WOLF COUNTRY (demo available)

[aussie]

WOLF COUNTRY is a project I have been working on for a little while.




ARGUMENT

We're back in the late 1700s/early 1800s. Despite the queenship of Goddess Reason, seemingly forgotten phenomena such as witchcraft, necromancy and occultism are still rampant in the civilised world.

You are G. Stracham, a freelance messenger who makes a living out of urgent, and often dangerous, deliveries. During one of your nightmare trips, your mare dies of exhaustion. You are left on your own in the midst of a dark, wolf-infested forest.

When it all seems lost, you find an old mansion where you can spend the night. It belongs to Alistair Carlisle, renowned occultist, who has called a mysterious family meeting. Carlisle believes the last living werewolf is among his guests, and he intends to hunt it...

...tonight!


SCREENIES

A few screenies to show for it.







FEATURING

23 rooms out of which 16 are playable in the first chapter.
A thrilling plot that will make you scream in fear.
Stunning letterbox 320x240 graphics in hi res/hi col.
Copyrighted music and lots of cool sound effects.
The main character named after a Scottish soccer player.

RELEASE

So far I have managed to complete the first chapter (10-11pm). I will release it as soon as I fix a few small bugs I've found.

However, I'm getting to know myself, and I know I will only finish it if I finish it.

CREDITS

Thanks Scorpiorus for the snow/rain plugin, and of course, Pumaman for the engine.

[veryweirdguy]

This looks very interesting, Aussie. The graphics are great & atmospheric, I especially like that horse, though I don't know why.

It's also great how you can switch from your NIAR style so (seemingly) easily.

* veryweirdguy adds Wolf Country to his want list.

[Vel]

Wow, that looks great, auusie. I can find certain similarities between these screens and Colonel's bequest. Anyway, looking forward to the full release!

[aussie]

Yeah, it is no secret that sometimes I paint over existing graphics and sprites. It helps me with proportioning my graphics and saves a hell of a lot of time.

I believe that's ok, since I'm only going to provide free fun for people.

[Nine Toes]

Oooh... Werewolves!

I'd love to see more on this game.  The graphics look great, and the background story is enough to grab my attention.

Looks like you're doing a fine job, keep up the good work.

~Sully

[Dart]

Whoa... Yeah, this game really reminds me of Colonel's Bequest.

And I loved that game.

So I'll love this game.

So hurry up and make it already!

[DanClarke]

wow, looks great, ony thing i noticed is that on the rain screen, the rain seems to be in 'rows'.

[veryweirdguy]

That's because of the rain plug in by Scorpiorus. That's how it works.

[Kweepa]

Really?
Does it look ok when animated?

*Steve goes to investigate*

[EDIT]
Are you sure you have the latest version and the right settings? I took a screenshot of the SnowRain demo game and it certainly doesn't look like that.



Hmm, maybe if you start the rain off at full strength it looks banded. Just a guess...

[aussie]

Yep, that's what happens if you make the rain very intense. Still, it doesn't look too bad when the animation is playing.

[Darth Mandarb]

Looks pretty darn good!Ã,  Even if they are paintovers!Ã,  I think this has some potential!

Does anybody, besides me, see the 1/2 man on the floor in the 3rd screenie (below the fire place)?  Just his shoulders and head sticking out of the floor?

I'm assuming that's the 'talk' cursor?

Keep up the good work!

[Kweepa]

Ummm, Darth?
Did you see that sofa? I think he's sitting on it.

[Phemar]

Wow, that looks great, auusie. I can find certain similarities between these screens and Colonel's bequest. Anyway, looking forward to the full release!

Yes, I was also thinking that...yes, and Darth, I think he is sitting on the sofa...

[Darth Mandarb]

Ummm, Darth?
Did you see that sofa? I think he's sitting on it.

...yes, and Darth, I think he is sitting on the sofa...

Ahhhh ... yes, now I see it!Ã,  I thought the pink was hilights on the rug on the floor.Ã,  Now I see what it is!

D'oh!

[aussie]

He is sitting on the couch.

*aussie goes back to his corner and feels useless*

[BerserkerTails]

This looks like an excellent game! I love that screenshot with the horse, I can't wait to see what's going on there.

[aussie]

Another screenie just to keep people happy while I get things done.

[evilspacefart]

Glad to see another fine Aussie adventure.  8)

[Totoro]

Looks great and really scary, looking forward to that.

The main character named after a Scottish soccer player.

[aussie]

I proudly announce chapter 1 to be complete.

Would a couple of people be interested in beta-ing?

[Chicky]

Ohhhh! me, pick me!

soo, do i get a shot at beta testing

[Dart]

I would love to beta-test your game.

[Nine Toes]

I'll do some beta-testing for you.

[Blackthorne]

I would be happy to beta-test the game, and write up a review for you and a bug-list of any errors I find.  Just let me know.

Bt

[Svetac]

Hey, this game looks soo damn cool! Altough the graphics are simple, they are very atmorspheric, and the story couldn't be better for adventure game. Uh, it's like a Dylan Dog episode, and that's a compliment. Keep up the good work, I'll keep an eye on this one.

[aussie]

I'll PM al those who want to beta test very soon.

Thanks for the response.

[aussie]

*bump*

I have PMed those interested in beta testing: Blackthorne519, Blackbird, Mr. Hyde, Dart and OSC.

Thanks all for you interest.

I'll be away til the end of this week, but I'll try and keep an eye on the forums from elsewhere.

[Phemar]

Can you please try and squeeze me in that beta-ing list somehow?

[aussie]

Can you please try and squeeze me in that beta-ing list somehow?

You're in.

[j-Hed]

Has anyone played "Elvira - Mistress of the dark"?

The graphics on the wolf pic reminds me of that game and Elvira was the scariest game ever (in 1991) but I think it still is...heh.

Anyways Wolf country for me has a mixture of the first secret of monkey island version and Elvira.
I get SO nostalgic when I see this game somehow, it feels like I'm back in 1991 and a new brilliant adventure game has arrived.
Don't get me wrong, it's still brilliant even for 2004.

I would love to be a beta-tester but I can see theres a lot on the list.
Great man!

[InCreator]

Looks very SCI-ish. And that's good.

[Blackthorne]

Well,

Here's a prelim, and quick review upon my first time playing.

First off, I love it.  I really do.  The mood is great, reminds me of good old time adventure gaming.  I'm glad you're making this!

The only complaint I have is that the intro moved too slowly for me, and you couldn't skip it.   But I'm sure that's something easily fixed, what have you.

The graphics are simple, colorful, effective and wonderful.  I look forward to playing more!

Bt

[aussie]

Beta testing is now complete.

As soon as work lets me off the hook I'll be releasing the bug-free version of Wolf Country's chapter 1.

Oz.

[Svetac]

Beta testing is now complete.

As soon as work lets me off the hook I'll be releasing the bug-free version of Wolf Country's chapter 1.

Oz.

Cheers to that!

[aussie]

.

[aussie]

It's been awhile since I ditched this project but I've decided to release Chapter 1 as a demo.

I feel this is ok as it's got one full chapter worth of gameplay, and I think people will still enjoy it.


GET WOLF COUNTRY CHAPTER 1 HERE



BEAR IN MIND

This is the beta version, meaning there are a few bugs and a lot of missing interactions.

Those who beta-ed it for me (Dart, Mr. Hyde, blackbird, OSC and Blackthorne) did an excellent job finding bugs.

However, I was a bit lazy to add their changes, since by the time I finished chapter 1 I was already tired of this project, and I was pretty busy at work.

Now, as I said I've lost some of the files, and implementing their suggestion would imply a significant re-make - just too much work.

I think I owe them beta testers a big apology, and I think they deserve to be credited for their work. Sorry.


WHY I DITCHED IT - IF YOU THINK AN EXPLANATION IS IN ORDER

Sincerely, I need to be working on an "original" concept to keep my motivation up. Otherwise the "been there done that" attitude kicks in very quickly.

When I made "Al Gurbish in Nick it and Run", I felt the graphics I was making were pretty good for AGS standards. If instead of making it in 2003, I had made it alongside the likes of Apprentice or No Action Jackson, I'm don't think I would have finished it.

When I made "Casablanca: The Day After", it was the first time I was entering the MAGS comp, so I had an pressing motivation.

When I made "Abducted: 10 minutes", I wanted to make something action-oriented in real time, something able to capture the "living on the edge" feeling of a extreme situation, where making the right choices would lead you either a bit closer to your goal or to complete failure.

In contrast,

When I set out to work on "Book of Destiny", I wanted to make something like "The trials of Odysseus Kent".

When I set out to work on "Wolf Country", I wanted to make something like "5 Days a Stranger", but correcting some of the logical issues for which that game was criticised.

At least I think I've found the reason why I sometimes tend to lose motivation.

I have a new project in mind now, and I think it's fairly original. But this time I will not announce it until it's finished.

I feel that's fairer on people.

[Khris]

Only thing so far: there's no way to skip the intro and it isn't possible to load a savegame beforehand.

Btw, where's the music in the beginning from?

[jetxl]

Nice lookin game, Aussie.
Can't wait to play the rest.
[edit] Oh, you gave up the project. I think it's better to say"the project is on a (permanent) hold". It's not like you're going to delete the source code.

[Abisso]

I pray you to change your mind about the project. IT deserves a lot more respect than you think. You should continue, I assure you.

P.S. Am I right if I say that the occultist's name was inspired by the infamous Aleister Crowley (greatest of modern magicians)?

[aussie]

Ok, Jet. Let's say it's on permanent hold.

I've added it as a demo on the main AGS page.

[Abisso]

 

[Potch]

HI.  Your game is great.  One bug I found is when you talk to the little boy through the door, the lady goes into the bathroom.  If you talk to the little boy again, she is all of a sudden talking again, and the bathroom door opens and closes.  It's kind of funny actually. :-)

AND... I'm stuck. 

Spoiler

I obviously need something sharp to open the bag of garlic, but I can't find anything.  Please help!!

[close]

[Nine Toes]

Potch:

Spoiler

Look under the bed

[close]

Dude!Ã,  Bummer.Ã,  I was really looking forward to this game.Ã,  It had really nice graphics, and it was fun to play.

Well, we can't make you finish it... unless we threaten your life!  Now die!

[Potch]

Thank you!  Totally missed that.

OH MAN... this ended WAY too soon.  I hope the author decides to take it off permanent hold and finish it.  It's way too cool.

[splat44]

Yes, that game is also great and it reminds of Gabriel Knight serie especially the one on werewolves.

So I far I have flower and as well the oil but I'm not sure what next.

[Sztyopek]

WOW !! COOL game!

The oil can and the stethoscope are kinda pixel hunting, I ask why the game default  in winsetup is 640x400, with such a pixelized graphics 320x200 should be fine.

I also would suggest aussie to adjust winsetup for the new game name, because it requires to rename the executable to MYST.exe.

I have read in the readme file about dll's, but I did not need to place them into my Windows system folder, it worked just fine from the game folder.

Great game, we definitely need the next chapters!

[splat44]

Hi,

I got the knife from under bed. However, I've read something about bag of garlic but I cannot seem to find it. Where is it exactly and what is being used for?

[Barbarian]

Hey, it looks great so far.Ã, 
It's one of the longer and better "intros" I've seen amoung AGS-made games.
Characters, story, art, animations, music and sound all set the mood nicely.
Great job.

A couple of things that "bugged" me thoughÃ, 
The "winsetup.exe" file that you include is NOT the correct one... when I try to run it, it gives error message of "...unable to launch MYST.exe..."

So, I took a chance anyways and ran the WOLF COUNTRY.exe , and it luckily ran fine on my system. Still, I would like to be able to configure the game's setup options myself.

Also, I did not see any obvious GUI or way to save/load/quit once playing the game, so I had to resort to using known/default keyboard command to do this. (f5, f7, Ctrl-Q).

Everytime a door was opened, I didn't think the "sound effect" quite matched properly, to me it sounded more like some lame "siren" or like someone blowing into a party-horn trinket...

*Edit: Tried replaying the game, there's no appearant way to skip to long opening cutscenes that I can find.
Also, upon trying to restore a game, I got "Unable to load" type errors and the game crashed.

Anyways, overall, I think you've done a fantastic job, and I'd surely enjoy to see more of this project completed.

Best regards.

[strazer]

The "winsetup.exe" file that you include is NOT the correct one... when I try to run it, it gives error message of "...unable to launch MYST.exe..."

All that the winsetup.exe does is calling the game exe with the parameter "--setup", so you can run the setup yourself by making a link to the exe with the added parameter or calling it from the command prompt.

[Barbarian]

All that the winsetup.exe does is calling the game exe with the parameter "--setup", so you can run the setup yourself by making a link to the exe with the added parameter or calling it from the command prompt.

Kool...
Got it figured out now.
So, I'm always learning something new from the forums, thanx.

So, from the "WolfCountry.exe", I made a "shortcut", then on that shortcut, I right clicked , selected "Properties" and added the " --setup" parameter on the end of the Target path, "OK"ed it, and it works fine now.. So, thanks again. Now I'll know what to do in future when this happens again.Ã, 

[Potch]

You can also run the setup by just changing the name of the exe file to mYST.  That's what I did and everything worked just fine. 

[splat44]

HI.Ã,  Your game is great.Ã,  One bug I found is when you talk to the little boy through the door, the lady goes into the bathroom.Ã,  If you talk to the little boy again, she is all of a sudden talking again, and the bathroom door opens and closes.Ã,  It's kind of funny actually. :-)

AND... I'm stuck.Ã, 

Spoiler

I obviously need something sharp to open the bag of garlic, but I can't find anything.Ã,  Please help!!

[close]

Porch, I am trying in findind the bag of garlic, but it appear nowhere. Where is it exactly?

[Potch]

It's PoTch. :-)  and

Spoiler

Check in the kitchen.  There is a cabinet door that is stuck.

[close]

[Cluey]

Why quit making this game?

I played it, and it seems very nicely made, and clearly the people here are enjoying it!

[splat44]

Yes, I agree.

I too like to play with it and it is for shame that this project is being dropped.

[Kinoko]

This always seemed to me to be one of the most promising projects I'd ever seen here :\

[aussie]

Thanks a lot for all that.

Honestly, guys, if you keep posting positive feedback and PM-ing me about it, you're gonna make me feel like taking the project off permanent hold.

[Potch]

Aussie... I already said this, but I'm gonna say it again.  This game is REALLY cool, and I am dying to see how it ends!  So PLEEEEAAASSSEEEE start it up again!

[Darth Mandarb]

Even though you've said this project is on permanent hold I'm not going to lock this topic.

I'm going to leave it open so that as many people as possible can try to convince you to pick it back up.

It has/had much promise, t'would be a pity to see if fall ...

[JayWolf1985]

Only thing I can't stand (and this is no offense to you Aussie) is that werewolves are always potrayed as the mindless bloodthristy villian and it annoys the piss out of me!   

Wolves are nothing like that!  So why would werewolves be like that?!  Honestly!

Besides that, it's a good game and you should continue. 

[Potch]

I think it's the human in the werewolves that makes them so bloodthirsty and vengefull.   

[Reko]

This definately has potential.

[JayWolf1985]

I think it's the human in the werewolves that makes them so bloodthirsty and vengefull.Ã,  Ã, 

I still find that hard to buy considering pretty much every werewolf has been evil. 

[Darth Mandarb]

A friendly werewolf wouldn't be a very scary monster now would it?

Anyway ... stay on topic

[JayWolf1985]

A friendly werewolf wouldn't be a very scary monster now would it?

Anyway ... stay on topic

Wow, what a great answer there.  That was my whole point.  Why do werewolves and wolves have to be scary in the first place? :p

But anyway, the qualm I'm having with the game is that it lacks interactivity with objects around the mansion.

[Lykos]

Good game this far, but now I'm stuck. (Haven't seen any wolves yet. )Ã, 

//offtopic//
Hmh, JayWolf is right. People (except 'wolf fans' of my kindÃ,  ) seem to always think that wolves and werewolves are evil. But when I make my 'real' game, there'll be both good and bad weres, depending on which side they are. *planning*

Wouldn't a were guinea-pig be _really_ scary?
//offtopic//

[evilspacefart]

hope it gets picked up again someday.

[JayWolf1985]

I hate to ask, but Aussie, can I use your graphics as a reference guide?  I've always wanted to make a horror-themed video game with these type of mansion graphics.

I'm not asking to copy but just use them as a reference guide to use while trying to create graphics of my own?

[Vel]

Why that's so great, Aussie! Oh come ON, start working on this project again - it has indeed great potential.

[Queen Kara]

Gaaaame. Ommm.
( may the project be retaken up and finished without quality loss....amen.... )

[aussie]

Thanks, thanks, thanks again. You guys are really managing to build up my motivation again.

I will honestly try to finish this project, even if a have to put the one I'm working on on hold. But do not expect anything too soon. Bear in mind that I have lost quite a few files, and you know that art is what takes up the most time when making a game.

I'll probably have to re-vamp the graphics and the GUI a bit - I feel ripping off the Colonel's Bequest is ok only to a certain extent.

Thanks again for all that positive feedback, and

Darth Thanks for not locking this topic.

JayWolf1985 You're free to use the graphics as a reference. If you like this style, the Colonel's Bequest is a good place for you to start.

evilspacefart Good to hear from you again. What happened to underwater adventures?

All others: Potch, kinoko, totoro, Vel... Your support does mean something to me. I'll try to live up to it. Cheers.

[Blade]

Seems like the game's back on track. Way to go, Aussie  I regrettably admit that I haven't played a bit of it yet, but sincerely I've discovered this gem only recently and didn't come up with time to just sit and play. And I feel if I get to it, I would not like to quit it before I reach the last screenie. So please finish it, as I'd like it to be the last screen really.

[Vel]

I personally think that Colonel's Bequest paintovers are OK and suit well this game, and if you can keep up the EGA-ish sierry quality of the character animations it will be quite pleasing visually.

[JayWolf1985]

JayWolf1985 You're free to use the graphics as a reference. If you like this style, the Colonel's Bequest is a good place for you to start.

Thank you Aussie.

Hey, where could I find The Colonel's Bequest?  I would like to play it.

[Gilbert]

Well, since we won't promote the use of abandoned wares or warez in these forums, you may try searching it on the net, or better, buy it.

[JayWolf1985]

Well, since we won't promote the use of abandoned wares or warez in these forums, you may try searching it on the net, or better, buy it.

Well, the idea was to buy if I can.  However, I doubt it's still in print.

[jetxl]

Only thing I can't stand (and this is no offense to you Aussie) is that werewolves are always potrayed as the mindless bloodthristy villian and it annoys the piss out of me!Ã,  Ã, 

Wolves are nothing like that!Ã,  So why would werewolves be like that?!Ã,  Honestly!
. . .

I don't want to sound like a lycanthrope hater/know-it-all, but in the good ol' days werewolves killed all the livestock in one night, and no matter how much they ate, their hunger never went away.
There isn't one reference of garlic or silver repelling werewolfs in Dutch/Belgium folklore, nor that a bite will turn you into a werewolf (you have to sell your soul to the devil).

There are alot of stories.
http://www.volksverhalenbank.be/zoeken/zoeken_Trefwoord.cfm?Trefwoord=weerwolf
A shame that all the stories are in dutch. The stories are short, simple and alike, but scary non the less.

[vpresrufus]

Only thing I can't stand (and this is no offense to you Aussie) is that werewolves are always potrayed as the mindless bloodthristy villian and it annoys the piss out of me!Ã,  Ã, 

Wolves are nothing like that!Ã,  So why would werewolves be like that?!Ã,  Honestly!

Besides that, it's a good game and you should continue.Ã, 

Never play discworld nior?

[aussie]

There are alot of stories.
http://www.volksverhalenbank.be/zoeken/zoeken_Trefwoord.cfm?Trefwoord=weerwolf

Geez Jet! I really wish I could read Dutch.

It looks like I could get plenty of ideas from that site!

There isn't one reference of garlic or silver repelling werewolfs in Dutch/Belgium folklore, nor that a bite will turn you into a werewolf (you have to sell your soul to the devil).

I'm no expert, I guess, but you know what the movie cliche is like: werewolfry is passed on via bites and silver bullets are the only way to kill a werewolf.

The garlic bit is my own, I suppose - in the game it sounded a bit silly to say that doors and windows had been covered with silver while people were having dinner. Garlic just sounded a bit more, say, feasible.

...in the good ol' days werewolves killed all the livestock in one night, and no matter how much they ate, their hunger never went away.

Was it the werewolves or just the wolves? ???Ã, 

[JayWolf1985]

I don't want to sound like a lycanthrope hater/know-it-all, but in the good ol' days werewolves killed all the livestock in one night, and no matter how much they ate, their hunger never went away.
There isn't one reference of garlic or silver repelling werewolfs in Dutch/Belgium folklore, nor that a bite will turn you into a werewolf (you have to sell your soul to the devil).

Only thing is a lot of stories like that were created because there was an immense hatred for wolves at the time due to the fact the wolves would kill and eat livestock.  The reason they'd eat the livestock is because the animals they normally hunted were being depleted as game and food by hunters.  So, when the livestock came about, it was easy game for the wolves to get a hold of since their normal food was being depleted by the hunters.  In other words, I find the myths to be a load of BS. 

[splat44]

Thanks, thanks, thanks again. You guys are really managing to build up my motivation again.

I will honestly try to finish this project, even if a have to put the one I'm working on on hold. But do not expect anything too soon. Bear in mind that I have lost quite a few files, and you know that art is what takes up the most time when making a game.

I'll probably have to re-vamp the graphics and the GUI a bit - I feel ripping off the Colonel's Bequest is ok only to a certain extent.

Thanks again for all that positive feedback, and

Darth Thanks for not locking this topic.

JayWolf1985 You're free to use the graphics as a reference. If you like this style, the Colonel's Bequest is a good place for you to start.

evilspacefart Good to hear from you again. What happened to underwater adventures?

All others: Potch, kinoko, totoro, Vel... Your support does mean something to me. I'll try to live up to it. Cheers.

Aussie, If art is hardest part, why not ask someone to help out?
I am relieve to know that you are not entire dropping this project

[aussie]

Aussie, If art is hardest part, why not ask someone to help out?

I don't have anything against it, that's for sure. Two people work twice as fast.

The only thing is that the other artist would have to fit in with the sprite and background style.

[sparkle]

hi i have just played this game an i defenatly think you should continue with it loads of people would play it in my opionion lol 

[sparkle]

i dont think there are enough horror adventure games n this one seems worth making.  keep up the good work! 

[Darth Mandarb]

I'm taking a screenshot of this one ...

You dig up a thread that has been burried for 7 months AND double post.

This must be some kind of a record.

Simply incredible.

Is this somebody playing a joke on me?  Because I think a person'd have to try REALLY hard to be this dumb ...