Dear all,
A small update today to answer a few questions regarding the imminent end of the Kickstarter and what it means for the campaign & the demo both. Also, big thumbs up to nafeij for this fantastic series of screens posted on Discord.
The TFA Demo: Here to Stay a Few More Days!
Allow us first of all to address the elephant (or the Mavis) in the room, that is, the availability of the Demo. The Demo will be kept online at least for another week, for we need time to regroup and properly set up the pledge manager on Kickstarter (so as to collect Steam details, shipping addresses, an the likes). It means that invitations to Beta should be send no earlier than the last days of March/the first days of April. The same goes for the private Discord & other niceties (payment processing among others, which will take several days in itself).
As such, it felt unfair to take the Demo down while our backers wouldn't be able to access the Beta program just yet. Considering said parameters, the Demo will be kept online for the duration of the time we need to properly process the digital rewards to be provided ASAP. It means that everybody else can also keep playing the game.
Late Pledges on Kickstarter: When There's No Time Left, There's Still Time!!
Besides, Kickstarter has enabled a system of late pledges that we will make sure to use too. What it means is that you will still be able to access the Kickstarter reward system and acquire the digital or physical editions of the game for several more days, albeit at a small premium (price will be increased around 10% for each pledge). So, tomorrow Saturday noon (more or so, US time) will not be the end of everything. There is still time to play catch up if you are only joining us now. Naturally, we will make another post in here and on our socials to signal the end of the demo and pledge manager access both, so you will not be taken by surprise.
At any rate, for more info have a look at our Kickstarter if you're still wondering if it's worth your time and your money. As said above, no hurry!
Latest Demo News & Videos
As for the demo itself, here is a changelog regarding last minute improvements made to the current version. Hope it will fix a few issues for you - we are sorry not to be able to interact more in the forums due to the flux of contributions and our own need to look after the builds proper and the on-going campaign, but know that we are very much reading everything that is being posted on the official boards.
- Added a logic of "bingo" detection for CAPs and Scrambles so that they don't pursue targets too far away
- Improved a bit escort
- Fixed some bugs in the "AIR" panel
- Reworked text alignments in the FDO panel
- Fixed a rare/random bug making cameras to roll
- Changed scrambles deck spotting
- Added an "anti-stuck" logic to avoid spotting getting locked
- Fixed fleet not following the waypoints if course has been changed during airops
- Improved (a bit) fleet formation turns
- Fixed SBD-3 decal glitch on some camera angles
If you still have questions about how the game can/should be played, don't forget that we have several talented youtubers hard at work.
Along with a few extremely powerful, atmospheric creators who really managed to strike a chord. Great for a weekend coffee!
The Few: a Shout Out to Good Neighbors!
Allow us to use this last opportunity this week to introduce you to another project many of you might not have heard about just yet: Ground of Aces.
Husbanding aircraft carrier task forces is one thing - but do you have what it takes to deal with the hurdles of doing it on land instead? Ground of Aces offers a refreshing take on the hurdles associated with managing a combat airbase in a cute, light setting.
Indeed, do not expect a dark mood, or a heavy-handed dramatic narrative. Ground of Aces decided to go the way of a building & management game which, all things considered, works very well in its own world, along the rules of its own paradigm. The art direction is top notch, the mechanics flow well, just don't expect to play a 3D version of Bombing the Reich - you gotta enjoy it for what it is. I do personally enjoy it, like others would enjoy, say, Bomber Crew, and that satisfaction you get from managing your little uniformed workers does definitely scratch the itch of anybody captivated by the period, and looking for a break from the deadly, bloody South Pacific skies. Love for the topic transpires in every polygon, and if you don't mind the tone, it's a keeper.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2308690/Ground_of_Aces/
It just so happens that they have a demo up (demos are great, aren't they!) and will be heavily featured in the upcoming City Builder & Colony Sim Fest. They have been great to us and are a lovely bunch to talk to, featuring us on their numerous accounts & newsletters. We'll be happy to give them the same treatment over the next few days, of course. Now that you are sure to play our demo for a few more days, there's no excuse not to try theirs!
That's all folks! Until next time - enjoy the weekend and take very good care!
