MAGS October: Steampunk! (Winner Announced)

[Dualnames]

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.

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 "favourite" games, and not the most artistic, you may get help for the competiton, 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 or a few days)!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Topic: Steampunk!

This month's guidelines were set by last month's winner Helme:


Your game must take place on somewhere in the past. Steampunk means, that some sort of technology was invented, that changes the timeline.

The inventions mast have a certain importence for the game, but they don't need to be the center.
Most steampunk stories take place in the victorian age, but you are free to choose between stone age and 100 years ago.


Thread Rules:

1)Comments are allowed at all times but should be hided before and while the voting.
2)Partecipators are allowed to patch their games even while the voting but I should be informed via pm or here.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All games must be till the 25th..

EDIT:Extension Given to the 27th.

Entries

Trial of the Schnellersparrow by Pinback
The Energizer by tzachs
The Chronomancers by discordance
Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine by FSi
Steamsquares by cat
Steam Trek: Clueless around Risa by frogking
Samarkand by Babar
One Of A Kind by Crimson Wizard
Ex Machina by SomeSickSelf

Winner

Spoiler

BABAR and Samarkand!!

[close]

[Crimson Wizard]

Dualnames, you wrote wrong topic name, "Only One" was previous one.

Interesting topic... and... funniest thing I already had concept for previous competition which was supposed to feature steampank elements. It did not work then, maybe I can make it now   

[Leon]

Now there are two... Only One's... 
Let's make a game. Good luck to all.

[Akatosh]

...yessss.

[Radiant]

Your game must take place on somewhere in the past. Steampunk means, that some sort of technology was invented, that changes the timeline.

That is a... novel... definition of the word Steampunk.

[Crimson Wizard]

Your game must take place on somewhere in the past. Steampunk means, that some sort of technology was invented, that changes the timeline.

That is a... novel... definition of the word Steampunk.

Yeah, Strampunk should mean there should be lots of steam and... punks.
Like "Titanic". 

Hey... haven't I given idea to someone?

[discordance]

BEST.

THEME.

EVER.

I might just have to get in on this one, although that definition of steampunk seems pretty darn shaky. I thought steam was usually involved?

[Leon]

For the ones still in doubt and some inspiration.

[Helme]

@Leon

Thanks. I also thought about posting that link.

I thought steam was usually involved?

Glad you like the theme. I wanted a wider definition of Steampunk, so the invention has not to run on steam and you have more freedom concerning the period of time.

For Example, if you look at the engineering ideas of Leonardo da Vinci... he was a steampunk!

[Dualnames]

Fixed. And yes the theme is free and not on word..or whatever just make games peeps!!

[NsMn]

I have a general question: Does an entry have to be an Adventure game?

[Dualnames]

I have a general question: Does an entry have to be an Adventure game?

No, not necessary, as long as it complies with the current month's topic it is legitimate.

[Wyz]

If only I had time 

[Maxileen]

It's been a long time since I last entered in this competition (I think it was in 2005), but this month I've got time and I really like the topic, so let's get ready to steam

[Dualnames]

It's been a long time since I last entered in this competition (I think it was in 2005), but this month I've got time and I really like the topic, so let's get ready to steam

16 posts, all on the MAGS, absent for 2 years, then caboom, another post..welcome back!

[edmundito]

I approve of this mags. Now go out there and make me proud!

[frogking]

@Helme: Funny you should pick this topic, are you by chance
following the internet raytracing competition IRTC? That is also
steampunking in the current round

See http://www.irtc.org/irtc/irtc?_n&pg=CurrentRounds

[Helme]

Never heard of them. By the way, Steampunk was already my idea for the previous MAGS competition.

[Jimbob]

I really wanna make something for this competition but I very much doubt it will be done before the month is out, but I've already mapped out the puzzles, characters and such like... then again, I've still not got far enough with my other 'first' AGS game. Damn having all these ideas! 

[Crimson Wizard]

I really wanna make something for this competition but I very much doubt it will be done before the month is out, but I've already mapped out the puzzles, characters and such like... then again, I've still not got far enough with my other 'first' AGS game. Damn having all these ideas!  

Jimbob, I made a MAGS game in 5 days last time
1st day - planning story & puzzles, writing notes on paper (it was weekend and I wasn't at home to use my computer);
2nd day - scripting, drawn sketches to use as backgrounds;
3rd day - more scripting, fixing bugs, testing etc;
4th day - drawn 1st background;
5th day - drawn two more backgrounds, drawn inventory sprites, revamped Roger sprites to make it be slightly different from default ; uploaded game.

It did not win though

[Jimbob]

Yer, I do try to get all the graphics done before the coding, I guess that's my problem 

Couple of characters...

[Ubel]

Damn having all these ideas! 

Enjoy it while it lasts.

[Dualnames]

I really wanna make something for this competition but I very much doubt it will be done before the month is out, but I've already mapped out the puzzles, characters and such like... then again, I've still not got far enough with my other 'first' AGS game. Damn having all these ideas!  

Jimbob, I made a MAGS game in 5 days last time
1st day - planning story & puzzles, writing notes on paper (it was weekend and I wasn't at home to use my computer);
2nd day - scripting, drawn sketches to use as backgrounds;
3rd day - more scripting, fixing bugs, testing etc;
4th day - drawn 1st background;
5th day - drawn two more backgrounds, drawn inventory sprites, revamped Roger sprites to make it be slightly different from default ; uploaded game.

It did not win though

I made my winning MAGS entry in 10 ten days, it had no competition though..

[Pinback]

Just noticed this comp, and I decided to enter. I've never used AGS before, plus I plan to draw complex custom graphics for everything, and compose all the music. Crazy? perhaps.
Only time will tell.

[discordance]

Well, I sure hope you pull it off! I'd love to see a game from you.

[Crimson Wizard]

Just noticed this comp, and I decided to enter. I've never used AGS before, plus I plan to draw complex custom graphics for everything, and compose all the music. Crazy? perhaps.
Only time will tell.

Uh-oh.... now we have a serious concurrence here

[FSi++]

I am hereby introducing my newest AGS title, made specifically for this current MAGS competition:

Ted McBinky and His Steam Engine

Screenshot, AGS Games DB page and proper announce, hopefully, tomorrow.

upd: Fixed the link.

[Bulbapuck]

I am hereby introducing my newest AGS title, made specifically for this current MAGS competition:

Ted McBinky and His Steam Engine

Screenshot, AGS Games DB page and proper announce, hopefully, tomorrow.

Congratulations on completion But the link seems to be broken works now

will edit after playing

[cat]

Here is my first finished AGS game. It is a non-adventure game called "Steamsquares".

Thanks to DutchMarco for hosting!



Download here!
User = ags
Password = ags

Now with direct http access (no password required):
http://77.163.184.124/ags/Steamsquares.zip

New Link (as of 13th September, 2010):
http://www.fileupyours.com/view/285513/Steamsquares.zip

Edit: The crosspipes work like normal horizontal or vertical pipes but you can choose which way you use them. They are some kind of joker.

[NsMn]

The link must be broken.

[Ryan Timothy B]

Ahh. it's fixed, never mind.

[cat]

Just fixed the link, sorry, didn't get the ftp right.

[Pinback]

Here's a preview of my MAGS entry. Three days left to go, I got no time for sleep!



I'll be posting my entry proper at the last possible minute.

[Crimson Wizard]

OMG, pinback, I wish you were making graphics for my game  

[Helme]

I am hereby introducing my newest AGS title, made specifically for this current MAGS competition:
Ted McBinky and His Steam Engine

Just finished it. Very strange game...

[SomeSickSelf]

Pinback, that artwork's outstanding.  Here's hoping you've got puzzles and story to match.

Looks like we're going to have quite a competition this month.  I'm super excited about this theme and the games are all looking really good so far (although I haven't actually had a chance to play them yet).

My entry's very nearly finished, I might even get it done before the deadline this time XD.

[Dualnames]

Some competition there!! Nice pic there btw..

[Pinback]

Thanks guys, I sure hope you'll try my game.
It's definitely much more than a few pretty backgrounds, but it has plenty of those too:D

[tzachs]

Damn, it will be hard competing with a bg like this...  :o
I will still put my entry though, if (and it's a big if) I'll make it in time....

[Helme]

@Dual

Do you know the all-time record for entries on a MAGS competition?

[OneDollar]

There were 7 games in the first MAGS competition I entered (September 2009 2007), but I don't know if that's the record.

I played Ted McBinky and Steamsquares last night, eagerly awaiting Pinback's entry!

[Gilbert]

September 2009

That's... last month? 

[Helme]

Let's see if we get a new record or just a very active month.

[Dualnames]

September 2009

That's... last month?  

September 2007, he made a typo there. I recall 7 entries max, but well I'll check it out for you,..

http://www.mags-competition.info/?page=games&only=2007-04&pagetitle=Unexpected

[Crimson Wizard]

Allright, there's a good chance I finish before the deadline too (maybe around 00:00 of 25th, as before). I won't post any previews here though, because I guess it is silly thing to do; I ain't going to tease anyone here . Only thing I can say is that this time I chose different art style, more simple and pixel-artish (if I may say so).

I had much more time to work on a game this month, but a new problem arose. It is a terrible thing to say, but... I got bored  . Actually this happened when game was about 50% ready and suddenly I realized I want to make a full remake! Ouch...
So I had to push myself really hard to complete it. I had to cut out some parts from scenario too because I was afraid I won't be able to finish them with appropriate level of quality. All I want now is to get away with this competition entry and start working on total remake 

[bicilotti]

Nice work FSi (especially the ending)

[Crimson Wizard]

That's a real shame... but that's it - I decided to give up. Sorry.

Maybe if I tried really hard I could make it to deadline. Maybe I would even had a chance to win (why not, heh).
But it's just I don't like how it goes. Hate doing things in hurry, they are coming out awkward and crude. And also I really don't like being in stress. So... well.

I don't regret of trying to make this MAGS entry anyway, it was an interesting experience. I am starting a remake right now (formally speaking); hopefully I'll make a normal Short or maybe even Medium-length game based on this concept in one or two months.

Good luck to all participants, and sorry for decreasing the chances of getting a record of entries number


Oh, and in case anyone is curious, here are links to few screenshots from my unfinished game and my intro song. I hope comp. host won't be angered by this, after all nobody is going to vote for raw materials, so I guess it won't hurt anyone

http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/oneofakind_shot1.png
http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/oneofakind_shot2.png
http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/oneofakind_shot3.png
http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/oneofakind_intro.mid

[arj0n]

Darn Crimson, the screens look like I would have liked the game...
So I hope the remake will be out there someday

[Helme]

@Crimson

The screens look cute. I hope we will see a completed game a few months later.

[SomeSickSelf]

Okay my entry's done, just needs some last minute testing.  I need to stop by my doctors' first so I will edit this post with links and such within the next few hours decided to make a new post so people would see it.


@Crimson: Sorry to hear that, but I don't blame you, making the deadline can be quite stressful.  I'll be looking forward to the remake.

[Babar]

Duals sorta acknowledged my need for an extra day or two. I'm not sure if that was official or not, so I'll ask here as well. Can I have till the 27th?


If so, then Crimson, c'mon! You can do it too!

[tzachs]

I'll join in on Babar's request... a delay would do me real happy 

[Crimson Wizard]

Duals sorta acknowledged my need for an extra day or two. I'm not sure if that was official or not, so I'll ask here as well. Can I have till the 27th?


If so, then Crimson, c'mon! You can do it too!

Oh no. When I thought I could relax for few days  
Is this for certain, anyway?

[DrWhite]

Hey Crimson, your screens look really fine. I´d really like to play the finished game.

[Pinback]

Yeah dont give up Crimson! I want to play this divine comedy, it looks really cool man.

I just worked for 42 hours straight my MAGS, until I began to hallucinate really badly and almost collapsed at my comp!
Never give up! Even if it means drinking all the coffee within a 3 kilometre radius!

Oh yeah, I would definitely vote for a 2 day extention for this MAGS, but only if there were no objections from all the other participants.

[discordance]

I wouldn't mind a slight extension. I have a game just about ready, but it could use a bit of polish.

[Crimson Wizard]

I just worked for 42 hours straight my MAGS, until I began to hallucinate really badly and almost collapsed at my comp!

That's the dedication... something that I lack... and thanks for that 

[SomeSickSelf]

First off, I would not be opposed to an extension, even though my game is done, as long as I retain the right to continue to patch it until the new deadline.  It's only fair after all.

That being said here's my entry, I tried to make it a little less convoluted than The North Crown but I feel like it could still use some clarification at times (hence why extra time would be handy).  You may want to hold off playing it until duals gives us the word on this extension business, as I will probably make some changes if I can.  I just want to be sure I'm entered.

I don't think I'll be doing any more updates.  Part of me wants to start designing new rooms and puzzles and things, but I think that would just weigh me down and cause more harm than good.  So this is the final version unless I need to do another emergency bug fix.


Ex Machina (Now version 1.2)

http://www.mediafire.com/?znl50jz4myi

Story:
William Ashcroft is a nervous man, who left his adventurous spirit behind him years ago.  One day an unfortunate chance encounter with a duo of ruthless assassins draws him into the midst of a strange conspiracy...

Also, the game features two endings depending on how you perform on a certain puzzle.  Probably should have mentioned that sooner.

Version 1.1 Fixes:

Spoiler

Fixed dead end bug in tavern.
Added more feedback for picking up items.
Fixed some typos.
Fixed walking bar stool bug.
Fixed infinite hammer bug.
Redrew certain inventory items.
May have fixed blowpipe staying in your inventory issue.
Fixed issues with mislabeled hotspots and descriptions.
Expanded hotspots and changed descriptions to make things less pixel-hunty.

[close]

Version 1.2:
Reworded the endings.
Made the last puzzle just a bit more challenging.

Screenshots:

[discordance]

And here's another one:

The Chronomancers

A world ruled by a ruthless dictator in a top hat and filled with stylishly dressed rebels waving ray guns and trying to save the world!

Screenshot!


Amazing features of this game:

- Heroes with unusual names!
- A sentient analog calculating machine presumably named Milquetoast!
- Derring do!
- More proof that goatees are evil! (as if we needed any)
- Pseudoscience enough to make strong men weep!
- Have I mentioned the ray guns?!

DOWNLOAD WITHOUT DELAY

I was hoping to make a game much vaster in scale, but my plans were beaten into the dust about four days ago when I realized how close the deadline was. As I result I think it feels like it was slashed bodily from the corpse of a much bigger game. Hopefully it's not as bad as that makes it sound.

EDIT: Exciting new version with a brilliant additional feature, the ability to save. Also removed a bug.

[Helme]

@Discordance

Where is the save option in the game? I'm also stuck right now.

Spoiler

I want to free the daughter. But I don't know what to tie to the rope. Maybe the inkstand, that I couldn't reach. By the way, it's extremly difficult to read what the daughter says.

[close]

@Somesickself

Just finished the game and enjoyed it. But I mentioned some bugs or things that could be improved.

Spoiler

It's hard to see the rotten fruit in the bush - that was quite a pixel hunt.
The hammer in the bar returns after you have taken it.
You return the glass pipe even if you already did that and don't have it in your inventory.

[close]

[Dualnames]

Two day extension given all games to the 27th. Those already posted if you want you can add / change more but please do tell it!

[tzachs]

Hooray! Thanks Dual... 

It means that my game will have music after all...

[Pinback]

Whew, that's a relief. Now I got some time off to eat! YES!!!

[Helme]

Eating is so overrated. Coffee should be the only source of energy if you're in a MAGS competition 

[Leon]

@SomeSickSelf:

DEAD END WARNING:

Spoiler

- You can order water twice but only using the hanky once. When you have the second glass of water you can't leave the bar anymore..

Other:

- There's no feedback when you pick up things.
- The empty stool stays empty, even when you sit on it
- After using the empty mug on the blowpipe, you have an empty mug on a blowpipe and a blowpipe.
- After leaving the room with the blowpipe, you put it back, but stays in your inventory.
- Upon leaving the bar, you ask for the Sunday Special again?
- After removing the key and looking at the oven again, there's still a key on the back wall.
- Using the exit after wetting the hanky, makes you leave with stool... quite funny..  
- After taking the key and removing the glass, upon leaving the room you want to return the blowpipe...again. Then it isremoved from your inventory.
- Typo in conversation with Salomon: Tobais' work --> Tobias' work
- The hammer keeps returning on the bar.
- The glassfactory and the steelworks have no exit-indicators.

[close]

btw, what font did you use? It's quite small but still good to read.

[Helme]

@Discordance

I solved some puzzles, but I still have no idea how to save the game. Now, I'm stuck again.

Spoiler

I'm at the mashine under the library. I refueled it and put books into the slot. But when I use the switch it seems like I forgot something.

[close]

[SomeSickSelf]

@Leon/Helme:

Dang, guess I should find myself a tester, thanks for all the feedback.  In my defense a lot of the aesthetic issues were left as is just so I get on with the rest of the game.  Still, I'll have to address these problems as soon as possible now that the extension's been approved (check the game post for patch updates I suppose).

The dialog font is custom made with Radiant's font editor.  I'm glad you found it readable, because that was one of my bigger concerns about the game (it's kind of dialog heavy after all).

[discordance]

I solved some puzzles, but I still have no idea how to save the game. Now, I'm stuck again.

This would be because I suck and didn't even think to add a save button.    Feels kinda stupid. The keyboard shortcut should still work, I forget what it is though. F5 maybe?

Spoiler

And after you've flipped the lever there should be one more thing you have to do. Did the machine say something?
[/quote]

[close]

[frogking]

After eternal lurking, I'm also entering this round with my first game (ta-daa):



Download: Steam Trek: Clueless around Risa

It's a bit on the short side but I hope you enjoy. Just noticed there is an extension ...  but ... nooooo ... I don't want to have to continue working on this next week

All graphics rendered with POV-Ray, guaranteed free of handpainted
pixels. I just wish I had picked a round with less competition

Hmm and so many entries ... not sure if I can play those in time for voting ...

[Helme]

@Discordance

Nope, F5 doesn't work.

Spoiler

No, the mashine did not talk to me.

[close]

[discordance]

Have you tried hitting random function keys until something useful happens?  Sorry, I'll make a new version with an actual save button as soon as I can.

Anyway, what you're describing might just be a bug, though it's always worked for me. Huh. Try

Spoiler

using the harpsichord again?

[close]

[Helme]

@Discordance

I'll try again, when I get my save button

@frogking

A StarTrek Steampunk-parody - cool idea

[frogking]

I seem to be doubly stuck already ...

@FSi

Spoiler

I talked to the mayor and the voodoo guy who told me to meet him under the fountain but have no idea how to get there (inventory is still empty)

[close]

@Discordance

Spoiler

Still looking for something to connect to basket+rope. Can't get the "loose" brick and none of the inkstands

[close]

(or @Helme, you seem to have passed this point after your first question)

[discordance]

@frogking

Spoiler

There's something in the professor's lab that may help you. Sorry, it's a bit of a pixel hunt.

[close]

[frogking]

Thanks, found it. Unfortunately, found a crash as well:

globalscript line 53 MoveCharacterBlocking crashes while
character is disabled and can't be moved.

Spoiler

Occured in the Hotspot 1 (?) scene (jail) after
turning on the computer when clicking with the mouse

[close]

Now I too wait for the version with Save Game

[Dualnames]

24 hours exactly after this post, all games must be added, because I'll start the voting round. Please do start playing all the entries otherwise there won't be much time. The voting will end when the day is 31th. I do please require from all competitors to think of a theme, in case they win, so when the voting ends, I'm expecting a pm from the winner with the rules. I've given probably the biggest deadline ever on a MAGS,but that means we have to hurry some stuff.

EDIT: Do inform me if you patch your game, by posting a reply telling "I patched the game change the download link on MAGS site", or by pm.

Also added entries so far in no particular order on the first post of this topic! Oh, and where's Tijne btw?

[FSi++]

@FSi

Spoiler

I talked to the mayor and the voodoo guy who told me to meet him under the fountain but have no idea how to get there (inventory is still empty)

[close]

Spoiler

You need to "unlock" and "open" the fountain. With a "key".

[close]

[Helme]

@frogking

I'm stuck.

Spoiler

I fetched all the stuff from the container, used the flair on the comm system, removed one of the panels and found the star map in the library. What should I do next?

[close]

[Crimson Wizard]

24 hours exactly after this post, all games must be added

Does this mean around 8 am GMT?

[Dualnames]

24 hours exactly after this post, all games must be added

Does this mean around 8 am GMT?

Yep. Around there.

[Crimson Wizard]

Ok then, I'll be working all night and see if I can get it done. Yet it doesn't look like I wanted.... but perhaps the reason is I am being too lazy 

[tzachs]

The Energizer

The year- 1902.
England and France are at war.
The English invented a machine called 'energizer' (not related to the energizer bunny   ), the machine that will give them the advantage they needed to win the war.
They hide this machine in a desolated place, and hand you the job of keeping it safe.
But when one of the scientists there die, all hell breaks loose...



Download it here.

Features:
Four different endings!
A hero in his pajamas!
A bagpipe!
No puzzles in this game require the use of a key (hint hint, FSI   )

More details in the game thread in the Completed Games Announcements.

[frogking]

@Helme

1st hint

Spoiler

You need to find out about a place where you should go from Risa

[close]

2nd hint

Spoiler

The information is located in the open access panel

[close]

Solution

Spoiler

The name of the manufacturers planet is on a plaque, you need to use that with the star map to look it up.

[close]

[Pinback]

                                              


                                                          Trial of the Schnellersparrow


Mechanobots. Steam engines. Lots of sepia. Witness the marvels of the industrial revolutions through the eyes of Thomas Reese,
a man whose mild mannered demeanor belies a crafty intelligence.

I want to post a dozen more tasty screenshots, but that'd be gay. Plus Im about to collapse.

http://www.onedollarproductions.co.uk/uploads/TotS_v3.0.zip

Made everything for this from scratch.
The only exception is all the music, which I composed over the last few months.

[Pinback]

oops

[frogking]

@FSi

Spoiler

I seem to be one key short. Used up the keys from rug, safe, wolf & bush. Maybe I need the one from the blacksmith but I didn't find a way

[close]

[bicilotti]

Trouble downloading yours, Pinback... or mediafire is failing me

[OneDollar]

Trouble downloading yours, Pinback... or mediafire is failing me

Same here.

(Four games down, two to go...)

[Pinback]

I changed the filehost, hopefully it'll work now.

Damn, cant believe just a week ago I was asking how to display text...

[Helme]

@Frogking

Finished your game. I certainly enjoyed the amount of unnecessary violence  

@pinback

Nice entry. I'm not sure if i missed something in the story or if I have found bugs.

Spoiler

If you use the resin to stop the hot air the game won't remember if you leave the room.
I built a tabulator card and used it, but later it was gone.

[close]

[discordance]

Updated the link, now it is actually possible to save the game. How exciting. Also removed that bug at the end. Sorry, frogking, that was the end. 

[bicilotti]

Updated the link, now it is actually possible to save the game. How exciting. Also removed that bug at the end. Sorry, frogking, that was the end.  

Maybe I downloaded the game too early (just after seeing this post), but *still* I can't save and have encountered the same bug as Helme.

I smell a ++ and then a == instead of a > ?

[discordance]

I actually downloaded the game from the link I posted, and there's definitely a little save button on the top. I updated my original post before making that one, so I have no idea why it's gone wrong for you. 

[bicilotti]

I actually downloaded the game from the link I posted, and there's definitely a little save button on the top. I updated my original post before making that one, so I have no idea why it's gone wrong for you.  

maybe the lack of coke/caffeine. Works now No. I don't know what I'm doing wrong... maybe I'm just too tired.

[discordance]

Maybe I've just lost my mind. Maybe mediafire is doing its darndest to screw everyone over. Hopefully it will all make sense in the morning.

[Crimson Wizard]

Sorry to make all those notes here; in sake of keeping informed those who are interested: I was working really hard tonight, and had a very good progress, nearly done actually. Since I still have some time (about 5.5 hours, if I am correct), I am going to rest a little bit and then finish and upload whatever it will be (even with screwed up graphics and lots of bugs).

Good thing I have my real work at home today *wink* *wink*

If I will not win afterwards, I'll murder everyone involved in gruesome manner; police will find me sleeping deeply

[discordance]

 :o

...you have my vote.

[Ryan Timothy B]

I seem to be having issues with Pinback's choice in hosting his files.  
I haven't received the url to download it from filehosting.org.

Oh my goodness.  Just after posting this, I decided to check my junk mail, just in case.  Yep.  It was in there.
tsk tsk hotmail. 

[FSi++]

@FSi

Spoiler

I seem to be one key short. Used up the keys from rug, safe, wolf & bush. Maybe I need the one from the blacksmith but I didn't find a way

[close]

Spoiler

There is a key somewhere in Leo's hut.

[close]

[Babar]

Whew...with about 3 hours to spare, I give you:

Samarkand


I'm thankful that while Helme set this month's theme as "Steampunk", he gave a liberal definition of it in the rules. Because this game is definitely not traditional Steampunk .

You are a traveller in the city of Samarkand in the 13th century. The city has blossomed using Music (specifically String) Technology. Enjoy!

PS: There are certain points you can die in this game. So remember you F5(save)!

[NsMn]

Aw man, where's that game, Charon and FSI?! 

[FSi++]

Aw man, where's that game, Charon and FSI?! 

I fell asleep and Charon, er, disappeared.

[Crimson Wizard]

Oh sh.** 5 minutes  
I know that's silly, but I need maybe 10-15 more  :
well, whatever

EDIT: Allright, only pack this up and upload.

[Crimson Wizard]

Fixed version (1.2) of the game was uploaded. Check new link(s) below.


One of A Kind (MAGS Edition)

NOTE: The concept of the game was written for previous MAGS competition, which topic was "Only One". Thus the game's story carries elements of previously planned scenario. It can be seen in the title of the game at first place.

STORY

Can you imagine a realm, where everything seems a little bit wrong?
Wrong God... wrong Deluge... wrong prophet... and the wrong Ark.

Yep. The God brought down his wrath and summoned Deluge. Only Noah and three of his sons: Shem, Ham and Japeth, - are to survive and carry one divine mission, which is to save the life and repopulate the Earth. But as Ark commences its journey across the global ocean, Noah's family finds out something dreadful.
There's a creature without a pair on the board!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Since game is loosely based on religious material and introduces bibleic characters in an unusual way, I hereby state that I have no intention to offend anyone's feelings. If you are actually offended, then I'm seriously sorry.

Version 1.1:

http://www.filehosting.org/file/details/68935/OneOfAKind_1_1.zip


Version 1.2:

http://www.filehosting.org/file/details/69248/OneOfAKind_1_2.zip

http://www.onedollarproductions.co.uk/hosted/OneOfAKind_1_2.zip

Fixed rare general bug which caused crash if mouse is moved outside screen boundaries while some interaction was runing (cheers to tzachs for pointing out);
Fixed Library Tube puzzle where player could get it solved skipping one important step (thanks to SomeSickSelf for finding it);
Fixed an interaction that caused game to go into endless loop under certain conditions (credits to cogliostro for noticing);
Fixed one item interaction did not work vice-versa (using 'second' item on 'first' one);
Fixed walkable areas in few rooms;
Fixed character face wrong direction when entering the workshop from biology room and vice-versa;
Fixed character won't face door before opening it when standing very close;
Fixed items alignment on inventory window;
Added few more descriptive notes;


Screenshots









... I am afraid there can be lots of bugs in the game. Hadn't much time to test.

[Dualnames]

Entries
The Chronomancers by discordance
Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine by FSi
Steamsquares by cat (password and user is: ags)
SteamTrek: Clueless around Risa by frogking
Ex Machina by SomeSickSelf
One Of A Kind by Crimson Wizard

Vote (till the 30th)
You have 72 hours to vote for your favorite MAGS of the month.

Go here to vote!!

[Babar]

Hey! :|

You missed my game!
My game too!



This is what happens when you post on the last post of a page .

[Helme]

Hey! :|
You missed my game!
My game too!

...and the games of tzachs and pinback.

It's really hard to keep track of 9 entries.

[Crimson Wizard]

9 entries? So it's a record after all 

Oh my, my game feels like half-done  graphics are okay, but some features missing, like notes on examining inventory items, and such..... I hate to do everything in the last moments. I can only hope it won't spoil gameplay too much.

[Babar]

Heh...this is what happens when you choose such an awesome theme, Helme. I mostly blame you !:P


Thanks for the month of headaches fun!

[Crimson Wizard]

Heh...this is what happens when you choose such an awesome theme,

Nah, that happens when you spend half of the month inventing crazy puzzles (and then have to cut out half of them because you have no time left to actually put them in game );


BTW, added screenshots to my post.

Also, Babar, I guess Dualnames missed yours because you did not show any screenshots

Have someone tried to download my game yet? I need to know that it can be downloaded. Too much fuss about nonworking downloads lately...

[FSi++]

Also, Babar, I guess Dualnames missed yours because you did not show any screenshots

Neither did I, but my game's in the list.

While we're at it, VOTE MY GAME NOW!

[Helme]

9 entries? So it's a record after all 

Now, I am a living legend

@Crimson

Your download works!

[Crimson Wizard]

Oh great! I just found a bug that prevents player from finishing the game  

Please tell, can I upload a patch?

[Babar]

Thread Rules:

1)Comments are allowed at all times but should be hided before and while the voting.
2)Partecipators are allowed to patch their games even while the voting but I should be informed via pm or here.

Yes.

[frogking]

@discordance

ok np if it was the end I'll forego the updated version

@bicilotti

did you download the old version before? Try clearing your browser cache or
shift-reload or similar

@dualnames

wow, 9 games in 72 hours (and work days at that) is a lot

An unrelated monthly competition I know of parallelizes the voting and the next round (i.e., entries can be submitted until end of the month, and there is always two weeks for voting at the beginning of the next month while the new competition is already underway). Such a system might encourage more people to vote. Of course, here the winner gets to pick the topic so
you'd need to invent a topic yourself once to fill the gap

[Helme]

Hard to deciede what to play next.

@Babar

Steampunk in a medival arabian world - this is why I choose a wider definition.
But so far, I haven't achieved anything.

Spoiler

I can't find a hint to play the right melody. There is something writen on the archway, but the comment seems to be missing.

[close]

[FSi++]

Spoiler

I can't find a hint to play the right melody. There is something writen on the archway, but the comment seems to be missing.

[close]

Spoiler

Just play anything!

[close]

[Helme]

Just finished 'Samarkland'.

[tzachs]

Ok, I modified my entry with a patch.
The only change was just increasing the walk speed of the hero, as suggested by bicliotti.
Thanks...

Now to continue playing all these game (this should take a while, but I'm not complaining)...

[SSH]

Dual, I think perhaps it would be fair to reset the voting and put all the entries up this time!

[Pinback]

I'll say! My entry isnt listed! I demand a recount!

Also thanks to OneDollar for file hosting for me, my link is now quick and easy. (Page 5 in this thread btw)

[FSi++]

I'll say! My entry isnt listed! I demand a recount!

Then you can join Babar's suicide bombers squad.

[bicilotti]

Omg Dual, there's an angry mob out there!

Also I wanted to award Helme with "bestest MAGS host eva", but eventually Barack Obama said he'd do better, somehow someway someday. So sorry Helme, better luck next time.

Seriously, great entries all, and awesome topic Helme!

[Crimson Wizard]

Attention, please, a new version of my game uploaded, which fixes couple of really serious bugs. If you have already downloaded the game before, please download this one, or you won't be able to finish it!

Version 1.1:
http://www.filehosting.org/file/details/68935/OneOfAKind_1_1.zip

I double-checked that game can be complete this time, seems working fine, in general.

Awww, well, I am gong to have a nap. Shall start playing games in the evening.

[Helme]

Also I wanted to award Helme with "bestest MAGS host eva", but eventually Barack Obama said he'd do better, somehow someway someday. So sorry Helme, better luck next time.

Seriously, great entries all, and awesome topic Helme!

I'm quite proud. Maybe i put that title into my signature.

So, finished 5 of 9 games and need some hints.

@Discordance
I'm confused. Is there a new version with a save option?

@Pinback
Need a hint and found some bugs.

Spoiler

After I rescued Fuchs, it can happen that I'm told to do this again. I'm also told to fix the tabulator after I did that. One minor bug, I can get as many eyepieces from the telescope as I want.
Right now, I made new amunition for the flair, but I don't know how to use it.

[close]

@tzachs
I gathered some informations, but haven't found enough to finish the game.

Spoiler

Do I have to replace the damaged light bulb?

[close]

[OneDollar]

Finished four, stuck on three and not played two yet... this is hard work

[tzachs]

@Helme:

Hint:

Spoiler

You don't need to replace the lightbulb, you need to fix it. If you've talked to everybody someone should tell you that there is a way to 'fix' broken items...

[close]

And if, after reading the hint, you're still stuck, well, here's the complete solution:

Spoiler

Using the 'energizer', you can fix the lightbulb... If you'll try to go to the lab and use the lightbulb on the 'energizer', the scientist won't let you do it... But if you'll look carefully you'll see that the 'energizer' is standing near the window, so you can go round the back and fix it...

[close]

[Pinback]

My brother found a rather large bug in my entry, makes it almost unsolvable. Fix on it's way, will post it here within the hour.
Thanks for the bug finds guys, they will be fixed in my patch. Although I advise you not to play the game until I patch it, atm it's almost impossible solve.

[Dualnames]

Okay, resetting votes of course, which starts now! And ends in the same time as the previous one. 8:00 GMT (10 O clock Athens Time) at the 31th of October!

I'm not really online 24 hours a day, and I thought you all guys settled. Please don't edit a post when posting an entry but instead either inform you do, or post a reply, I can't possibly keep track of the MAGS topic. If you want to patch your game do PM me with the link and change it on your post too. I can't see when you guys edit your posts, at least not in a 128 reply topic (second MAGS topic in replies).

My god, are you guys nuts or what! 9 entries!!
To all competitors don't take advantage of the 2 days extension given, and please do pm me ASAP if you win, the guidelines of the next competition.

Entries
For voting please visit the MAGS site or make your choice right here:

Trial of the Schnellersparrow by Pinback
The Energizer by tzachs
The Chronomancers by discordance
Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine by FSi
Steamsquares by cat
Steam Trek: Clueless around Risa by frogking
Samarkand by Babar
One Of A Kind by Crimson Wizard
Ex Machina by SomeSickSelf

Please vote only once and be sure to have played all games before sending your voice! Good luck to all participants.

Vote (till the 30th)
You have 72 hours to vote for your favorite MAGS of the month.

Go here to vote!!

Oh, and due to the record of 9 entries broken and due to the headaches it gave me, Helme is now banned from all MAGS competitions EVER!!!  

Bicilotti, funniest reply ever!!

Pinback I'll be around for half an hour, if you solve this within that time period do tell me, otherwise I'll change the link tomorrow morning..

[Crimson Wizard]

My god, are you guys nuts or what! 9 entries!!

Now imagine Leon writing walkthroughs for all these games  



PS. Yeah, Pinback, I really wanted to play your game; please hurry with the patch 

[Pinback]

Ok, heres my final patched version.

http://www.onedollarproductions.co.uk/uploads/TotS_v3.0.zip

Sorry about all the messing around, first game and all:D

[Leon]

My god, are you guys nuts or what! 9 entries!!

Now imagine Leon writing walkthroughs for all these games  



PS. Yeah, Pinback, I really wanted to play your game; please hurry with the patch

Working on it!!! But I'm stuck in several so it's taking a bit longer....
Besides... all these patches. I keep downloading!
Just as the game makers... I demand two days extra! I have a life too, you know..  

[Helme]

@Crimson Wizard

I couldn't finish you entry yet.

Spoiler

How do I get the key out of the water device? What do I have to do with the brain? I tried to put the ball into the grammaphone but it didn't work.
I already did combine some items: bellows+hose, magnet+wire, cut open the picture frame and cut a circle into the wooden plane.

[close]

[Crimson Wizard]

@Crimson Wizard

I couldn't finish you entry yet.

Spoiler

How do I get the key out of the water device? What do I have to do with the brain? I tried to put the ball into the grammaphone but it didn't work.
I already did combine some items: bellows+hose, magnet+wire, cut open the picture frame and cut a circle into the wooden plane.

[close]

First of all, if you have version 1.0, there's a bug:

Spoiler

when cutting a circle you should get BOTH plane with a hole and wooden circle; in 1.0 game "forgets" to give you wooden circle.

[close]

I put links to version 1.1 on my post above.

As for more tips.
About brain:
1)

Spoiler

steelball to gamophone was correct thing to do, but you must think how to disable his vision. Seek in the room for something that may represent "eyes".

[close]

2)

Spoiler

you need to cover these "eyes" with something.

[close]

3)

Spoiler

You won't be able to simply throw the cover on the "eyes". You need to somehow get it up there...

[close]

About red beam:

Spoiler

Read carefully description of how alarm system works - that character gives to you. You have an item that may help to "cut" the beam in the middle and thus open the passage.

[close]

[frogking]

4 to go ...

@tzachs: Stuck in your game

Spoiler

I know Susan has a gun but it's not enough for interrogation and it doesn't seem to be considered a valid reason for going through the window into her room. Got screwdriver and bagpipe

[close]

[tzachs]

@frogking: Hmm...

Spoiler

Do you have the lightbulb? It's in the storage room... You need to take it and fix it to turn on the light... if you have more troubles you can look at the hint I gave Helme earlier in this thread...

[close]

And btw, I really enjoyed your entry, it was a cool idea...

Spoiler

In particular, I really liked the bit where you shoot the other planet because they won't help you with the door, I wish I could do that in real life 

[close]

@Leon: Alright, you got 2 days extension.. all walkthroughs must be in by 29 Oct 08:00 GMT 

[Crimson Wizard]

Pinback, I am trying your game now, and just a small note: intro text is too fast, I couldn't read all of it before lines change (I'm not a native english-speaker).
Also, there's a status bar on the top of the screen. It looks like you used Default game template, but it doesn't look like the status bar is being used anyhow in your game. Maybe you consider simply remove it?

[Pinback]

Pinback, I am trying your game now, and just a small note: intro text is too fast, I couldn't read all of it before lines change (I'm not a native english-speaker).
Also, there's a status bar on the top of the screen. It looks like you used Default game template, but it doesn't look like the status bar is being used anyhow in your game. Maybe you consider simply remove it?

Its just the start intro that goes pretty fast, the other ones are slower, I just didnt get time to change it.
About the status bar,  being my first game I didnt want to mess with the code I didnt understand at all, plus I kinda like it.

[frogking]

@tzachs

Spoiler

Yes I fixed the bulb, and I think I need to use the screw driver on the safe at some point in the game but it is not yet "the time"

[close]

And glad you like my game

Spoiler

Did you try writing a log entry after the attack?

[close]

[cat]

nevermind, found another link in the completed game thread

[arj0n]

@Cat: Download Crimson Wizards "One Of A Kind v1.1" here

[tzachs]

@tzachs

Spoiler

Yes I fixed the bulb, and I think I need to use the screw driver on the safe at some point in the game but it is not yet "the time"

[close]

Arrmm, haven't you

Spoiler

talked with the boss about everything?    After talking with him about everything you should be able to use the screwdriver on the safe...

[close]

And glad you like my game

Spoiler

Did you try writing a log entry after the attack?

[close]

No, I didn't, but now I'm gonna, thanks for the tip.. 

[discordance]

@Discordance
I'm confused. Is there a new version with a save option?

Yes. Unless there isn't.

[frogking]

@tzachs

Yes I did, I think it may be a bug in the game which depends on the
order in which you do things (or some problem on saving and restoring?)

I now started over from the beginning and ...

Spoiler

... this time I could open the safe. Adlam is dead, I got the letter framing susan, I have 6 entries on my notes. I still can't enter Susans room through the window and I still don't know how to crack her. I ask about gun and show her the letter. The "Hint" button tells me I've got something in my notes but by now I must have tried every single word, even the silly ones.

[close]

BTW the game will crash if you use or look at notebook or note inventory item while they are being shown on screen.

[bicilotti]

frogking

Spoiler

try to open on the notebook and click on a single note

[close]

I don't know if that was what you were searching, but I was stuck there for a couple of minutes.

[Helme]

@tzachs

Spoiler

I couldn't find the screwdriver.

[close]

[bicilotti]

@tzachs

Spoiler

I couldn't find the screwdriver.

[close]

Helme

Spoiler

in your boss' room, right on the desk

[close]

Why?

Spoiler

because he's a perv

[close]

[Helme]

seems like I suffer some sort of screwdriver-blindness or there's a bug...

[bicilotti]

seems like a suffer some sort of screwdriver-blindness or there's a bug...

Or maybe it's too much 4 roses on my side

Spoiler

have you tried talking to the fellow outside the house? (go right once outdoor) and showing him the bulb?

[close]

[tzachs]

@frogking

@tzachs

Yes I did, I think it may be a bug in the game which depends on the
order in which you do things (or some problem on saving and restoring?)

Hmm, I can't reproduce that, do you happen to still have the savegame where this happens to you?

I now started over from the beginning and ...

Spoiler

... this time I could open the safe. Adlam is dead, I got the letter framing susan, I have 6 entries on my notes. I still can't enter Susans room through the window and I still don't know how to crack her. I ask about gun and show her the letter. The "Hint" button tells me I've got something in my notes but by now I must have tried every single word, even the silly ones.

[close]

Ok, for this you have to

Spoiler

ask about "gun" so that Susan will say she has no gun, then show her the note which says she has a gun (like bicliotti implied), and also show her the letter... you can show the letter before or after, it doesn't matter, it will still work.

[close]

BTW the game will crash if you use or look at notebook or note inventory item while they are being shown on screen.

Nice catch, thanks for that. I'm uploading a new version now and I will edit this post (and PM dual) when there's a new version. I uploaded a new version with the fix. I also tried to add some precaution measures for the first bug, hopefully that would do the trick...


@Helme:

Spoiler

The screwdriver will be in Adlam's office, only after you've "cracked" Mclassen (the guy outside)...

[close]

@Bicliotti

Why?

Spoiler

because he's a perv

[close]

Who, me? Perhaps...  

[bicilotti]

@Bicliotti

Why?

Spoiler

because he's a perv

[close]

Who, me? Perhaps... 

Naaa, the boss Also, this few posts have a moral: if you're not Leon, don't pretend to be like him

[frogking]

@bicilotti

thanks, that was my problem

@tzachs

ok finished it with three different endings. Nice game!

Regarding the problem with the safe I either dreamed it or it went away after restarting, now I can open the safe even with the old savegame ... or should I say safegame

[tzachs]

ok finished it with three different endings. Nice game!

That's great, thanks frogking! 

Spoiler

You know there are actually 4 endings, but I counted the one you die as an ending too, so maybe you did all 4 of them...

[close]

Regarding the problem with the safe I either dreamed it or it went away after restarting, now I can open the safe even with the old savegame ... or should I say safegame

That's good to know...
I'm going to sleep now, I hope I'll have 'safe' dreams 

[Leon]

@discordance:

I'm stuck at the end. I can't find a save-option, no matter what download link I use.

Spoiler

I can't get the machine to work. I put in the petrol, the fuel, flipped the switch, turned the lights, played the harpsichord but.. nothing.

[close]

What to do?

[Dualnames]

At this time all entries are patched with their last versions. At least those I was informed.

[tzachs]

@Babar: I finished Samarkand. I liked the concept, story, theme and music to match, nice one...

Some bugs:

Spoiler

1. In the right wall with the pond, if you go under the window you'll walk behind the wall...
2. In the same place, I used the strings and died. I then did a restart (since I haven't saved...), and did the story again, but he didn't let me hear the story of the inventor again, somehow he knew it wasn't safe...
3. After the end, the game doesn't quit (or maybe I haven't waited long enough...)?

[close]

[Babar]

Thanks for the report, tzachs! Fixed up everything you said, except..

I don't quite understand your 3rd point, though, can you please explain?

[tzachs]

Sure..

Spoiler

I finish the game... the screen turns black, the music keeps running, and that's it... I have to kill the process to exit..

[close]

[Babar]

Damn...Why did I think there were 4 points? I meant what does your SECOND point mean?

[Helme]

I made my vote!

Some rather undetailed thoughts on the entries:

Trial of the Schnellersparrow by Pinback

Spoiler

Easy to say it is the most beautiful entry. What I didn't like is that much is that the puzzles were very technical and there is not much social interaction with other characters.

[close]

The Energizer by tzachs

Spoiler

Clever invenstivative gameplay, but for me it didn't feel that immersive and there wasn't much of a steampunk-feeling in the game.

[close]

The Chronomancers by discordance

Spoiler

I like the extremly simple graphics. The story is quite simply and naiv, but in a very cool way.
It's hard to say why exactly, but it's very likeable. But it seems like a bug didn't make me finish the game.

[close]

Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine by FSi

Spoiler

I count it as a adventure parody. No real puzzles but it made confused and made me laugh at some times, so that's what pardodies should do.

[close]

Steamsquares by cat

Spoiler

Hard to judge, since it's not an adventure. Solid gameplay.

[close]

Steam Trek: Clueless around Risa by frogking

Spoiler

At first I thought the game didn't look good and is quite boring, but after I finished some puzzles I found lots of good humour in it and really did enjoy it. The funniest entry!

[close]

Samarkand by Babar

Spoiler

Nice to see a game that actually uses my wide definition of steampunk. I like the setting, the mechanics... well everything. But it's simply much to short.

[close]

One Of A Kind by Crimson Wizard

Spoiler

Very likeable setting and characters. But I had big problems solving puzzles. There were simply to many items, the inventory size is very small. Maybe there are to few hints or I'm just not clever enough for the game. Maybe I'm just exhausted by playing that many adventures in that short time.

[close]

Ex Machina by SomeSickSelf

Spoiler

Man, you know how to tell stories! I think your game was very immersive and I really wanted to know what will happen next. The puzzles are easier than in most other entries, but that's a good thing, since I wanted to continue the story. By the way, good visuals.

[close]

I voted for

Spoiler

Ex Machina. Because of the immersive story.

[close]

[tzachs]

@Babar: LOL... Ok, here it is:

Spoiler

When you go inside the house of the inventor, there's an inner room, which you can only go into once...
If you try to go again the hero will say it's not safe for him to enter. So far so good...
Now, I took the strings and played it near the pond, and then I died.
After you die, you have an option to restart, so I did. I then played it again from the start, but when I went to the house of the inventor, and tried to get to the inner room he said it wasn't safe, like I've been there before, but I haven't, I restarted...

[close]

[abstauber]

This is really hard work Finished 4 out of 9.

[Crimson Wizard]

Updated my game to version 1.2. Couple of rare bugs fixed, plus a number of cosmetic changes.
http://www.filehosting.org/file/details/69248/OneOfAKind_1_2.zip
Mirror link:
http://www.onedollarproductions.co.uk/hosted/OneOfAKind_1_2.zip

[Crimson Wizard]

I am having troubles with Pinback's "Schnellersparow Trial". Can't understand how to get the eyepiece from telescope. Tried every tool I have.
Game is hotspot-difficult by the way. Lots of stuff around and you don't know which is interactable.

[Crimson Wizard]

Okay, I finished: "Samarkand", "Ted Ted McBinky", "Steamsquares" (few times ), "The Chronomancers" and "Steam Trek".

I cannot download "The Energizer" (download halts in the middle).
I am stuck in the "Trial of the Schnellersparrow" (can't get eyepiece from telescope and don't understand what to do next).

So now I a going to play "Ex Machina", since nothing else left at the moment.

[arj0n]

I cannot download "The Energizer" (download halts in the middle).

Yep, TheEnergizer.exe is corrupt...

[tzachs]

I cannot download "The Energizer" (download halts in the middle).

Yep, TheEnergizer.exe is corrupt...

Wow, that's super weird! I actually downloaded it after I uploaded the last version and it was ok, but now it stopped working...

anyways, here's another link.

[david]

So far nice entries  aaaand a lot

Some Ive finished
some not

Ex Machina: i cannot exit the bar need to return the glass, but HOW (it drives on my nerves)
Trial: the same as crimson - stuck

but overall a lot of effort youve put there guys and each game has its own atmosphere
really enjoyable
congratulations 

[ThreeOhFour]

Ex Machina: i cannot exit the bar need to return the glass, but HOW (it drives on my nerves)

Have you tried

Spoiler

Soaking your handkerchief in water?

[close]

[david]

@Ben
done
still the same result, is it a bug or what?

[ThreeOhFour]

Spoiler

after you soak the handkerchief it should say "You put the glass back on the bar" and you should be able to click the stool and then click the exit to leave.

[close]

[david]

[

[david]

Spoiler

after you soak the handkerchief it should say "You put the glass back on the bar" and you should be able to click the stool and then click the exit to leave.

[close]

I did this

Spoiler

after taking the hot glass from the furnace came back to the bar noticed that there one man had gone away and the hammer is sitting on the counter instead, so i took it returned to the room with the furnace, used the chisel whith the hammer to break it, still needed it cool off, so returned to bar, ordered the glass of water soaked the hanky wanted to leave but without any chance, tried to place the glass back on the counter, still in my inventory, but in my inv is also the empty glass, could be this the problem?

[close]

[ThreeOhFour]

Oh well, I did it a different way around...

Spoiler

Took key from furnace with glass + blowpipe, went to bar, got water and put hanky in water, took wet hanky back to glassblowers and put on the hot key + glass, then picked it up and used hammer + chisel to break it

[close]

Maybe it is a bug then?

[Pinback]

I am having troubles with Pinback's "Schnellersparow Trial". Can't understand how to get the eyepiece from telescope. Tried every tool I have.
Game is hotspot-difficult by the way. Lots of stuff around and you don't know which is interactable.

Hmm that happened to me in one of my tests but never again, it's a mystery. I suggest you try searching the robust barrel in the control room.

[abstauber]

Argh, Pinback! I've finished your "game" too.

Why haven't you just spend more time in the feedback, the player gets when he does something stupid. The way it is now, it's soo linear (and sometimes not very logic). And that's a shame! The story, the graphics, the atmosphere... all that could have been... Well, this is not the right spot for a review. But if you should really plan a re-release after this mags is over

Anyway, the immersion is excellent. It has been a long time, since I've experienced such a great atmosphere.

[Leon]

@David, Ben304 & Pinback:

Yep. That's a bug.

[Leon]

I am having troubles with Pinback's "Schnellersparow Trial". Can't understand how to get the eyepiece from telescope. Tried every tool I have.
Game is hotspot-difficult by the way. Lots of stuff around and you don't know which is interactable.

Hmm that happened to me in one of my tests but never again, it's a mystery. I suggest you try searching the robust barrel in the control room.

For some reason I'm able to get Fuchs outside of the blimp but them I'm stuck. I can't go back inside again and I don't have the telescope part. Is it really needed to finish?

[david]

It is a pity that the chronomances does not have a save button...I really like the "Mordy- ish" style  like duty and beyond

[abstauber]

@Leon: tell me how the spoiler tags work and I'll tell you     I have it, thanks David!

Spoiler

Before you cut the blimp free, you  have to get that telescope part and turn it into a flare. For that you also need the magnesium beside the telescope.

[close]

[david]

instead spoiler write hide

[Crimson Wizard]

Only two games to finish! Half-way stuck at "Sparrow" & "Energizer". I want to end this today. In fact I already have 3 candidates to choose from... but damn, it's really hard to make a decision. A pity you cannot vote for, say, 2 games

[Leon]

@Leon: tell me how the spoiler tags work and I'll tell you     I have it, thanks David!

Spoiler

Before you cut the blimp free, you  have to get that telescope part and turn it into a flare. For that you also need the magnesium beside the telescope.

[close]

Thanks. But nothing seems to work on it... I have all the required objects..

[Crimson Wizard]

@pinback

Spoiler

I was certainly sure I have to make flare ammo to send a signal; for that I'd need magnesium and gunpowder (found both of them), as this seem most logical to me. I also have a vague guess that I can use eyepiece from telescope as a case for the flare (not sure).
Still, I couldn't pry eyepiece off no matter how I tried. I used: Knife, wrench, hammer, weld torch, leatherwork tool and even pencil.
I cut the blimp off and flied, but without eyepiece. Is this actually a dead-end? I'll try to restart the game now.

Also, when I click somewhere below the bunks, character sais "there's something udnert the bunk" but it does not seem t be anything there to pick up.

[close]

[david]

@crimson

but there IS something under the bunk 

[Crimson Wizard]

@crimson

but there IS something under the bunk 

Heh, it seems that I already picked up Fuch's note there. It's just keeping to tell me like there' still something.

[Pinback]

I cant work out how to do the 'invisible' text... Help someone?

[Crimson Wizard]

[ hide ] [ /hide ] (without extra spaces)

[Pinback]

@Crimson Wizard

Spoiler

Have you found the pliers?

[close]

Thanks Crimson.

[Crimson Wizard]

@Crimson Wizard

Spoiler

Have you found the pliers?

[close]

Thanks Crimson.

Yes, just forgot to mention. And yes, I tried that on telescope too.

[Crimson Wizard]

OMG Pinback!  :

YOUR GAME IS IN DEBUG MODE  
I went for crazy ideas and hit Ctrl+S, and it gave me all the inventory items!
...including default Yellow Key and Magenta Poster


EDIT: And I finished the game. That telescope seem the only thing that didn't work for me. A bug maybe?
Post-comments: puzzles were pretty OK (don't listen to Helme ), but your game really suffers from hotspots not emphasized well enouph. It can be a pain to find something useful, when there are so many gadgets around.

BTW, cool you added that design sheet in the end

[abstauber]

Spoiler

If you can't remove the tip of the telescope with the pliers, it seems to be a bug. Btw. yup, it's a dead end. You can cut the blimp way too early

[close]

edit:
Just finished Steamtrek. Really funny! I actually at to laugh out loud

[Leon]

Alright, I'll leave that to a bug then. Wasn't able to finish.
Anyone able to finish Chronomancers? I have all the items for the machine, can flip switches, filled oil and fuel but still nothing. Can't leave either. Anyone? Discordance doesn't seem to respond? Also an ending bug? No debug mode available here 

[Crimson Wizard]

Alright, I'll leave that to a bug then. Wasn't able to finish.
Anyone able to finish Chronomancers? I have all the items for the machine, can flip switches, filled oil and fuel but still nothing. Can't leave either.

You should

Spoiler

use the harpishord to speak with computer

[close]

[david]

Alright, I'll leave that to a bug then. Wasn't able to finish.
Anyone able to finish Chronomancers? I have all the items for the machine, can flip switches, filled oil and fuel but still nothing. Can't leave either. Anyone? Discordance doesn't seem to respond? Also an ending bug? No debug mode available here 

did you fill the solid fuel??

[abstauber]

Yup, I've finished that too.  By the way Discordance - has your game multiple endings?

[david]

finished seven  

cannot finish Trial

[SomeSickSelf]

Finished everything but Trial (ran into the same issue with the telescope as everyone else).

Also, at one point this happened:

Spoiler

I used the elevator to go back inside the ship after I couldn't get the eyepiece off the telescope.  I looked around, didn't find anything, so I used the hammer to get back outside.  I still couldn't get the eyepiece, so I went back down the elevator, and this time I couldn't get back out (the elevator hotspot completely stopped responding to everything I tried to do to it).

[close]

Is anyone still having issues with my game?  I'll try to work that bug out as soon as I can, it seems pretty rare though.

[Leon]

Must be me then...

Spoiler

What do I do with the harpischord? I can play all I want but to no avail.
"Nothing happens when I push the keys"

[close]

I saw a version mentioned multiple times with a save-function. Haven't been able to find it. Is that the problem?

[Crimson Wizard]

Must be me then...

Spoiler

What do I do with the harpischord? I can play all I want but to no avail.
"Nothing happens when I push the keys"

[close]

Hmm.. maybe you should look at them first? I'll check that.


EDIT:

Spoiler

Actually, as soon as I put both types of fule there and press the switch, computer starts talking to me. I then can go and use keyboard.

[close]

[Scarab]

I finished Discordance's game in the original version with no problems(albeit the no-save function)... so I don't know whats going on with everyone else  

[abstauber]

yay - I'm through. 9/9

I'm really amazed what you guys can do in less than a month - terrific work everyone!

[Leon]

Alright... last part of the WT... (draft of course):

Spoiler

Walk left into the house and talk to Amelia. Give her the blunderbuss. You'll travel directly to the library. Use the door to enter the library. Use the shelves on the right to take some BOOKS of no importance. Next to the shelf on the left is a hidden trapdoor. Use the trapdoor to find the machine the professor was talking about.

Take the can of PETROL from the floor on the right and use the petrol on the slot on the left. Use the books on the fuel container next to it. Use the switch next to that and... nothing will happen.

[close]

When I hit the switch after filling:

Spoiler

- Oh yes!
- Well, that was rather dull.
- I'll just swtich it back off.

[close]

Nevermind...... got the problem now... 

Spoiler

You can actually empty an empty can on the slot...

[close]

BRILLIANT !!!!!

[Crimson Wizard]

Allright, finished them all, last was "Energizer" 15 minutes ago (with multiple endings)

Gathered my thoughts about all games...

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Trial of the Schnellersparrow" by Pinback

Spoiler

Pros: An interesting vehicle design. Magnificently drawn backgrounds and objects, very good and atmospheric background music. Good language (so many weird words, oh ). Interesting technical puzzles (didn't find them too difficult).
Cons: Gameplay is in some way clumsy. I think two main faults here are: that hotspots are not marked in any way and there are dozens of gadgets and thingies around, so player may spend much time figuring where to click; secondly your task is not always obvious.
Additionally I can mention that although graphics are detailed and beautiful, surrounding world seems too lifeless; if not sound of rain one may think game takes place in deep space.
Conclusion: Game is good on artistic part but gameplay flaws make it not easy to pull yourself into the game's world. It feels... bulky. Too many gear around and lack of intrigue. Lack of animation (in terms of immersion, not simply graphics).

[close]

"Samarkand" by Babar

Spoiler

Pros: Cool character art, clean, simple backgrounds and nice music.
Cons: Game is a way too short even for MAGS. And, regardless of the amount of freedom given by the current rules, I am not sure it can be considered steampunk, sorry.
Conclusion: In my eyes it is rather a teaser than a complete game. May be good beginning for a longer project.

[close]

"Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine" by FSi

Spoiler

Pros: It doesn't have a happy end. Or does it? .
Cons: It's rather a joke than a game.
Conclusion: Well, seriously, it made me smile, but I it's not a game and it's rather not steampunk, even though it features steam engine.

[close]

"Steamsquares" by cat

Spoiler

Pros: A classic style logic game, good graphics.
Cons: Obviously not an adventure game, and too simple (well, maybe not TOO simple if you want to make record in number of moves; what I mean is that it features very simple rules and controls, and can be finished really soon).
Also, it isn't actually steampunk (it does not show a world changed by advanced technology).
Conclusion: It would be nice to see this one as a puzzle in an adventure game. I am afraid that on its own it's too simple to be voted for.

[close]

"The Chronomancers" by discordance

Spoiler

Pros: Good verylow-res graphics (which remind me of 'Duty and Beyond' game which I loved), charismatic characters, ironic pathos.
Cons: Game involves some pixel hunting. Clumsy inventory. Impossibility to find how to save game. Crash during final cutscene. Is it actually final cutscene?
Also story feels "crumpled" somewhere after middle of the game.
Conclusion: A good game, but seem too short and simple as opposed to creative design and interesting story. I expected more of it.

[close]

"Steam Trek: Clueless around Risa" by frogking

Spoiler

Pros: Good humor, puzzles that make sense.
Cons: Ugly character
Conclusion: Good game without any doubt. It's short, but so to say, length matches the aim perfectly. And also it is the only game I know where you have to bombard a planet to repair the door.

[close]

"Ex Machina" by SomeSickSelf

Spoiler

Pros: Good story and writing. Good graphics and music in general. I was pleased to see that game has stylish interface and font.
Cons: Puzzles were too easy and straightforward, it was more of looking around than actually solving, and that spoiled immersion.
Disproportional, silly-looking houses (unfortunately this didn't change much since SomeSickSelf's previous MAGS game ). Lack of background/objects animation (like backdoors in the bar).
Conclusion: I have nearly same thoughts as I had when playing previous MAGS game by this author, that game would be excellent if it were longer and player had more time to see more of characters' personalities.
Unfortunately there's some inconsistency between the background story and gameplay, it's like a detective/thriller novel rammed into 10-minutes long animated cartoon. Perhaps it would be better to leave opened ending instead of making the story cut so abruptly.

[close]

"The Energizer" by tzachs

Spoiler

Pros: Good story. Interesting characters. Interesting interogation mode (you have to guess how to interrogate properly though). Nice and smooth character/objects animations (especially in comparison to other games), except perhaps walking legs animation. Perfectly-fit sounds.
Cons: The game doesn't have a steampunk feel at all; it looks rather like second half of XX century world (take the woman in pants for example). Very crudely made backgrounds. Certain silly moments.
Conclusion: Overall it is a well-done story, but it does not match the topic; it's rather about one single invention and does not reveal the world changed by technology at all.

[close]

Since I made myself a rule not to vote for my own game (unless other entries are crap, which isn't a case ) I won't comment it here.

------------------------------------------------------------

Finally I arranged games before myself and tagged them in following way -

Spoiler

"Trial of the Schnellersparrow" by Pinback. Best atmosphere, very good, realistic backgrounds and overall 'steampunky' feel. But lacks functionality.
"Samarkand" by Babar. Perhaps, most original setting and best character design. But too short and simple.
"Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine" by FSi. Best key puzzles. Original ending. But lacks the game.
"Steamsquares" by cat. Best puzzle. But only one puzzle.
"The Chronomancers" by discordance. Best dialogs. But too little actual action.
"Steam Trek: Clueless around Risa" by frogking. Best (Length + Puzzles / Idea + Mission) relation. Hard to say what it lacks. Probably nothing.
"Ex Machina" by SomeSickSelf. Best intrigue. But lacks complex puzzles, also story implementation does not fully match the concept.
"The Energizer" by tzachs. Best scenario (short but quite realistic detective story). But doesn't match the topic.

[close]

Arghhh... it was soooo difficult to choose...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
But finally I vote for

Spoiler

"Steam Trek: Clueless around Risa" by frogking.
I have following reason. Some time ago in other thread on this forum I wrote like "There's some kind of hardly explainable coefficient, like a relation between story/puzzle densities in game.".
I think it is the main, or one of the main things that make gameplay. Yes, Steam Trek is short, but it's enough. And that I found very important in the games. It felt like completely all-sufficient.

I really wanted to vote for Pinback's "Sparrow", but as I wrote it is made too clumsily in terms of gameplay. I really wish you make a better game spending more time on polishing events/controls/puzzles.
I could vote for "Energizer" by the way, if only it was a true steampunk, 'cause it has really interesting story.
I perhaps could vote for "Ex Machina" or "Chronomancers", if their stories were revealed more deeply and did not end so abruptly (and had more difficult puzzles to solve!).

[close]

These are my thoughts.
Thanks to everyone, I really enjoyed playing your games as well as making my own game

[SomeSickSelf]

Finally finished all the games.

I thought I'd post my comments/constructive criticisms for each game in the order that I finished them.

Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine:

Spoiler

This is either an ingenious parody or a triumph of sheer stupidity, but either way it kept me laughing, if not thinking particularly hard.
It reminded me a bit of my first ever AGS project which also featured an excessive number of keys and a MIDI rendition of a Black Sabbath song.

[close]

Steamsquares:

Spoiler

It's a fairly challenging little puzzle, and I confess I played it through several times while waiting for the other developers to finish. 
However, I find myself agreeing with Crimson Wizard on this one, it would be a really cool mini game (BioShock anyone?) but it doesn't fare too well as a stand alone concept.  It looks great, and it's a really fun way to kill 10 or 15 minutes, but beyond that has very little to offer.

[close]

Steamtrek:

Spoiler

A very cool idea, though I feel like more could have been done with it.
The 3D graphics were neat (if a little rough around the edges) and the dialog was quite funny.  There was at least one puzzle that was a bit harder than it needed to be but overall a very brief, enjoyable game.

[close]

The Energizer:

Spoiler

An interesting concept and I loved the idea behind the interrogation sequences.
In practice though, it called upon the player to pay a bit too much attention to tiny details.  The interrogation system was flawed in that you had to guess, blindly for the most part, what one word would make the suspect crack.  A very intriguing idea, overall, I had fun with it, but it probably could have been a lot better given more time.

[close]

Samarkand:

Spoiler

Brilliant!  Reminded me very much of Loom, one of my all time favorite adventure games.
That being said, the game was simply much too short.  The puzzles, while very inventive, weren't particularly challenging; if there had been more obstacles along the way this game could have been improved dramatically.

[close]

Chronomancers:

Spoiler

A lot of fun, despite the dead end bug and lack of a save function.
The aesthetic was very unique, and the dialog was probably the best written and most period appropriate of all the entries.
The game was hampered somewhat by the tiny graphics, which made every puzzle a bit of a pixel hunt.  A solid entry, but I wish discordance had paid a bit more attention to the bugs (and our desperate cries for save game feature).

[close]

One of a Kind:

Spoiler

This game features some very nice, if very simple visuals (it's a good thing).  The quality of writing was a huge step up from the author's last game and the story was, in my opinion, quite clever, and funny.  The puzzles were at times, unnecessarily difficult.  Admittedly, I'm not the best when it comes to puzzles, but I feel like I could have been saved a lot of frustration if there had been some more helpful feedback for certain interactions to let me know if I was on the right track (may be better in the latest version, I haven't played it).

[close]

Trial of the Schnellersparrow:

Spoiler

Wonderful, gorgeous graphics, and a very immersive, and very steampunk atmosphere really make this game stand out.
My biggest complaint is that the game gives you almost no feedback at all; I had no idea what I was allowed to interact with, or whether I was trying the wrong inventory combination or just missing the hotspots when I clicked.
The creative aspects (story, music, ARTWORK) are all top notch, but it was clear to me that the developer was struggling with the technical side of things.

[close]

Great competition this month, I had tons of fun making my game and playing all of yours.

As for voting, I'm not quite sure...

Spoiler

I may go for One of a Kind.  Despite my frustration with the puzzles, it really was the best balance of story and gameplay.  A lot of the other entries (namely Trails, and Chronomancers) came close, but in the end this game was both enjoyable, and relatively bug-free. Plus, I love The Beatles 

[close]

[cat]

The Chronomancers by discordance

Spoiler

I did like the graphics very much, the atmosphere was steampunkish. However, when trying to find the key for save, I hit the restart key and didn't want to play it all again

[close]

Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine by FSi

Spoiler

Made me laugh out several times, absurd story, maybe the adventure with most keys in inventory. Short and entertaining

[close]

SteamTrek: Clueless around Risa by frogking

Spoiler

Great humor, good and consistent implementation of the steampunk theme. It think it has the best puzzles of all entries

[close]

Ex Machina by SomeSickSelf

Spoiler

Also very steampunkish, good story and graphics.

[close]

One Of A Kind by Crimson Wizard

Spoiler

I did like the graphics and music, but the puzzles were too hard. Also, I think it didn't really fit the steampunk topic

[close]

Trial of the Schnellersparrow by Pinback

Spoiler

Fantastic graphics and atmosphere, but lacks in gameplay. I didn't really know what to do and had several bugs. I hope you make a deluxe version with fixes and improved gameplay

[close]

Samarkand by Babar

Spoiler

Interesting gameplay, nice graphics but very short

[close]

The Energizer by tzachs

Spoiler

Interesting investigation room concept, multiple endings, but I did need the hints provided by the button. The atmosphere was neither begin of 20th century nor very steampunk

[close]

My vote goes to

Spoiler

Steam Trek, because it was most fun while playing. It was a very close race with Ex Machina

[close]

[Crimson Wizard]

Heh. My first game was too easy. This one was too hard. Argh!  

If you ever knew the PUZZLE that I had to rip off last moment because of found bug...

[cat]

So the next one will be perfekt 

[discordance]

Ugggggh is there really still no save function? I honestly thought I had added one, but maybe I linked to the wrong version somehow? I don't know. It seemed to work fine for me.

Apologies, everyone, that I haven't been able to respond to all these comments. I've been busy. 

I'll check to make double-sure that I posted the right version, but it's probably a little too late now.

[frogking]

Phew, finally finished all games and voted. Tomorrow I would have had all the time in the world to play them on a train ride but no internet to save me if I got stuck so it had to be today

Steam Squares

Spoiler

Nice simple puzzle, but not enough to be a winner.
Also, the random start position is not tested for solvability.

[close]

Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine

Spoiler

The graphical style is not for me. Building the entire game on the one puzzle which is usually frowned upon is an amusing notion, and to its credit it has to be said it was the only game where I did not encounter a single bug.

[close]

The Chronomancers

Spoiler

I liked the setting, the train made the world feel large. The graphics worked but made for a bit of a pixel hunt. The font for Veronica was hard to read.

[close]

The Energizer

Spoiler

There was a good investigative feel,  the game felt quite
long for a mags entry. Although this was partially due to a
lot of talking which did get slightly annoying at times.

The interrogation mode was a cool feature but having three different ways of communicating is confusing (dialog, typing, note picking). The fonts in the save/restore dialog were distorted for me, and I encountered a crash.

Some puzzles I did not find logical, e.g., the lounge was supposed to be soundproof but the bagpipe was heard by susan when Mclassen was playing in the lab. The dark store room with the large window is odd in bright day light. Most safes can't be opened by a screwdriver. As for using a dangerous contraption to  reenergize a broken light bulb when three other rooms have the same lamp type ... well

[close]

Samarkand

Spoiler

Compact oriental mood in intro and game, good feeling. The string theory I found entertaining, the interface is simple but
sleek.

However, it was almost completely devoid of game. Only two puzzles and they were basically the same. A pity because I think this could have been a winner.

I hope I didn't just miss another ending where the shah
could be convinced of the attack (but if there were the
game should have hinted at it). Also the game did not
terminate properly for me, had to Alt-F4 it.

[close]

One of a kind

Spoiler

Nice extensive introduction. Clean graphics. Characters a tad too talkative for my taste.

Sleek GUI and inventoy system, combinable/detachable items are interesting. But I had the impression that I was swamped with items, which had two problems: Inventory window was too small, and too many possible interactions which would make sense to the player but can't all be handled by the game.

There is a walkarea bug in the lab when entering from the left.

At least one puzzle was hardly logical (if you have a key in a small glass tube on some flimsy stand, you hardly need a magnet on a string to get it).

[close]

Trial of the Schnellersparrow

Spoiler

Cool introduction, graphic style and atmosphere. Maybe the color scheme takes a bit of life away though.

The items are too small, and lacking reaction on any interactions, which makes it hard to figure out if you actually hit the hotspot. Do look up the "unhandled_event" function for next time!

It actually took me 15 minutes to figure out I could just walk through the closed door on the left

There was the possibility of a dead end. Featuring a flare gun is, of course, a great idea

[close]

Ex Machina

Spoiler

Simple graphics but it works fine. The houses look rather boxy, though. Menu, cursor, message boxes and color scheme seem to fit consistently. Minor GUI issue: Could not return to arrow cursor in inventory, had to close and reopen.

Puzzles were rather easy but most of them fitted the story convincingly, although the magic appearance of a hammer and chisel stretches suspension of disbelief.

[close]

And I voted for

Spoiler

Ex Machina, because on the whole, it was thoroughly enjoyable, relatively bug free, and fitted the theme.

[close]

[Dualnames]

Tzachs's, Babar's, Crimson Wizard's entries are now up-to-date on the first post of this topic and on the MAGS Website.

[tzachs]

@Dual: Thanks for the update...

@frogking:

The Energizer

Spoiler

...
Some puzzles I did not find logical, e.g., the lounge was supposed to be soundproof but the bagpipe was heard by susan when Mclassen was playing in the lab.
...

[close]

Ooh, you caught me off guard there, I totally missed that...

Ok, and now for my two pennies.

Steam Squares

Spoiler

Nice game, I agree with what been said, as it is, it's only a mini-game. Maybe if you did more levels with raising difficulty it could have been nicer...

[close]

Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine

Spoiler

It was definitely a funny game. Not too much work has been put into it, though...

[close]

The Chronomancers

Spoiler

Like cat said earlier, I played a little bit and it was ok, but the lack of a save button, made me not come back to it...

[close]

One of a kind

Spoiler

On the pros, great idea for the story, nice puzzles, and for some reason I felt a little 'maniac mansion' sort of atmosphere, which was cool. I think it has the biggest potential to become a full scale game, out of all the rest. On the cons, too many inventory items, all available right at the start, made this really hard, especially when some of the things I expected to work or at least get a decent reaction from, and that didn't happen. I found myself trying everything on everything. Also the fact that leaving from the left in one room caused me to appear in the left of the new room, was disorienting... That, plus the abrupt ending, gave me the feel of an unfinished game...

[close]

Ex Machina

Spoiler

Nice, solid game and story, with clean graphics. The problem for me in that, was that it wasn't memorable for me. The story, I felt, lacked some depth. Actually, after I read the readme file I realized that there was more to the story, but it wasn't portrayed in the game. I'll say the same thing about the characters, they also had no depth...

[close]

Steam Trek

Spoiler

Now, this was a funny game, nice background graphics, and really nice graphics for the inventory items. The sprite wasn't too much to look at though... The puzzles were also nice. My one complaint is that it was too short. Oh, and also I'm not sure that it filled the prerequisites of the competition, it was supposed to be in the past where some form of new technology has been invented to change the timeline, I didn't see too many hints for that.

[close]

Trial of the Schnellersparrow

Spoiler

The backgroung graphics were beautiful. However, I gave up on this game for the following reasons: Firstly, in the introduction sequence, there was some text that was changed really fast, and I couldn't read it. Then, when the game started, even though the backgrounds were good, they didn't show enough details for me to understand what I'm clicking at. That, with the lack of a hotspot label, caused me to randomly click on the screen in the hoping I'll hit something, which wasn't very fun for me... I also got stuck a lot of time in the first room until I realized I can walk through the door...

[close]

Samarkand

Spoiler

Nice settings with music to match. The problem here is that it was too short and lacked gameplay...

[close]

I had some dilemmas here, but in the end my vote goes to:

Spoiler

Steam Trek. Even though I felt it didn't really qualify, it still was the best one, so I had to give my voice to it. One of a kind came a close second, though.

[close]

[abstauber]

Steam Squares

Spoiler

I've to admit, I'm way to stupid for this kind of games. I wouldn't even know how to code it. So respect for the code - but no joy for me

[close]

Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine

Spoiler

I don't exactly know, why I liked it. Somehow the key chase was fun. But as it has been mentioned before, it's more like a parody, than a game.

[close]

The Chronomancers

Spoiler

Hmm.. I liked the graphics style, but not the palette. The puzzles have been fun sometimes, but not always on the logic side - there's been a lot trial and error for me. So overall it's okay, but nothing I'd replay in the near future.

[close]

One of a kind

Spoiler

After watching the intro (and skipping it the first time after waiting for god to appear) the game almost lost me. But after that, I enjoyed the challenging puzzles and started to like the scenery. After reaching and passing the brain, I thought: this is the winner. But then came the key puzzles and ruined that impression But overall I really had fun.

[close]

The Energizer

Spoiler

Wow, despite the graphics, this game is great. The story has been interesting enough to keep me playing. The puzzles were nice and the interrogation mode... I already liked that in Phoenix Wright. Cool to see that in AGS. The only downside is: it's not very steampunky.

[close]

Ex Machina

Spoiler

Well... the pixel hunt for the rotten fruits has been annoying. Beside that, the game has nice visuals, great sound effects and a fine story. But I'm afraid, it's "just" another adventure. Of course on a high level. But still I'm missing something that makes it unique.

[close]

Steam Trek

Spoiler

First I've been scared away by those render graphics, as those reminds me at the bad days of adventure games in the mid 90s. But the humor is so good that I've enjoyed every minute I've played it.

[close]

Trial of the Schnellersparrow

Spoiler

This could have been an awesome game. But it isn't It should have been high-res, featuring a hotspot finder and more interaction. The puzzles are logic in a way, but with almost no hints, they have been trial and error for the most time. On the other hand, this game is an exact definition of steampunk. The story is awsome, the characters as well. I like the cast-away atmosphere, to be at the mercy of some technology, which isn't fully under control. Again, it's a shame that the game is so frustrating.

[close]

Samarkand

Spoiler

Finally a fresh setting and I do like oriental stories. But as mentioned before, this game is more like a showcase. Babar, please make a full game out of it!

[close]

Voting time:

Spoiler

Trial of the Schnellersparrow. The game sucks, but it's pure steampunk. And steampunk has been the mission for this mags.

[close]

[Dualnames]

That's a total abuse of the hide function there!!

[Crimson Wizard]

Hehe, yeah.


Anyway, since I am planning a full vesion of my game to be worked upon in some future, I am starting to gathering criticisms about MAGS entry. Looks like my 2 general faults are:
1) inconveniently made inventory which did not allowed to see all your stuff in one (or two) glance(s).
2) a great lack of commentary about combining/using items, and also surroundings (take frogking's opinion about glass tube, for instance; it was supposed to be bolted hard to the floor, but since no comments are made people may think you cansimply turn it over to drop key out).
By the way, if anyone cares, can you please write that in my game's thread or PM me, which item actions/combinations you did consider reasonable, but which were not allowed by the game?

[DrWhite]

Unfortunately I didn´t have the time to finish all those games - actually I finished only Ex-machina. Walkthroughs provided by the developers would have been great., because it´s a little frustrating when you´re stuck at the first puzzle and haven´t got a clue what you´re supposed to do. But nevermind - the games this month were really fine.

In the end I voted for

Spoiler

Trial of the Schnellersparrow, because it completely put me into that steampunk mood. I even liked it, that you can´t see the hotspots, it made me pay more attention to the details in the background.
I also liked the language, which worked great with the atmosphere of the game.

[close]

[Leon]

Walkthroughs provided by the developers would have been great.

You can find most of them on my site already...
Two more to go which I've played already. So if there are any questions about finishing the game... just ask.

[Dualnames]

Okay, Winner is

Spoiler

BABAR and Samarkand!!

[close]

Babs, send me the guidelines via pm eh!

[david]

Really ?  :o :o :o

well then, congratulations  

EDIT: oh and BTW Happy Halloween  

[Calin Leafshade]

Okay, Winner is

Spoiler

BABAR and Samarkand!!

[close]

Babs, send me the guidelines via pm eh!

Despite there being zero steam or indeed punk?

I call boycott!

[Scarab]

Okay, Winner is

Spoiler

BABAR and Samarkand!!

[close]

Babs, send me the guidelines via pm eh!

I love the fact that the name was hidden... but then mentioned moments after anyway

[Dualnames]

It was a loose topic anyway. 

[Leon]

That's indeed a surprise. But nevertheless, congratulations Babar!

My vote went to The Chronomancers. Minimalistic pixelart. Some obejcts could be more obvious but I liked the way the screens were built up and how the impression of space was created.

About the others:

Steam Squares - Nice to see non-adventure, but way too easy. No progression in difficulty.
Ted McBinky and his Steam Engine - I didn't like the graphics. And the fact that there's only the key is more in the catagory joke-games than real adventure.
One of a kind - Really nice. But way too many objects and not really on the subject.
The Energizer - Interrogation was nice but I'd like to see more diversity.
Ex Machina - Nice, but common. Nothing outstanding. Shame of the (first) dead end.
Steam Trek - Good solid game with humor and nice puzzles, but not the kind of graphics I like.
Trial of the Schnellersparrow - Very nice. Good story, good presentation, great graphics. But without a hotspot indicator difficult and the dead end did it for me: no winner.
Samarkand - Good story but too short and easy.  More a demo than a full game.

A great competition with lots of good games. In the end it was just personal taste.
BUt still I'd like to state the following:

Please no more patching updating etc. I lost track in the end and it only causes confusion. If you enter a game, bughunting and betatesting is part of it and once entered is final. Better wait until the last moment with entering and tested than entering after a week and patch three times and let the player be a tester.  A non-finishable game can't win in my opinion and bugs will take 'points' off. So please, once entered it's final!

Just my opinion....

Let the new game begin!

[Pinback]

Congrats Babar!

Nice comp, minimal blood and very little ear biting. Now start the next MAGS already I'm bored!

[Babar]

Woah....what?

* Babar hides from the punkish mobs

Thanks everyone!
Will come up with the new rules shortly.

[OneDollar]

Congratulations Babar! I was going to write short reviews on each game, but my ISP decided that it would be good fun to break my internet connection.

[tzachs]

Ooh, a bit unexpected (based on what've been said here), but still, congratulations Babar! Way to go! 

[Crimson Wizard]

errr.... lol I guess.  :

I am not dissapointed, but rather surprised, because I already was preparing myself to loose to
"Schnellersparrow", "Steamtrek" or "Ex Machina", and then *blam*. Guess we underestimated that game  

EDIT: I am not sure I'll be participating in the next MAGS. I want to take a rest and work on something without that much hurry. Anyway, glad I enterd, this is my second AGS game already and first one which can be considered fully accomplished (without using Roger sprites ), so now I truly believe in my capability to make ones! 

[SomeSickSelf]

There's a surprise.  Well done Babar, congratulations.

[Helme]

Congratulation Babar!

That was a really unexpected win, because I thought it's too short. But it seems that with that many entries people enjoyed a short and easy game.

[frogking]

Just when the posted comments got my hopes up

But congratulations Babar!

As this was unexcepted from the reviews posted so far, it seems that more people participate in mags than I thought. I'd be curious to know the total number of votes given.

[david]

Ok, my vote went to
One of A Kind because this was the most polished game
Enjoyed the others as well

[Dualnames]

Just when the posted comments got my hopes up

But congratulations Babar!

As this was unexcepted from the reviews posted so far, it seems that more people participate in mags than I thought. I'd be curious to know the total number of votes given.

27. Counting mine, which didn;t affect the result much. Babar, had this lead of votes from the beginning and kept it there. Probably hired MIRC guys do it!