Adventure Game Studio

AGS Games => AGS Games in Production => Topic started by: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 17:44:02

Title: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 17:44:02
Cianty Games presents
(http://ciantygames.com/adventure/secman/img/tsm_logo.png)

The Second Man is a full length game following the adventures of a professional hitman whose latest job is not quite what it had seemed at first.

Follow along on Facebook:
http://fb.me/secondmanadventure (http://fb.me/secondmanadventure)


FEATURES


SCREENSHOTS

(http://i25.servimg.com/u/f25/11/75/59/84/03trai10.png)


(http://i25.servimg.com/u/f25/11/75/59/84/06pass10.png)


(http://i25.servimg.com/u/f25/11/75/59/84/15lond10.png)


(http://i25.servimg.com/u/f25/11/75/59/84/16cafe10.png)


UPDATE - Oct 10th, 2010
Here is a short video of a stairway in a rundown London house:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3I268eMkD4

(http://i25.servimg.com/u/f25/11/75/59/84/stairs10.png)

UPDATE - Dec 28th, 2015
Watch me play the first three minutes of the game on an iPad Pro:
https://youtu.be/3mPVnaqW8BM
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Igor Hardy on Sun 17/10/2010 17:50:43
Great style. I already feel as if I'm looking at some long lost LucasArts' gem.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Snake on Sun 17/10/2010 17:54:05
Wow. I am looking very forward to this game. The graphics are beautiful and you've given enough of the story to not give anything away, but has gotten me interested enough to keep an eye on this project. I also love the 9-verb's button graphics :D

How much of the story will take place on the train?


\\--EDIT--//
tzachs reminded me about something:
QuoteBad language
Please don't spoil the story with excessive swearing. Some people tend to over do it, thus breaking the atmosphere.
For me, anyway.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: tzachs on Sun 17/10/2010 17:59:31
Ooh, I get really good vibes from these screenshots (maybe with the one exception of that sheltering under the Cafe & Restaurant which looks out of perspective to me).

Also, appropriate violence is always a good thing!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 18:15:14
Thank you very much for the encouraging comments! This is my first game after discovering AGS three months ago. I am very new to "pixel art" so I am especially glad that you like the screenshots.

@Snake: I quickly felt very bad for just using the LA GUI template as is so I felt I should at least replace the verbs with icons. About the train:

Spoiler
The train is only part of the intro. Like in the good old (and in fact the others too) James Bond films where the film starts with a few scenes setting the atmosphere and showing what it's all about. In this case, you get to know how the Hero works and does his job (usually) and then the "actual" game starts...
[close]

@tzachs: There is some mild blood splatter now and then - I am trying to not overdo it though and resort to a healthy amount, no more than Quentin T would do. :)
There will also be a few action oriented scenes... since this is not the forum to discuss these kinds of things I will probably start a thread in the critics corner and look for feedback on that concept. Due to the nature of the Hero's profession there is some tension here and then and I do think it works, but I have read a fair number of posts by people who seem to really hate action in adventure games.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Snake on Sun 17/10/2010 18:24:45
Spoiler
"The train is only part of the intro. Like in the good old (and in fact the others too) James Bond films where the film starts with a few scenes setting the atmosphere and showing what it's all about. In this case, you get to know how the Hero works and does his job (usually) and then the "actual" game starts..."
[close]
Oh, I see ;) Great job then posting two other screenshots of it in-game.

Note to others: THIS IS HOW YOU PROMOTE YOUR GAME IN THE GiP FORUM.

Also, you are new to pixel art? You fooled me, man. Looks damn good :o
I do agree with tzachs on the restaurant, though. I actually thought they were curtains of some sort.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Igor Hardy on Sun 17/10/2010 18:32:56
But "the intro" is interactive, with puzzles an' all, right?

Anyway, personally I don't see any problems with the restaurant. The right edge of the screen is a bit out of perspective, but I feel it fits the overall visual style.

Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 18:38:54
Yes, the intro is fully playable - it's not self-running. It's just not necessarily related to the main story, and it comes before the title screen and credits.

Pixel art is incredible fun but also a lot of work. At the beginning I tried a lot of cheating, like shrinking photos here and there and using way too many photoshop filters and effects. But all that stuff almost never works out and in the end you have to do it by hand.

So what do you think is wrong with the awnings (that's what they're called?)?
Maybe they should go

/___\

instead of

|___|

???
I figured the second way (my current way) is okay for a front perspective like here. However, I'm happy to hear your thoughts and see about fixing it.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Tabata on Sun 17/10/2010 19:08:34
Hi cianty,

this one looks interesting!
And if you do graphics like this after three months experience with AGS:  "Coup de chapeau!" (hats off)

I also like the icon-gui instead of verbs ~ it has a very international touch.

The only thing I read with mixed feelings are the announced action-sequences. I'm one of those, who enjoys slowly every point and click (normally time pressure is nothing for me  ::)).

But now I'm even more curious about your game ...    (waiting :))


EDIT:
About the awning at the right side from restaurant  ~   mayby like this:  /__/   ?
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Digital Mosaic Games on Sun 17/10/2010 19:28:00
Wow great graphics! I can't wait to play this Game!!! Can you just tell me what the buttons mean? For me it seems like there are to pick up and give icons.  :-\ Anyway I feel already the Lucas Arts atmosphere!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: arj0n on Sun 17/10/2010 19:49:52
Looks really great! very bond-ish :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 20:02:09
@Snake/Swearing: Yes, of course I don't want to overdo this either. It's like all those films which have lots of gangsters and violence and sear words in hope of being "tarantinoesque cool" when in fact they are pretty poor and lame. I don't like that.

@Tabata: I did a bit of drawing when I was younger and in the last years mostly painted tabletop figures (http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/). However, actual 2D drawing & painting - and especially in 320x200 resolution - is a wonderfully new experience.  I consider this game to be a bit like 'Last Crusade' and I can only hope to get near 'Fate of Atlantis' for a possible sequel.

Action sequences: There will be few scenes where the clock is ticking. Imagine you know you have to shoot a certain target person behind the next door. Now you enter the room and if you don't act quick enough you will be shot first. Is that already too much? There will be more exciting scenes too but I always think about ways of how to make them as easy as possible for people who absolutely disdain them.

@NEON-GAMES/buttons:  Sure! Here is a comparison between the original LucasArts-style GUI and mine. The buttons map directly on the verbs.

(http://cianty.ashtonsanders.com/guicomparison.png)

Of course I hope the icons are self-explanatory but the game does include a manual just in case. :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: arj0n on Sun 17/10/2010 20:12:23
Quote from: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 20:02:09
The buttons map directly on the verbs.
Except for the Talk/Look ;)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: blueskirt on Sun 17/10/2010 20:29:18
Crap. I have no idea why I broke my vow not to look at any thread in the WIP forum, but I did. The game looks bloody amazing, I wish you good luck!

It's funny that you mention The Last Crusade adventure game, I always considered that game to be the precursor of the Hitman series and now you're going full circle by making an adventure game starring a hitman in The Last Crusade's graphical style.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 20:49:42
Quote from: Arj0n on Sun 17/10/2010 20:12:23
Quote from: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 20:02:09
The buttons map directly on the verbs.
Except for the Talk/Look ;)

Yieks! You're right. I corrected the image. ::)

Again, thank you for your kind comments! This is very encouraging!

By the way, if there's anyone out there willing to provide some musical support I would be VERY grateful!! :D
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Tabata on Sun 17/10/2010 20:57:50
Quote from: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 20:02:09
...
@Tabata: I did a bit of drawing when I was younger and in the last years mostly painted tabletop figures (http://cianty-tabletop.blogspot.com/). However, actual 2D drawing & painting - and especially in 320x200 resolution - is a wonderfully new experience.  I consider this game to be a bit like 'Last Crusade' and I can only hope to get near 'Fate of Atlantis' for a possible sequel.

Action sequences: There will be few scenes where the clock is ticking. Imagine you know you have to shoot a certain target person behind the next door. Now you enter the room and if you don't act quick enough you will be shot first. Is that already too much? There will be more exciting scenes too but I always think about ways of how to make them as easy as possible for people who absolutely disdain them.
...

Wow, that's impressing stuff you did. You have to have a very quiet hand.

It's nice of you, to ask, but please don't change your script too much, just because of the preferences of some. It's impossible, getting everyone in the boat without getting drowned.
And don't worry about me. I'll try it and (hopefully) survive!  :D

About your new goal: I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything works the way you think it should (for you and for us of course)   ;)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Fitz on Sun 17/10/2010 20:58:34
Looks really awesome! Brings back the memories of good ol' Indy. And the images for the 9 commands = nice! Same thing I'm doing with the interface for Gray (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/yabb/index.php?topic=41877) And yeah, they are pretty self-explanatory, indeed - even if I had to think for a moment to remember what the 9 commands were. It's been a LONG since I last saw SCUMM in use.

As for help with music - I'll ask Swordofkings, who does music for my game.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Anian on Sun 17/10/2010 21:01:37
Graphics look good (although 2 minor things - chracters are very blended into the background and the windows on the train look wierd, they look fine on the "outside of wagon" screenshot, but strange on the inside hall view).

Just please use each verb on GUI more than once.  :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: mode7 on Sun 17/10/2010 21:05:54
Wow that looks really good cianty!

How is your progress so far?
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Knoodn on Sun 17/10/2010 21:12:09
This looks really good. I like the graphics of the inventory items.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 21:44:42
@anian: What exactly do you mean by "using the verbs more than once"? Do you find that in some games using this many different verbs they are not actually just as much? I think it works fine so far.

@mode7: Well, progress is coming along nicely but it's still a long way. Considering that I am still relatively new to AGS (though not to programming) I think there's already quite something to play and as I learn how to use the engine I can do new things faster.

I want to separate the game into four parts (not necessarily of equal length, see Monkey Island) and I am still working on part one. So it will still take a few months. I will definately take the time I need to complete it with the quality level I aim for so a realistic release date is sometime in 2011.  Of course it's tiny bit earlier with each of your nice comments.  ;D
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Anian on Sun 17/10/2010 21:59:21
Quote from: cianty on Sun 17/10/2010 21:44:42
@anian: What exactly do you mean by "using the verbs more than once"? Do you find that in some games using this many different verbs they are not actually just as much? I think it works fine so far.
This way interface has many different commands, just hoping that after the decision to go for that GUI, you make a good use out of it, that's all.  :) The interface does look nice.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Chicky on Sun 17/10/2010 22:40:26
This looks great, can't go wrong with a pistol in the inventory ;)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Ilyich on Mon 18/10/2010 00:27:36
Great screens! Love the retro-vibe, like the premise, look forward to the game. Oh, and nice title. :)
Good luck! :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Dualnames on Mon 18/10/2010 01:58:45
Is your title a reference to Third Man (a movie), or inspired the title by it?

Looks great btw.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: abstauber on Mon 18/10/2010 08:24:58
Finally you show us your project ;D I've been excited since you've posted an image in a different thread.
Especially the two last backgrounds look amazing and the roger-vibe over the characters is pretty cool ;D


Good luck with your project! And it seems like the first "bigger" project featuring the 9-verb GUI.
Hooray :D
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Iliya on Mon 18/10/2010 08:26:52
I like the style of this game. Great pixel-art!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Mon 18/10/2010 09:26:25
Thank you very much, guys!

@Dualnames: Yes, you are pretty right. It is a reference, or more like a bow, to the Third Man. The German title of Hitchcock's "North By Northwest" is (literaly) "The Unknown Third (Man)". So the title kind of refers to both. What I am thinking of when making this game is the old Bond films (up to Dalton) as well as the classic suspense films by Hitchcock plus a few others. I love the mix of feel-good light-heartness mixed with crime and tension so I hope to capture at least a minimum of that in the game. :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Khris on Mon 18/10/2010 12:27:45
Looks like I'm the only one so far, but although everything else looks and sounds great, I think the icons are neither fitting nor an improvement. The buttons are bigger than they need to be and thus the whole left part of the GUI looks like something's missing or rather, knowing why this is the case, like a bad substitute.
The buttons with text are supposed to tie in with the action line above them; also I hated the interface of Flight of the Amazon Queen which did a similar thing (http://www.mobygames.com/game/amiga/flight-of-the-amazon-queen/screenshots/gameShotId,312094/).

I'm really looking forward to the rest of the game though; like I said it looks great; the graphics are damn impressive for three months of practice.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Mon 18/10/2010 12:51:54
Yes, the size of the buttons has been bothering me too. Maybe I'll see if I can do anything about that but it's definately not on my priority list. I do appreciate your thoughts, Khris!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Matti on Mon 18/10/2010 13:08:12
Khris, you're not the only one. I was going to say the exact same thing.

Also, I don't like the symbols at all. They don't really fit the overall style and could be more obvious too.

Otherwise, this looks really nice and promising, I'm looking forward to it.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Snake on Mon 18/10/2010 14:58:02
The only thing I didn't like about the buttons were the open/close graphics. Before you gave the comparison, I actually thought it was lock/unlock.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Iliya on Mon 18/10/2010 15:51:39
Who cares about the size of the buttons. As long the game is interesting, and screenshots are great - everthing is fine. Everyone here prefer to say "Everthing good, BUT.......then 2-3 lines critics about something not so important. Criticism is good, but the good words are the thing that makes author to create with a pleasure.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Dualnames on Mon 18/10/2010 16:45:47
Quote from: Harg on Mon 18/10/2010 15:51:39
Who cares about the size of the buttons. As long the game is interesting, and screenshots are great - everthing is fine. Everyone here prefer to say "Everthing good, BUT.......then 2-3 lines critics about something not so important. Criticism is good, but the good words are the thing that makes author to create with a pleasure.

Not to go off topic, but well, art isn't when you can't add anything, but when you can't remove. So yeah, well from personal experience when someone can't find anything to nitpick I know I'm good.

To cianty: Looking forward to this, and I like the approach you're taking on the story-design.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Snake on Mon 18/10/2010 17:16:12
Okay, guys. Let's not let this get off topic.

Cianty, if you want further advice on the GUI and graphics, don't hesitate to post in the critics lounge. You'll get extensive advice there - which I'm sure you already know that :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Tue 19/10/2010 22:19:46
Well, thanks everyone for the feedback! I appreciate positive comments as much as constructive criticism. I'll be sure to post a few things in the Critics Lounge some time (as I said the GUI isn't up on my priority list right now, but I do look forward to suggestions). Again, thanks for taking the time to look at the screenshots and post up a reply. This is all very encouraging and I welcome the honest attitudes.

I am now having a look at screencast software. Seems CamStudio would do the trick, so maybe I can put together some kind of trailer with a few preview in-game scenes.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Fri 29/10/2010 15:02:02
I just uploaded a short video to youtube demonstrating the part that has taken me the longest so far: Programming a stairway with a functioning elevator. With the handrails switching between front and background and the elevator going between them, this has given me quite some gray hairs but I think it was worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3I268eMkD4

(http://i25.servimg.com/u/f25/11/75/59/84/stairs10.png)
Title: Re: The Second Man [small update]
Post by: abstauber on Fri 29/10/2010 15:25:08
Wow - that looks very promising! Also nice atmosphere and great music + sfx.

Love it!


The only gripe I have is the perspective on the left windows, or better: the inner horizontal bars. To match your persepective, they should run parallel. But apart from that, your game already looks awesome
Title: Re: The Second Man [small update]
Post by: Snake on Fri 29/10/2010 18:05:07
VERY awesome! I agree with everything abstauber said.

One thing I wonder: Will having to use the stairs be tedious?
Title: Re: The Second Man [small update]
Post by: Digital Mosaic Games on Fri 29/10/2010 18:39:20
Hey! I would just change the icon-image of "pull". For me it's a bit irritating cause it doesn't really shows the action "pull". :-\
Title: Re: The Second Man [small update]
Post by: cianty on Fri 29/10/2010 20:00:50
Thanks for the great feedback, guys!

@Windows: Yeah... what I tried to do is get the perspective right for when the character stands next to it (then horizontal looks weird) but as the background scrolls the windows look wrong, of course. I will adjust them as suggested.

@Music: All credits go to Bosa, who was so awesome to provide this piece of great original music for the game. Music does make such an incredible difference.

@Snake: He he... just as tedious as walking five floors in reality - well, not that tedious.  ;D Just enough to make you grateful for when the elevator works. However, the player won't have to use the stairs that often anyways. This is no Trilby's Notes where you spend most of your time roaming the corridors. Thinking about it I definately spent too much time on this considering how little of the entire house is actually used. ::)

@NEON: I am not too happy with the Pull icon either. Sooner or later I will definately create a thread in the Critics Lounge and have you all tear the symbols apart. :)
Title: Re: The Second Man [small update]
Post by: Tramponline on Wed 03/11/2010 02:56:00
DAMN! I can't help it!
I've this compulsive urge to come back to this thread's initial post, with the futile attempt not to drool all over my keyboard! Those graphics...really, I can't put my finger on it - some of us called it 'vibes' - which is actually spot-on!

I know, it's probably a bit early for that, BUT if you need play testers at one point or another - DEFINITELY count me in if you want!!!
All the best and much energy for this intriguing project of yours!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sat 06/11/2010 10:34:05
Thanks a lot for your kind words, Tramponline! I am glad you like what you see so far.

There are a few people who occasionally play through the parts as I finish them but I definaitely want to have some "proper" playtesters before the final release and you are very welcome to playtest!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: theo on Mon 08/11/2010 20:06:55
Looks great! Love the style and music.

Best of luck!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Stupot on Tue 09/11/2010 14:13:59
I'm also getting good vibes from them there screenies.
All the best for release :-)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: LuciferSam86 on Tue 09/11/2010 18:13:48
Just impressive, remember me the gold age of Lucas Arts :)
btw it will commercial or free this game?
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: coldwater on Tue 09/11/2010 18:41:09
Graphics and interface look great. Looks just like an old LucasArts, can't wait to try this one out.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Thu 10/03/2011 18:56:17
Sorry for the lack of updates. Progress is steady and good. I'm just a bit hesitant in throwing out all the backgrounds in fear of spoiling too much.

Anyways, to make up for your time wasted reading the above status note, here's another one:

(http://i65.servimg.com/u/f65/11/75/59/84/22tea10.png) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=724&u=11755984)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: arj0n on Thu 10/03/2011 19:16:43
Beautiful BG cianty
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Secret Fawful on Fri 11/03/2011 02:24:43
I have to say that this is a beautiful and unique looking game. Very atmospheric.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: BaptisteTheFool on Fri 11/03/2011 04:00:32
I almost sent you a PM the other day to see how progress was going.  This is one I've been very interested in.


Looking great!!  :D
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Dualnames on Fri 11/03/2011 04:59:35
Looking good, cianty, keep it up.  :D
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Takyon on Fri 11/03/2011 20:17:12
I want this right now. Looks like a great idea. The only downer for me is the big inventory UI, I like the old looking pixel graphics but the UI takes up a lot.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Fri 11/03/2011 20:45:39
Thanks for the nice comments, guys! They do a great job of motivating me even more. :)

Quote from: Jake Skywalker on Fri 11/03/2011 20:17:12
The only downer for me is the big inventory UI, I like the old looking pixel graphics but the UI takes up a lot.

I know what you mean. When I started I just went with the 9-verb-template as it was. Of course it would look better to open/show the invenoty only when you need. There's no way I would change this now but it's on my list for things to change for the follow-up game. A huge plus of the big UI is that it means I have to draw smaller backgrounds. It would take me a lot longer to paint full screen backgrounds and I am often glad that I don't have to fill the entire screen.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Takyon on Sat 12/03/2011 00:34:53
Fair enough, that's a good excuse to save on the backgrounds actually lol. Can't wait for this game anyway, keep it up mate.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: theo on Sat 12/03/2011 09:48:03
Lookin' good, cianty!

Don't be afraid of casting shadows. PI noir is all about shadows.  8)

Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Knox on Sat 12/03/2011 17:49:50
wow this looks good! Love that cycle :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Dataflashsabot on Mon 14/03/2011 13:53:39
How did I not see this before o_0
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: SuperDre on Sun 17/04/2011 16:40:14
Quote from: Ascovel on Sun 17/10/2010 17:50:43
Great style. I already feel as if I'm looking at some long lost LucasArts' gem.

That's exactly what I was thinking... ohhh SO looking forward to playing this one... ;)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Stupot on Sun 17/04/2011 17:04:05
That brickwork is just fantastic.  Would love to see a tutorial or something if you haven't done one already :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sun 17/04/2011 18:03:55
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 17/04/2011 17:04:05
That brickwork is just fantastic.  Would love to see a tutorial or something if you haven't done one already :)

Thank you, Stupot! If you can find a few others to join the choir I'll certainly do so. :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: quo_sp on Sun 17/04/2011 21:03:33
Magnificent Cianty, great stile, backgrounds and promising gameplay, waiting to play it soon.   :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: abstauber on Mon 18/04/2011 09:17:59
Quote from: cianty on Sun 17/04/2011 18:03:55
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 17/04/2011 17:04:05
That brickwork is just fantastic.  Would love to see a tutorial or something if you haven't done one already :)

Thank you, Stupot! If you can find a few others to join the choir I'll certainly do so. :)
/me joins the choir

There can't be enough informations about low-res art :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Technocrat on Fri 29/04/2011 16:52:49
It evokes both feelings of nineties adventures, and "The 39 Steps"
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Mon 30/01/2012 23:18:33
Sooooo... work on this game is still in progress and steady to boot. In my feeble attempts at messing with my Google+ account I actually managed to upload a video - yay! Check this out for a trailer-like mashup of various in-game scenes (sorry for the lack of proper music though):
https://plus.google.com/117826982066868287784/posts/JYUw7hEP7fD

Is anyone here using Google+ by the way? I think I will use it to do some quick posting of screenshots or little in-game vids on the game or other AGS-related stuff. Seems like a good thing somewhere in between blogging and twittering to me.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Anian on Mon 30/01/2012 23:34:56
1. there are some people on the pixel hunt (the ags band) google+ account you might want to add etc., I got google+ so I don't know if it can be seen without it, you still might want to put the video on your youtube account, so everybody has access (just try to avoid using nay licensed music etc.)
2. is that the music at the end? with a bit of production/polish it'll sound really nice
3. what's the inspiration behind those parts that seem to be the intro (the shooting of bubbles and poker chips that turn to blood...that's at least what I figured from the video)
4. so how soon might this be finished?
5. where the hell is appropriate nudity the warning promised?!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: BaptisteTheFool on Tue 31/01/2012 01:11:35
Heh... this is the second time you updated just as I was considering sending you a PM...  :D

Looking great!  How far along would you say you are?
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Grim on Tue 31/01/2012 01:40:51
Looks really good, but I would suggest to increase characters walking speed. Remember how fast Guybrush was walking? That sort of speed. Good luck with the game! :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Mati256 on Tue 31/01/2012 21:08:23
This game is looking fantastic. Can't wait to play it!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Sam Ferdinand on Wed 01/02/2012 08:17:56
Quote from: Grim on Tue 31/01/2012 01:40:51
Looks really good, but I would suggest to increase characters walking speed. Remember how fast Guybrush was walking? That sort of speed. Good luck with the game! :)

It utilises the standard AGS options interface, you can get a glimpse of it at 2:12.


Quote from: anian on Mon 30/01/2012 23:34:56
1. there are some people on the pixel hunt (the ags band) google+ account you might want to add etc., I got google+ so I don't know if it can be seen without it, you still might want to put the video on your youtube account, so everybody has access (just try to avoid using nay licensed music etc.)

It can. Just watched it myself :)
But I agree that it could've been more public, in the sense that one could search for it on YouTube.

Quote from: anian on Mon 30/01/2012 23:34:56
3. what's the inspiration behind those parts that seem to be the intro (the shooting of bubbles and poker chips that turn to blood...that's at least what I figured from the video)

I was thinking James Bond: Casino Royale immediately, which is.. not good in a way, as it was too similar and could be misinterpreted as a spoof – which it obviously isn't, but then again: the interactive intro is so cool. Maybe by removing the playing cards, and just keep the chips, cianty?
And another suggestion for cianty, although this doesn't have to be at all relevant: I understand deeply why you have the passenger wagons so close to each other: so you wouldn't have to make a «jump» animation, but it would've been really neat to have one (and then make a more realistic gap between the wagons). However, if this isn't a scene where the character would be passing through often, it would be too much work for so little.

- Sam
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: theo on Wed 01/02/2012 13:34:58
Yay for progress! Looking forward to this. Keep it up.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Wed 01/02/2012 19:21:52
Thanks for the comments, guys!

@Anan - That track was done by Bosa. You can hear it in full in that other video I posted before (on youtube). The indeed apropriate nudity (which is very occasional and only for ... erm... comic relief) is very early on in the game. But it's not in the trailer itself. Sorry  :P

@Grim - I already increased the speed from the default setting after a complaint from a playtester. I have obviously grown used to it myself by now, so if the testers keep complaining I'll increase it for sure (by the way, I have already done a tech demo for the sequel, where the character can walk normally as well as run, which eats at his endurance, and running is required for jumping - think jumping between rooftops).

@Sam - Yes the playable intro is obviously a hommage to James Bond. The game is full of James Bond and Hitchcock quotes (and a few others).
I see what you mean about the wagons. It's not something I would change now though. For the next game I'll be posting more screens in the Critics Lounge to get more such useful comments. For this, my first game, I like to just experiment with pixel art and everything. Which brings me to the last point...

@all - When will it be finished? When I first started I was hoping to finish it by November. Last year! I am not heading for a set deadline anymore. The game will be full length, which means quite a bit of length. There is still a lot to do and I am afraid I won't finish it this year either. I really enjoy experimenting with different game mechanics and scenes and I like to take my time with it all. :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: quo_sp on Thu 02/02/2012 12:12:38
Cianty, looks great  :o, are you planing to advance a demo?

Fantastic work  ;)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Thu 02/02/2012 21:58:44
Thanks, quo_sp! I have indeed started work on a "demo" (which is actually a completely independet short game). I do plan on finishing it before the "main" game.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Gedeon on Mon 15/09/2014 14:00:37
Hey cianty! I been looking forward to this game for years. It looks great! Please consider continue developing it and let us know how to goes. ;-D
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Darth Mandarb on Mon 15/09/2014 14:53:11
Gedeon - please review the forum rules before further posting (this thread hasn't been posted to in over 2.5 years).

cianty - if you're still out there, and working on this, and want to post an update sometime... let me know (via PM) and I'll unlock it.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sun 07/06/2015 21:16:06
After a long long time I went back to this game again. I spent the last few days fixing a couple of ToDos from my list such as finishing different backgrounds, loose ends, etc. So now I have a good overview of the current status and what needs to be done. Priority is to finish the missing bits so that the different parts will be linked and finally form a big playable section. Let's do it!

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/57/5f/9b/575f9bc2641a1adf06536a47a129ec56.jpg)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: selmiak on Sun 07/06/2015 23:14:10
wohoooo. Great news! Please do this!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Blondbraid on Mon 08/06/2015 11:05:22
I like the atmosphere, it really captures the feeling of the
classic James Bond movies.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Mati256 on Mon 08/06/2015 22:44:59
Great news! Good luck!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Tramponline on Tue 09/06/2015 12:12:44
Brilliant news! Really glad to hear you're back on it, cianty.

Your art style is still... ...nostalgorgeousatisfactofantastic!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Tue 09/06/2015 19:02:21
Thanks a lot for the encouragement, everyone!

I'd love to put up more screenshots here but I am afraid it would spoil some of the surprises and excitement. I'll try to think of "safe" ways to tease more content... :smiley:
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: StillInThe90s on Tue 09/06/2015 21:46:54
Never mind the screenshots. Just finish the game! ;-D
Seriously, I think a lot of people are thrilled about this project being alive again. Including myself.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sat 28/11/2015 20:05:25
So, yeah, I'm still working on it. Currently I'm doing a lot of testing and clean-up and putting the finishing touches on Part 2. A lot of loose scenes and bits that need to be connected and then it'll be a huge milestone. So don't give up on me. :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Stupot on Sun 29/11/2015 06:35:28
Glad things are still ticking along, mate. Keep up the hard work :-)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Cerno on Sun 29/11/2015 08:55:44
I just saw this for the first time.
Wow, the backdrops are gorgeous.
The brick wall man! I'm super jealous here.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Gedeon on Thu 10/12/2015 12:50:16
Good to know! You keep up the good work, that you have a good amount o people waiting anxiously for this promising game. Cheers
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Mon 28/12/2015 10:59:48
So this Christmas my girl-friend gave to me...

an iOS port of the Second Man! Thanks to all the wonderful previous work of JJS (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=46040.0) and Janet Gilbert (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=52219.0) she set me up so I can deploy and run the game on my iPad 3 and her iPad Pro.

I spent the last couple of days working on the interface and improving the touch experience (larger hotspots on touch devices, changing some puzzles, etc). This is done now and I continue working on the content of the game.

If you are interested in how this looks, check out the following video where I play the first three minutes of the game on the iPad Pro:
https://t.co/bZbIprbjAu
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Rocchinator on Mon 28/12/2015 15:44:15
Man,  I cant wait to play this game. Looks awesome.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Tue 29/12/2015 15:30:24
Thank you! The fact that I can playlets it on my iPad now is a huge motivation boost so am cracking on now. :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: shaun9991 on Mon 04/01/2016 13:33:47
This game looks awesome, cool to see you are still working on it :)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Takyon on Sun 17/01/2016 17:26:23
Been looking forward to this game for ages. Good luck Cianty, hope you can get it finished.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: AnasAbdin on Sun 17/01/2016 17:36:34
I just found out that I haven't told you my opinion about this game. Maybe because the thread is older than my AGS years. Anywho.. here goes:

FINISH IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I CAN'T WAIT TO TRY IT.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sun 17/01/2016 23:37:38
Thank you all so much for the nice comments. I am working on it!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: SilverSpook on Mon 18/01/2016 05:38:25
Looks really awesome.  I'm pre-ordering comrade!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: cianty on Sat 02/02/2019 11:18:13
(http://ciantygames.com/adventure/secman/img/tsm_logo.png)

A sign of life after years of silence (the protagonist is a silent killer after all)...

I have resumed work on the game after a long pause. Recent changes have been on the technical side at first as I upgraded the game to version 3.4.0 of AGS. I'd love to go with one of the even more current versions but that is not compatible with the iOS build. Since I am mostly play(test)ing in my iPad having the game run on there is important so I will stick with 3.4.0 for now. Some of the things I have been doing lately:


I am now maintaining a Trello board for all the ideas, todos, bugs and improvements. It helps keep a good overview and focus.
Most importantly, I now a plan how to finish the last bits of Part 2. Once that is done, I will have reached a major milestone because afterwards, there is a sort of "cut" in the game. This means, Prelude, Part 1 and most of Part 2 are nearly finished. I guess once that is completed I could also invite some external testers and seek their opinions.

So much for now. I won't be posting screenshots as I don't want to give away too much.

Lastly, here is a snapshot of the current game statistics. It doesn't say that much about actual gameplay length but it's an indicator nevertheless (why doesn't it include rooms?).

(http://ciantygames.com/adventure/secman/img/secman_statistics_190202.png)
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Haggis on Sat 02/02/2019 12:15:50
Good luck to you, really happy to see this is still progressing as it looks and sounds fantastic - I speak from experience when I say keep going, it will be worth it in the end!
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: Stupot on Thu 07/02/2019 22:33:23
Nice to see this thing is still alive. Keep the updates coming, yo.
Title: Re: The Second Man
Post by: sawyer on Sun 14/07/2019 00:45:33
nice game. thx