Double Fine’s first foray into the twin disciplines of turn-based tactics and genetics has left Early Access, and shed 20% of its asking price – both common symptoms of a game that has launched.
Massive Chalice has been in development for two years – but since mid-May, its team have been preoccupied with bug fixing, performance and polish.
1.0 contains the fruits of those efforts – as well as a smattering of features. New gamepad support boasts the same control scheme and UI navigation seen in the Xbox One version released this week. And Early Access opinion on Massive Chalice’s mid to endgame has prompted a rebalancing to make it more fun, fair, challenging or punishing – “depending on how you look at it.”
“Thanks to everyone who helped us with this fine tuning,” wrote Double Fine last month. “We got some invaluable feedback from you guys.”
Lest we forget, Massive Chalice was the subject of an extraordinarily successful Kickstarter campaign: 31,774 backers pledged $1,229,015 to its cause.
Massive Chalice has been directed by the perma-grinning Brad Muir – Double Fine veteran and the only living man who can do the 😀 smiley IRL.
MASSIVE CHALICE ships tomorrow! :D!
http://t.co/u7DnJZ3xbm! :D!
— Brad Muir (@MrMooEar) May 31, 2015
Muir’s Iron Brigade is currently undergoing a Steam matchmaking rework, thanks to a rights acquisition by Double Fine. Those guys take their independence seriously.
Massive Chalice! The inter-generational fantasy tactical simulation. Are you playing it?