Although I really love to write blogs that cover the project evolution, its backstories and scientific references, I was unable to do so for half a year. Don't worry, some of you have noticed I have been popping up stuff again on BGG, Instagram and Facebook. And it is a fact, I will be hitting the relaunch button next month! In order to be ready, I have been reserving my time to get these second prototype copies printed and done, so new tests can be generated from these hardcopies. These boxes have been flying out the door to playtest groups and content creators for playthroughs, previews and reviews. My absence online was somehow for productive reasons. So I thought lets wait to tell what I actually did, instead of what I am ''planning'' to do.
New observation layouts, humanoid upgrade cards, double layered player boards and new player sheets are included. New rules and a new enhanced module has been implemented to fill the void of the exiting planets from the base game. The Solar System module will be redesigned as an expansion. However the core rules remain the same and will still be recognizable while watching the Jon Gets Game video.
At the moment marketing strategies and a precampaign page are the center of attention. Lets look at the details...
Second Prototype
Although it was a second time I had to deal with prepress at Panda, it took three moths of excruciating reworks to fit technical requirements with bleeds, CMYK colour codes and safe areas behind the bleed sections. Checking all the reworked versions was already an organisational endeavour for a ''hobby'' besides my work and studies. The hard work paid off and my double layered player board designs are delightful, even if I say it myself!
The highlights of the reworks for me are the iconography of the instrument cards, the new humanoid upgrade cards, the sphinx module and the design for the constellation and lunar phase cards.
I reworked the rulebook last summer and simplified a lot. How hard I keep transforming the rulebook, I did call for professional help. Thank you Paul Grogan for helping me out finding the right people to tackle this very important document that should by all cost avoid frustration for new players.
Content creators
Some content creators received their copy already and are ready to schedule a playthrough. Paul Grogan from ''Gaming Rules!'' has planned a rules test game and a live multiplayer playthrough in the beginning of March. Although I was nervous for Paul enjoying the game, several feedback from his patron supporters, playtesting a physical copy, made me confident of having a much interesting game that at its core is very much enjoyed!
Among others, content creators are going to do their thing with this second prototype. I am curious what Boxed Meeples are going to do with the new prototype. They did an excellent job showcasing the previous version in "5 Reasons".
Test play groups
The second prototype has also reached several new testing groups. A testing group in Belgium Ghent, hosted by Matthis Veys is playing several characters and modules to check for playability, rules inconsistencies, broken combos and misinterpretation. Equally, a UK Bristol group, hosted by Kyle Gormley is planning several plays this week. A USA Austin Texas group, hosted by Peter Johnson, played their first Astronavigator Game last weekend. I am waiting for the first results in the online feedback form.
Rulebook
The rulebook is being edited by Miguel Conceição. His recent contribution to Unconscious Mind and Paul Grogan's reference gives me some relief in tackling the final product. The layout will also be overseen by the Dina Said So team. I know myself to be a good drafter of ideas, but getting through the professional experience of the workouts is were I need a lot of guidance from experienced partners. My latest written rulebook was meant to be a tool for a basic understanding in order to support existing videos and the newly created cheat sheets. In the pervious version there wasn't even a rulebook included. Playtesters and reviewers had to rely on the online version at that time.
I also conducted the rewrite due to rule changes and enhancement resulting from trimming the planet module from the base game.
Miguel's first feedback pointed out the need for visual structure in laying out the setup and the rules. Although some of my ideas to tackle modules are well thought, conventions of structuring rulebooks is another thing to be considered. I can relate to be a trained rulebook reader. Just not the best rules writer yet ;-).
New cover art concept
New cover art is being made as we speak for both the base game and expansion box. Although I really like the Sol Ange cover, and it really fits the solo mode theme, I would like to attract new gamers interested in the theme when strolling down the shop. The box need to convey what the game is all about more clearly. It is still a game with animals, but less cute than initially portrayed. Observing constellations and lunar phases in order to navigate your way to the moon is key. I really think this one does it with an obsessive gaze that champions my obsession for this project.
João Luna is a character I have spent months developing visually with Diego. He is a descendant of the Mayan Jaguar God, but his ancestors fled to the Rainforest in Brazil. The inside joke in his name for Dutch speaking followers is: "Janneke Maan".
While working on the new cover, João had to be as awesome as my sculptor Ana portrayed the miniature version. I worked with the STL-file in order to get the perfect posture for Diego to paint.
Looking at the new cover I can't but hear Stings beautiful song that fits this new artwork: ''It's Not The Same Moon''. Indeed, it is not. It is the one that is about to get devoured by a jaguar!
Miniatures print and paint
I am trying to satisfy the miniature loving audience in this project as well, because I am very aware that a big portions of the followers are enamoured with the amazing sculptures by Ana Roman.
Ana helped me to get in touch with Javier González from Arsies Studio who will print two sets of character and CMS miniatures and paint one set of them. He will paint the miniatures in simple boardgame quality like he painted the Nemesis characters in the image below.
I hope to showcase them during conventions in the future and demo the games with the miniatures, painted and unpainted.
Prelaunch page
Dina Said So team is preparing the new Gamefound prelaunch page and also the final campaign page to be launch at the end of March. Furthermore, someone is helping me of Dina's team to tackle marketing as well. Although I had a campaign page last time, the many artwork and design differences, together with the newly allocated content and an alternative pledge configuration does take a certain level of focus and care.
Relaunch date
Focus date is 21 March, however statistics prove a Tuesday or a Wednesday to ideal to get the first attention it deserves. I applied for my holiday period at the end of last year to tackle the start of the campaign, so I will be 100% focused on the campaign between 21th and and 26th and also a couple of days at the end of the campaign.
By the end this week a first prelaunch page will be revealed, while I am looking for new quotes with Panda GM.
Offering the base game is top priority. Nevertheless, command module and astronomer miniatures are essential to a base game. They will be part of the included stretch goal. Addon availabilities for more miniatures will be part of other stretchgoals.
Spiel 2025
The other thing I managed to organize is our accommodation during Spiel and the registration for a 15 squaremeters booth housing two square tables for 4 players each during 23-26 October. My loyal demo team with Ewout and Vicky will show you a great time with the game again!
For UKGE the game probably will be demoed by Dina Said So. Unfortunately, we will be unable to make it this year.
This is all the news for now!
As always, ad astra!
Hi Vincent,
I kind of lost track of your project until I noticed the countdown on Paul Grogan's YouTube channel. He's the content creator whose taste aligns the most with mine, so that was a nice surprise!
Really excited to read about all the progress you made, and happy to see the relaunch the coming soon! I will definitely be a backer (again).
I noticed the Gamefound preview is not online yet. Will it be ready before Paul's video goes online? (So that people interested by the video won't land on the "Campaign cancelled" page.)
Best of luck!
Hello Vincent, Huge congratulations on the progress of this project ! Looking forward to the campaign relaunch ! Cheers !