Adventure Game Studio

AGS Games => AGS Games in Production => Topic started by: eddy on Mon 13/09/2004 13:24:04

Title: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: eddy on Mon 13/09/2004 13:24:04
Hi!
I wanted to present a game I am currently working on using AGS.
This game is based on a french comic strip called "Dungeon".
The site presenting the US translation of this comic is here :
http://www.nbmpub.com/humor/trondheim/dungeon/dungeonhome.html  (http://www.nbmpub.com/humor/trondheim/dungeon/dungeonhome.html)

The story: Well, it's mainly based on the comic strip which is a very rich univers with a lot interesting characters. Let's sum up the game this way: One of the strongest monster of the dungeon is depressed. The guardian demands that you cheer him up. Sounds easy but the adventure will lead you to face powerful magicians, terrifying monsters, mighty warriors and ... Travel in time. And all of these may not be so easy when you're just... a duck...

The game: Well, it's AGS, with a 640*400 resolution, drawing I got from the books, with the permission of the authors.

/* Modification 03/07/2005 : COMPLETE playable demo available */

NEW NEW NEW

Download here:
http://edouard.gray.free.fr/sauvez_zongo/DONJON-DEMO.exe

Dont forget to set the resolution to 640*400 and the language to ENGLISH using the WINSETUP.exe!!!

NEW NEW NEW
Here are a few pictures:

(http://www.pastaga.net/DonjonTest/scrnshot.jpg)

(http://www.pastaga.net/DonjonTest/scrnshot2.jpg)

(http://www.pastaga.net/DonjonTest/scrnshot3.jpg)
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Cluey on Mon 13/09/2004 16:18:51
Great looking graphics there mate,
It's a pity its in french, maybe you could get someone to translate it, your english seems good enough to start one.
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Phemar on Mon 13/09/2004 19:00:20

Your backgrounds are very CMI-styled.

Good luck with the game.
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Kweepa on Tue 14/09/2004 00:33:30
Nice backgrounds...
I don't think you've quite captured the style of the characters - judging by the cover images on the NBM site - but good luck!
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Tue 14/09/2004 08:13:49
I'll think about translating the game once it's finished. I don't think it will ask more than one or two weeks to translate. The work on the many backgrounds and characters is much more difficult.

I don't quite get what you mean by CMI-Style, but I take it as a compliment.

For the drawing style, it's quite funny, because this comis strip is in fact totally crazy, and all you can see in the US is a tiny part of the Iceberg:
In fact, both authors are drawers and writers.
So in order to avoid frustration, they decided to do a second serie 100 episodes after, in order to switch their roles. Then, one of their friends asked to participate, so they did a 3rd serie 100 episode before (-99
exactly)
Then, they discovered that secondary characters were interesting, so they began a fourth serie, every episode telling the story of a specific monster.
And then an other friend came out, so they decided to make short stories happening between episode 1 and episode 2.
We're not quite sure, but it seems that they plan to do around 500 episodes of 46 pages.
Today, they made already 22 episodes, dispatched on every periodes, with plenty of drawers, each having different styles. But I guess you're right, I have to concentrate on Trondheim's style.

By the way, I hope being able to give a firstÃ,  version around Xmas. (Well... If I don't fool around too much)

Thanks for your interest!

Eddy
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Best on Fri 17/09/2004 14:51:19
Grrreat mate!
And drink me up yo arties yo ho!
The graphics are of the hook like the others said. An one more thang: work on the main character a lil bit more. I think you have the potential. It looks too.... white? Anyway! Great work! I would be curious bout the GUIs.
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: wyr3x on Sat 18/09/2004 20:18:19
cool (vewy cool !) backgrounds, i guess you work a lot to have a game like this.
only one word to go:  cuac !
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Vel on Sun 19/09/2004 20:44:10
Looks wonderful, love the background art!
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Cluey on Sun 19/09/2004 21:27:31
CMI style means Curse of Monkey Island Style
It is a great compliment..
(http://skulls.joss.free.fr/aventure/m3g3.gif)
A CMI background...
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Mon 20/09/2004 08:06:05
 :o
Ok! CMI-style is not A compliment, it is THE compliment! Since I am a big fan of the serie (but aren't we all?), this was my objective!
I'm really touched!

I will try to give a better look to the main character. (I don't know how yet, but making the game is a quest in itself, so I guess it is part of the fun!!)

The GUI is very simple for the moment, but if anything more complicated is needed, i'll add more icons
The Right click of the Mouse allows to POINT, GO, SPEAK, USE and LOOK.

Here is the Game GUI when your mouse points to the top.
(In order: Inventory, Save, Load, Quit, Help)

(http://www.pastaga.net/donjontest/gui.jpg)

Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Wed 06/10/2004 13:22:27
Still working on it!

I have now modified the main character in order to give him a look closer to the background. (And a shadow too, thanks to the technical forum)

And the story is getting richer, and the other characters, and so on...
The main problem may be the size of the game. (already 14 Meg and I didn't the third of what I want to do!!)

What is the maximum acceptable size for a game like this one?

(http://www.pastaga.net/donjontest/scrnshot5.jpg)

Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: stuh505 on Mon 11/10/2004 15:28:23
Nice.  Reminds me of the Muzzy cartoon graphics!
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Mon 18/10/2004 07:46:21
Just made it!

In this game, you will have to defeat a huge green tentacle.
(No, there is not a special day for the tentacle, no need to mansion it like a maniac...)
(Sorry about that...)

(http://www.pastaga.net/donjontest/scrnshot6.jpg)
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Mon 18/10/2004 14:02:19
Oh! And you will need to talk to a rabbit chewed by a big blue monster.
(Haven't found how yet...)

(http://www.pastaga.net/donjontest/scrnshot4.jpg)
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Wed 01/12/2004 07:36:53
DARN!
I won't be able to have a release for Xmas!Ã,  :'(

In fact, I didn't plan to animate every background, and since I found it gave a totally different look, I spend all my time on doing small animation.

So I only did one third of the story so far.

Darn!

(Well, lots of fun anyway)
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Erwin_Br on Wed 01/12/2004 17:05:29
Don't rush it! This game looks wonderful so far! Take your time to finish it!

--Erwin
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Mon 07/03/2005 08:58:41
French demo version finally available

http://www.pastaga.net/sauvez_zongo

English demo version is on the way!
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Gilbert on Mon 07/03/2005 09:00:29
/me can't wait for the complete game!
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Mon 14/03/2005 07:37:40
 ;D

I'm very proud to annonce a complete playable version of the game in ENGLISH TOO!

I used the translation tools of AGS, and I must say It was really efficient.

You can download it here :
http://edouard.gray.free.fr/sauvez_zongo/DONJON-DEMO.exe

THE GAME:
Your mission is to leave the dungeon to go drink a beer at the rabbits bar.

CONFIGURATION:
Do not forget to use WINSETUP before playing and to set the resolution to 640*400 and the language to ENGLISH. The default language of the game is french.

YOUR MISSION:
Well, it's just a demo with a complete different story of what is planned for the final release.
Just tell me if it's playable, enjoyable, and if it's worth doing a 3 times bigger game in this univers, with same characters, GUIs, background (there will be much more backgrounds), and so on...

MY APOLOGIES:
For the english translation , it's been made by myself only, and I know I really reached my expression's limits more than once...  :-[

Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Barbarian on Mon 14/03/2005 09:03:45
Hiya Eddy...
Been following the thread here for a while, and been looking forwards to seeing your game in action.. but, can I make a small request?

I'm really hesitant to download an AGS made game in .exe "installer" format, so, would you consider please making your game's files also available in ZIP format or somesuch compression format that is not an .exe "installer"?

Many thanx.
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Mon 14/03/2005 09:55:10
Well...
The EXE file is in fact an auto-extractible ZIP file.
(Because in a former experience, I've met people who couldn't use Winzip.)

Does that help in any way?

If not, I will prepare a .ZIP file for tomorrow.
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: Barbarian on Mon 14/03/2005 10:36:18
Greetings again Eddy.

Okay, I d-loaded your game, everything scans clean, so I installed it, been playing it through for a while now...

So, my impressions so far... "Wow!! Amazing job!"
Really, you did wonderful on this interesting and fun playable-demo.

The artwork is fantastic (I enjoy the dungeons/castle settings you had), good animations, interesting characters to meet, nice GUI's, addictive music, nice "special touches" (such as the mirrors)... overall, it was really fun to play, I think you're very talented to make this, and I certainly look forwards to seeing your completed project.

A couple of things that I thought could be improved perhaps... One, the "music" always playing in the background, though addictive and fitting, sometimes it sounded like it did not always "loop" properly, like, it would get towards the end of the music, then get cut-off suddenly then restart (well, it least it sometimes sounded that way to me). Might also be nice to give an option to disable music too.

Might be good to add in some more sound effects (or you may already be doing that in your main project?).

Some of the "cursors", it wasn't so clear of where to click using it (maybe make the click-point on the cursor more easy to see?) though this was a somewhat minor gripe, as when cursor was over a hotspot it would should up in the GUI.

Some items, once picked up and added into the inventory, could be hard to see or interact with from the inventory gui (I found this especially with the small chain-ball thingy?).

A few spelling mistakes, or oddly worded sentences, but again, this is minor, and I guess can add to the unusual "charm / atmosphere" of the game, plus you already mentioned some of your english is not the best.

Ã,  Ã, Overall, I really loved your demo, and I compliment you on such a nice looking project. Best wishes, and keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo
Post by: eddy on Mon 14/03/2005 12:03:26
Quote from: Barbarian on Mon 14/03/2005 10:36:18
Greetings again Eddy.

Okay, I d-loaded your game, everything scans clean, so I installed it, been playing it through for a while now...

So, my impressions so far... "Wow!! Amazing job!"
Really, you did wonderful on this interesting and fun playable-demo.

Well, many thanks!

Quote
A couple of things that I thought could be improved perhaps... One, the "music" always playing in the background, though addictive and fitting, sometimes it sounded like it did not always "loop" properly, like, it would get towards the end of the music, then get cut-off suddenly then restart (well, it least it sometimes sounded that way to me). Might also be nice to give an option to disable music too.

Yes, I think it would be a nice thing to let the player stop the music. A few people told me that the music is sometimes too present, and it would be nice to stop it. Just need to find a way to find what music should be played in what room. (In this demo , you have 2 different musics...)

Quote
Might be good to add in some more sound effects (or you may already be doing that in your main project?).

I plan to add sound effects. But I still haven't found them.

Quote
Some of the "cursors", it wasn't so clear of where to click using it (maybe make the click-point on the cursor more easy to see?) though this was a somewhat minor gripe, as when cursor was over a hotspot it would should up in the GUI.

Good point. I'll see how that can be done...


Quote
Some items, once picked up and added into the inventory, could be hard to see or interact with from the inventory gui (I found this especially with the small chain-ball thingy?).

Well, that's a strange behaviour I found with the inventory windows: Objects have strange positions, based on the dimension of the object itself, rather than the picture. I mean I enlarged the picture of the Item, but the transparent part of the picture is not used to place it in the inventory.
And right, this thingy is too small in the inventory. This last point is easy to fix.

Quote
A few spelling mistakes, or oddly worded sentences, but again, this is minor, and I guess can add to the unusual "charm / atmosphere" of the game, plus you already mentioned some of your english is not the best.

Well, I warned you... I'll try to ask to an american friend to help me for the translation, but since it is not a really motivating job, I can't blame her if she refuses...

Quote
Ã,  Ã, Overall, I really loved your demo, and I compliment you on such a nice looking project. Best wishes, and keep up the good work.

Thanks for this helpful comment.

It really motivates me for the following, because the hardest parts of the game are ahead. But I'm really happy to know it's worth it!
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: eddy on Tue 27/09/2005 09:33:29
Hi there!

Just a little news to say that the complete version is still on the way..

It's much harder than I thought, but I think the result should be really great.

Just for fun a nice preview : The magicians bar

(http://www.pastaga.net/donjonTest/scrnshot8.jpg)
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: splat44 on Thu 29/09/2005 08:16:45
Hi,

Its a great game and I am looking forward to it full version.

Where the telescope?

Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: eddy on Thu 29/09/2005 12:14:11
Quote from: splat44 on Thu 29/09/2005 08:16:45
Hi,

Its a great game and I am looking forward to it full version.

Where the telescope?



Me too!  ;)

The Telescope?
Err (Is it OK with the forum rules If I say it? Oh well...)

Well, there is an object somewhere that LOOKS like a telescope...
(in fact, I'm not very proud of this puzzle...)  :-[

Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: Mordalles on Thu 29/09/2005 22:27:37
youre game looks absolutely amazing! such a fantastic style! im so jealous right now!  ;)
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: splat44 on Fri 30/09/2005 04:48:33
Quote from: eddy on Thu 29/09/2005 12:14:11
Quote from: splat44 on Thu 29/09/2005 08:16:45
Hi,

Its a great game and I am looking forward to it full version.

Where the telescope?



Me too!Ã,  ;)

The Telescope?
Err (Is it OK with the forum rules If I say it? Oh well...)

Well, there is an object somewhere that LOOKS like a telescope...
(in fact, I'm not very proud of this puzzle...)Ã,  :-[



I've looked everywhere to find this object that looks like ... but I still cannot find it.

Anything else?

Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: eddy on Fri 30/09/2005 07:28:20
Mordales: Well thanks! Hope the final version won't disappoint you.

Splat 44 : Ok, here is a tricky hint: a telescope is something you put your EYE onto...
Good luck!
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: splat44 on Fri 30/09/2005 10:18:35
Eddy,

I know what a telescope is but I cannot seem to locate it.

so far I gave horn, crystal ball and something to read to other guy.

I know there is a ladder but I cannot interact with.

Now where exactly is this telescope?

I hope you will change that with full version.

Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: eddy on Fri 30/09/2005 12:40:54
 ???
Well, I didn't make any fun of you:

My sentence is REALLY an hint! (Look for an eye, if you prefer!!)

Don't worry about the story, it is completely different in the final version.
(The scenario of the demo is completely improvised)
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: splat44 on Fri 30/09/2005 21:45:18
Ok,


I've seem looking everywhere and still no success.

The only possible place might on on roof via ladder but I can't even go there.

Anything else?

Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: Mordalles on Fri 30/09/2005 21:51:32
dont worry, theres no way you can disappoint me with those graphics!

hey, are all those monsters in the magicians hall going to be animated? and the smoke? that looks like a lot of work! good luck!
if so, are you doing it by animating the background, whic leaves you only 5 frames (if im correct), or are u using objects and characters and animating them?  :D
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: eddy on Mon 03/10/2005 08:16:45
Well, I animate the magicians and the smoke using objects.
I tried the entire background in an other room, and it is way too heavy. (I mean, the size of the pictures is too big.) And it doesn't give a good result.
Title: Re: Donjon : free Zongo (DEMO AVAILABLE)
Post by: eddy on Mon 03/10/2005 08:18:37
Quote from: splat44 on Fri 30/09/2005 21:45:18
Ok,


I've seem looking everywhere and still no success.

The only possible place might on on roof via ladder but I can't even go there.

Anything else?



I open a new subject in "Hint & tips" forum.
I think this is not the place where to discuss about Walkthrough.