The Mermaid Mask has hit 1000 reviews on Steam! Thanks again to everyone who took the time to write a review - I've actually been reading them!! (Normally I'm too scared to read steam reviews)
https://t.co/pzMTpcw6fS
Like Tangle Tower before it, the characters in The Mermaid Mask all have 'chibis' that are used on the map screen, diagrams, etc. But since I learned some rudimentary 3D modelling during Crow Country, I was also able to make 3D versions of the chibis
Lastly, a bit of tech art from @SFBTom
- Catherine's art has a coloured outline - not immediately possible, but Tom made a shader that adds it dynamically - taking the colour it's closest to and producing a darker version of it, and then pinching and warping it to look painterly
Here's a look at the Captain's Jacket model and the amazing painted texture that Kindra made (from scratch) to match Catherine's painting style. (Don't ask me how the UV wrapping works, this part is still pure wizardry to me)
One of the most rewarding art challenges we took on in The Mermaid Mask was to make all the clues fully 3D. @Ungapants would paint the 2D image as always, and then @KindraDantone modelled and painted a 3D model to match it exactly. The results were quite incredible-
🍃 It's not Animal Crossing.
🧑🚀 It's not Astroneer.
☀️ It's not Outer Wilds.
But if our indie game reminds you of them...
we're probably doing something right!
THIS WINTER: Croakwood is a relaxed and creative town building simulation game about frogs, nature, and an ancient forest. Coming to Early Access this Winter! #WholesomeDirect2026
🐸 Guide the growth of the community
🏡 Design and decorate
👀 Learn about the frogs