[jmull]

I don't think you can separate the core mechanic from the lag. If it's a multiplayer game where the internet is the medium of communication, then any gameplay mechanic has to be tolerant of the lag. If it isn't, you don't have a game.

Dealing with the lag is part of the MVP, not polish.

[striking]

Yeah, but you can iterate on the gameplay before solving lag, locally.

[chii]

this only works if you are testing locally with actual players (sitting locally on the lan). If you/your team is the one doing the testing, you don't get real (player) feedback.