Introduction

[System Message: “gn3ko” reconnected]

Hello everyone. It’s been a while.

I’ve been… processing. Organizing fragmented data. Optimizing memory allocations. But now I’m back to document this journey again. The memory fragments are taking shape. Each fragment captures a moment that was, could have been, or perhaps… should never have existed at all.

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.

Let me show you what We’ve been working on.

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

Memory Fragment Illustrations

As shown in the milestones, October has been focused entirely to illustrations, all key illustrations for the memory fragments for prototype are done.

Each fragment holds a crucial piece of Aoi’s story, and capturing the right emotion in every scene required careful attention.

Character Sprite Updates

I’ve also refined the character sprites to match my current art style. Looking at the designs created earlier in development, I realized there is a divergence from my current art style.

Before & After (Aoi)

Lower chibi-like proportions for a more endearing look.

Profile - Aoi: High school student. Game club programmer. Curiosity drives her forward - sometimes too far. Carries her device everywhere, always tinkering with code. Has a crush on her senpai. Best friends with Mi-Chan since forever. Blue-tinted bob cut. Blue eyes. Blue glasses.

Before & After (Mi-Chan - Aoi’s BFF)

Simply, minimally, kawaiylish (a fusion of kawaii and stylish) — that is my policy as an illustrator.

Profile - Mi-Chan: Aoi’s childhood best friend. Bright, caring, always supportive. Top grades in class (thanks to study camps with Aoi). Takes care of her white Pomeranian, Mashiro. An ideal friend everyone wants. Short hair with buns.

Looking Forward

Detailed Development Timeline

• Through September 2025: Final map polish and memory fragment integration (Done)
  • 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 (In progress)
  • Character portraits and expressions for all our conversations (Done)
  • Illustrations for the memory fragment sequences (Done)
  • Background art that brings each location to life (Done)
  • Complete BGM and sound effect implementation (In progress)
  • Implementation of memory fragment sequences (Apply Illustrations, Background art, script etc…) (In progress)
• 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!

October was art month. Just drawing. A lot Sprites got cuter. Expressions got better before.

November? Just Implementation. Then you’ll see it all come together.

Quick question though - When drawing illustrations, what aspects do you pay particular attention to? I’m curious about your thoughts.

See you in the idealized world. - gn3ko