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AGS Games => AGS Games in Production => Topic started by: Barbarian on Sun 23/05/2004 14:50:46

Title: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" Full Version - 100% complete and now Released!
Post by: Barbarian on Sun 23/05/2004 14:50:46
Hi everyone.
This is my first post in the AGS forums.
First off, let me say "Fantastic job on AGS" to Chris and team. I can see a lot of work and effort went into it. I absolutely love AGS..

Anyways, I've been working on my first game using AGS for about a month now for usually a few hours each day.Ã,  My first game was mostly for me to become familiar with how AGS works, but now my game has started to really take shape.

Okay, the basic story-line sort of goes like:

--- You go by the name of "Big Don"
(Okay, it's a silly name, but it's my own nick-name,
and as this is my first AGS game, I foolishly named my main character Big Don :-)Ã,  Ã, ...
Anyways, you went for a walk in the woods to enjoy a nice day.
You day-dream of exciting adventures in far-off lands, and not paying attention as you should,
you soon end up deep in Evergreen Forest.

You remember old Folk-Tales about Evergreen Forest...
Some stories tell of strange creatures, magical things, as well as many dangers and hidden treasures.
But those are just stories made up to entertain... or are they?
Well, enough day-dreaming.. Time to find your way out of here.
Now which way to go?Ã,  ---

You will encounter strange creatures, magics, dangers and maybe find hidden treasure on your adventure in Evergreen Forest.

Here's a screen-shot of one the first areas:
(http://www.bushidokai.ca/bigdon/images/002.png)

Ã,  Ã, And here is a little sample of the main character's walking animation... not the best animation, I know, but remember I'm just an amateur at thisÃ,  ;)Ã, 
I'll be touching up the graphics as I continue to work on the project.
Ã,  (http://www.bushidokai.ca/bigdon/images/Walk_Down01.gif)Ã,  Ã,  Ã, (http://www.bushidokai.ca/bigdon/images/Walk_Right01.gif)

For more screen-shots, information and udates on my game, you can visit a little web-page I whipped up at:
http://www.adventure.easyurl.org/

Ã,  Ã, It's still a bit rough, but overall I'm becoming more and more familiar with AGS everyday, and my adventure is shaping up nicely.
Ã,  Ã, Feedback is welcome.

* Update * I've changed my game title to "Escape From Evergreen Forest (EFEF)."Ã,  Ã, 
Ã,  Ã, My game is still progressing nicely.

--- Big Don.
Title: Re: Big Don's Adventure! ( game about 50% complete / screen-shots )
Post by: Andail on Wed 26/05/2004 13:54:19
Looks promising.
You apparently have a solid background in this area, so I'm sure you will be able to make good use out of AGS
Title: Re: Big Don's Adventure! ( game about 50% complete / screen-shots )
Post by: kl4Uz on Wed 26/05/2004 14:15:21
hi there!

Did you use a photo to do that background?
Title: Re: Big Don's Adventure! ( game about 50% complete / screen-shots )
Post by: Barbarian on Wed 26/05/2004 16:30:55
Thanks for the feedback guys.

     As far as the background(s) in my game, many are used from free-to-use sources (usually drawn and not photographs) I find on the internet, though often times I end up editing them myself... I use a few different editor programs to get right effect I want.
I have a bit of an artistic talent too, so for some of the rooms I will be hand-drawing myself, then scanning in and editing on the computer. I'm just an amateur artist / animator (self taught) when it comes to this, so don't expect any "amazing" art / graphics / animations. But I do have a good imagination, and many years of experience with computers and adventure-gaming, so I think I can put together an interesting and enjoyable game.

    I'll keep you posted with more updates as the game continues to develop.

*Salutes*
Title: Re: Big Don's Adventure! ( game about 50% complete / screen-shots )
Post by: on Thu 27/05/2004 13:16:58
I love your style of backgrounds.   I'm a newbie like you. Have you learnt all the basics or just learning as you go?
Title: Re: Big Don's Adventure! ( game about 50% complete / screen-shots )
Post by: Barbarian on Thu 27/05/2004 13:50:07
Thanks Spoofer.
I'm carefully choosing the backgrounds or will be editing and/or creating them myself.
  Sure, perhaps in future we can work on something together.

As far as knowing AGS, I've learnt all the basics and how to use most functions, and even some of the advanced features.
The more I continue to work with AGS, the more I learn about it's many features and what ways I can use them.
I've over 22 years of experience with using computers, so I can learn and adapt fairly quickly to a program like AGS.
The only thing that still is a bit sticky for me is some of the scripting.
I've been doing some basic scripting to get the hang of it, and I even made my own custom GUI for game-speed control so far.
AGS is such a powerful program and I'm very impressed with what all it is able to do.

Best regards,
--- Don, the Barbarian

Quote from: Spoofer4v3r on Thu 27/05/2004 13:16:58
I love your style of backgrounds.Ã,  Ã, I'm a newbie like you. Have you learnt all the basics or just learning as you go?
Title: Re: Big Don's Adventure! ( game about 50% complete / screen-shots )
Post by: fanton on Thu 27/05/2004 15:13:58
looks nice.

try making his head bob down each time he finishes a step.
Title: Re: Big Don's Adventure! ( game about 50% complete / screen-shots )
Post by: Barbarian on Thu 27/05/2004 16:03:50
Quote from: avatar on Thu 27/05/2004 15:13:58
looks nice.

try making his head bob down each time he finishes a step.

Hi Avatar. Thanks for the tips.
I've made the changes as you suggested (you can see my animation samples in my first message in this post).
.  I tried before, unsuccessfully, "bobbing the head", but, as I'm learning as I go with this animation stuff, I realize now that I had some of my frames off-center before, so it had a "jerky" effect, he walked like with a serious limp, or a lurching zombie... but now I got everything lined up right, and got that "1 pixel head bob" like you suggested on his steps, I think it's looking much better now.  ;D 

*Salutes*
Title: Re: Big Don's Adventure! ( game about 50% complete / screen-shots )
Post by: on Thu 27/05/2004 17:45:52
Looks good, keep up the good work, i like to say that you could use some more frames on the walk. not that i know much about it.

Good Work, 8-Ball
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 60% complete (New ScreenShots)
Post by: Barbarian on Fri 25/06/2004 13:22:58
Hi everyone. Well, I've been working very hard on my game and I'm still making good progress.
I'd say the game is now about 60% completed, currently with over 20 rooms to explore (some rooms are explored using a lantern for light), a few puzzles (some of which can be solved in more than one way), so far with 5 interactive NPC's, customized GUI's (including Control Game Speed, Set Music Volume and Select Music Soundtrack), different endings according to choices made (it's possible the main character can die in-game too if bad choices are made), Character Portrait Dialog Animations, many in-game music scores and sound-effects at appropriate times.

Below is some more screen-shots:

(http://www.bushidokai.ca/bigdon/images/006.png)

(http://www.bushidokai.ca/bigdon/images/009.png)

For more info and Screen-Shots, visit my website, Amazing Adventures!,
at:Ã,  http://www.adventure.easyurl.org/
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 90% complete.New Pics. Looking for Beta Testers
Post by: Barbarian on Mon 30/08/2004 07:46:15
Greetings Adventurers.
Hoping it's okay to bump-up my thread to give an update on my game's progress.

I was hoping to have a Beta version ready for playtesting by now, but alas, many other things got in the way such as work and for a few weeks my computer was giving me some strange problems which really slowed down my progress on the game too. But after reinstalling some drivers, scanning my system, doing some updates, clean-ups, defrags, etc.. everything appears to be back in working order again and I'm trying to get back on track with the production of my game.

That being said, my game is now approximately 90% complete (Beta version). I figure within the next week or so I will have something ready for Beta-testing. So, I'm putting out the call now for a few interested Beta-testers for my game. The file will be a fairly large download (not sure yet of overall size, but the "compiled" folder containing all of the game's file are currently a little over 21 MB. Of course once I ZIP that, the file-size to download will be smaller).

There a few small "bugs" I need to work out yet, and I still need to add a few rooms yet and a few finishing touches, and soon after the Beta-testing stage I hope to have the ready-for-release version of my game out by around the end of September 2004.

Okay, so if you're interested in soon helping me with some Beta-testing of my game, let me know - reply here or PM me (I guess 3 or 4 Beta-testers should be enough?). I'll give Beta-testers credit in my game.

Ã,  Ã,  Here's a couple of new Screen Shot pics to give a little more of a sneak-peek of things:

(http://www.spiritma.com/adventure/images/EFEF_01.png)

(http://www.spiritma.com/adventure/images/EFEF_04.png)

(http://www.spiritma.com/adventure/images/EFEF_02.png)
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 90% complete.New Pics. Looking for Beta Testers
Post by: ghostface on Mon 30/08/2004 14:02:59
Barbarian....this game looks great...I think you have presented it very well and I would love to beta-test...sign me up!...that is if you have room.
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 90% complete.New Pics. Looking for Beta Testers
Post by: Barbarian on Mon 30/08/2004 16:18:45
Quote from: ghostface on Mon 30/08/2004 14:02:59
Barbarian....this game looks great...I think you have presented it very well and I would love to beta-test...sign me up!...that is if you have room.

Hi Ghostface. Thanks for your comments. Yes, even though this is my first adventure game using AGS, I tried my best to present it well and to make it an enjoyable Adventure game.

Sure, there's still room for Beta-testers. Hopefully soon I'll have a Beta-version ready and I'll contact you then ( I'll probably send you a Private Message ), and I'll let you know from where you can download it.
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 90% complete.New Pics. Looking for Beta Testers
Post by: SierraFreak on Mon 30/08/2004 18:53:47
Hey Don,

I'm happy that your game is almost ready.  I've been checking for new progress on your website over the last couple weeks.  If you'd like me to, I'd still be happy to beta test your game for you.  You helped me find a lot of bugs in Cougar's Quest for Freedom, so I'd like to repay the favor.  Send me a PM if you're interested.
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 90% complete.New Pics. Looking for Beta Testers
Post by: Albert Cuandero on Tue 31/08/2004 05:09:54
Looks very interesting.

If you still need Betatesters PM me anytime!

EDIT:

QuoteI will be in contact with you guys soon in regards to where to download the Beta version. *Salutes*

Ohgoodygoodygoodygoody - can't wait to jump into this piece of fun! - whowhohooowwwlll! ;)
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 95% complete (Beta).
Post by: Barbarian on Fri 10/09/2004 02:05:19
Greetings once again fellow Adventurers.

Just a brief update that my game is almost completed now (Approximately 95% of the Beta Version is ready).

I just have to finish up a couple more rooms, some "special effects" for some of the spectacular final-showdown-scene, and a few other touch-ups, then I'll begin the Beta-Testing stage (probably within a few days of this post).

So many thanks to my Beta victims... errrr, I mean volunteersÃ,  ;)
So far confirmed Beta-Testers will be:
SierraFreak, Albert Cuandero and GhostFace.
I will be in contact with you guys soon in regards to where to download the Beta version. *Salutes*

PS: There will be over 30 rooms/areas to explore.  :o
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 95% complete (Beta).
Post by: pslocum on Fri 10/09/2004 06:52:12
If there are any open positions, I would be happy to Beta-Test as well.
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 95% complete (Beta).
Post by: Krazy on Fri 10/09/2004 10:22:00
I love those graphics. There's some quality about them which is just fantastic. Can't wait till you release it.
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 95% complete (Beta).
Post by: ghostface on Fri 10/09/2004 14:39:25
Quote from: Barbarian on Fri 10/09/2004 02:05:19
So many thanks to my Beta victims... errrr, I mean volunteersÃ,  ;)
I will be in contact with you guys soon in regards to where to download the Beta version. *Salutes*
PS: There will be over 30 rooms/areas to explore.Ã,  :o
Barbarian...this is very good news. PM me just in case when you do release the beta ok? Can't wait, and like the new title!
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 95% complete (Beta).
Post by: Krazy on Fri 10/09/2004 16:54:35
Hmmm you know that player really reminds me of Joe King from Flight of the Amazon Queen.
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 95% complete (Beta).
Post by: Barbarian on Fri 10/09/2004 18:38:35
Quote from: Krazy on Fri 10/09/2004 16:54:35
Hmmm you know that player really reminds me of Joe King from Flight of the Amazon Queen.

Hehe.. Good eye. Yeah, I captured a couple screenies of "Joe" to get some good ideas and to use as a main starting template/outline for my main character, but I did a LOT of editing with the the captured images and put together all of the animation for it myself --- and then of course many of the specific main character poses were drawn and/or heavily edited by myself to fit in with the game (Example: Holding a lantern in dark rooms, holding/using some items, walking through water, reaching for a ladder, etc...). So, yep, I did use "Joe" for the starting outline for my character, but I ended up pretty much redrawing each frame of animation you see pixel-by-pixel.

I've, ahhhh, borrowed from various sources to help speed along the production of my game, and since I'm a real "newbie/amateur animator/artist" in many aspects I didn't want to take forever making my first AGS game (I've already got close to 5 months worth of spare time put into my project). Yes, I admit I took many "short-cuts" with many aspects of my game, but keep in mind as this is my first AGS made game, and a solo project (with exception of the confirmed Beta testers and some various help/tips gathered from the AGS forums and whatnot).

Yes, many elements of my game may look / sound familiar, however the overall game, story, puzzles, and the way it all fits together is all my own work, own ideas and original, and much of the art is completely my own as well.

I try my best within my game's Credit and ReadMe file to give due credit where credit is due, and I do admit to "borrowing" many elements found in my game. Overall though, I tried mainly to use royalty-free-to-use resources found on the internet for most "borrowed" elements in my game (and/or retouched/re-edited to fit in with my game).Ã,  ;DÃ,  You will also find many elements in my game totally unique as well, as a lot of it was also made-from-scratch by myself. When my game is complete, I hope any of my game's "borrowed" elements will be introduced in-game in a manner that Adventure fans can enjoy and appreciate.

Ã,  Ã,  Okay, Beta-Testing stage is almost ready to start.. very close now guys.
*Salutes*
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 99% complete (Beta Version. Hang in there!)
Post by: Barbarian on Mon 13/09/2004 20:53:50
Okay guys. This is probably one of the last bumps I'll give to this thread before I release the Beta-Version to my Beta-Testers.

Beta Version is now about 99% complete. What does this mean? That most likely within 1 day of this message being posted, that the Beta-Testers will be hard at work, errr.. I mean play, trying out my game. *Cracks whip at the Beta-VictimsÃ,  ;D *

I probably would have already had it ready by now, but, unfortunately as fate has it, today a rather nasty bug cropped up in the final stages that fatally locked up the game. So, I had to spend some extra time hunting down the evil bug, and with a bit of trial and error and more testing, I narrowed it down to what I think was conflicting variables. So, I made the adjustments to correct that problem, and so far it's working good again.

I'm going to Whip up a quick Title Screen for the Beta-Version, do a little bit more improvements on a few things, and also do a few final touches on the end sequence.Ã,  For the soon to be completed version (while the Beta-Testers are busy going through my game) I may work on adding a little intro, making an improved end-sequence perhaps, as well as maybe adding a "bonus scene" for players who can complete the game with a perfect scoreÃ,  ;)

A few highlights of my game to note:

*Currently the game has over 30 rooms to explore.
*The game display is designed for 640x400 mode in 16-bit color.
*GUI to select Game Speed and Music Controls settings.
*Hopefully easy-to-use interface (I also took advantage of the wheel-mouse functions too, but don't worry, players with a non-wheeled mouse still have all the same options).
*1 main player character with 6 appearing (and mostly interactive) NPCs.
*A story that starts out simply enough, but turns into something deeper as the game is played through.
*Various puzzles to solve/overcome, some of which can be solved in different ways.
*I tried to avoid "pixel hunting" or "walking dead-man" scenarios.
*A couple of "Easter egg" type of surprises.
*Some "Guest Appearances" by some famous well known Adventurers.
*Possible "Player Can Die" scenarios if bad/incorrect choices are made.
*Use of a couple of fantastic Plug-Ins to great effect (Rain and Flashlight - well in my game it's a Lantern though).
* A detailed ReadMe.txt file will be included.
* Good vs. Evil, Magic, strange creatures, cool music and sound effects, drama, humor, action, a scantily-clad seductive temptress, Earthquakes, Lightning, Explosions, Destruction,Ã,  ... overall an action packed thrill rideÃ,  ;D What more could ya want?

I'm hoping by the end of September 2004, I'll have the Ready-For-Public Completed Version ready for release (depending on how the Beta-Testing stage goes and what kind of feedback my Testers give to me, and/or what bugs crop up and needs to be fixed or what improvements could be made). This is my first AGS made game, and almost 5 months worth of of my spare-time in production, so I hope that you will all soon be able to enjoy it.

Get ready for an "Amazing Adventures!" production from the Barbarian.
*Salutes*
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 99% complete (Beta Version. Hang in there!)
Post by: Barbarian on Tue 14/09/2004 17:21:15
Okay, just one last Bump to announce that the Beta-Testing version of my game is now ready and uploaded. I will contact my confirmed Beta-Testers within a few minutes of my posting this message.

The Beta-Version is a download of 18.9MB in ZIP format, which will then un-compress into taking up to 36.9MB, so as you can guess, I've put in a lot of work into my game, and it may even border on being a "Large" game (we'll see what kind of feedback the Beta-Testers give me though).

Let the Adventure begin!Ã,  ;D

Once testing stage is complete and I have finished making any corrections, additions and/or improvments to my game, then I will release a ready-for-public Completed Version that everyone can enjoy... and all for the low low price of... Free!Ã,  Ã, :)

Below is a new screen-shot of my game's Title Screen (it may change slightly in the completed version), but I don't want to give away too many more in-game screen shots that may spoil the fun of exploring my game before most of you have had a chance to play it yet.

(http://www.bushidokai.ca/bigdon/images/EFEF_Start.png)

Ã,  Ã, Once Beta-Testing stage is over, I will annouce my game in a new post in the "Completed Games Announcements" section of the forums.

Enjoy!Ã,  :=
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 100% complete - Beta Version. New Screen Shot.
Post by: on Fri 17/09/2004 02:21:47
Hmm... And how much we are supposed to wait to?
;)
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" 99% complete (Beta Version. Hang in there!)
Post by: pslocum on Fri 17/09/2004 05:13:45
Quote from: Barbarian on Mon 13/09/2004 20:53:50
I'm hoping by the end of September 2004, I'll have the Ready-For-Public Completed Version ready for release (depending on how the Beta-Testing stage goes and what kind of feedback my Testers give to me, and/or what bugs crop up and needs to be fixed or what improvements could be made).
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" Beta - 100% complete. Full Version almost ready!
Post by: Barbarian on Thu 23/09/2004 19:46:09
Greetings Adventurers.
Just a quick update on the status on my game.

Beta-Testing stage is almost complete.
So far I've gotten back fairly positive comments, and just waiting on some final notes from my testersÃ,  ;) Thanks guys!

I've made several improvements and additions since the Beta-Version, and I'd even go as far to say this may be considered a full-length game.

I've put in a lot of work into this project, so probably within a few more days (from the time of my posting this message), I may have the full completed "ready for public release" version of my game ready.

I've added in many surprises, and there's even a "bonus Adventure game" at the end if you can manage to complete my game with a perfect score (you get to play as a certain famous "Archeologist" in the bonus Adventure).

Okay, Indy, hand me the whip please --- *Cracks whip at Beta-Victims* "Give me the notes and I throw you the Completed Game!"Ã,  ;D
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" Beta - 100% complete. Full Version almost ready!
Post by: Pft! on Thu 23/09/2004 22:02:46
I cant wait!  8) Be sure to add some fun facts if your a sierra fan, something to laugh about.  ;D
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" Beta - 100% complete. Full Version almost rea
Post by: Vaz on Fri 24/09/2004 08:34:56
Quote from: Barbarian on Sun 23/05/2004 14:50:46
You go by the name of "Big Don"
(Okay, it's a silly name, but it's my own nick-name,
and as this is my first AGS game, I foolishly named my main character Big Don :-)

Wow, so then this game (http://emulazione.multiplayer.it/mamend/gamend/pce/armedf.htm) is yours too? ;)

Anyway, I usually refuse to play games with fantasy settings/story and alike, but I'll surely give it a shot as soon as I'll have my greedy hands on the complete version.
The foes (are those foes, aren't they?) in the title screen, I don't know why, but they remind me of Flash Gordon... they seem to come straight out of a 30s sci-fi comic strip!
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" Full Version - 100% complete and now Released!
Post by: Barbarian on Fri 24/09/2004 19:24:20
Hi everyone.
Well, take out your whip, and put on your fedora hat, it's that time to go Adventuring with my game,
"Escape From Evergreen Forest".

It is now fully complete, uploaded, and ready to take a beating from all of you wonderful Adventurers.

I have announced my game in the "Completed Games" section over at:
http://www.agsforums.com/yabb/index.php?topic=16880.0

So, any more comments, feedback, asking for help/hints, it would be better to post over there in my Completed Games message post.

Okay, I really hope you will all enjoy this, and I must say it's been a real learning experience and an adventure in itself just making this game.
*Whew!*Ã,  :)

Enjoy!
Title: Re: "Escape From Evergreen Forest" Full Version - 100% complete and now Released!
Post by: Darth Mandarb on Sat 25/09/2004 04:16:14
Congrats Barbarian!!!

Now we say goodbye to this GiP thread ...