It has been one week since Rise of the Monarch stepped into the Light. And what a week it’s been—overwhelming, exhausting, and deeply rewarding.

A Warm First Week

Releasing a project this personal into the world is always nerve-wracking. The game is still early—raw, quiet in places, loud in others, but always deeply rooted in narrative (which, after all, is the heart of a visual novel!).

But the response has been deeply encouraging.

Hundreds, if not thousands of views across platforms. Dozens of downloads. Many of you connected with the world, the tone, and started to like the characters... or hate others.

To everyone who:

• Took the time to play
• Reported any bug
• Or simply said “This looks promising”

...thank you. Truly.

What’s Brewing Behind the Scenes

Work hasn't stopped since release.

Chapter 2 is well underway. It is tense, more focused. I am slowly pulling us away from the comfort (and illusion of safety) of the manor, and into something... heavier

Some scenes in this chapter have led to the creation of a new gameplay mechanic, designed to support the story while adding a more dynamic layer to the experience. It’s still in development, but it should bring some much-needed intensity to key moments.

This update will lay the foundations of what will be… and I know it’s going to be great.

Small Fixes from Week One:

These fixes will all be available in the upcoming update

• Added Sasha's sprite. I don't know why on Earth I didn't do it on first release... 😅
• Smoothed out some transitions and dialogue pacing
• Tweaked a few lines to better reflect character intent
• Cleaned up character interactions with proper slide-ins/outs
• Refactored some code to prepare for upcoming changes in characters’ affection

A Personal Note

Rise of the Monarch is just at its beginnings—but your feedback is already shaping its future. The world will get deeper. The paths, more dangerous. The choices, heavier.

Thank you for stepping into the Two Wars with me.

“The story never starts where it should. It starts where it hurts.” 
 — Amaranth

Until the Stars align for our next meeting. 

ZephyrA0