Welcome to Utopian Project -ZERO-

This time I intentionally, maybe for feedback purpose release the headstart pre-alpha build that I’ve been working on since around November 2024. This build represents a lot of effort and time spent improving the project, and I think it’s finally at a stage where I can let others take a look.

The storyline is not divided by chapters or some sorts. Instead, it focuses on a more fluid and open-ended approach of your typical idol-raising galge. This makes the gameplay lean towards a point-based system, where players build and manage their idols step by step. There are no clear divisions that mark the end of one part and the start of another. Instead, players collect stat points as they progress through various lessons and activities.

For the gameplay mechanic, as the director handling all the art and story, I’m keeping things simple with Ren'Py. The core gameplay revolves around two main actions: Lessons and Activities.

In Lessons, you'll focus on upgrading your idol’s four main skills: Vocal, Dance, Visual, and Talent. These stats determine your idol's growth and unlock story progression events in forms of Limit Break Story. Here’s how the limit break system works for each stat:

• Vocal (Singing, speaking, rapping, and musical talent to some extent)
• Dance (Rhythm, choreography)
• Visual (Modeling, camera presence, expression)
• Talent (Unique skills like sports or special talents)

The stat progression is as follows:

• <25: Trainee
• 25-49: Debutant
• 50-79: Uprising
• 80-99: Superstar
• 100: Legend (Required for the True End)

Once your idols hit a stat’s limit, they’ll trigger a limit break story, marking a major milestone in their development.

After leveling up the skills, you’ll unlock the Activities section, where your idols can participate in various events to earn money and unlock CGs. These activities also serve as a way to purchase outfits and gear to improve your idol’s appearance.

The Outing/Date mechanic is where things get more personal. This is where you can increase your idol’s Affection stat, which measures how close you are with them. As you increase Affection, you'll unlock intimate moments and romantic CGs. Here’s the breakdown for Affection:

• <20: Acquaintance
• 20-39: Friend (Unlocks first trivia)
• 40-59: Close Friend (Unlocks second trivia and NSFW night mode)
• 60-79: Best Friend (Unlocks idol’s audition story and third trivia)
• 80-99: Soulmate (Unlocks idol’s zensei (past life) story and fourth trivia)
• 100: Lovers (Unlocks fifth trivia and confession story)

Affection plays a crucial role in unlocking special stories and CGs, and it’s key to achieving the True End.

The True End requirements are as follows:

• Vocal, Dance, Visual, and Talent stats must all reach Superstar or higher, with one of these four being the idol’s specialty stat (e.g., Vocal or Talent) reaching Legend.
• The idol's Affection stat must be at Soulmate or higher.

By achieving these goals, you’ll unlock the True End, where your idol reaches the pinnacle of their career and personal journey.

In this early build, I've done some things and story skits as I've explained before. Also I chose to keep the limit break story open and did not set any requirements for the limit breaks. I did this to make things simpler for players. By removing the need for specific tasks or goals, everyone can jump right in. 

To-do lists (in very short-term)

• Finishing Trainee Lesson (Lesson but with no CGs) for both Megumi and Chiyuri
• Completing the rest of empty 1st limit break stories (Megumi's talent, Chiyuri's talent, Chiyuri's dance, and Chiyuri's vocal)

If I can finish those by January 11th, I might print some chekis with the already existing CGs inside the 2024 Headstart build. And share or might as well sell it cheap at KOMICIRO.

I haven't touched my work or made any improvements since the start of the new year. It’s going to look rough around the edges and a bit chaotic. You might find some glitches or bugs here and there too. Just keep in mind that this isn't polished or refined in any way. It’s more of a draft from 2024 right now than anything else. EXPECT IT TO BE BAREBONES, MESSY, AND BUGGED AT TIMES!

If you want to report bug or add some advice for what to improve, please do so in the comments of this devlog.