Why Early Access?

“We already had two rounds of closed alpha testing and the feedback we received was vital for the development up to this point. These test phases also showed us the importance of early community interaction for a project like this. We believe it is time to increase the number of players and testers to tell us about their experience with the game in its current state. This should help us to identify issues and to find the right priorities when adding new content.
If you are interested in supporting this project already, the Early Access program will give you a chance to voice your opinion about any aspect of the game. We guarantee that your suggestions, ideas, and criticism will be read and taken seriously.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We do not know. The final version will not be released until we have added more content and features. We are only two developers and it would not be fair to make promises about a release date that we might not be able to keep.”

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

“

• The final release will feature more content such as additional spells and items to create more interesting strategic choices.
  
• The AI will be improved so that computer controlled players and creeps will be more challenging.
  
• Addition of lower graphics settings will be included. TOTM runs on a custom engine that makes heavy use of modern GPU features such as hardware tesselation and compute shaders. System specs are currently very steep. We are planning to add lower settings to improve the framerate on mid-range PCs.
  
• Balancing of different units, spells and items will be improved.
  
• Bugs and crashes that may be experienced in any alpha software should be removed.
  
• Custom key binding is planned for the future, Xbox-type controllers are already supported (as well as keyboard and mouse).
  
• In-game chat is already implemented, lobby chat is planned for the future.

”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The game is in alpha stage. Be sure to check the hardware requirements before making a purchase. It requires 64 bit Windows 7 or 8, as well as a modern DirectX11 compatible gaming GPU.

Please note that TOTM is not an RPG, and there is no story mode.

Content:
You can already play games against opponents (Human or Computer controlled). Find ways to optimize your strategy and be one step ahead of your opponent. There are two very different playable animal avatars as well as a handful of computer controlled creeps and support units in one large map.

Multiplayer:
Multiplayer is fully supported, but you may experience significant lag when matched against people in a distant geographical location. Join a public lobby to play against strangers or create a private game to play against friends with up to four people. It is usually difficult to find opponents for small indie games. There are three ways to address this common issue:

• We offer a four pack of the game at a greatly reduced price. Give the additional copies to your friends to play against them.
  
• Post in the games discussion hub when you are going to start a game so that other people in your area can try to join at that time.
  
• If you have no one to play with, add AI controlled opponents to practice your game. AI is currently relatively easy to beat, but we are working on improvements.

”

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

“The price may change as the game grows and more content is added for the final version.”

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

“As stated above, we are eager to hear about your experience with the game. Report bugs and technical issues, balancing problems or any other criticism. Tell us about your ideas and suggestions. We will continue to read and consider everything that is brought to our attention via the game discussion forum, the comments section, or any other channel. We will not be able to write answers to everything, but we do guarantee that we read it and take it seriously.
We have many plans for additional features and improvements, and we need the community to tell us what to prioritize. In the past we asked our alpha testers to fill out a short online survey about various aspects of the game. This is something we would consider for the Early Access version as well.”