Why Early Access?

“LION is a highly experimental game when it comes to genre combinations, it merges an action-adventure game with real-time combat, RTS mechanics, and gamepad-first controls. A lot of feedback and guidance is needed for something like this, and the support of players purchasing this Early Access is essential. Every comment and piece of feedback you provide will be put to good use, none of it will go to waste.

To summarize the vision: I am aiming to create an alchemical combination of games like The Legend of Zelda, Metroid Prime, Battalion Wars, and Pikmin — blending action-adventure, RTS combat, and puzzle elements all in a single package. The 20 children you rescue are unique characters with distinct personalities, armor, and weapons, and they will be reborn as the heroes of my future games.
This is the work of a single developer. At the time this Early Access launched, the game had one year and two months of development behind it. As such, there will be bugs and occasional crashes — I ask everyone who plays to please report them so I can deliver the polished experience you deserve, where your only focus is the fun and the adventure.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The game will remain in Early Access until Q3 2027, at which point it will be complete in its entirety.
You can report bugs, make suggestions, or ask questions through my social media on X, write to me directly at my support email, or post in the Community Hub.
Twitter; https://x.com/SirArcanos”

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

“This Early Access version contains a demo world used to test core exploration and progression. The final game will feature a completely new map, so anyone who joins during Early Access will have a totally fresh experience when the full game launches. Certain enemies and bosses from the Early Access will reappear in the final game; however, the vast majority of enemies, locations, and story elements will remain hidden to avoid spoilers. The final game will contain a much larger world, a wealth of new bosses and enemies, and unique features to be announced in the Community Feed. All feedback will be used to shape that new content and previews of it may or may not be shared depending on whether they would spoil the story or the surprise.
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What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“This Early Access version is currently in Alpha. The main mechanics are finished but still being polished and improved. The core world is actively under construction, as are the full enemy roster and level design.”

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

“For funding reasons, and to allow as many players as possible to come on board early, the Early Access is set at a reduced price. The final game will be released at a higher price to reflect the full development time and expenses. The final price will be determined approximately six months before launch, based in part on player feedback.”

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

“The community is KEY to this game. After playing the current build, feel free to comment on any aspect of the game, propose ideas you'd like to see, and report any bugs that need to be crushed. I will evaluate every idea and consider what works and what doesn't, and I will track every reported bug and eliminate them one by one.
Community input will also be crucial for properly shaping a game with such a unique concept. After all, I am building an Action-Adventure RTS Metroidvania hybrid and getting it right matters.”