Oct 7, 2023

Introducing the Dynamite Demo: Part 2 Update!

ANTONBLAST - dr quest

WELCOME BACK, BLASTERS!

Today we have some pretty hefty announcements for you! Big time REVEAL type beats! So without further ado: strap in folks, this is gonna be a LONG ONE! Or… a TALL ONE? (You’ll get it in a bit!)

ANTONBLAST is coming in 2024!

First and foremost, we’re announcing that ANTONBLAST will not be releasing in 2023. However, while we realize it isn't what everyone would want, this is actually phenomenal news for a few reasons.

Last year, as we were preparing to roll back into production after our Kickstarter campaign, we were met with an opportunity to work with a partner on expanding the resources available to the game, and it was an offer we could not refuse. It took some time after that to negotiate and square things away, but together with a new financial partner, we were able to add an extensive amount of time to the game’s schedule. Thanks to this, we were able to commit more time to a second pre-production phase of sorts to really nail down everything we wanted to accomplish with ANTONBLAST.

While we had a very clear vision of a specific type of game on our Kickstarter pitch, and we knew that the version of the game we would have released this Fall would have been an excellent homage and spiritual successor to its influences, and ultimately a pretty dang good game… the thing this phase really allowed us to do was question everything, scrutinize everything, and come out the other side with a fundamentally better game foundation.

Importantly, it also let us zero in on what the game is and is not. What felt wrong, what felt right. It allowed us to be significantly more confident in our vision and our ability to deliver on it. We were able to let the game evolve itself naturally and become more than it could ever have been with one year of production.

What that means:

We’re now able to deliver better animations, better environments, better game feel, better levels, better spectacle, better everything. Bigger bosses, crazier set pieces, overall just a much more complete experience in the ANTON universe.

We’ve been able to bring on additional staff, as well, making sure every part of the game gets its individual attention and care to the fullest.

What that does NOT mean:

DLC and other stretch goals being added retroactively.

We made the decision very quickly after signing with our partner to focus our additional resources on creation and polish of the features and modes that we finished our campaign with in 2022.

This does not mean that DLC may not be possible post-launch, but after a hefty amount of consideration, we decided it was best to funnel the funds into the core experience. Our plans for potential future DLC are essentially full sub-campaigns for those characters, and we want them to be full experiences of their own, not have the main game and the DLC compromise each other.

What else this doesn't mean:

Answering to a publisher.

That's right — we don't have a publisher. One wonderful thing about the partnership we've forged is that SUMMITSPHERE will remain the owner and publisher of ANTONBLAST! We own our characters, our worlds, our game, and our IP. We make the decisions on launches, features, timing, and control the whole thing. Our partner is just crazy enough to support us financially and make sure we have the runway to do all the dumb stuff we want to do, and that we have the resources and time to make the best game for you.

Really though, the best part of all this is that it has allowed ANTONBLAST to evolve into something that is truly its own beast, born both of its inspirations and our disgusting crazy minds.

Without fail, at our recent floor shows at PAX East and PAX West, folks are realizing that the games they played as kids (or the indie darlings they’ve played this year) traveled a pretty different path than we ultimately chose to travel ourselves — but they also realize how crazy, fun, and frenetic ANTONBLAST truly is. We’re thrilled with the reception to the game at these live events, and hope you’ll join us at other events in 2024 to play for yourself!

So, you’re probably wondering… do we have a set release date yet?

Well, not quite yet! However, we can tell you that we are on track for a 2024 release, and with our new staff and our capable partners, we’re excited to nail that date down and let you know as soon as possible. You will hear more about the specific timing next year.

In the meantime, we're going to be really ramping up our visibility going into 2024, showing more features and content than ever before, and additionally ramping up our studio presence in fun and exciting ways as well.

That reminds us!

Bigger Resources, Louder Voice

One of the other key benefits to having our partners is that we are able to put more eyes on ANTONBLAST going forward. In fact, their assistance has already shown big dividends for the fan community, allowing us to do big conventions like PAX West last month. It also allows us to create more things like our DYNAMITE DEMO Trailer this past June at the Guerrilla Collective Showcase, and the Dynamite Demo itself.

We're pleased to announce that it also looks like fans can look forward to more Live Action Anton in 2024, as well. As soon as we nail down his contract. He wandered off set that day and has only been communicating via booze signals. They're like smoke signals but instead of using fire and smoke, he just drinks a lot and screams. Sometimes we hear it and sometimes we don't. He doesn't seem to understand how sound works.

We'll also be appearing at some of your favorite floor shows next year, and we may just pop up on some live shows as well. Who knows?

Either way... the question remains: What kind of wild and wacky shenanigans can SUMMITSPHERE get up to next year to promote ANTONBLAST? I guess you'll just have to find out!

Now... let's get down to some NEW REVEALS from the game!

It's finally time to MEET THE BOSSBUSTERS!

This week, we launched our "MEET THE BOSSBUSTERS" Trailer on all socials, and additionally launched a new soundtrack upload. What soundtrack? Well, the BOSSBUSTER THEME, of course! (Word of warning: This is probably Tony's most insane track yet.)

So, who are the BOSSBUSTERS?

The Bossbusters (known officially as the Bucket Brigade) are an elite squad of four: they're the Ballbusters every Ballbuster wants to be! They're also Satan's most trusted moles in his Ballbuster Army. Not that that means he trusts them a LOT... it's just he trusts them the most. Initially revealing themselves to the player in the first level by pursuing them on their Bucket Brigade Blimp, these highest tier moles will cause Anton and Annie a lot of grief over the course of the adventure.

TALLBUSTER is the newest recruit to the Bossbuster Brigade, and he really isn't too invested in the outcome, honestly. In fact, when Anton and Annie confront him, he initially doesn't even want to fight! Content to just sit in his custom hot tub and chill, it isn't until our Dynamite Duo cast the first stone that Tallbuster reveals his true potential. Some say he's really just here to hang out with Smallbuster. What's their deal anyways?

SMALLBUSTER may be the smallest bodied of all the Bossbusters, but she's also the biggest brained. It's all relative, though. Faced with defeating Anton and Annie, Smallbuster realizes her small frame will likely get her quickly eliminated, so she turns to her truest love — trash. Living in a dimensional dump between the realms, Smallbuster uses the discarded belongings of the universe to create powerful mechs that do all the heavy lifting of battle for her. As long as she's got her garbage, she's unstoppable! She's never far from Tallbuster on group missions. Seriously, what's their deal?

MAULBUSTER is the Matriarch of the Bossbuster Brigade. A cultured, classically trained actor whose mind is a steel trap, she keeps the entire Ballbuster Army in check. Her only problem is her complicated and to-the-letter plans sometimes go awry, so when Anton and Annie refuse to follow the script, she just might get caught flubbing her lines. Eh, they're all in Mole language anyways.

BRAWLBUSTER is a BIG SUMBITCH. A pumped up powerhouse of a pro-wrestler who missed the memo that it's a staged performance, Brawlbuster is ready to throw down with Anton and Annie and hit 'em for real! Can they stop his hulking mass, BROTHER, or will he secure the 1-2-3? Yeah!

OH, ONE MORE THING…

Remember how we mentioned demoing ANTONBLAST on show floors? Well, some of you who’ve been following along extra closely may have realized that convention goers were able to play an updated version of the demo that better represents our vision for the final game.

This week, we brought The Dynamite Demo: Part 2 to Steam! It’s live now, waiting for you to play it. Go on, try it out! Tell your friends! It’s just that much better than Part 1.

Some of the changes you can look forward to include:

Increased clutch boost window
A more reactive camera
Tighter physics
Less hearts, more checkpoints (trust us, it’s great)
New voicelines for Anton and Annie
Refurbished level design
And more!

Conclusion

Whew! So that was a lot of new information. We thank you for your continued patience as we work away on the game, and we thank you for your continued support! Without your help, ANTONBLAST and SUMMITSPHERE wouldn't be where we are today. We continue to make strides to grow, and ANTONBLAST looks to be the best game it can be as a result.

Look forward to our next update… probably sooner than you think!

Oct 7, 2023

v0.91.65 Patch Notes - Elemental Lord, New Adventure #2

Low Magic Age - Low Magic Studios

New Prestige Class: Elemental Lord

An arcane spellcaster who has a powerful elemental companion and can turn himself into an elemental.

For arcane spellcasters, the endless mysteries contained in the Planes have a fatal allure, especially those of the Elemental Planes. Summon elemental spells or rituals known to adventurers, and the overwhelming combat advantage brought by a variety of powerful elemental allies, all attracted many spellcasters to indulge in.

The elemental lord takes it a step further. Years of intense research and even fieldwork have made the elemental lord more knowledgeable about all aspects of elementals than other spellcasters. He has studied the ways, means, origins, and formation of elementals, and instinctively knows an elemental’s strengths and develops an unbreakable bond with a powerful elemental companion.

Elemental companions are usually summoned through spells or rituals, and then bargained and contracted for a longer-term partnership. However, rumor has it that some radical elemental lords are deeply uncomfortable with this, and they consider it too hasty, even a sacrilege to do so. They prefer to spend huge amounts of resources, through various means, to reach the Elemental Planes, in order to an official visit and negotiate a partnership with the elemental of their choice, believing that the bond established in this way is more trustworthy.

Either way, as this bond deepens over time, the elemental lords kinship with the elemental companion deepens, blurring the line between master and servant. Eventually, the journey of discovery made both stronger, and even the elemental lord himself transformed into an elemental and became part of the elemental forces.

Base Classes: The knowledge required to learn the secrets of the Planes is arcane in nature, and thus this prestige class is filled mostly with wizards and sorcerers — though anyone else who meets the requirements may choose to take the journey of an elemental lord.

Role: Although rarely seen in adventure groups, once an elemental lord decided to become part of a group, with his powerful elemental companion, uncanny traits, and impressive spellcasting ability, in the front line or back row of the battlefield can be at ease, he will soon become reliable for other members.

Alignment: Similar to most arcane spellcasters who are addicted to a certain field of study, elemental lords spend their lives in pursuit of the mysteries of the Planes and the way to live in harmony with elementals. They have no time for morals and ethics, which are meaningless to them, so they tend to be neutral, neutral good, or neutral evil.

Non-adventurers: With a reliable elemental companion by his side, the elemental lord usually embarks on the journey of discovery alone, no need to group with other adventurers, unless as a last resort. Most adventurer groups certainly welcome the addition of an elemental lord (plus a powerful ally).

Prerequisites:

Caster Level: 10.
Skills: Knowledge (The planes) 8 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana) 4 ranks, Diplomacy 4 ranks.
Feats: Spell Focus: Conjuration, Augment Summoning.
Spells: Ability to cast level-2 arcane spells, Summon Elemental.

Class Features:

Level Limit: 10.
Hit Dice: d4.
Base Attack Bonus: Average.
Good Saves: Fortitude, Will.
Key Abilities: Charisma, Intelligence, Dexterity.

Class Skills: Concentration, Craft, Decipher Script, Knowledge, Profession, and Spellcraft.
Skill Points per Level: 2 + Int modifier.

Weapon Proficiency: None.
Armor Proficiency: None.

Bonus Feats: Gains an extra feat every 4 levels after 10th level (14, 18...).

Bonus Spellcasting Level: When leveling up this class, the effective spellcasting level of a spellcasting class is also increased.

Class Abilities:

Elemental Companion

At 1st level, an elemental lord picks his element of study: air, earth, fire, or water. This choice cannot be changed.

At the same time, the elemental lord gains an elemental companion of the type chosen that starts at Medium size. It grows larger every two levels thereafter (3, 5, 7...). At 9th level it becomes an elder elemental.

The elementals level is always equal to the masters arcane level. If the elemental dies, the elemental lord takes damage equal to the elementals level, and also takes 1d4 points of damage to each ability score.

Elemental Form

An elemental lord gains the ability to turn himself into an elemental three times per day.

This elemental is an elder elemental of the elemental lord’s element of study, and its level is equal to the elemental lord’s arcane level.

The effect lasts for 12 hours, or until the elemental lord changes back.

Elemental Type

Over time, an elemental lord slowly turns into an elemental, gaining an elementals traits along the way.

At 2nd level, he gains darkvision 60 ft.

At 4th level, he becomes immune to sleep effects.

At 6th level, he becomes immune to poison.

At 8th level, he becomes immune to paralysis and stunning.

At 10th level, the elemental lord’s type changes to elemental, and he gains the subtype of the appropriate element. He becomes so much like an elemental that he loses the normal human orientation toward “front” and “back.” Like an elemental, he can’t be flanked and is no longer subject to critical hits.

Resistance/Immunity to Energy

An elemental lord gains resistance against the energy type associated with his element of study (air: electricity, earth: acid, fire: fire, and water: cold).

At 1st level, this resistance is 5. It increases by 5 every two levels thereafter (3, 5, 7...). At 9th level, the elemental lord gains immunity to the energy type in question.

Damage Reduction

A creature with this special quality ignores damage from most weapons and natural attacks. Wounds heal immediately, or the weapon bounces off harmlessly (in either case, the opponent knows the attack was ineffective), unless the attack is from a certain kind of weapon.

Auto Gained Abilities:

Lv 1 Elemental Companion (Medium), Resistance to Energy 5
Lv 2 Darkvision 60 ft., Damage Reduction 1/-
Lv 3 Elemental Companion (Large), Resistance to Energy 10
Lv 4 Immunity to Sleep, Damage Reduction 2/-
Lv 5 Elemental Companion (Huge), Resistance to Energy 15
Lv 6 Immunity to Poison, Damage Reduction 3/-
Lv 7 Elemental Companion (Greater), Resistance to Energy 20
Lv 8 Immunity to Paralysis and Stunning, Damage Reduction 4/-
Lv 9 Elemental Companion (Elder), Immunity to Energy
Lv 10 Elemental Form, Elemental Type, Cannot Be Flanked or Critical Hit, Damage Reduction 5/-

Others:

Fixed: workshop submitting bug (error code: 9)
Fixed: no enough selectable spells when level up Mystic Theurge
Fixed: AC (flat-footed) excludes monk's AC Bonus

New Adventure Mode Dev Preview #2:

Villages and Farms

In addition to internal buildings and facilities, farms outside a village also belong to the village. Villagers will periodically labor in farms, and monsters may attack villages, farms, and other affiliated facilities.

Cities

Compared to villages, cities occupy more tiles and have more affiliated facilities.

Next, we'll work on (rough list):

Adventure mode, and its predecessor works: more prestige classes (Assassin), player races (Lizard Scion, Minotaur, Centaur), feats and spells, etc.

Note: If you have any suggestions or feedback, please feel free to leave them in this announcement or send to support@lowmagicage.com (attach your saves if necessary: game folder/saves).