Game design challenges from blending two games — Hero Manager Steam update #1133481

Originally, the game concept emerged from a mix of Potionomics and Darkest Dungeon (DD). I combined key elements of both, which led to a design challenge regarding the in-game time mechanic. In DD, time only progresses through fights, so you can't use busy heroes. Potionomics allows time to advance whenever you want, but forces a boss fight after 10 days, so you'll need to be careful with your time. I preferred the potions approach, but that created a problem because there are no mandatory fights. Time was of no importance, it became an endless resource. For example, during a hero's recovery in hospital, time can be freely advanced without any consequences. Various attempts to introduce new mechanics have only resulted in ancillary features that do not solve the core gameplay problem. Ultimately, I decided to remove the ability to start fights of my own accord. Simultaneously, I moved fr...