<div><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/1jiambr6Lfv10bKyCPKGOO/5f21df8dcf7af7c6bc108235042f6726/WeeklyUpdates_2.jpg" alt="undefined"/><p></p> </div><br/>Hello again, Tatsu friends! It's your old pal Zerkalo (Lucas), here to wrap up the month of March with a shiny new dev blog!<br/><br/><br/>We were busy bees this past week, so this blog is bursting with content! Just for you, we've got new map designs. Quest and combat updates! An incredible wave of art WIPs. And loads more! Let's have at it!<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">New Tatsu QOL - Vote Item Update</b></h1>Have you voted enough times to grab this month's latest vote item yet?! If so, you might've noticed a new feature!<br/><br/><br/>The latest QOL update allows you to automatically claim the month's vote reward once you've completed the 60-vote requirement. The item goes directly to your inventory without needing to type "t!mail claim" for it, as seen in the sample mail notification below:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/vGlSLK4vzpTlA6sdBvQIe/951566dfc804b95da7cd4ea14fd076f4/qolvoteitem.png" alt="undefined"/><p></p> </div><br/>The same feature is already at work for Credits and Tokens earned through voting, so the only mail items you need to claim at present are Pet Capsules, Ancient Coins, and Pet Sodas!<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Mapping a New Terrain: Caves!</b></h1>This map update transports us to the mysterious Sea Caves! A test map of the location has arrived from our Game Designers, and you're going to like the details about this one…<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/7uXGbwYGxpyvi50BGwWcVr/8e3db02c0a8e88260c93654f00d70ad3/seacave.png" alt="Rumor has it there are special fish you can find only in this area!"/><p>Rumor has it there are special fish you can find only in this area!</p> </div><br/>For the Sea Caves, we're envisioning two distinct cave sections, an external alcove (up top!), and a whopping <i>three</i> fishing areas! Should be a real fishing hotspot.<br/><br/><br/>But a test map like this still has many upgrades to come! Next, it will make its way into the hands of our brilliant Artists, who will get painting and apply the details.<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Endless Possibilities with the Mapbuilder</b></h1>Behind the scenes, our Developers continue work on the tools and interfaces behind the wondrous maps of Tatsumeeko! That magic happens in our mapbuilder 2.5D. <br/><br/><br/>The latest map feature in the works? A tool that'll allow you to stack props! It's a practical tool that'll help build all sorts of structures… though our Developers are demonstrating it with an amusing prop!<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/2PwW6X66gVrppXshkscmun/f171208c0a8a5477f932f3657ab27e77/3DPropStack.png" alt="We made a monkey tower with the mapbuilder “stack” tool 🙉"/><p>We made a monkey tower with the mapbuilder “stack” tool 🙉</p> </div><br/>In mapbuilder updates, the star is usually, well… the maps! But the UI is also a priority here, and we've been upgrading interfaces like these, for instance:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/5l6QVYUF7VMQMY3kC7udTN/f78c09107d7324c95aad12cd4f462b5d/MapPackageUI.png" alt="A preview of the mapbuilder UI for the package system - very user-friendly!"/><p>A preview of the mapbuilder UI for the package system - very user-friendly!</p> </div><br/>Creating maps is a key step in the design process, and we're making sure our mapbuilder is ready for the challenge! <br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">On the Quest for Success</b></h1>We've been blown away by the incredible quest updates lately! And there's no slowing down this week. In this next demo from our Engineers, you'll see a zoom through all the important stages in our quest flow.<br/><br/><br/>Features include how it could look to meet a quest giver, to accept a quest, and to complete a quest. Here's the latest WIP for our Discord flow:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/3teU9oVkSWLQRfDs8vRdo6/24106ad367f55236f3c4588a19e601a1/Discord_Quest.gif" alt="A quick look: Our quest flow in progress is coming along nicely!"/><p>A quick look: Our quest flow in progress is coming along nicely!</p> </div><br/>A fantastic look at the interfaces you could one day use in Discord gameplay! Can't wait to start completing some fun and high-stakes quests soon!<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">A Punchy Update from UI/UX</b></h1>From our recent playtests to our battlefield art previews, hype is mounting for combat in Tatsumeeko! <br/><br/><br/>Our UI/UX team is behind the design of combat, and a recent focus has been combat elements like buttons, icons, and interfaces. Have a look at an assortment in this test combat scene:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/4AWbgtErpEgmwddBdTP8uK/c34a52e45c1e8cf41125ff20c6a2d655/inbattle_Dark_Background.png" alt="Icons and other visuals really set the mood for combat"/><p>Icons and other visuals really set the mood for combat</p> </div><br/>For the graphics, one goal was to separate your Meeko (with the Shiba Aura!) from the Allies in your party. In combat, your Meeko will perform differently from your Allies, so our Designers are creating distinct visuals.<br/><br/><br/>Now for a closer look! We'll break it down element by element. Some really excellent designs coming along here…<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/6gtKTTsxCBTDsIVEsTbK1L/0211561365b8e836dc8c538c7e4de070/innerPotential.png" alt="Current graphics for your Ally’s inner potential are nice and bright"/><p>Current graphics for your Ally’s inner potential are nice and bright</p> </div><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/3IUKkPTNhStoB6fi1lUl7z/c4c626ed810d704440f7c1d163761007/sketches_icon_timer.png" alt="Timing is everything! Varying timer icons you could see in battle"/><p>Timing is everything! Varying timer icons you could see in battle</p> </div><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/4zu6MtASvJ0JmVsRCm9e5r/924bf3e9848e5371ac10aaf6c290ef5e/sketches_icon_element.jpg" alt="Element icon WIPs are looking really sharp!"/><p>Element icon WIPs are looking really sharp!</p> </div><br/>Reassemble it all, and you get striking progress on game combat! Here's another combat mock-up, but with emphasis on different visuals this time:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/3IGmDKcJutVUu2BH0t1Aex/06acab50daa2c89bc53fac3b70ead6ae/combat_inbattle.png" alt="Testing level displays and enemy elements in this WIP!"/><p>Testing level displays and enemy elements in this WIP!</p> </div><br/>In the big picture for our team, this UI/UX progress goes right along with our Art Department's testing of combat visuals. Speaking of which…<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Sketching Out the Battlefield</b></h1>It's been a hot minute since we showcased WIPs from our Animation team! This update promises to fill your appetite for creature and skill concept art.<br/><br/><br/>In previous weeks, you've seen monsters in mob action… Now you'll see a couple of them in idle animation form! Check 'em out!<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/3Fbk5cj3t1Fp1LlVENn5O8/7421df4b40a01a28e76565499e6cb0fb/boaridletest.gif" alt="A brooding boar WIP!"/><p>A brooding boar WIP!</p> </div><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/8XDxEqbOgyVKN76jTP16X/6225ee3a37538770eeda3c6c4e39aa2c/goblintest.gif" alt="Mean green goblin in the works!"/><p>Mean green goblin in the works!</p> </div><br/>Looking cute but menacing! Ready to test your skills against them?! We hope so, because these next WIPs showcase YOUR skill art in action!<br/><br/><br/>If you played our Combat Prototypes, you might be familiar with the various augments that amplify your skills and combat strategies with your party. They're starting to come alive in scorching new concept art previews:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/6Zyi47eZvM7sFboqsFQmZF/450d21ed5599743807e7d9139b7ca1b1/AugmentsConceptArt.png" alt="From top to bottom, these augment concept skills are: Lighter, Enamor, and Reaper!"/><p>From top to bottom, these augment concept skills are: Lighter, Enamor, and Reaper!</p> </div><br/>Our animation Artists are mapping out not only the general art of the skills but also the overall style of animation in combat! For instance, here are a couple animated WIPs for the Reaper augment:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/3wfuCZQvKiasoQChtqclFq/a383ff5c0d79bd62c407a0d5a906447b/Augments-Reaper2.gif" alt="undefined"/><p></p> </div><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/7ln9hdkFGWKojIbCwOluDD/7a7a71a862ec3414843eafa56bc7e1f5/Augments-Reaper3.gif" alt="These designs have us pumped up for combat!!!"/><p>These designs have us pumped up for combat!!!</p> </div><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">The Art of Transportation</b></h1>Ever wonder how your Meeko characters will travel? Wonder no more: By land or by sea, we have the first previews of Meeko transportation! You've seen WIPs of the boats from previous blogs, but how about your own car?!<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/pSgpvEpnj3JdpAAAAKN9S/c5d4bc2d8931c2083ae8683bef1c6001/MeekoTransport.png" alt="That car is super adorable and Meeko-friendly! Just enough space for pets too?"/><p>That car is super adorable and Meeko-friendly! Just enough space for pets too?</p> </div><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/3wFey9ayG21fMsflkiahOI/e44901279b91ed8e07714348aeb85b91/MeekoCarProps.png" alt="Sneak preview: Cars with other prop WIPs, including your Meeko for scale"/><p>Sneak preview: Cars with other prop WIPs, including your Meeko for scale</p> </div><br/>Besides cars, testwork continues on common environmental props like trees, shrubbery, and rock formations. Plus tourist items like a rest stop with chairs, a map, and fresh concept art for produce!<br/><br/><br/>Bit by bit. Prop by prop. Blog by blog. The world of Tatsumeeko is coming to life!<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Next Level Previews!</b></h1>Previously, you got to see <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="https://tatsumeeko.com/community?post=fishing-animations-exploring-the-world-map-painting-parina-docks-15th-march"><u>a model of Sunset Taverna</u></a> in the works! Now our Artists have begun painting on the maps and bringing the tavern to life. Have a sneak peek at the concept art in progress for the second floor:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/1GaTwb0FAG0WxhG5brpUQt/0f22437e9abe9c947f290cf9028506da/SunsetTaverna2ndFloor.jpg" alt="Those rooms sure look cozy! Fresh and ready for the weary adventurer!"/><p>Those rooms sure look cozy! Fresh and ready for the weary adventurer!</p> </div><br/>Away from the second level, the Artists are refining interior props for Sunset Taverna. From bars to shelves, to lighting accessories, and even dinner tables:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/Zae858vTUShDs3zkEkzyH/09316de9a71e7779af3e0d7a564f7522/InteriorSunsetTaverna.png" alt="undefined"/><p></p> </div><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Character and Critter Concepts</b></h1>If you watched <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="https://tatsumeeko.com/community?post=exploring-villain-combat-scenes-creating-quest-givers-and-mount-designs-22nd"><u>Exillia's Twitch stream</u></a>, you might already be familiar with this military outfit for the Rhevani! We're still perfecting the details for the uniform, but here are the latest WIPs for these clothing designs:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/3gD882497OkQRDLZ55W3aL/397e0f64e9f8e638a6b598e940ce311f/Military_Outfit.jpg" alt="The top dogs in the military could wear uniforms like these!"/><p>The top dogs in the military could wear uniforms like these!</p> </div><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/1HJR5XDz0KtUDg5O6A24qb/ec4348fa18e832669487e9507e7175f0/MilitaryOutfit_LowerRank.jpg" alt="Lower Rank uniforms will have different designs - nice progress!"/><p>Lower Rank uniforms will have different designs - nice progress!</p> </div><br/>Usually, monsters and humans take center stage in our art previews. But flora critters are stars of the Tatsumeeko world too! Take a look at some early designs of these critters:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/74Jw0vchKTqsFwEY403JUX/8c9a951ed310f0422ba9ec20f5c25262/Flora_Thumbnails.png" alt="undefined"/><p></p> </div><br/>As you can see, various nature-inspired beings are in the works – and they're looking fantastic so far! But we also have seagulls, pigeons, and foxes in the mix!<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/2wy9kdMqK7fsHWtQZ2zvU3/e3e4b75054a68989b2cc43f341e1edc9/SeagullsPigeonsWIP.png" alt="Aren’t these round little guys just adorable?!"/><p>Aren’t these round little guys just adorable?!</p> </div><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/4r9bIFttsNEpj2LBdvHY2P/eb04b0ea0fbdaef7a1b7308efd88b173/FoxWIPs.png" alt="Seriously sly fox WIPs (and puns!) by our Artists"/><p>Seriously sly fox WIPs (and puns!) by our Artists</p> </div><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">New Meeko Sheets</b></h1>These last few months, we've been focused on Meeko Pass redesigns. But this week we’re shaking things up with a preview of NPC characters who'll join YOU in the game! Take a look:<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/6XfRU5qFzkirDjaTROzumn/dc45ed0b650f382a4ff927b75bd898e1/AlphaCharactersWIP.png" alt="Does this race look familiar? Felanthri NPC variants await you!"/><p>Does this race look familiar? Felanthri NPC variants await you!</p> </div><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Project Progress Bars, Chapter 4</b></h1>The Project Progress Bars are back for a fourth week! This section tracks our weekly progress on SANDBOX, our first game milestone. From Week 3 to Week 4, here’s how we did:<br/><br/><li><p><b>Game Design</b> (Total Progress: 79.96% -&gt; 83%)</p></li><li><p><b>Art</b> (Total Progress: 65.15% -&gt; 70.85%)</p></li><li><p><b>UI/UX</b> (Total Progress: 57.5% -&gt; 60%)</p></li><li><p><b>Engineering</b> (Total Progress: 19.2%  -&gt; 22.8%)</p></li><li><p><b>Narrative</b> (Total Progress: 32.5% -&gt; 34.58%)</p></li><li><p><b>Music &amp; Sound</b> (Total Progress: 45.8%)</p></li><br/>As you can see, we're hard at work on SANDBOX, our early stage pre-alpha build with game features of navigation, fishing, quests, and dialogue! Tons of really excellent updates lately, and we're thrilled with the progress.<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Tune in to Tatsu on Twitch!</b></h1>Team Twitch Streams returned with a new episode this past week! Our Environment Artist, Zearmy, wrapped up March’s streams with a showcase of his work on the Sunset Taverna rooftop…<br/><div class="blog_addFullImage__DYXIc"><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/t4f4drli3f7d/6kXiTfVrCvAy9SVom2nIsq/6344a5dd0132b083b65eef3cd4b05d5f/ZearmyStream.png" alt="How exciting! Sunset Taverna progress art, as seen on Twitch (OfficialTatsumeeko)"/><p>How exciting! Sunset Taverna progress art, as seen on Twitch (OfficialTatsumeeko)</p> </div><br/>Miss out on the livestream? Worry not! We return in April with more weekly streams! Subscribe to <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="http://twitch.tv/officialtatsumeeko"><u>the Tatsumeeko Twitch channel</u></a> now to catch them all!<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Tatsu Works… with You?</b></h1>We like to keep you posted on career opportunities here at Tatsu Works. And there's a super interesting one this week! As of a few days ago, we are taking applications for a <b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Music Intern</b> position.<br/><br/><br/>Working closely with our composers, producers, and various teams, the position will assist with composing and producing game music. Check out <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3533346467/"><u>the full posting here</u></a> on our LinkedIn page!<br/><br/><br/>By the way, the Music Intern is just one of our <i>three</i> current job openings! Not to mention a general application that's open at all times. Visit <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="https://careers.tatsumeeko.com/"><u>our careers page</u></a> to learn more today!<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">Don't Miss Out on Pre-Technical Alpha</b></h1>As you saw in the Progress Bars, we're making great progress on the game these days. Along the way, we're releasing game prototypes, and we want YOU to test them out!<br/><br/><br/>To be part of Tatsumeeko's creation, you'll need to <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="http://tatsumeeko.com"><u>get signed up here</u></a> for pre-technical alpha testing! For more details, there's also a full breakdown in the <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="https://ptb.discord.com/channels/173184118492889089/1073970536301994024"><u>Dimension Factory thread</u></a> on Discord. If you've already signed up – great! Something exclusive is coming your way soon!<br/><br/><br/><h1 class="blog_heading1__LTQ_9"><b class="blog_bold__OUPuc">An Invitation to You</b></h1>Alright folks, that's all for this week! But as we say goodbye to March, that means Patch and Supporter updates are just around the corner! The new theme (which you're gonna love, BTW) goes live on April 1.<br/><br/><br/>And if you're still reading this – thank you, we appreciate you! And we'd love to invite you to our Discord community! Our server is Tatsu's Lounge, and it's home to over 95,000 members. If you're not one, why not join today?<br/><br/><br/>Our team also brings you fun and innovative content around social media. So shoot us a follow on <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="http://twitter.com/tatsumeeko"><u>Twitter</u></a> and <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="http://instagram.com/official_tatsumeeko"><u>Instagram</u></a> – you won't be disappointed! Don't miss our latest addition, those weekly <a class="blog_hyperLink__I_zr0" href="http://twitch.tv/officialtatsumeeko"><u>Twitch</u></a> streams on Thursdays, either :)<br/><br/><br/>See you next blog!<br/></div>

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Build a team of

different classes

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fantasy, wonder and joy!