Why Early Access?

“We are releasing an Early Access version of the game to obtain the Community's user experience and gameplay feedback. With this information, we want to build a game that players enjoy and are satisfied with. This Early Access version allows us to listen to players' needs while we develop a final version of the game that meets the Community's gameplay expectations.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“Approximately 1 year.”

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

“We plan to add more missions, powerups, weapons, interactable NPCs, challenges, unlockables for the story hub, and more story plots among other features. Also, fix some bugs that may arise and polish some elementsthat may seem unpolished for players in the early access.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Currently, the Early Access version of the game contains:
(1) Tutorial Levels: A tutorial of 5 levels so players know how to control the different mechanics of the game - 2D Side Scroller, Third Person Shooting, and 3d isometric battles.
(2) Main StoryHub: A Story Hub where the players can go to two missions; unlock upgrades for the character which are permanent upgrades (more life, shields, etc); unlock one additional weapon; play two different set of challenges: time mode and finish the challeging level
(3) Time and Objective Challenges: Play 2 sets of games, each consisting of 4 levels/games for a total of 8 challenges to play. Each level, when finished, unlocks decorations for the StoryHub or medals ranging from bronze to diamond.
(4) Two main missions - storyline: Each mission contains approx 8 levels, from side scroller to third person to isometric camera, 1 mid boss, and 1 boss level. When finishing each mission, you unlock a medallion reward that will unlock features in the story hub.
(5) Boons/Powers: During the roguelite missions, Rikua encounters promoters of her mission, where she can obtain up to 4 different boons/enhancements to make each run unique for the player.
(6) Metroidvania Chapter 1 - Origin Story: After the player has done two runs, the player must play a small metroidvania chapter consisting of a Past Story Hub, 3 levels, and 1 cinematic.
(7) Cinematics: To make the storyline and the experience immersive, there are around 8 cinematics that push the story that the main character of the game, Rikua, is experiencing. ”

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

“We plan to raise the price from $9.99 USD to 14.99 USD when the first beta is done (end of early access).”

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

“We are planning to receive feedback from (1) our steam discussion page; (2) the feedback link directly from the game; and (3) from our stiffballerina website. We will be providing updates on the Steam page so players can get involved in what is being built in the game, while asking, through forms and surveys, for upcoming features the player would like to see. We would like for the Community to help us build the game they also would like to play by providing feedback on what they like/dislike.”