Hello again!
I'd like to share the current state of development and the plan going forward. The overall approach will be to release on Early Access when the game will technically be in an alpha state, however a full vertical slice and first version of the campaign will be implemented and during EA priority will be given to features not yet implemented. The "vertical slice" in this case refers to the ability to play a full-featured match under the default game mode, with all the cards and match options available, and at least the important sound effects are there. The singleplayer campaign will be also available by EA launch but will definitely require a lot of refinement thereafter, as will the logic driving your computer opponent's actions (classically referred to using the term "AI," which I'm avoiding so as to not conflate with other tech!)
Currently, the following features/facets are (more or less) complete and ready for EA:
The main menu screen, which includes the ability to customize and persist (save) game options/preferences (including key mappings), a complete card gallery, game manual, and a bit of lore.
The ability to play an exhibition match of Vanilla Chokur (no effect cards) against a computer or human opponent, directly over the network. Only the default battle mode (game mode) is supported and the computer opponent's difficulty level is capped to "0" (performs a random action on each turn).
All venues planned for launch are complete, with each coming in two variants and some that respond to battle events.
The ability to pan the camera backward/forward and toggle between a 3D perspective view or top-down orthographic (flat) view.
Features/improvements that will be implemented prior to EA launch (November 28th):
Effect cards will be fully implemented, which is currently under development. There are 4 tiers of effect cards, with tiers 2 through 4 designed but not fully implemented (activating them during battle does nothing, at the moment). Tier 1 effects only have relevancy in the singleplayer campaign, are never included in exhibition matches, and will be designed as part of the task to implement the campaign mode.
Apparently, people like to hear things when they play games, so ambient/environmental sounds and sound effects will be added, representing the completion of the "vertical slice" mentioned earlier...it's a big milestone!
Higher computer opponent difficulty levels will be implemented. The current plan is to have a range of 0 to 4, with levels 0 through 3 implemented prior to launch and progressively utilized during the campaign mode (and available for selection during an exhibition match, of course).
A battle log will be added to the HUD, allowing you to track each action taken by both players (as is normally available in standard chess games).
The singleplayer campaign will be implemented but should be considered a very rough draft at this point in the cycle. There is much to fine-tune as well as many ways to go about making a campaign out of that vertical slice, so getting your feedback will be crucial for getting it right.
Lifetime battle statistics will be tracked and viewable from the main menu.
Multiplayer via Steam Friends invite will be supported (in addition to via LAN as currently supported).
Features/improvements that will be implemented during EA (6 to 12 months, depending on community feedback):
Singleplayer campaign refinement, fine-tuning, etc.
Improved computer opponent logic (tactics), including the implementation of difficulty level 4 (the currently planned maximum level).
Full controller support, though using a mouse is recommended and can be used on its own to fully play (no keyboard required).
Steam Deck and Linux support (other platforms will follow if interest in the game increases).
Steam Achievements and global leaderboards.
Additional battle modes (rules that govern play), as mentioned on the store page and in the manual.
Improved graphics, especially in terms of animations/effects, and sound. Issues with accessibility will also be addressed during this period.
Localization (multi-language support, with the languages yet-to-be determined but will try to accommodate as many as possible, of course).
And that's it! So please stay tuned for the next announcement, which will likely come sometime midway between now and launch just to confirm everything is still on track.
Thank you very much for your interest in Chokur!
buzzingbee @ BuzzBee Games