So Platinum held a conference discussing action game design a few weeks back at GDC, and while there was not a lot of information regarding Scalebound, there were a few choice quotes that I felt were worth sharing.
Normally, I would update the OP with this info but since Scalebound was neither the main topic nor was discussed at any great length, I felt it wasn’t needed.
Regarding character design:
"...So on the other hand you have games where its core lies in developing your characters ability through various weapons and items, but not the character itself, and those games with a sort of stronger RPG elements are better fitted for avatars and customization. For our Scalebound project, its an action-RPG with an emphasis on growing your partner dragon, but the main character drew will also have his own set of actions. Its like, we're trying to take the best of both worlds, pure action game and action-RPG but our director, Kamiya, has a strong preference to have a very unique character so we are definitely not creating a uninspiring character. "
-Atsushi Inaba (translated)
Regarding action games and accessibility:
"So core gamers aren't the only the only ones who play action games so its necessary to make sure players of different levels enjoy your game. In order to do that’s, its important to widen the entry point to the game, but you also need to place a very strong emphasis on ensuring that even those who play straight through the path are plenty satisfied with their experience. Its absolutely necessary to create a fun experience by playing through just the basic systems, but meeting those expectations of those crazy "godlike" types (the core core fans) by adding expandability features and depth is also equally important."
-Atsushi Inaba (translated)
I highly recommend anyone interested in making games or are just more interested in the thought process behind games in general give the whole thing a watch, its very insightful:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrw2IP6pZu0
Also, with E3 coming up in a few weeks and Gamescom not far behind, I'm interested in hearing what people might be hoping to see from a gameplay perspective.
Besides minor things like a more polished performance and a newer/updated UI, I'm hoping they finally drop some full blown multiplayer gameplay as well as discuss how the multiplayer will be working. Also, I wouldn't mind a slight character redesign (maybe closer to earlier concept artwork featured in the OP), but as long as the customization is in depth I wont mind either way.