MAGS February “Make a Demo” (Result)

Stupot · Wed 01/02/2023 09:21:14

Theme: Make a Demo
Chosen by: Bulbapuck and ddavey1983

The Winner was Splendor Solis by tbook.

	Police Quest 4 SCI(ish) Demo by GOC Games
	Splendor Solis (demo) by tbook

For this month's MAGS competition we want you to make a small demo for a large-scale game that doesn't exist (at least not yet

). Been looking for an excuse to start up that great project in your mind? Or maybe you have a great idea for a small section you haven't found the game for? Now's your chance!

What is MAGS?
Started in 2001, MAGS is a competition for amateur adventure game makers. The idea is to create a game in under a month, following the guidelines set by the previous winner. It aims to help you work to a deadline, improve your skills, and provide a kick-start into making adventure games. Regardless of skill, MAGS is for everyone. Voting is based on "favourite" games, and not the most artistic, or the best coded. If you have bad art skills, use it as a chance to do some graphic work. If you're sub-standard at coding, use it as a chance to give scripting a go. Ultimately, people will vote for the most enjoyable entry.

Rules
Entering MAGS is simple. First, conceptualize your game following the month's criteria (see above). Second, create your game fuelled only by coffee. Finally, post your game in this thread, including:

* A working download link
* The title of your game
* A suitable in-game screenshot

At the end of the month, voting will begin, usually lasting for fourteen days, and the winner chooses the next month's theme.

Remember that this is a challenge to see what you can do in a month, so any tinkering you do after that, including fixing minor glitches, is against the spirit of the competition. The exception to this is that you may go in and fix major, game-breaking bugs only during voting. We want you to have a game that voters can actually play and that runs on their machines.

So to reiterate, during the voting period fixing major, game-breaking bugs is okay, fixing minor glitches or making cosmetic changes is cheating.

Tips
Here are some ways to make sure you have a game to submit at the end of the month:
* Make a tiny game. Plan small, then cut it in half. Find shortcuts (e.g. if making walkcycles is time-consuming, make the characters static or have it in the first person).
* Plan to have your game playable and submittable with a week to spare. This way you have a week to fix bugs, add some flourishes and maybe even get someone to test it.
* Plan to submit it a day or so early. This way, if there are any technical issues with uploading, they can be sorted out in time.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Need a little help with graphics? Perhaps The AGS Trove has something you can use.
Don't want to go it alone? Try the Recruitment board.
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Stupot · Thu 23/02/2023 20:42:58

Waddup, y'all? Anyone working on anything?

ddavey1983 · Thu 23/02/2023 21:44:13

I should have something ready in the next couple of days.

Volcan · Thu 23/02/2023 22:57:32

BowsetteGamer released a game in february. MAGS is selected.

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2659-ultimalatin-demo-fangame/

I don't know why the user didn't post it here.

heltenjon · Thu 23/02/2023 23:55:23

Quote from: Volcan on Thu 23/02/2023 22:57:32BowsetteGamer released a game in february. MAGS is selected.

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2659-ultimalatin-demo-fangame/

I don't know why the user didn't post it here.

I doubt @BowsetteGamer knew about the contest. However, her demo fits the rules this month, so why not? It's in Spanish, though.

I was considering making something small this time, but got an eye infection and haven't been doing much of anything, neither AGS nor IRL.

Stupot · Fri 24/02/2023 01:01:56

As well as not being posted in this thread (yet - there's still time), it seems as though Bowsette's demo was also started considerably before this topic was announced.

I'm inclined not to allow it this time but am open to change my mind if others think that is too harsh.

eri0o · Fri 24/02/2023 01:33:26

@heltenjon hope you get well soon, our eyes are super precious things.

tbook · Fri 24/02/2023 09:16:09

I'm working on a demo for a game that was on my mind for about a year. I will try to get it done by Sunday

Volcan · Fri 24/02/2023 13:38:06

Quote from: Stupot on Fri 24/02/2023 01:01:56As well as not being posted in this thread (yet - there's still time), it seems as though Bowsette's demo was also started considerably before this topic was announced.

I'm inclined not to allow it this time but am open to change my mind if others think that is too harsh.

MAGS case is selected. Was it for previous MAGS contests?

heltenjon · Fri 24/02/2023 16:27:31

Quote from: Stupot on Fri 24/02/2023 01:01:56As well as not being posted in this thread (yet - there's still time), it seems as though Bowsette's demo was also started considerably before this topic was announced.

I'm inclined not to allow it this time but am open to change my mind if others think that is too harsh.

You are totally right, I posted without thinking. Sorry.

Quote from: eri0o on Fri 24/02/2023 01:33:26@heltenjon hope you get well soon, our eyes are super precious things.

Thanks! I'm on medication and getting better. Not really a hardcore gamer/coder right now, though.

vertigoaddict · Fri 24/02/2023 19:13:19

Quote from: Stupot on Thu 23/02/2023 20:42:58Waddup, y'all? Anyone working on anything?

So I was working on something but I got too busy with irl stuff as it often goes

This map isn't even finished and I haven't even started re-learning coding.

Alas it seemed a shame to not share what I managed so far, who knows? I might pick it up when my schedule clears up and release it as a short game one day.

I thought it would be fun to do a "demo" of a game that "released" in 1995 or something. It would have been about some fantasy knight who investigates a possible dragon that people have been hearing in some old ruins, only to discover a rebooting futuristic machine and a cryogenically frozen scientist thawing.

Not the most original but I love those kinda stories

Maybe one day it'll meet it's "1995 Christmas release" goal

ddavey1983 · Fri 24/02/2023 21:31:29

Quote from: Stupot on Fri 24/02/2023 01:01:56As well as not being posted in this thread (yet - there's still time), it seems as though Bowsette's demo was also started considerably before this topic was announced.

I'm inclined not to allow it this time but am open to change my mind if others think that is too harsh.

I don't mind it being included if no one else does. Nice to have a few entries.

BowsetteGamer · Sat 25/02/2023 04:38:19

Quote from: heltenjon on Thu 23/02/2023 23:55:23
Quote from: Volcan on Thu 23/02/2023 22:57:32BowsetteGamer released a game in february. MAGS is selected.

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2659-ultimalatin-demo-fangame/

I don't know why the user didn't post it here.

I doubt @BowsetteGamer knew about the contest. However, her demo fits the rules this month, so why not? It's in Spanish, though.

I was considering making something small this time, but got an eye infection and haven't been doing much of anything, neither AGS nor IRL.

Hello guys, how are you? Yes, I want to participate in the contest. I didn't know I had to post my contest entry in this thread. When I published my DEMO, I did it when the registration for the contest was open, I have been working on this project for 1 year. Personally, guys, if it's not too much trouble, can you explain to me what the rules and requirements of the contest are like? I saw a publication that said about its rules and that and well... I didn't understand much. But I want to participate in the contest

It would actually be the first time I entered an AGS contest
Maybe my game is not the best in the world, but I would like to present my game to see the opinion of the jury and the public

Stupot · Sat 25/02/2023 05:18:56

Welcome @BowsetteGamer.

MAGS is a monthly contest in which entrants can make a game based on a theme or topic for that month. This month the Topic was "make a demo".

The idea is that members wait for the announcement of the theme on the 1st of each month and then get to work making their game. While it is considered okay to use pre-existing assets, the project itself should be original and intended as a MAGS entry.

We're not super strict on all the rules but I do think if you've been working on it for a whole year, it can't qualify as an entry for the contest this time.

Please feel free to look out for a future theme. You're more than welcome to join in anytime.

BowsetteGamer · Sat 25/02/2023 05:42:25

Quote from: Stupot on Sat 25/02/2023 05:18:56Welcome @BowsetteGamer.

MAGS is a monthly contest in which entrants can make a game based on a theme or topic for that month. This month the Topic was "make a demo".

The idea is that members wait for the announcement of the theme on the 1st of each month and then get to work making their game. While it is considered okay to use pre-existing assets, the project itself should be original and intended as a MAGS entry.

We're not super strict on all the rules but I do think if you've been working on it for a whole year, it can't qualify as an entry for the contest this time.

Please feel free to look out for a future theme. You're more than welcome to join in anytime.

Hi thanks. Well, my project is original, I have added things that differ from other games, regarding the Graphics, it can be said that 47% were pre-existing assets. The rest was designed by me, and even in the next update of the game I will add more of my own content, The story of my demo is Original, it is not linked to anything pre-existing. The scenery design is also original because I spend a lot of time placing the elements. This may sound silly but in fact, I have the drawing of the game map on a piece of paper in real life, it is a very different map from other RPG games, In order not to get lost in the design of scenarios and place cities and others, most of the buildings were my creation. what is not Original are the pre-existing assets and the music of the game
It also took me a long time to create the game, because I was designing a script that would not crash and be as faithful as possible to the combat system of an RPG game, obviously it has limitations but I have made a lot of progress on the code. Because imagine how frustrating it would be, if you test the game and find some bug. Even so, I put in the description of the game, "That any code error or bug that they notify me". But I can say that the game runs smoothly, since I have not received any errors in a scenario, enemy that does not die or character trapped in a room. And it should be noted that the programming code of the combat system is original and the most important thing is functional because it does not give errors.

Stupot · Sat 25/02/2023 06:07:53

Sorry, @BowsetteGamer, I didn't mean to suggest your game was not original. I can see that you've put a lot of your own time and creativity into the project, and it looks like a lot of fun. My main point was that a game that has been in development for a year cannot be entered into MAGS, because it is a contest about making a game in a month.

RootBound · Sat 25/02/2023 17:25:50

@vertigoaddict Love the art style of your map! I would definitely play such a demo.

ddavey1983 · Sat 25/02/2023 22:19:44

Police Quest IV SCI(ish)
The controversial Sierra classic reinterpreted by GOC Games.

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2664-police-quest-4-sci-ish-demo/

A playable demo of Police Quest 4: Open Season re-made in the style of PQ2. Made in one month for the February 2023 MAGS competition.

Someone's on a killing spree and it's up to you to solve a string of seemingly random murders. Some clues may lead you to the killer. Some lead down blind alleys. You must find the killer before he strikes again. Play it by the book and you might just stay alive. Make a mistake and you could be the next victim.

BowsetteGamer · Sun 26/02/2023 03:56:35

Quote from: Stupot on Sat 25/02/2023 06:07:53Sorry, @BowsetteGamer, I didn't mean to suggest your game was not original. I can see that you've put a lot of your own time and creativity into the project, and it looks like a lot of fun. My main point was that a game that has been in development for a year cannot be entered into MAGS, because it is a contest about making a game in a month.

Oh. so the contest is to make a game in a month. I thought it was something like how you make the game and when the contest announcement comes out you register it and that's it you wait for the votes, ok thanks for the help

Cassiebsg · Mon 27/02/2023 20:02:22

Damn, just got an idea... but only 1 day left. :/
Although I've made a game in 24 hours before, it won't do this time cause I have to go to work tomorrow, and have a headache today.

Maybe I'll use the "demo" idea into a future theme MAGS entry instead... it'll though still be a "demo".

tbook · Tue 28/02/2023 22:52:25

Uff got it on time! (I think, at least in my timezone

)

Splendor Solis (demo)

https://www.mediafire.com/file/oltzx4mfga7xrwh/Splendor_Solis_%25231.rar/file

Poland after a nuclear catastrophe. You will play as three characters (only one in demo version), inhabitants of the Guild. The Guild, ruled by the Governor is falling apart. The Governor is sick and he brings his people down with him. This is not the only problem, as foreigners inflirtate and watch the Guild. You will need to uncover the secrets of the falling ruler as Raula, his woman. You will need to defend your people as Damian, Hyena, a scavenger, and last but not least you will need to battle cowardice and uncover the secret plans of the foreigners as Jacob, a Rat.

It's chaotic, I know, sorry for mistakes, this is my first project I share, certainly too big of an idea for my current capabilieties haha

Stupot · Fri 03/03/2023 06:36:38

Time to vote for your favourite demo:

(Vote using the poll above)

	Police Quest 4 SCI(ish) Demo by GOC Games
	Splendor Solis (demo) by tbook

ddavey1983 · Sat 04/03/2023 10:36:46

Just played Splendor Solis. Really enjoyed it. There's a few rough edges (unhandled events, still getting a negative message when trying to take photo when the men have gone and when entering the auditorium at the end) but I liked the puzzles and the atmosphere. Looking forward to the full game!

tbook · Sat 04/03/2023 12:46:12

Thank you for playing @ddavey1983

these are my beginnings with coding so logics and best way on how to do things is still foreign to me.
Before pushing on with Splendor Solis I want to try and make some smaller games, we will see what will happen

Shadow1000 · Wed 08/03/2023 16:05:38

I'm glad to see some entries this month! I just voted

Police Quest 4 SCI(ish) Demo by GOC Games

Spoiler

This reminds me of many hours spent in the late 80s on text based adventure games, trying to figure out what words the parser recognizes to make slow progress in the game. However, other than "look" and "talk" I spent as much time as I had patience for. I spoke to the other characters and looked at the body and couldn't find anything to do past that

[close]

Splendor Solis (demo) by tbook

Spoiler

Awesome first game! Only after playing for a while I realized that it was part of a bigger story. Overall, good gameplay and cool closeup character art. Puzzles and things to do are pretty good. I have to admit that I spent a disproportionate amount of time getting rid of the hyenas because I didn't notice a certain item. My suggestion is to not have SO many hotspots with descriptions that are not part of the gameplay. I felt that I was clicking and reading dozens of items that are irrelevant for every item that does pertain to the game

[close]

My vote went to

Spoiler

Splendor Solis because I was able to play it and complete it and I had a pretty good time doing so

[close]

Stupot · Mon 13/03/2023 05:09:14

Last few days to vote, folks

Stupot · Thu 30/03/2023 21:44:25

The winner of MAGS February is Splendor Solis demo by tbook.

Keep an eye out for tbook's chosen theme in MAGS April.

MAGS February “Make a Demo” (Result)

What is your favourite game of MAGS February?