Sometimes Always Monsters News

We had a really interesting weekend with LudoNarraCon and our first experiences doing development livestreams. It was really invigorating to have a bunch of you watch our process making new content, and join the chat to leave extra suggestions. We'd never considered having such a collaborative development experience, but it's been a lot of fun.

In addition to getting to talk with all of you and show off our ridiculous workflow, we actually got a lot of things finished. This update, more than others, has a lot of new content to enjoy. Check it all out:

[h3]New Content:[/h3]
Seafood Vendors
Two new detailed NPCs are ready to sell you some fresh seafood, and can be found in New Creole and Gator Bay. They both deliver regional specialties, and offer players the opportunity to haggle prices on their daily catch. Just be sure to get to them in the morning, as stock dwindles over the day and costs go up before they completely run out in the evening. Bring a friend with you to the buy and get a pinch of insight into how they feel about crustaceans.

New Store (Beef Heaven)
Where the old QuickStarter shop once stood in Sequoia, now hosts a new butchery called Beef Heaven. In there you can pick up some steaks for grilling, or meatballs for spaghetti. There's also veal and ground product, along with an exclusive new barbecue sauce. There's also a lot of little interactives, some new interactions with the authors, and some deep lore about Sequoia's farming industries. Plus, a subtle little nightmare for certain save importers.

Burgers w/ Friends Includes new achievement
Tired of eating food on the bus? Tired of eating alone? Grab your spouse, or one of the authors and head to Bullet Burger for a serious chow session. After buying your burgers, grab a seat with them and eat until the two of you can't stomach any more. Light conversations revealing more about the author's opinions of one another will come to light, and you'll be able to stake a claim about your friendships as well. Note that this is a one-time venture per friend, as few can stomach multiple monstrous burger chow sessions.

Never Have I Ever... Includes new achievement
Being stuck on a bus without much to do can lead to some pretty desperate plots for entertainment. Now, on evenings while rolling between cities, the authors have a chance of sparking up a game of "Never Have I Ever". During the game, the authors, the player, and their spouse will stand around, revealing truths about themselves while getting plastered. It's a good way of getting to know each other a little better, and to pass the time while you travel between towns.

[h3]Here's what else is in the update:[/h3]

• Fixed a handful of little errors in various rare finale sequences
  
• Fixed an error where player would walk to the wrong author to talk during event setups
  
• Made the compass clear properly when players are rescued from the desert
  
• Removed chickadees from inventory when you abandon them
  
• Hermes will now ask to speak to you (to get his phone back) before you return to bus
  
• Added some happier music to some of the happier finale credits
  
• Taking one plate to wash from the home table now takes all of them
  
• Water sound effect in bathroom ends if you don't turn off faucet
  
• Players now have to poop less
  
• Edited a couple typos
  

Considering the benefit of the stream and the joy it's brought us, we're making plans to do more of them.

Starting on Saturday and Sunday at 1PM EST, we'll being broadcasting more development and gameplay previews at twitch.tv/vagabonddog. Follow the channel, and come join us while we're live.

Read more details for our plans right here.

Hey gang,
We're doing another developer livestream really soon!

You can watch it right here, starting at 4:30 PM EST:
https://steamcommunity.com/broadcast/watch/76561197970929040

Last night's stream was ridiculous and a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone who joined us.

Together, we managed to make a new Seafood Vendor who lives in New Creole. You can buy his daily catch of lobsters and shrimp, haggle for better prices, and help put his kid through college!

We also finished a new feature where you'll be able to take the authors (or your spouse) with you to Bullet Burger and chow down on piles of hamburgers while you talk shit about the others on the bus.

No idea what we're going to make tonight, but if you're keen to see how Sometimes Always Monsters gets put together, then join the stream chat and hit us with your requests and suggestions as we add new content for the patch going out early next week.

[h2]- VD[/h2]

This weekend, Always Sometimes Monsters and Sometimes Always Monsters are being featured as part of the LudoNarraCon digital games convention. It's an event happening here on Steam that celebrates a variety of independent narrative games with sales, demos, and livestreams.

That means that from April 24 to April 27, you'll be able to pick up Always Sometimes Monsters for 80% discount. Also, If you already own ASM, then you can now grab its sequel, Sometimes Always Monsters via the SAM / ASM Saga Bundle for just $17.



Throughout the weekend, we'll be livestreaming both gameplay and development of Sometimes Always Monsters right on the main store page of the game. Check it out, as the devs will be answering questions and taking requests for additions to the game.

We're excited to bring the event to you this weekend, and hope you'll take this opportunity to check out the new game, convince your friends to experience Always Sometimes Monsters, and join us for some of the fun with the Sometimes Always Monsters livestreams!

As we said in the last patch, it's probably impossible to reach a truly bugfree state for the game. Just as we finished crushing the list we were given, more reports began to pop up. Considering our plans to continue adding content to the game, this is likely to continue as new features get tossed in the mix.

Speaking of adding new content, this build features a number of recent additions that help with guidance and some random sprinkles of extra story, exposition, and flavor for various characters and sequences. A lot of the ideas for these changes have come from watching a handful of players who've been streaming their gameplay, which has given us some interesting ideas for new additions.

Our next update is also likely to include some new stuff, as we'll be entering LudoNarraCon this weekend and we plan to run some livestreams on Sometimes Always Monsters store page starting at 1 PM EST on April 24th and continue through the weekend.

The streams will feature some gameplay, but also some live development of new content as suggested by folks in chat, on the Steam Forums, and in the Community Discord. If you're around to view, stop by and say hi, ask a question, or leave a feature request.

[h3]Here's what's in this latest update:[/h3]

• Panel attendees will now be visibly angry when Mason cuts in line
  
• Panel attendees now have additional angry comments that trigger if Mason cuts in line
  
• Added multiple stages of comments to each author regarding their stank
  
• Old man in Portsmith will no longer misgender lesbians
  
• Added additional monologue prompts for e-mail notifications to improve guidance
  
• Made the toothpaste at home now start with 4 units
  
• Edited some typos with the "Elopers" crossing conversation in 2ELF
  
• Fixed a glitch where the kid in the arcade might start playing the counter instead of the machine
  
• Detective Ricky will no longer misgender Sam
  
• Added additional dialogue to Ricky so import players better recognize him as a returning character
  
• Added additional dialogue to Benny so import players better recognize him as a returning character
  
• Removed the potential to get stuck in a blackout after watching the Comedian
  
• Reverted the haunted mansion tour guide to being a brunette
  
• After Hassan's mission, your spouse will no longer appear in the bedroom if you left them at home
  
• Hassan's exploration of the Bricklayer Society now takes less time to complete
  
• Prevented DeMarcus post-adventure dialogue from double-triggering when you re-enter the store
  
• Improved the accuracy of Big Deal's adventure triggering, so the ticket seller recognizes you better
  
• Going to the concert with Big Deal now takes less time to complete
  
• Fixed the musical conclusion to visiting the concert with Big Deal
  
• Added an additional conversation with Big Deal during his misadventure to talk about addiction
  
• Moved the Wet Ticket achievement trigger to the end of the event, instead of the start
  
• Time advancement notifications now take less time to conclude
  
• Time advancement notifications will no longer re-play if it's already as late night
  
• Improved the structure of the middle couch seat on the bus
  
• Replaced the art for the congratulatory level in Fire Escape: Orphan Inferno
  
• Pablo's shopping list will stop quantifying fruit as snacks
  
• Rollie cigarettes will no longer activate the dreaded infinite coughing loop
  
• Edited some typos with Big Deal's book reading
  
• The hermit in the wasteland will now ask for and properly collect up to 10 lost chickadees
  
• The hermit will now reward your chickadee rescues with a new friend
  
• Players will no longer lose 99 of their SSX Shares when they pack their suitcase
  
• SSX Shares will now be carried in the player's wallet
  
• Added an achievement for beating Sisyphus (good luck, you poor souls!)
• Trash cans will now accept rotten fruit and soiled food instead of requiring the compost pile
  
• Compass destinations are now obscured until players reach them for the first time
  
• The spouse no long misgenders Sam during the delusional conclusion in the finale sequence
  
• Asking about gym facilities now gives a better explanation of all that's available, including showers
  
• The spouse should now properly appear on all relevant save screens
  
• Added internal comments for the player to focus on writing, during days where the bus is traveling
  
• Daily cooking counters should now properly reset every night
  
• The librarian will no longer accuse straight players of writing gay content in their book
  
• Added multiple reactions from the authors whenever player feeds or pets one of the dogs
  

Thanks for checking out this run. Hope to see you in the livestream chat this weekend.

Also, don't forget to grab the new free DLC if you haven't already!

It's been a few weeks since Sometimes Always Monsters released, and this is our 10th update to the game. With the over 80 changes below, we've officially updated over 400 ticket items.

While a truly bugfree game is beyond feasibility, we genuinely feel that your experience playing through Sometimes Always Monsters now will be vastly improved over what you may have seen at launch. This is suggested by a large number of fans in the Community Discord, as well as others on the Steam Forums who have been playing the various updates as they've come.

Both of us are very dedicated to this game, and appreciate the support and passion all the players have exhibited. We've listened carefully to all the feedback and have addressed what we could for now, and made plans for additional content in the future for some desires that need longer to satisfy. We always planned on this game being something you could go through multiple times, and with further updates, we'll be providing even more reasons to replay the journey.

In addition to the list below, we are also releasing our first DLC today for FREE:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1292640/
It's a costume pack for the dogs Lady Bird and Tyson, who you can find in the game. When you install it, you'll be able to control their outfits via the closet in the bedroom on the bus. It's free for all players, and adds a little extra style to some very good dogs.

[h3]Here's what's in the latest update:[/h3]

• Edited a typo in the "Pure Jealousy" flashback
  
• Increased the speed of time advancement display
  
• Set time advancement display to automatically ON for all players
  
• Dogs can now eat chickadees as tasty, crunchy snacks
  
• Moved the trigger for the Kinder Select achievement to make it more accessible
  
• Added dog Tyson to the epilogue backyard, if you're good to the dogs on your trip
  
• Fixed some font changes between save imports and Regarding Alleyways flashback
  
• Save import confirmation screens are now transparent within the window
  
• Replaced some old chair technology in the psychiatric ward
  
• Prevented the player from sitting down when calling an Unter car after the psychiatric ward visit
  
• Better variance to the spouse's talking after reading the newspaper for Forgiveness timelines
  
• Edited text of the arcade achievement to better reflect its actual requirements
  
• Updated new art for "Hassan The King" posters in Sheena / Hassan vignette
  
• Prevented player from standing on break room chairs (because there's books on them)
  
• Replaced bad chair technology throughout the premiere lounge on the casino boat
  
• Trash cans now work in all directions
  
• Crushed cans can now be tossed in garbage cans properly
  
• Edited a bunch of typos in Mason's article and interview
  
• Edited some typo in Big Deal's reflective conversations
  
• Prevented players from having sex with their spouse while they were out buying booze
  
• Prevented players from entire sex system once they are divorced
• Made the sky react appropriately to the time of day when leaving Casey's apartment
  
• Replaced the Con-Mart skin on the fruit vendor with the proper store images
  
• Fixed an issue where players could destroy Super Condoms by looking at them
  
• Changed conditionals for Chance recognizing save import players who met him in ASM
  
• Replaced bad chair technology in the Voodoo House
  
• Adjusted Sheena's sprite in a specific chair so she turns her head instead of a legless body
  
• Updated the art for an old traffic light in Slab Town
  
• Prevented player from walking into walls after exiting some chairs in Pancha's Plancha
  
• Removed deprecated sandwiches from the vending machines
  
• Blocked players from walking on top of some buildings in Gator Bay and Sequoia
  
• Closed a loop that forced you to sign Yasi's book during the finale reading
  
• Changed conditions for starting Yasi's personal quest so it's more accessible
  
• Replaced the sprite controller for one of the twenty crossing characters in Stalker Media
  
• Updated the art for the sitting blue hair lady in the Hassan / Hung Chan vignette
  
• Added some new conversations for Jake and Justin, and framework to add more later
  
• Showers at home no longer take up any time
  
• Showers at home will now complete the laundry, dryer, and coffee cycles
  
• Doubled the threshold for dirty dishes before burning time (now 6+)
  
• Added new dialogue to Shelly's phone call insisting and warning players to join the bus tour
  
• Cooking twice now concludes the dryer in addition to the washing machine
  
• Doing dishes now concludes the dryer in addition to the washing machine
  
• Playing games for a length will now more steadily advance time
  
• Added mild (basic) character animations for eating snacks while in non-standard outfits
  
• Fixed a hard freeze when reusing the Church of Reflection's mirrors after getting your fate sealed
  
• Made the spouse lie about their job applications a little bit less
  
• Casey is no longer omniscient about the light switches and will not comment if not in the room
  
• Massive revamps to Hung Chan's misadventure in Outer Worlds to prevent some technical issues
  
• Remodeled the bathroom in Shelly's hotel room so you can now use the sink and wash your hands
  
• Prevented an issue where player would abruptly be ejected from their computer chair
  
• Stopped players from using a chair with Alexa that'd have a lit candle between their legs
  
• Prevented Hung Chan from suggesting we invite Hung Chan to do Hung Chan's mission
  
• Modified some of the scenes when packing for your tour naked and having sex before finishing
  
• Enabled the SSX (Sandwich Stock Exchange) terminal at your home computer all the time
  
• Updated the SSX to use bank balance instead of cash
  
• Modified the SSX texts to showcase bank balance and provide more general information
  
• Improved the scene art and added NPCs to the Hassan / Pablo vignette
  
• Prevented players from calling Unter cars once they reach the epilogue
  
• Deactivated the typing suggestion to explore the city while the bus is moving between cities
  
• First vignette for Trisha / Big Deal now uses the correct nudity sprite for Big Deal
  
• Your spouse will now stay awake until you get home from the hospital after being hit by a car
  
• Your spouse will now always remember to talk to you about how you got hit by a car
  
• Changed an inappropriate portrait call for when the spouse is talking about your car accident
  
• If you were with someone while you got hit by a car, they will comment on it if spoken to afterwards
  
• Getting free music at the cellphone store no longer causes a crash
  
• Gay and Lesbian characters should now have better access to appropriate pornography
  
• Made it so DeMarcus and Hung Chan pay for their drinks with money, instead of a taco
  
• Widened the desk in the library so players no longer sit with the back of a chair up their ass
  
• Alexa and Hassan will only join Big Deal and Ruth for a doobie, if they're actually on the tour now
  
• Added function to the bench near the playground in Sequoia
  
• If you buy art from the old dude in Sequoia, he will no longer call the cops on you
  
• Fixed leaving Kinder Select after helping the old guy to show the right time of day
  
• Big Deal now specifically mentions that the guy with the concert tickets is around in the afternoon
  
• Buying tickets for the concert no longer takes up any time
  
• Prevented some false situations by removing the ticket seller guy from morning scenes
  
• Edited some typo in Diogenes' prattle
  
• Chickadees will now spawn more appropriately in the desert after you smash one to death
  
• Edited a typo where Detective Ricky could misgender the player
  
• Talking with Detective Ricky now takes less time
  
• Pablo is now referred to properly if he is the first author chosen for the panel
  
• Added a new sequence to better serve the "Sam Was Author But MC Wed" timeline
  
• Updated Mason interview to better fit the "Sam Was Author But MC Wed" timeline
  
• Massive improvements to the "Sam Was Author But MC Wed" continuity dialogue
  
• Added controls for DLC outfits to the closet in the bus bedroom
  
• Activated Party Dogs DLC content
  

Once more, we thank all of you for your reporting, and the feedback. We'll continue to update the game over the remainder of the year, and taking feature / content requests through the Steam Forums. If there's something you'd like to see added to the game, create a thread and let us know.