Why Early Access?

“Don't Die, Minerva! is our 3rd Early Access title. We've learned a lot from our previous releases and know that we're ready to deliver a satisfying Early Access experience for those who want to participate.

Other rogue-lites have shown that Early Access is well suited to this genre. Our initial release is already a solid core gameplay experience that offers a clear vision of the game we're making. Early Access will let us make it bigger and better!

In addition to the expected bug fixes and general polish, we look forward to adding new levels, enemies, loot, and features along the way. We can't wait to meet the game's full potential with your feedback and support.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“This will depend on several factors, but a safe estimate would range from six months to one year.”

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

“All of the core gameplay systems are represented in the initial release, but the full version will include much more in terms of features and content. The core gameplay won't change drastically, but the game will be significantly bigger and hopefully a whole lot better!

Our current plans include:

• New levels / biomes
  
• More visual variety within existing levels
  
• New Enemies
  
• New Bosses
  
• New weapons and Friendlies (the stuffed Animals that assist Minerva in combat)
  
• New unlocks and abilities
  
• Player stat tracking
  
• More systems that focus on exploration
  
• Additional difficulty levels

New ideas and plans are certain to emerge as we move through the Early Access phase.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The game is in what we consider to be a solid beta state that is ready to be expanded with new content and features as we enter Early Access. There are some bugs and known issues, but we have applied enough testing and optimization to expect that players will have a good experience with the initial release.

Early Access Launch Features:

• Minerva can attack ghosts with her flashlight and evade with a dash move
  
• Minerva can deploy a Friendly stuffed animal to assist her in combat
  
• Collect loot with procedural affixes - Flashlights, Friendlies, Boots, Backpacks, and Necklaces all come in many varieties
  
• Four flashlight types - Basic, Flash Bulb Cannon, Heavy Flash Gun, Photon Tether
  
• Four Friendly types - Monkey, Bear, Cat, Dragon
  
• Equip Gem Mods in Flashlights and Friendlies to customize their elemental output and create synergies between weapons
  
• Attribute-based stat system - Make strategic gear selection choices to bolster different aspects of your offense and defense, as well as your ability to apply elemental status effects on foes
  
• Dungeons are constructed with procedural layouts and combat encounters - no two runs are the same
  
• Collect magical Essence Crystals - these can be spent on permanent unlocks that will aid your progress
  
• Collect coins to purchase new gear during your run
  
• Four levels of difficulty - unlock Hard and Very Hard to take on new challenges
  
• Dungeons span three distinct biomes - the mansion, the garden, and the crypts, each with unique rooms and hazards
  
• 19 ghostly enemies, plus elite versions with affixes that make them even more formidable
  
• Three challenging boss battles

”

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

“We don't expect to change the price of the game when we leave Early Access.”

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

“This is an area where we learned a great deal from our previous Early Access games.

We will post developer blogs at regular intervals that communicate our current status and roadmap. As often as is reasonable we will survey the community for feedback and suggestions. When the community has a clear message for us, we will be happy to act on it - and to let you know that you've made a difference. If we make a change and the community clearly isn't on-board, we'll be happy to roll it back and look for a better solution.

Our philosophy is that once you've purchased an Early Access title, the dev team no longer has 100% ownership over it. While the burden of doing the heavy lifting is on our shoulders, we owe you the ability to have your voice heard and to make sure you're aware of our plans and reasons behind the decisions we make.

We're excited to go on this journey with you and build a strong, positive community around this game with a common goal of seeing it flourish and grow.”