The Shivah (June mags) - call for beta testers

[Dave Gilbert]

Okay. The game is, for the most part, playable.  I'd like to get a few fresh pairs of eyes to check out the game before the deadline.  If anyone is interested, PM me.

Shivah: The seven days of jewish mourning following the death of a close relative

Russell Stone works as a jewish rabbi at a poor synagogue in New York City.  He is a devout man with a problem.  Membership is way down and he lacks the funds to keep his synagogue open. Things are looking very bleak, and he has grown progressively more cynical and bitter with the passage of time.

Just as he is on the verge of packing it all in, he receives some interesting news.  A former member of his congregation has died and left the rabbi a significant amount of money. 

A blessing?  Or the start of something far more sinister?  Can Rabbi Stone just accept the money and move on?  His conscious says no.  Step into his shoes as he travels all over Manhattan in his attempt to uncover the truth.

Written and Conceived by: Dave Gilbert
Music by: Vel
Backgrounds by: Dr. Scary
Talking Portaits: Dave Gilbert & Progzmax
Character animation: Dave Gilbert

This game is being made for the June MAGS competition.  Since progress is being made fast enough, I think I can safely say that it will be ready by the deadline.  Be sure to look for this game on June 30th!


Some screenshots:



Rabbi Stone does not like visitors.


Meet all sorts of nice and helpful characters

Two more screenies, because you're all so patient and lovely:


Bring hope and joy to others


Make friends easily

EDIT:

The talking portraits have been edited somewhat, thanks to Progzmax who generouslly offered.

[DoorKnobHandle]

Looks great, especially considering it's a MAGS!

Just make sure to get rid of that ugly standard-cursor in screen 3.

Apart from that, can't wait to play it. I wonder how long it is gonna be though? MAGS-entries are usually quite short, because of their short development time, but the story of "The Shivah" sounds quite long.

[Dave Gilbert]

There are about a dozen rooms altogether, but the puzzles are mostly dialog and research based.  If a rabbi is good at anything, it's talking and asking questions.

[Ali]

Will Russell Stone have any special abilities like Rabbi Speed or Rabbi Jump? No... I'm thinking of Jedi.

This looks really good, just the kind of interesting story I'd expect from you. I love games full of research and asking questions, and the graphics look effective too. Roll on June 30th!

-Ali

[insanity prophecy]

wow, i am just blown away by the standard of games here

this one looks very polished and professional considering, from what i've heard, is a very short design period.

storylines looking good too

[pslim]

I admit I've been dying to know what kind of game was going to incorporate all these people in yarmulkes with pulp detective lighting. I'm excited and I hate you for getting so much done so quickly.

[Totoro]

A new Dave-Game... can't wait! 

[Dave Gilbert]

See first post for updates.

Thanks again to Progz who offered to redo the character portaits for me.

[Dave Gilbert]

Sorry for the bump.  The game is, for the most part, playable.  I'd like to nab some beta testers before the deadline.  If anyone is willing, drop me a PM.

I also put up some more screenshots.  Enjoy.