Snatchernauts Framework

Snatchernauts is an alpha-stage experimental framework for Ren’Py 8.4.x (GL2), designed for developers who want more than a standard visual novel engine. It provides a structured foundation for building cinematic, exploration-driven narrative games where scenes, objects, and interactions are first-class systems — not hardcoded hacks.

The framework focuses on extensibility and maintainable workflows:

• Core architecture that separates gameplay layers, UI layers, and FX pipelines for clean rendering.
• An interaction system with contextual actions (Examine, Use, Talk, etc.) that can be extended with custom verbs.
• Cutscene/dialogue tools that support timed triggers, overlays, and scene transitions without rewriting boilerplate.
• Shader-ready displayables, letting you chain effects (CRT → Film Grain → Color Grade → Letterbox) with minimal code.
• Developer-friendly conventions: reusable transforms, uniform bindings, and a predictable folder structure.

Snatchernauts is inspired by Snatcher and Policenauts — games that blurred the line between point-and-click adventures and cinematic VNs. This framework aims to modernise that approach for today’s developers by giving you a flexible sandbox where you can:

• Build cyberpunk/noir mysteries with branching outcomes tied to player exploration.
• Create retro sci-fi adventures with shader-based atmospherics and dynamic scene layering.
• Prototype interactive thrillers where environments, hotspots, and dialogue systems interconnect.
• Experiment with hybrid genres — puzzle-driven exploration, slow-burn drama, or even experimental interactive art.

If you’re a developer looking for more technical control inside Ren’Py while retaining a high-level narrative structure, Snatchernauts is designed for you.

---

Quick Start

You can download directly from this page to get the latest packaged release.

For the bleeding edge version:

git clone https://gitlab.com/snatchernauts/snatchernauts.git

Screenshots

Room exploration & context actions

Cutscene & dialogue

---

Features

• Exploration-first VN design: structured rooms, hotspots, and contextual actions.
• Cinematic dialogue system: timed cutscenes, overlays, animated transitions.
• Shader & FX pipeline: CRT, film grain, grading, bloom, letterbox.
• Layer separation: gameplay, overlays, objects, UI, and FX are kept modular.
• Developer utilities: debug overlays, logging, profiling hooks.
• Input support: mouse, keyboard, and gamepad.
• Alpha status: APIs are unstable and may change rapidly.

More Screenshots

Shader & post-FX integration

UI overlays layered over gameplay

---

Hotkeys & Gamepad

• Mouse: Click to interact, right-click to cancel/menu.
• Keyboard: Arrow keys/WASD to navigate, Enter/Space to confirm, Esc to pause.
• Gamepad: Left stick/D-pad to navigate, A/Cross to confirm, B/Circle to cancel, Start to pause.

---

Project Links

• GitLab Repository – Source code, issues, and latest commits.
• Report a Bug – Found something broken? Let us know.
• Documentation – Technical notes, setup guides, and reference.

---

Contributing

Snatchernauts is in active alpha development and contributions are welcome. If you’d like to help:

1. Fork the repository from GitLab.
2. Create a new branch for your feature or fix.
3. Submit a Merge Request with a clear description of your changes.

Please check the documentation for coding style and architecture notes before contributing.

---

Snatchernauts is in active alpha development. Expect rapid iteration, new systems, and potential API changes as the framework evolves.

```

Want me to also add a **"Roadmap" section** (planned features, milestones, experimental ideas) right after *Contributing*? That could help set expectations for developers browsing the page.