Why Early Access?

“We’re releasing Rikua in Early Access to collaborate directly with the community. The feedback of the Community on gameplay, balance, bugs, and overall experience will help us refine what the game requires and what the game doesn't. The feedback will help us craft and polish the expanded final version of the game.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We expect a 12–18 month window, influenced by community feedback and our development roadmap.”

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

“We are planning on Rikua’s final version to include: more missions, more enhancements and sponsors to meet, all the chapters of the story plots, more weapons, expanded challenges (From Data, Ezekiel, and new Digital Pantones), and more unknown rewards to enhance the experience of the game. While this is our current roadmap, we believe the community will play a key role in shaping Rikua’s best form and, expectedly, improve our roadmap. The community’s feedback will help us decide what features the game needs - and what it doesn’t.”

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 two additional weapons; play 8 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, unexpected rewards or medals ranging from bronze to diamond based on your skills.
(4) The storyline - Two main missions: 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 from each to make every run you play unique.
(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?

“Yes. We plan to offer Rikua at a lower price during Early Access to reward early supporters. As we add more content and approach full release, the price will increase to reflect the expanded additions we have made into the game and for the community.”

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

“Our plan is to gather feedback through our Steam discussion page, in‑game feedback forms, and the Stiff Ballerina website. We’ll use forms and surveys to ask about upcoming features, giving players the chance to influence what gets added or adjusted. We will add updates on our Steam Page so the community knows what new features and elements have been added as new updated versions are released.”