hi, kandee.
first let me apologise for the late response been busy working on the project pretty much non stop. now to answer some of your questions...
Discord:
I haven't started a discord yet but am 100% considering it, would love to get ideas and feedback.
Art style:
at first i wasn't sure about the shading of the materials but i'm starting to like it, i wanted to go for a similar look to the show rather than a stylised look of the original game but didn't want it to be completely cel shaded like the simpsons game. but i am planning on experimenting with outlines and maybe adding a setting if people have a split opinion.
pre alpha demo:
the character controller is almost pretty much done, got it to a stage i was happy with the re wrote all the code and made it cleaner so it's easier just to add new things if i need to.
there isn't much playability at the moment just a little testing sandbox of sorts, with collectibles and things for testing.
and yes all the models and textures are not final and they are just the basic shape to block out the map and will all be improved in an asset pass a little later on.
i have already improved a couple of houses and started some of the textures i'm just trying to strike the right balance between asset creation, level building and coding the mechanics.
Map Changes and Characters and Missions:
the goal is to create a fully connected map but with new locations, but i'm not going to reveal to much just yet.
only the original playable characters are going to be added... for now.
missions are planned to be the same again... for now.
and defiantly new gags and vehicles and outfits.
there will also be some easter eggs that won't be apparent but will be unique references and...impacts ("there's something strange with that SoP sign") < credit to anyone who gets this>