U-ROPA (MAGS December 2015)

[Peder 🚀]

U-ROPA



"You are a young technician working in an undersea vehicle extracting minerals.
It's your first day, but a serious accident happens.
You are trapped.
Will you survive? Will you escape?
Be quick, chose wisely, time is running out..."

Team:
Atavismus: Story
Hobo: Gfx
Jonas Thiem: Music
Peder Johnsen: Code

French translation should come soonish... (until when is it accepted?)

[RAR] / [ZIP]

[Kumpel]

Great background and sprites! Also a really cool atmosphere so far in here. That bot has some weird personality.
I am stuck now though

Spoiler

The Database Request inside the bot is pretty complex to understand. I tried Aluminium/pipe/ + Cleanser/Sodium Hydroxide/Sodium. No idea what keywords the database needs to work ^^

[close]

[AprilSkies]

Congratz on releasing the game Peder!!!
downloading

[Peder 🚀]

Thanks guys!

Spoiler

The Database Request inside the bot is pretty complex to understand. I tried Aluminium/pipe/ + Cleanser/Sodium Hydroxide/Sodium. No idea what keywords the database needs to work ^^

[close]

Spoiler

hmm if you've tried all those with eachother you should've got it by now.. maybe we did a mistake and required sodium to be first..

Spoiler

try: sodium hydroxide + aluminium

[close]

[close]

[CaptainD]

Gratz on the release!

[None]

I just finished it, you guys should be horse-whipped for making me brute-force that locker combination.
I ran into a glitch once, where I wasn't able to exit from the 'what course of action should I take' segment no matter what choice I picked to do, and I had to start over, otherwise it was really good.

[Atavismus]

Thx guyz!

I just finished it, you guys should be horse-whipped for making me brute-force that locker combination.

Congratz
Be sure there is another way, listen to me.
Mind, there are three slightly different ends.

I ran into a glitch once, where I wasn't able to exit from the 'what course of action should I take' segment no matter what choice I picked to do, and I had to start over

Darn, we'll have to check this. I wonder if it's because you was dying? I mean, one gauge depleted?

[KodiakBehr]

Ooooh!  I'm excited to try this.

[selmiak]

I found the ventilation password in the

Spoiler

second email

[close]

but it doesn't work. neither in uppercase or lowercase. Do I have to enter a username too? Or is there a twist to it?

[Cassiebsg]

I found the ventilation password in the

Spoiler

second email

[close]

but it doesn't work. neither in uppercase or lowercase. Do I have to enter a username too? Or is there a twist to it?

I haven't finished it yet, nor solved that one yet but...

Spoiler

I have a feeling that the guy changed it, as he's been told to. I'm going to try next his son's name, his wife's name and his tech number... If these don't work, I'm as clueless as you. But the fun part is finding out!

[close]

[selmiak]

yes of course, if there is a twist to it just tell me and put the solution in a spoiler, it's just that with mags games it might be that the creators want me to input the correct word in some kind of unintuitive capitalisation or not

[Kumpel]

@selmiak

Spoiler

Just use the sons name as the password.

[close]

another problem on my end...

Spoiler

Yeah the order of input was relevant. But I have no idea how to use the obtained information now. The bot doesn't do anything but starting it's interface and I have nothing in my bot inventory either. Another hint please to prevent another dozen of electricution deaths!

[close]

[Cassiebsg]

Have the same problem as Kumpel. There's sure a lot of death in this one...

Also spotted a bug, not a big deal though.

Spoiler

After the bot picks up the jerrycan, you can still click on the hotspot and get the description for the jerrycan.

Don't know if this is a bug, but have no idea where what the bot did with the jerrycan or how to use it, as it doesn't show on the inventory...

[close]

EDIT: Never mind the above, just solved it... more or less by accident...
Hint to those stuck with the bot:

Spoiler

You can't see the inventory or interact with the stuff, the bot will "solve" the problem alone as long as you can find what he needs...

[close]

Oh darn, it ended!
Wish there was more, even if it was starting to get on my nerves...
Oh, you might put a warning somewhere that you need to play the game with sound on! I had turned it off cause the alarm was killing my sanity...

[Peder 🚀]

I was writing hints but then noticed you figured it out .

Also spotted a bug, not a big deal though.

Spoiler

After the bot picks up the jerrycan, you can still click on the hotspot and get the description for the jerrycan.

Don't know if this is a bug, but have no idea where what the bot did with the jerrycan or how to use it, as it doesn't show on the inventory...

[close]

Thanks, this sounds like a bug indeed

[AprilSkies]

Peder... 

Spoiler

I've a problem: I'm stuck in the "choice-menu"... No matter what option I choose... the game doesn't go on...

[close]

[Shadow1000]

I'm at the point where

Spoiler

Siegfried is on the floor. The bot gets the shavings from the pipe and the cleanser from siegfried

[close]

I have no idea what to do. All I know is that the player will die within a few seconds if I don't do the right thing

Spoiler

I also have no idea what the code is to the padlock

[close]

SHADOW

[Atavismus]

April Skies

Spoiler

Sorry, nothing to do, it's a bug.
I guess you are dead while that choice gui was on screen.

[close]

Shadow1000:

Spoiler

You need a container.

[close]

Spoiler

Padlock code is nowhere but in your ear.

[close]

HF!

[Shadow1000]

Spoiler

You need a container.

[close]

Ok where do I find one? I would keep pixel hunting but the 5 second window before insta-death makes it impossible to even try to play.

Spoiler

Padlock code is nowhere but in your ear.

[close]

Spoiler

Similarly, I don't know how to extract the code from my ear. There's really no way to even try because of the insta-death

[close]

Thank you

SHADOW

[Cassiebsg]

Shadow, in that case try a) start from a previous save game, if you have one or b) start fresh. Shouldn't take you long to reach where you are and it'll save you time.

Hint for the padlock:

Spoiler

In order to extract it from your ear, you need to either increase the sound volume, or use some headphones...

And if you are deaf (which I don't think the team predicted) then you're screwed... or read the solution next:

Spoiler

836 (if memory serves me right)

[close]

[close]

[Shadow1000]

Shadow, in that case try a) start from a previous save game, if you have one or b) start fresh. Shouldn't take you long to reach where you are and it'll save you time.

Hint for the padlock:

Spoiler

In order to extract it from your ear, you need to either increase the sound volume, or use some headphones...

And if you are deaf (which I don't think the team predicted) then you're screwed... or read the solution next:

Spoiler

836 (if memory serves me right)

[close]

[close]

Thank you! I was able to finish the game with your help.

Once I finished it I went back to that puzzle and THEN realized what the hint means. A bit subtle but clever!

SHADOW

[Atavismus]

Padlock:

Spoiler

We wanted to add a hint, but we didn't know how to do and we had no time to think about it hehe

What would be a good way to do it according to you dear players?

[close]

[Cassiebsg]

Padlock:

Spoiler

Don't know, it's a rather hard puzzle that one... in game hint could maybe me "Did I heard something?" when he sets the first number right (but only first time... and maybe after the 10th wrong try: "I'm sure I heard something just now!" etc.) Or even more obvious... ?

I'm not sure how deaf people would be able to solve this one though... maybe "hide" the code some place, so there are two ways of getting the code?

[close]

[[delete}]

U-ROPA's dark ambient makes me feel claustrophobic. At least that little baby otter eases the mood. What a great comic relief! Well made, guys.

[Shadow1000]

My comments on the game:

Overall, the game was a great experience. The graphics and environment are really good for what you are trying to achieve. There is a good number of a variety of puzzles, most of them well-designed, especially for a short game like this. It's obvious that there is a lot of attention to detail.

If you plan to further the game, here are my humble suggestions:
- I don't mind games where the player dies. I think that in some contexts such as a boss fight or a specific timed puzzle then that's ok. However, I would seriously reconsider the constant and (seemingly random) instadeath. In my opinion it really detracted from the game and I don't understand what the thinking behind it was.
- Having a dead end in a game because of the design is a real no-no, especially if the player doesn't realize that he/she is at a dead end. The flow of the game should just not allow that. If you don't know what I'm referring to, please see where I got stuck in a previous post. I don't want to give away too much but if it's not clear then I can send you a message.
- Some of the puzzles were a bit poorly-developed. For example, the point at which you have 4 choices on the screen and had to just choose with no idea what will result is not a puzzle! It's a guessing game with a "read my mind" feel

With adequate independent testing (i.e from people outside the development team) I am sure that these issues would have been ironed out. I completely understand that the nature of MAGS entries is that there is not enough time to produce a game and have it developed and tested as much as a full release, so overall I'm quite positive on this game. My comments are merely the thoughts of one player in case the developers are interested in some feedback to take the game further.

Cheers

SHADOW

[DangerDanger]

I agree with shadow1000, death and the guessing game should be avoided.
Overall, I really enjoyed the game, backstory (emails), the graphics and several puzzles.

oh! I found a bug: the character could sleep-talk (to describe things)

[Cassiebsg]

DangerDanger, that's not a bug, it's the bot describing the stuff. Note the green color of the text?

and speaking of text and color... would it be too much to ask to add an outline to the text? It gets hard to read, specially the bot's lines since it's a darker shade of green on a dark background.

[Peder 🚀]

Thanks for all the great feedback Shadow!

I would seriously reconsider the constant and (seemingly random) instadeath.

Spoiler

All the deaths are triggered by pre-set timers (always the same value) and either related to the gauges (blood, oxygen) or the leak.
The leak is really the only "hidden" death, the rest SHOULD only happen if one of the gauges runs out.

[close]

Having a dead end in a game because of the design is a real no-no.

Spoiler

Yeah, this is more of a bug really and definitely not intended!
We wanted to give the effect of "rushing" the player but definitely not punish them into a dead end .
We'll most likely fix these issues and tweak/test the game more after the voting is over and release an update sometime down the line

[close]

Some of the puzzles were a bit poorly-developed. For example, the point at which you have 4 choices on the screen

Spoiler

We weren't originally going do this "puzzle" this way, but due to lack of time we had to go with this easier option.
We might make an updated version of the game with a better solution

[close]

Nice idea about the padlock Cassiebsg!

[Shadow1000]

Thanks for all the great feedback Shadow!

Most welcome! I'm glad you didn't take my points as criticism!

Spoiler

All the deaths are triggered by pre-set timers (always the same value) and either related to the gauges (blood, oxygen) or the leak.
The leak is really the only "hidden" death, the rest SHOULD only happen if one of the gauges runs out.

[close]

The point is that there's nothing the player can do such as not touch the cable or some other action to PREVENT the death. When I said "random" I didn't mean it literally.

As far as timed deaths, King's Quest III has a timed death section at the beginning where there is a timer and the wizard comes back at a preset time and kills you unless you put everything back where you found it. I hated that I'm not saying there's no precedent but you might want to poll other users as to whether that makes the game more fun or not.

Spoiler

Yeah, this is more of a bug really and definitely not intended!
We wanted to give the effect of "rushing" the player but definitely not punish them into a dead end .
We'll most likely fix these issues and tweak/test the game more after the voting is over and release an update sometime down the line

[close]

Understood completely. There's just not enough time when you're working for a deadline.



Take care

SHADOW

[AprilSkies]

This game is super cool!!!!!!!

Great atmosphere and AMAZING gfx!!! you did a great job guys!

[blur]

The point is that there's nothing the player can do such as not touch the cable
or some other action to PREVENT the death. When I said "random" I didn't mean
it literally.

Spoiler

The bot can stop the leak before the player goes to rest. Click on the pipe near the hole.

[close]

[Shadow1000]

The point is that there's nothing the player can do such as not touch the cable
or some other action to PREVENT the death. When I said "random" I didn't mean
it literally.

Spoiler

The bot can stop the leak before the player goes to rest. Click on the pipe near the hole.

[close]

I didn't realize that. Thanks for the tip...I'll try it if there's a re-release!

I wasn't just talking about that part of the game, however. My main intention was the first part of the game where the player would just die.

SHADOW

[Monsieur OUXX]

I'm currently playing it. It's great even though I'm stuck with the bot:

Spoiler

I have the drain opener and the aluminium shavings, I understand that I must mix them, and that "I need a container" (from previous hints), but I just can't figure out what container. I've tried the cart, the toolbox, the crate, the grid... ?

[close]

3 things that could be fixed very easily:
1. When you control the bot, it's still Siegfried getting up and talking when describing some objects (for example when you click on the ore with the bot, siegfried says "a lot of heavy ore is covering the airlock"). Cassie said this is not a bug, I'm sorry but it's definitely a bug.
2. Make both siegfried and the bot's fonts brighter. And why not, add an outline.
3. When an inventory item is selected (and used as the cursor), then right-clicking anywhere on the inventory should unselect that item (the cursor should go back to "neutral")

[Kumpel]

Spoiler

You gotta crack the locker!

[close]

How:

Spoiler

Switch on your audio for that

[close]

[Monsieur OUXX]

Spoiler

You gotta crack the locker!

[close]

But...With the bot???

[Kumpel]

Spoiler

Nope... Thats a tricky dead end. you have to do it before you build the bot

[close]

[Atavismus]

Spoiler

Nope... Thats a tricky dead end. you have to do it before you build the bot

[close]

You can do it with the bot.

[Monsieur OUXX]

Spoiler

Nope... Thats a tricky dead end. you have to do it before you build the bot

[close]

You can do it with the bot.

I've just tested. You can do it indeed. that's a relief.

[ThreeOhFour]

The puzzles in this are pretty tricky! I did really like the one with the combination for the door panel, though, that felt really clever and fun to solve.

Also, great graphics! I especially love that cool spinning fan.

[diedericky]

Doing a playthrough on YouTube but i'm stuck. Youtube.com/diedericky but i'm stuck. Put the box down but cant reach the alarm..

[Atavismus]

Thx guyz for the kind comments.
Some stuffs will be fixed and the game translated in french.

Doing a playthrough on YouTube but i'm stuck. Youtube.com/diedericky but i'm stuck. Put the box down but cant reach the alarm..

Cool Diedericky, thx:

Spoiler

You have to reproduce an obvious shape to open the door.

[close]

More

Spoiler

You can see it in the room.

[close]

More

Spoiler

Mind: the story takes place in a totalitarian society.

[close]

[diedericky]

Thx guyz for the kind comments.
Some stuffs will be fixed and the game translated in french.

Doing a playthrough on YouTube but i'm stuck. Youtube.com/diedericky but i'm stuck. Put the box down but cant reach the alarm..

Cool Diedericky, thx:

Spoiler

You have to reproduce an obvious shape to open the door.

[close]

More

Spoiler

You can see it in the room.

[close]

More

Spoiler

Mind: the story takes place in a totalitarian society.

[close]

Man im probably an idiot . trying your suggestion on the door but iets nit opening..

[Atavismus]

Man im probably an idiot . trying your suggestion on the door but iets nit opening..

Nah, don't worry

Spoiler

[close]

HF!

[Blondbraid]

I just finished the game, and I must say that I rather liked it's story and atmosphere. Gotta agree with the previous comments that the instant deaths and the locker code puzzle was a bit unintuitive though.
Has 1984 been a source of inspiration for this game?

[Atavismus]

I just finished the game, and I must say that I rather liked it's story and atmosphere. Gotta agree with the previous comments that the instant deaths and the locker code puzzle was a bit unintuitive though.
Has 1984 been a source of inspiration for this game?

Thx Blondbraid.

About instant death, imo, it's not a problem, as we added autosave/autoload (but maybe I'm wrong hehe).

About the locker code: yeah, sorry, we had no time to find a good way to give a proper clue.

About 1984: it's the must in the dystopia genre (and there is at least one direct reference* to it).
Still, U-ROPA is more an uchronia.

Spoiler

refering to WWII

[close]

Anyway, thx to all players for their comments, really appreciated and important to us!
It makes us want to keep doing indiegames.

*There is another reference based on a must SF novels.

[Blondbraid]

Thx Blondbraid.

About 1984: it's the must in the dystopia genre (and there is at least one direct reference* to it).
Still, U-ROPA is more an uchronia.

Spoiler

refering to WWII

[close]

*There is another reference based on a must SF novels.

Yes, I saw the quote on the plaque on the wall! The game did a great job of creating a totalitarian atmosphere as well as making me curious about the outside world, and I was hoping that the protagonist would make it out safely by the end of the game. Rooting for an indoctrinated servant of a dictatorship is a rare thing in games. You say that the story is inspired by historical events, and it really shows (Especially with the names!). If there ever is a sequel, I'll be sure to play it!

[Atavismus]

The game did a great job of creating a totalitarian atmosphere as well as making me curious about the outside world

I'm really glad to read this, coz that was the point.
It could sounds like an evidence, still, imo, games need to tell a story and create an atmosphere, especially point'n'click.

MAGS (and jams in general) are a great way to learn, experiment, train for bigger games.

Thx for playing, thx for giving feedbacks, thx for the support!