Why Early Access?

“I believe that behind every great indie game is a great community, and as a solo developer my perspective is always going to be limited. So I feel like its time to involve the community in the development process, after all its you who will ultimately enjoy it or not.
Currently the game feels like it has the potential to be a solid, unique entry to the rogue-lite genre, which is why I would like to share it with you now, and with your support and patience, it can continue to grow into the game its meant to be!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“This will vary depending on community feedback, as it grows it could take different directions that I cant predict. But ideally id like to finish it in the next 1-2 years”

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

“With community feedback, once the main QoL and bug issues have been addressed, The gameplay loop will be refined.
Ideally:

• Tightening the balancing of enemies and items
  
• More interesting Power items
  
• Boss fights and more enemy types
  
• New dungeon areas
  
• Unlockable characters
  
• Steam integration ie. Achievements
  
• More flavour text and Notes/Letters building on the lore

”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Currently DOA plays like an endless rogue-lite where you can fight through levels indefinitely until you die.

• 3 Enemy types: Melee, Mages and Exploders.
  
• 3 Enemy Tiers of each type, with higher tiers filtering in the further you get.
  
• There are currently NO boss fights, if this is a deal breaker, check back in now and then.
  
• Dynamic music system, low intensity plays while out of combat, and high intensity kicks in during.
  
• Items to improve/hinder your stats, they can change your appearance but can be equipped unlimitedly (treat them like consumables). You may also lock your appearance to prevent any further changes if you like your look.
  
• Power items which give you usable/passive power effects (eg: shoot a burst of projectiles behind you while dodging)
  
• It has working (but slightly janky) Procedural level generation.
  
• A Shop and mysterious moustached trader to spend souls you collect in each run.
  
• There is currently NO control rebinding. However there IS a temporary AZERTY support toggle in 'Game' settings for movement.
  
• Some limited flavour text on item descriptions to tease at some world building and lore.
  
• The global light can be disabled, and you can play in the dark, All player and enemy attacks/telegraphing can still be seen, as well as enemy eyes, its a very interesting way to play, I recommend giving it a go.

There are a few bugs here and there but nothing that has been game breaking in my own testing, eg. occasionally the pathfinding breaks and enemies cant chase you over a specific floor tile, or physics damage doesn't register now and then, or the level generator goes rogue and overlaps a bunch of props and causes a prop explosion(but that's just fun).

There is one illusive bug that continues to baffle me, and honestly I don't have the heart to rip it out. But every now and then, you may be lucky enough to witness a bookcase walk across the room or fly off into the Sky.”

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

“I may increase the price a small amount once the game launches in 1.0 depending on the extent of development.”

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

“Here is the community Discord where you can join! //discord.gg/tx2VcFAra4
Also feel free to engage through the steam forums. Where ever you choose to post don't hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas and nuances with the game. The Community feedback will be crucial to changes in the game's over-all direction and development. I look forward to hearing from you all through out the process!”