Going solo this time, it's been really hard getting to this point, but finally I feel like i have the start of something great that is ready for Early Access.
Its still quite buggy, but stable enough to be in early access. There are way too many changes to list off, and i've probably forgotten hundreds of small things i've changed, added or removed. But the biggest changes of all include:
Raiding
You can now dispatch vikings on raids, either they return with booty or they dont return at all. Its a risky move that may or may not pay off. Currently the raiding system is bare bones, but its a skeleton that I want to build a complex system of relationship management, strategy, war and drama.
Visual overhaul
I've spent a lot of time working on getting the visual fidelity to more what i imagined it should look like. There are many elements that I still havent worked on, but I hope it looks better now.
UI Overhaul
This is only halfway done. Lots of old ui elements are still there, but are being replaced constantly.
Custom made maps
The biggest challenge for me when i was taking over the project was to learn the complex code behind the procedural generation and pathfinding. I decided it was not adding enough to the game to warrant literal months of research, so I replaced it with custom maps that i will add continuously. Later hopefully it should be moddable and players can add their own maps.
Overall change in tone and direction
The game is less silly and aims to be more immersive now. At its core I want Mind the Vikings to be a thematic, strategic and personal take on the city building genre. Games like these often focus on grandeur and big numbers. Mind the Vikings wants to turn that on its head and let you in closer. Get to know your citizens personally, decorate the nooks and crannies of your settlement and make you think twice before starting a feud. This will be a long ongoing process but that is part of the journey!
The game is today lacking two very important features. Save games and Farming. This will be my biggest priority the coming weeks.
All the best,
Simon