Update 17.01.25 Enemy Artwork & Roadmap

No patch this week, I've been toiling away on creating custom models for all of the enemies so far. I've already finished sculpting, rigging & animating one, see the teaser for this below. 

I've also been busy planning out the next 9 or so patches, which will bring us pretty much to the complete game! I'm aiming at one major update per month, but if it takes longer I'm not going to comprimise quality to get them out quicker. - I'm still aiming at an update every 1-2 weeks, but these larger patches will help keep the project on track. See below roadmap summary for each of the planned patches:

Patch 1: Demo Launch – Eclipse Dawn

Summary: The journey begins! The demo is live, showcasing 41 Radiant Defender cards, the Forest biome, and one Ancient. I’m actively gathering feedback to refine the core experience. Work includes 3D modeling, rigging, and animating all enemies, setting up the Steam page, implementing a first pass at balancing, and much more.

Patch 2: Post-Demo Improvements – Crimson Bloom

Summary: Feedback takes center stage as I polish gameplay and introduce 15 new Radiant Defender cards. Enhancements include refining the tutorial, reworking the enemy intent system to mirror player card interactions for better functionality, re-rendering player and battle backgrounds, improving map aesthetics, and adding debug tools. Additionally, I’ll expand controls for controller and touch functionality where possible.

Patch 3: Expanding Gameplay Variety – Web of Fate

Summary: Variety is the spice of survival! I’m adding 15 more Radiant Defender cards, introducing boss relics, player relics, a card upgrade system, and combo mechanics. This patch also brings weather and environmental effects, expanded enemy abilities, the completion of the black color deck, and enhanced animations for Forest biome enemies.

Patch 4: Polish and Player Challenges – Soul’s Reckoning

Summary: Replayability arrives with daily challenges and visual effects for abilities. I’m introducing an adaptive rarity system that ensures higher rarity options appear when needed. Additional features include cinematic intros for Ancients, map animations revealing the Ancient, polished battle animations, narrative updates, and dynamic battle intros.

Patch 5: Immersive Environment Update – Whispering Dread

Summary: Dive deeper into the Forest biome with environmental effects like Whispering Roots and Thorned Terrain. Enhancements include expanding the subclass system, improving card and relic drop synergy, designing new characters, and producing a game trailer to captivate new audiences.

Patch 6: Refining Systems – Spectral Tide

Summary: Strategic depth grows with relics that modify abilities. Animations for all card mechanics are polished, and 15 more Radiant Defender cards are added. New features include difficulty settings and an evolving system where Ancients and creatures grow in power alongside the player.

Patch 7: Biome and Boss Prototyping – Web of Fate

Summary: Work begins on full-release content, including new characters, biomes, and Ancients. I’m also developing mod support, rogue-like progression, and enhanced challenges. Your feedback on these new features will help shape the future of Hunter’s Hand.

Patch 8: Demo Finalization – Burning Horizon

Summary: The demo nears completion! This patch brings polished gameplay, finalized animations, and sneak peeks at future content. Features include a daily challenge mode, multi-platform release support, a draft mode, and further refinements to ensure a cohesive and balanced experience.

Patch 9: Final Demo Update – Cosmic Bloom

Summary: The demo reaches its zenith with fully polished visuals, comprehensive playtesting, and final balancing. This patch ensures the demo stands as a high-quality, standalone experience. Stay tuned for a full-game roadmap, including new characters, biomes, and even more eldritch mysteries.

Here's the teaser for the 1st completed enemy, the NightShade Nymph!