Close your eyes and feel how the dance clears your consciousness, filling it with harmony and peace.
There are a few things to address as part of this update so here's the highlights:
Security Update Advisory
Earlier this month Unity has published an official statement to advise that Unity engine from version 2017 are susceptible to remote code execution and have released a patch to the engine. Unity has reassured that there is no evidence of any exploitation of the vulnerability nor has there been any impact on users or customers. The engine version that Employee of The Month has been updated to the patched version. Link for further read: https://unity.com/security/sept-2025-01
Super Extras!
Super Extras are no longer a throwaway menu! For each ending you complete you'll unlock a way to change the way the game plays. Few people said they can't see a thing when playing the game, and while low resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio is very much intended, there is no need to continuously have the game running at such low resolution if it helps with enjoyment of the game. As a compromise however, higher resolution can be achieved by completing the bad ending (sorry for the spoiler)
That said, the super extras include but are not limited to:
High resolution
Widescreen
Extra fog
Streamer mode (nothing audio related this time, this mode is mainly for all streamers that tried to complete the game in 1 sitting - couldn't - and eventually gave up half-way from gradual increase in difficulty from game progression)
Note: Speedrun mode disables all these extras to keep things fair!
Update Version Naming Change
The numbers previously (1.0.5 etc.) has been an arbitrary naming scheme of release \[dot] major update \[dot] small update. This version naming now follows release \[dot] major update \[dot] year+month of release. Hopefully this will keep it simpler to know which version is which. While doubtful if there are multiple updates in the same month but if there is then the convention will follow an alphabetical letter (example 1.1.2510A)
Yes, mainly I didn't like the way that next version number was ver 1.1.1 because there is too many repeating numbers haha!
Patch notes:
+Updated Unity version to 2020.3.49f1 (patched version)
+Super Extras menu populated for each ending completion
+Added alternative way to complete L5
+WindowShopping achievement now contributes to the completion time when game is in a paused state (especially when reading product descriptions)
+Added festivity fluff for those days of the year
+Fixed few bugs in different locations:
++Added grass sound in The Year
++The secret area of L5 didn't let you uncrouch, now fixed
++Few levels have redone logic to compliment the super extras
+Grammar updates for both currently implemented languages
Next update coming some day...
-Kuba
Thank you for playing the Next Fest beta demo!! For those wondering, yes! We are reading your comments, and we're hard at work making sure they are addressed!
This is our first game, so there's a ton we don't know and a ton we're still working on! Based on your feedback, here's a list of things we're working on for the full release:
-Video/Graphical Settings
(Including image scaling! The game is designed for 1080p, but we're looking at ways to upscale for higher resolution monitors and account for different screen sizes)
-Control Customization (And Better Support for Steam Deck/Linux)
We'd eventually like to do controller support too, but that will have to wait until everything else is done, so you can expect that after the full game releases!
-More Consistent Indication of what is and is not interactive
Many players struggled to know what they could interact with! Thus far the cursor changing was our only indicator, so we are making sure that the cursor stays consistent and is always a reliable way to tell, as well as trying to add in a stronger indicator for you!
-Fixing the typesetting display bug that some users are having by ensuring all text complies with basic ASCII format
If you're having some issues with apostrophes, fear not! We are aware of the issue and are working on a fix! This seems to apply to those playing on Proton via Linux.
-Fixing issues with the save system which causes items to seemingly disappear
-Adjusting spawn locations between rooms so that Howard is always on screen after a transition
-General Polish Features and Bug Fixes
There's clearly a lot more left to do than we thought, which is why we're not announcing a release date just yet! Instead, we'd like to announce our expected release window, though please note we are committed to making sure the game runs smoothly and is relatively bug free. Your voices matter and we are so happy you have been bringing these issues to our attention so that we can make sure to take care of them before the full game releases! Thank you for your patience and for your time!! That said, without further delay, here is our expected release window:
That should give us enough time to get the full game ready for you! We care so much about the world and gameplay of The Island of Doctor Morose, and we can't wait to share more with you when the time comes! For now, we need to get back to work and finish squashing these bugs!! Enjoy the demo until November 20, and we'll see you in December!
-Caden 'Octo' Rogers
Game Director for The Island of Doctor Morose
We are aware of the issue affecting tasks blocking you from completing week 1 of the Skate-o-Ween event.
We pushed a fix today allowing you to run any of the previously completed challenges again, "Witch's Brew", "Spider Bait", and "Heathen Flip", to complete the challenge goals and get all the week 1 rewards.
Additionally, we're disabling the "Basinator" Challenge due to the objective "Perform a single flip trick and 360 into the Fountain" not consistently tracking.
What you’re about to read is technically a secret… but we trust you, right? 👀
We're launching a playtest for our upcoming tactical RPG, Happy Bastards!
If you’re part of the Happy Bastards Discord, you can get exclusive access to our very first Combat Playtest! An early look at the tactical chaos we’re building into the full game!
When we said we wanted you bastards to help shape development, we meant it. We want you to play, poke at the seams, and tell us what you think, the good, the bad, and the gloriously ugly.
This first playtest focuses on combat mechanics, giving you a taste of how a dungeon run might play out. It’s just one slice of what’s to come, but it’s packed with personality (and plenty of ways to die in style).
You (Kev) are the boss! Commanding your crew of mercs from the sidelines:
Select which Bastards go in and tag out.
Issue orders and special commands.
Manage Kev Points (3 per round!) to control the fight, tag in new Bastards, or boost morale.
Tag-Team Tactics: You have 5 Bastards, but only 3 on the field at once. Swap strategically!
Straight-Line Combat: No diagonals here. Positioning and movement are everything.
Zones & Overwatch: Step into a fighter’s control zone or sniper’s overwatch, and expect pain.
Morale Matters: Keep your Bastards happy or they could make a mad dash for anywhere but combat.
Terrain Tricks: Elevation, traps, and line-of-sight all matter. Get clever or get clobbered.
Positional Bonuses: From Blindside to High Ground to Point-Blank, gain bonuses from your position to optimize your Bastards’ hit chance and damage.
This playtest is just the beginning. We’re experimenting, refining, and want your feedback to help make Happy Bastards the best (and most bastardly) tactical RPG it can be.
If you’re already in our Discord, head there now to sign up for the build and start testing. If not… what are you waiting for?
👉 Join the Happy Bastards Discord and get your invite to the Combat Playtest today!
Not sure what you’re missing? Check out our earlier blog posts to learn more about the Happy Bastards Insiders program:
📘 Blog Post 1 | 📗 Blog Post 2
Leslie, a Poor Customer
A poor customer who usually buys trash. Sometimes, you may get a good offer from them. You will always have a small profit if you sell them cheap stuff for a tiny margin.
Likes: Rubber Ducks, Bananas, Mushrooms.
Hates: Daily Care.
Chelsea, a Rich Customer
This customer likes shiny stuff and may overpay for it. If you balance profit and reputation, you may succeed. If you decline to serve Chelsea, your shop's reputation will improve.
Likes: Brand Clothes, Vegan Products, Animals.
Hates: Empty Shelves.
Brinley, a Coupon Collector
A Coupon Hunter customer. Likes good deals and cheap items. Brinley guarantees you a small margin of income.
Likes: Discounted Groceries.
Hates: Full-Priced Arrivals.
Zoe, an Authentic Customer
A highly passionate customer with unique values. Zoe likes people who agree with them. If you agree, Zoe might give you generous payback regarding profits and reputation.
Likes: Obedience.
Hates: Everything that's not essential.
Casey, an Enforcer Customer
An inspector playing their own game. They might confiscate some of your items, demanding a fine. If you refuse to pay, it will save you money, but not your reputation.
Likes: High-value home essentials.
Hates: Refusal to cooperate.
Alex, a Mayor Customer
Entrepreneurs can rarely influence a mayor, though they enjoy good price talks. Negotiations are what made them mayors.
Likes: Natural Cosmetics, Healthy Food.
Hates: Mystical Objects.
Nata, a Hacker Customer
They might buy simple groceries to hide the offshore activity. Or make a fake purchase to exploit their taxes. Sometimes, they buy regular geek stuff and threaten to take down your store for fun.
Likes: Fun Stuff.
Hates: ??? ;)
Sibs, Family Customers
These sibs only look similar. They have opposite tastes and disagree with each other all day! Because of their unpredictability, they could be valuable clients for either profit or reputation gain.
Like: Fun and Parties!
Hate: Consensus and Routine.
Kaycey, an Assertive Customer
A prominent therapist and authoritative customer. They know how to manipulate sellers very well. If you refuse to serve them, they will take revenge. Aside from destroying your reputation, they will make you sell extra cheaply.
Likes: Voodoo Dolls, Talismans
Hates: You?
Mx Malkoff, a Creative Customer
Highly intelligent, careful, and delicate buyer. Claire has exquisite taste and expects things to impress them. Claire likes their favorites and is willing to sponsor them greatly. Rare to visit, though.
Likes: Violins, Cigarettes, Poetry.
Hates: Wine and everything that's banal.
