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2024 Retrospective Update!

Happy new year everyone! I'd like to round off 2024 with an update on the development of Bean Beasts, an approximate release date and when playtesting will resume!

For the past few months I've focused on completing all the Towers (Beasts, Traps, Riders and Mounts). These guys take the longest to create, usually around 2 to 6 days of design, sprite-work, animation, coding, sound and testing. Now the roster is complete I can focus on level design and bosses!



This also enabled me to finally populate the shop with all the goodies players can unlock... but I'll keep some of it a surprise!



[h2]Playtesting![/h2]

I plan to resume playtesting early in the new year! I will reach out to those who have expressed interest in small groups with each batch of new content I make. Testing has proved invaluable for finding bugs, balancing and generally improving the game and I can't wait to watch people play with the new Beasts and Traps!

For each group of playtesters I plan on holding a mini competition - the winners of which will be able to add their own idea into the game: perhaps a level idea, enemy type or special decoration!

If you are interested in playtesting please see the list on the Discord of participants. If your name is not on the list send me a message to be added, if you are on the list and want to be removed let me know.

[h2]Launch Date![/h2]
[h3]Summer 2025![/h3]

As many of you know this is my first game and it's taking longer to create than I anticipated. I've allowed 3-4 months for development and 1-2 months for translation/testing before launch. Please note: if it's looking like the game will not be ready for Summer I would rather push back the release date than crunch out an incomplete/buggy game.

I will do an official launch date reveal sometime in 2025 once I'm further along in development.

Here is what's left to do:
  • Complete World 3 and 4. (Environments, enemies, bosses, challenges, music etc)
  • Create Beast Mode level variants.
  • Create end-game rewards.
  • Beta Testing for the full game once complete.
  • Adding Achievements and getting Steam Deck Verified.
  • Full translation into current supported languages.
  • RELEASE!

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[h2]DevLog - What's New!?[/h2]

[h3]New Mount - Crab![/h3]
Clobber enemies with huge claws! Slow but powerful.



Ability: Slab Shield - Become immune to damage and knock back enemies.



[h3]New Rider Weapon - Magic![/h3]
Zap enemies with a magic staff.



Ability: Amulet of Banishment - Teleports enemies back to their starting positions.



[h3]New Enemy - FrostScaly![/h3]
Warning - Their shields stun or damage nearby Towers.



[h3]New Enemy - FrostBat![/h3]
A faster variant of the dreaded bat.



[h3]New Enemy - FatSquid![/h3]
New enemy type: Spawns minions when defeated.



[h3]New Environment - Boreal Night![/h3]


[h3]New Environment - Lava Cave![/h3]


[h3]New World Boss - Surprise![/h3]

From now on I'll try not to spoil too much.



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Lastly I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who is following and supporting me on this journey!

Cheers!

Josh.
Anxious Noob.