Since several people expressed interest in having a "visual novel mode", in which they can play the game without the battles, I thought to release the game first in that mode, and then add the card gameplay.
Releasing the game "story only" first would let me know about typos or other problems while I finish the card gameplay part. Not like the card part is far from being done: but I want to take it easy and test the various mechanics well before starting the beta, and not rush the GUI artist much.
The visual novel part is almost all coded: the scripter has only to do the main plot missions and then it's done. I still need to add all the missing CG plus some effects and check everything, but all things considered I believe might be ready around mid-November.
Then, as said, while people play that part I go on with the card and then integrate everything. I might even keep the "visual novel mode" in the final game. I think the card battles are quite fun, but if some people are put off by it, who am I to judge?
(I remember many people asking such a mode for SOTW too, but sadly for that game was too much of a mess to add)
For me is not a problem either way. Though I surely don't want to start rumors like "releasing unfinished games"... so probably I'll wait.
) but I hate starting preorders without a beta demo, so I thought to do this, since the beta could be out sooner this way.
and nobody complained, since after all preordering is only a way to support the developer, but in the end you get the same game.