βͺWhen life gives you a power-up, use it wisely. Some enemies can be KO'd in one hit if you know what to do!
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A Valentine's Day card of Sondro Gomez. He is wearing a bolo tie on top of his usual attire. He is also winking at the viewer while holding out a bouquet of flowers to them. The caption says "You're the song in my heart" because Sondro's story is about his failed music career.
A Valentine's Day card of Juania Gomez, Sondro's cousin. She is holding out towards the viewer a big box of chocolates. The caption says "I'll take a shot... Will you be mine?" because her gameplay is Contra style.
A Valentine's Day card of Spike. He is leaning against the panel confidently as he holds a Valentine's bottle of (transmission) wine. The caption says "Wanna fly my way?" because he is a bird robot.
A Valentine's Day card of Ballast. He is facing forward and happily holding up a glittering diamond. The caption says "I dig you!" because he is a mole robot.
Happy Valentine's Day from us at Cellar Chateaux!
Art by @ppdppl.com
A natural part of game development is changing things for an improved player experience.
In this example, one of the "treasure rooms" in Valley Village was adjusted to have a more straightforward flow for players.
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It's cold and windy on the balcony... Kindly watch your step.
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Have you met Oz, Don and Joe, the three-headed troll of the Rainbow Mountains? When Sondro gets off to the wrong start with them, they use their magic tricks to send Sondro into the dungeons deep in the mountain.
Can Sondro beat all 7 challenges?
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Sondro Gomez is sitting in a chair with a cup of eggnog, happily greeting the viewer, as a big party is going on inside of a house. Ballast is about to open a party popper while Spike watches with a concerning look. Kyle has given Lucy a yellow bandana for Christmas, she looks happy to receive it! Portraits of various characters are on the walls as well. The big three-headed troll Oz, Don and Joe are helping two guests, Scott and Chip, decorate the tall Christmas tree. Gresley, Juania, Mr. Kenton, and Mrs. Bluebell watch the decorating. Other characters such as Maximus, Madame, Big Jimmy, and Concierge are gathered around and gossiping at the dinner table. Behind them, a crowd of even more guests are walking in to join the party.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from us at Cellar Chateaux!
There's quite a big party this year! Friends, allies, enemies, and unknowns alike are all joining in the festivities. Sooner or later you'll know everyone, you just need to walk up and say hi!
Artwork by @ppdppl.com
A Christmas card-style drawing of a wide assortment of characters from Cellar Chateaux's game projects hanging in a party. The text above says "Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year from everyone at Cellar Chateaux". The cards cozy coloring and lines, which call back to early 20th century postcards, are in stark contrast to the actual chaotic events unfolding at the party; Spike, the bird-shaped robot, is seen flinging an elastic rubber band at Lucy Lovecat, who is being elevated to the top of the tree by the long stretching arms of the large three headed Troll of Rainbow Mountain (Oz, Joe, and Don respectively) to help put a large ornate star atop. Spikes rubber band missed, as Sondro Gomez grabs Spike by the neck to intervene with the prank, while Juania Gomez, Sondro's cousin, looks in panic. Spike's robot brother, Ballast, is paying no mind to the incident as he's focused on handing decorations to the Troll trio to hang on the tree. Over on the left, Kyle Kitcat is getting his hand slapped by Miss Bluebell, the elderly bovine inventor, for trying to steal one of her freshly baked cookies. Lastly, elderly Mr. Kenton is too focused on the bottom of his nth glass of booze of the night to pay attention to the chaos of the party.
Happy Holidays!
This year's Christmas card is a collaboration between @ppdppl.com and @loopyyylupe.bsky.social featuring a wide assortment of friendly characters throughout the Sunova adventures!
May your seasons be blessed from us all at Cellar Chateaux!
In Alchemy Factory, Sondro climbs higher up a mechanical temple. While it may start forgiving, it will become more challenging the further you go.
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Some days you just keep making the wrong choices.
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Concierge and Big Jimmy, dressed as pilgrims, pursue a turkey who is running away in terror.
Happy Thanksgiving to all those celebrating! Enjoy your time with loved ones and feast away.
Art by @ppdppl.com
"I put the shield knight in the wrong spot"
- Sparks
A spooky Halloween picture of all the Cellar Chateaux characters (some that have not been talked about yet, even) out and about in the woods and countryside of Sunova out trick-or-treating together. A full moon looms ominously over the good guys as the bad guys creep behind them. Yet, even darker and mysterious figures loom over the bad guys! Many other allies and villains are seen out and about in the distance trick-or-treating as well.
Boo! Watch out for ghouls, haunts and monsters and bring out your best tricks and treats on this chilly Halloween night, from us at Cellar Chateaux.
Art by @ppdppl.com
A screenshot of "Sondro Gomez: A Sunova Story," a NES style adventure game. In this screenshot, the player Sondro, is in the garden caverns of Rainbow Dungeon. He is looking up at the big three-headed troll, Oz, Don and Joe, who is taunting Sondro by saying "Well try this on for size!" as he casts a spell.
A screenshot of "Sondro Gomez: A Sunova Story," a NES style adventure game. In this screenshot, the player Sondro, is in the garden caverns of Rainbow Dungeon. He is falling through a pink cavern while avoiding spikes.
A screenshot of "Sondro Gomez: A Sunova Story," a NES style adventure game. In this screenshot, the player Sondro, is in the garden caverns of Rainbow Dungeon. He is heading towards some enemies in a luscious blue cavern of foliage.
A screenshot of "Sondro Gomez: A Sunova Story," a NES style adventure game. In this screenshot, the player Sondro, is in the garden caverns of Rainbow Dungeon. He is navigating a tight purple cavern while avoiding spiked enemies.
In Rainbow Dungeon, Sondro gets off on the wrong foot with the troll of the mountain, Oz, Joe and Don, and has to consequently complete their challenges.
Each cavern is color-coded, and has a unique gimmick that Sondro must navigate through!
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One thing we've been doing is doing small changes that improve on the player experience in Sondro Gomez: A Sunova Story. Today's video shows a few of them!
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A formal thank you letter to follows and developer team alike. The full text says: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I just want to take a moment to thank all our followers for the support they've had for Kyle & Lucy and Sondro Gomez over the years. You've changed, I've changed, the world itself has changed since this journey began in 2018. I've been wanting to give a follow-up on progress as well; in 2022, I decided I wanted to be able to securely support this passion of game dev and storytelling for as much of my life as I can, so I decided that in order to do so, I needed to go back to finish school. This did impact progress and updates to Sondro Gomez for a couple of years and I do apologize to my followers for that. However, I am happy to share that I graduated this spring, and recently got a full-time job in my field, too. I'm very thankful for the support from so many people over the years who have believed in and continue to believe in the potential of this project. I couldn't have done this alone, and I will always be blessed to have so many talented people willing to lend a hand in making this vision a reality. I look forward to sharing more updates about Sondro Gomez and Kyle & Lucy with you all. It has been tough having to put it to the side for so long. I am hoping now that I am beginning to stabilize into a new chapter of my life, I can begin to provide more content for you all soon. There is a lot of amazing artwork, assets, programming, etc. being done by the many talented and awesome people from around the world who are helping with these games, and we're confident you'll love them when they're ready! Again, thank you very much for your support! Here's to the future. Shane "Sparks" Lightfoot
A digital illustration of Kyle & Lucy exchanging birthday gifts together. Both have unique birthday outfits on! Kyle is handing Lucy a green present box with a red ribbon, while Lucy looks on in adoration. Lucy also has a round white present with blue ribbon for Kyle. Confetti is seen raining down around them too.
Today, the team says "Happy Birthday" to Kyle & Lucy! The launch of their demo will always be a milestone for Cellar Chateaux.
A letter to our followers is also included below. Please take a read, thank you.
Birthday guest artwork by @deegeemin.bsky.social
An old screenshot of the Badland Skyway stage from Sondro Gomez; it is a snowy canyon themed landscape, with the player jumping to avoid collapsing wooden bridges.
An updated version of the Badland Skyway stage, with refinement to the canyon rocks and mountains made to look more atmospheric and detailed.
Just make it exist first, you can make it good later.
Assets by @pixelatederic.bsky.social
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Concept art of the Witch Jimmy can be found here: bsky.app/profile/cell...
Which witch is which? "Witch Jimmy" enemies, part of Gresley's Gang of monkeys, patrol a wide range and attack players with one of two magic spells if they dare approach. Get cast away by these and more enemies in "Sondro Gomez: A Sunova Story!"
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Something sinister hides in the shadows of the Kenton Manor, hidden away behind locked doors. Find the keys to uncover a dark secret in "Sondro Gomez: A Sunova Story."
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Have you met Spike & Ballast and their creator Mrs. Bluebell yet? They're quite the colorful team out on a special quest in "Sondro Gomez: A Sunova Story."
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A sketch of Minister Maximus, the elderly fox villain, is seen handing a bouquet of flowers to his wife, Madame Maximus, who is looking at the bouquet with delight. To the right however, the large three headed Troll of Rainbow Mountain (Oz, Joe, and Don respectively) is seen looking in terror at a torn-up bush, deprived of flowers, suggesting that the suave Maximus stole them for his lady.
Happy Valentine's Day from us at Cellar Chateaux!
Art by @ppdppl.com
Here's another old piece, this time I took @cellarchateaux.bsky.social Sondro Gomez game and redid it in a more modern style.
#pixelart #γγγη΅΅
The 2021 version of the Cellar Chateaux Christmas card; this year, the heroes have had their own smaller party after the chaos the villains caused previous years. Juania is admiring Ballast using his firebox to roast chestnuts for Lucy, while Spike looks on with jealousy. Kyle is getting ready to roast a marshmallow after Lucy, while Sondro looks on in curioisty as he pours himself a shot.
The 2022 version of the Cellar Chateaux Christmas card; following last years theme, the heroes are opening presents together on Christmas day. Sondro, Spike, Ballast and Juania have happily have all gotten new single-player campaigns in the 8-bit title "Sondro Gomez: A Sunova Story," clearly labeled on boxes. Kyle & Lucy, on the other hand, who have not had a new demo in the meanwhile, have gotten a paper IOU from Santa, and look visibly annoyed about it.
The 2023 version of the Cellar Chateaux Christmas card; following the 2023 demo with the introduction of Spike & Ballasts creator Ms. Bluebell (an elderly pink cow), she is seen sitting in a lazy boy in front of a Christmas tree with a big bag of presents for all the heroes Spike, Ballast, Sondro, Kyle, Lucy, and Juania, who are looking into the bag with excitement. The exception to this is Sondro, who is looking out the window at Concierge and Big Jimmy, who are freezing in the winter weather hoping to be let inside.
The first set covers 2021 to 2023. Artwork by @ppdppl.com
The 2018 version of the Cellar Chateaux Christmas card, featuring the initial cast of Kyle, Lucy, Gresley, Maximus, Madame, Spike and Ballast from the SAGExpo 2018 Kyle & Lucy demo. Ballast, a robot running on coal fire, is eating messily at the fireplace, which has caused the Christmas tree to catch on fire onto the horrified faces everyone at the party, while Spike the robot is trying to put out the fire. Kyle and Lucy are screaming, Gresley is being smushed by the tree as he drops his eggnog, which splashes onto Maximus, while Madame is trying to catch the Christmas star.
The 2019 version of the Cellar Chateaux Christmas card; Kyle, Lucy, Spike, Ballast, Gresley, Maximus Madame, and Sondro are handing out gifts to each other at a Christmas buffet. Gresley is drunk on eggnog with his arms around Sondro and Spike, while Maximus looks on in amusement. Madame is confused about her gift, while Kyle is curious about it. Lucy and Ballast are sharing gifts.
The 2020 version of the Cellar Chateaux Christmas card, featuring everyone caroling outside an open front door. Gresley, as usual is drunk, while Sondro sings poorly to the dismay of Madame. Kyle is distracted by Gresley and Sondro, while Lucy sings a high note and Maximus sings a low note. Spike and Ballast are at the right side window singing probably even worse than Sondro and Gresley. Big Jimmy and Concierge are flat out drunk on the left door window. The front door is wrapped in garland feationg various ornaments.
The 2020 alternate version of the Cellar Chateaux Christmas card. While everyone else is partying, Sondro, a drunk Spike and a confused Ballast have received extra Christmas presents. Sondros is shaped like a guitar, while Spike & Ballasts is shaped like the Headcannon logo, who would begin to help produce and program Sondro Gomez going forward.
Ho ho ho! For Bluesky, we are reposting the previous years Christmas cards. We hope you find them just as jolly as we did creating them!
The first set covers 2018 to 2020. Artwork by @ppdppl.com
A Christmas card-style drawing of a wide assortment of characters from Cellar Chateaux's game projects hanging in a party. The text above says "Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year from everyone at Cellar Chateaux". The cards cozy coloring and lines, which call back to early 20th century postcards, are in stark contrast to the actual chaotic events unfolding at the party; Spike, the bird-shaped robot, is seen flinging an elastic rubber band at Lucy Lovecat, who is being elevated to the top of the tree by the long stretching arms of the large three headed Troll of Rainbow Mountain (Oz, Joe, and Don respectively) to help put a large ornate star atop. Spikes rubber band missed, as Sondro Gomez grabs Spike by the neck to intervene with the prank, while Juania Gomez, Sondro's cousin, looks in panic. Spike's robot brother, Ballast, is paying no mind to the incident as he's focused on handing decorations to the Troll trio to hang on the tree. Over on the left, Kyle Kitcat is getting his hand slapped by Miss Bluebell, the elderly bovine inventor, for trying to steal one of her freshly baked cookies. Lastly, elderly Mr. Kenton is too focused on the bottom of his nth glass of booze of the night to pay attention to the chaos of the party.
Happy Holidays!
This year's Christmas card is a collaboration between @ppdppl.com and @loopyyylupe.bsky.social featuring a wide assortment of friendly characters throughout the Sunova adventures!
May your seasons be blessed from us all at Cellar Chateaux!
In the Sondro Gomez demos, players got a chance to meet "Big Jimmy," but he's not the only Jimmy.. In fact, he has a whole gang of them he coordinates for Garratt Gresley.
Here's a first-look at some of the other Jimmies you'll encounter in Sondro Gomez! Can they compete with the Masked Man though?
Cellar Chateaux has arrived on Bluesky!
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