CURRENT PROGRESS:Version Number - ALPHA v0.06
- Graphics - 80%
- Storyboarding - 70%
- Scripting - 20%
- Music/Sound - 5%
- Programming - 10%
STORYLINE:"The Earth is dying, and we don't know why. We speculate that the decay of the moon's orbit, combined with the cooling of the Earth's core has caused the recent catastrophes. Daily Earthquakes rock cities along the Pacific; Hurricanes pummel the coast of the Atlantic. A gigantic volcanic mountain range has risen up in the Pacific Ocean. Sea levels are rising, sending most of Earth's coastal population toward higher land, where tornadoes wreak havoc. At this point in history, there are two major world alliances. The Elected Imperium and The World's Union. Within the last fifty years both have poured all their resources into constructing biodomes on Mars for Earth's remaining population. In a massive international effort called “The Mars Initiative†both have created and maintained a space station designed for monitoring the construction of the biodomes. By 2524, the biodome capacity is two billion, only a fifth of the population of Earth. Lotteries are held on Earth to determine who will be able to populate a habitable Mars."
You are an Imperial scientist on board the International Space Station "Hope" working on The Mars Initiative. Tensions between The Elected Imperium and The World's Union have come to a head. The Elected Imperium has declared war on The World's Union. Caught in a moral conflict, the Imperials are expected to cope with the suspicious death of their captain while caring for the victim of a near-fatal radioactive accident involving one of their supposed enemies.
CURRENT FEATURES:
- Four playable avatars!
- Choose your character's occupation and attributes to affect the way you play!
- Explore a twenty-sixth century space station!
- Interact with stimulating characters!
- Uncover Conspiracies!
- Play through many possible endings!
SCREENSHOTS:(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/productionshot01.PNG)
Opening Splash Screen for the Demo.
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/ChemLab.PNG)
The Chem Lab. (With NEW shading by Cinfa)
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/productionshot2.png)
The Meeting Room, during a riveting scene.
(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/5997/62727354pu2.jpg)
The Engineering Station, with pretty colors and lights.
CURRENT PROJECT MEMBERS:Recluse - Project Manager, Lead Programmer, Lead Writer, Musician
ShadeJackrabbit - Programmer, Writer, Lead Sound Effects
Cinfa - Lead Artist
DEV JOURNAL:August 6th 2007
As of right now The Mars Initiative is in Alpha. We are currently working on completing all necessary backgrounds and character animations to release a working demo. Programming is coming along smoothly, and we expect that the demo will be released some time in after September, barring any serious problems.
August 13th 2007
We are almost through with all the backgrounds (Only 1 Left!). The character animations are also completed to the point that all the characters can be created and displayed walking around. Now all that's left is to finish the programming (hard part) and get this demo ready to go!
August 19th 2007
Decided to go back in and work on some of the backgrounds some more, fixing perspective, that sort of thing. One of the first encounters is completed, about six more (along with a few cut scenes) and day 1 will be completed. After day 1 and the first part of day 2 are complete the demo should be ready. I'm on vacation this week, so I should be able to get a LOT of stuff done for the game.
September 7th 2007
We are currently looking for a talented Artist who would enjoy working on this project. WE ARE looking for someone with experience, though their style doesn't necessarily have to be complex or realistic. We are looking to keep the graphics for this game relatively simple and "old" looking. Any applicants need to be willing to take this project all the way through to completion, and enjoy doing it.
In other news, production is coming along smoothly, we may not make the September release date, but that's okay, because I would like for the demo to be as complete a picture of the way the finished product will look as possible.
September 19th 2007
We've got our artist, Cinfa. So we now officially have an Italian, a Texan, and a Canadian working on this game. (Sounds like a bad joke, right?). Cinfa is proving to be amazing, he's already completed several full 3d animations for cutscenes, which will DEFINITELY make it into the final product. I'm absolutely thrilled with his involvement. Right now we're working on finishing the graphics stage of production, after which we'll plow right into the programming stage. I've got the storyboard almost completely done, all that's left is some minor details on the very last scene. Other than that, things are working out beautifully.
And a demo won't probably be ready until sometime next year. But this is turning out to be a high quality game, and I plan on keeping it that way. School is bogging all of us down, but that's expected, pretty much all of our free time is devoted to the project, so rest assured, we're going as fast as we can.
Wow! Sounds cool! Need any help?
I could use some help from willing participants who don't mind deferring to my judgment regarding the story. If anyone else wishes to offer their assistance please post here and I'll PM you with the details.
I already PM'd you Shade... check yer mail. ;)
I like the graphics style, reminds me of Rode Kill.
very nice looking and sounding game I hope you all the best :)
I really like the story! Has always been a sucker for apocalyptic sci-fi!
Really nice thing to be able to play four different characters. A great idea which should add a lot to the gameplay if it is well done.
Good luck!
It's not exactly four separate characters.. let me explain further:
The four station occupations: Doctor, Chemist, Biologist, and Engineer, affect your abilities in game, and how you solve most of the puzzles. All are the same "character" in that they all share portions of the main dialogue, and all are really controlled mainly by the player.
The five attributes: (currently) Security Clearance, Languages, Unfazeable, Intimidating and Danger Sense, affect the options you have to approach a given situation. Languages basically allows you to understand Modern Unioner, giving you more information on what the Unioners are saying.
The four separate avatars only affect the character's gender and appearance, they have no gameplay effects.
It's options like these that I hope will give this game more replay value than the conventional adventure game.
Nevertheless, I have a soft spot for any designer who walks the extra mile to shove replayability into their game. Especially if that means that puzzles have multiple solutions. This surely sounds promising, and the story has potential. And I'd definitely go for multiple endings- since you already seem willing to put in the effort, why not go all the way? Luck on yer!
Sounds like a pretty interesting game, I particually(sp?) like the graphic style and the story.
This looks very promising! What kind of help do you need?
I OFFER MY SERVICES!!
I hope Recluse won't mind this, but I though since you guys are so supportive, you deserve to be treated to another screenshot:
(http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/5997/62727354pu2.jpg)
The text at the bottom scrolls, and the graph at the top moves.
Quote from: CosmoQueen on Thu 02/08/2007 03:37:55
This looks very promising! What kind of help do you need?
At the moment we're working on the storyline and a playable demo. Eventually we will need play testers, and a musician that is particularly proficient in 80s techno or anything in the same style of the Hitchhiker's Guide theme (Journey of the Sorcerer, by The Eagles). If you are particularly good at graphics/animations, and wish to work on the characters, send me a PM.
If you want to be on the playtest/beta list, please PM me, I'm looking for experienced players, and possible game makers as well.
I'm not looking to voice this one... except for the on board computer, which will be computer generated (of course).
Updated the first post with extra screenshots and a DevJournal. We are now officially in Alpha testing and are currently plowing ahead towards a fully function demo of the first "day" in the game. At the rate we're going it should be released sometime after September.
I might be able to do some music work, if its not needed urgently as I have a through things to finish off for university. I might be able to throw together a quick intro theme in the next few days on the guitar if needed?
UPDATES:
August 13th 2007We are almost through with all the backgrounds (Only 1 Left!). The character animations are also completed to the point that all the characters can be created and displayed walking around. Now all that's left is to finish the programming (hard part) and get this demo ready to go!
- Graphics - 60%
- Storyboarding - 50%
- Scripting - 10%
- Music/Sound - 9%
- Programming - 15%
might I make 1 suggestion, you need to make the floor patterns look like thay are going the same way as the walls.
Apart from that, great game ;)
Quote from: terrorcell on Tue 14/08/2007 07:17:58
might I make 1 suggestion, you need to make the floor patterns look like thay are going the same way as the walls.
Apart from that, great game ;)
I am in the process of fixing this, actually. I'll post new backgrounds once I get the chance.
As far as an update goes:
August 19th 2007Decided to go back in and work on some of the backgrounds some more, fixing perspective, that sort of thing. One of the first encounters is completed, about six more (along with a few cut scenes) and day 1 will be completed. After day 1 and the first part of day 2 are complete the demo should be ready. I'm on vacation this week, so I should be able to get a LOT of stuff done for the game.
- Graphics - 60%
- Storyboarding - 50%
- Scripting - 10%
- Music/Sound - 9%
- Programming - 17%
can you give us your website link?
At the moment I don't have a public website. Only a development website which I use to communicate with the other developers. For the moment THIS is my website. Once the game has passed the demo stage I will create a full blown website on which I'll host the demo and other resources.
Sounds interesting.
I'm looking forward to this one.
I am currently looking for a talented Artist who would enjoy working on this project. I AM looking for someone with experience, though their style doesn't necessarily have to be complex or realistic. I am looking to keep the graphics for this game relatively simple and "old" looking. We are searching for an artist who will be willing to take this project all the way through to completion, and enjoy doing it.
You may apply by PMing me via these forums.
Please do not apply without sending me a link to what you've done, or mentioning the AGS games you have worked on.
Yo, how come you're looking for an artist now? It seemed like whoever was doing the art before was doing a great job...
Well, truthfully, there's not much more to be done... I did most of the art before, and now that the game has come down to the nitty-gritty programming stage I'm really getting more involved in that. I'd like to be able to hand off the art to someone else and focus on the programming...
Note: Most of the background art IS done... I've got a couple of rooms left, and animations, that's all.
May I add some newer screenshot?
I believe so. Recluse didn't tell me off... so...
Oh, and so you guys know, I was doing a lot of the art before, but... I don't like doing rooms, so we needed to hire Cinfa, who is way better anyways.
(http://www.bottomap.com/PersonalPages/Cinfa/TheMarsInitiative/Rooms/ChemLab.png)
Updated Chem Lab
We've got our artist, Cinfa. So we now officially have an Italian, a Texan, and a Canadian working on this game. (Sounds like a bad joke, right?). Cinfa is proving to be amazing, he's already completed several full 3d animations for cutscenes, which will DEFINITELY make it into the final product. I'm absolutely thrilled with his involvement. Right now we're working on finishing the graphics stage of production, after which we'll plow right into the programming stage. I've got the storyboard almost completely done, all that's left is some minor details on the very last scene. Other than that, things are working out beautifully.
And a demo won't probably be ready until sometime next year. But this is turning out to be a high quality game, and I plan on keeping it that way. School is bogging all of us down, but that's expected, pretty much all of our free time is devoted to the project, so rest assured, we're going as fast as we can.
I already thought this looked promising, but now it's even better :D
OK guys. We're stuck due to various problems.
We need someone who can take care of the plot for this game, as we sort of already have a scripter and the graphics is done about 90% (I don't have yet all inventory items, as I have no finished story...)
So please, this could be a good game, but we need someone to help out for the story and quests.
This game sounds and looks so... cool! I can't wait for the demo to arrive! ;D
Thanks, but we're still looking for help. (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=30347.msg427420#msg427420)
EDIT: We should have found enough people now, thanks everybody!
(http://www.bottomap.com/PersonalPages/Cinfa/TheMarsInitiative/Rooms/engineering.png)
The new Engineering room.
Woah... dude... :o
Recluse, I think the only thing I can say is that we've been holding the project back... perhaps stepping down was a really good idea.
Looks purely amazing guys.
Title screen preview:
(http://www.bottomap.com/PersonalPages/Cinfa/TheMarsInitiative/GUI/MarsTitlePreview.png)
EDIT: I changed its fonts on Jan 22nd.
Purty.
I dunno about the rounded font, I suppose it's nice and clear though.
Quote from: Crazy on Sun 20/01/2008 22:24:28
Purty.
Purty (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/Purty)?
Aw, Purty (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/purty)!
Thanks!
{I learn something everyday ;D}
The old font was certainly more dramatic... I really like the new artwork! :D
Quote from: m0ds on Mon 21/01/2008 00:57:07
The old font was certainly more dramatic... I really like the new artwork! :D
I agree, but it seems the "Marlboro" font.
Quotebut it seems the "Marlboro" font.
But what? LOL that doesn't make sense dude... As in the original font looks like the Malboro cigarettes font? Well, that's great!!! ;)
:) yep, but I'd prefer to have a font which isn't easily connected to any brand or movie.
I don't think anyone made that connection??? It looks more like a comedy now :P Anyway good luck, whatever menu style you use!!
Mmm, I'll search something more appropriate on acid fonts.
Ok, Updated. (The title font name is Edition (http://www.dafont.com/edition.font?nb_ppp=50))
(http://www.bottomap.com/PersonalPages/Cinfa/TheMarsInitiative/GUI/MarsTitlePreview.png)
Do you think that the options font should be the same of the title?
Personally, I like it a lot more now! And I think the menu font blends nicely too :) It seems much more serious too!
Yes! It looks great!
I don't understand... Recluse stepped down? Or Jackrabbit did? And who's 'RickyJ'?
Who exactly is working on this project, and what exactly are they doing?
Do you need a full plot, or is it more of a filling-in-the-blanks between A and B?
I'm pretty sure Recluse is the programmer, and Cinfa is the artist. But I could be wrong, I too am confused :p
me too -.-
Anyway I want to keep this thing alive as long as possible, even if I'll have to make it all by myself.
RickJ is working on the sample game of the new AGS version (I think)
Recluse is busy studying.
I am busy studying (until friday)
And shadejackrabbit stepped down too.
Bose made some really nice music already.
Thus, as I hope the return of RickJ who has become a solid stone of the project.
We "should" have a programmer too, but without a story he can't do anything, and me neither (there are no items yet).
Just to keep the interest alive, here is a sample of the interface (nothing programmed, just a pic):
(http://www.bottomap.com/PersonalPages/Cinfa/TheMarsInitiative/GUI/InterfaceTemplate.png)
I'd like a mix between BASS interface and standard Sierra's, where you can cycle through possible actions with rightclick/mouse wheel, and directly access the inventory on the top.
Thanks for the update. I've certainlty learnt something. :-\
I'm happy to help with the story any way I can.
And maybe if I can figure out the scripting language I could help with programming, too
Keep this going guys, I'm looking forward to this!
--Snake
Like Emerald said (although you wouldn't want to have too many cooks in one kitchen) I could have a gander at the story development as well, if you need the extra pair of hands. ;)
Quote from: Ringlord on Thu 07/02/2008 23:50:10
Like Emerald said (although you wouldn't want to have too many cooks in one kitchen) I could have a gander at the story development as well, if you need the extra pair of hands. ;)
'Ey! They asked me first, Ringworm! :P
Quote from: Emerald on Sat 09/02/2008 14:38:29
Quote from: Ringlord on Thu 07/02/2008 23:50:10
Like Emerald said (although you wouldn't want to have too many cooks in one kitchen) I could have a gander at the story development as well, if you need the extra pair of hands. ;)
'Ey! They asked me first, Ringworm! :P
Hehe, don't worry about me. I'm not here to steal your thunder mate ;)
It's funny, I was brought on as a backup backup writer. With no real credits to my name, I figured I'd just be writing inane dialog and descriptions (e.g. "It's a comfy-looking sofa")
But, with all the absences, I've risen up to Lead Writer, with me handling basically the entire story, and Cinfa doing all the artsy stuff. And that's pretty much the only two people who have been active in the last few months. So it looks like I'm going to have a bigger role in this game than I thought (at least until one of the other writers return and de-throne me :P)
That said, it seems to be coming along fairly well. Cinfa's an amazing art-making... guy. Just check out this render he did of the biodomes (hope he doesn't mind me showing this):
(http://www.bottomap.com/PersonalPages/Cinfa/TheMarsInitiative/Renders/SurfaceDome.jpg)
And I think from the material my predecessors left me, I can craft an interesting story.
The problem now is... we have a wordy guy, and an artsy guy, but now we need someone to take the wordy stuff and the artsy stuff, and start figuring out how to put it together... (i.e. we need a programmer)
(The other problem is that Plague left without giving us control of the forums, so even if we do get one, it might be hard for him to see what's going on :P)
that's not a problem, I have moderator rights on the forum, so I can add people to the project.
I'd like to show the new no-headache/deflated version of characters:
(http://www.bottomap.com/PersonalPages/Cinfa/TheMarsInitiative/Characters/JaggersWalksNew.gif)
Now I have to redraw all heads.. this will be pretty long, but it should remove that comic style from the game.
About the 3d stuff: there will be some 3D animations, I hope they won't look too different from room style.
BUMP
If people gave up, i'm willing to continue the project.
Please PM the people involved. This bump was unecessary.
Locked until further notice!
::)