Threadbare: LOOM Audio Drama-July 15 (New Characters). +Gameplay help needed+

[Da_Duke2000]

NOTICE:
Temporarily on-hold while finances are sorted out. First rate art has been costly. Will update when there is any new development. Thanks all. As always, email with questions.
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What was anticipated to be a mini-game has developed into something quite extensive.

The premise of the game will follow the mother of Bobbin Threadbare, one Lady Cygna. Without giving away spoilers (albeit common knowledge to fans) we will get to play as her up to the point of her Transcendence, and continuing as Bobbin up until the very beginning of LOOM. With thanks to a small team of artists, and the projects programmer, I'll hope to load up a teaser within the next 3 weeks.

As per protocol, here are a few Character Portraits. Hopefully, LOOM fans will recognize them as Clothos and Lachesis of the Weavers.

[img-]http://h1.ripway.com/DaDuke2000/greenfull.gif[/img]   [-img]http://h1.ripway.com/DaDuke2000/yellowfull.gif[/img]
*images removed by request

Two New Characters of the Guild of Weavers: Added 07-15-08
[img-]http://h1.ripway.com/DaDuke2000/RedBlue.gif[/img]

The last image is an enchanced menu of the classic Loom Protection screen. The feel will be classic, and from the menu the player will have the choice of beginning a new game, or enjoying the Extras they will unlock during gameplay. The player will be able to view a fully detailed world map, the players Book of Patterns, and a dozen Guild Seals detailing more of some particular Guilds.

Many interactive portions of the game will be present. Including a dye making puzzle, spinning straw into gold, and weaving on the Great Loom. As the storyline has already been established by Brian Moriarty in the Audio Drama, we'll be ensuring to have a little fun between the "Acts" to add depth to the Age of the Great Guilds. To date, the team and myself have heavily expanded the game World and delved into the details of events and places barely mentioned.

This project is personally funded and once completed (which is so far been quite expensive), another true Loom game will be started. Questions/comments or offers to assist in the project can be submitted to me at Da_Duke2000@hotmail.com via e-mail or MSN. Emails will be replied to very quickly (hurrah for Blackberry).

Any LOOM fans that would like to assist are more than welcome to contact me.

Feedback is most welcome, and encouraged.

UPDATE: July 15th, 2008. Gameplay help needed.
Well, many portions of the game are coming along very well. And our teaser of the game will be out shortly. Once my scripter glues heads on my sprites .

One thing we are having difficulty with, is game progression. Being limited to the framework of the Audio Drama has made things a challenge to add obstacles for the main character. We're unsure if we want the player to be limited in playable notes as in the original, or other unlock-ables for the game to progress. We're certainly looking for one or two people with a passion for the Loom continuity and might like to brainstorm with us. Contact information is above.

[i k a r i]

Yes you have neglected many things in regard of the rules. Just letting you know  . THE RULES. I would edit the post asap if I were you =P 

But since I posted I just wanna say those portraits look great!! and good luck with the project.

[Frodo]

These pictures are amazing.   :o

Good luck with the project   

[Matti]

Hey, when I played Loom a long time ago (without even finishing it I think) I really wanted to play a sequel or something (with better graphics).

Audio drama? I'm curious. As Ikari pointed out, you have to say a bit about the story. Well, we'll see, the screens look nice.

[Darth Mandarb]

Is this actually a game?

Technically the two screen shots (not the third since it's mock-up only) but the first two do meet the rules if they are "in-game" ... would be better to show some actual backgrounds, guis, a player character, etc.  Cut scenes are not against the rules ... but people want to see the playable screens.

If you haven't got any playable screens, and thus aren't that far into production you might have jumped the gun a bit.  However you mention a 3 weeks time-line ... so maybe post up a screen or two on the game play parts!

If this isn't a game and is just something "promo" it doesn't really belong in here and I'll move it over to the Adventure Related Talk & Chat board.

[Da_Duke2000]

Yes, this is a game. Those familiar with the Audio Drama will know its fully scripted, so a few people and myself are adding (I hate to use the word 'fluff') to ensure the user feels the interaction. I hope to have three puzzles, but the focus of course will be the story and if all goes well, dozens of easter eggs of Loom Mythos. I do not have time immediately to go into more but will edit this tonight.

The game will certainly be a short one, but I cannot wait for its beta release. Thank you.

[Radiant]

Why do they have such a big chin?

[Gilbert]

I don't think so, as the original Loom was at 320x200, unless this game used the same aspect ratio, you'll see the original portraits had "big chins" also (try resizing the mobygame screenshot to 640x480).
But then, it's not C&C, why raise such a question?

[Da_Duke2000]

Yes, the original Game was 320x200, and this one will be the same. The portraits shown are not at 'full' resolution, and will have the traditional scripted speech in the black area. And for the most part, they're not chins, just the natural folds of the hoods.

And, C&C?

[Gilbert]

And, C&C?

Here. We usually keep discussions and comments about design works (especially art-related ones) off from the 'Games in Production' forum and settle them in the C&C forum.

Anyway, nice to see a loom fan game, that you even care to create VGA portraits when 99% of them were missing in the VGA PC-CD version.

[Da_Duke2000]

Ah, well thats good to know . I've also edited my first post to reflect a little more about the intention of the game. To clarify though, it will be fully playable, fully interactive between cut-scenes, and will be a treat to any LOOM fan.

EDIT: And thank you for the comment in regards to the Portraits. Yes, I'm very much a purist about this type of thing. I want people to feel like they're playing a true Lucasarts Oldie.

[Da_Duke2000]

Small update. Just to ensure people know the game is still in progress. A new menu screen replaced the mockup, and a playable screen will follow shortly. Thanks all.

[DazJ]

Going to have to play Loom again now lol

[Da_Duke2000]

Two new character portraits added (linked on the first post). Sprites to follow shortly. Also a note, that a new updated Distaff GUI will also be shown on the next update.

UPDATE: July 15th, 2008. Gameplay help needed.
Well, many portions of the game are coming along very well. And our teaser of the game will be out shortly. Once my scripter glues heads on my sprites .

One thing we are having difficulty with, is game progression. Being limited to the framework of the Audio Drama has made things a challenge to add obstacles for the main character. We're unsure if we want the player to be limited in playable notes as in the original, or other unlock-ables for the game to progress. We're certainly looking for one or two people with a passion for the Loom continuity and might like to brainstorm with us. Contact information is above.

[Krasas]

Hi there, Loom fans!
I just accidentaly came across your thread here (while searching google for some LOOM audio drama related info). These news about your loom project are exciting! And your work samples are just amazing. Well done indeed!

I myself have started a project of loom remake and I had made a thread about it over at lucasforums.com, some time ago:  http://www.lucasforums.com/showthread.php78414.
My project is really-really long term and sorta on hold right now, due to some other real life and time consuming issues, that require higher priority.

Also, since this would be my first attempt to (re)creating an adventure game, I practice and learn during the process of making it, rather than set off at an expert level. In other words I am no expert but I have been involved with translating classic lucasarts games (LOOM, Indiana Jones 3, Grim Fandango and Monkey Island so far), and in the creation of a standalone Total Conversion for the Max Payne game, and I consider myself a decent programmer and more than eager to work and learn this adventure development stuff.

I expect to resume my project some time in February 2009 (earlier is impossible) and have something to show for it. Perhaps if you still need help at that point in time, we could talk further.

For now, I wish you all the luck with your work and the best results!

[Da_Duke2000]

Finances Pending. Project on hold as no one works for free . E-mail with questions. Thanks all.