Don't hit F12. I've added that to the FAQ, if anyone reads that...and also, ArtBane already mentioned the roof issue. We'll work that out eventually.
I promised Arc IV would be smaller, didn't I?
With the release of another arc, it's a good time to address everyone here and say a few words. After the complications that came up with Arc III, I'm happy that Arc IV's production moved along slowly and efficiently. I have to thank ArtBane first for all the time and effort he put into the dungeons and overall design here. He's never content to stick with a single formula for his stuff, every dungeon always feels like a new direction...and the other aspects of the design really came along great as well. There's never any ego problems with our collaboration, none of that "My way or the highway" bullshit from either of us. I should add that if anyone is foolish enough to doubt his dedication, he was up late last night doing one final playthrough to try and make sure it was still running smoothly, despite the fact that this Arc was tested more thoroughly than any other.
These arcs are a true team effort, and Enkur is also a valuable part of said team. We tried to find creative ways to manage the enemies in this one, as not to pile on poor Enkur like we did in Arc III. Not that this should take away from his accomplishments, because he really stepped up his game this time around. Not only with the battlers you'll see but also a great deal of the essential spriting...and even faces! It's a wonder that I now actually feel a few steps closer to that lofty goal of one day having all original faces, and that's a nice feeling.
I also have to thank our crew of enthusiastic and thorough beta-testers for their hard work. Their efforts make sure you guys don't have to deal with the possibility of multiple game-ending bugs, screwy teleports, and cutscenes starting over again when they aren't supposed to.
Another thanks to everyone who offered help to this project, even a little bit. Anaryu, though he won't read this, was always a source for scripting guidance for ArtBane. Yaoumei contributed one battler to lighten the load on Enkur (can you guess which one?) and Despain and Powerdude have also provided some dynamite original sprites.
On a personal note, I have to thank Rye for being a steady source of input and inspiration....as well as fanart. Definitely the same goes for Wumpi, whose interest in the game has led to a wonderful side-plot of fairies and their troubles, which reaches its apex here in a side-quest I hope everyone will seek out.
That's enough now. Enjoy Arc IV. The Sparrow debates are apart to get really interesting....
