Principles of Evil - ANIMATIONS!!!

[ola_66]

While I said that we wouldn't put more work into the game, the message from the forums was clear:  you guys didn't enjoy the half-assed job.

So we went back and added extras!
The game now has a number of cool animations, finally an original interface, as well as a new room.

download, screenshots, story, walkthrough at www.divotdesign.com

[autowil]

I just download and play the game. It start in a scene where there is a hole, i go down, it simply end the game.. Then i replay, and go to the left and walk out to a cave guarded by the dragonflys and then i go left, and then the screen hanged.. I am curious why there is no intro and opening scene. Have you done beta testing??

[Rui 'Trovatore' Pires]

Babayaga, heh? Why does that sound vaguely familiar?

[ola_66]

I just download and play the game. It start in a scene where there is a hole, i go down, it simply end the game.. Then i replay, and go to the left and walk out to a cave guarded by the dragonflys and then i go left, and then the screen hanged.. I am curious why there is no intro and opening scene. Have you done beta testing??

HOLY $^%&
i thought i made SURE it started in the right room!!!!
d'oh
ok, if possible, please erase all that from your memory. in a few minutes i'll have it fixed.

[strazer]

The same for me, autowil.

Also, you don't need to put .mid files into the download. Put them in the game folder (not Compiled) and they will be bundled into the exe.

[ola_66]

Babayaga, heh? Why does that sound vaguely familiar?

Cuz she's been a major element of slavic folklore for centuries?  Cuz my parents would tell me to clean my room or else Babayaga would eat me?  Just some guesses 

[ola_66]

Put them in the game folder (not Compiled) and they will be bundled into the exe.

K.  Done and done!
Wow, how embarassing.
Hope this didn't wreck the experience for u guys... 

[Rui 'Trovatore' Pires]

Cuz she's been a major element of slavic folklore for centuries?  Cuz my parents would tell me to clean my room or else Babayaga would eat me?  Just some guesses 

Really? I was thinking of QFG 1. Guess the joke's on me.

[Albert Cuandero]

Yippie-kay-yeah - this is just the kind of game I hoped someone will soon post.

Just played for the first 10 minutes and I already LOVE it.

Mostly because of the main character - she's so incredibly sexy (and anyone who read my "in production theread" knows I know what I am talking about)!

Graphics are great, dialogues have an original and intelligent way of cracking me up and I really want to know what will happen next. Oh, and wait 'till you hear that music!

I will come back to youÃ,  Ola, when I played it through - but I wish this one gives me hours and days of entertainment!

Ola thanks for this one! (any chance you are/were illustrating kids books - because of the style?)

EDIT:

Cuz she's been a major element of slavic folklore for centuries?Ã,  Cuz my parents would tell me to clean my room or else Babayaga would eat me?

...how come your parents told you the same mine told me?Ã, 

[Problem]

This is very very very good! 
An original story, lots interesting and funny characters, and wonderful backgrounds! 
But, as you already mentioned, there are still many animations missing.  That gives the impression of an "unfinished" game. If you add the missing animations, it will be one of the best AGS games ever.
I didn't think the puzzles were too simple. Could be more difficult, but I think they are okay. Sometimes I had to do pixel-hunting to find the right hotspots.
But all in all you did a fantastic job. Already waiting for the sequel... 

[Kweepa]

Wow, great stuff!
I love the detail in the backgrounds, the descriptions, the character's cynicism and dark side.
The artwork is extremely colourful without being gaudy. Nicely done!

It could use a little polish but you said that already.

[Edwin Xie]

God! I must be blind, I couldn't see the link to the Principles of Evil....until I adjusted my eyes......*Trails off so no one could remember what I just said.......

The thing I hate about this game is that this game in zip file is approximately 14.6 MB........*Trails off again...........

[Gregjazz]

Been looking forward to this game!

Downloading now!

[Rui 'Trovatore' Pires]

Just a leeeeetle thing - next time, consider using pixel-perfect detection. As it is, sometimes it's quite frustrating, clicking on something behind the character and have the click register as ON the character.

Other than that, thumbs up!

[SSH]

Especially as pixel-perfect works on scaled characters in the latest beta...

I would also recommend:

1. Draw some new mouse pointers, they really clash with the rest of the art
2. Try and get rid of her flashing knees when she talks to camera, its really disconcerting. Also, the butcher's head has a flashing outline when he talks.

I'd really recommend that you produce a revised version of this with these and any other loose ends tidied up, the overall look is great!

[Artphreak555]

I just finished the game and i thought that it was FANTASTIC!!! I loved the graphic style and the characters. The main character was really funny and reminded me of myself a bit. I cannot wait for the next one!!

[qptain Nemo]

Rulez. This is really great game! One of the best of I've seen. Or exactly the best? Oh, this is not important, let's just enjoy it! Well, we have one more cool AGS game now.

[ola_66]

next time, consider using pixel-perfect detection. As it is, sometimes it's quite frustrating, clicking on something behind the character and have the click register as ON the character.

Yes, how DO i fix that? It was even annoying ME, haha.  I have pixel-perfect click detection checked off.  Should it not be checked off?  How does all this business work?

[SSH]

Pixel perfect only used to work on non-sclaed characters, so to make sure it works all the time:

Turn on pixel-perfect checkbox, save game, make a copy of your entire game folder as a backup
Download AGS 2.62RC1 from the thread in the technical forum
Start the new version of AGS and load up your game, then save it again...

[Artphreak555]

Here is a more detailed response of the things i liked and did not:
-Loved the main character
-Liked that the music changes in different rooms (same music throughout   can be boring)
-I liked the drawing style; it was detailed, colorful, and highly interactive (every action got a humorous response)
-I liked the "alternate" evil responses and sarcasm
-Overall, this was one of the BEST ags games i have ever played, Keep it up!!

My only problem aside from the clicking issue:
-I would assume that if i chose the wrong instrument from the dentist that i should be able to return it/exchange it, but i had to restart my game until i chose the correct one

[ola_66]

I would assume that if i chose the wrong instrument from the dentist that i should be able to return it/exchange it

I agree that's why I made that possible. Or at least I thought I had. what you do is:

Spoiler

put it in the acid, only to find its burnt, then give it to the dentist.
Just giving him the instrument doesn't work as far as I can remember, and it probably should have.

[close]

  Another bit I was too lazy to code I think 
Might fix that one day.

[prowler]

cool game... you should've put more work into the animations and fine tuning some things (such as certain walkbehinds).

also i enjoy games better when they have a custom interface that allows the player to identify the items underneath the cursor.

sadly, i'm far ( i think) from finishing the game, but i'm not giving up yet.

by the way, i'm in love with the girl in your avatar! is it you?   

[Nostradamus]

Very cool game. Great grpahics, puzzles and story.
I need some help:

Spoiler

How do I release the dog?  I have the yeast, acid, salt & coppers

[close]

[shbaz]

Nostradamus:

Spoiler

Maybe you should check out a book back home..

[close]

and if that doesn't help..

Spoiler

What beverage are Germans famous for?  8)

[close]

I finished it the other day and thought it was a great game but..

Spoiler

Grain has to be ground before you can ferment it, I was racking my brain trying to figure out a way to do it before I finally just put it in there.

What was the deal with the salt? One book mentioned using it to cook but I never figured out a way to use the stove, she just wanted to leave. Maybe something you're saving for chapter 2?

[close]

Main character = hotness.

Looking forward to #2, I was dissapointed when I found out that it wasn't the complete story.

[ola_66]

Sorry bout your troubles... didn't know about the grinding.  Obviously the process has been greatly simplified; prolly in more ways than one...

Spoiler

What was the deal with the salt? ...Maybe something you're saving for chapter 2?

[close]

......

[InCreator]

Looks great so far... haven't played very far yet.

A bug!
When trying to go to balcony (or wherever that door at the bedroom leads to) - there's some problems with walk-behind area: some of railing & plants cover character.

** starting game again **

[prowler]

i've encountered the same bug, but didn't think about restarting the game...

ola, you haven't answered my question  :

[ola_66]

ola, you haven't answered my question  :

lol. does avatar refer to that little piccy thing?  ...yeah that's me 

I think when the door opens, i had a pic with a piece of the door still showing, hence the walk behind.  however, i must have accidentaly at some point stuck in a version with both door layers invisible.  will fix when i have time.

[Edwin Xie]

Is there any way you can compress this game any further? I would love to play the game but I got a slow modem....
Edit: Great game, I downloaded.... it took one hour and some minutes.
Edit2: What's the problem here?:
---------------------------
Illegal exception
---------------------------
An exception 0xC0000005 occured in ACWIN.EXE at EIP = 0x004C4C0C ; program pointer is +1099, ACI version 2.60.698, gtags (0,9)

AGS cannot continue, this exception was fatal. Please note down the numbers above, remember what you were doing at the time and notify CJ on the Tech forum.

(Global script line 50)


Most versions of Windows allow you to press Ctrl+C now to copy this entire message to the clipboard for easy reporting.
---------------------------
OK   
---------------------------

It happened when I clicked on some kind of snake or that pig thing.

[Rui 'Trovatore' Pires]

Just nitpicking here, but using the yeast on the girl (which I did because, incidently, I had no idea it WAS yeast, it could have been made clearer), I think you used a ROOM message, not a GLOBAL message, because I get nonsensical answers, and each is different according to the room.
Also, what's that blue line on top of the GUI? It's pretty distracting.

Frankly, now that I've had the time to actually play it, I think it's a pity that the great graphics aren't supported by great animations. Imagine the animation of the girl picking up that poodle and putting it in her pocket! Or even, the dog moving at all.

Also, did you get my PM?

[woodz]

this is the first game i played since i've rejoined and its been well worth it! love the art work

lol. does avatar refer to that little piccy thing?  ...yeah that's me 

why do pretty women do that?!

[shbaz]

lol. does avatar refer to that little piccy thing?  ...yeah that's me 

why do pretty women do that?!

H.. Hey! 

[Edwin Xie]

OMG, People are going for this woman rather than post about the game! :o

[qptain Nemo]

Just nitpicking here, but using the yeast on the girl (which I did because, incidently, I had no idea it WAS yeast, it could have been made clearer), I think you used a ROOM message, not a GLOBAL message, because I get nonsensical answers, and each is different according to the room.
Also, what's that blue line on top of the GUI? It's pretty distracting.

Frankly, now that I've had the time to actually play it, I think it's a pity that the great graphics aren't supported by great animations. Imagine the animation of the girl picking up that poodle and putting it in her pocket! Or even, the dog moving at all.

Also, did you get my PM?

Yeah, game is great but I agree that there are needed some improvements.
And one of main character's sprites contains some white pixels at the edge.

[EKM]

Nice, this game was pretty good...a bit choppy since there isn't really animation but I like it. Haha, I went into the dance with the geek and the girl said, "Eww, what is that? throw it back where it came from" or something along those lines...yep, pretty funny stuff.

Anyway, I can't wait till part 2. The main character is pretty funny, reminds me of a girl I used to know once.

Oh yeah, I love the graphics...

[Potch]

Hi.. cool game.  Is there a walkthrough?  If not...

Spoiler

I'm also having trouble freeing the dog.  I put the yeast in the big jar, but it keeps saying something is missing.  Frustrated!!!

[close]

[EKM]

Hi.. cool game.Ã,  Is there a walkthrough?Ã,  If not...

Spoiler

I'm also having trouble freeing the dog.Ã,  I put the yeast in the big jar, but it keeps saying something is missing.Ã,  Frustrated!!!

[close]

Hmm...

Spoiler

If you're out in the wheat field, there will be a piece of wheat hanging outside in front of the fence by the far end to the right, close to the village. Yank that as tha's your missing ingredient to put into the jar.

[close]

[sunshinegold]

Can anyone tell me how I can get instrument at dentist's office

I tried every tool on the right panel, specially the 1st one and all I get is a long message with 'saliva'.  I have the acid but whenever I try to use it it says something like 'not with my fingers......'   I'm at the point where dentist still has bad breath.

I have acid, 3 coins, coupon for make-over, salt, 2 knives.

I still could not get in 'party room' (bottom left) and 'school' and grate, and 3rd room next to fortune teller.

Also never managed to do anything with lizard.

Any help would be appreciated.

This is a great game.  I like it when I have different rooms to visit and play in.

[EKM]

Can anyone tell me how I can get instrument at dentist's office

I tried every tool on the right panel, specially the 1st one and all I get is a long message with 'saliva'.Ã,  I have the acid but whenever I try to use it it says something like 'not with my fingers......' ???Ã,  I'm at the point where dentist still has bad breath.

I have acid, 3 coins, coupon for make-over, salt, 2 knives.

I still could not get in 'party room' (bottom left) and 'school' and grate, and 3rd room next to fortune teller.

Also never managed to do anything with lizard.

Any help would be appreciated.

This is a great game.Ã,  I like it when I have different rooms to visit and play in.

Spoiler

Um...you need to go to the candy store and buy mint gum which is on the right, in front of the cashier. Then you need to give the Dentist the gum so that he chews it and gives you tools to choose. Pick the spoon. Also remember to grab yourself a piece of wheat which is in front of the wheatfield on the right, in front of the fence. It's closer to the village side. Once you have that, you go home and mix in the wheat into the jar with the yeast. Hope that helps.

[close]

[sunshinegold]

Can anyone tell me how I can get instrument at dentist's office

I tried every tool on the right panel, specially the 1st one and all I get is a long message with 'saliva'.Ã,  I have the acid but whenever I try to use it it says something like 'not with my fingers......' ???Ã,  I'm at the point where dentist still has bad breath.

I have acid, 3 coins, coupon for make-over, salt, 2 knives.

I still could not get in 'party room' (bottom left) and 'school' and grate, and 3rd room next to fortune teller.

Also never managed to do anything with lizard.

Any help would be appreciated.

This is a great game.Ã,  I like it when I have different rooms to visit and play in.

Spoiler

Um...you need to go to the candy store and buy mint gum which is on the right, in front of the cashier. Then you need to give the Dentist the gum so that he chews it and gives you tools to choose. Pick the spoon. Also remember to grab yourself a piece of wheat which is in front of the wheatfield on the right, in front of the fence. It's closer to the village side. Once you have that, you go home and mix in the wheat into the jar with the yeast. Hope that helps.

[close]

Thanks, 

I got the gum =  the spoon.  Dip it in acid and gave it to dentist.

NOW WHAT

I already did the beer thing with the wheat. 

I am still stuck and I feel so stupid.

[TLLOTS]

Thanks, 

I got the gum =  the spoon.  Dip it in acid and gave it to dentist.

NOW WHAT

I already did the beer thing with the wheat. 

I am still stuck and I feel so stupid.

Here's a hint

Spoiler

Wasn't there somewhere that the main character said she couldn't use her hands for it?

[close]

And if that's too cryptic

Spoiler

Use the spoon you got from the dentist on the beaker of acid and then use the acid on the grate outside

[close]

[ola_66]

Imagine the animation of the girl picking up that poodle and putting it in her pocket!

Its now in the game!  A bit jagged, but I tried.

[Dave Gilbert]

Just checked this out.  Hard to believe I completely missed this game when it was first posted.  Excellent graphics and fun to play (even though I'm stuck).  Like the others, I do wish there was more animation to back up the beautiful graphics, but for a first effort it's amazing.  I'm very much looking forward to what else you come up with.

[linus]

I played the game for the first time about a month ago and I already enjoyed the old version. I wouldn't call it a half-assed job, it was just a little rough around the edges, the content was first class. I just replayed it and I love the new interface and animations (especially Rogi picking up the dog).

If I may suggest two (or actually three) little things which could further improve your great game:
- The inventory and the text boxes still don't fit the game. As you see them a lot in the game, it would make  a huge difference if they were in a design resembling the one of the menu. The font could be a bit gnarly or serifed. If you want to continue the story in a sequel anyway, the work put in improving the interface will pay off doubly.
- While the cursors really look great and black really fits the main character, the different cursors are a bit hard to tell from each other on some of the darker backgrounds. Maybe you could do something similar to what you did in the menus (black "frames" and colored background).

Just my two cents. Keep it up!

BTW are you a team now? Because in earlier posts you spoke in first person singular and now it's "we went back" in the edited first post.

[EKM]

This is one of my favorite adventure games on here.

It's awesome how you went back and did the animations! now I definitely can't wait for part II...

[Travis]

Excellent game I havn't finished it yet, but I already know its one of the more professional looking AGS games, I deffinately put it up there with the apprentice games.

[ola_66]

Thanks for the nice comments guys! 

BTW are you a team now? Because in earlier posts you spoke in first person singular and now it's "we went back" in the edited first post.

I work with my sister.  We both make the story.  Generally, I do the programming and graphics, while she does the music, but really there's a lot of overlap.

Thanks for your suggestions.  I know there's still a few holes, but it's helpful to find out which ones strike the player as most annoying! 

[splat44]

This game is quite an improvements.

You've mention in your original post some regarding a new room?
What room would that be?

I do recall playing before without any problems.

What I didn't remember is there will part 2?

I'm looking forward to that.

If you planning using same interface in 2nd part, I would recommend using bright color to mouse's cursor.

Once again, game well done.

[Cain]

Just finished it, great work !  As I wrote in  the comment you should add more wacky dialogue to the supporting charcters, they really look the part :-)

BTW guys, you really should vote on the main site for a game you finished and enjoyed, with more than 400 titles the score and the comments are often the only things you can look at in order to decide if getting the game or not, if you are not a regular...

[ola_66]

linus,  I've just made a custom inventory screen, but I can't figure out how to change the "Save" and "Restore" screens...
I tried the cursor thing.. adding colour under the outlines.. Looks better but still confusing.. I might re-do them altogether.

splat44, I don't want to give too much away, but to save you clicking time, the new room is inside the Swamp Castle. 

[SSH]

linus,  I've just made a custom inventory screen, but I can't figure out how to change the "Save" and "Restore" screens...

http://www.twin-design.com/agsezine/9/tutorial.cfm

[linus]

Yes, exactly what I had hoped for By now you have the hottest interface I've ever seen in an independent adventure game!

I wonder why there are so few downloads so far The game really deserved more attention.

I'd enjoy translating the game into German. Just PM me if you're interested.

[Ize]

I still believe that chick looks a lot like your avatar.

[calacver]

Brilliant game! Can't believe I only heard of it so late. I hate comparisons, but my favourite game made by a girl! Really great game with awesome graphics!

[Darkmaster400]

Hehe, I havent tried it but it looks good with the cartoony look...
Altho I did a small watch at the 2nd, which surprised me....
The second one looks like the modern game development from its resolution on the image, It also looks like a little cartoony bit in the 2nd one...

Keep working  im impressed...