New 'Adventure Architect' column posted at Adventure Gamers

chapter11studios · Fri 01/07/2005 14:19:25

Earlier this week, Adventure Gamers posted my new "Adventure Architect" column on the topic of implementing a GUI for my game. Most "advanced" users of AGS will probably not be impressed, since I just used the standard Sierra-style GUI, but there might be some interesting stuff in there about what the thought process was for choosing this over some of the other possibilities.

The other thing of note is that I tried to fancy up the GUI to give it a unique look even though it's not revolutionary. Anyway, if you're interested, give it a read here: http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,532

ildu · Fri 01/07/2005 16:13:18

Hell yeah, I'm interested.

big brother · Fri 01/07/2005 22:14:43

I like the new GUI's look, but I think using CDs for the save and load icons is a bit anachronistic. Perhaps you could just leave the signposts that say save or load, or turn the CD into a western poster or something.

Kweepa · Sat 02/07/2005 00:11:52

Not to mention that you can't save to a CD

I think it's a bit inaccurate in places - the "classic" Lucasarts GUI is almost identical to the Sierra when it comes to entering commands, except with a couple more verbs. I don't think it could really be called a word tree. They both break down to verb-noun or verb-noun-with-noun.

Also, I don't think making the icons flashier counts as a more sophisticated interface. No doubt Apple would disagree...

Still, interesting to see you ended up with the default interface. Are you at least going to have mouse over text on hotspots? Or is this game going to be a return to the pixel hunt too?

Candle · Sat 02/07/2005 03:51:24

Nice Josh
I like the look of your game ..
And guys cut him some slack would ya .

chapter11studios · Sat 02/07/2005 12:50:42

QuoteAlso, I don't think making the icons flashier counts as a more sophisticated interface. No doubt Apple would disagree...

Maybe sophisticated isn't the word. Flashier? Prettier? That's kind of what I was going for.

Kweepa · Sat 02/07/2005 21:06:14

It's certainly pretty. Fits the game perfectly!

I'm enjoying your articles.
Is there a rough timeline for the first episode?

Ginny · Sun 03/07/2005 12:22:07

The GUI design fits perfectly. I find altering existing GUIs to fit the theme specifically and have an original design makes even the most generic interface seem new.
Great article, though a bit short for my tastes;). I'm looking for the next one on animations, a subject that fascinates me. Whenever that comes.

Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens · Sun 03/07/2005 12:32:37

I agree with BB. I think having cds there disrupts your suspension of disbelief and reminds you that it is a game. Granted, the gui can do that anyway, but being reminded of modern technology in a western doesn't help ;>. The icons look great.

chapter11studios · Sun 03/07/2005 14:36:33

Quote from: ProgZmax on Sun 03/07/2005 12:32:37
I think having cds there disrupts your suspension of disbelief and reminds you that it is a game. Granted, the gui can do that anyway, but being reminded of modern technology in a western doesn't help ;>.Ã,Â

Heh, everyone's a critic.

The anachronistic touch with the old fashioned signposts and the modern technology is rather what Dan and I were going for, actually. It's a take off on the default GUI icons, which have old 3.5" disk icons for save and load.

Anyway, you know what they say about satisfying all of the people all the time? My plan is to satisfy myself and consider it good luck if others are happy with it too.

Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens · Mon 04/07/2005 03:10:34

I can appreciate that viewpoint, Josh. It's your game, so it's your call. I'd be less inclined to agree with it IF you were going commercial, because addressing the issues of potential consumers would then become important.

big brother · Mon 04/07/2005 07:43:27

I'm not sure how many people will get that reference to the old Sierra save/load GUI icons. I think they disrupt the old Western feel. Kill your babies, I say. Or was that Mark Twain?

SSH · Mon 04/07/2005 10:00:37

How about an icon of someone putting a bag in a safe for "save" (save/safe pun) and taking it out for load? That would be less anachronistic.

Ali · Mon 04/07/2005 12:34:34

Or a bank with a money sack for save and a bank with a revolver for restore.

No, SSH's suggestion was better.

EDIT: That's a fair point, sorry for going off-topic.

chapter11studios · Mon 04/07/2005 13:38:17

Folks, no offense, but this isn't the Critics Lounge forum. I'm not looking for ideas on improving it, and this isn't really the place to offer them anyway. Thanks.

Razorback · Tue 05/07/2005 02:37:27

Once again a great article. Even if a bit on the short side.

And I agree that you guys are being overly nit-picky about the disc thing. Seriously, what's the big deal?