
"KDOWNLOADS.INFO is a pool of download links and files where one can find all sorts of download information ranging from movie download to software download, anime, TV series and even e-book, we gather all free links for you from websites across the world. Enjoy…"

I have specifically stated that under no circumstance other parties may make use of this game for financial profit, as it has been made for free and will always be free until it has been authorized for financial production. While it is already a fail, this cannot go unattended, and so I am now devising a strategy to counter such usage to this game as I work on Chapter One. Has anyone even thought why I gave it the title "Liberty"? It's because I was aiming not only on the game's story but also on the game's freedom as well. I have made this game free-of-charge, only relying on donations to sustain my work, and will remain free to everyone regardless of the money-making methods available (except donations of course). I will decide if my game will become a paid version or not, and no one has the right to get ahead of it.

I pray you all understand. The game is free to download here and at www.hongfire.com. No need to ask to whatever site about getting it for you while they make money in the shadows. This is freedom. This is liberty.

Please, as much as possible, do NOT use any links outside liberty-hotk.blogspot.com and www.hongfire.com without confirmation of its status.

edit: I've also checked my readme file, and it also falls under the category of unsolicited reproduction. Please do not download from sites other than the sites I've mentioned here and at Hongfire.

Finally! An early release!

I'm glad to tell everyone that the new Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom has been released!

The links have been renewed to its updated version, which means the old HotK is no longer available. For those who would like to see the difference between the old and new, please send a message about it and I'll see to uploading the old one (I always keep the old one because I need it as reference to work on the new one).

For a detailed list of changes, see the HF thread.

Thank you for the wait!

Also, here are some screenshots from the old game, as well as the busts of female characters. Only female characters have busts, since this is an adult game. No male busts are available, sorry.

Found a few good things that'll help HotK

I was browsing through the VX Ace scripts and found a few more scripts that improved the overall gameplay of Liberty. I've implemented them and it came out better than I imagined.

Unfortunately, I can't post any screenshots because the shop I usually work at doesn't allow access to the hard drive, plus most of its utilities such as Paint, Word, Notepad and such are inaccessible. I am dying to get a new laptop right now.

My friend invited me to go window-shopping while we talk about some concepts that might be put into Liberty. Then we went to an appliance store and presented me an Acer laptop with some pretty good specs, and it isn't quite pricey as well. I've computed its total price in US dollars and made it to exactly $600. I currently have $18 on my Paypal thanks to someone who liked the game. Now I'm somewhat worried about the $582 and how I can withdraw that amount, but for now that doesn't matter. I can finish the game (though it might take about more than 2 years if I don't get my own unit).

So far, the Prologue is just about done, and I'm talking to the management to at least give me full access to Paint and Notepad whenever I'm renting.

Await the release of the new Liberty - Heart of the Kingdom, for there lies a new beginning.