It's been a while, but we've been working tirelessly on our public demo, and before we bid farewell to this year, we wanted to share our progress! ːdazed_yetiː
Based on your invaluable feedback, we've implemented a ton of changes in the game. This includes both design and UX improvements!
🔥 Now, let's dive into the updates:
Card Merging: You can now merge similar cards!
If you have duplicate cards, you can combine them to unlock even more powerful effects. This upgraded version is called the '+' version. Each card's effect varies, and we encourage you to discover all of them because some can be really powerful!
Gem Upgrades: Each card can now have a maximum of 1 gem upgrade.
We recognize that cards with two gem upgrades can become overly powerful, so we've now limited upgrades to one gem per card. However, if you merge two cards, each with a gem, the resulting merged card will have two gems! Isn't that cool? 💎
But take note: we've implemented new merging price conditions. The cost for each card now varies depending on its rarity, the gems attached, and other factors. So, make sure you have enough resources!
New Roguelite Progression: Experience Points and Town Points.
Our previous pre-demo roguelite progression isn't that impactful. So, we've split it into two types: Experience Points and Town Points.
Experience Points: Unlock new cards and relics immediately upon collecting enough points.
Town Points: Use these to purchase upgrades in town, which can significantly change your playstyle. If you're fond of the 'Merge' system, you can choose to upgrade the Blacksmith. Alternatively, if gems are more your style, the 'Alchemist' is also available. Additionally, if you're looking to better manage your resources, there are upgrades available for that as well.
That's it for now...
**Spoiler: Undead Slime**
There are many more changes we've made, but let's save some surprises for later. We think the Demo should be available by the end of February or March so stay tuned!
And like always we'll have LIVE TESTER (Should be around the beginning of February!) Thank you for your incredible support! ːheart_eyes_yetiː The Northwind team, Barking Kitten Interactive. 🐾
PreDemo Feedback and our next step.
Hey everyone!
First of all, I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who played our PreDemo.💕 The median playtime stands at 2 hours and 20 minutes. Moreover, 70% of you took the time to complete the survey! Your feedback helps us identify the real issues with our game. Thank you so much! 😭
Now, let's start with some stats, just as we did with our Alpha.
Additional Comments:
Difficulty levels: The variety of feedback might stem from our game mechanic, where attacking also serves as defense, leading to a snowball effect.
The most frequently mentioned issues relate to our Map and Event features. There are comments about the visuals and complaints that they are boring or repetitive.
A lot of visual feedback is needed.
A fast mode is needed.
The tutorial could be improved; some information is still missing.
There are a lot of calculations.
Game performance should be optimized.
Remark: This build is intended to be a demo, containing only 25% of the total content. We believe Some issues related to limited content shouldn't be a problem in Early Access. And when we said just 25%, we meant this! There's so much more to look forward to! ːsteamhappyː
Anyways.. After a long discussion, here are things we can confirm.
When will the public demo be available? = Q1 2024 🥺
I played the PreDemo. Will the public demo be the same? = No, the changes are significant enough for you to play the game again. 👀
Will there be LIVE TESTER for devs. before we launch a Public Demo? = Definitely! If you are interested, please make sure to join our DISCORD.
What changes can we confirm? = Map and Events will be revamped (including game design and visuals). = Fast Mode will be available in the Public Demo and Early Access. = Optimized game performance with high and low graphic settings. = Tons of feedback, VFX, and SFX (especially for monsters and card abilities). = Game Rebalancing. = Demo content will not be the same as the PreDemo (Some adjustments). = The second character will be available in Early Access (Public Demo? Still debating...). = Ascensions will be available in Early Access (Public Demo? Depends...). = And many more...
And what's next? Just wait for the Demo? = We will be working on our brand new trailer and store page revamp! We hope you look forward to it! (It should be ready by Dec-January)
💌 Message from the Developers.
Thank you so much for playing our PreDemo and for all your feedback.💖 We've read every comment and gathered enough feedback to move forward confidently. We hope you had a good time playing Northwind, and we aim to deliver an even better version of Northwind in the Public Demo and Early Access! So please look forward to it! 😤🔥🔥 The Northwind team, Barking Kitten Interactive. 🐾
Pre-Demo 🔑 Steam Key Distribution Date!
Hi Everyone,
First off, a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who registered! Registration has now officially CLOSED. For those joining us hereafter, please await the release of our public demo.
LIVE Playtest Update
After the live test, we discovered that some players had difficulty understanding the game. As a result, we are improving the tutorial, enhancing the user experience, and addressing some bugs. So far, no critical situations have been found.
A huge shoutout to our live playtesters. They've helped us ensure everyone has a better experience in the game. Thank you! ːheart_eyes_yetiː
🔑 Steam Key Distribution:
All registered playtesters will receive their Steam keys on 📌11th September 📅.
A little heads-up: We won't make any more announcements here on Steam until our Pre-Demo ends. We'll be active on Discord, so we hope to see you there!
Lastly, we want to apologize for taking longer than anticipated, and as always, thank you for your support. The Northwind team at Barking Kitten Interactive. 🐾
Last Call! Pre-Demo Registration!
Hello everyone!
Extend Pre-Demo Registration until 31st August.
The Strategy Fest is set for the 28th of August, and we're thrilled to be part of the festival. Given the excitement, we've extended our Pre-Demo Test Registration until the end of August!
To participate in our Pre-Demo test, please complete the REGISTRATION FORM.👈👈
⚠️WARNING 1: In this Pre-Demo Playtest, you'll notice numerous missing visual effects, including some mock-up art and a UX/UI that has not been finalized. The current visuals still need substantial work to meet Early Access quality standards. If you wish to enjoy a complete experience, please wait for the Public Demo.
⚠️WARNING 2: Register soon! Limited Steam keys are available. Once the registration form closes, we won't accept additional players.
Our Pre-Demo is nearly ready for launch!
The game is set, and we're in the final stages of checks before distributing the Steam keys. We're contacting some playtesters to see if anyone is interested in playing the game LIVE, allowing us, the developers, to ensure everything works perfectly before we send out the keys.
Mark your Calendar
📌27-29 August
Private LIVE Playtest with Developers.
📌31st August
Close the Pre-Demo registration form.
Announce the final date for the Steam key distribution.
The developers are working really hard, and every last minute is truly important to us. We hope you are looking forward to it! Thank you for your continued support! 💖 The Northwind team at Barking Kitten Interactive. 🐾
What will be in this Pre-Demo Playtest.
Hello, Northwind mercenaries! 👋 Our Pre-Demo Playtest is about to start, so we want to discuss what will be in this Pre-demo Test.
So what will be in this Pre-Demo?
It's a little hard to explain, but to give you some idea...
The Full Release version is still far away, and things can change. Since we are about to launch our game in Early Access, to make things easier to understand and more accurate, let's assume that Early Access represents 100%.
⚠️WARNING: This is just a very rough estimation.
Unlike the alpha build, the Pre-Demo will have less content, but more features will be available and they will be more polished. For example, there will be fewer cards in the pool, and the game will end in Act 2 instead of 3.
From this chart, you can see that the differences between Pre-Demo and Demo will mainly be in game balancing, visuals, UX, and some polishing.
This emphasizes our goal: The Pre-Demo test aims to collect your feedback to fix and polish the game in the right direction before we launch a public demo.
Just to reconfirm with you, when we mention '100% in Early Access,' it's just for a quick understanding in this context, and IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE GAME WILL BE COMPLETE IN EARLY ACCESS. After the game is launched in Early Access, we plan to add many more features, content, and improved visuals before it goes to Full Release.
Quick reminder: If you know anyone who might be interested, please invite them! Pre-Demo Registration Form is OPEN NOW - 25 August 2023. Join us! REGISTER HERE.👈👈
Features Included in Pre-Demo, but Not in Alpha.
[I]Here are some of the things that will be available: 🔹People love Merge or Smelting cards... So we expand this system further!" (You will get to play some of the new "Card Smelt systems." The rest will be available in Early Access.) 🔹You can now obtain more Blacksmith & Alchemist tickets. (With a price to pay, of course.) 🥰 🔹Perk System, a revamped item system with new rules and abilities. Bunny Hop, Canine Fangs, Chameleon Hand, and many more. 🔹 Events that handicap you but receive greater rewards if you succeed. Sample: Carry Deadweight with you but receive the Ankle Shackle relic. 🔹 And many more... 🤫
📝Additional Note:
The current visual on our Steam page is very different from our build, including screenshots and the trailer. After this pre-demo test and some polishing, we'll revamp our Steam page and release a new trailer.
💌Message from Game Developers
The game is progressing well; we owe our Alpha testers a thank you for your honest and valuable feedback, which helps us understand what you like most, what confuses you, and what needs improvement. We can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts on this version! ːsteamhappyː We hope you are looking forward to it! Thank you for your continued support! 💖 The Northwind team, Barking Kitten Interactive. 🐾
Pre-Demo Registration Form is now OPEN!
Hey everyone,
Pre-Demo Registration Form is now OPEN!
⚠️WARNING: In this Pre-Demo Playtest, you'll notice numerous missing visual effects, including some mock-up art and a UX/UI that has not been finalized. The current visuals still need substantial work to meet Early Access quality standards. If you wish to enjoy a complete experience, please wait for the Public Demo.
If you still wish to join our Pre-Demo Playtest, please fill out this REGISTRATION FORM.👈👈
📝 About this Pre-Demo Playtest:
This Pre-Demo Playtest Registration Form is OPEN NOW - 25 August 2023.
The expected date for Pre-Demo Playtest is scheduled to start around the end of August or the second week of September.
Updates on our Pre-Demo Playtest will be communicated via email and our official Discord.
More details about what will be included in this version will be provided soon...
If you know anyone who loves deckbuilder games and is ok with the Pre-Demo Playtest build. Please invite them to join us!
Thank you for your continued support! 💖 We hope you are looking forward to it. The Northwind team, Barking Kitten Interactive. 🐾
Devlog#12 Second Character, Event and Town.
Hello, Northwind mercenaries! 👋
We've been working tirelessly behind the scenes, and we want to share the latest developments with all of you.
1. A New Mercenary in Northwind (The second character) 🗡️
This character will offer a new perspective, bringing unique abilities and play styles to our icy rogue-lite universe. We won't spoil the gameplay style for now, but we'll leave you with this first glimpse:
2. Path Choices and Deckbuilding Synergies 🛤️
The adventure path you choose will now have a greater impact on the resources available in Northwind town. These resources will significantly influence your deckbuilding synergy, adding a deeper strategic layer to your gameplay experience.
3. Balancing and Difficulty Adjustments ⚖️
Enjoy the challenge and enjoy exploring the synergies. Ensuring that the game is friendlier for all types of players. We want everyone to fully experience our unique deckbuilding system, town system, and merge card synergies.
4. UX and Roguelite Progression Improvements 🎮
Refining our user experience and rogue-lite progression system. The gameplay flow will be smoother, gradually introducing game elements that help you better understand card and monster actions.
[ NOT FINAL VERSION, STILL IN DEVELOPMENT. ]
5. Demo 🎮
We've made the decision to release our demo with a minimum quality threshold of 80% or higher, in line with our Early Access version. Achieving this level of quality has been quite a challenge, given the numerous changes and visual enhancements we're aiming to showcase.
We anticipate that the earliest possible release date for the demo will be sometime in late July or August. So, for those of you eager to gain early access to the demo, we expect it to be available by late July.📅
That's all for this update, and we can't thank you enough for your continued support. We hope you are excited about our upcoming demo. ːsteamhappyː The Northwind team, Barking Kitten Interactive. 🐾
Alpha Test Feedback.
Hey everyone!
First of all, I want to say thank you for playing our Alpha. ːheart_eyes_yetiː Just by you playing or quitting the game really tell us how much fixing is needed to make this game fun. And for people, you help us with the survey, interview, and LIVE tester. Thank you so so much.
This allows us to know what is the real problem in our game and make sure to have it solved before releasing.
Let's start with some stats.
Honorable mention cards: Eagerpunch and Strafing. 0% Pick rate: Transcendence. (Super shocking; we dev. think it is super powerful.) Players hate Boss Act 1: most players lose the game and don't get to experience the town system.
What will be fix/change?
According to the feedback from our Alpha Test. (List that needs fixing).
Control needs to be smoother. (Throw, click, slide, cancel, etc.)
A lot of UX/UI.
The tutorial is unfriendly, and some players are still confused about the game.
Monster power spike and difficulty is a big problem.
Cards synergy can be better.
Aura-type monsters are annoying.
Request/Need a lot of visual feedback, icons, animation, etc.
So, after a long discussion, here are things we can confirm.
Friendlier Tutorial and UX/UI.
Control will be smoother.
Add more impactful relics and gems.
Adjust randomness in the map node and more unique Events.
Roguelite progressions will be added.
Fight animations, VFX, and animation feedback will be added.
Spoiler: Big changes in the ITEM system (Too STS at the moment, we'll make it Northwind style).
And many more! I don't want to spoil all the goods, so see for yourself in our Demo! ːsteammockingː
Demo and Early Access launch date.
We need to move our launch date. We initially expected to launch our game around June, but after careful consideration... the game won't be up to our standard, or at least we believe you won't be happy with that quality.
So... this is just a rough estimation.
<*> The Demo should be available in August. <*> Early Access... probably Q4. (We'll announce officially again when the date is near.)
Unfortunately, we need to move the date, but we believe it's the best for the game. ːcrying_yetiː
Message from the Developers.
Some players wrote us essays, some played the game for over 10Hrs+, and some DM me regularly with all the things they find frustrating.
Thank you for your time and feedback; we read every single word. This means so much to us; we feel Northwind has received so much love and care. We are thankful, humbled, and appreciate all the time and effort you've given us. Your words help us make a better version of Northwind. We will work hard not to disappoint all of you.
Thank you for reading, have a great day! ːsteamthumbsupː
Digital Tabletop Fest: Blood & Dice!
Hey everyone,
We are honored to be a part of Digital Tabletop Fest: Blood & Dice! We don't have demos, but we are thankful to be involved! ːlaughing_yetiː If you love Tabletop games, check them out here!
Ps. After the Alpha test, we have some discussion. We'll update you on 27 March. ːsteamhappyː We'll also be back on our social media, so stay tuned!
Preparing Alpha test.
Hi everyone,
It's been a week since we opened our registration. 🎉 We want to update you on what's going to happen this February.
Here's our rough plan 📝:
1️⃣ Registration form will be closed.︳14 Feb 11:00 PM (GMT+7) 2️⃣ You will receive an Alpha Tester role in Discord︳17-19 Feb 3️⃣ You will receive the Steam Key in your email︳22-28 Feb
We will be active in our discord and won't post here much until our alpha test is over. So please join us! We won't have any more reminders after this post.
You won't miss any updates if you are in our discord. Thank you, everyone, for registering. See you in our Alpha Test, and have a great day! ːsteamthumbsupː
