Audiogames.net Monthly Digest - March 2024
Welcome to the March post-easter audiogames.net monthly digest! This month is mostly all about updates, with many games and mods receiving big patches, but we also have a couple of new games for you to check out as well, and we guarantee we're not making April Fools of you! So as always, [don't forget to tell your friends they can read these digests as well](https://ctemm.me/agd/) and happy reading!
## New Releases
### [Xiangsheng Simulator (Windows)](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/52943/xiangsheng-simulator-now-supports-accessibility-features/)
> "There is no need to say right or wrong, merits and demerits, future generations will often comment on it. Children are going into the world, and they don't care about heaven or man's world!"
>
> "Xiangsheng Simulator" is a humorous and witty adventure that takes you into the unique world of Xiangsheng. As a Xiangsheng Penggen, you'll team up with your Dougen partner to deliver a performance filled with laughter. make different dialogue choices, unleash a variety of hidden achievements through unique interactions. Your wit will shine on stage, and the synergy between you and your partner will become the source of laughter.
>
> Xiangsheng is a traditional Chinese performing art. It is typically performed as a dialog between two performers: the Dougen and the Penggen.
>
> PS: This game usually cost 1.5-2.5 hours to encounter all content.
>
> Credits：Lil Anderson，Ethan，Voxed Heart，挚林，艺溪，Olivia Spencer，Zac.Lex，婉儿，三尺小叶。
> Special thanks to：Rolone，温大愚老师。
### [Battle quest (Web)](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/52926/battle-quest-a-realy-good-btexte-based-rpg/)
> Battle Quest is a adventure RPG with an erotic and tf spin! Begin a quest to save the Deep Woods - gain gold, experience, and new abilities. All the while, form friendships, alliances, and relationships as you strive for power and dare to stop the Dark Redeemer. Beware, the Deep Woods is a strange place. Prepare to be transformed in body and mind as you wrestle with this cursed, magical land.
> This game tries to balance story, combat, and erotica. The sex scenes should be as fun and frequent as the boss battles. The idea is you come for the lewdness, but you stay for the engrossing storyline and challenging (but fair) gameplay!
> The game is complete. I don't own the music or images so I'm not monetizing it. Feel free to support me if you want, but there's of course no obligation. The game is fully available to the public
### [Streamer Game Editor (Windows)](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/52749/streamer-game-editor-make-game-development-easy-for-everyone/)
> Hello everyone!
> I'm thrilled to introduce our game editor, the Streamer Editor, to you all.
> I've always dreamt of developing games, but I couldn't grasp programming, which hindered many of my game ideas from coming to life. So, I collaborated with my friends to develop the Streamer Editor, aiming to make it a game editor accessible to anyone.
> We've pondered over various forms for the editor. If it adheres strictly to a specific template, it lacks flexibility, making it challenging for many to add advanced features to their games. On the other hand, if it relies heavily on code and scripts, it becomes overly complex for those unfamiliar with programming.
> Therefore, we've adopted a compromise solution. We embed some game frameworks within the editor while also providing access to code, allowing those with more advanced demands to delve deeper into development. Additionally, you can present some code as fill-in-the-blank inputs with prompts, making it easier for novice users. They simply need to fill in specific content to implement the functionalities you've developed.
> This editor is still in its early stages of development. It comes with an embedded RPG game framework, namely the Journey of Seeking framework. If you're not satisfied with this, you're free to utilize the editor's commands for your own development.
> Currently, it's in Chinese, but you don't need to learn any Chinese. The commands are written in alphabets. I've compiled eighteen instructional documents detailing the usage of this editor. We'll endeavor to incorporate translation features in the future, but it will take some time.
> I hope you all enjoy our editor. If you're willing, you can donate to us via Alipay, but it's not obligatory. Even if you don't donate, you'll still have access to this game editor.
### [Fantasy Thievery Concept Version is Released (Windows)](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/52790/fantasy-thievery-concept-version-is-released-v01/)
> Hi all,
> Tonight marks the start of another release in the Nonvisiongames Audiogames Archive. This is a concept version of a Audio Mafia Style Game in which is being put money and original music and sound design. The game is mainly menu based and could contain bugs.
> In the game you start as a starting up criminal which will unlock new activities and perks along his or her carreer.
> A list of the current activities is:
> - Commiting basic crimes,
> - Basic Vehicle Theft,
> - Basic Heists,
> - Basic Mafia Shop,
> - Bank enviroment,
> - Basic mission system,
> - Very basic casino,
> - 11 ranks to play through spread over 44 levels,
> - Highly detailed music,
> - Nice ambients and sounds.
> - Various other stuff.
> I am publishing this concept version to ask about oppinions so i could decide on which way to take for furhter development. I didn't put this in the developers room, cause the very early stages and early stages are behind the project.
> I hope you will enjoy the project in it's current state.
### [Screen Reader Game: Trawel Update](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/40438/screen-reader-game-trawel-update/)
> Trawel is a game which prints text to your system terminal and takes in numbered inputs. It is a numerically complex open world RPG centered around exploring to loot enemies and find wealth. Said wealth can then be spent on equipment or building town locations. While characters can last for some time, they are inherently disposable- this isn't a game where you cultivate the same character for weeks, it's one where you roll a new one and explore the world in a new way for an afternoon or two.
> You can download it from on Itch and Steam.
> Itch is at real.itch.io/trawel.
> Steam is at https://store.steampowered.com/app/992240/Trawel/.
> The Steam Demo and Itch are comparable, the full Steam version has sounds and music but we're currently having trouble getting both them and the accessible output to work at the same time.
> Trawel updates on a very sporadic timeline, often going silent for half a year and then having a lot of activity for a few months. It also isn't the most stable thing ever- consider it early access or beta, because it is.
> Original Post Follows:
> I'm the solo developer for Trawel and I'm pleased to announce that I've picked up the project again, and released an update. Trawel is already in the database, but previously the itch.io version was out of date, which is the version configured to be played with a screen reader with minimal setup.
> It can be found at real.itch.io/trawel for free. The paid version is on steam, but that one's not an audiogame. It uses java so it should run on anything, as long as you have java installed.
> Trawel has a couple gamemodes but the main gamemode involves you playing an immortal character who comes back from the dead, and must collect better equipment, xp, and the like to better explore and combat the world. The story is vastly incomplete, but the game mostly relies on deep combat mechanics and dungeon ‘trawling’ for it’s charm.
> It relies on the keyboard for input, with you pressing a number key (1-9) and then enter, and then getting read what happens. It plays in the command prompt, but shouldn’t require any special permissions, and files are included to start the command prompt with it running.
> I’d love to hear feedback on it, especially on what parts don’t play that well with a screen reader- I’m thinking over some changes but I need some external ideas as well to make sure I don’t miss anything.
> I’m also developing a mech-based city builder with combat, in the same engine, which will be distributed in Trawel in the future.
### [Gold Knight (Windows, Linux)](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/52795/gold-knight/)
> Hello! With great happiness, I'm presenting the 'Gold Knight' demo for you to try out on Windows or Linux:
> Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2695100/Gold\_Knight/
> Itch.io: https://salciunas.itch.io/gold-knight
> I've put my best effort into creating this game and am confidently offering it to you for your judgment of my mini-game experience. It provides about 30 minutes of a unique gameplay experience – an audio-roguelike game that features rich auditory gameplay and improves listening skills, requiring a shift in concentration to listening. I've made a full adaptation for blind individuals, so I hope you enjoy it.
> P.S. I developed this game alone in a bubble and would appreciate genuine reviews to determine if it's worth starting a crowdfunding campaign for the full game version.
## Game updates
- The Hearthstone changes we mentioned last month, including the launc of the new expansion, as well as core set rotation [went live with patch 29.0,](https://hearthstone.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24064735/29-0-patch-notes) with a subsequent [29.0.3 patch](https://hearthstone.blizzard.com/en-us/news/24064739/29-0-3-patch-notes) introducing the first balance changes. The HearthStone access mod, in addition to keeping up with these updates, now allows you to read how long you've been waiting in the queue by pressing space, interact with the recent opponents section of the social panel and more.
- The previously announced updates to As Dusk Falls, which introduce English Audio Description to the game, are now available on all platforms, including PS5 where the game has also launched this month.
- [Forza Update 6.0](https://support.forzamotorsport.net/hc/en-us/articles/27283008634515-Forza-Motorsport-Update-6-0-Release-Notes-March-11-2024) now allows you to buy car points with credits letting you fast track car upgrades, kicks off the next batch of builder's cup tours, improves opponent AI and brings basic accessibility to the livery editor.
- The previously announced and delayed update to Marvel's Spider-Man 2, introducing the screen reader and audio descriptions has gone live. While many accessibility critics felt this wouldn't be enough to make it possible to fully complete the game for totally blind gamers without assistance, and there are a few levels where it's indeed more difficult to proceed independently, with an extra navigation audio queue added with this update and a few guides written by a sighted member of the community at least one person was able to complete the main story independently. You can follow the conversation in [this topic.](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/49886/marvels-spiderman-2-accessibility-thoughts/)
- [Stardew Valley 1.6](https://www.stardewvalley.net/stardew-valley-1-6-update-full-changelog/) is a massive update which introduces new festivals, many new NPC dialogs and items, a new mastery system, a new starting farm type, the ability to have multiple pets and much, much more. [Stardew Access](https://github.com/khanshoaib3/stardew-access/releases) was already updated to work with this new version while also introducing a ton of bug fixes and improvements to reading various menus and item tracking
- [CrossedEyes](https://github.com/CCDirectLink/CrossedEyes/releases) - the accessibility mod for CrossCode had 2 updates in March which added accessibility to more menus, introduced more help hints and a ton of bug fixes
- [FactorioAccess](https://github.com/LevFendi/Factorio-Access/blob/main/CHANGES.md) also received 2 major updates in March which introduced support for circuit networks, manual control over player logistics, better support for manual vehicle driving, support for programmable speakers and more.
- [Skullgirls 2nd Encore](https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/245170/view/4139443829747446069) just had a major update which introduced the final character in the season pass - The Skullgirl Marie herself! Plus, many other changes.
- The Vale is now available on PlayStation 4 and 5 as well as the Nintendo Switch in addition to Windows and Xbox.
- Eurofly 3 had a few big updates in March which changed the way landings are conducted, added a new technical information panel, added an airport explorer, made it possible to add custom sounds for specific aircraft and much more. The rules for earning in-game money are changing and on April first (so by the time you're reading this) all profiles will be reset
- Transport World Simulator had a few small updates in March which mainly fixed bugs around various security systems on the trains as well as the automatic operation of the London Underground.
- [Sanctuary in Time 0.45B](https://novusoperandigames.itch.io/sanctuary-in-time/devlog/699974/reporting-for-duty-sir-changelog-045b) features "Two new outpost types to unlock (w/ game-changing mechanics and brand-new Templar and Cleric assignments), plus changes to how and when outposts in general are revealed to the player; significant changes to Strength & Persuasion stats, game interface improvements, and more!"
- [Wave of the Undead](https://forum.audiogames.net/post/834512/#p834512) now has a new Zombie - the disabler, who can temporarily disable your defenses.
- [Sonar Islands](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/52884/sonar-islands-returns-with-a-new-island-and-japanese-language-support/) is back with a new island and a Japanese translation (Thanks Dark for the heads up!)
- [Textspaced 1.41](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/52879/textspaced-v141-released/) introduced a new augmentation system letting you tweak your character's combat style, a new Macro botanist skill, 4 new ships, a new situations screen for upcoming random events, and made the game's background music into a full on radio station complete with fictional advertisements which you can tune into outside of the game if you wish.
- [The Alter Aeon Spring Festival event](https://forum.audiogames.net/topic/52752/alter-aeon-march-2024-update/) is set to bring event quests, leprechauns, and fun over the Easter weekend, alongside updates that include the introduction of a hunting mini-game, skill adjustments such as the integration of 'animal magnetism' into 'calm animal,' a new level 40 necromancer skill called bind demon, modifications to daily tasks and minions, and significant level and area adjustments across the game to enhance player experience. Additionally, plans are underway to further develop content for higher level areas and expand the game world.
## Authors
This edition of the digest has been written by:
- Piotr Machacz ([pitermach@dragonscave.space](https://dragonscave.space/@pitermach) on Mastodon)