Open Eyes

[Crimson Wizard]

This project was started as a desperate attempt to find a drawing style which will make my artistic flaws look like a feature of game's style At first I hoped it could participate in MAGS January "Early Classic Horror", but I realized really quick that backgrounds are taking too much time to even try. After a pause I am working on this again with most serious intentions.



Open Eyes

Length: Short game
Genre: Mystic horror
Parameters: 640x480, 32 or 16-bit colour*, grayscale**

* not sure yet
** except interface

STORY

Behold Briham, the fantasy manifestation of the XIX century city with a dark ancient history behind fashionable facade...
Women are being murdered in the districts along the Channel, a black fetid stream, running down from the industrial centre. Each time a body is found in the water or on the stream bank. Each time under or near the bridge.
Police is completely stuck, and Inspector Wittstamp asks his old friend private detective William Orthon to join him in the investigation.
Meanwhile, a young lady visits Detective and begs him to find her missing brother.
Orthon cannot suppose that these two cases will lead him to something far more sinister, than a serial killer, something he can't even imagine.

Screenshots:







The game is supposed to look a bit like a comix, with only static images. Animation (especially animating characters) is my weak spot, and that was first reason why I am using such gameplay style. There won't be any speech bubbles though, a common AGS-like speech.
Also it is possible that "Open Eyes" will be more of an interactive story than a game with lots of puzzles. I should underline that this is rather an experiment, which I make to practice my newly invented art style

Regarding progress, I have a full story already, but it is difficult to say how fast I'll accomplish this. Backgrounds are big deal, at the moment I draw them quite slow, but I really hope speed will increase as I get fuly used to this style.
If I'll achieve that, I suppose game could be released somewhere in late spring/early summer.

There's possibly not so well-known AGS forums member, Bosa, who agreed to help me with music; hopefully he will write some eventually, he's got a very nice skill.

[Dualnames]

Looks really nice and atmospheric there CW!!

[DrWhite]

Hey, this one looks quite nice. Especially the second screen makes me want to play it.
But why do you use 32bit, if you´re using grayscale? Is there any advantage?

[Crimson Wizard]

But why do you use 32bit, if you´re using grayscale? Is there any advantage?

This is a temporary choice, I'll consider downgrading to 16-bit later, when most game backgrounds are ready. I am not sure I can use 8-bit, because there are many hues of gray used per background actually. Maybe I am wrong... well, will check that later anyway.

[Pixelton]

Nice

I love the style, reminds me of something like Victorian Britain and Jack the Ripper. Keep it up man!

Marcus

[arj0n]

Very nice Crimson, looking forward to this one 

[Frodo]

Looks lovely   

Kinda reminds me of the horror game Speculum Mortis.   

Looking forward to this. 

[tzachs]

I totally dig this style 
Keeping my eyes open for this one...

[Gravity]

If that's considered having artistic flaws then I wish I had such flaws. Loving the style and keeping a eye out for this game.

[Crimson Wizard]

If that's considered having artistic flaws then I wish I had such flaws.

Now when I think about that I start to believe my problem rather lied in sphere of psychology; I just couldn't make myself draw something without having fear of image appear non-realistic, non-mathematically perfect, etc. Then one day I decided that I had enough of that shit, and that I should simply draw, paying less attention to how straight lines are and how correct shadows are layed. That was how I came to this style  

[Questionable]

If that's considered having artistic flaws then I wish I had such flaws.

Now when I think about that I start to believe my problem rather lied in sphere of psychology; I just couldn't make myself draw something without having fear of image appear non-realistic, non-mathematically perfect, etc. Then one day I decided that I had enough of that shit, and that I should simply draw, paying less attention to how straight lines are and how correct shadows are layed. That was how I came to this style  

In other words, you stopped being a pussy and just went for it... This is a lesson I have taken to heart and applied in quite a few avenues of life. Ever heard the saying: "Life favors the bold." It's true, and I'm glad you decided to be bold and just start drawing because this is looking awesome so far! Being bold is important but so is being humble, don't be afraid to reach out for help or even just support! Keep up the awesome work!

[Danman]

You finally working on the January game.  Good luck Crimson.

[Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens]

I think your style is quite nice and easy on the eyes.  I look forward to seeing the complete game!