Devlog #7 – Our first Closed Alpha is around the corner

[p]Hey Legends,[/p][p]We were supposed to introduce you to some of the wild things lurking in the Echoverse this month: the monstrous creatures, twisted by Corruption and warped by decaying Immanence. You know, the stuff that crawls through the cracks in your dreams.[/p][p]And don’t worry, they’re still coming. Just… not today.[/p][p]Because something way scarier is happening. In just a few days, we’re opening the gates to Fading Echo’s very first Closed Alpha. It’s early. It’s raw. It’s real. And if we’re being completely honest… we’re a little (no, totally) terrified.[/p][p]This is the first time we’re letting you, the community, step into the Echoverse and actually play the game we’ve been building. That’s a huge milestone, and one that comes with a lot of vulnerability. This isn’t a polished vertical slice or a show-floor demo. This is the scaffolding, the bones, the messy middle.[/p][p]It’s a peek behind the curtain of a still-growing world… We’re incredibly proud (and anxious) to share it with you.
[/p][p][/p][h2]What’s in the Alpha?[/h2][p]Let’s keep it real, this is a work-in-progress. Like, seriously WIP. Here's what you'll find:[/p]

• [p]Cutscenes: Story moments are told through raw, animated storyboard-style sequences. Final voice acting is in, but music and polish are still on the way. It’s basically like sitting in the sound booth with us and watching the actor and engineer work it out live.[/p]
• [p]Combat: Fast, fluid… and sometimes a bit chaotic. The elemental fluid system is meant to get messy, but we need your help figuring out when it’s fun chaos vs just confusing.[/p]
• [p]Worldbuilding: Later zones (parts of the Volcano, other islands, and the Bastion exterior) are still under visual construction.[/p]
• [p]Perk Screen: Still temporary. We were just a few weeks short… it’ll get its glow-up next alpha.[/p]
• [p]Performance: Expect some framerate drops and the occasional crash, especially in certain arenas or on lower-end setups. Optimization is ongoing.[/p]
• [p]Controls: No remapping yet even if we know that matters. For now, we’re eager to hear how the default layout feels.[/p]

[p][/p][h2]What We’re Looking For[/h2][p]This alpha isn’t just a showcase, it’s a conversation. We’re inviting you in to help shape what comes next. Here's where your feedback matters most:[/p]

• [p]Combat feel & difficulty – Is it fun? Too easy? Too punishing? How often are you dying, and why?[/p]
• [p]Elemental fluid system – Does it click? Does it feel fresh?[/p]
• [p]Systems – Mana leeching, immunities, tactical layers etc… do they make sense? What’s working? What’s not?[/p]
• [p]Story – Are you reading, listening, skipping? Does it draw you in or leave you lost?[/p]
• [p]Characters – What’s your take on One’s Hair? (Yes, it’s important.) What’s your vibe check on Vellum across realities?[/p]
• [p]Pacing – Are you enjoying the back-and-forth between dialogue, combat, and exploration? Or do you wish for more quiet space?[/p]
• [p]Accessibility – Is anything missing that could improve your experience?[/p]

[p][/p][h2]Why This Matters[/h2][p]This alpha isn’t about polish, it’s about heart. We’re a small indie team making something big, weird, and personal. We’re testing the soul of Fading Echo… Its tone, systems, characters, and world. It’s early, it’s raw, and yeah, it’s scary. But that’s what makes it real.[/p][p]And you, your curiosity, your feedback, your presence, are a critical part of that process. So thank you for stepping into the Echoverse with us: nerves, bugs, blood and all. We can’t wait to hear what you think. And yes, next devlog, the monsters will have their moment.[/p][p]Until then… Stay Aetheric,
The Emeteria Team[/p][p][/p][h3]🌊 Flow with us[/h3][p]✨ Wishlist Fading Echo[/p][p]Steam | Epic Games Store | PlayStation Store | Xbox Store[/p][p][/p][p]💬 Join the Echoverse on Discord[/p][p]And follow the adventure:[/p][p]YouTube | TikTok | Instagram[/p][p][/p][p]📝 Sign Up for the Alpha Playtest [/p][p]https://fadingecho.firstlook.gg/signup/playtest[/p]