"Downfall"-DEMO available for download now!

[Grim]

Demo of the game is now available for download. Most of the material used for demo has not featured in game itself and was meant to explain the story of one of the more important characters- Sophie. It is very adult in content. Keep your children away from it...

Download it through rapidshare by clicking on this link:

http://rapidshare.com/files/111156978/Downfall-demo.rar

or alternatively:

http://www.sonsofgaia.net/AGS/Downfall-demo.rar

For those who are not familiar with rapidshare I should propably add that it's free of charge if you ignore all the price tags and follow the instructions on the website. It can be a bit confusing at first but it's quick and safe really.




The idea of this game was chaged so many times I can hardly remember how it started...I think it was about merging ideas from Monkey Island and Elvira:Mistress Of The Dark which sounds rather weird but...it kinda works.

Some details then:

-it was in production for over 2.5 years
-backgrounds are handdrawn with pencil, colours added on Paintshop Pro 9
- I want this game to be scary..not just scary but "silent hill scary"..its surpisingly hard to achieve you know in a adventure game
-its based on broken sword interface
-only one, yes, one, person was doing it. Thats why its taking so long:)

It's about 75% finished.
All the backgrounds I had drawn long ago. Now Im just drawing sprites and glueing it all together.
If I manage to finish this game it will seriously kick ass!

STORY

Joe and Lucy Davis have been married for a few years but their marriage isn't a particularly happy one.
Trying to help their falling apart relationship  they decide to go for a holiday to Devon, south west of England, but as they arrive into the strange empty town there they cannot find the way out.
As Lucy suffers from a rare mental disorder and loses touch with reality it becomes difficult for Joe to deal with the situation. He decides to spend a night in hotel, wait for her to calm down, maybe even call a doctor.
But things only get worse and worse. They have an argument before going to sleep.
Lucy dissapears in the morning.
All clues point to the woman staying in room next to their room. She doesn't like the noise. She is a devoted eater...And the blood trails lead to her room.
And the whole hotel seems very different in the morning...
Who is really mad? Is it Lucy talking rubbish about dead people living in the walls or is it Joe facing the ultimate mission of murder and destruction?
You will find out when the game is finished:)

Yes, it is adult content, so if you're under 18 dont look below.
Any questions?

[Buckethead]

Oh I love horror games  Grafics look good. But what is that guy saying all sorts of tech stuff?

[nihilyst]

Looks cool so far. Can you say something about the story?

[Grim]

Oh I love horror games  Grafics look good. But what is that guy saying all sorts of tech stuff?

If you press F11 or something all this stuff comes up...I was just aiming for F12 I suppose to take a screenshot heh:)

[Jon]

Nice dialog Looking good!

[Afflict]

Sounds interesting the beginning sorta reminded me of a thing i saw on tv... but then again who cares it sounds awesome!

[sharksweetheart]

Ooh I'm looking forward to this one!

I like how it's all in pencil, it works surprisingly well.

[ginanubismon]

What an amazing game, I love the whole graphic style.

And for the "glitch", I would personally leave it for now. It seems so, disoranting(sp?).
(When he meantions "room cordinates".)

edit by mod - posts combined

[CosmoQueen]

This game sounds frightening! Will you be able to die in it?

[HolyJack]

Wow! This game looks fantastic. I love the style.
Can't wait to play it.
But the story sounds alot like Trilby's Notes.

[Grim]

I think to achieve the feeling of fear throughout the game it would be good if you could die in it...Like in Elvira games, you never knew what hit you(but that was maybe due to poor graphic)...so yeah, I think I might just do that.

[auriond]

*adds to list of games I'm looking forward to*

I'm a chicken when it comes to horror games, but this looks too good to miss

[MYKAYEL]

WOW  :o
BIG SILENT HILL, FATAL FRAME & RESIDENT EVIL FAN RIGHT HERE!!!
Really looking forward to this game! BTW, the graphics look incredible, I'm verry impressed with what you've done 

[yarooze]

It looks very impressive. I would like to play some horror adventure game and hope, this one will be very creepy... 

[Grim]

It looks very impressive. I would like to play some horror adventure game and hope, this one will be very creepy... 

That's the problem with horror games these days- they ain't scary no more!
I grew up on Stephen King and Elvira(well I know I mentioned it already) and as King always said horror is balancing on a thin line between fear and comedy...Obviously it is easier to achieve believable feeling of fear in games made by big teams of professionals who have millions to spend on them...But somehow-they blow it. Maybe f there's too much money at stake they are too afraid that the game is gonna get banned like manhunt but then again Silent Hill did so well  by actually breaking the stereotypes and bringing something fresh into the industry...Then the bloody americans got the license and look what they did to the SH movie- they simply turned it into some hollywood crap that we've all seen hundred times before.

In my previous game there was a scene in which main character was taking a dump in the shady corner and as he had nothing to wipe his bottom with he had to use horror book he wrote and had in his inventory... I think it's a good example of breaking the rules, however gross it seems... I wanna the "Downfall" to be just as original... But it's hard when I'm doing it all alone:( And yet, I'm refusing to get help from other people 'cos I know better what I want to achieve hehe

[sharksweetheart]

I used to wonder why nobody ever needed to go in video games, because having to take a leak, or worse - a dump, in a zombie filled forest or something would pretty much be the scariest thing ever.

Also, where can I obtain said game? 

[Darth Mandarb]

Also, where can I obtain said game? 

Please answer this question in a PM and keep this thread about this game.  Thanks.

[Bai Karl]

Unique graphics style ! Can't wait to see it.

[Grim]

Thanks for all the positive comments:)
I don't want to reveal too much but I thought I might post few more screenshots and backgrounds.
This is floor 4 corridor:


Staircase between floors:


Twilight Lounge:


And one of the animations done recently showing an npc killed with a shotgun:

[Buckethead]

Wicked! 

[auriond]

This is looking incredibly awesome! 

[hedgefield]

Really goodlooking game, can't wait to check it out!

[Dualnames]

The background art is quite awesomec and the character art fits in there. Reminds me a bit of White Chamber which is good. Good job. Carry on with it.

[Grim]

Thanks. I'm currently experiencing some technical difficulties due to not being a good programist- that soddin' scripting is killing me!...But I should solve it soon and hopefully finish game at the end of this year.

[Dualnames]

If you need help in scripting I'd love to help.

[Grim]

Just solved the huge problem with main character being chased and killed by one of the npc's and now I can move on! Thanks to all at beginners technical questions forum!

[Afflict]

The animation looks like it will animate nicely. Well Done.

Bonus points for all the gore!

[Bastos]

The Backgrounds really fit a horror game....

Good luck on finishing this....

[Grim]

It's not far from completion now...
Thanks for all the positive comments...and negative ones as well but I think everyone's been so polite so far that I haven't noticed any:)
Anyway- it should be finished in first quarter of 2008. Now my brother joined me on this project to produce some music for the game. If anybody remembers Elvira games this is the kind of stuff but in much more modern version and better instruments. I'm also planning to add some guitar tracks of my own production.

Trying not to reveal too much...but here's another screenshot.

[Barbarian]

Great looking job so far. I like your art style.
I'm working on a horror-style adventure game myself these last couple of years, but my graphics are mainly "ripped" from other sources. For a future project I plan to do more like you've done, and just hand-drawn my own art.

Anyways, I know it's hard work to get the setting and "feel" right to get a good horror-adventure game, though I think you're on the right track from what I've seen so far.   Best of luck with it, I look forwards to playing it when it's done.

[Galen]

Astounding work Grim. Keeping the outdoors in "Film Noir" grayscale really seems to accentuate the insanity contained within the building.

[Dualnames]

Grim, I hope your game makes me feel uncomfortable and scared...

[SuperDre]

Looking at the screenshots, I must admit that it looks very good and 'original' (the art)..
Keep up the great work.. the only thing to be a bit 'negative' about is the characters look a bit stuck on, but that's because of the difference in art.. maybe you could try to get the characters a bit more like the background..
But even with the difference, I hope to play this beauty soon.. good luck..

[Grim]

I sacrificed 3 years of my life for this game... Sometimes I spend few hours to make ane sequence of animation and I'm very proud of it. This is my best shot. I hope it'll work. My aim is to show things that other games would just hide... There is a scene in which character cuts an NPC with a chainsaw..and I want it to be seen in all its gory details. My goal is to make this game an ultimate horror experience. Only the graphics are a bit retro, but that's the whole point- in the age of 3d shooters to make game with more depth and story then blockbuster titles...

As to character not fitting the backgrounds... Just wait for the final version. I can't make pencil-drawn chars- this is just too complicated. Instead I want to make sure that sprites animate well and are believable. I doesn't look that bad..or maybe I just don't see it anymore? Anyway, 2 more months and Downfall should be finished and I promise this will be game like nothing before:) I might be a bit full of myself, fair enough, but I really think it's gonna be a decent piece of a game.
Time will tell.
Happy new year everyone!:)

[Rd27]

My goal is to make this game an ultimate horror experience. Only the graphics are a bit retro, but that's the whole point- in the age of 3d shooters to make game with more depth and story then blockbuster titles...

I really hope that you succeed in this, because horror just simply ROCK's  !

I really like the graphics-style and all. I hope that the music/sounds will be good too, because they are important thing in horror, in my opinion atleast.

I will definetly give this a try when you release it!

[MYKAYEL]

how much longer will you torment us?
I don't think I'm the only one who is DYING to play this game. All you're hard work seems to pay off. I might be getting ahead of myself, by I think you're game is going to be cooler that the X Days A X series.

[Grim]

Thanks Rd27 and MYKAYEL!:)I'm doing my best here:)
I think I will set release date on st Valentine's Day as the game is about death and a lot about love too:)

[MYKAYEL]

and a lot about love too:)

Oh boy, this is getting better and better.  Keep up the good work and make sure you give it a nice ending. (lots of games screw up at the ending) Well good luck working on your game. As I said before, I am Dying to play it. Also the graphics are just plain amazing, it's perfect for the atmosphere. Rd27 is right about the music and sound, so good luck with that, I know it can be quite difficult. If you need a beta tester, then please PM me, cause I sure as hell would just love to test your game. ^^

[Buckethead]

I can't wait for this game to be finally out! Good luck with finishing! Now I have another reason to look forward to valentine's days 

[CosmoQueen]

Yikes! It looks really bloody!

[yarooze]

As I allready said - I'm waiting for this game! Keep working! 

[Grim]

New screen:



I won't show more screens 'till game's finished. That should be soon. Enjoy!

[Snake]

God bless it!

I can't wait for this game, Grim, it sounds and looks like it'll be an instant hit
I love your artwork.

Can you give an estimate for when it'll be released?


--Snake

[SuperDre]

looks really cool.. gives me a flashback to 'the white chamber', which was also an awesome adventure..

[Galen]

Soundwise is this gonna have creepy music or creepy ambient hums (if you understand my meaning)?

[Grim]

I thought the release date would be 14th January- Valentine's Day, but it seems a bit unrealistic now... So it might be a bit after the deadline.

As to music and sounds, like I've already said, my brother is providing me with music. 8 tracks is already made, 2 more in production. It suits the atmosphere quite well.

[Minimi]

lucky for you, Valentines day is 14 february, not january

[DazJ]

Very impressive. I'm looking forward to playing this myself.

Music and sound FX make or break a horror game. I find that if you're ever in doubt about what creepy ambience noise to use, just throw in a couple of kids whispering or singing with a reverb effect - works every time

[Rd27]

This game looks better and better after every new screenshot  !!!

I'm really looking forward to this!

[Grim]

Didn't manage to meet the Valentine's Day deadline.... I'm really sorry... but the games is not far from being completed, so be afraid:)

[SuperDre]

don't worry, just make sure the game is really completed when you release it, and be smart, if anyone asks what the deadline is, just answer the following: "It's done when it's done."
good luck

[hieronymous]

looking good. some very interesting, unusual and quirky graphics here

[Stupot]

I'm shitting myself just looking at the screenshots.
Good luck with the release, Grim.  I can't wait.

[Grim]

Demo for the game is available now!

Link for all interested is in the first post of this thread.

Enjoy!

[Peder 🚀]

Why oh why?

Why did you choose rapidshare?
I have to wait like 17 minutes (and I havent even downloaded anything from there.)

Either way, I will post my comment about the demo here:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nasty looking game! (Thats positive in this situation! )
Anyway good demo!

Only thing is the interface was a tiny bit confusing. As the character wouldent walk it seemed like unless the pointer was over a walkable area when pressing.

GFX is looking good!
And I am definatly gonna play the game when it comes !

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

And I will also gladly host the file when i've downloaded it!

[Grim]

17 minutes?....

Sorry, I had no idea it's so slow....

I'll be really happy if you can host it. Cheers for that!:) And enjoy the demo in (now)16 minutes!

[Peder 🚀]

downloading files aint to bad if I remember right, its just the waiting before you even CAN download it

I finally got to download it and here is my mirror:

File hosted by Sons of Gaia for Grim Reaper

[Grim]

Thanks Peder, I placed your link in first post as well.

[Angel Dust]

Played it and it's pretty good but there is not enough dammit! .
Only problems would be the character walking and talking animations are a bit off, the other animations are very good though, and the intro dragged as far as pacing went (maybe create a few more animations to accompany John's story?). Of course the walking and talking animations don't really matter too much but if you are looking for anything to improve on that might be something to look into.

One weird bug I noticed; when I went to go to the corridor, and the character started walking into the screen, his head appeared to be on backwards!

Anyway I'm really looking forward too this now so hurry up and finish it already!

[miguel]

I second what Angel Dust wrote and also think it's pretty good.
I gather John is just as troubled & twisted as the woman that he kills, well that was the opinion I got from it.
You have a great start here, I hope you release it soon.
I loved the music.

[Rd27]

Played it and liked it pretty much.

I especially like the graphics style in this game, but I feel, that the player character is not in the same level as other graphics. And his walking animation could be better...

But the overall atmosphere is something I really like in this one and that's why i'm still wanting to play the full release as soon as possible!

[Grim]

Thanks for all the feedback:)

I admit the main character needs some work. It's the first sprite I made for the game and as the work progressed I learned new tricks and made other animations better... I just need to go back to the drawing board and redo him a bit. It is really important since his walking and talking animations are the ones you see most often in the game... So yeah, point taken, I put that on the "to do" list.

Did someone say that Sophie's story dragged on too long?... Dammit... I was afraid of that...

Anyway, I'm currently speaking to the publisher in USA hoping that they will, well, publish my game. It's quite a massive game really. Not perfect maybe, but it's just full of stuff... I'm just hoping it's good enough to go commercial.

As to release date, I'm literally working my ass off to finish it. It's a lot of work for one person... Enjoyable, sure, but takes so much time! I even take my laptop to my day job and spend hours and hours putting it all together.

If anyone would like to add something else I'll be grateful for more feedback.

[Angel Dust]

Did someone say that Sophie's story dragged on too long?... Dammit... I was afraid of that...

Yeah that was me  To be more specific it wasn't so much the story but the way it was told that dragged. The accompanying animations are good but there needed to be more. Quite often nothing was really happening except the protagonist talking and looping through that 2-3 frame talking animation. You could maybe experiment with the angles a bit. Like instead of always having the protagonist from the same view maybe swap to a close up or another angle at a different points in the story.

[Grim]

Angel, that's actually a very good idea. The thing is I only made this demo for fun and it isn't even included in the game, although I'm thinking about chucking it in somewhere. Still, you don't really expect from a point & click adventure game to have its focus put on pace of the action but rather telling a story from interesting angles(not necessarily camera angles:)

It's a funny thing with Joe's talking animation. It included few more frames in the start (articulation and stuff) but I cut it down to only his head moving because it looked weird... Every time you examined something he started waving his hands like crazy and I decided to tone it down. Any suggestions on how to make it more realistic without making it look comical?

As to his face being visible when turned backward this is a bug I only recently noticed and it's caused by my screen settings being to dark- I just didn't see it until I played it on the laptop. This is something I will fix straightaway.

At this stage I cannot completely change the main character because of all the other animations but I will definetely work on his walking and talking, maybe crank up his standing view a bit.

I just checked the sprite count and there's over 1220 sprites in the game! Yikes:)

[Angel Dust]

Any suggestions on how to make it more realistic without making it look comical?

What I do is make a fairly long talking loop. Most of it is just the same frames but I vary the times between head bobs so it isn't so regular and other subtle differences like mouth shape and possible a little gesture. The arms dont have to wave around, quite often when people talk they can just have the hands out in front on them (hard to describe, but Brink from 'The Dig' does it a bit) for emphasis. So maybe stick that in the middle of a long talking loop for some variation.

[Grim]

Downfall is finished, as from today.
Now it is being evaluated by a potential publisher and if they like it I will go commercial! Well, yes.... if they like it. Those of you who don't condemn me for wanting to earn some money on my game please wish me good luck!:)

Two last screenshots(this time they really are last:))

And big thank you to all of you who helped me along the way on technical stuff!

[SuperDre]

good luck...