What is MAGS?
MAGS is a monthly competition for all amateur adventure game makers. The idea is to use AGS to create a game in under a month, following the rules set by the previous winner.
For more information please visit the Official MAGS website (http://www.mags-competition.info/).
Why should I enter MAGS?
We're not here to tell you that you should enter MAGS, but merely allow it as a creative opportunity to help you work to a deadline, improve your skills, and generally as a good kick-start for the new comers (a.k.a n00bies).
MAGS is the perfect opportunity to make a game, and the wonderful prize is to announce the next month's rules, and all competitors get the game placed on the MAGS website.
MAGS is meant to be fun and is aimed at everyone, despite their skill. If you have poor art skills work on graphics, and vice-versa, as the voting is based on "favorite" games, and not the most artistic, you may get help for the competition, but should try not get anyone else to do any part of the game for you.
You are not allowed to (re)use material already created before this competition, you game must be completely new! An exception goes for sounds and music where you can also use free material that is available to the public.
Please do not just enter the competition with a rushed entry (a game created in just some hours)!
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Topic: Early Classic Horror:
This month's guidelines were set by last month's winner Kastchey:
_________________
Your game must contain the following phrase: "Oh my God... he's alive!"
(she/it alternatively) and either the player character or an NPC must be a typical
monster from those 30s-60s horror films.
Examples:
- A mummy
- A vampire
- A werewolf
- King-Kong or another oversized animal-like monster
- Frankenstein
- Dr Jekyll/Mr. Hyde
- Anything else that cries old school horror.
It would be nice if your game had a setting typical for an old horror film (or book):
a large old house, a castle in a desolate area, a Victorian age rainy town, a spooky
forest - but that's not strictly required.
Have fun!
All games till the 256th.
_________________
Thread Rules:
1) Comments are allowed at all times but should be hidden before and while the voting.
2) Participators are allowed to patch their games even while the voting but I should be informed via pm or here, and only IF the game has a serious bug that makes it crash. Due to the inability of keeping track of versions of the games, I've settled to this.
So you can patch your game, if it crashes or if it can't be completed.
Have fun this month too!!
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Winner
Discordance!
Oh #$%ing YES ;D
If I manage to make a good story, I am in.
Quote- Frankenstein
A common mistake, it is not Frankenstein, it is
Frankenstein's monster. Frankenstein himself was a doctor.
He was a psychological monster.
Anyway, this is the best theme ever, at least for me. I hope I can come up with something good.
Also; I call my vacuum cleaner a Dyson, not a Dyson Brand Vacuum Cleaner Designed By Mr. Dyson (actually I don't because I don't own that brand of vacuum cleaner but...ahem).
Although I agree calling the monster from the Frankenstein story 'Frankenstein' is incorrect, calling that TYPE of monster 'a frankenstein' is fine in my book.
Also, may I just say: BEST THEME EVVVVEERRRRR!!
I totally may have to enter this awesomely horrific theme.
Quote from: Chicky on Fri 01/01/2010 15:55:17
I totally may have to enter this awesomely horrific theme.
I told Kastchey, that themes like that make me wish I wasn't a host! :D
Quote from: Dualnames on Fri 01/01/2010 16:11:18
I told Kastchey, that themes like that make me wish I wasn't a host! :D
But can't you just make a game if you like the theme? ;)
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Fri 01/01/2010 16:13:04
Quote from: Dualnames on Fri 01/01/2010 16:11:18
I told Kastchey, that themes like that make me wish I wasn't a host! :D
But can't you just make a game if you like the theme? ;)
Yeah, It used to be about the love man, the love of making games.
Ever since your big break in Hollywood all you can think about is winning,
you've changed man...
I'm not even sure it can ever be the same between us :'(
:=
You're right Scarab, the money has made me blind, I only get laid with hot chicks and earn money! Where has my life gone to!
QuoteA common mistake, it is not Frankenstein, it is Frankenstein's monster. Frankenstein himself was a doctor.
I was referring to both of them: 1) the image of a frankenstein-type monster known from popular culture (the theme mainly focuses on popular culture after all) - a humanoid with greenish skin, short black hair, arms thrown forward, and only able to utter unintelligible animal-like sounds, or 2) the deranged sciencist stitching body parts together - hence the general term "Frankenstein" in my list of examples :)
You are free to your own interpretation and could choose any of the two, or even something closer to the original Frankenstein and his eloquent and sophisticated creation if you want - just stay more or less on the subject.
I'm happy you like the theme guys, good luck to all of you who decide to enter :)
Hmm.. I may enter this one. The theme is awesome :D
I will start now, can't promise I'll finish though.
So I put down my book of Lovecraft stories, log in to the forums and see this. Kastchey, you have just made my day.
Arrgh! Completely forgot about last month's competition! Just found my half finished entry on my HDD and realised Christmas had got the better of me xD Well, I love the theme of this one, really hope to be able to enter this time :)
The theme sounds great, not that i am an avid fan of classic horror, but this would definitely be a good way to introduce myself to the inner working of the AGS engine.
could i post a thread for a MAGS game in the "AGS games in production" Forum? i figured i might want to make a call for testers at some point, also show a few screens as well.
Sure you can do that Darius. As long as you comply with the two screenshots rule, there's no limitation.
Awesome theme, shame I don't have time \ willpower \ organizational skills sufficient to get something done right now.
However might be willing to provide some artwork in exchange for on-screen credit.
Quote from: Dualnames on Fri 01/01/2010 11:15:45
Please do not just enter the competition with a rushed entry (a game created in just some hours or a few days)!
Why not? I remember having lots of fun with the Me Go Store series.
Quote from: Radiant on Sun 03/01/2010 16:58:26
Quote from: Dualnames on Fri 01/01/2010 11:15:45
Please do not just enter the competition with a rushed entry (a game created in just some hours or a few days)!
Why not? I remember having lots of fun with the Me Go Store series.
Me Go Store was a fastly created game. Not rushed in terms of quality.
Quote from: Dualnames on Sun 03/01/2010 17:15:30Me Go Store was a fastly created game. Not rushed in terms of quality.
Sure, but it was (to my knowledge) created in a few days. Come to think of it, there have been several other MAGS entries made in a short amount of time. Now this may not be what you intended, but the sentence does appear to disallow games made in a few days.
Quote from: Radiant on Mon 04/01/2010 07:52:31
Quote from: Dualnames on Sun 03/01/2010 17:15:30Me Go Store was a fastly created game. Not rushed in terms of quality.
Sure, but it was (to my knowledge) created in a few days. Come to think of it, there have been several other MAGS entries made in a short amount of time. Now this may not be what you intended, but the sentence does appear to disallow games made in a few days.
True. Point taken.
What are the rules on using pre-existing modules?
As a completely random and hypothetical example, let's say I'd spent the last several months making a shooter engine. Could I modify that to create an entry? If the content was all 100% original and made this month?
Quote from: discordance on Mon 04/01/2010 20:44:21
What are the rules on using pre-existing modules?
As a completely random and hypothetical example, let's say I'd spent the last several months making a shooter engine. Could I modify that to create an entry? If the content was all 100% original and made this month?
Modules and templates are okay.
Fantastic. Expect something from me, then :)
I've planned out a pretty good game for this month, here's hoping i can finish it!
Anyone else working on something? We need lots of entries to start this new year of MAGS.
Coincidence. On Saturday, Jan 2 I started doing some sprites and scripting for a platformer that tentatively stars a vampire. Supposing I finish it on time and the end result still fits with this theme, would it be all right if I entered it, even though it wasn't initially intended for the MAGs?
Coincidence. Few months ago I wrote a story draft which involves a vampiric mummy murdering people ;D
QuoteAnyone else working on something? We need lots of entries to start this new year of MAGS.
I am, and Victor6 agreed to help me with character sprites. I hope I can make it, otherwise it will be a shame.
So, here is my project, just a small teaser for anyone interested:
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/otomosc/Pixel%20Art/Nosferatu.png)
i hope it's mostly self-explanatory. I don't feel like doing any progress threads or anything.
Very cool Darius! All the best of luck to you finishing Crimson!
Quote from: Darius Poyer on Fri 08/01/2010 03:32:46
So, here is my project, just a small teaser for anyone interested:
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/otomosc/Pixel%20Art/Nosferatu.png)
i hope it's mostly self-explanatory. I don't feel like doing any progress threads or anything.
NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOooooooooo.... whyyy?!
Finally someone makes a classic vampire game, something I really wanted to see made in AGS.
By the way, nice drawing, Darius. If there's a thing that terrifies me most, it is definitely drawing a horse ;D
NsMn, either you are afraid of Nospheratu, or you were making a game with same concept... in last case I guess it will be even more interesting, since we'll have more variations of same story.
Quote from: Chicky on Thu 07/01/2010 22:01:10
I've planned out a pretty good game for this month, here's hoping i can finish it!
Anyone else working on something? We need lots of entries to start this new year of MAGS.
I also have something in the works, not sure I'll make it in time, though, since I'm lurking in the forums too much instead of working...
Darius: Nice artwork there!
I'm glad you all seem to like it. I did sort of want to claim Nosferatu in some way (sorry NsMn).
Hopefully I've got time to finish it. mainly since I've never done an AGS game before.
It wasn't actually that hard to make a horse and wagon. I've tired to make a car before and that was way more difficult, especially when it comes to orientation. I guess the real challenge is to make the horse look strong and all. I hope that comes through.
I guess screenshots are the cool thing to do:
(http://discordants.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/scrnshot.png?w=320)
As you might have guessed I'm working with an actual real artist this time. Hallelujah!
Meh... I am really busy lately and got certain problems IRL, so I can't work on MAGS game, my mind simply fail to concentrate on storyline.
I think I will be doing a "normal" non-MAGS game this time, since I already started project and I got a scenario half-written; perhaps I only shall need a "team of artists" as they say ;D
Anyway, sorry for this.
Oh, and I would really love to see those two games announced above finished.
Why do I find out about it just now? Why???.... Such a perfect topic for The Grim Reaper! I will still try to whip something out on the quick side.... Hopefully:)
Seeing as it's all the rage :P
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/snowcaptitle.gif)
Bit bodged ;) It's video ingame. Anyone else working on something?
*edit* Ahh nuts, turns out i've got to go back to the studio to finish recording my bands album this week. That means like zero time to work on AGS. I don't think i'll be getting this finished in time guys!
Oh cool I've been meaning to do a MAGS for a while and also make a short horrorish game, I'm gonna try to do this. Eurotrash Dracula here I come.
Quote from: Chicky on Fri 15/01/2010 23:27:26
*edit* Ahh nuts, turns out i've got to go back to the studio to finish recording my bands album this week. That means like zero time to work on AGS. I don't think i'll be getting this finished in time guys!
It's too bad, the screenshot (and the fact you have videos) makes the game look very promising, I hope you'll still make it in time...
Anyways, here's a teaser for my entry:
(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/7950/mothersday.png)
I've got a pretty good idea for a game, but I haven't started yet.. I'm thinking about making it anyway with craptastic graphics and all. Then I saw this in the rules:
Quote from: Dualnames on Fri 01/01/2010 11:15:45
Please do not just enter the competition with a rushed entry (a game created in just some hours)!
Seeing that my game would probably be rushed, should I not enter it?
You SHOULD enter, because Chicky hath spoketh.
Also, i feel bad for not having a game ready :(
I think that rule is mainly designed to keep spam out. As long as it's not massively broken, bug filled or something you've put no work into (like a barely edited default template game) I'd enter it. If it's good people will play it and maybe vote for it. If it's bad Dualnames might ban it, but then if it's bad people wouldn't vote for it anyway. The only problem would be if you were the only entrant.
I'm not in charge of the competition though.
Bulbabuck, when I say rushed I mean like making a game in two days or some hours when there's not competition so you can win by default. Any game being worked more than 5 days or so (quality doesn't always match time though, so 5 is very loosely used) is fine by me. Crimson has entered with Roger sprites painted over, and I'm allowing modules and templates to help you guys out.
If you still have second thoughts and you're unsure, just pm it to me.
Cheers, James ;D
Quote from: Chicky on Fri 22/01/2010 12:29:38
You SHOULD enter, because Chicky hath spoketh.
Also, i feel bad for not having a game ready :(
Oh, also ..Chicky said it! Teh man has spokenZ!
Quote from: Chicky on Fri 22/01/2010 12:29:38
You SHOULD enter, because Chicky hath spoketh.
Quote from: Dualnames on Fri 22/01/2010 17:40:14
Oh, also ..Chicky said it! Teh man has spokenZ!
Well, if Chicky says so, it's ON! ;D
Unfortunately I'm out, there's no way I'll make it in time... :'(
Meh, me too.... I COULD try to make a short puzzle game, just to have a use ofr the background Matt made for me.
Heh. So, are there any entries?
After failing my initial attempt, I am currently making a game out of comp., so I can't say this topic was useless to me :)
I'm going to finish, I swear.
And SOMEONE else had better enter, I refuse to win by default after all this work :)
Quote from: discordance on Sun 24/01/2010 06:54:14
I'm going to finish, I swear.
And SOMEONE else had better enter, I refuse to win by default after all this work :)
I will, but I don't think it won't be too much better than winning on default :P
I can remember the good old days, when we had 9 entries a month :P
Quote from: Helme on Sun 24/01/2010 09:49:09
I can remember the good old days, when we had 9 entries a month :P
I remember there was a two day extension to get that high number of entries eh! So well, okay, I'm handing you guys the gift of
ONE DAY EXTENSIONAll games till the 26th.
Awesome, that is awesome, you awesome person.
Thank you! Thank you, thank you thank you! :D
Though you are sort of making a habit of it :P
One day will not make it happen for me. NO ENTRY FOR YOU :(
Quote from: ProgZmax on Mon 25/01/2010 15:02:24
One day will not make it happen for me. NO ENTRY FOR YOU :(
Two will do?
And here it is at last!
This game is a heroic team effort and I'm still amazed that we managed to finish it in a month. With one day to spare, no less.
It stars Detective Montmorency Greye and his trusty revolver as they investigate the mysterious goings-on in a small whaling town. It is a shooting game about shooting, so expect to do a lot of shooting. If you happen to see a puzzle I recommend you shoot it. In the face.
(http://discordants.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/scrnshot3.png)
Download it without delay! (http://www.mediafire.com/?zffmgnzwomi)
EDIT: Just remembered that I forgot to include a readme. Had to miss something, I guess. The controls are all explained in-game but perhaps I should mention them here:
Left/right arrow keys to move
Spacebar to fire
R to reload
F to toggle lantern
Up arrow to interact
Up/down arrows to use ladders
A very nice one. Although I'm not really into platformers/shoot 'em uppers, the story and graphics are really nice. Maybe a talkie version when ready? It would add to the atmosphere and there aren't too many lines.
Well, I'm out... sorry... :'(
I don't have any time to finish it today as I have to study and play a game of chess. If I were to rush it today it would turn out no better than my hourgames :P
I'll finish it in the weekend and post it in competed game announcements instead, hope another entrant shows up.
Haha, this really reminds at all those shareware cover disks from the 90s :) Unfortunately also the difficulty level.
Seriously, does this game has an end?!
Spoiler
I've fought the queen on all 3 spots (and the first again), have no lamp oil, not ammo and 5% health. And yes, I'm playing on whimp :P
Please give me cheats
PS: Cool graphics, great music, good gameplay and
unbeatable hard for me at the moment.---edit:
Ha! I'm through!
Great entry with a frustrating but somehow fun and challenging difficulty level:)
Spoiler
Although I would have had more fun if the resources wouldn't be so limited. Come on, about 33 bullets for the final boss in wimp mode?!
Also this game also reminds me at Night Hunter which I liked very much too, even though it was unbeatable hard ;)
discordance, you have a nice game there, but it has certain flaws.
First of all, the graphics are way too tiny. My poor eyes... while it has certain sense on later levels when you are in the house (you are able to observe large area) it is absolutely senseless at the start, where much of the screen is just a plain nightly sky. I'd wish it were at least 1.5 times larger, and vertically centered to where player walks (at least on first levels).
Then, it was nice to see some stealth action there, but I had to figure out which objects actually protect me from enemy sight, and that took few attempts, because there's no certain indication, nor this is mentioned by hints.
Nice game but how is it named? And come on people! When it turns 27th no more entries will be allowed.
...Yeah, thanks. That extension is a bit late.
Quote from: NsMn on Tue 26/01/2010 18:34:57
...Yeah, thanks. That extension is a bit late.
The initial date was till the 25th
and i added one extra day till the 26th
I can always be pmed or asked on those 25 days.. :D
I could add another day now if someone feels like it and discordance is okay with it.
Well, Dual, if you start the game....
Shades of Greye
Quote from: abstauber on Tue 26/01/2010 11:44:26
Haha, this really reminds at all those shareware cover disks from the 90s :) Unfortunately also the difficulty level.
PS: Cool graphics, great music, good gameplay and unbeatable hard for me at the moment.
Really? I was worried it would be too easy :)
Well if you get really desperate for ammo, here is a cheat for any of you cheating cheaters.
Spoiler
ctrl-h and then type in "get_gun" and hit the button. then feel bad about yourself for years afterward
@CW: The whaler dude does mention that trees and barrels will conceal you, but maybe it's not emphasized enough.
Oh yeah, and add as many extra days as you want! Competition, please! :)
I have to go and skip out for a month, and miss the best MAGS ever... Damn. The irony is I spent a large portion of the last month painting horror stories... Damn it all...
Well, I'm still happy you liked the theme guys, even if most of you were too busy to finish your projects.
At discordance, congratulations on getting it finished. I'm yet to try your entry, but it's definitely looking good! I can tell I love the atmosphere by merely looking at the screenie.
QuoteReally? I was worried it would be too easy
I've been suffering from exactly the same disease ;D Fair balancing is really crucial in these type of games.
About the ammo:
Spoiler
I had to complete the rowing part completely without any ammo. Also I couldn't shoot anything in the ships wreck because I needed all the ammo for the queen. Even tough the queen did not hit me once I only had 4% health left in the end. So respawning enemies but not respawning ammo is a bad thing; ) At least if you have to visit the place more than once.
On the other hand - the limited resources gave the game an unexpected strategic component :)
It's still a cool entry.
Congrats discordance you are the winner, in the following days I'll send you a pm..Solid game entry!
Oh, what a pity - such a good theme for MAGS ended up with just one entry... Very good one, indeed, btw :)
So, congratulations to discordance. We're waiting for the next month's theme (at least, I - because I eagerly want to participate in MAGS :) ).
Forums, you have failed me :(
Ah well. Hooray for winning! Hopefully next month will pick up a bit.
Damn! Where's is that "The Tale of Nospheratu" entry?
I waited for a vampiric AGS game so hard.
I guess I'll have to make one myself eventually >:(
sorry, it seems I am a bit obsessed with that one
Since ive never made an ags game before i got a bit stuck on a few things. funnily enough it was mostly art-related.
ill attempt to finish it sometime though. the story is fully written and ive got it all figured out. i just need the art and programming done.
keep an eye out, ill see about fixing it together.