So we're still in Phase 1? Even though Phase 1 started in January 2019?
This makes no sense. According to that plan, they have to go through Phases 2, 3, 4, and 5 in a span of just a couple of months, aka until September of this year.
Sorry, but its not happening mate.
They are already beyond Phase 1.
Prototyping means creating an idea - a concept on paper. Thinking over details and how its gonna come out in the end. They are already implementing it and we are going to see the first iteration of combat system with the next build.
Same goes for concepting a Vertical slice level - they already are making it step by step.
There isnt much gameplay going on, so "Iterating features" in Phase 2 maybe the next thing they are working on right now. Also we haven't seen main quest storyline just yet, so I assume that as if right now Project is in the middle of Phase 2.
Now even with that said, they do seem to be behind the schedule, since they still have a lot to do and they prematurely planned to even have variations, eye candy and other stuff. If they want to make VS polished version in time, they will have to cut the corners and simply ignore some parts of their roadmap.
Thats my guess at least.