Why Early Access?

“Releasing in Early Access, as there's plenty for me to still do, and I'm looking for lots of user feedback from people who've actually played the demo!

I can use this to tune the gameplay, controls, add features, tweak difficulty levels, offer different modes, and generally turn ICARUS into what people tell me they would like it to become - you have the power to turn my labour of love game into something that YOU will love....”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I'm a single indie developer, so this is going to take me a while, but I'm steadily plugging away at it.

I've already released my well-received TETRALOGICAL puzzle game in 2019 (but have been working on it still, in 2020), and that took a year of hard work, so I'm probably looking at at least 8-12 months of my free time, to complete ICARUS to my (and classic shoot-em-up fans!) satisfaction, but it will hopefully become something really special with your help, patience, and support!”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The FULL game (and at various points, the preview playable demo will contain *some* of these new features to try!), once complete, will contain:-

• BOSS RUSHES and timed Boss Fights modes
  
• Different player weapon and ship types
  
• Many more enemy types and environments
  
• Many different levels, and hopefully branching levels / progression
  
• Online global leaderboards and achievements for bragging rights
  
• Local multiple simultaneous players, possibly up to 4 playing on a level at once
  
• Different audio tracks, in addition to the excellent one by !Cube in the demo
  
• Skippable cut scenes and dialog to give the game 'flow', and a definite hard-won ending!
  
• Possible different scrolling directions on levels, or even in ONE level! (Think Mr. Heli, Venture, etc) :D
  
• Lots of other features as I think of them, or as users suggest, if voted in!
  

”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Currently just a 'taste' of how my game 'feels' to play, what's to come, or what can be, if it's already close to what players want, in terms of style and 'feel!

Hopefully you can see that the main player ship, some enemies, etc are NOT final graphics, and will be improved, but as it stands, it's hopefully still a nice looking level to see where it's going... :)

I've included the whole test demo level with FIVE difficulty levels to try (and will even shortly be adding a leaderboard / online hi-score table for the test demo, for bragging rights!), which will give most players a feel for the gameplay and what to expect, in terms of playability, and hopefully an indication of my dedication and coding ability!”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“If anyone believes in my game and abilities enough after trying the demo, to want to purchase in Early Access, then I will be offering the game for a lower price during this period, as a thank you for the support, and will be frequently updating the downloadable PAID/FULL version up-to-date preview.

Once a full release is imminent, with all features and levels included, the release price will be set to more than the initial Early Access purchase price, as by then more and more features and value will have been added to the game...”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“Mainly:-

Suggestions / conversations / ideas for improvement or features, in the forum or reviews
Players testing the demo to see what works (or doesn't), or what's more fun!
Potential ideas for levels, level design, bosses etc - I'm happy to hear anyone out, and for them to possible provide inspiration!
Early bug warnings / reports raising, if and when they occur!

In short, we can help each other to make ICARUS a really fun, really good quality, tribute to the classic shoot-em-ups... :)”