The demo for Runeblight will be available July 15th on Steam and Itch!! While it's still in early access, I'm happy to be able to show off what we have so far! Here's the trailer!
What's in the demo?
The demo features two areas, and the game's hub. There are three weapons, five different types of enemies, a boss, and ten runic powers to collect (although some of them are harder to find than others). Now that we have a fairly solid base for the game, I wanted to release a demo that gives a taste of what's to come. It's still in early access, so there might be some bugs and things in need of improvement. We're very interested in hearing feedback to help us make the game even better.
The Auranum Keep
This is the first area the game, and the starting point for your journey. Here, the Auranum Order houses prisoners to await their execution. The spreading blight has left the keep in dilapidated state — which is good for you, as it allows for your escape.
This smaller area serves as a tutorial, introducing the player to some of the game's mechanics and providing their first weapons. It is here the Runic Dagger and the Splintershot can be found. Using them, the player can fight their way through the Auranum Cultists until they make their way to the keep's outskirts. A boss fight holds the path closed.
The Traitors' Respite
This location is the game's hub. This temple, which once served as the heart of the resistance to the Auranum Order will be the place to return to in between outings. Here, you can level up your stats, and find a few secrets as well.
As the game expands I plan for this area to be home to even more mechanics. Eventually, you'll unlock the ability to respec your stats, upgrade your weapons, and trade with merchants. Friendly NPCs will sometimes make their way back here, and they might be willing to give you a helping hand.
The Abandoned Waterways
One of the two paths to the Catacombs are the old waterways. Long ago, it was used by those fleeing the Auranum Order to get to the Traitors' Respite, but now it's been sealed off. This area gives players a peek at what they might expect as they continue the journey through Vilaura.
What's the plan for the game?
After the demo, we'll be working on the next area, "the Township." I'm very excited to get this completed. This more open-ended level will probably have more content than both the Auranum Keep and Waterways combined, and a part of me wishes I had waited until it was finished to release the demo.
The next update for the game should feature this level, along with some improvements and I'm sure bug-fixes as well. This update we'll also probably be launching the game in early access, so it won't be included in the demo, however, general improvements and fixes will be patched in.
Overall, the plan is to add more areas, mechanics, weapons, enemies, and bosses as a series of updates. As the game grows in size, its price will increase, so getting in early helps support the game and you can get it for cheaper! Eventually I'll be posting a roadmap detailing the order in which we plan to add new stuff. Keep in mind that as with all early access games, plans change and not everything may come to fruition, but I'm very excited to keep working on new stuff!
If you'd like to get involved with development, play the demo and check out our Discord (linked below)! We'd love to hear your thoughts on it. May the moon light thy path.