MAGS March: "Monsters!" (Winner Announced)

Atelier · Sun 01/03/2015 16:11:36

Thanks to our three entrants! Click on the game title to download:

â€¢ The Terrible Old Man by shaun9991
â€¢ You rock, Topus! by Billbis & Creamy
â€¢ Aractaur by xil

Please PM your vote to this account by 15th April.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Topic: 'Monsters!'

This month's guidelines were set by Sox and Myinah:

The only rule is that the game must feature a monster as a key character (if not the player character) or as a major plot point/device. Monsters can be completely original or from an established legend. Think Monsters Inc, Argh Real Monsters, the legendary Greek beasts like harpies, gorgons, hydras, minotaurs. Heck even Nessie will do in a pinch, just give us something fun to play with monsters!

Ending 31st March

__________________________________________________________________________________________

What is MAGS?

MAGS is a monthly competition for amateur adventure game makers. The idea is to create a game in under a month, following the rules set by the previous winner. It aims to help you work to a deadline, improve your skills, or provide a kick-start into making adventure games. Regardless of skill, MAGS is for everyone. Voting is based on "favorite" games, and not the most artistic, or the best coded. If you have bad art skills, use it as a chance to do some graphic work. If you're sub-standard at coding, use it as a chance to give scripting a go. Ultimately, people will vote for the most enjoyable entry.

You may get help for the competition, although you must end up doing something yourself. You should however be warned that it proves difficult to organize a big team within thirty days. You are not allowed to use material already created before this competition. Your game must be completely new! Music and sound is an exception; you can use free material that is available to the public, if you wish. Modules and templates are also allowed.

Entering MAGS is simple. First, conceptualise your game following the month's criteria (see top). Second, create your game fueled only by coffee. Finally, post your game in this thread, including:

Ã¢Å"â€œ A working download link
Ã¢Å"â€œ The title of your game
Ã¢Å"â€œ A suitable in-game screenshot

At the end of the month, voting will begin, usually lasting for fifteen days. The winner chooses the next month's theme, and their name and game is immortalised in the MAGS Archive. For more information, please visit the Official MAGS website.

Billbis · Sun 01/03/2015 18:47:28

I'm in! Probably with Creamy. Lets start!

Radiant · Sun 01/03/2015 23:26:20

Oooh, cool topic!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNuVifA7DSU

shaun9991 · Mon 02/03/2015 14:51:04

Is it legal to make a MAGS game that is based from a pre-existing short story? I've an idea in mind, but it would be completely adapted from something that already exists

Atelier · Mon 02/03/2015 16:48:27

Quote from: shaun9991 on Mon 02/03/2015 14:51:04
Is it legal to make a MAGS game that is based from a pre-existing short story? I've an idea in mind, but it would be completely adapted from something that already exists

I suppose "The only rule is that the game must feature a monster as a key character" infers that it's ok to use pre-existing short stories, plus "Monsters can be ... from an established legend."

However it depends what Sox and Myinah have in mind?

Myinah · Mon 02/03/2015 21:23:57

I think to clarify we had no problem with original adaptations that add something totally new to pre existing legends. More that you might borrow an existing monster rather than recreate the odyssey as an adventure game. I don't really take issue with you using a character or an idea from a pre existing story as long as you are creating something new and original with it, rather that totally recreating a pre existing work. Does that make sense? Sox do you have any thoughts?

Dropped Monocle Games · Mon 02/03/2015 21:37:08

Quote from: Myinah on Mon 02/03/2015 21:23:57
I think to clarify we had no problem with original adaptations that add something totally new to pre existing legends. More that you might borrow an existing monster rather than recreate the odyssey as an adventure game. I don't really take issue with you using a character or an idea from a pre existing story as long as you are creating something new and original with it, rather that totally recreating a pre existing work. Does that make sense? Sox do you have any thoughts?

This, I can't really add anything that wouldn't be repeating what you have already stated.
soo....

Quote from: shaun9991 on Mon 02/03/2015 14:51:04
Is it legal to make a MAGS game that is based from a pre-existing short story? I've an idea in mind, but it would be completely adapted from something that already exists

I see no problem with that as long as you're adapting it into something new, not a copy + paste

shaun9991 · Mon 02/03/2015 21:49:03

Thanks for the response guys! The idea is essentially taking a very short Lovecraft story, and fleshing it out into a very short adventure game. Sort of a re-telling, with added bits.

Is this okay? If not, I will go with Plan B

Myinah · Mon 02/03/2015 23:23:21

That's a tough one. We don't want to say no, but it feels like if you are taking a fully crafted, existing story and just adding puzzles it's probably not quite in the spirit of MAGS. Other entrants will spend time writing their original story concepts so we're not sure. If no one else entering minds then we don't really have an issue as we just want fun monster games to play and your source material sounds like it will be really excellent. That being said MAGS is supposed to be made from scratch and it may be pushing it a bit more than just a little rule bend.

What do you think Atelier and entrants?

HanaIndiana · Tue 03/03/2015 00:01:20

Hmm this is a hard one. My first thought is.. "Borrowing some of the premise is okay, just don't be a jerk about it.".

Don't copy+paste dialog, and change it up some. And maybe let people know what the semi-source material is, so others may learn of the genius that is Lovecraft.

Maybe I'll make a game called THAT, about a Mime named Nickelback who terrorizes pre-adolescent girls from the sewers of Maine,WI. See what I did there? Too obscure, or too obvious? I can't even tell anymore.

xil · Tue 03/03/2015 16:26:11

With a lot of game jams you are actually allowed to work on the story any time you like and the competition time is for programming the game and art so I'm personally okay with someone using a pre existing story as it's kind of like someone using a story they wrote a year ago.

I would say though, technically it's not a game jam and is 'MAGS', so I'm happy with whatever the outcome of a vote or just simply a yes/no from Myinah/Sox.

At the end of the day if I get another game to play this month I won't complain

shaun9991 · Thu 05/03/2015 09:50:23

Seems like our idea might be a tad controversial. We will probably still make the game, but probably won't enter in MAGS.

Great topic by the way! Looking forward to seeing what people come up with

Mandle · Thu 05/03/2015 12:16:49

Adapting a Lovecraft story into a MAGs entry is frowned upon? Why? Because the story was pre-written?

I would say that adapting an existing story into a playable game is an art form in itself. If done properly it can even surpass the original material. If done poorly it can just be a cut/paste as mentioned.

Why not let the voters decide which?

After all, MAGs is all about getting people motivated to get their games finished and out there. And the community also benefits by having one more game to play.

I don't see a problem...

Billbis · Thu 05/03/2015 12:18:54

Like Mandle says. Adapting a novel in video game is an ADAPTATION, not stealing a game design document. Go with it.

Myinah · Thu 05/03/2015 17:07:36

Well we dont have a problem with it, but MAGS rules have an implication that things be created from scratch and starting with a pre existing story was something we weren't sure on as the rules say it should all be new. That story isn't new. Where does one draw the line? Maybe Atelier could clarify if an adaptation is ok. It's a tough judgement call and not one we wish to make. We just set the theme rules! We are a neutral party in this.

shaun9991 · Thu 05/03/2015 17:23:01

Didn't mean to start a big debate with this

We happy to make the game anyway, it's a tiny one, so it will come up either in MAGS or on its own

Mandle · Thu 05/03/2015 23:29:32

Quote from: Myinah on Thu 05/03/2015 17:07:36
Well we dont have a problem with it, but MAGS rules have an implication that things be created from scratch and starting with a pre existing story was something we weren't sure on as the rules say it should all be new. That story isn't new. Where does one draw the line? Maybe Atelier could clarify if an adaptation is ok. It's a tough judgement call and not one we wish to make. We just set the theme rules! We are a neutral party in this.

Yup, understood. I hope I didn't sound like I was attacking your posts before. I was just trying to briefly say how I felt and sometimes brevity can be mistaken for curtness in text. That wasn't my intention. I just didn't have a lot of time at the time.

I agree that, if you have doubts, Atelier should maybe clarify. It would be equally as much a shame if you gave the green-light on shaun's project only to have it DQ'd later. I really doubt this would happen, but can appreciate that it's better to be safe than sorry.

Cheers!

Billbis · Sat 07/03/2015 22:15:28

How are you doing, contestants?
Here something to tantalize you.

Atelier · Sun 08/03/2015 18:31:22

Quote from: Myinah on Thu 05/03/2015 17:07:36We just set the theme rules! We are a neutral party in this.

Sorry for putting the weight of the adaptation question on your shoulders Sox and Myinah, I wasn't trying to pass the buck, rather it was out of deference. Because to my mind it really raises an issue with both the temporary month's guidelines, and the permanent underlying MAGS rules.

In practice I think the theme setters are far from neutral parties in MAGS. I can't recall any specific months, but we have certainly had book/film themes where adaptations were the order of the day. So obviously there's nothing wrong if the theme setters allow it. They can stipulate anything they want, completely overriding the underlying MAGS rules if they wish. In fact I remember we had a 'finish your MAGS game' month where using pre-existing material was part and parcel of the rules. So, the permanent rules are there to fill in the gaps: in the vast majority of months, there is only a general theme with no variation to the underlying rules, so this is why it is important to clarify them.

I think that allowing people to use pre-existing stories or films in general as bases, is against the whole tenor of MAGS. It is almost irreconcilable with the rules as you read them in every opening post. Essentially what is being debated here is to add another category of exception, alongside music and sound.

Quote from: HanaIndyana on Tue 03/03/2015 00:01:20
"Borrowing some of the premise is okay, just don't be a jerk about it.".

Quote from: Mandle on Thu 05/03/2015 12:16:49
If done poorly it can just be a cut/paste as mentioned.

This touches on exactly the problem with allowing adaptations, ie the matter of degree. Someone's idea of an adaptation may be lifting every single line of dialog, puzzle ideas etc, from their favourite book; and we wouldn't be able to refuse the entry, because it's impossible to justify distinguishing a 'good' adaptation from a 'cut and paste' one. It's not worth the risk when the majority of people create original games. No, I don't think suddenly allowing adaptations is a good step forward.

It's quite unfortunate this question has arisen with the guidelines before us, because like I said, the guidelines take precedent over the rules. My interpretation would be that it is implicit that adaptations are ok this month: "I suppose "The only rule is that the game must feature a monster as a key character" infers that it's ok to use pre-existing short stories, plus "Monsters can be ... from an established legend.""

But that's by-the-by, because I'm being way too technical, and in any case, it clearly wasn't what Sox and Myinah intended.

So I would have to say that as usual, adaptations can only be done with approval by the theme setters.

Myinah · Sun 08/03/2015 18:59:32

Ok thank you for clarifying. If we can allow adaptations then we will allow it! Can't wait to see the lovecraft entry

Eggie · Mon 09/03/2015 16:52:15

Oh wow wow! Best theme! I can't wait to play these

HanaIndiana · Thu 12/03/2015 05:49:46

Screenshot! Quick question... does the Grim Reaper count as a Monster? He seems pretty monstrous to me, right? Figured I should check.

Myinah · Thu 12/03/2015 10:14:40

I think he counts! He's not human and he's terrifying so let's say yes.

Billbis · Thu 12/03/2015 11:19:52

Nice one HanaIndyana !
We compete again one more time.

Will post a screenshot later today.

HanaIndiana · Thu 12/03/2015 18:04:13

Excellent, thanks!
Hi Billbis! I can't wait to see what you do. I really liked your Mags game last time.

Billbis · Thu 12/03/2015 23:18:37

here is the promised screenshot:

Creamy did the character, I did the background. It will be a keyboard controlled game.

Good luck with the development!

Retro Wolf · Fri 13/03/2015 21:21:52

It's been a year since my last completed AGS project, and I wanted to get back into AGSing.
I'm a but reluctant to say whether I'm in or not, I don't have a good track record when it comes to completing a MAGS.
All I know is "IT HURTS TO LIVE!"

Mandle · Fri 13/03/2015 22:18:27

Quote from: Retro Wolf on Fri 13/03/2015 21:21:52

Hahaha! His right arm looks like it could...

...like it could...

TAKE O...(etc. etc.)

Myinah · Sat 14/03/2015 06:11:00

I love everything so far! So excited to play these. Retro wolf your character looks as though he may have eaten a platter of radioactive seafood, and I like it!

Retro Wolf · Sun 15/03/2015 13:31:00

[IMGzoom]http://i58.tinypic.com/2rq0uf9.png[/imgzoom]

Myinah · Sun 15/03/2015 14:25:16

Oh wow first the DoTT arm and now is that an homage to a certain BASS vacuum cleaner robot? Very excited!

Retro Wolf · Sun 15/03/2015 15:06:29

I've no idea what you're talking about!

xil · Wed 18/03/2015 19:30:05

Hey, I'm trying to get something together for this month

If it goes to plan then you'll all get to see the Aractaur in action!

[imgzoom]http://calicoreverie.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/at0.png[/imgzoom]

Retro Wolf · Thu 19/03/2015 08:34:05

I've made too much progress to NOT make this game, whether or not it will be done in time for the end of the competition I'm not sure.
It's not that I'm not motivated or inspired, It's how much spare time I get now days. I can't go 5 minutes without one of the kids putting themselves in danger or pooping and peeing.
Also try programming one handed while bouncing a baby on your knee while he tries to play with the keyboard! And if you try to put him down he starts crying...

I'm not complaining, it's just making me think twice about entering MAGs again.

This game WILL get made! Eventually...

Radiant · Mon 23/03/2015 11:39:19

Quote from: Retro Wolf on Fri 13/03/2015 21:21:52

...is that Mike from CRFH?

Retro Wolf · Mon 23/03/2015 12:25:37

What's CRFH?

Radiant · Thu 26/03/2015 18:10:00

It's a webcomic that I used to read, one of the main characters has a tentacle arm.

Anyway, I have some notes and ideas for a game here, but it's unlikely to happen before the end of the month. Sorry

Jmalofox · Thu 26/03/2015 21:34:51

CRFH = College Roomies from Hell!!!

shaun9991 · Fri 27/03/2015 17:28:34

A little update- looks like our game should be ready for march 31st! can't wait to play the other entries

Retro Wolf · Fri 27/03/2015 17:33:08

I've managed to work on mine quite a lot today, so fingers crossed.

xil · Sat 28/03/2015 02:57:56

I'm getting there!

Billbis · Sun 29/03/2015 10:07:53

Creamy made it. Still many things to do before Tuesday...

Mandle · Sun 29/03/2015 14:48:12

Oooooohhhh...Tabata might have something to say about that animation...

Tabata · Sun 29/03/2015 20:16:01

Spoiler

Quote from: Billbis on Sun 29/03/2015 10:07:53

Creamy made it. Still many things to do before Tuesday...

[close]

Booaaah! You really did this? Scandalous!

Is there nobody watchin' what those jung savages are doing as soon as they are alone at home?
I can't believe what you did to my pals!
This calls for vendetta!

...Ã¤hem ... on the other hand - I better complain about your outrageous behavior to the ASPCA immediately!

Creamy · Sun 29/03/2015 22:39:30

QuoteBooaaah! You really did this? Scandalous!

Don't worry, it's a stuntmouse. When the scene is over, he climbs back up the throat.

Mandle · Mon 30/03/2015 00:05:21

Quote from: Creamy on Sun 29/03/2015 22:39:30
QuoteBooaaah! You really did this? Scandalous!
Don't worry, it's a stuntmouse. When the scene is over, he climbs back up the throat.

That's a bit hard to swallow

Retro Wolf · Mon 30/03/2015 10:46:55

There's no way I'll get finished for the 31st, though that's probably a good thing as I can make it a bit longer and give it some polish.
Good luck to the rest of you guys!

shaun9991 · Tue 31/03/2015 11:03:18

Here is our entry!

THE TERRIBLE OLD MAN

DOWNLOAD HERE

Story:

Three men of loose virtue are enjoying a drink in a local tavern, when they overhear the story of a rich and feeble old man who lives in town. They soon plot to take his treasures...

This is a very short interactive adaptation of 'The Terrible Old Man' by H.P. Lovecraft. It's a subtle take on the Monsters theme

Thanks for letting us enter an adaptation in MAGS!!!

Features

- An adaptation of the classic H.P. Lovecraft short story
- Beautiful hand drawn graphics and animation from our man John 'Barracuda' Inch
- Fully animated cut scenes
- A cast of several characters
- 640 x 400 resolution
- Point and click interface
- Inventory items
- Horror!

xil · Tue 31/03/2015 11:25:18

Looks great Shaun, I'll give it a go when I get a bit of time =)

Sorry you couldn't get yours finished Retro Wolf, I know that feeling.

As per usual mine will be a mad rush up until the last second so we'll see how I do later on!

Good luck to Billbis and Creamy, I hope you guys gets yours done!

Billbis · Tue 31/03/2015 14:10:21

I hope so.

Time will tell.
This is gorgeous, Shaun et al.!

Creamy · Tue 31/03/2015 22:36:52

QuoteThis is gorgeous, Shaun et al.!

Yes, very different from your photo-based games.

Come on Billbis, come on Xil, you can still make it!

Billbis · Tue 31/03/2015 23:36:13

Done!

You rock, Topus!

A game by Billbis & Creamy

Will you convince your girlfriend's parents to let you marry her? The fact that you are half human, half octopus might be an issue.

How to play?
Arrows: move the character
Space bar: Interact, skip text
Escape: Open/close menu
Enter: Select option from menu

Linux version: use mirror download link

Many thanks to:

Khris for AltKeyboardMovement module
Pidem for the jingles
Berika for the kind proofreading
Kevin MacLeod for the lovely music

xil · Tue 31/03/2015 23:59:47

I just about did it in time!

PLEASE BE WARNED: I'VE BEEN ABLE TO DO VERY LITTLE TESTING!! I will do my best to run through it now to make sure it's not broken.

Aractaur is a black comedy point & click adventure starring Dirk Longerwood as the would-be hero. When even the Special Forces can't take out a spider-alien-thing, Dirk must step in and save the world himself.

DOWNLOAD ARACTAUR

[imgzoom]http://calicoreverie.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/arac2.png[/imgzoom]

[imgzoom]http://calicoreverie.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/arac3.png[/imgzoom]

[imgzoom]http://calicoreverie.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/arac4.png[/imgzoom]

[imgzoom]http://calicoreverie.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/arac5.png[/imgzoom]

DOWNLOAD ARACTAUR

Stupot · Wed 01/04/2015 04:17:50

What a great bunch of games. I've spent the morning playing them and I'm dead impressed. Well done all.

[edit]
What, no April MAGS?

Dropped Monocle Games · Thu 02/04/2015 12:58:35

I'll be sure to play all of the games over the weekend! nice work everyone

HanaIndiana · Thu 02/04/2015 18:08:33

Mine isn't complete enough to submit ... thanks to a work conference then the flu. Excuses, excuses

But I can't wait to play these this week! Good job on so many great looking games. Oh, and any word yet on April's theme?

MAGS Host · Sun 05/04/2015 19:44:59

Thanks to our three entrants! Click on the game title to download:

â€¢ The Terrible Old Man by shaun9991
â€¢ You rock, Topus! by Billbis & Creamy
â€¢ Aractaur by xil

Please PM your vote to this account by 15th April.

Billbis · Sun 05/04/2015 21:23:41

And pretty please, rate the games you've tested on the AGS Game Database.

Billbis · Mon 13/04/2015 22:06:06

Voted! (at last, I've been quite busy)
There is still a couple days left to play the (great) games and vote!

shaun9991 · Fri 17/04/2015 16:41:18

Well done to xil, Billbus and Creamy! Had a lot of fun playing both games

xil · Sat 18/04/2015 03:57:20

Yes, well done to Billbis, Creamy and yourself Shaun. I really enjoyed both games and liked how we all managed to put a different spin on the theme! Apologies for taking so long to getting round to playing the games, I was away most of April and really wanted to get something done for #adventurejam so have only just managed to play through them and couldn't even get my vote in on time. oops!

MAGS Host · Sat 18/04/2015 11:00:21

Results!

Aractaur by xil - 6 votes
You rock, Topus! by Billbis & Creamy - 1 vote
The Terrible Old Man by shaun9991 - 1 vote

Congrats xil! Thanks everybody.

Creamy · Sat 18/04/2015 11:27:57

Congrats Xil! I look forward to play more games from you.

The Terrible Old Man is making its way. too.

Billbis · Sat 18/04/2015 12:25:10

Congrats xil!!!
Nice funny little game.

Retro Wolf · Sat 18/04/2015 18:25:11

Nice job everybody! My game is still being worked on, very slowly though.

shaun9991 · Fri 01/05/2015 16:36:31

A very belated but heartfelt congratulations to xil!!! Awesome game, and I'm glad an original story won MAGS

Topus was also a lot of fun!!

xil · Sun 03/05/2015 17:34:23

Thanks Shaun, it was a nice surprise! I really enjoyed both You Rock, Topus! and The Terrible Old Man and it was amazing to see an AGS game picked up by Markiplier