Release Time ! OMG !--------------------------------------------------
Tyrfing Cycle - Will Launch in Early Access on Friday Dec 9th 2016 at 6:00pm EST (which is 7:00 pm AST (my time zone))
The Dokkalfar is pleased by this
I appreciate everyones help so far, and I have to say the games come a long way, so much so that really it seems like a new game.
There is some confusion as to what the exact differences are which I will explain in more detail below.
But I want to take this opportunity to also announce some benefits for early access players.
First of all, those of you who might be interested in the act of Game development might be interested to know that This version of the game
Will include Numerous Early builds Called the legacy package and a Character Design Art Book. These old school builds will be made available at no additional cost to anyone and during the next couple of weeks
The art book as it is, is incomplete since the game isn't finished yet.
So what Ive done is broken the art book into several smaller books.
The first Art Book 'Helheim' Is focused on character illustrations, since this game has had a long development cycle (much longer than originally planned)
There is a ton of Art.
All Early Access backers will receive entitlement to All 3 Art Books as they are completed, The 'legacy' design pack which includes numerous old builds and of course the entire game at a respectable discount.
This game is also featuring a few new concepts with Steam's market. Something I was reluctant to embrace, but due to popular demand Ive gone ahead with. Playing to my strengths, Im pretty good at 'drawding' so Ive produced a number of Trading cards, some of which will only be dropped during a certain time frame, so for you card hunters, it's an added incentive ^_^.
The big switch
For various reasons, we will be transferring application ids from 429430.
the new app id is 563570
and the store page is here : http://store.steampowered.com/app/563570
This version (Vanilla) Is the old version -------------------------------------
This was going to be the final and ultimate build but numerous unforeseen circumstances caused delays.
A lot of things had happened when dealing with the old publisher. There were miscommunications (putting it kindly). For example I was lead to believe that this game had a lot of refunds because I had no access to financial data or statistics. In reality, the refund rate turned out to be quite tiny…
average in fact.
Still that left me very worried that the game was too flawed and so I began reworking everyone. The result is pretty much a new game, the rules and central mechanics have been changed and Ive built a far more comprehensible and player friendly game.
In a sense its like a remake.
>Those of you who purchase(ed) this version of the game up until the end of 2016, I will make sure you get a copy of the new build and a digital art book as a token of my gratitude.
>Those of you who pledged to the kickstart in March-May will also get what you're entitled to :-)
and those of you to whom I, or 378 publishing gave keys to, you will also get a copy at no extra charge.
To address an elephant in the room, Those of you who got keys from BlackShellMedia may be wondering if you're entitled or not.
The answer is yes and no.
Those of you who were supplied review/streaming keys from BlackShellMedia, you will have to contact [email protected]
378 will review all applicants but I cannot guarantee approval.
I am allowed to say this - It never hurts to ask.
As Promised, those of you who invested in this (The vanilla version) are entitled to a free upgrade.
I know it is a little odd since this game didn't leave early access - The plan as it is - is to transition all users to the new app id
From now own app 429430 (Tyrfing Cycle Vanilla) will be the old build.
We will eventually be removing that version of the game, so those of you who wish to have the 'old school' version, pick up a copy now.
Anyone who buys the vanilla version (429430) will get a key for the new build and a complimentary art book. All previous owners of TC Vanilla (429430) will get a complimentary key for the new build and art book as well.
This does not extend to people BlackShellMedia gave free keys to. Only people who I, or 378 Publishing ltd authorized to get keys
If you want a review copy, or a copy for lets play/live streaming, give [email protected] a shout. They are the PR department and accept applications for people looking to provide coverage.
For those of you who got beta keys from BlackShellMedia, well, you can apply for beta keys by contacting [email protected]
please note - Requests for upgrade keys extend till January 1st which should be plenty of time. Im not the hardlined type though, so if you forget or procrastonate its ok, just be prepared to provide a proof of purchase
The art Book - Included with the early access package is the Illustration art book. it is 74 pages long, and has well over 100 images some of which are not otherwise available.
The art of Tyrfing Cycle : If there is one good thing about development hell its that a lot of work gets produced.
All KS backers get this book as do early access backers who act during this sale. KS backers of course will get more in the long haul, but everyone gets a full copy of the game on launch regardless.
Open Beta and Testing =================================================
The next 2 Weeks will be an open beta in a sense. There are absolutely still flaws and with more eyes, ears and fingers I hope to squash them :-) I will be opening the game up more as time progresses as well.
I don't claim to be perfect, and this game certainly isn't.
There are 2 things to keep in mind
- I - This was rebuilt pretty much from the ground up, and
- II- You can't fix one thing without effected others.
In other words, despite my tireless hunt for glitches and bugs to fix, there is always a possibility that one resolution caused a new problem.
New Features - Since 'Vanilla' ============================================>
-> Load outs - After defeating the first boss you gain access to load outs, these load outs effect the beginning of your run with equipment.
-> QuickCounters - Certain enemies have glowing eyes, when their eye flashes, dodge at the last second. Doing this grants a temporary power boost
-> Berserker Power ups - Watch for Blue Skulls, these immediately boost your strength for approx 30 seconds. to an obscene degree.
-> Berserk Tokens - Killing all of the enemies on screen, or killing certain enemies yields Blue token pieces
- Gathering 3 full tokens grants you Berserk power at will by pressing shift + space or LT and RT
-> Iduns apple - Iduns apple automatically revives you should you die in battle. This restores 3 hearts, not max health.
-> Silver and Gold - Enemies drop silver and gold which can be used to cut a deal with Loki
-> Deal with Loki - Loki offers 1 of 2 bargains:
I) You can sacrifice a set amount to a statue of Loki and gain access to a pocket dimension The pocket dimension can often give you really good pick ups OR jack all. Remember, He's the trickster god.
II) if you die and have more than 1000 gold, Loki will restore all of your pick ups. But he takes all of your money.
-> Changes to the gamepad support - Xbox one and 360 controllers are supported, but I've changed the programming somewhat.
- We are still using the Sharp DX api - Expect some hiccups. That said, I hope to get your assistance
- If you have any issues, please Report them on the forums or to me directly @ [email protected]
-> New Controls for Mousey Keyboard. - Click to Melee, WASD or IJKL (for leftys) to jump and move.
-> Achievements have been added
-> Trading cards have been added.
-> Level designs are larger and more detailed. previously levels were restricted to a 4000x2000 pixel size max, that limit no longer exists and stages are much larger.
-> The focus is more combat oriented, fighting enemies and dispatching of them quickly
-> Permadeath is no longer forced upon you. On Game over you can surrender and return to the beginning or Press forward at the cost of your items, it's your choice.
-> You are granted Health upgrades, level ups or Iduns apples on stage completetion screens.
-> Side arm effect items include multi shots, multi direction shots, and 'shrapnel' upgrades
-> Maelstrom, or blade whirl can now be used to deflect small projectiles.
A bit of Public Relations ----------------
This is my favourite part of an announcement, it's when I get to grovel at your feet… Seriously though, I love you guys ^_^
I do my best to remain on top of things and I make no excuses for the delays.
I do what I do with the best intentions, make no mistake these delays cost DemonSwordGames and 378 publishing.
Remember that DSG, is just one person (i.e. me) So unfortunately when I get sick, or when something happens in my personal life, that is 100% of DSG that shuts down till I'm back in business.
I appreciate your patients and support and I think that its all down hill from here. There is a lot of content here and I hope you guys enjoy it thoroughly.
The next two weeks will be beta testing all over again in a sense.
The truth is, Digital Homicide was somewhat correct, this game had a rough launch. Despite most people seemingly enjoying the game and the low
refund rate this game has not seen a lot of attention and that concerns me.
Again I make no excuses, I could have decided to push the game out as it was, but held back and decided that this wasn't my best effort.
I admittedly grew too attached to this IP and that is the danger of spending too much time on one game.
I do this out of love more so than profit, but that doesn't change the fact that I still have electric bills and what not ^_^
Again, most of you guys have been incredibly supportive and I appreciate it, I say this more to new comers who might be wondering why this has taken so long.
Both DSG and 378 are startups. We have an insanely small budget, but want to bring an excellent game without compromise.
The next couple of weeks will be spent polishing what we have and building upon it. There are going to be a lot of updates during December, once we are back on our feet, we hope to make Tyrfing Cycle a rocking indie game.
Lets Discuss the Customer service of 378 Publishing and Demon Sword Games ------------------------------------
This stuff is pretty boring, only read if you want to know about our policies.
A user contacted me explaining that Steam was not allowing him to purchase Tyrfing Cycle and was asking about buy a key directly from me. Generally speaking, its 24-48 hours for a response, I do my best to respond to all notifications within that time frame, although weekends may be slower. I failed to respond to that user and by the 36th hour (no joke he sent the comment on December 3 and deleted it on the 4th) He removed the comment and left an angry one in its place. Commenting about my account activity and pledging to not support me as a developer.
This sort of brings forth an interesting discussion, but first let me lay down some ground rules( most of these are common sense)
1) Allow 24 - 48 hours for a response (during working days)
2) I do respond on weekends, but weekends are also When I spend time with family, do house work, and run errands. I might be a bit slower.
3) I will not 'sell keys' - ever - If you cannot purchase the game on steam, contact valve and find out why you can't. I have absolutely no control over the steam store infrastructure, and if you in fact cannot purchase the game, well I'm as upset as you are. ~However~ I cannot circumvent valve. I cannot and will not sell keys externally.
4) I respond to all notifications - if I fail to respond, it might be because I wasn't notified in steam. Im not trying to pass the buck here, Just try reaching me via Social Media or email instead, I'm more likely to see it and therefore respond.
twitter- @DemonSwordGames or @TyrfingCycle
email [email protected]
While you're at it, you might as well follow me, you'll get more insight, its easier to post small updates via twitter than it is to format, proof read and
spell check these monstrous announcements!
5) My account profile is public, that isn't going to change, but Id appreciate a bit of space to breathe. The aforementioned user noticed that I was playing
'Space Wars' The day(s) I didn't respond to him. Honestly, thats a bit overbearing. I get that you want to check out my work and I'm thrilled
to see so much interest, but I'm just a person. Keep that in mind lol.
- If I have account activity on the day you sent a comment or a friend request, that doesn't mean I ignored you, it means i didn't yet get to you. - When my account says Im "In Game Space Wars" It means I'm testing Tyrfing cycle, this is because space wars isn't an actual game but rather a test application for steam works features.
Edit Note - Edited to embolden a key point (See upgrade section)