Adventure Game Studio

AGS Games => AGS Games in Production => Topic started by: LRH on Mon 06/04/2009 20:59:33

Title: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: LRH on Mon 06/04/2009 20:59:33
Hello all! As you may or may not know, it certainly has been a while since I've done anything with AGS or even been around on the forums. Well, I've started work on a new little project, called Eric Connors, P.I.

Many may consider my first game...well...a total train wreck, and with some fair reason. It's barely functional and serves only two purposes, to get my feet wet with AGS and to waste 10 minutes (probably less) of your time.

However, I feel I've got a very firm grip on the AGS engine now, and I'm well on  my way to creating (what I hope will be) a game well worth a play. The only thing I'm still not very good at is my graphical style (albeit MUCH...MUCH...MUCH ...MUUUCHHHH better than my last game in AGS, I just can't compete with some of you guyses with your amazing pixel artistic glory, and hopefully, you can look past this.) This game uses the "Enhanced" Text parser with all sorts of interactions available in every room.

Onto the story and screenies!

Eric is a fidgety young man who can't help but to get his nose into other people's business. At the game's start, you discover Eric has been stripped of his B.M.O.C status when he failed to correctly identify the assailant of his last case. He refuses to lose confidence though, and begins to weasel his way into a case that is not his, a very difficult case, to try to reclaim his top-dog status. However, things take a significant turn for the worse when Eric comes to find that this case seems downright impossible!
What can he make of a murderer who disappears instantly after he strikes? It seems the murderer commits the perfect crime each and every time. As Eric is sucked down further and further into this case, he comes to realize that this particular case is far bigger and more grim than he could have ever imagined.

Genre: A sort of paranormal-thriller-horror deal

(http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/8904/example1w.jpg)

(http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/389/example2u.jpg)

I'll be sure to post updates and such when I get to some of the more ...erm..."horror-ey" parts!
Let me know what you think! (And please don't bash my artistic ability, I know it's awful :P)
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: LRH on Thu 09/04/2009 21:05:54
I need some help!
I want to make this game with half its current resolution, and, well, better graphics in general. If anyone can help me with the graphics (making new ones, mostly)
I would very much appreciate the help, and you will of course have your name in both opening and closing credits as well as on the game's page. I look forward to teamwork when it comes to making games.
I'll email/send over AIM the images that the artist is to re-draw.
There are quite a few rooms needed (most likely 20+)
As well as a few different characters.
If  anyone is interested, please reply here, pm me, email me, or talk to me on AIM (Domithan)
Thanks for looking!
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: Dualnames on Thu 09/04/2009 21:23:13
Quote from: Domithan on Thu 09/04/2009 21:05:54
I need some help!
I want to make this game with half its current resolution, and, well, better graphics in general. If anyone can help me with the graphics (making new ones, mostly)
I would very much appreciate the help, and you will of course have your name in both opening and closing credits as well as on the game's page. I look forward to teamwork when it comes to making games.
I'll email/send over AIM the images that the artist is to re-draw.
There are quite a few rooms needed (most likely 20+)
As well as a few different characters.
If  anyone is interested, please reply here, pm me, email me, or talk to me on AIM (Domithan)
Thanks for looking!

I'd love to help, but it's that I'm really really busy this period. I just want you to say, that I'm sure you'll get someone. And I'm declaring some interest on your WIP
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: LRH on Thu 09/04/2009 23:46:30
Hey, thanks a lot! Even If I don't get help, I'll continue with the graphics as they are. I'll get it done one way or another.
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: Domino on Fri 10/04/2009 00:27:39
Glad to see that you are so passionate about this game. Good Luck.

Also, Happy Birthday.

Domino
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: LRH on Fri 10/04/2009 01:42:38
Quote from: Domino on Fri 10/04/2009 00:27:39
Glad to see that you are so passionate about this game. Good Luck.

Also, Happy Birthday.

Domino

Thank you and thank you :)
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: Paoul on Thu 23/04/2009 20:35:12
I always love a good thriller :)
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: LRH on Fri 24/04/2009 03:22:03
UPDATE!!

Here's an office scene. It's very dark, something is obviously going to be amiss...

(http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/2513/example5.jpg)

EDIT: Alright, sorry. I didn't realize until I posted this that it wasn't raining outside in that last screenshot, and it should be. I'll have that done.

And bigger update, my girlfriend (who is much more of an artist than I) is doing the interlude scenes!
Here is Eric, thinking about his current case, which is getting stranger all the time. He's starting to wonder just what he has gotten into...

(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4980/example4e.jpg)

Another Update...
Graphics : 90%
Story:       100%
Scripting:  40%
Music:       50%
Sounds     90%


And finally, a question: I'm using RPGmaker's character maker (it can be found here: http://charas-project.net/charas2/index.php)
Since this is used to make freeware RPGmaker games, it is okay for me to use it for freeware as well, correct?
And yes, shame on me for using it :P
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: LRH on Sat 25/04/2009 02:35:50
Sorry to Update again so quickly, but I'm getting things faster than I expected. Here's another little interlude scene (I won't give away any story, so there.)
(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6623/fallingx.jpg)
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: LRH on Mon 27/04/2009 05:31:13
Another Interlude. Self explanatory  :-X

(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9703/evillady.jpg)
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: poc301 on Mon 27/04/2009 09:32:47
I can definitely say that I can literally see your artistic ability improving over time as you post screenshot after screenshot.  Keep it up :)

-Bill
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: Dualnames on Mon 27/04/2009 11:13:47
This is getting better and better. If the music fits well, you might score quite an atmosphere there.
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: Peter Bear on Mon 27/04/2009 11:51:47
you girl is drawing with mspaint ? incredible

provide her with "the gimp" or photoshop your game will hit the top.

Regards

Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: LRH on Mon 27/04/2009 16:35:52
Quote from: poc301 on Mon 27/04/2009 09:32:47
I can definitely say that I can literally see your artistic ability improving over time as you post screenshot after screenshot.  Keep it up :)

-Bill


Thanks a lot, but you see, I'm not the artist for a lot of those shots, my grilfriend is making the cutscene and interlude images. I wonder if she would be willing to make walking animations... o.o
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: poc301 on Mon 27/04/2009 16:51:29
Whoa, is the lady with the knife holding a handfull of poop in her left hand?!

-Bill
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: LRH on Mon 27/04/2009 17:12:03
Quote from: poc301 on Mon 27/04/2009 16:51:29
Whoa, is the lady with the knife holding a handfull of poop in her left hand?!

-Bill

lol...it's a rope  :P
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: LRH on Tue 28/04/2009 05:39:34
Eric got a makeover! I think he looks much better now...

(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/4674/example6h.jpg)
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: Peter Bear on Tue 28/04/2009 06:47:29
Quote from: Domithan on Tue 28/04/2009 05:39:34
Eric got a makeover! I think he looks much better now...


Agreed.

In first place he looked like a resized sprite from rpgmaker2000 ...
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: poc301 on Tue 28/04/2009 09:46:12
Yes, it is better.  My only concern is that with that shadowing, it looks like he peed in his pants.  Might want to change it up a little bit.  Just adding my two cents :)  I know this isn't the C&C forum, but my first thought when I saw it was that he peed himself.  The second was that it is much better than the other sprite from before.  Good stuff.

-Bill
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: LRH on Tue 28/04/2009 14:53:01
Quote from: poc301 on Tue 28/04/2009 09:46:12
Yes, it is better.  My only concern is that with that shadowing, it looks like he peed in his pants.  Might want to change it up a little bit.  Just adding my two cents :)  I know this isn't the C&C forum, but my first thought when I saw it was that he peed himself.  The second was that it is much better than the other sprite from before.  Good stuff.

-Bill


Oh, yeah well even if C&C doesn't go down here, that helped, and it's a quick fix. But as far as being better than the old one, thanks!
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: poc301 on Tue 28/04/2009 15:25:03
One other thing I thought of, which someone suggested to me on my backgrounds a week or 2 ago..  On the pages on the wall and on the doors, it looks like a child scribbled on it with a pencil.  Instead of doing this, use a really small font and actually type something on there.  Even if you can't read it, it will look structured and much better than the current zigzags and lines.

But overall, it is looking much better..  Again, sorry for the comments, I know this isn't the C&C forum, but it was bothering me since its such a quick fix, and it made my background look much better once finished.

-Bill
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator
Post by: Dualnames on Tue 28/04/2009 20:32:21
Quote from: Pierre Hopquin on Mon 27/04/2009 11:51:47
you girl is drawing with mspaint ? incredible

provide her with "the gimp" or photoshop your game will hit the top.

Regards



I don't suppose you'd believe what bgs I've made using mspaint..it's not the tools. It's the painter. Anyway on topic, the game looks and was anyway, as good as I could hope. Score atmosphere.
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: LRH on Tue 12/05/2009 23:35:48
Hi all! Sorry for no updates in a few weeks. I've had finals all this week so far, and I'm finally done after tomorrow.  Studying has been hellish. Since I'll be able to get back into things, here's another quick pic.

(http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9239/groundw.jpg)

Again, I'm not going to reveal plot. Just make of it what you will.
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: Igor Hardy on Wed 13/05/2009 17:04:42
What are these white things lying around the body? Broken bones? A torn note?
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: LRH on Thu 14/05/2009 01:48:45
Quote from: Ascovel on Wed 13/05/2009 17:04:42
What are these white things lying around the body? Broken bones? A torn note?

Well I said I wouldn't reveal anything, but this question is fair enough. It's broken glass.
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: Igor Hardy on Thu 14/05/2009 14:40:48
Thanks, I should have guessed.
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: LRH on Thu 11/06/2009 03:38:30
wah!
Sorry for such a horrible lack of updates!
Here's a pic from ingame for ya'll
(http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/3129/fenceexample.jpg)
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: Dualnames on Thu 11/06/2009 10:33:34
Hahaha, that's a hilarious one!! Unless not intended as so.
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: LRH on Fri 12/06/2009 04:03:37
Quote from: Dualnames on Thu 11/06/2009 10:33:34
Hahaha, that's a hilarious one!! Unless not intended as so.
Not intended...I'm not sure I get why it's funny :P
Can you explain? I'm not at all offended, just very curious.
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: Dualnames on Fri 12/06/2009 10:34:31
Quote from: Domithan on Fri 12/06/2009 04:03:37
Quote from: Dualnames on Thu 11/06/2009 10:33:34
Hahaha, that's a hilarious one!! Unless not intended as so.
Not intended...I'm not sure I get why it's funny :P
Can you explain? I'm not at all offended, just very curious.

It's like well, it reminds me of people that beg for a credit in one's game, and well, probably it's just me.
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: LRH on Sun 14/06/2009 08:10:17
Quote from: Dualnames on Fri 12/06/2009 10:34:31
Quote from: Domithan on Fri 12/06/2009 04:03:37
Quote from: Dualnames on Thu 11/06/2009 10:33:34
Hahaha, that's a hilarious one!! Unless not intended as so.
Not intended...I'm not sure I get why it's funny :P
Can you explain? I'm not at all offended, just very curious.

It's like well, it reminds me of people that beg for a credit in one's game, and well, probably it's just me.

Hah!
I see where you're coming from, and in that respect, yes, I suppose it is funny.
I'd also like to thank you for something, Dualnames.
This project is turning out WAY darker than I had originally intended. Sure I love playing through dark games and watch dark movies (ONCE IN A WHILE, I scare easily, I'm a wuss :P) but I just don't think I'm the one to be making them. And so, with that, I'm going to introduce a LOT more comic relief into the dialogue. Thanks for provoking the realization :P
Title: Re: Eric Connors, Private Investigator *New Sprites!*
Post by: Laukku on Tue 16/06/2009 09:49:22
Quote from: Domithan on Mon 06/04/2009 20:59:33
This game uses the "Enhanced" Text parser with all sorts of interactions available in every room.

Someone's using my template!  :D I can't wait to see it in action. I'll definitely play this.