Bolerosoft
@bolerosoft.bsky.social
Solo game dev since Jan 2025 in Godot. Current proj: "Mysteries of Old Tokyo".
Wishlist on Steam now! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3784300/Mysteries_of_Old_Tokyo/
Wishlist on Steam now! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3784300/Mysteries_of_Old_Tokyo/
Pinned
Bolerosoft
@bolerosoft.bsky.social
· Oct 3
Mysteries of Old Tokyo on Steam
Step into the Imperial Capital, where knowledge is your weapon. Research and explore 40+ real-life Tokyo locations, past and present. Encounter a cast of wandering spirits, interrogate their stories, ...
s.team
The demo is OUT! Research the past and unlock mysteries as a spirit detective in a meticulously detailed historical recreation of Tokyo.
You can play it right now! (Or some time this weekend, that's fine.) s.team/a/3784300
#indiegames #steam #demos
You can play it right now! (Or some time this weekend, that's fine.) s.team/a/3784300
#indiegames #steam #demos
A milestone today, even if it doesn't quite feel like it.
I finished the gameplay 2.0 loop, so a whole vertical slice is ready. I just need to add a tutorial, add the rest of the characters and the puzzle resources, and fix all the bugs, and it's technically a full game. #gamedev #indiegames
I finished the gameplay 2.0 loop, so a whole vertical slice is ready. I just need to add a tutorial, add the rest of the characters and the puzzle resources, and fix all the bugs, and it's technically a full game. #gamedev #indiegames
December 15, 2025 at 10:45 PM
A milestone today, even if it doesn't quite feel like it.
I finished the gameplay 2.0 loop, so a whole vertical slice is ready. I just need to add a tutorial, add the rest of the characters and the puzzle resources, and fix all the bugs, and it's technically a full game. #gamedev #indiegames
I finished the gameplay 2.0 loop, so a whole vertical slice is ready. I just need to add a tutorial, add the rest of the characters and the puzzle resources, and fix all the bugs, and it's technically a full game. #gamedev #indiegames
Created a 90s-style "prerendered 3D menu-blob-thing" in Bryce/Krita using Godot's TextureButtons for the first time.
It's so cool. It's so uncool.
I want to use it, but I need to find some middle-ground between this glorious monstrosity and the more conservative design everywhere else. #gamedev
It's so cool. It's so uncool.
I want to use it, but I need to find some middle-ground between this glorious monstrosity and the more conservative design everywhere else. #gamedev
December 10, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Created a 90s-style "prerendered 3D menu-blob-thing" in Bryce/Krita using Godot's TextureButtons for the first time.
It's so cool. It's so uncool.
I want to use it, but I need to find some middle-ground between this glorious monstrosity and the more conservative design everywhere else. #gamedev
It's so cool. It's so uncool.
I want to use it, but I need to find some middle-ground between this glorious monstrosity and the more conservative design everywhere else. #gamedev
8 bugs fixed... 7 more found. That's progress! #indiegames #gamedev
December 8, 2025 at 7:19 PM
8 bugs fixed... 7 more found. That's progress! #indiegames #gamedev
A few previously unseen (I think?) postcards from Mysteries of Old Tokyo, plus a train ride on the Oedo Line from Ryogoku to Yoyogi.
I had to clamber up a fire escape to get the Ryogoku Bridge photo. Hope that's OK. #indiegames #tokyo #japan
I had to clamber up a fire escape to get the Ryogoku Bridge photo. Hope that's OK. #indiegames #tokyo #japan
December 7, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A few previously unseen (I think?) postcards from Mysteries of Old Tokyo, plus a train ride on the Oedo Line from Ryogoku to Yoyogi.
I had to clamber up a fire escape to get the Ryogoku Bridge photo. Hope that's OK. #indiegames #tokyo #japan
I had to clamber up a fire escape to get the Ryogoku Bridge photo. Hope that's OK. #indiegames #tokyo #japan
A little blast from the past. Back in April I was working on this monorail simulator thing: I'd forgotten how cool it actually looked. I ought to go back and finish it... maybe next year. #indiegames #railsim
December 5, 2025 at 8:17 AM
A little blast from the past. Back in April I was working on this monorail simulator thing: I'd forgotten how cool it actually looked. I ought to go back and finish it... maybe next year. #indiegames #railsim
All-new 2D encyclopedia action! 世界初だそうです‼ A first look at Gameplay 2.0 for MYSTERIES OF OLD TOKYO! #indiegames #detectivegames #gamedev
December 4, 2025 at 11:04 AM
All-new 2D encyclopedia action! 世界初だそうです‼ A first look at Gameplay 2.0 for MYSTERIES OF OLD TOKYO! #indiegames #detectivegames #gamedev
Game progress has stalled in recent weeks. Still... feeling good that the postcard translations are done, images are in game, and the new gameplay loop is slowly improving.
Once gameplay 2.0 is done, I can start filling out the puzzles, adding more NPCs and more treasures. #gamedev #indiegames
Once gameplay 2.0 is done, I can start filling out the puzzles, adding more NPCs and more treasures. #gamedev #indiegames
November 27, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Game progress has stalled in recent weeks. Still... feeling good that the postcard translations are done, images are in game, and the new gameplay loop is slowly improving.
Once gameplay 2.0 is done, I can start filling out the puzzles, adding more NPCs and more treasures. #gamedev #indiegames
Once gameplay 2.0 is done, I can start filling out the puzzles, adding more NPCs and more treasures. #gamedev #indiegames
I like this theory, especially the "laziness" part.
For a long time, I thought success (in any field) was only achieved by suffering and hard grind.
Then I discovered that, instead of making yourself miserable, it's way more productive to just do stuff you enjoy which you find easy to do.
For a long time, I thought success (in any field) was only achieved by suffering and hard grind.
Then I discovered that, instead of making yourself miserable, it's way more productive to just do stuff you enjoy which you find easy to do.
How we all create art and find meaning in it is as unique as a fingerprint.
In visual art, that fingerprint impression is called having "a style". It develops in 3 parts:
1) your influences
2) what you enjoy
3) your special brand of laziness
In visual art, that fingerprint impression is called having "a style". It develops in 3 parts:
1) your influences
2) what you enjoy
3) your special brand of laziness
November 27, 2025 at 8:05 AM
I like this theory, especially the "laziness" part.
For a long time, I thought success (in any field) was only achieved by suffering and hard grind.
Then I discovered that, instead of making yourself miserable, it's way more productive to just do stuff you enjoy which you find easy to do.
For a long time, I thought success (in any field) was only achieved by suffering and hard grind.
Then I discovered that, instead of making yourself miserable, it's way more productive to just do stuff you enjoy which you find easy to do.
All game development cycles seem to reach the point where the proverbial "one horse-sized duck" is completed, but the "100 duck-sized horses" still have to be tackled, and somehow that's worse. #indiegames #gamedev
November 24, 2025 at 10:12 AM
All game development cycles seem to reach the point where the proverbial "one horse-sized duck" is completed, but the "100 duck-sized horses" still have to be tackled, and somehow that's worse. #indiegames #gamedev
The last of my 90s magazine-style ads for "Mysteries of Old Tokyo". #retrogaming #indiegames
November 21, 2025 at 8:16 AM
The last of my 90s magazine-style ads for "Mysteries of Old Tokyo". #retrogaming #indiegames
Mysteries of Old Tokyo" retro ad series, part 3/4.
Designing these has been so much fun. I just love everything about this one particular era of game advertising!
#indiegames #retrogaming
Designing these has been so much fun. I just love everything about this one particular era of game advertising!
#indiegames #retrogaming
November 17, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Mysteries of Old Tokyo" retro ad series, part 3/4.
Designing these has been so much fun. I just love everything about this one particular era of game advertising!
#indiegames #retrogaming
Designing these has been so much fun. I just love everything about this one particular era of game advertising!
#indiegames #retrogaming
Enjoyed my last 90s-style ad for MYSTERIES OF OLD TOKYO so much that I "found" another one.
Mask: Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
Floppy disks: author's own
#retrogaming #90s #indiegames
Mask: Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
Floppy disks: author's own
#retrogaming #90s #indiegames
November 12, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Enjoyed my last 90s-style ad for MYSTERIES OF OLD TOKYO so much that I "found" another one.
Mask: Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
Floppy disks: author's own
#retrogaming #90s #indiegames
Mask: Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum
Floppy disks: author's own
#retrogaming #90s #indiegames
Last month I had a demo launch/4-week ad blitz and I averaged 400+ wishlists/week, which was great.
Since the ad spend ended, it's like it never happened. I have been averaging 22 wishlists/week. Some days have even been in the negative. #gamedev
Since the ad spend ended, it's like it never happened. I have been averaging 22 wishlists/week. Some days have even been in the negative. #gamedev
November 10, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Last month I had a demo launch/4-week ad blitz and I averaged 400+ wishlists/week, which was great.
Since the ad spend ended, it's like it never happened. I have been averaging 22 wishlists/week. Some days have even been in the negative. #gamedev
Since the ad spend ended, it's like it never happened. I have been averaging 22 wishlists/week. Some days have even been in the negative. #gamedev
Happy birthday Kevin! :)
🎂 Today I turn 30 🎉
For 5 years i've been working on my dream action-RPG in my free time & for my birthday, my only wish is for more people to see my work
If this trailer resonates with you, please share this post or follow me, it would mean the world 💙
#GameDev #art
youtu.be/jAebrFvU_-4
For 5 years i've been working on my dream action-RPG in my free time & for my birthday, my only wish is for more people to see my work
If this trailer resonates with you, please share this post or follow me, it would mean the world 💙
#GameDev #art
youtu.be/jAebrFvU_-4
Tale of the Lightseekers - Demo trailer (2025)
YouTube video by Tale of the Lightseekers
youtu.be
November 9, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Happy birthday Kevin! :)
Recently rediscovered print ad for "Mysteries of Old Tokyo" from PC MANIAC magazine, October 1997. #indiegames #retrogames #90s
November 9, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Recently rediscovered print ad for "Mysteries of Old Tokyo" from PC MANIAC magazine, October 1997. #indiegames #retrogames #90s
Nijubashi, the twin bridge of the Imperial Palace.
Apart from the trees, I think this is the view that has changed the least over the last 90 years.
Even individual bricks are the same as they were in 1935. #japan #tokyo #indiegames
Apart from the trees, I think this is the view that has changed the least over the last 90 years.
Even individual bricks are the same as they were in 1935. #japan #tokyo #indiegames
November 8, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Nijubashi, the twin bridge of the Imperial Palace.
Apart from the trees, I think this is the view that has changed the least over the last 90 years.
Even individual bricks are the same as they were in 1935. #japan #tokyo #indiegames
Apart from the trees, I think this is the view that has changed the least over the last 90 years.
Even individual bricks are the same as they were in 1935. #japan #tokyo #indiegames
This weekend I plan to match/overlay the remaining photos that I took back in May on top of the postcards - there's only a few left to do now!
Today I was finally able to firmly geolocate this view. #gamedev #indiegames #tokyo #ginza
Today I was finally able to firmly geolocate this view. #gamedev #indiegames #tokyo #ginza
November 7, 2025 at 7:50 PM
This weekend I plan to match/overlay the remaining photos that I took back in May on top of the postcards - there's only a few left to do now!
Today I was finally able to firmly geolocate this view. #gamedev #indiegames #tokyo #ginza
Today I was finally able to firmly geolocate this view. #gamedev #indiegames #tokyo #ginza
This is amazing. I found an incredible web map of Japan by a student at NIT with aerial photography covering major cities from 1947, 1963, 1975, 1980, 1985 and 1990, as well as older paper maps.
See how Tokyo DisneySea was once just a marshy island. #japan
user.numazu-ct.ac.jp/~tsato/webma...
See how Tokyo DisneySea was once just a marshy island. #japan
user.numazu-ct.ac.jp/~tsato/webma...
November 7, 2025 at 8:48 AM
This is amazing. I found an incredible web map of Japan by a student at NIT with aerial photography covering major cities from 1947, 1963, 1975, 1980, 1985 and 1990, as well as older paper maps.
See how Tokyo DisneySea was once just a marshy island. #japan
user.numazu-ct.ac.jp/~tsato/webma...
See how Tokyo DisneySea was once just a marshy island. #japan
user.numazu-ct.ac.jp/~tsato/webma...
Big milestone today... I finished translating the Japanese text for all 44 postcards in the game!
This was a really interesting task and a ton of fun to dust off my rusty Japanese skills (with a lot of help from the dictionary). #indiegames #gamedev
This was a really interesting task and a ton of fun to dust off my rusty Japanese skills (with a lot of help from the dictionary). #indiegames #gamedev
November 6, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Big milestone today... I finished translating the Japanese text for all 44 postcards in the game!
This was a really interesting task and a ton of fun to dust off my rusty Japanese skills (with a lot of help from the dictionary). #indiegames #gamedev
This was a really interesting task and a ton of fun to dust off my rusty Japanese skills (with a lot of help from the dictionary). #indiegames #gamedev
All these postcards have a short description on the back in Japanese. Some are quite clunky, but others have a real poetry to them. I like this one: #tokyo #postcards
November 3, 2025 at 6:52 PM
All these postcards have a short description on the back in Japanese. Some are quite clunky, but others have a real poetry to them. I like this one: #tokyo #postcards
Apologies for the radio silence... A lot of refactoring.
But that's done now, and it's starting to pay off! Alpha gameplay 2.0 where instead of being handed photos and text in the prep stage, you now visit each location and take the photo yourself. #gamedev
But that's done now, and it's starting to pay off! Alpha gameplay 2.0 where instead of being handed photos and text in the prep stage, you now visit each location and take the photo yourself. #gamedev
November 2, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Apologies for the radio silence... A lot of refactoring.
But that's done now, and it's starting to pay off! Alpha gameplay 2.0 where instead of being handed photos and text in the prep stage, you now visit each location and take the photo yourself. #gamedev
But that's done now, and it's starting to pay off! Alpha gameplay 2.0 where instead of being handed photos and text in the prep stage, you now visit each location and take the photo yourself. #gamedev
I spruced up the map screen with an all-new animated player icon, which changes to a train when using the railway.
(Walk animation based on Seliel's Mana Seed collection.) #gamedev
(Walk animation based on Seliel's Mana Seed collection.) #gamedev
October 29, 2025 at 2:12 PM
I spruced up the map screen with an all-new animated player icon, which changes to a train when using the railway.
(Walk animation based on Seliel's Mana Seed collection.) #gamedev
(Walk animation based on Seliel's Mana Seed collection.) #gamedev
Reworking the "spirit report".
While writing the email text, wanting something that sounded like an affidavit, I found out about "kishōmon" which were these gnarly "self-curse" oaths in medieval Japan.
I thought it'd be cool if internal RIA emails came with randomised kishōmon curses. #indiegames
While writing the email text, wanting something that sounded like an affidavit, I found out about "kishōmon" which were these gnarly "self-curse" oaths in medieval Japan.
I thought it'd be cool if internal RIA emails came with randomised kishōmon curses. #indiegames
October 25, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Reworking the "spirit report".
While writing the email text, wanting something that sounded like an affidavit, I found out about "kishōmon" which were these gnarly "self-curse" oaths in medieval Japan.
I thought it'd be cool if internal RIA emails came with randomised kishōmon curses. #indiegames
While writing the email text, wanting something that sounded like an affidavit, I found out about "kishōmon" which were these gnarly "self-curse" oaths in medieval Japan.
I thought it'd be cool if internal RIA emails came with randomised kishōmon curses. #indiegames
I never realised Lucas Pope did the 3D modelling on "Return of the Obra Dinn" himself. What a legend. #indiegames #returnoftheobradinn
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90vq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90vq...
Return of the Obra Dinn - Narrated Modeling Mega Timelapse
YouTube video by Lucas Pope
www.youtube.com
October 23, 2025 at 5:33 PM
I never realised Lucas Pope did the 3D modelling on "Return of the Obra Dinn" himself. What a legend. #indiegames #returnoftheobradinn
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90vq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=90vq...