Updated All-Backers Demo

Like we promised last update, we spent some time imbuing an updated, backer-exclusive demo with all the juicy gameplay improvements and changes weve worked on since you last played the game. This new demo's setting revisits the now expanded first dungeon, Bottomrock, and even extends beyond that into a new section of the game, offering a wealth of new gameplay opportunities. [previewyoutube=dBnC8tw3NXk;full][/previewyoutube] We've incorporated some story sequences to show how the game weaves narrative and gameplay together, complimented by the games beautiful OST. You're now able to accept quests, earn items, and trade them in for profit in the newly established shops. Theres new spells to be cast, both to attack foes and solve puzzles, shields to protect you, a stamina bar to prevent overexertion, a refined Inventory screen, and a freshly minted Journal screen, which houses Achievements and the Bestiary, which well talk about later in this update. The Map screen has also been enhanced with items and upgrades to guide your steps, and markers to signal your intentions, all while the Journal is automatically updated based on your progress. Log into the Backer's Club and download the demo (v9.0.20)! You're welcome to record and upload videos of this demo, as well as livestream its contents.

Dev Updates

Though the updated demo demanded a bit of work to polish and prepare, our efforts continue being directed towards the remaining two areas of the game, for which we've started creating the last couple of batches of enemies, coding their AI, working out level design necessities, composing some pending OST tracks, and wrapping up some rooms of the game map. These past months we also concentrated a lot of our efforts into fixing bugs and glitches within the game's code, which thanks to the continued efforts of the whole team are becoming scarcer and scarcer. As is the case with games in development, we carry on tweaking the finer aspects of gameplay, like balancing enemy stats and behavior in some of the late areas. Lastly, we also worked on optional content such as sidequests, implementing some of the creative backer reward submissions weve received, as well as balancing the games economy so that acquiring the vast library of items, equipment and upgrades scattered around the game world is fun and challenging, instead of grindy or cumbersome.

Bestiary Bonanza

We listened attentively to your positive feedback on adding a Bestiary, so we finally got around to fleshing it out! It is a treasure trove of information about the world's creatures and bosses. Being aware of your enemy's strengths and weaknesses can make a life or death difference within the game, so having that knowledge at hand is important. Bestiary information is unlocked as you encounter enemies in battle and you become proficient in dealing with them. You'll steadily expand your understanding of enemy item drops, and, with the right upgrades, even reveal their drop rates. Additionally, youll get to know their location(s), HP, level, strength, defense, EXP points, elemental property and attack types. Furthermore, enemies that are tied to hunt quests display certain information for you to more easily keep track of your objectives. Naturally, these quests are also listed in your Journal's Side-quests.

Wishlist the Game on Steam!

Our Steam Store launch has been more than successful, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us boost its presence. You can help us spread the word even further by sharing the store page and wishlisting the game if you haven't yet. If you have a minute, kindly add the "Story Rich" and "Dark Fantasy" tags to the game's description so others can stay informed.

Visit our Booth @ GameVket Show April 29th ~ May 5th

Because of the ongoing pandemic, online conventions have become a convenient way to showcase indie games. Such is the case with GameVketZeroa completely virtual, free convention celebrating indie games from around the world. Heart Forth, Alicia will have a booth there from April 29th to May 5th, open 24 hours a day. Anyone can attend the event via the freeware software VRChat (no VR hardware is needed). The booths run on their own, but well set aside some time to hang out in the HFA booth to talk about the game and meet up with fans. Keep an eye on our Twitter account and Discord Server for details coming soon!

Wrapping up

Getting a demo for all backers ready is always a challenge, and though they're not part of a campaign promise, this extra work serves as a gesture our gratitude towards your continued and generous patience. This demo is a faithful taste of what the finished game will feel like, and we hope it eases the wait until we can finally share a release window with you. We know the wait has been long, but it will be worth it in the end. As we continue pouring all efforts into bringing the game's world closer to the finish line, we welcome you to join the weekly development livestreams. Were also always available on our Discord Server, where we keep an eye out for any questions or feedback you may need a quick answer to.

Weekly Dev Livestreams on Tuesdays @ 2pm CT

Join our weekly dev livestreams over at Twitch, Tuesdays at 2pm CT. Its a great space to ask questions, stay informed about smaller development updates and have a nice time with the community. We understand not everyone can join in due to work and other engagements, but you can always watch the VODs over here.