I haven’t had time to enter the game yet, but I hope I’ll finally be able to check it out soon.
From my observations, I think there are two main issues here (both closely related to each other):
1. Marketing
Promoting a new OTS - especially one that requires players to be more engaged early on to learn how to play due to custom mechanics - is a real challenge. In practice, it’s no longer just another OTS, but a completely new game. Simply posting a few screenshots, short 1-2 minute videos, or a sped-up GIF showing a skill tree isn’t enough these days. You need to tell a story - a step-by-step guide showing what a new player should learn and do from the very beginning up to a mid-level like 20, 30, or 50. At the same time, avoid presenting the more advanced systems too soon, as that can easily overwhelm new players with information they don’t need yet.
2. Accessibility of information
Having only this thread or a Discord channel isn’t enough. There is need to have something like a wiki, where people can quickly find information about how to start, how to play, what to expect, and what it’s like to play a crusader, a monk, etc. - along with more detailed guides.
If you only tell people “we have this system, and this one, and this one…”, it just makes them feel overwhelmed. Each of these systems needs to be clearly explained and properly presented.
What would work best here? Collaborating with YouTubers, even small channels - to create short gameplay series, guides to how to start leveling and exploring. Additionally, it’s worth going beyond the OTS community and promoting the project as a new game, because that’s what RA truly is.
I really admire Oskar how much work you put into it, great work and wish you luck.
Another minor thing - sometimes I notice resources taken from EK, like sprites or some parts of the map. I don’t have a problem with that, but it would be nice if someday, when you find a moment, you could add a small “credits” page to thank the authors (the ones you know, also your team members). Most of the outfits and monsters were created by Kris (also known as krisosw, as I remember well).