February Update
over 3 years ago
– Sun, Feb 28, 2021 at 03:04:46 PM
We wanted to start this one off with a simple message. Every one of these updates is to keep you posted on what we are doing NOW, and the checklist should serve as a reminder for what WE need to do before wrapping this up.
Terrain Implementation: We had a few questions on this from our test groups. All the implementations have been cleaned up. Here is comprehensive breakdown of the changes;
Balancing Volume 1: We have gotten into the back half of the Scenarios and cleaning them up. The first scenarios are now being completed. This is a look at what they were when sent to our test group. Next update we should have a finalized look to compare them for you.
Rules: Final layout after editing has commenced!
Also, we were asked how we intend to get this across the finish line. Well, nothing is set in stone yet, but KLTG as a publisher might be no more in the near future. We are working on continuing these games, fulfilling them and producing more content with the support of a larger, more competent publisher. In doing that, a lot of our conversations have involved future plans for this game, because every possible partnership was predicated on it not being a "one and done" situation. As such, we have had our possible partners take a look at our proposed 1st expansion to the game should they help us get across the finish line!
We know given the rising prices in both shipping and finishing manufacturing we would need said partnership, but none of that will happen. So stay tuned but yes, we are working on a way to close this out for you all and guarantee a larger support structure for more!
As for a play through, again, given the kids for Chris being schooled at home through the end of the school year, the only time to film would be during the day and semi challenging. We will attempt to have some good news on this for next update though. We do want you to see the hardwork the guys have put into the systems. Another challenge last month was of course, the components the guys had were in the hands of our partners to evaluate the game.
January Update!
almost 4 years ago
– Sun, Jan 31, 2021 at 06:13:03 PM
Alphas! Let's give the January rundown! As countries continue to deal with distancing guidelines or lockdowns (which doesn't effect printing/manufacturing as much but does effect testing).
Terrain Implementation: Development of the Terrain is finally finished. We have finalized the usage of all different items. They are being tested in the context of the Scenario books, but nothing game breaking. We simply want the go ahead on them through the Scenario and we will publish the preview page on the new Objects :D
Balancing Volume 1: We have made it through the first 1/2 of the Scenarios completely. The other half are nearing the end, with a few tweaks. As we do the editing, as we work through the balance, we are so damn close to rounding these out.
The biggest thing to talk about in regards to these though is how fun they are. While the balance was off for the previous iteration, one thing the team tried to find was the fun in each scenario. Where the decisions come from. Why you make them. We can safety say from our testers, these have gotten "fun".
Another thing we wanted to bring up is something we have been working on for some time. And that is partnering with a respectable company to get this across the finish line. Obviously we cannot say more at this time, just know we are working on it and are looking for every way we can be as clear as possible, giving you confidence in the delivery of the project acknowledge that we have not been as good as we had hoped publishing games and if Alphas is to get any support beyond Volume 1, it is clear that we will need a lot of help to make this happen.
Thank you all so much and we look forward to February!
December Update!
almost 4 years ago
– Thu, Dec 31, 2020 at 08:03:56 PM
There will be no list this month, no breakdowns of the scenarios, just a heartfelt thank you. As it will be 2021 soon, we have remained committed to updating you every month. Even though this month we took some time with our families, we were still improving. We will have more to show in January, but for now, we just wanted to express thank you.
2020 threw us for a loop and your kindness, patience and empathy went a long way to keeping us working, motivated and energized. Thank you all so much for keeping us going and we look forward to engaging in 2021 as you all have been the very best.
November Update
almost 4 years ago
– Wed, Dec 02, 2020 at 02:04:50 PM
For the sake of Continuity, let us begin with the list!
Terrain Implementation: Huzzah we are nearly there! As discussed last week, we have been finding out how to implement the OLD Environmental effects into the new system. Over the last month, we have added a cost to using the Sewer System in the new System, as simply moving through them for free was way too powerful. Dumpsters have now, the ability to give special cover as well to size 2 or less Alphas, as just being a boost was too weak and forced players to put them near buildings during setup. Now they have 1 use no matter what (Except for larger models who let's face it, take up more space and are cool on their own without a dumpster assist).
Balancing Volume 1: Okay, so balancing here continues (tweaks here and there before we lock in the new Graphic Design). We wanted to share with you though how this is shaping up even for the 1st Arc scenario. Understand that all of this was rough and just for testing.
So we have been having David and company test this, where the Villains include both Villain Henchmen Types in Volume 1 and a much more powerful Arc than the Skirmish version of here (seen below). On top of that, to the left you can see the Energy Cap for villains is higher, but split amongst all their people. You can see near the Arc Illustration, 4 Powerups. Each time a Player uses a Power Card (one off special cards of insane power), Arc gets a boost. Could be better statistics or it could be new powers!
On top of that, the track on the right shows Arc's progress in charging up to do something villainous (and spoiler related). But as she powers up with these harmonic devices, bad things happen to our heroes. Yes, we know of said spelling errors, these are being proofed now to drop on the final design. This was just a preview of what David was testing with.
Rules: Nearing the finish line! These will likely post when we can do a full walk through and play, that way with context, you all can look them over and assure us and yourselves that this rulebook will get you and us where we need to go :D
Setup Rules: Same as the above. You will be seeing the final version of these, both for Scenarios as well as Skirmishes, when we do our play through.
Everything said at the end of the previous update stands timeline wise and we continue to work towards that. We thank you all for your patience and hope you are safe and able to have some sort of happy holiday season! :D
October Update
about 4 years ago
– Sat, Oct 31, 2020 at 11:54:41 PM
As we have been doing, let's run through the list!
Terrain Implementation: As we worked to balance these, many of them have remained the same. All-Star Backer Lee will note, the Sewers remain equally important! Aside from that, Vending Machines give Passive Energy Boosts, The Dumpster had to be altered a little, as no cards are drawn. Instead it is now gives characters a boost when changing elevation. Think of it like Legend running, jumping onto a dumpster and using it as a boost to elevate onto a store.
Balancing Volume 1: We are still working on framing the graphic design, and we are working to fine tune each scenario, but one really great one to highlight that testers have really loved is the climax. When the 3 Villains are powered, united, at the start of our story, battling a newly formed Phalanx team. The minute you get one on the chin, all of the other villains gain a new power or a stat boost. It's a great feeling to have people lauding its "fun", even if more fine tuning and tweaking is required.
Rules: These are under some review before we post. But, the odd thing is, the game has benefitted as Ben said, from being simplified. And while it didn't lose any depth, it has gotten easier to teach, and that is demonstrated in the rules.
Setup Rules: These are being blind tested and have had some great success.
We are moving forward with some steam now! Now let's get to the meat and potatoes of what's left.
One thing we know. We will not meet our internal goal of wrapping things up and getting this manufactured before the Chinese New Year. With the holidays, day jobs and what remains, it simply isn't possible and we want to be open about that.
Here is what we can say on our timeline. Throughout the remainder of the year, our goal is to wrap up our development on the new ruleset. We also want a pass over from you all on the rules and a developer play through. This is made a little harder as Chris's kids are in distance learning where they live, so recording during the week is harder. Once the testing is done though, we should be able to rough out a timetable from the manufacturer. With that in mind, we will be looking at lining up the final timeline. As with everything, our mistakes and successes, we will be happy to share all of this as we work through it.
