The RETRORONTO Report #4
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Monday, February 3, 2025
☁️
Cloudy, 1C
📅 Monday, February 3, 2025 ☁️ Cloudy, 1C
This is The RETRORONTO Report, your go-to source for all the latest happenings and updates in the evolving city of Retroronto!
City Annual Report Looms
Deadline for the end result of 2024’s Ontario Creates Futures Forward program on the horizon.
This month marks one year since Retroronto secured provincial funding to bring its demo district to life, and efforts are now in full swing to report on the city’s progress.
With a mid-February deadline looming, City Hall staff are working tirelessly to finalize data, finances, and legal documentation for a comprehensive cost report.
The stakes are high, with hopes that meeting expectations will unlock further funding and propel the continued development and growth of the city and it’s current population.
Retroronto has steadily transformed into a vibrant urban hub, offering charm, engaging gameplay, and a welcoming community of citizens and newcomers.
Over the past year, Retroronto has undergone an extraordinary evolution. Once a city in constant flux, it has flourished into a thriving destination, complete with a finished downtown core, expanded employment opportunities, and an ever-growing infrastructure.
Many agree that Retroronto has surpassed its original vision, fueling hopes for even greater achievements, including more job prospects, accessible housing, and social events to strengthen community bonds.
Collaboration has played a pivotal role in this growth, with input from development experts, cultural advisors, and community members. Global audiences online have also helped shape the city into a promising beacon for future investors and residents alike.
As the city approaches this milestone, conversations about its future have intensified. Reflecting on the past year, Retroronto’s mayor expressed optimism about what lies ahead, emphasizing the city's growing presence both online and on the streets.
“Retroronto has come a long way, but we’re just getting started,” the mayor said. “This milestone isn’t just about meeting deadlines, it’s about celebrating how far we’ve come and embracing the road ahead. Retroronto’s story is only beginning, and we’re committed to growth, innovation, and addressing the needs of our citizens every step of the way.”
The sense of pride and anticipation is palpable, as we see what the next chapter holds for this evolving metropolis we call home.
- Giana Styles, Lead Reporter
The City’s ‘Slice’ of Life
In the latest addition to Retroronto's growing list of dining options, the newly opened Two Pizzas is quickly becoming a local favorite. Located in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown core, it offers a variety of pizza options, from whole pies to convenient slices.
“I’ve been needing my pizza fix for weeks now,” one regular customer remarked while waiting in line. “A city like this wouldn't be complete without a good pizza joint!” The cheerful atmosphere and the smell of freshly baked dough fill the air, drawing in both locals and newcomers eager to indulge in a quick and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re grabbing a slice on the go or sitting down to enjoy a full pie, Two Pizzas is ready to serve up the city's latest pizza cravings with a side of convenience and comfort. The owners are optimistic about the future, with plans to expand it’s franchise across the city in the near future.
-Drew Donahugh, City Guide
COMMUNITY CORNER
Where citizens say what’s on their mind, and we print it anyway.
Where’s My Delivery, Retroronto?
By Russell Woodard, 47yo
I get it… Retroronto is this fast and growing place, but where's the delivery service? I can’t be the only one tired of walking all the way to the post office to get the mail when it’s cold and rainy. Seems like the city’s too busy building stuff and forgot to focus on moving things around. Maybe it’s just me, but I think it’s time someone finally thought about making deliveries a thing around here.
A New Lease on Life
By Kaitlyn Lowe, 47yo
I never thought I’d be one of those "New Year, New Me" people, but here we are, a month in, and I’m actually sticking with it. The gym used to feel pointless, but now? It’s become my favorite part of the day. I feel stronger, I sleep better, and for the first time in years, I don’t groan every time I stand up. If you’re on the fence about it, just give it a shot!
Pant Pockets Are Always Too Small
By Lilli Cortez, 24yo
Why can’t pants hold more stuff? The jeans I buy in this city can barely carry anything. I’ve got a whole backpack on me, but still can’t carry my shopping without making tough choices. What happened to pants that could hold a little more than three items? If this is supposed to make life easier, it’s not working. I’m just tired of running back and forth, trying to make space. Seriously, something’s gotta give here.
Stop Dropping The Ball!
By Edwin Case, 32yo
Why is there no sports section in this paper? It’s a city, we have a population, and yet… no sports? No local teams? No big events to celebrate? How are we supposed to bond as a community without a little friendly competition? I mean, not everyone wants to sit around talking about the weather. We have a huge stadium for crying out loud, give us a little action!
Classifieds
ALERT: COYOTE SIGHTINGS INCREASE
Residents are advised to stay alert near the train tracks by Front Street after a pack of coyotes was spotted roaming the area. Officials remind citizens not to approach, feed, or engage in conversation with them. Keep pets close, travel in groups, and if you see one, report it—unless it reports you first.
LIMITED OPPORTUNITY!
Looking for motivated individuals to join an exciting, revolutionary business model. Low startup cost! No experience necessary! Make unlimited income from the comfort of your own home! This isn’t a pyramid scheme, but a unique structure where you profit by bringing in new members who also recruit new members! Call for details. No skeptics, only visionaries.
LOST & FOUND: MY HEART
To the stranger in the red jacket, we locked eyes a bus stop on Tuesday. You smiled, I panicked and looked at my phone. The moment was perfect, and then it was gone. I haven’t been the same since. If you felt it too, meet me there next Tuesday, same time. No pressure. Just hope.
Obituaries
REST IN PEACE: BILLY “BOXCAR” MCGOWAN (1961-2025)
Retroronto lost a legend this week as Billy “Boxcar” McGowan was struck by a train near Union Station. A fixture of the city’s streets, Billy was known for his tall tales, weathered coat, and knack for predicting subway delays.
Once a tradesman, he fell on hard times in the ‘80s, spending decades drifting through alleyways and train yards. In 2008, he made headlines claiming he lived inside a decommissioned train one winter. Fact or fiction, he lived life on his terms.
A vigil will be held at his usual spot near the station’s west entrance. Bring a coffee, leave a story.
FAREWELL TO K9 OFFICER DIESEL
(2011-2024)
Retired K9 officer Diesel passed away this week at 13, leaving behind a legacy of service with Retroronto Police.
Over nearly a decade, Diesel assisted in drug busts, tracked missing persons, and made headlines in 2017 for tackling a suspect mid-air during a rooftop escape. His handler, Sgt. Mark Connelly, called him “family.”
Diesel retired in 2022 and spent his last years in comfort. His loyalty and service will not be forgotten.
Events
EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Clear out the clutter or find hidden treasures at this weekend’s Neighborhood Garage Sale! From vintage vinyl to slightly haunted furniture, there’s something for everyone.
When: This coming weekend, Saturday & Sunday
Cash only, NO HAGGLING!
SCHMOOZE N’ BOOZE - NETWORKING NIGHT
Making connections is hard. Free drinks help. Join us for an informal networking event where professionals, freelancers, and job seekers can chat, mingle, and maybe even land a gig.
Event available from 7PM to 11PM
PIGEON APPRECIATION WALK
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the pigeons aren’t going anywhere, so why not celebrate them? Join fellow bird enthusiasts for a leisurely stroll to admire our fine feathered freeloaders.
Location: Wherever they lead us,
PLEASE do not feed the pigeons ‘bread donations’!
Changelog
Changes
- Minor UI fixes to minigame tutorial screens and interiors for WebGL build.
- Minigames now end when theres no more customers left, and the timer is done. Tutorial texts has been adjusted for this.
- Fixed a bug where the box dispenser in Jimmies wouldnt give an item when engaging in the minigame more than once
- Fixed a bug where the donut station would reset it's meter to 0 when playing another minigame.
- Fixed order bubble animations so they'll bounce appropriately
- Fixed bug where any item can be removed from inventory when interacting with donut/box station. Needs to match either station item, or refillItem.
- Removed debugging code that, when pressing E, would generate new orders, but actually break them permanently.
- Increased player speed in all interiors, should be a bit faster now.
- Adjusted player movement to be more precise, without acceleration or deacceleration.
- Made it so the player can't access their inventory when in the middle of a minigame (would block the minigame timer, and players can hoard station items and keep them when game ends)
- Rearranged item Sprites for stations and orders to reference one spritesheet instead of separate spritesheets
- Fixed Dialogue which during a 2-choice, would end dialogue with either choice made, instead of carrying on dialogue.
- Special NPCs with interactions no longer generate every time when entering interiors, now retain their appearance for consistency.
- Many other miscellaneous changes
Additions:
- Added 'Two Pizzas' pizza shop place, interior, and minigame.
- Added two NPCs who can give the player new job opportunities at ‘Jimmies’ and “Two Pizzas’ when interacted with. You can find them at the Church and at the Gym.
- Revamped Clock UI to count up in 12 hour notation. Speeds up when outside, and slows down when inside
- Added a Day/Night cycle, with Dawn starting at 7am, Day at 8am, Dusk at 5pm, and Night at 6pm. Add window lights to all buildings that turn on at Dusk and off at Dawn.
- Places now open and close (enable and disable) based on time of day, open from 8am to 8pm respectfully.
- Players will now change the clock’s time when sleeping in a bed, a bit before 8am before places open up.
- Paycheques now animate on screen when minigames are finished.
- Food places (LcMacs, Jimmies, Two Pizzas) will now serve and sell their food to the player at a cash register (but not during a minigame).
- Initial implementation for player ‘feedback’, where the player character will ‘speak’ in reaction to certain actions, such as not affording an item, or running out of energy.
- Players can print resumes as items at the library now, and must present them to a manager that’s ‘hiring’ in order to gain access to the job’s minigame. (If the manager doesn’t have an icon above them, they’re not hiring)
- Added gamepad controls for swapping and using items in the Main Menu’s help section.
- Added bigger arrow to bike near Union Station for demo purposes.
Got feedback, questions, or concerns about the development of Retroronto? Join our discord server below!
EDITOR’S NOTES
And we’re back, now in the year of 2025!
What started as a hobby project back in 2022-2023, has exponentially grown into something much more over 2024. This little pixelated city has sprung itself to life, with traffic, pedestrians, lights, sound, and everything one could ask for in a bustling metropolis.
After a sufficient winter holiday break, we hit the ground running going back into development this month, and it’s a bit wild to consider what’s been done since. I do hope you enjoy the new additions to the city!
This coming month is going to be a nail-biter, as the culmination of all the efforts put into this project will come to a head regarding our contract with Ontario Creates. Along with general development, we’ve been working to ensure all the books are in order, paperwork is set up, and the business-end of this venture is maintained for this coming year. I’m already exhausted.
For those of you who’ve joined our Discord, lent their suggestions and found bugs, we really appreciate it! There’s still plenty of those little buggers around, and certainly more to come, I might as well be a full-time bug exterminator at this point. But I’m diligently working away, and I hope you’re vigilantly anticipating more updates to come!
Cheers,
- Sean Browning
Disclaimer:
The names, classifieds, obituaries, and events featured in this publication are entirely fictional and not associated with any real people or entities. While the content is loosely inspired by the development of Retroronto, it is largely embellished for the sake of engagement and fun. The goal is to present the city and its progress as closely to a newspaper as possible. Please don’t take it all too seriously!