This game puts you in the unitard and cape of a musical superhero who waits tables at the Zanzibar restaurant under the cover of night. After playing a weekend concert that revolutionizes the local airwaves, our saxophonist receives a phone call at work.
Super Jazz Man explores the fundamental elements of an adventure, unfolding locations with the progression of the narrative while featuring nostalgic low-color graphics. Play through four unique endings!
For roughly the price of a martini in Manhattan, you can play it today!
Download trailer (5 megs) (http://www.herculeaneffort.com/downloads/SJMtrailer.mov)
Stream trailer (YouTube) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnC2cLtctvY)
Download playable demo (1.1 megs) (http://www.herculeaneffort.com/downloads/SJMdemo.zip)
Screenshots:
(http://herculeaneffort.adventuredevelopers.com/previews/screenshot1.gif)
The new conversation system in action.
(http://herculeaneffort.adventuredevelopers.com/previews/screenshot2.gif)
Indoor locations feature a skyline to depict the surrounding area (differentiating the campus, downtown, and the suburbs).
Click here to purchase Super Jazz Man for $8.95 USD! (http://herculeaneffort.gregjazz.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1)
OH YES! Let me be the first to say it!
OH YES!
Buying right now!
Greg: The soundtrack? Will it be for sale as well? Not heard it yet, but I can only assume it will be awesmoe :D
Looking very good!
I'll be checking out your store later. What payment methods are available? Is Paypal available?
Yup, Paypal is available. Which means Visa/American Express/Discover/etc. are available also.
If that doesn't work, there is a check/money order option. :)
I think there should be another forum for commercial games from ags.
I think if that were the case they wouldn't get as much exposure as they deserve to, thus leaving them here is the right thing to do.
Out of curiosity, how long would you say the game is, Geoff?
This game has just (possibly) become the first game to be blogged about via Wii (http://www.xiigames.com).
Congrats to both of you. I'll be downloading soon and will post a comment.
Longer than Apprentice 2. I believe there are more rooms, too. The puzzles are a little more logical, though, and there's a lot of plot advancement with each puzzle solved. We'll see how long it takes Nikolas to solve it.
It would be great if there were a tiny wee demo, GK. As for a separate forum for commercial AGS games, admittedly there are twice as many commercial games in the forum in 2006 than in the sum total of previous years, on the other hand, thats because there's only ever been 2 done before this year (Fatman and Mystery Manor, AFAIK). I really don't think the volumes involved are large enough to get worked up about, although it may be a good idea if commericial games have "$$$" or something at the beginning of their topic title...
Indeed the $$$ idea is a good one.
The game is looking really good Greg and Ian. Well done! I'm hooked up with it! :)
and this could very well mean free time for work on apprentice3 hehehe looks great though
We thought about a demo, but we figured that we've already spent so much time making the full thing, we'd rather not delay it further. For the AGS community, I don't totally see the point of a demo. Most of you are already familiar with the standard gameplay mechanics and our level of quality.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, something about Hanukkah, etc!
Fearsome Hannukah!
Game looks great tho! And if it's longer that Apprentice 2, I'd say it's well worth the money! :)
Don't have any ways of paying for this tho, so won't be able to play it, but I would like to say: Keep up the great work! :D
Looking forward to Apprentice 3! Do you have any idea about whether this will be free?
Yeah, when christmas is over and some bloody jobs are going so I can get some dang cash I'd like to get this! (And The Shivah too)
Or you could buy my album when it comes out and I'll use the cash to buy your game! ;D (I jest!)
Hi, a question to the developers. Does the game has voice-overs (including the narrator)? I agree that a demo would come handy. I have no doubt about your proficiency to make games, but I don't know whether Jazz man will be my cup of tea, so, a short demo would be great to help me decide whether to buy it or not.
Thanks
Ricardo
The focus of the game is the writing and story progression within classical adventure gameplay. For economy's sake, we opted against graphics that push your video card's limits, full voice, and orchestral score. Granted, I doubt many developers can offer all that for the price we're charging. Considering it took roughly a year of work (1.5 counting the slow times) to finish, I feel like I should be able to afford a sandwich from selling a copy. :)
On the bright side, it won't take too long to download, which will make it easy for people with slower internet connections (something characteristic of a lot of retro gaming fans).
Quote from: big brother on Sat 23/12/2006 20:05:28
The focus of the game is the writing and story progression within classical adventure gameplay. For economy's sake, we opted against graphics that push your video card's limits, full voice...
Ok, thanks for answering my question
Quote from: big brother on Sat 23/12/2006 20:05:28Granted, I doubt many developers can offer all that for the price we're charging.
True, true. In fact I think this (i.e., selling games online for less than 10 bucks) could be a good way to allow AGS indies to present more and more polished games. I already bought Jazz Man and would have no problem paying such amount of money for another projects, as long as they show quality.
Thanks for your purchase!
I hope the quality lives up to your expectations.
I won't be purchasing it extremely soon...
...but I do plan on purchasing. Just so you know. :)
Quote from: Geoffkhan on Fri 22/12/2006 07:39:14
Yup, Paypal is available. Which means Visa/American Express/Discover/etc. are available also.
Is it necessary for me to have a working Paypal account to pay by Visa? Sorry if that's a stupid question, but I'm not well versed in paying for things. I usually tend towards avoiding paying for things, but this looks too good to miss out on.
Quote from: big brother on Fri 22/12/2006 15:50:57
I don't totally see the point of a demo. Most of you are already familiar with the standard gameplay mechanics and our level of quality.
Which is kind of why I'd like to play a demo before buying the game, because I'm probably one of the few who didn't really enjoy The Apprentice (1 nor 2), yet I'm really intrigued by this game, but have no way of seeing if it's more to my liking than those two :)
Also, I'm about a dollar short in my paypal account. *grumble*
Quote from: Ali on Sun 24/12/2006 10:18:15
Quote from: Geoffkhan on Fri 22/12/2006 07:39:14
Yup, Paypal is available. Which means Visa/American Express/Discover/etc. are available also.
Is it necessary for me to have a working Paypal account to pay by Visa? Sorry if that's a stupid question, but I'm not well versed in paying for things. I usually tend towards avoiding paying for things, but this looks too good to miss out on.
Nope, you don't have to have a Paypal account to pay by Visa or any other credit card. The payment will be handled by Paypal, but they don't require you to have a Paypal account to process the transaction.
I bought and I'm playing now, but I'm stuck allready. ;D
I don't want to finish the game to quickly, the longer it takes, the more value for my money I get, but I've visited the same few locations quit a few times allready now, and I have no idea what to do...
Spoiler
Do I need to do something with my equipment in order to hear the cd in it?
Quote from: JimmyShelter on Sun 24/12/2006 20:02:35
I bought and I'm playing now, but I'm stuck allready. ;D
I don't want to finish the game to quickly, the longer it takes, the more value for my money I get, but I've visited the same few locations quit a few times allready now, and I have no idea what to do...
Spoiler
Do I need to do something with my equipment in order to hear the cd in it?
Hope it helps. If you need more help, you may want to start a thread in the "hints and tips section" (yep, I know, not a mod, but I think is the correct advice, right?).
Spoiler
No, you don't. But you might want some of the things that are right now in the equipment. Have you been to the park yet?
Quote from: JimmyShelter on Sun 24/12/2006 20:02:35
I don't want to finish the game to quickly, the longer it takes, the more value for my money I get, but I've visited the same few locations quit a few times allready now, and I have no idea what to do...
Don't worry, there are plenty of hilarious interactions and dialogue in the game, so savoring the game won't be a boring way to beat it at all! :)
Quote from: JimmyShelter on Sun 24/12/2006 20:02:35
Spoiler
Do I need to do something with my equipment in order to hear the cd in it?
Spoiler
You won't be able to hear the CD player unless the stereo is on. Just mess around with the different remotes.
EDIT: Oops, thanks Serth: yeah, we should start a thread in the hints & tips section.
Screens look good. good luck with the game and sells.
Candle
Thanks Candle! Yeah, I'm really excited at how this is turning out! :)
!!! heading over to your website to empty my pocket for your game !!!
Downloading right now, I can't wait to sink my teeth in.
Bought this and loving it so far. Well-designed puzzles, nifty retro graphics and great music.
You guys really don't like rap though, huh? ;)
I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Quote from: floorboards on Sun 31/12/2006 03:49:16
You guys really don't like rap though, huh? ;)
Personally I see the game more about that whole consumerism aspect of music. It was just chance that it ended up as Jazz vs. rap. Or was it? :)
Quote from: Geoffkhan on Sun 31/12/2006 03:57:13
I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Quote from: floorboards on Sun 31/12/2006 03:49:16
You guys really don't like rap though, huh? ;)
Personally I see the game more about that whole consumerism aspect of music. It was just chance that it ended up as Jazz vs. rap. Or was it? :)
:)
Regardless, it's a fantastic game. I haven't completed it yet, but so far the puzzles have been logical but not obvious and the world is a lot of fun to explore and play around in. Quite possibly the most 'complete'-feeling AGS game I've played, and definitely worth the price tag. Good luck, and I hope the financial aspect begins to make it all worthwhile for you guys - you deserve the success.
Hey guys, I just made a playable demo available:
http://www.herculeaneffort.com/downloads/SJMdemo.zip
Enjoy!
Congratulations guys, I'm currently stuck in the demo. The graphics are marvelous!
I'm glad that you made the demo, because thanks to that, I'll be buying a copy shortly.
Excellent music, Greg.
Thanks, Tiki!!
Quote from: buloght on Wed 03/01/2007 00:50:44
Congratulations guys, I'm currently stuck in the demo. The graphics are marvelous!
Need any tips/hints?
I played the demo for a while and enjoyed it. It's a bit too expensive, I think, considering it doesn't have voice acting and what not. The music is well done, however, the main theme played at the beginning is not originally done by you, is it? I've heard it in countless AGS games, being annoyed by how much it's used. Did you compose it yourself, Greg?
Quote from: Steel Drummer on Wed 03/01/2007 06:03:42
I played the demo for a while and enjoyed it. It's a bit too expensive, I think, considering it doesn't have voice acting and what not. The music is well done, however, the main theme played at the beginning is not originally done by you, is it? I've heard it in countless AGS games, being annoyed by how much it's used. Did you compose it yourself, Greg?
Glad you enjoyed the demo!
I'm sorry you feel it's too expensive--a lot of hard work went into the game, and I didn't want to compromise that and short change ourselves, especially considering that the money will be used to pay for the expenses of Apprentice 3, and other expenses relating to our game creation. To the best of my knowledge Monkey Island 1, Monkey Island 2, Loom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were not talkies, and even today these are more expensive than Super Jazz Man.
Where in the beginning of the game is the song you're talking about played? The Herculean Effort Productions logo theme, the Super Jazz Man title screen, or the restaurant theme?
All the music is original and composed by myself.
Finished the game yesterday. I loved the whole thing. Well written, nifty graphics, great music and some brilliant scripting touches.
As far as 'full speech', in some ways I prefer the classic non-talkies since I nearly always have issues with at least one character (even in the 'professional' games). I guess that's my age showing though ;)
Quote from: Geoffkhan on Wed 03/01/2007 06:46:11
Quote from: Steel Drummer on Wed 03/01/2007 06:03:42
I played the demo for a while and enjoyed it. It's a bit too expensive, I think, considering it doesn't have voice acting and what not. The music is well done, however, the main theme played at the beginning is not originally done by you, is it? I've heard it in countless AGS games, being annoyed by how much it's used. Did you compose it yourself, Greg?
Glad you enjoyed the demo!
I'm sorry you feel it's too expensive--a lot of hard work went into the game, and I didn't want to compromise that and short change ourselves, especially considering that the money will be used to pay for the expenses of Apprentice 3, and other expenses relating to our game creation. To the best of my knowledge Monkey Island 1, Monkey Island 2, Loom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were not talkies, and even today these are more expensive than Super Jazz Man.
Where in the beginning of the game is the song you're talking about played? The Herculean Effort Productions logo theme, the Super Jazz Man title screen, or the restaurant theme?
All the music is original and composed by myself.
I meant the title music. When the screen says 'Super Jazz Man' and then it fades out to the restaurant. That song has been used a lot in other AGS games, like Family Treasure and that fighter with Sierra characters.
Quote from: Geoffkhan on Wed 03/01/2007 06:46:11
To the best of my knowledge Monkey Island 1, Monkey Island 2, Loom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were not talkies, and even today these are more expensive than Super Jazz Man.
Except they were made many years ago, and if they were made today they would have had speech. ::)
Yes, and you would pay $49.95+ for each one. :)
QuoteI meant the title music. When the screen says 'Super Jazz Man' and then it fades out to the restaurant. That song has been used a lot in other AGS games, like Family Treasure and that fighter with Sierra characters.
No other game uses this song. Maybe it reminds you of another one, but I assure you, it's original.
Okay, if you don't believe me, download Mortal Wombat's fighting game. Play it for the first minute or so and tell me if you hear the same song used in SJM.
Quote from: big brother on Wed 03/01/2007 21:19:59
Yes, and you would pay $49.95+ for each one. :)
Not if they had the same exact graphics they wouldn't, as nobody would spend $49.95+ on something so old looking as a new release. All I'm saying is, it's silly of you/him to compare your game with classic LucasArts titles from years ago.
And it isn't silly to say that if those classics were made today they would have the full voice BUT the exact same graphics???
I assumed you didn't mean just speech, but higher production values in all aspects (modern team then -> modern team now), in which case the game would be more expensive (modern pricing).
Steel Drummer:
Played it and our song is not used. You can listen to it here for comparison:
http://herculeaneffort.adventuredevelopers.com/previews/music1.mp3
Call it nostalgia or whatever, but I prefer the pixel-y old school graphics. A lot of the AGS games evoke the same style as the classic LucasArts adventures (despite being worked on years later, most of us wish there were more of those great games from that era, right?) and I'd rather pay $8.99 for a retro experience than pay $49.95 for most modern-style games.
QuoteI'm sorry you feel it's too expensive--a lot of hard work went into the game, and I didn't want to compromise that and short change ourselves, especially considering that the money will be used to pay for the expenses of Apprentice 3
This means that apprentice 3 will be free then?
Quote from: big brother on Wed 03/01/2007 23:19:17
And it isn't silly to say that if those classics were made today they would have the full voice BUT the exact same graphics???
EXACTLY! So he shouldn't compare old titles to SJM as it's illogical. :)
Games can be about many things:
Education (no one can take away that aspect)
Entertainment (of course!)
Spending silly time (The sims? ;D)
Professional reasons (someone already working in the industry who would support other indie developers).
And so on...
On the entertainment aspect, it does appear that a lot of peoples entertainment does not relly on superb graphics, or amazing epic music, or full 3-d games, but different stuff, ideas and gameplay. In the end if a game can be replayed, because there are small things missed, and takes a lot of hours to finish, and can trigger different thoughts in your head, for me it's worth it. :)
Just some personal thoughts... Sorry for the semi-rant!
Quote from: big brother on Wed 03/01/2007 23:19:17
Steel Drummer:
Played it and our song is not used. You can listen to it here for comparison:
http://herculeaneffort.adventuredevelopers.com/previews/music1.mp3
Sorry, my mistake. I guess when i downloaded the music1 mp3 a while ago, it was in my downloads folder and the games were in the same folder, so they must have loaded that song. Woops! I'm still a bit tired of hearing that song so many times in those game though. ;)
I normally choose to say nothing in completed games threads because they in particular seem to be a source for people to come in and blab about things that are either
a) off topic (hints, this game is better than yours)
b) disrespectful to the author(s)
If you don't want to buy the game, don't. It really is that simple. What is not necessary is for you to do the following:
a) State in great detail why you won't buy/play/recommend the game. These are things best left elsewhere, like a reviewers website or in a personal communication with the author(s).
b) Create a debate thread inside the completed games about why you don't think the game is good/worth paying for/fun/funny/etc. You have a right to your opinion, but that right shouldn't extend to flooding a game thread with that opinion in an attempt to sour people against the game.
I find both to be highly distasteful. Seriously, folks, can't you put yourself in the author(s) shoes and wonder "Would someone writing this off the cuff upset me?"
This post is not meant to discourage you from having a negative opinion about a game, its purpose is to hopefully make you think a bit more before you press that post button.
Thanks.
Quote from: big brother on Wed 03/01/2007 23:19:17
And it isn't silly to say that if those classics were made today they would have the full voice BUT the exact same graphics???
I assumed you didn't mean just speech, but higher production values in all aspects (modern team then -> modern team now), in which case the game would be more expensive (modern pricing).
Steel Drummer:
Played it and our song is not used. You can listen to it here for comparison:
http://herculeaneffort.adventuredevelopers.com/previews/music1.mp3
Er. Okay, first off I want to say I really liked the music in SJM. Especially the resteraunt music (not to mention your Herculian Effort chime) and both me and Binky happen to be big fans of Greg's music... but I need clarifcation here. The mp3 link you posted: Is that the other tune, or is that an mp3 version of Super Jazz Man? as we're both unable to tell the difference :-\ If the former, maybe it's some jazz scale thing but those sounded identical to us. Sorry if we've got this confused :D
Hello!
Aye - totally cool jazz music there, Geoffkahn, and I like the whole 16 colour art style! I would just like to know, though... will you be doing a beepy boopy PC squeaker option to compliment the old PC game style look? Cos I didn't have a decent music card when I was playing 16 colour games :P I just think it's a shame that "retro" only ever seems to be applied to visuals.
Waddayathink? ;D
Cap'n Binky
Quote from: CaptainBinky on Fri 05/01/2007 00:21:21
Aye - totally cool jazz music there, Geoffkahn, and I like the whole 16 colour art style! I would just like to know, though... will you be doing a beepy boopy PC squeaker option to compliment the old PC game style look? Cos I didn't have a decent music card when I was playing 16 colour games :P I just think it's a shame that "retro" only ever seems to be applied to visuals.
Thanks!! Oh man, can AGS even do PC speaker? I do remember how cool that skeleton song in MI2 was... :)
Quote from: lemmy101 on Fri 05/01/2007 00:00:45
The mp3 link you posted: Is that the other tune, or is that an mp3 version of Super Jazz Man?
The link goes the a rendered (MP3) version of the Super Jazz Man theme. So it'll sound different than what's in the game of course, since you have a different soundcard no doubt.
Riiigght. That would explain it then :D Sorry for the confusion.
ProgZ: Offering your game to the world makes it a public affair, and therefore both positive and negative remarks will be mentioned. If only positive feedback is allowed to be given, how will the creators know htere might be a problem somewhere?
I disagree with you on more than just that, but I'll leave it be.
I'm glad you guys did a playable demo. At least now I have a fairly good idea of what the game would play like, sound like, look and feel like. I'll be purchasing it and I do NOT feel it is too expensive.
Aside from the off-topic, if anyone has played the game and wants to post their thoughts (negative or positive), feel free. I've seen these mini-reviews in other Completed Games threads, so I don't think it would be inappropriate.
I've Just bought the game after playing the Demo which I thought was Ace.
I haven't played any of the full game yet, coz I'm about to go to bed, but I'll give it a little review when I've played it.
I don't see why people are moaning about having to pay for it. Some things cost money, it's called life and it's not like it's a massive hole in the wallet. It really is just a token gesture as a sign of respect to the authors who have put in a lot of time and effort and money into creating what is bound to be a great game, better than some of the old-school MI wannabes from back in the day.
I finished it. I got 3 endings in the end.
It's a very nice game. Humorous, good graphics, good music and fun puzzles.
I did find the fighting puzzle a bit too hard:
Spoiler
To get 12 punches right was pretty hard: I knew the solution to the puzzle, but getting it right still took me 10 minutes.
Maybe taking out the first guy in 4 punches and then the second one in 6 punches would be a better way to do the puzzle.
I must admit that even though I really liked the game, I did find the game just a bit to short for the amount of money. I expected it to be about double as long as it finally was.
Out of curiosity, how many hours would you say it took you to beat the game (start to finish)? It's hard for me to figure since I know all the answers. :)
I've finished it, and killed the boss.
Brilliant game, thanks a lot.
Difficult to say how long it took to complete... I tend to take a while anyway, because I like to click on everything and try ever combination just incase I've missed something., but I probably spent a total of about 6-8 hours playing it. over a period of 3 days... (Hey I do have a full time job you know).
I thought it might have been a tad longer but it was definatley worth the money.
;) ;) ;)
P.S Theres supposed to be 4 endings am I right???... I only got 3, could you PM me telling me what they are so I know which one I missed... cheers.
I probably spent about 6 - 10 hours playing it as well. That's close enough to $1/hr of entertainment which is pretty great value compared to, say, a movie.
Seems like my estimate of (4-6 hours) is a little low. All the better.
I've only seen one complaint about length (on the AGS database games page).
Is there going to be a Super Jazz Man 2?
A wise friend once said: "Outlook not clear".
Honestly, we have no plans for a sequel right now. Maybe in the future, but I doubt it would be near.
Super Jazz Man just received a nice review on Adventure Gamers. You can read it here: http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,719/
Congrats on the good review! I would also like to say I would pay for Apprentice I II and III all Deluxe with voices packaged together. *hint* ;D
Heheh, not a bad idea! Voicing Apprentice II IS a significant amount of work since it has so much dialogue, but it'd be something to consider if we can afford it.
I can't say for sure, but I think we're planning that if you buy the CD/DVD version of Apprentice III you'll not only get Apprentice III (which will be high-res, a talkie, etc.), but also get some included goodies. (for example I think we're considering including Super Jazz Man!)
Seems like people think Super Jazz Man is on the short side (but of course, for the price...). Some people say it took 3 hours to beat, some say it takes 5-6 hours, and I know it took a few days for some people who got stuck in parts. There's a lot of funny interactions in Super Jazz Man, so you can beat through it really fast, or read all the dialogue and interactions and spend longer playing it.
We're over-compensating for this in Apprentice III. It's looking like it will be quite a long game from the design documents I've got. :)
I just downloaded & played Apprentice 1, 2 & deluxe yesterday for a few minutes just to check them out. I'm kinda new here, so I've been dowloading like crazy, which has been keeping me busy. It sure is sweet to be new here and have so many great games to choose from.
Any how, you seem to put all of effort in these games. It truly is amazing and I quickly became a fan within the a few minutes of playing the Apprentice games. I am looking forward to Apprentice III. I'll probably send a money order when you release it. I like the idea of the CD case. That would be great.
Including Super Jazz Man would be sweet too if you would include it with Apprentice III (*hint hint* Special Edition for a little extra with goodies) Heheehee! ;D
Hahaha.
I just got the confirmation Email from when I ordered the full version of SJM back in January.
Haha... I thought I was being charged for the game again until I read it properly.
6 months... and this is supposed to be the broadband era.
Heheheh. Read it again. It's a new version.
Quote from: Stupot on Tue 26/06/2007 08:42:43
Hahaha.
I just got the confirmation Email from when I ordered the full version of SJM back in January.
Haha... I thought I was being charged for the game again until I read it properly.
6 months... and this is supposed to be the broadband era.
I just sent out the new version to all the customers, and the automated email comes in the form of a purchase notification. I included a message with the email saying it was the new version, but that doesn't change the email title. :P
Oh, is there a new version out? Should we get notified? We don't have to buy again, do we? I didn't get any notification, is this ok?
Quote from: Rui "Trovatore" Pires on Thu 28/06/2007 11:20:08
Oh, is there a new version out? Should we get notified? We don't have to buy again, do we? I didn't get any notification, is this ok?
Yesterday I sent emails with links to download the updated version out to all of our customers, but I don't think my server liked the amount of emails I was attempting to send. I'm reconfiguring my email address, and I'll give it another try. Thanks for your patience!
So what does the new version include? is it worth downloading it if we've already played the first version?