I share the same sentiments :)
So one of the biggest changes that Harvy will see is a co-op 2 player mode. I did a quick tech demo of that to see how challenging it would be, and here are the results of that:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqiuJ0uodZU
In the 2 player demo, the tiles and level layout weren't optimized and set up to allow a HUD, and the scrolling engine wasn't done yet (I'm not using existing code from Felix since this engine will be different in many aspects). Also, the jumping mechanism is being changed (the jumps in this video were in there to help test the pipe climbing).
After this part was done, I set up the level layout with some mock HUD graphics just to get an idea of spacing, aligned the building, and set up the infinite scrolling loop to test the level maps and make sure everything lined up properly / layered tiles have the appropriate tile under it, etc. Here's a demo video of this in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIzX...ature=youtu.be
I'm hoping the game play is simple! :D There's no reason to have a complex set up, but that doesn't mean that there won't be complexity behind the scenes :P (or at least more than what will be observed on how certain actions and reactions apply to the game).
And you're right that Handy Harvy will be released first. I know that news will disappoint some people since it doesn't seem like we're focusing on Project KO (we are, don't worry :) ), but Harvy is a familiar game in terms of design and programming, and it isn't nearly as graphically intensive on the artist (figure about 500 unique tiles as opposed to ~200 large sprite frame animations), but also because we want to make sure Project KO is done properly, so there's a lot of planning and designing to do as well.
I'm *hoping* to be done with the programming of Harvy by August 1, 2015, with an anticipated release of October 2015 :)
ETA: I'm also keeping a design doc / log for Harvy that I do plan on posting on the website once it's finished (maybe I'll start up a development blog section on the website).