Why Early Access?

“As a solo developer, making an online roguelike platformer is a huge task. The game is in a solid place, but there is more to add. I look forward to player feedback to help evolve Lady Tallowmere's dungeons further.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I predict at least a year. Development started in 2017, and more features are planned.”

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

“Building upon the current handful of enemies, weapons, elements, modifiers, blessings, curses, rewards, and online features, the full version is also planned to have:

• More weapons, shields, modifiers, blessings, rewards, and room themes
  
• Outfits
  
• Pets and companions
  
• Shrines
  
• Stealth and ice mechanics
  
• Boss fights
  
• Conquest modes
  
• Online PvP modes
  
• Story modes / Episodes
  
• Shared stash
  
• Seeded runs
  
• Non-permadeath option
  
• Dungeon Room Editor with Steam Workshop support for custom rooms, dialogue, sprites, sounds, and behaviour modifications
  
• More languages with Steam Workshop integration
  
• Ability to host your own server as a Steam tool

”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“

Current general state:

The dungeons are pretty stable, though the odd bug presents itself from time to time. I also expect a few network gameplay issues; it is challenging to test all online features alone.

Each run lasts anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on how well you use your shield. Still, I feel the gameplay is hard yet fair, and between single-player, couch co-op, and online co-op, it should be an enjoyable score-attack experience.

On the horizon, I look forward to adding more fun to the dungeons for pain and pleasure.

Current online co-op state:

• I've custom-built Tallowmere 2's servers with a networking library called LiteNetLib. Servers can run on Linux or Windows.
  
• Servers can host multiple games at once, handling approximately 25-50 games per server (roughly 100-200 players).
  
• Servers keep copies of each game in progress as messages pass through. If a player disconnects unexpectedly, the player can rejoin.
  
• Tallowmere 2's infrastructure means there's no peer-to-peer networking, no NAT issues to deal with, nor any ports to forward.
  
• Initially for Early Access, I am hosting servers around the globe. Lightning Games is managing servers in China. We will keep an eye on them to ensure they are running as smooth as possible.

Language support:

Language support is implemented and ready to go. Some languages have been added; more will come throughout development. Will also look at adding translation support via Steam Workshop.”

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

“I plan to retain the same base price throughout Early Access. Upcoming discounts will only be 10% during development.

After Early Access, the price will either stay the same or increase; I am not sure yet.

I do not plan to have paid expansions nor DLC; I'd rather just update the base game.

For now, if the price looks good and you'd like to show your support, please come aboard.”

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

“I look forward to reading player feedback and suggestions, including ideas for new weapons, enemies, modifiers, curses, blessings, kitten types, design decisions, and anything else. I'm also prepared to resolve bug reports as best I can.

I anticipate using Steam community forums primarily for discussions, but also have a GitHub issue tracker, Discord server, Twitter account, and email if preferred. The game also has an in-game feedback form for convenience.

Throughout Early Access, iterating on the game with your input will help shape Tallowmere 2 for the better.”