edit: Mac version is here :)

I get the feeling there's more than meets the eye to this post so would you care to elaborate?

I've already communicated the silent updates issue once before but I'll do it again if it helps.

If we silently update an installer or file, it's due to the changes being small things like icons getting fixed or some other minor issue. Also, we may get a seriously fringe (fringe in this context = they are literally the only person that has some weird off-the-wall issue) support case so we update the installer, let that person know they should download the new installer, and that's that.

As for the contests, I can't really comment too much on that as that is not my department (no sarcasm implied here FYI) but if you or anyone else have an issue with a contest, please PM me and I'll do what I can to get to the bottom of the issue in between my own duties (AKA it might take a wee bit longer than usual :) )

And yes, I know that comment was not directed at me personally so no worries :)

"s'not like it's costing moolah"

I don't want to get into this topic too much since it is a little bit over my head in so many ways but I would recommend googling "content delivery network" to see how those actually operate :)

Got to work with what's available :)

I've sank about 4-5 hours into it throughout the weekend. I like it, it is a simple yet peculiar game. Much care has gone into the writing and especially into the construction of the world, to the point that every part of its society, every aspect of its politics, and every bit of magic is explained in excruciating detail and has its own lore-appropriate name. It is fascinating but also slightly overwhelming at first and can sometimes feel a bit self-indulgent.

The gameplay is completely linear - you are led from one point to the next with only a wee bit of freedom to occasionally check out a nearby room for codex entries or a slice of random banter from NPC bystanders. It can feel very limiting but personally I don't mind it all that much; I think it suits the game fine.

The combat starts out very simple but as the enemies grow more formidable and your abilities more diverse (each party member has their own set of those), the battles become quite interesting and tactical. The controls are pretty tight and there is also a simple tool to adjust A.I. behavior during combat, but nothing too fancy.

Graphics, music, and voice-acting are all very solid but if you're looking for something moody you'll definitely not find it here.

All in all, the best comparison I could draw is probably Transistor. I can't quite put my finger on it but it vaguely evokes some of the same sensibilities. Plus the nature of your non-human enemies is a pretty clear callback, I'd say.

The Mac version is here as of about 20 minutes ago :)