Kieran
Developer
The first prelude alpha is now available from our website. For those of you who haven't caught on yet, the prelude is named Exanima. If you have alpha access then go grab it and then come to our forum and tell us what you think. You're our first testers so this first release is still under NDA until we've dealt with eventual major issues, please keep this in mind!
So, we've somehow overcome the huge ordeal of developing all the functionality and technology needed for a fairly complete playable experience. It may even appear very complete and polished but don't forget this is only the first alpha, there are many features and improvements to come for both Exanima and Sui Generis. This is happening very quickly now that we've gotten the really big and difficult stuff done. Some of the features we have not completed yet will obviously have a massive effect on the game, such as character advancement and thaumaturgy but we have been focusing on things that we believe present the biggest technical challenges and making sure we get them right. Even so we believe this alpha is very enjoyable and that we've already largely succeeded in providing the kind of atmosphere and experience we're aiming for.
This alpha is fairly short and doesn't have a proper conclusion, that's because it's the earliest part of the prelude. Once we've gone through some initial testing and completed the most urgent features and improvements we'll be opening up more of the prelude and then going into beta. The first full release should be close behind. Don't underestimate the volume of content though, you will have to be quite thorough to discover everything and all doors except the big double metal ones can be unlocked.
Please be sure to consult the control reference in the first run screen or the included readme file, you may have difficulty with certain interactions if you don't know the controls! Customisable controls in the in game settings screen will be included in a future release.
As mentioned before we will continue to add features and improvements to Exanima as we develop them for the full game. This will allow us to get your feedback as we continue with development and improve both the prelude and full game experience. In the near future we plan to release a roadmap of major development goals. This will give you a clear idea of what we're working on and perhaps even allow you to influence how those goals are prioritised.
Some of the more urgent things that didn't make it into this release:
As usual, to download the alpha access your account page on our website using your backer email address. If you don't have your password just use the forgot password feature.
Here's a few screenshots for those who can't yet see it first hand:
Best,
Bare Mettle
So, we've somehow overcome the huge ordeal of developing all the functionality and technology needed for a fairly complete playable experience. It may even appear very complete and polished but don't forget this is only the first alpha, there are many features and improvements to come for both Exanima and Sui Generis. This is happening very quickly now that we've gotten the really big and difficult stuff done. Some of the features we have not completed yet will obviously have a massive effect on the game, such as character advancement and thaumaturgy but we have been focusing on things that we believe present the biggest technical challenges and making sure we get them right. Even so we believe this alpha is very enjoyable and that we've already largely succeeded in providing the kind of atmosphere and experience we're aiming for.
This alpha is fairly short and doesn't have a proper conclusion, that's because it's the earliest part of the prelude. Once we've gone through some initial testing and completed the most urgent features and improvements we'll be opening up more of the prelude and then going into beta. The first full release should be close behind. Don't underestimate the volume of content though, you will have to be quite thorough to discover everything and all doors except the big double metal ones can be unlocked.
Please be sure to consult the control reference in the first run screen or the included readme file, you may have difficulty with certain interactions if you don't know the controls! Customisable controls in the in game settings screen will be included in a future release.
As mentioned before we will continue to add features and improvements to Exanima as we develop them for the full game. This will allow us to get your feedback as we continue with development and improve both the prelude and full game experience. In the near future we plan to release a roadmap of major development goals. This will give you a clear idea of what we're working on and perhaps even allow you to influence how those goals are prioritised.
Some of the more urgent things that didn't make it into this release:
- More AI behaviours, with some very significant gameplay implications!
- Greater environment interactivity
- Walk/step backwards out of combat (with keyboard)
- Automatic input correction to assist walking very near obstacles
- Improved performance
- Saving progress for multiple session playthroughs
- Customisable controls
- Various control improvements
- Doors affecting room visibility system
- Improved animations, especially for undead
As usual, to download the alpha access your account page on our website using your backer email address. If you don't have your password just use the forgot password feature.
Here's a few screenshots for those who can't yet see it first hand:
Best,
Bare Mettle
