Dungeon Defenders II Alpha and Beyond Brings Story, More

Trendy Entertainment announced in a press release today that they have released the patch "Alpha and Beyond," finally taking Dungeon Defenders II out of pre-alpha and into alpha. This new patch introduces the game's first story elements, beginning the "rolling narrative." This includes a new intro cinematic and two "remixed" maps, the Happy Throne Room and Ramparts. Supposedly they will provide the backbone for the story's "tragic events," to be continued in the next Adventure Pack.

The patch also brings with it Daily Bonuses. These bonuses will provide players with "growing rewards" for the first five maps they play each day.

Nightmare mode has been updated in the form of reordering its maps into "blocks of increasing difficulty." New items, passives, and spheres have been added continuously in order to "let players craft unique character builds," as well as provide more rewards.

Perhaps most importantly, there is now a new "Starter Pack" tier on Steam, allowing players to buy into Early Access for $14.99 instead of the previous $24.99. The Starter Pack tier comes with a mere $20 of in-game currency and four exclusive hero accessories. It is, however, on sale at 20% off until September 7th.