Arizona, 1869. An ancient Indian legend, a mysterious secret society, and a down-on-his-luck cowboy with a knack for finding trouble are about to cross paths in Rise of the Hidden Sun, a new point 'n' click comedy adventure game in development by Chapter 11 Studios.
With nothing to his name but his wits, his six-shooter, and a tattered old treasure map, 'Rattlesnake' Jake Dawson needs you to help him win the greatest treasure hunt the Wild West has ever seen -- because the very fate of Western Civilization is at stake, and Jake isn't the only one on the hunt...
Who is the deadly outlaw Mary Jane Clayton, and why has she devoted her life to finding a legendary lost city of gold? What is the mythical Hidden Sun, and why will a murderous secret brotherhood stop at nothing to get it? And perhaps most importantly of all, is Jake willing to sacrifice everything to stop them from succeeding?
When completed, Rise of the Hidden Sun will feature:
- A simple Sierra-style point 'n' click interface
- More than 100 beautifully illustrated game screens
- A full musical score and sound effects
- Thrills! Chills! Spills! Laughs?
- An engaging story told in four downloadable episodes
Screenshots
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/crossroads_objects_website1.png)
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/bridge_long_website1.png)
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/goldenbird_cave_website1.png)
Sample Character Sprite
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/jake_stand_s_rattlesnakejake_website.png) (http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/jake_stand_n_rattlesnakejake_website.png) (http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/jake_stand_e_rattlesnakejake_website.png) (http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/jake_stand_w_rattlesnakejake_website.png)
Progress
The story of Rise of the Hidden Sun will be told over the course of four episodes. The first three will feature cliffhanger endings that flow into the grand finale of episode four. Work on episode one is nearly complete:
Story: 100%
Puzzles: 100%
Dialogue: 100%
Game Screens: 50%
Music: 100%
Sound Effects: 20%
Animation: 25%
Scripting: 10%
Status Update: February 28, 2009
You didn't think we'd abandonned this project, did you? Here's where we're at:
1) To take advantage of the 1024x768 screen resolution now available in the newest version of AGS, we're in the midst of repainting and re-sizing many of the original screens done several years ago. This is going very quickly, and has been outsourced to a wonderful and enthusiastic artist in Poland.
2) The re-painting is happening simultaneously with the work by our new animation lead, Wyatt Miles of Flash Potatoes, LLC. Many of you will have seen his work on Dave Gilbert's Emerald City Confidential. Wyatt and his team are nearly done with the first 90 second cutscene, an animated movie that opens the game. Expected completion date for that is April, and when it's done I'll post it here as a bit of a teaser trailer.
3) Wyatt is also working on the in-game sprites. These are coming along well, and you can see the Jake sprite above.
In summary: Work continues, it's going really well, but no, I'm not yet ready to announce a release date. Sorry!
Nice to see you back on track!
Oh, and I think I recognise that bottom right background there :) I was under the impression that it was rejected? Or will you keep it until you get a better one? Glad to see you still use it, anyhow :)
That's great news! Can't wait to play the first episode!
I've never seen this game before, but I'm glad you've decided to keep making it. It looks professional!
Don't you dare deprive us of this gem again! :D
Heavens, and I thought you'd let that project die! I'm tracking that jewel since I read your essays over at AdventureGamers, and was already preparing for the worst: That this game would never see the light.
Apparently I worried unduly. Thank you for that!
My god you can draw like God himself(This is an expression). Awesome background and character art. The style reminds me of DIG. Which is a very good thing. My god I'm like stunned here. Good job.
Looks great. I think the new, less cutesy style of characters will fit the story much better, and the villain looks very villainous indeed. I just hope that the huge amount of screens won't mean another Al Emmo experience (wandering about tons of screens of beautiful desert areas with little purpose other than finding the right cactus).
QuoteI just hope that the huge amount of screens won't mean another Al Emmo experience (wandering about tons of screens of beautiful desert areas with little purpose other than finding the right cactus).
Actually, the episodic nature of the story helps keep the puzzles on track, in my opinion. While there are about 100 total screens, for example, episode one gives you access to only about 25. I'm not a fan of the "hunt for a random item" style of puzzle, either. I have some inventory based challenges, but even those are more logic-based than I've seen in a lot of games.
I think there's quite a lot to like about Al Emmo, but it's a totally different animal. There's really no similarity at all between the two games other than they're both set in the west.
I like Rattlesnake Jake's chances in a gunfight. ;)
Thanks for the explanation. The gameplay sounds very nice. I had actually forgotten that the game was episodic, and knowing that 100 screens seem a bit less intimidating :)
It's great to see this one back in production! Seeing as AG have started a new Adventure Architect, are you still going to write for them?
I'm delighted to hear this is still a going concern. The screenshots look better than ever!
*Ali fires pistols in the air*
Wow, this looks amazing. Is it going to be free or commercial? Just wondering.....
I remember reading about this some time ago and saying to myself: "What a waste..."
But now it's back!
I like the idea of it, and the Indiana Jones air of it, this looks like a game I'll have hours of fun playing, can't wait.
I'd also like to applaud the artists working on this project, the game looks amazing.
And walrus, it's going to be freeware. At least that's what the team says for now ;).
YAY!!
Finally you are back!
I been looking forward to this game ever since you first announced it!
I noticed the neat poster on the website with a train on it.
Will there be any trains in the game? :).
Also, I'd like to ask, seeing as how this is set in the west and the hero is quite manly, will there be any gunplay?
QuoteAlso, I'd like to ask, seeing as how this is set in the west and the hero is quite manly, will there be any gunplay?
Hmmmm, how to answer this without giving anything away? Yes, Jake will be able to use his gun to solve puzzles, but there will not be any action/arcade type sequences.
QuoteI noticed the neat poster on the website with a train on it. Will there be any trains in the game?
Yes! Episode three is entitled "The Great Train Robbery" and does, indeed, involve an extended sequence on a train.
QuoteIs it going to be free or commercial?
Free! Why? Read our FAQ: http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/faq.htm
QuoteSeeing as AG have started a new Adventure Architect, are you still going to write for them?
I've talked with the folks over at Adventure Gamers about doing one final installment of my old Adventure Architect series just to bridge the gap between my last entry and today. Sort of a "how to avoid the pitfalls that made me stumble" kind of thing (or, if only I'd known then what I know now...). Look for that later this summer. In the meantime, I'm really enjoying what Deirdra is doing with her take on Adventure Architect.
Awesome :D
Who dont love trains!
Wow the screens look so *sniff* beautiful :o
This is so amazing! I can't wait to get my grubby paws on it ;D
I usually avoid commenting on games in here ... but I just wanted to say this looks/sounds bloody fantabulous!
Totally professional.
I remember some time ago doing a paint-over for Jake ... but he looks much better now than he did then. Though I did love the paint-over I did :)
Keep up the great work!
Weirdly enough I was laying in bed last night, thinking about stuff, and I wondered what ever happened to this game. Crazy.
Good to see, good to see.
Good luck with this. I'm glad you took my advice on redrawing the characters rather than using concept art!
What is the status of this game now ???
Quote from: ankushm999 on Wed 30/05/2007 20:59:29
What is the status of this game now ???
I believe the phrase "full steam ahead" applies! We're making massive progress daily now. It's a VERY exciting time. ;D
I'm sorry to make this post but:
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!
Well I'll add something else:
I'm glad you guys are back in the saddle ;D
It was kind of weird and scary (???) but I used to check the web once a week because I always had hope.
Is the team still lacking much people?, the "help wanted" part of the web made me think that.
The best of lucks
QuoteIs the team still lacking much people? The "help wanted" part of the web made me think that.
Well, I'm always looking for more help! But currently we have some truly topnotch animators going full-speed on episode one, and everything else is kind of taking care of itself now, too. Things are looking very good. Worry not!
*snip - removing outdated artwork*
Nice clean look, and nice to see progress updates :). Although this isn't the CL, I'd suggest moving the front brim of the hat up a couple of pixels, it looks like the brim is swallowing her head right now, and a pain to see through. If this one is compared to the sprites in the first post, I much prefer this one. Judging by the smoothness of the backgrounds this will fit in better.
Does this mean Jake's sprite wont look like the one on the screenshots?
And the animations progress for him are back at zero? ???
By the way that sprite looks awesome, but you already knew that ;D
QuoteDoes this mean Jake's sprite wont look like the one on the screenshots?
He will not look the like character in the current screenshots. He
will look a lot more like the original design, only with a few tweaks that I feel are important to help establish the kind of character he is.
QuoteAnd the animations progress for him are back at zero?
Jake's eight-direction walk cycle is basically done, and now we're working on some of the basic in-game animations like picking up an object, shooting his gun, etc. I'm saving the unveiling of the final version of his sprite for the next Adventure Architect column over at Adventure Gamers, though. ;D
So the Adventure Architect is back too? ;D Great.
I have to say the old sprite of Jake was a lot better for me, so I like the fact you made him again, if I'm not mistaken I think the changes you're going to do to his sprite are to make him look more agressive and sarcastic, cause he looks like an extremely nice guy in the poster, and like a badass in the new cartoony style, anyway, back to waiting. ;D
*snip - removing outdated artwork*
Damn, that looks pretty AWESOME!
You have really made those 2 backgrounds into one brilliant background.
Also that cactus is sweet :P.
Bullet holes maybe?
wow, looks amazing! i just read your adventure architect, and must say you seem to know what you are doing! add to that this amazing artwork, and this is one game i really can't wait to play. ;D inspiring stuff.
The revamped version looks almost too good to be true. For this level of quality, I'd happily wait another, well... well I'd just patiently wait until it's done. Amazing stuff, really.
Also, as a long time lurker of the AA articles, it's nice to see the "second biggest signpost" ( ;) ) again.
QuoteAlso, as a long time lurker of the AA articles, it's nice to see the "second biggest signpost" again.
I had no idea so many people actually read the AA series! That's really awesome. :o
For those who don't know what Ghost is referring to, here's a shot of the same scene at an earlier point in production. I can't believe how much Jake has changed. Also, at least I've learned my lesson about a) properly sizing objects to characters, and b) not using those hideous dark outlines on character sprites...
(http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/signpost_old.jpg)
I love the Sierra-type games! Those screen shots look like something from out of a Disney movie. Absolutely perfect in every way ;D I'm so anxious to play this game!
Here's the new Rattlesnake Jake theme music, which will accompany the intro/options screen when the game loads. I was looking for "Indiana Jones, but funnier and more cowboy-ish."
I think the composer, Jesse Hopkins (http://www.composerarts.com), nailed it!
http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/rattlesnake_jake_theme.mp3 (5 MB download)
Very nice theme! He, indeed nailed it! Tell him well done from me :D
and while I'm at it, this game looks amazing! I just hope that you will finish it someday so we can get to play it!
Out of curiousity, will this game have voice acting?
I would love to try out for one of the characters!
That song is amazing!, very professional. I think the song should be use in the middle of the game too, right after jake does something "heroic", or in some action scene.
Simply amazing. A mix between Back to the Future and Indiana Jones.
Ooooh! This is amazing! Every thing is amazing! The music is excellent , the backgrounds superb, the sprites (I really do like the cartoonish, but the other style will probably look good too) makes me speechless!
Hope it contains a lot of great animations!
Keep up the steam! This is something I just can't wait to play!
QuoteOut of curiousity, will this game have voice acting?
I'd like to include voices, maybe as an add-on after the initial release. The issue is that I want to make sure I do it right. Bad voice acting can kill a game, and it's hard to find an entire cast of good voice actors.
Get Steven Jay Blum to play Rattlesnake Jake Dawson and Tim curry to play the bad guy, and I'll be happy. Well, those voices are good bases I think for you to set your standards on if anything.
Hey there, Josh - I'm happy to see the project's still swingin'. Just thought I'd throw another 'ahoy' in your direction, since I haven't heard back from you in ages about the animation stuff. Send me a PM if you're still interested.
I was worried this was shelved... sjoe! :D Glad to see it's back on track :D
The grafics look very good, i cant wait to try it!!!!
Also just checked out the website, and must say it really looks amazing, it really has the style of the kind of adventures I like.. So keep up the good work, and hope to see it released someday..
But one thing that makes me wonder, I see it's called 'Episode one', I do hope this 'episode' does have a finished ending...
*snip - removing outdated artwork*
Awesome graphics, and I really am looking forward to see what the puzzles are going to be like. :D (Wee, no more pixel hunting) If you need help with the voice acting, the PM me, I just hope my mic wount die on me ^^'
Anyway, keep up the great work!
Woah you're a professional animator!
Quote from: Iv4n on Wed 01/08/2007 18:57:39
Woah you're a professional animator!
Ha! No, not me. I have a team of very good animators. I just tell them what to draw. (And isn't
that the most oversimplified description of a project manager... ever.) ;D
This game simply looks amazing. I love the art style and everything. Keep up the fantastic work, y'all! ;D
*snip - removing outdated artwork*
Looking good! Think I sent you a PM not long ago to check whether you still needed atmos tracks. Please get back to me when you have the time :)
Still anxiously awaiting this game. Looking great guys keep it up!
Will you release episode 1 this or next year?
I had sincerely hoped (and planned) to release the demo by December 31 and the first episode by March 31, but things have really slowed down due to health issues.
It's not because of a lack of resources or anything like that. Most of the art assets, dialogue, puzzles, music, etc., are either done or nearly done. The issue is me feeling well enough to sit in front of the computer and put everything together. Some days are better than others, and those are the ones where I get stuff accomplished.
Anyway, this is a roundabout way of saying it's very unlikely it'll happen before the end of this year, but I do hope and expect to have both the demo and the first episode done next year. Sooner, if my health improves.
I am really looking forward for the game, and it really looks very promising, although I'm not into Western games! Still I can't just bypass such value!
Quote from: chapter11studios on Mon 03/09/2007 17:49:38
... but things have really slowed down due to health issues.
But beyond anything else and the game, is everything ok? Is this health issue something that will "go away" in time, or anyways, something that will "pass"? Health is highly important... :)
Keep healthy (so you can work on the game faster! You bloody lazy-a$$ you! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D (of course I'm joking))
So err... was that a no you dont need what you asked me for or what?
Quote from: m0ds on Tue 04/09/2007 23:47:46
So err... was that a no you dont need what you asked me for or what?
Sorry m0ds. Check your PM.
Awesome! I'm glad you're working on it again cause that artwork is really impressive.
Any cameo appearances, exept Murray? What can you say about the sequel ("Curse of the HIdden Sun")?
Quote from: Cyrus on Fri 07/09/2007 11:45:07
Any cameo appearances, exept Murray? What can you say about the sequel ("Curse of the HIdden Sun")?
Re: More cameos, yes, definitely one more in addition to Murray, but they're just for comic effect, not part of the story, and I'm being selective with them.
Re: Curse of the Hidden Sun, yes, I have the story all mapped out, but right now I'm not even thinking about the sequel. Too much to do beforehand!
Nice Work :D
Wonderful Adventures Game :D
Congrats on the donkey animation, that really is some good stuff. I like that style you've developed, and I'm really looking forward to that game of yours!
*snip - removing outdated artwork*
Also, thanks to everyone who has PM'd me or asked in this thread about my health. I'm scheduled to have the surgery on October 30 which should hopefully get me up and moving in the right direction again once I get past the initial recovery. Knock on wood, right? ;)
Im glad to read you're ok, I hope everything goes well for you.
And a great screenshot again, i know this game will be an instant classic, thx for the update :D
Yes, very good. It's a picture of the Cibola on the wall, right?
Good luck on that surgery.
As for the latest screenshot, ahem....sorry to say that it's definitely a decline in quality compared to many of the superb backgrounds you have so far.
This isn't the critics lounge, but that pic could be improved a lot.
Quote from: Andail on Mon 08/10/2007 13:53:36This isn't the critics lounge, but that pic could be improved a lot.
I'm interested to hear your thoughts. Feel free to PM me when you have a minute!
Speaking of your animation team, Chapter11, I still have yet to hear back from you about that position you offered to me. It's been a few months, so I essentially figured you'd given up on having me as a part of your team, but my offer stands if you're still interested in my assistance.
Even if you aren't, I'm really looking forward to the finished product - it's looking pretty damned awesome.
This looks amazing! I love the style~! Can't wait to play!
JuuJuu - please review the forum rules before posting and refrain from digging up old[er] threads.
Hey gang,
Just dropping by to briefly give you all an update on this project. The latest (and I do mean that literally) installment of my formerly monthly adventure game design column, Adventure Architect, is now up at AdventureGamers.com. It’s likely to be the last thing I’ll be posting about Rise of the Hidden Sun for quite a while, so head on over and read the update if you’re interested.
http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,897/
Wow! The screen shot looks great. Glad to see you are still working on it.
So you can't speak about the release date of episode 1? Will it be this year or next?
Hi
I've just visited the site and the game looks great. THe graphics are amazing and i can't wait playing it.
So, when will it be released? Does anyone know at least if it will be soon 2009 or late 2009?
Good luvk chapter 11 :=
Yolt1, thanks for the post. Work continues--that's all I'll say right now. Mods, maybe you should lock this thread till I'm ready to give everyone an update?
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Fri 04/04/2008 18:20:01
JuuJuu - please review the forum rules before posting and refrain from digging up old[er] threads.
Just replace JuuJuu with Yolt1 in the quote above...
FYI: New update, screenshots, and character sprites have been posted at the very beginning of this thread. (Febraury 28, 2009)
Oh, man great to see this is back..not to say it looks perfect.
Quality craftsmanship in those backdrops... has an awesome full throttle feel to it..look forward to more updates..
Good luck with this, Josh. The new Jake looks pretty similar to the original, which isn't a bad thing!
Neat! That's awesome that you're working with Wyatt and the FlashPotatoes crew. They are a class act. Very professional and you can tell they love their work. I can't wait to work with them again, myself!
-Dave
Your artwork and graphics are absolutely wonderful!!! Can't wait for download..
Quote from: ProgZmax on Sun 01/03/2009 04:07:38
Good luck with this, Josh. The new Jake looks pretty similar to the original, which isn't a bad thing!
Everything old is new again! :)
Awesome! Good to see new stuff on Jake.
~Trent
Another screenshot (well, two screens stacked on top of each other, technically):
(http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/images/bridge_cave_small_website.png)
Technically I'd say it's just two backgrounds rather than a screenshot ;)
Quote from: Privateer Puddin' on Thu 19/03/2009 16:52:50
Technically I'd say it's just two backgrounds rather than a screenshot ;)
Ah, yes. Good point.
Hi everyone,
Later this month, we'll be releasing a 2:00 animated prologue for Rise of the Hidden Sun: A 'Rattlesnake' Jake Dawson Adventure. It's the opening movie that sets the stage for the game by explaining how Jake comes into possession of the treasure map that leads to the fabled Lost City of Cibola. Consider it a trailer for the game, too.
To whet the appetite, here are a few images from the movie...
(http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/images/trailer_images/jake01.png) (http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/images/trailer_images/jake02.png)
(http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/images/trailer_images/jake03.png) (http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/images/trailer_images/jake04.png)
(http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/images/trailer_images/jake05.png) (http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/images/trailer_images/jake06.png)
(http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/images/trailer_images/jake07.png) (http://www.rattlesnakejake.com/images/trailer_images/jake08.png)
Look for the whole thing on or around July 20 over at AdventureGamers.com.
Cheers,
Josh
Woah, that looks amazing. Not only the quality of the production, but the character designs are just superb.
Can't wait to see it in motion.
Nice! You seem to have some really talented people working on this project. I think the theme tune is fantastic, by the way. Hopefully I'll be able to play all four chapters.
Good artwork, good idea, good music, good job! :)
Quote from: chapter11studios on Mon 06/07/2009 12:48:13
To whet the appetite, here are a few images from the movie...
Look for the whole thing on or around July 20 over at AdventureGamers.com.
You have me drooling!
Is that real?! Am I dreaming?...
Wow :o. I'm glad to see you're finally making this a reality after SO MANY setbacks, you kept true to your vision of making this game at the best of your abilities at any cost, and it really shows.
I can't thank you enough for your effort to bring us such a quality game for free, please keep up the good work.
You sir, are awesome.
That looks sexy! :P.
Still can't believe it's free.
The link! http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,1041
The only thing we're lacking right now is voice acting. We want to use the same voice actors throughout the whole game, so we're going to wait until the rest of the game is completely done and then we'll record the voice acting all at the same time.
Simply AWESOME! I love it...
Wow, great trailer, very cinematic. I'm really looking forward to play the game!
Okay, you don't have the release date for the full episode 1. But what's about the demo?
Great Trailer. Cant wait to play this game.
Very professionally done! Reminds me very much of Mackenna's Gold ;-)
Therefore lacks Old Turkey Buzzard as a background song.
Still, great work! :-)
*jaw drops*
Oh man. Oh MAN! You know, I am following Rise Of The Hidden Sun since its very beginnings, through highs and lows. How long is that, now?
This trailer is good. It's super. It oozes style. Congratulations on... just making progress. Can't wait to see it all in action.
Thumbs up, and good luck on this.
Me loves the trailer ;D.
Great stuff!
I am so glad this is still in production! :P.
Looks good! Definitely a fitting introduction to the central characters.
Looks Amazing! ;D
Can't say anything that hasn't been said already: this game looks and sounds absolutely stunning and professional! I always look forward to your updates. :D
Hope you'll be able to finish the first episode soon!
Congratulations for the AG feature!
Will we have to pay for this game? It looks so amazingly professional!!!!
It will be a freeware game (according to their website)
Well that's great! Though I'd gladly pay money for a game like this.
Prologue looks really nice. Not just in terms of the graphics, but with the mood and pacing too.
If you manage to port those elements over to the actual game, this should end up as something great.
Boy, I don't think I've said it yet, but, I can't freaking wait for this! I love the "old west" feel. You guys have captured it perfectly. I also love the Indiana Jones vibe!
PS
Jake reminds me a little of Chuck Norris :)
Wow surprised this topic hasn't been locked after this long but anyway is there any more updates on how this game is doing? There website hasn't been updated in a while.
Quote from: snoopy on Mon 05/07/2010 16:56:40
Wow surprised this topic hasn't been locked after this long
Now it WILL be locked, because of you :)
(watch for Darth aproaching >>> :o)
snoopy - read the forum rules before posting in [any] boards.
Josh - when you're ready to post an update just drop me a PM and I'll reopen it for ya!
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/crossroads_header.png)
Hi All,
I have completely redesigned the "Rise of the Hidden Sun" website! I'm treating it more like a developer's blog now, which means it's loaded with new artwork. I'm hoping to update it at least a few times a week.
What you'll find there in the coming days and weeks:
- New pencil-and-paper layouts
- Newly painted and/or re-painted background screens
- Concept art
- Character sprites
- More frequent updates
- All 14 original 'Adventure Architect' columns dating back to 2002
I hope you'll come on by and check it out: http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/
Thanks,
Josh
Cool stuff out there :)
It's back! Again!
Hey, Josh!!
It's awesome to hear you're still working on this! I hope production is going well!! I don't think anyone ever had so many come-backs as you (take that as a compliment).
This looks superb!! :o
It's nice to know i'm not the only one out there working on a Western themed AG. Although... it looks like this will blow me out of the water!
Good luck with finishing it!
Awesome news indeed!
moderator [10 gallon] hat goes on...
The screenshots in the first post are throwing 404s. Kindly remedy that would'ya partner?
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Fri 21/01/2011 21:37:33
moderator [10 gallon] hat goes on...
The screenshots in the first post are throwing 404s. Kindly remedy that would'ya partner?
Oh! Because I forwarded my old domain that hosted those pics to my new URL, I bet. I'll fix that shortly. Thanks for the heads up.
Good to hear!
The backgrounds and the prologue/intro are beautiful! I keep my fingers crossed for this project.
Wow, I never thought the day would come! So glad that you've carried on with this great looking game Josh! This has made my week!
FYI, there's a Facebook page now, too: http://www.facebook.com/rattlesnakejake
Planning to post some new artwork next week on both the blog and the Facebook page.
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/town01.jpg)
I just updated the design blog with some new concept art from episode two. Head on over to:
http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/concept-art-old-sierra-town/
Plus: Can you guess which classic adventure game location inspired this scene?
That looks SWEET! :o Like old-school LucasArts games- except old-school never looked this beautiful! Good luck and I hope that with more people on board work will progress much faster.
Oh and if the "enthusiastic artist" doing the backgrounds is reading this: Polskaaaa! Bialo-czerwoni! :D
Wszedzie nas pelno ;)
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/jake_indy.png)
Family resemblance? Find out more at...
http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/separated-at-birth/
I'm almost infatuated with Rise of the Hidden Sun... almost. It looks amazing.
Quote from: chapter11studios on Sun 23/01/2011 21:24:28
Plus: Can you guess which classic adventure game location inspired this scene?
Scumm Bar?
Glad to hear Hidden Sun is still going - the name-checks hidden away in the Ben and Dan games will suddenly become a lot less obscure once it's released!
Hey people!
Check out our brand new interview with Josh aka chapter11studios:
http://www.hardydev.com/2011/01/29/dev-intro-6-josh-roberts-chapter-11-studios/
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/jake_arrives_rough.png?w=500&h=387)
What is it? More details here: http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/2011/02/01/first-look-jake-arrives-at-the-crossroads/
UPDATE: Watch the rough cut of this animation here:
http://www.chapter11studios.com/rattlesnakejake/jake_arrives_at_crossroads_rough.swf
rough anim looks great, man!
Doing roughs like this is a really good idea. I did that a lot on JD, just to get stuff in place and get a feeling for what goes where. They're a hella lot of work though... but it's worth it!
Keep it up!
Maybe a little less suggestive gesture when removing that map :=
That was really awesome to watch there! Really looking forward to this, and your interview on HardyDev was also awesome!
That animation makes me long for more! The visuals are stunning! I can't wait for it..
New location sketch:
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/burying_ground_concept_art.jpg?w=500&h=195)
Details here: http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/location-sketch-old-sierra-burying-ground/
Glad I'm not a mourner in that town, if burial ground visitors are shot!
Quote from: SSH on Wed 02/02/2011 23:58:50
Glad I'm not a mourner in that town, if burial ground visitors are shot!
LOL, yeah the sheriff's a real SOB there... :)
Amazingly stunning saturated background! Good work!
New screenshot:
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/no_exit_bw_to_color.png?w=500&)
Original pencil art by John Green
Colors by Jacek Grzeskowiak
Larger version here: http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/new-screenshot-no-way-out/ (http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/new-screenshot-no-way-out/)
This is going to be one great-looking game! ;D
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/cemetery_concept_to_completion.jpg?w=500&h=365)
Here we have the final pencil art for a new location we've just added to episode one. The top image is the original location sketch, which Hazel whipped up based on a description and some of my chicken scratches. Below that is the finished version, which reflects my suggestions for additional tweaks. The windmill and the vulture will be animated in the final in-game version of this screen.
More info here: http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/from-concept-to-completion-old-sierra-burying-ground/
Looks nice. A minor issue I have is with 'Burying Ground'. Shouldn't it be 'Burial Ground'?
I've always seen them used interchangeably. Here in Massachusetts there are numerous historical "burying grounds." Thanks for flagging it, though. Might be worth a little more research on my part to be sure it's regionally accurate for the western U.S.
Well, if it helps I live in Arizona and I've never seen it written that way, even at the old ghost towns. In fact, I can't remember seeing any gravesite labeled 'burial ground/burying ground'. They usually have a frontier-like name of significance (Boot Hill, Silverton, Gold Butte, Bone Hill, to name a few). You might be able to just drop the rest of it and just call it Old Sierra or Old Sierra Gravesite if you want it to be more authentic for the time. Westerners barely bothered with detailed names for areas everyone in town were intimately familiar with ;). Literacy probably played a role in this as well.
The phrase "burying ground" is familiar to me from American folk/blues songs. It's possible that this was a colloquialism which wouldn't have been written on a sign though.
I have heard 'Burying Place' in a Simon & Garfunkel song about the old west (or at least using the old west as an allegory)
Oughtn't it to be Buryin' Groun'? :P
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/map_for_website.png)
Every treasure hunt needs a treasure map...
Wow! The map is really impressive!
Thanks! This one took a long time to get right. Like all good treasure maps, there's a very important clue hidden very subtly in here, too. But will Jake be clever enough to see it? :)
We're making great strides on the animation front! These are the first two characters you'll meet in episode one.
Hawkeye:
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/hawkeye_website.png?w=500&h=467)
The Old Prospector:
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/prospector_website.png?w=500&h=465)
(Yes, he's picking his nose. I'm not above a little lowbrow humor... sorry, I mean "local color.")
Looks really cool!
Do you reckon it'll be released this year Josh?
With a name like "Old Sierra", will we be subject to Grave Humor?
I like the new characters. Keep up the good work!
Just seen this on the ROTHS Facebook page:
QuoteOur lead animator just accepted a job with Electronic Arts. So that's good news for him, but bad news for us... because now we need a new animator! Anyone know anyone?
Who's gonna step up to the plate?
The rumors are true. Our lead animator has left the project. The fact that this keeps happening has led me to re-evaluate what we're doing here with the whole game.
Honestly, I'm tired of having to put the game on hold every time we need to find a new professional-quality animator. So I've made a big decision.
We're going old school. Goodbye millions of colors and 1024x768 screens. Hello "Rise of the Hidden Sun: Retro Edition" in all of its 16-color, 320x200-pixel glory! I've already converted two screens to the "retro" format and plan to have the whole game reformatted by the end of the month.
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/screen_20_256_colors_320x200a.png)
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/screen_02_256_colors_320x200a.png)
From there, it'll be a piece of cake to animate the thing myself.
More details and an extended preview here: http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/announcement-rise-of-the-hidden-sun-retro-edition/
Good luck with this game :)
Have you considered downsizing the backgrounds you have, and using the painted backgrounds with pixeled sprites over top?
Other than that, perhaps you could make it all in 3d, and put in FPS elements! Make it like the old Outlaws game :D
I must admit we all fell for that. It's April Fools!
OMG RETRO := := := := := := :=
I like the new screens. They have a character that the old ones lacked!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Good AF mate.
Yep, April Fool's! Thanks for being such good sports, everyone! We *are* still looking for a new animator, but we're not even toying with the idea of scrapping these beautiful background screens. (Although it was a lot of fun to re-do them retro style.)
Here's your reward for putting up with my little prank:
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/longcave_wip_website.png)
Here's a look at one of our newest creations, a long vertical screen that hints at some of the areas you'll be able to explore in Rise of the Hidden Sun's first episode. This isn't a finished product yet, but it's pretty close. Hope you like it!
Woah! That's a long way down. :o
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/vulture_cave_for_website.png).
I've been a bit slow with the updates lately, so I thought I'd share our most recently completed screen. As you can see, we’re still hard at work on RotHS. This one is a secret entrance into the haunted mine area of episode one.
Sadly for our hero, ‘Rattlesnake’ Jake, the ways appears to be blocked by a very large boulder. We know that kind of trap doesn’t turn out so well for Indiana Jones. Will Jake have better luck? And what’s the significance of all this vulture iconography, anyway? Hmm...
Good to see this project moving along nicely.
Don't be afraid to cast some harsher shadows! Your scenes will pack a lot more of that matinée indy punch if you do.
if you dont mind me asking, what program do you use to create your backgrounds?
They start as paper and pencil, then get scanned into either PSP or Photoshop and then colored from there.
What type of pencil do you use? How do you get shading like that with a pencil?
Just wanted to drop in and share this new scene we're working on. It's for episode one. Going for a bit of an Indiana Jones vibe here, as always.
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/indiancave_for_website.png)
Hope you like it!
looks absolutely stunning again..
Each time I see this resurface I get exited all over it again. Looks very good, and nice to see Rise is still alive and kicking!
(I can't help it, though, I actually LIKED the retro style you proposed earlier.)
arggh, this is the kind of game that always makes me want to give up on my game due to the graphic department... at firts, i always go to the old school 320x200 resolution, but then i look everywhere to this stunning backgrounds and sprites and just keep thinking " what should i do, whaaaaat?"
i always get the same answer in my head: just GET YOUR F**** GAME DONE and shut up! ::)
Wow, that's really beautiful!
Beautiful game, will probably play this and spend most of the time drooling over the art. Is there a rough release date for this game?
This game rouses all sorts of nostalgia in me. It's almost the same feeling I got when I first installed the CoMI demo when I was about 8-years-old.
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/burying_ground_final_smal.jpg)
(click for full-size)
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/burying_ground_final_smal.jpg)
Newly finished screen! See if you can spot all the differences from the pencil-and-paper versions I posted last year.
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/cemetery_concept_to_completion.jpg)
Edit by Darth - just resized the image to make it not blow-out the lower-res people's screens :)
Outstanding... every time i see an update on this thread it puts my Western game in development to shame!
Keep up the good work!
I like that the G is falling off (or has been shot off?) Buryin'. Nice touch!
Shame that Sheriff is spelled wrong, and that Pharkas looks like Phackas.
Sheriff is intentionally misspelled. I'm going to have Jake comment on it if the player "reads" the sign. (Signs in the old west were often misspelled because they were hand written.)
Or I suppose I could just change it if it looks stupid. :)
I do not know how often I can have this game resurface! I always jump up and down in excitement and want to see it done! Curse you, chapter11studios and your amazing style!
CUUUUUURSE YOU!
No, seriously, this keeps getting better and better. And remember, I was there when you started your optimistic series of game-making articles and had super-huge signposts in the desert!
I thought Stan had moved on from his previously-owned coffin business?!?! ;D ;D
Quote from: chapter11studios on Fri 13/01/2012 21:21:00
Sheriff is intentionally misspelled. I'm going to have Jake comment on it if the player "reads" the sign. (Signs in the old west were often misspelled because they were hand written.)
Or I suppose I could just change it if it looks stupid. :)
This is something I was just thinking about recently! How if in your game you intentionally (as you have) misspell something (because the sign-writer isn't the smartest) from the outside perspective it just looks like a typo! I noticed it was spelled wrong too but I figured you did it intentionally as if you watch Westerns there's always little things like that in there!
Glad to know this is still cookin'!
Very well done â€" I love the way this project is going â€" really nice work again! (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/whoooo_clap.gif)
@chapter11studios:
This can't be a typo - this must be part of an extra puzzle for sure (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/luegen.gif)
Quote from: Darth Mandarb on Sat 14/01/2012 16:37:13This is something I was just thinking about recently! How if in your game you intentionally (as you have) misspell something (because the sign-writer isn't the smartest) from the outside perspective it just looks like a typo! I noticed it was spelled wrong too but I figured you did it intentionally as if you watch Westerns there's always little things like that in there!
But the difference is in volume/how obvious it is, I mean, to me it looks more like a typo from the game makers, because everything else is kind of very formal. If the sign said "Y'all be shot if I ketch ya around here, by the order of the Sheriff" then it'd be just slang and poor writing of the guy who supposedly made the sing, but the way it is now just seems like a production typo instead.
But I do agree, I'm glad this game is still cooking. :)
The best way to make intentional misspellings is to make them so extreme and prevalent that the viewer can't possibly attribute them to an accident, ie, "Traspassurs weel be shot by ardur of the sharuf!" Basically go with hillbilly phonetics.
(https://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/forest_tunnel.png)
New location! Click here (http://rattlesnakejake.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/new-screen-cave-near-petrified-forest/) for full size version and some discussion of the real-world location that inspired it.
Also: Just three background screens left for episode one.
The detail on this baby is just insane... Beautiful art!
Gorgeous artwork as always.
Any chance you could share the pencil sketch for this BG as you have for some of the others? I'm interested in the full process you guys are going through to make these lovely scenes.
It's like Kyrandia meets the WW West! Awesome detail and a beautiful palette!
I'm loving it. I wanna play it! MINION*! Hand me the genie-in-a-bottle!!!
------
Spoiler
Tabby? Can you be my smiley minion???
... coming right away my dear ...
(http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/jeanie.gif)
It's going to be so cool when this is released, after years of being drip-fed these tantalising updates... ;D
Don't mistake the relative silence here for a lack of behind-the-scenes work on Rise of the Hidden Sun. We’re still toiling away, albeit slowly, to bring the adventures of ‘Rattlesnake’ Jake Dawson onto your computer screen in all of his 1024×768-pixel glory.
Since it’s been awhile since my last update, I thought I’d share this little scene with you all. It’s a just-completed location from episode one. We call this location "Off the Rails." Below I’ve posted the original black-and-white line art, an example of the coloring process, and then final finished version. Hope you like it. More to come in the months ahead!
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/traintracks_pencil_roths1.jpg)
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/traintracks_inprogress_roths.jpg)
(http://rattlesnakejake.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/traintracks_roths.jpg)
Credit: Layout by Josh Roberts and Damian Isherwood, pencil art by Hazel Mitchell and Damian Isherwood, colors by Jacek Grzeskowiak.
Oh, also: Still no release date. Sorry.
Hey, I was thinking about this one just the other day, wondering how it's progressing. Looks amazing, as always! :)
Very strange, but I think about this game at least once a week. It rekindled my love for adventure games some years ago. So glad it's still in production.
Best looking AGS-game ever? Can't believe I haven't seen this before... :shocked: