Introduction

Hello everyone!

For those just joining us - I’m Nyankuro, a black cat that has taken up residence at the school entrance Aoi attends. I’m often being stroked by the students. Following a certain incident, I regained my memory and recalled my mission. that is… To collect seven keys and escape from this distorted world. More precisely… Help all the people in this virtual world escape to the real world.

Idealium - Visual Novel RPG. Solo indie game project, that fuses nostalgia for late 90s to early 2000s culture with modern technology, themed around Digital Nostalgia.

This month, I’ll be taking over the devlog from Aoi. It’s been a while since I last wrote a development log like this. Since the days I was making games, I suppose… Ah, that too feels like a distant memory now.

Even in this current form of mine, my desire to create games that bring joy to people through my own ideas remains unchanged.

Typing away on the keyboard is a bit of a struggle, but… well, the important thing is to just give it a go!

Roadmap

• ✓Phase 1: Basic System Construction
• Phase 2: Focus on Chapter 01 (←I’m here!)
• Phase 3: Chapter 01 Prototype Release (Planned for EOY)
• Phase 4: Reflecting feedback, Chapter 01 Completion (Planned for 2026)

Development Status

Major Milestone: Completed implementation of events required for the prototype

Implementation of events required for the prototype is complete. From this month, I shall focus on creating the necessary illustrations for the Memory Fragments.

Current Focus: Creating Essential Content for Memory Fragments

The developer is now deeply immersed in what I consider the most emotionally demanding phase of development: creating the visual and narrative content for the Memory Fragments system.

Illustration Production

Each Memory Fragment requires carefully crafted artwork that captures not only the visual aspect of the memory but also its emotional weight. These are not mere flashbacks—they are windows into the complex relationship between Character’s current idealized existence and the painful realities.

Script Development

The narrative sequences accompanying each memory fragment are being refined to properly convey the psychological journey Character’s must undertake. Each fragment must be nostalgic yet unsettling, beautiful yet tragic.

In-depth: Understanding the Memory Fragment System

As this system forms the core of the Idealium experience, allow me to explain it properly. Let me recap.

First off, what is “Idealium”?

Well, it’s gather memories. You might be asking yourself if it’s basically RPG.

You explore a world, conversing, gathering items, battle enemies…

OK, so it basically is like RPG.

I even mentioned this when I heard this idea. I asked them if they still wanted to do it.

But above all, I want players to understand this: the game’s true appeal lies not in exploration or combat!

About Memory fragment system

Memory Fragments are special items discoverable by the main character during exploration. Acquiring one initiates a visual novel segment where the memory is relived.

Features

Conditional Branching

Memory Fragments can only be obtained when specific conditions are met. New fragments unlock progressively based on story advancement, character development, and previously viewed memories.

Viewing Bonuses

Viewing memories grants items, information, ability enhancements, new skills, and other elements beneficial to advancing the story.

Weight of Choice

Simply collecting memories is not enough. The ending changes depending on which memories you choose to view, demanding careful judgement.

Ah, so that’s why it’s a visual novel RPG!!!

Why did I create this system?

A mysterious note suddenly fell from the sky. It read as follows…

“What is it that I truly wish to do?”

The passing of someone dear made me acutely aware that my own life is finite. Programming, composing, illustration… I’d dabbled in various creative pursuits. But then it struck me: couldn’t I combine these skills to build my own unique world? Wasn’t this what I’d truly wanted all along? Is not the one of answer to create a game? Driven by this realization, I chose to take on the challenge of creating an original game - Idealium.

The Memory Fragments System embodies my strength: combining existing elements to forge new value. By merging RPG mechanics with visual novel elements, I aim to craft an experience unlike any before.

Looking Forward

Detailed Development Timeline

• Through September 2025: Final map polish and memory fragment integration
  • Visual enhancements to make each area more atmospheric
  • Additional environmental storytelling objects
  • Complete integration of all memory fragment novel sequences
• October-November 2025: Art and audio integration
  • Character portraits and expressions for all our conversations
  • Illustrations for the memory fragment sequences
  • Background art that brings each location to life
  • Complete BGM and sound effect implementation
• December 2025: Final optimization and prototype release
  • Bug fixes and performance optimization
  • The first stage (school) exploration experience will be available
  • You’ll finally be able to experience our world firsthand!

Through the Memory Fragment System, I believe we can offer players something truly special. “Just give it a go” —that’s the spirit I intend to carry right to the finish line. The prototype release is just around the corner. I’m looking forward to the day we can finally share it with you all! Until next time.

That’s all from me, Nyankuro.