Release Delayed to March 19th + Patch Preview
You read that title right, folks. Instead of February 19th, the game's Official Release has been delayed a month to March 19th. I know a lot of you were looking forward to trying out Chapter 4 sooner rather than later, but we have some reasons for this delay.
[h3]Chapter 4 Quality[/h3]
First and foremost, we want to make Chapter 4 really stand out. Not just design-wise, but quality too. We'd also like the Achievements to launch with the chapter this time, instead of some time after. In order to do all of that without burning ourselves into several weeks of overtime, we're giving ourselves a bit of breathing room to ensure Chapter 4 gets the love it deserves.
[h3]Is that all?[/h3]
Nope! With this extra time, there's a few more features we're trying to implement by release. On top of the Co-op stuff coming soon, many folks have requested a particular feature, namely an in-game DPS tracker of some kind. In order to fit this into the game though, we're going to need to move the UI around a bit. Expect an update on this in February!
Also, the most recent version brought in some experimental balance changes, and while we think they were good for the game overall, they certainly were far from perfect, so expect another balance patch in February to iron it out.
[h3]Price Increase[/h3]
When we officially release on March 19th, there will be a price increase from $9.99 to $14.99. The reason for this is that we've increased the game's content by a substantial amount (practically quintuple in these last 11 months), so we won't be undercutting ourselves as much. It doesn't affect anyone that's bought the game of course, but if you have any friends interested in the game, let them know that it's as cheap as it'll ever be now.
Now, with all of that said... onto to the next Patch Preview!
Incoming love for Co-op Mode!
Coming next patch is some love for the game's Co-op mode! This will be last content release prior to the game's official launch in March. In addition to a 3rd Co-op Map, there'll be new settings to play with, as well as Atlantis finally getting a darn makeover.
[h2]Volcano[/h2]
Look familiar? It should, if you've played Chapter 3 all the way through. The map from Mission 21 has been converted into a Co-op Map! Compared to the other two maps, it's pretty unusual, but once you get the hang of it, all the crossing paths allows for some unique co-op tactics. And if you're wondering how that 3-minute long path works, well... look forward to a speedy surprise!
[h2]New Settings[/h2]
First up, we're finally giving you control over the number of Paths in-game! Instead of auto-adjusting based on whether you had 1-4 Players or 5-8 Players, you get three options:
Secondly, each Co-op Map now comes with a Reversed version. Like so:
That's not how I remember this map...
[h2]Other Stuff[/h2]
In addition to the above Co-op updates, expect to see:
We'll show off the updated Atlantis closer to release. Expect Version 0.64 to release next weekend!
[h3]Afterword[/h3]
We know the delays and stuff sucks, but when we officially launch, we want it to be worthy of being called a Full Release, featuring a complete Campaign, a rich and balanced Multiplayer, and tons of Achievements & Customizations to shoot for. Practically none of this stuff existed when we entered Early Access 11 months ago, so this time, we want to put our best foot forward.
Look forward to one heck of a release!
[h3]Guides[/h3]
Lastly, one of our active community members, Taencred, has released a Beginner's Guide, in order to help new players get accustomed to the game. Element TD 2 is a very complex game with tons of advanced tactics, though there's admittedly a steep learning curve just to get into the game. If you post a guide, let us know and we'll help promote it!
A Beginner's Guide to Element TD 2
[h3]Chapter 4 Quality[/h3]
First and foremost, we want to make Chapter 4 really stand out. Not just design-wise, but quality too. We'd also like the Achievements to launch with the chapter this time, instead of some time after. In order to do all of that without burning ourselves into several weeks of overtime, we're giving ourselves a bit of breathing room to ensure Chapter 4 gets the love it deserves.
[h3]Is that all?[/h3]
Nope! With this extra time, there's a few more features we're trying to implement by release. On top of the Co-op stuff coming soon, many folks have requested a particular feature, namely an in-game DPS tracker of some kind. In order to fit this into the game though, we're going to need to move the UI around a bit. Expect an update on this in February!
Also, the most recent version brought in some experimental balance changes, and while we think they were good for the game overall, they certainly were far from perfect, so expect another balance patch in February to iron it out.
[h3]Price Increase[/h3]
When we officially release on March 19th, there will be a price increase from $9.99 to $14.99. The reason for this is that we've increased the game's content by a substantial amount (practically quintuple in these last 11 months), so we won't be undercutting ourselves as much. It doesn't affect anyone that's bought the game of course, but if you have any friends interested in the game, let them know that it's as cheap as it'll ever be now.
Now, with all of that said... onto to the next Patch Preview!
Incoming love for Co-op Mode!Version 0.64 Preview
Coming next patch is some love for the game's Co-op mode! This will be last content release prior to the game's official launch in March. In addition to a 3rd Co-op Map, there'll be new settings to play with, as well as Atlantis finally getting a darn makeover.
[h2]Volcano[/h2]
Look familiar? It should, if you've played Chapter 3 all the way through. The map from Mission 21 has been converted into a Co-op Map! Compared to the other two maps, it's pretty unusual, but once you get the hang of it, all the crossing paths allows for some unique co-op tactics. And if you're wondering how that 3-minute long path works, well... look forward to a speedy surprise!
[h2]New Settings[/h2]
First up, we're finally giving you control over the number of Paths in-game! Instead of auto-adjusting based on whether you had 1-4 Players or 5-8 Players, you get three options:
- Scaling: The number of paths equals the number of players. This is the new default option.
- 4 Paths: Forces there to be 4 Paths active, regardless of player count.
- 8 Paths: Forces there to be 8 Paths active, regardless of player count.
Secondly, each Co-op Map now comes with a Reversed version. Like so:
That's not how I remember this map...[h2]Other Stuff[/h2]
In addition to the above Co-op updates, expect to see:
- Chapter 3 Achievements (finally)
- Being able to do other stuff while waiting in Ranked Queue
- Adjustments to some of the overly difficult Map Variants, thanks to Slow Paths
- The option to Disable Interest has returned! Apologies for removing it in the first place, but it's back!
- Randomized tips and messages on the Loading Screen
- More Cosmetics, cause why not
We'll show off the updated Atlantis closer to release. Expect Version 0.64 to release next weekend!
[h3]Afterword[/h3]
We know the delays and stuff sucks, but when we officially launch, we want it to be worthy of being called a Full Release, featuring a complete Campaign, a rich and balanced Multiplayer, and tons of Achievements & Customizations to shoot for. Practically none of this stuff existed when we entered Early Access 11 months ago, so this time, we want to put our best foot forward.
Look forward to one heck of a release!
[h3]Guides[/h3]
Lastly, one of our active community members, Taencred, has released a Beginner's Guide, in order to help new players get accustomed to the game. Element TD 2 is a very complex game with tons of advanced tactics, though there's admittedly a steep learning curve just to get into the game. If you post a guide, let us know and we'll help promote it!
A Beginner's Guide to Element TD 2