Welcome, or welcome back to ManiaBlitz!

It's been a long time since I have touched these devlogs! And for that I apologize,  I have been busy with school and was focusing on some other things. But I have also started development of ManiaBlitz v2! Since Sunday this week, I have released a version of this game in alpha state (or maybe in pre-alpha state). The reason why I released this game very early in its development stages and not as finished is because of many things.

• People wanted to play this game and me to release this game as fast as possible because of the AMAZING graphics (even though the graphics aren't finished or even polished yet.)
• I wanted to release this as soon as possible so that I could make time for school (otherwise, the game wouldn't get out of my head, and I would have schedule problems.)
•  I want to make sure that the game is in a good 'finished alpha' state. Plus, this alpha version is missing a lot of AWESOME features, and it doesn't really classify for beta. So for now, I'll mark it off as alpha state.

So when is ManiaBlitz v2 going to be finished & released? What will beta have that alpha doesn't have?  What will the final product be like?

To make things simpler, I'll make a planner on what each game state means ---

(tetr.io does something similar like this too, so I'm going with their plan. Full credit goes to them)

-[ alpha ]-

Alpha will have some things that are included in beta, but are implemented very poorly and may be very buggy (like uploading custom tracks, score submission, community features, etc.) ManiaBlitzNet will also be available for everyone, but also in the same state as alpha.

I might include the game soundtrack, not playable tracks, but something in the background if ManiaBlitz isn't playing any songs (or if you don't have any.) 

-[ beta ]-

Beta will have most or all features fully implemented, or close to fully implemented (even for ManiaBlitz).  Beta has already started for development since alpha was released, so beta is coming soon.  ( and maybe I'll finally push this game out to a larger audience! )

The full ambiance and music of ManiaBlitz will probably be completed at the time of beta release, but I still need to plan out a lot of stuff for the environment.

-[ full release ]-

The full release will have everything implemented perfectly, and will be released as FULL RELEASE. Maybe this will be the last update to ManiaBlitz (because I have been remaking and experimenting this game for 5 years now, and I'm tired of it) This may also include a full website including everything that ManiaBlitz have (or maybe having the ability to watch people play the game without even downloading it!)

Ok cool, when is the FULL RELEASE of ManiaBlitz coming out?

Since I started development in October, 2023. And I finished the start of alpha in Feb 25, 2024. Then I'm sure that ManiaBlitz is fully finishing in late 2024 to early 2025. But I will let time tell, since all of the development from this game only comes from me.

What more does this game have (or will offer)?

• 2 game modes for competitive or standard gameplay (and more may be added at anytime).
• Nice, smooth, and buttery UI/Sound design
• Freshly made graphics (with nice optimizations)
• Beautiful real-time background (real time meaning that the background syncs up with your pc's computer time!)
• Its own music soundtrack (if you only want ManiaBlitz for its ambiance, this will rarely play in your ManiaBlitz game client, specifically if you're afk with songs not playing in the background)
• Ability to upload your own custom tracks to maniablitznet!
  
• Its own dictionary, where everyone can add anything (except for slurs, of course!)
• Its own radio where anyone can listen to the same music that is randomly chosen by ManiaBlitzNet (only if tracks are verified, or ranked)
• ManiaBlitzNet LIVE, where you can spectate a random person that is currently doing something insane! (Also randomly chosen by ManiaBlitzNet, or by a developer/admin)
• Its own actual battle mode (not just any score-based battle), where people can affect each others highways with attack bars. (This is still currently being developed, and might be available in alpha state!)
• Tutorial on how the play the game, and how to master ManiaBlitz!
• ManiaBlitzNet leaderboards, and custom tournaments! also includes a cool ranking status and its own matchmaking system (for all game modes, especially with battle mode)
• and more... and more... and more... and more... but not so much...  

Can I see a trailer for ManiaBlitz?

If the game soundtrack is finished, then I will try to make 3 trailers. I'll keep it a secret for now. But I think this trailer idea I have is a pretty bland but neat idea. 

You can see the screenshots in the game's homepage! More information will be available on there.

Can I download ManiaBlitz right now?

You can download the first released alpha build of ManiaBlitz RIGHT NOW, and enjoy the ManiaBlitz alpha experience! I want/need people to play it.

note that some things aren't fully implemented. you should also give me every single ounce of feedback that you have for the game. Without people, this game means nothing. SO PLAY IT.

Will this game be free or priced?

Free! The finished release won't even be worth to a dollar. I make ManiaBlitz so that people can have another enjoyable rhythm experience for free (not trashing at any other games since ManiaBlitz is inspired by one popular game.) I personally don't know why the hell I make ManiaBlitz, but I can't seem to put down the game, and do something else. (fun fact, I cancelled development for this game back in 2021, but I instantly got back on developing the game because of this... weird feeling, I can't explain it)

Alright, I think that's all that I have for this devlog. I will start releasing updates weekly and see if I can push this game out of itch.io and make my own site for this game! Even if this game doesn't do well in the long run, I have other games that I want to create myself (that can entertain others, hopefully.) I'll see you soon on  ManiaBlitz! 

Have fun playing!