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AGS Games => Completed Game Announcements => Topic started by: Grundislav on Wed 08/08/2012 05:03:58

Title: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Grundislav on Wed 08/08/2012 05:03:58
Grundislav Games proudly presents
Ben Jordan, Paranormal Investigator - Case 8: Relics of the Past

Things are not looking good for Ben Jordan. His best friend is dead, his girlfriend is missing, and his last ally has betrayed him. However, as bleak as things look, all is not lost. In this, the surprising final chapter of the series, Ben will learn the truths hidden in the past and the present, which he will use to finally confront the madman threatening his future.

Screenshots:

(http://www.grundislavgames.com/images/bj8-1.jpg)
Reunite with old friends - and angrily confront them!

(http://www.grundislavgames.com/images/bj8-2.jpg)
Drown your sorrows at the local pub!

Features:
- Fully voiced and lip-synced!
- Play as Ben Jordan and a second mystery character!
- The longest (and the last) Ben Jordan game ever!
- Game soundtrack and extras included in the download

Download it here (http://www.grundislavgames.com/benjordan/case8.php)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Sane Co. on Wed 08/08/2012 05:05:28
Yes! finally. Downloading now.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: ddq on Wed 08/08/2012 05:05:42
I'm ddq and I approve this game.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Ponch on Wed 08/08/2012 05:06:02
Sweet biscuits! Isn't this one of the signs of the End Times? It's just like the Mayans predicted!!!  :shocked:

(Also, congrats! Now release a new podcast already!)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Vince Twelve on Wed 08/08/2012 05:16:28
Huge congrats!  This is an amazing accomplishment!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: ThreeOhFour on Wed 08/08/2012 05:20:49
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Shadow1000 on Wed 08/08/2012 05:42:03
Wow..downloading...can't wait!

SHADOW
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: mkennedy on Wed 08/08/2012 06:01:00
200+ megs is quite large, Would you consider a light version without the speech pack?
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Layabout on Wed 08/08/2012 06:12:35
Poor seamus is my favourite character.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Tabata on Wed 08/08/2012 06:27:42
(http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/yaysmiles.gif)

Can't wait to leave the office today full of impatience to get my hands on this :grin:
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: veryweirdguy on Wed 08/08/2012 07:25:51
What has two thumbs, is currently downloading this excitedly and loves bragging about having two thumbs?

THIS GUY.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: abstauber on Wed 08/08/2012 07:59:46
Hooray indeed! Also utmost respect for polishing BJ to this stunning quality, while still giving it away for free.
Time to put a complete Ben Jordan playthrough night on my schedule :D
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: kconan on Wed 08/08/2012 09:37:45
  Agreed with the above post, kudos for releasing a game of this caliber as freeware.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Armageddon on Wed 08/08/2012 09:43:10
I've never played a Ben Jordan game, but now looks like a good time to start. :-D Congrats on finishing the game.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: agentbauer on Wed 08/08/2012 09:48:40
Wonderful, I can't wait playing this...
Will it really be the last BJ Game?? ;(

Downloading now
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Andail on Wed 08/08/2012 09:52:20
Nice, Grundislav, downloading now!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens on Wed 08/08/2012 10:01:16
Finally, the world will hear my unforgettable performance as *some character in the game!

Spoiler
*I hope there are outtakes so I can relive my Peter Lorre-as-Renfield impression.
[close]


Also, congratulations.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: magintz on Wed 08/08/2012 10:17:51
Very well done to you, sir. Be proud of your accomplishment. I'll probably play this one later tonight.

I hope the cardboard windows make a guest appearance.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: CaptainD on Wed 08/08/2012 10:22:26
The end of an era...

Congrats on your biggest and best release!  (Well I presume it's your best, I haven't played it yet, but I enjoyed the remastered cases 1 and 2, you say 8 is longer...)

:-D

Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Andail on Wed 08/08/2012 10:37:46
Just played through the first dialogue and was really thrilled to hear Eric's and Chris' voices, excellent work there guys!

The graphic style is cute in its crayon-like naivism. Music top notch, animations great.

Also wanted to share that it was impossible to run this on my laptop with Win 7 on it, until I changed the display resolution from 32 to 16 (after having tried all the old tricks in the book, including "high performance" energy settings and played around with drivers and setting and whatnot).
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Crimson Wizard on Wed 08/08/2012 10:57:33
Oh dear.
Time to replay all the series and recall what is it all about. ;)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: david on Wed 08/08/2012 11:22:43
After everything's said and done, what more can I say?
CONGRATULATIONS! You've really subscribed to the AGS history and you've been remembered in our hearts, for sure
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: PuNKKoMmANDO77 on Wed 08/08/2012 12:08:41
Yes! Finally the last chapter of the Ben adventures.
I grow up with this saga.
Congratulations Francisco!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: axxesfun on Wed 08/08/2012 12:11:08
Thumbs Up... for releasing this game as freeware!
Thanks You... for the whole series!
Congratulations... you made my day!

Only I feel -a little bit- disappointed if this will be ¿really? the last part... You should consider starting a project on http://www.kickstarter.com/ to collect some money and then to be able to continue working on another part! Guess, there will be lots of fans supporting you with the project!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: WHAM on Wed 08/08/2012 13:20:10
Hurrah! Downloadering!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: on Wed 08/08/2012 13:50:55
Congrats and I'm glad the time/space continuum didn't collapse because of it. Downloading with a hope to play it over the weekend! Kudos for probably the strongest series of AGS games :)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: FamousAdventurer77 on Wed 08/08/2012 14:11:30
 :grin:  :grin:  :grin:  :grin:  :grin:
Squee!! Can't wait to play this! What an awesome thing to wake up to. :)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: amateurhour on Wed 08/08/2012 16:15:33
This looks amazing. As a newbie to the series I'm actually getting all of them now for a big marathon this weekend. Congrats on #8 !
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Mike S. on Wed 08/08/2012 19:00:27
What a great game. As with every release, you've outdone yourself. Fantastic.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: The Fool on Wed 08/08/2012 19:19:48
amazing, amazing game. Thanks for doing this, Grundi :)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Crimson Wizard on Wed 08/08/2012 21:25:38
Quote from: Andail on Wed 08/08/2012 10:37:46
Also wanted to share that it was impossible to run this on my laptop with Win 7 on it, until I changed the display resolution from 32 to 16.
Yeah, that's because the game requires to be run with DirectX 5 (my Windows changes color mode automatically though). One of the plugins (or both) used in this game does not support Direct3D 9 driver.

----
Ah, it seems that also requires to be run in compatibility with Win'98 mode to be able to save and reload. Probably only for some of non-latin locales.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Igor Hardy on Wed 08/08/2012 21:41:33
Thanks to BJ8 I've now been to the best pub in London! Another thing off the bucket list.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: fire on Wed 08/08/2012 22:04:56
I finally played BJ 1 through 6 earlier this summer in a week or so, and will probably play 7 back-to-back with 8. Congrats on the series, G-R-U-N-Dislav!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: tzachs on Wed 08/08/2012 23:20:14
Holy crap!
Please cancel my appointments and hold all of my calls for this weekend!

A very happy (and also very sad) day.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Cogliostro on Thu 09/08/2012 01:59:34
Downloaded the moment I saw it.

And since mkennedy asked, here are a few links to:

The game without the music and speech (http://www.castironmuse.com/games/bj8/bj8-min.zip)

The music file as a separate download (http://www.castironmuse.com/games/bj8/music.zip)

The speech file as a separate download (http://www.castironmuse.com/games/bj8/speech.zip)

And a mirror to the complete game as well (http://www.castironmuse.com/games/bj8/bj8.zip)

- Cogliostro
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: DazJ on Thu 09/08/2012 11:44:35
Absolutely loving it! My only gripe (sorry!) is the low recording quality of Ben's voice - he sounds very muffled against everyone else. But apart from that, EXCELLENT! :D
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: buddha on Thu 09/08/2012 12:02:42
Great! Congratz on getting it out the door! Guess what game I'll be playing this weekend. Me and my weekend thank you! :)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: TomatoesInTheHead on Thu 09/08/2012 12:21:23
Downloaded, will now finish all the work I've got to do as fast as I can, then gather my family around the pc, replay BJ 1-7 and then get to this Grand Finale. Happy days of square eyes ahead! ;-D

And I'm already excited as to what your next project will be!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: agentbauer on Thu 09/08/2012 14:27:16
Absolutely loving it, wonderful game. Too sad, that it is the last BJ game...
Finished it, and had much fun, thanks for this wonderful game, Grundislav :-D
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: an Urpney on Thu 09/08/2012 17:03:37
Very enjoyable game indeed. Some some minor complains and thoughts : )
Spoiler

- Isn't penanggalan (flying female head with intrails) an asian monster? I was pretty surprised to see her in eastern Europe.
- Why does 1920s townfolks speak better English than many people here in Poland today? : )
- Why does 1920s gentleman speaks so modern English? : )
- I really hoped for some more backstory behind Percy's longevity; his promise to Arthur was just a little... unfulfilling.
[close]
Overall - thank you Grundislav for this great adventure! Shame Ben left paranormal investigating.
Signing off to look for the secret ending : )
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Sslaxx on Thu 09/08/2012 17:43:31
Quote from: DazJ on Thu 09/08/2012 11:44:35
Absolutely loving it! My only gripe (sorry!) is the low recording quality of Ben's voice - he sounds very muffled against everyone else. But apart from that, EXCELLENT! :D
I dunno, the quality of some of the other voice acting recording was noticeably worse. Quite willing to overlook that considering that it's a free game, though.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: DazJ on Thu 09/08/2012 18:30:53
Ah right. I'm only at the beginning so have only really heard Ben, Percy and the Librarian.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: verlaine83 on Thu 09/08/2012 22:00:26
Thanks for the awesome final installment! :smiley: It's sad to think that this is the last chapter, though, as I'll miss Ben's adventures :sad:

By the way (ending and series spoiler alert),
Spoiler
I might've misunderstood a comment made by a character in a previous installment, as I ended up incorrectly assuming that Alice had some kind of important role to play involving a 'twist' e.g. not being quite 'human', having sinister ulterior motives, etc.. Oh well. I still appreciate the sweet ending with Ben, Alice and Ben Jr! :grin:
[close]
 
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Khris on Thu 09/08/2012 23:36:56
Really great game, and over way too soon. It was almost too easy, but the puzzles were really well integrated into the story and didn't feel forced. I loved to play something realistic for a change, without dozens of inventory items.

Guess I'll have to continue replaying parts 1-7 now, I noticed while playing that I forgot almost all the important plot points.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: FamousAdventurer77 on Fri 10/08/2012 03:48:31
Quote from: verlaine83 on Thu 09/08/2012 22:00:26
Thanks for the awesome final installment! :smiley: It's sad to think that this is the last chapter, though, as I'll miss Ben's adventures :sad:

By the way (ending and series spoiler alert),
Spoiler
I might've misunderstood a comment made by a character in a previous installment, as I ended up incorrectly assuming that Alice had some kind of important role to play involving a 'twist' e.g. not being quite 'human', having sinister ulterior motives, etc.. Oh well. I still appreciate the sweet ending with Ben, Alice and Ben Jr! :grin:
[close]
 


I pondered the same thing, thinking it would be one of the big reveals. Although

Spoiler
I think Marcus Wilkins is the "traitor" in Pennsylvania that Zortherus alludes to. But I wonder if there was an aborted arc with Alice here, either by itself or tying with Zortherus. She says in a previous game (6th I think) that she had ancestry in Smailholm...though it could imply she's a descendant of Mary Blaine? There was a gravestone that said Wilkins on it in the cemetery in Smailholm...
[close]

I too am sad it's the final chapter. :sad: I'm going to try for the other 3 endings, I got the Downer Ending first followed by what I guess is the canon happy ending.

Spoiler
But perhaps Ben could come out of retirement with Ben Jr. in a future installment? :)
[close]
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Vel on Fri 10/08/2012 17:29:39
Hey Grundislav, I just want to congratulate you on completing the whole series - indeed, a remarkable feat! Will share my thoughts once I get the chance to play this. =)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Igor Hardy on Fri 10/08/2012 18:04:38
In Romania at the moment. Nice cameo of sound effects from GK3. But one thing keeps bugging me...

How come Percy was such a total skeptic in BJ3? I think even in scenes where there was no one else around that could see him.

EDIT:

Finished.
I like the more down-to-earth, realistic tone of this storyline. That no bombastic events were forced in the plot to amp the shock factor (except for that one cat scene). And no sentimentality (which is difficult to avoid when wrapping up a many year series).

Percy's role in everything was probably the most enjoyable part for me. Great Carboni cameo and fun action sequences (the chase scene in particular). And the Romania part made for a very nice change of atmosphere.
I wished the puzzles were a bit crazier and/or more difficult though. And that it wasn't so linear.

Overall, a satisfying conclusions to the series, but Case 6 and the two remakes will remain my favorites.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: LRH on Sat 11/08/2012 03:37:57
Woah. Woah. Hold the freaking phone, Grundi. I recall a conversation of ours about 1...possibly 2 years ago in which I asked about access to the soundtrack for the other games to which you replied they would be released with the release of the final game. I was also taunted by several users of IRC for not being able to figure out how to convert the .vox files from the other games into music files. I DEMAND SATISFACTION.

On a much, much, more serious note: congratulations. I loved the game. I began playing it earlier this afternoon and didn't put it down until I had seen the four "main" endings.

This series is kind of special to me. Ya'see, just a few years ago in my undergrad days, my (then) girlfriend (now fiance') and I were not exactly the most party-goingest, bingge-drinkingest crazy cats, so we tended to stay inside on very cold, snowy winter weekends. We only had one afternoon together most weeks since I would have to travel to her campus at that time, and if it was a snow-in, we'd likely spend it playing a Ben Jordan game. The memories of those days are quite precious to me. Nerdy to an unidentifiable degree? Perhaps. I dunno. In any case, thank you.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Saurabh on Sat 11/08/2012 04:27:37
Congrats, I have been waiting for this I don't how long. Guess I will have to play previous games first, like I have done for every release, Here goes my weekend  :-D.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Megane on Sat 11/08/2012 06:04:03
I just finished playing this entire series from beginning to end and what I'm about to say I know will be unpopular but it's honestly how I feel.

I was completely and utterly disappointed by the endings of this last game (I haven't seen the bonus ending and frankly, I have no desire to do so.)  Ending Spoilers Follow....

Spoiler
The resolution to Simon's Murderer, Max, was simply shitty, IMHO.  I understand you didn't want Ben to sink to Max's level and murder him for revenge but I did expect Max to face justice and pay for his crime in some way, shape or form.  Having him simply walk away scott free to me is completely unacceptable and is an insult to Simon's memory and the memory of anyone else he likely murdered in the name of Genovese and the Knights.  That point honestly ruined the game for me.  There's being Hollywood and there's being APATHETIC.
[close]

Spoiler
And speaking of murder, I understand why Alice would have reservations about Ben killing Genovese in cold blood after she had some time to reflect on events but in the heat of the moment?  To lash out at Ben like that IMMEDIATELY when this 'old man' ordered the murder of her close friend and had her and her friends on the run and in fear for their lives from his assassins for days?  I just can't see someone assuming such moral superiority that abruptly and quickly with what she's been through and also considering she had NO IDEA that Genovese was just a foolish old man and that she, along with Ben and Percy, believed Genovese was about to unleash something VERY BAD upon the world just a minute or so ago.  I'm not saying Alice had to accept Ben's crime but she could show a LITTLE more understanding than 'Shame on you! I'm out!'   (wrong)
[close]

Look, before this game, I honestly enjoyed the series and I'll probably replay Cases 1-6 again in the future but for me personally, I don't want to play this or the 7th case ever again.  That being said, thank you for creating this otherwise enjoyable series.  I just wish you'd made some different choices with its conclusion.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: LRH on Sat 11/08/2012 15:37:04
I'd like to comment on that, Wyatt. You made me think of some things:

(Ending spoilers. Don't read if you haven't finished the game.)

Spoiler
I didn't mind the Max situation so much. Life doesn't always give the bad guy what is coming to them. We were presented with a fairly real situation in which, in order to progress, Ben had to make a tough decision. No matter how much it may have hurt, he had to let Max go for the greater good. Ben was facing very harsh conditions:
1.) He didn't have time to deal with Max because Max was the much lesser of two evils, and
2.) Ben didn't have any realistic way to punish Max. Ben is obviously far weaker, and he had nothing in his possession he could have used to overcome Max's strength.

However, the whole Alice getting mad at Ben thing bugged me a bit too, but for an entirely different reason. Wasn't it more an assisted suicide than a murder? I realize I'm opening up a whole new can of worms here, but I'm bothered by the fact this is never brought up in the end dialogues. Perhaps it was Ben's immediate satisfaction with killing Genovese for revenge that made it murder, but I thought it was pretty jarring when Genovese thanked Ben for killing him. I'm guessing he was happy to have one less sin on his soul after he'd found out all his ruthless killing was for nothing. In any case, though, I guess if one took the situation at face value, Ben did in fact kill the man and that is the truth of the situation. Still, it's something I'm still thinking about.
[close]
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Andail on Sat 11/08/2012 16:40:39
Quote from: Khris on Thu 09/08/2012 23:36:56
I loved to play something realistic for a change, without dozens of inventory items.


Yeah, like
Spoiler

...combining garlic with a plank, to chase away a decapitated head! Very realistc :P
[close]
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Kweepa on Sat 11/08/2012 21:19:03
Wow Grundy, thanks for this incredible adventure!
Some of the backgrounds are beautiful. The artistic progression through the BJ games is astonishing.
Animation is top notch too.
A satisfying story.
Spoiler
I particularly like that Arthur's adventure is there as a simple back story - although it's more like the plot of one of the early games.
I wasn't so fond of the bridging section in Paris where you essentially are forced to go to a medium to progress, and Percy won't acknowledge you. Carboni's performance made up for it, though.
[close]
All in all a rewarding 5 hours!
And thanks to the actors and beta testers!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Igor Hardy on Sat 11/08/2012 22:09:17
Quote from: Andail on Sat 11/08/2012 16:40:39
Quote from: Khris on Thu 09/08/2012 23:36:56
I loved to play something realistic for a change, without dozens of inventory items.


Yeah, like
Spoiler

...combining garlic with a plank, to chase away a decapitated head! Very realistc :P
[close]

That wasn't garlic, it was brambles. :P
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Ali on Sun 12/08/2012 00:15:04
We just finished the game, and really enjoyed it. I did miss the Paranormal Investigator's Handbook though. This thread makes me wonder if I the only one who...
Spoiler
...didn't kill Cardinal Genovese?
[close]

However I am completely lost by...
Spoiler
...the dream sequence of the girl with the cat. How did that fit in? I thought it might be the Cardinal's sister, but he said she committed suicide.
[close]
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Tuomas on Sun 12/08/2012 10:20:49
This game came out at a perfect time, I really needed the break from the suffocating reality. I can't say I quite remembered the story that happened in episodes 1-7, but I must say this left me a bit cold. Don't get me wrong, I did like it and I did enjoy it, but there's a thing to BJ games that kind of bugs me, well, aside from the supernatural things.

Spoiler
First of all, the vampire theme is a bit of a cliche already, isn't it? :)
[close]
Spoiler
secondly, Jones's story seemed a bit out of the place, and required too much attention from the main plot line, which seemed a bit hollow and empty. What I mean is, I couldn't quite figure which one was the main plot, which one was more important, and how did they come together. It was like two different plots, or even games, and the BJ-story suffered from the "forced paranormality" that the Jones-story was.
[close]

Sorry if I sound strange, it's been a while since I last wrote English, and I've got a lot in my mind at the moment.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Stalker on Sun 12/08/2012 11:48:27
Wyatt: I felt similary. Spoilers for last part of the game follow.
Spoiler
When Max was throwing Ben all over the place during the dialogue, I figured you'd have to push one of those statues on him. I don't mind the actual resolution that much, however, I felt the dialogue was anticlimatic. It was basically "Hey, the cardinal is insane!" "Huh yeah you're right. Bye!". Considering the guy was basically the second in command of the Knights, and he killed Simon, that just felt way too easy (compared to, say, the final dialogue puzzle in Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis, but then, that is the greatest adventure game ever).
[close]
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: on Sun 12/08/2012 13:24:34
I am Ghost and this is now my favourite spot download on the Citadel forums!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Patternjake on Sun 12/08/2012 15:11:17
No way! You can't believe how long I have been waiting to play this next installment. By chance, I visited your website today and It's DOWNLOADABLE! WHAT!!!

:) :) :)

I know what I will be doing for the rest of the day!

Thank you so much Francisco, I'll be sure to review the game once I've happily completed it!
(50% progress download hehe)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: EKM on Sun 12/08/2012 20:54:42
Wow, finally...the game I've been waiting for. I can't believe I'll be able to play this.

-bakes cookies-
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Igor Hardy on Sun 12/08/2012 20:58:46
Quote from: EKM on Sun 12/08/2012 20:54:42
Wow, finally...the game I've been waiting for. I can't believe I'll be able to play this.

-bakes cookies-

Why are you baking cookies instead of playing right away?
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: CosmoQueen on Mon 13/08/2012 04:45:30
*downloading* OMG I'm sad it's over!! What am I gonna do without Ben Jordan? :(
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: veryweirdguy on Mon 13/08/2012 10:02:06
Just completed! Loved it!

Is it possible to finish and not have 100 points? I was all proud of myself for getting it all, but the more I think about it...

Gonna try and get the secret ending now I think.

EDIT: Found it, thanks to the Hints and Tips forum!

Spoiler
a little Silent Hill reference I gather?

NOW, does now following Alice change the ending significantly? I've done the kill/don't kill endings after seeing her in the cemetery, but I'm curious how else things can differ.
[close]

But yes, great work Grundi! Looking forward to whatever's next.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Stupot on Mon 13/08/2012 13:24:38
Finally finished. Great final insallment! Found all 4 endings without cheating, but had to cheat for the secret ending. Grundi, is one of those endings considered the official canonical ending?

Remember folks, it's not all over yet. We still have the 2nd Ben Jordan movie to look forward to, don't we m0ds? ;-)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Calin Leafshade on Mon 13/08/2012 14:23:07
It's quite obvious whic is canon:

Spoiler
woof woof woof woof woof
[close]
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Grundislav on Mon 13/08/2012 15:10:46
One of the reasons I included 4 endings was so each player could choose which ending they liked best. So basically, the canonical ending is whichever one you like best!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Andail on Mon 13/08/2012 16:21:00
Quote from: Ascovel on Sat 11/08/2012 22:09:17
Quote from: Andail on Sat 11/08/2012 16:40:39
Quote from: Khris on Thu 09/08/2012 23:36:56
I loved to play something realistic for a change, without dozens of inventory items.


Yeah, like
Spoiler

...combining garlic with a plank, to chase away a decapitated head! Very realistc :P
[close]

That wasn't garlic, it was brambles. :P

Bwaha, sorry. I realise now I had been reading some article on vampirism just before writing that post... my silly memory.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Regnum Eternum on Tue 14/08/2012 00:13:58
For some reason I can't download this game beyond 3 mb or so from the game's website. It always times out. Is there a mirror file posted anywhere I could try?
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Grundislav on Tue 14/08/2012 00:35:47
If you were just trying to download it now, I was re-uploading a fixed version.  Should work fine now.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Sslaxx on Tue 14/08/2012 01:10:36
Quote from: Grundislav on Tue 14/08/2012 00:35:47
If you were just trying to download it now, I was re-uploading a fixed version.  Should work fine now.
Anything notable been fixed? I hadn't noticed any bugs myself.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Grundislav on Tue 14/08/2012 01:35:19
Nothing super notable, just a couple of visual fixes as well as corrections to a couple of typos I thought I had fixed.
Spoiler
- The recordkeeper in the text said Ruxandra Korzha was born in 1831, but the voice says 1812, which is correct.
- The crowd noise continued on during the end credits.
- Fixed a bug where game would crash if you asked Percy questions while being attacked by the Headless Vampire.
[close]
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Regnum Eternum on Tue 14/08/2012 05:53:35
Quote from: Grundislav on Tue 14/08/2012 00:35:47
If you were just trying to download it now, I was re-uploading a fixed version.  Should work fine now.

I've actually been trying for three days. If no one else has had this problem, it's probably on my end. But I tried downloading another file from a different site to test and it worked fine. I'm using Firefox but I'm not sure if that matters. Maybe there's a partial file of the old version somewhere that I can't find and it is keeping me from downloading the new version or something. I can't get past 2.2 MB.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Stupot on Tue 14/08/2012 14:42:49
Quote from: Regnum Eternum on Tue 14/08/2012 05:53:35
Quote from: Grundislav on Tue 14/08/2012 00:35:47
If you were just trying to download it now, I was re-uploading a fixed version.  Should work fine now.

I've actually been trying for three days. If no one else has had this problem, it's probably on my end. But I tried downloading another file from a different site to test and it worked fine. I'm using Firefox but I'm not sure if that matters. Maybe there's a partial file of the old version somewhere that I can't find and it is keeping me from downloading the new version or something. I can't get past 2.2 MB.

Actually I had the same problem at first, but now I can't remember how I solved it, haha.  It think it worked after closing all other applications or something like that. I'll try to remember the circumstances and report back to you if it comes to me :-)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Lesi on Tue 14/08/2012 19:18:43
Best adventure game ever, also best series ever :P playing your games every few weeks, i always feel like im playing it for the first time. also playing it on my tablet. Hope you'll make some great new game soon :) Thanks again, you'r the man ^^
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Cogliostro on Wed 15/08/2012 04:58:28
First, in case anyone needs it, here's a mirror (http://www.castironmuse.com/games/bj8/bj8.zip).

Second, the series is amazing and this game did a lot to provide closure to most of issues that had been introduced.  The mirror image of Arthur's adventure vs. Ben's was also fun both in the parallels and the contrasts.  I actually tried all of the endings and heard all of the commentary - few games are so interesting that I bother with that.  Also, I loved the action puzzles: "guy with gun at door" and the "car chase scene".

Next, a series finale is always tough.  Simply put you have to get everything right for all the fans (assuming you want to) because you don't get another chance.  If some of us think Land of the Rising Dead is lacking something, it doesn't matter because another game will be coming up.  Some of us will criticize.  Some of us will praise.  All of us have been impressed by the work put into this series.

The Ben Jordan series stuck with the fans.   It gave us something to ponder and puzzle.  Characters for us to love and hate.  We chewed up obscure riddles just to guess the name of one case.  We speculated about the traitor in the midst.  We lined up to offer our services.  Francisco took eight years to produce the series and didn't abandon it.

Thank you and congratulations.

- Cogliostro
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Grundislav on Wed 15/08/2012 05:41:27
Quote from: Cogliostro on Wed 15/08/2012 04:58:28
First, in case anyone needs it, here's a mirror (http://www.castironmuse.com/games/bj8/bj8.zip).

Second, the series is amazing and this game did a lot to provide closure to most of issues that had been introduced.  The mirror image of Arthur's adventure vs. Ben's was also fun both in the parallels and the contrasts.  I actually tried all of the endings and heard all of the commentary - few games are so interesting that I bother with that.  Also, I loved the action puzzles: "guy with gun at door" and the "car chase scene".

Next, a series finale is always tough.  Simply put you have to get everything right for all the fans (assuming you want to) because you don't get another chance.  If some of us think Land of the Rising Dead is lacking something, it doesn't matter because another game will be coming up.  Some of us will criticize.  Some of us will praise.  All of us have been impressed by the work put into this series.

The Ben Jordan series stuck with the fans.   It gave us something to ponder and puzzle.  Characters for us to love and hate.  We chewed up obscure riddles just to guess the name of one case.  We speculated about the traitor in the midst.  We lined up to offer our services.  Francisco took eight years to produce the series and didn't abandon it.

Thank you and congratulations.

- Cogliostro


This is probably the most touching message I've gotten.  Thank you very much for the support and praise, and I'm glad you've gotten enjoyment out of the series.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Regnum Eternum on Wed 15/08/2012 06:42:57
Quote from: Cogliostro on Wed 15/08/2012 04:58:28
First, in case anyone needs it, here's a mirror (http://www.castironmuse.com/games/bj8/bj8.zip).


Yay! Thanks so much. That's all I needed.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: david on Wed 15/08/2012 08:13:25
I agree with Cogliostro that you have to play the game by itself, then with the commentary to get the feeling for everything that would be said by Grundi, and finally listenig to the quest comm as well. And only after that it is a good thing to say what you thing of the game.

I am stiil at that 2. phase and only this time I am finding that this final episode has some new features, new point of view, etc..
I will comment in more depth after finishing it completely with the commentary
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: magintz on Thu 16/08/2012 12:25:44
Really well done! Thoroughly enjoyed it. My biggest gripe was having to drop down to 16-bit on my computer and run in windowed mode just to play it. I think it's because DX9 isn't supported by the plugins possibly.

As for the game:
Spoiler

- I loved playing as Arthur and Quentin, the setting of Vampires in Romania was classic!
- I did find that maybe it sidetracked from the main plot and maybe should have been in an earlier game or as a 'mini-series' between games.
- The dialogue scene with Max seemed a bit flaky and unbelievable (yes I know we're talking about a game withe vampires and ghosts). Just to give up so easily and so near the culmination of 'the final plan'.
[close]

Someone should create a 'Pokedex' of the paranormal, like a modern Paranormal Investigator Handbook :)

Another one of those drinks, SEAMUS!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: amateurhour on Thu 16/08/2012 15:26:58
I just wanted to post here to say that as someone growing up loving adventure games, I've missed them very, very much.

I just found out about AGS a few months ago and I've already created a backlog of games to play. When I saw this released, and that there were seven games beforehand, I jumped on it and downloaded them all.

I've spend the last five days chewing through them one by one and I just want to tell you it's one of the best adventure series I've ever played. I'm halfway through 8 now and I'm going to be sad that my little vacation into the life of a paranormal investigator is almost over.

Thanks for making these games.     
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: SharpLight on Fri 17/08/2012 23:10:43
I can't play the game. The picture gets stuck until I leave the window and return then it updates the picture once. Usually I solve this problem by changing the driver to Direct3D, but that gives an error: "This plugin is not compatible with the Direct3D driver".

I tried to change the Compatibility to Windows XP (both Service Pack 2 & 3) and got the same results. I tried windowed and full screen, tried with a graphic filter and without.

My System:
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.120503-2030)
DirectX Version: DirectX 11

Please help!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Grundislav on Fri 17/08/2012 23:18:53
Try setting your color depth to 16 bit, that should help.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: SharpLight on Fri 17/08/2012 23:32:56
Quote from: Grundislav on Fri 17/08/2012 23:18:53
Try setting your color depth to 16 bit, that should help.

The window mode works now, but not full screen. Thanks.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Gilbert on Sat 18/08/2012 07:10:58
You may also try this solution (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=46598.0).
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: SharpLight on Sat 18/08/2012 10:00:38
Quote from: Iceboty V7000a on Sat 18/08/2012 07:10:58
You may also try this solution (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=46598.0).

it worked, thanks.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Shadow1000 on Sun 19/08/2012 07:38:48
I finished with the 2 most obvious endings but apparently there are 4. I'm keeping my eyes out for hints on the 2 less-obvious endings.

SHADOW
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Cameliosso on Sun 19/08/2012 15:04:27
Hi Grundislav and thank you for game.

I had some doubts about the graphical style you used back when you first announced Case 8, but overally it make good impression in the final version and I hope for yet another great adventure  from you as I start playing, but...there is still one quite annoying technical issue. Main character dialogue sound level is significantly lower then rest of characters. I can understand why maybe the recording quality of dialogues is unbalanced (still great for a freeware game), but the sound level should be even regardless quality. Is there any chance to fix this ?

Regards.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Surdy on Wed 29/08/2012 16:56:48
Hey Grundislav, how many ends in your game?
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Cogliostro on Thu 30/08/2012 01:55:35
Surdy,

There are four normal endings and one bonus ending.
Spoiler
The four endings are based off the possible variations on two choices made near the end of the game..  One concerns your actions at the crypt and the other is your very last action with the cardinal.
[close]

- Cogliostro
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: david on Fri 31/08/2012 09:38:37
+ one very special ending (hidden ending)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Monsieur OUXX on Sun 02/09/2012 11:58:14
Haha, apparently cat's face is not the only one to guest-star in the intro sequence.
Didn't I recognize Abstauber as well?

Love it!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: cat on Sun 02/09/2012 12:26:14
Huh? Did recognise anyone in the intro, but I thought one of the portraits looked like Matt *g*
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Monsieur OUXX on Sun 02/09/2012 17:54:00
Quote from: cat on Sun 02/09/2012 12:26:14
Huh? Did recognise anyone in the intro, but I thought one of the portraits looked like Matt *g*

Well, that's because you were too busy thinking i was a weirdo drawing you on the train the last day, instead of looking at the actual drawing ;)
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: dbuske on Wed 05/09/2012 16:29:03
Finished the game.  I liked it very much.
Maybe you should do another Ben Jordan game.
Maybe get funded from Indiegogo and do a commercial Ben Jordan game?
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: HammerBlade on Thu 13/09/2012 21:08:28
[imgzoom]http://s13.postimage.org/6z10gw9x1/Is_THATa_Blue_Cup.png[/imgzoom] Is that a blue cup?  Why can't you interact with it!?
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Crimson Wizard on Sun 14/10/2012 22:55:57
I finished this. I must say I really love how the game ended (regardless of all the tragic events behind it). Somehow I thought it should end that way.
Spoiler
The Get Very Important Artifact and Make Big Boom Happen concept makes me cringe.
[close]

However, the Percy's story is something I didn't like, and felt quite dissapointed about.
Spoiler
I must admit I don't like mystics much. Spiritual powers of unknown nature and reason - that sort of thing. It felt really far-fetched.
Besides, I always tend to think of Ben Jordan series as of modern fairy tale. It had some unexplanable events (a teenager being allowed to crime scene in BJ1, etc, you all know them), but it was pretty OK for me, and to be honest, I'd prefer it stayed as it is. Trying to get more realism and explanation didn't work here well, in my opinion.
[close]

Regarding the graphics. I found the artist's work in BJ series quite bold. Not trying to match perfect lines, shades, perspective, and yet making it look consistent and overall plausible and pleasurable.
Well, okay, there's was just one moment it played a bad joke with me :).
Spoiler
When I came to the old woman's house in Romanian town for the first time, I somehow thought the the outer wall is actually the yard pavement. Perhaps because the house bottom was lined with the wall's top, and lack of lighting/shading. When Arthur Jordan dissapeared behind it, I felt dizzy (roll)
[close]

Thanks for the game.
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Damned on Mon 06/10/2014 11:45:00
Hi guys. I have finished all the cases except the case 8. Ben Jordan is together with John DeFoe series the best AGS stuff I have ever played.
I have just one issue with the Case 8. I am not able to save/load. I click on Save, write something next to "Save as" text. Then click "Save" button at the bottom.  The Save window will close but when I try to load the game or save another one, the list is empty and there is nothing saved.
I don't  think it is the issue with game itself, because it looks I am the only one, who has similar problem. Do you have any idea what could cause this?
Thanks!
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Crimson Wizard on Mon 06/10/2014 12:17:26
Quote from: Damned on Mon 06/10/2014 11:45:00
Hi guys. I have finished all the cases except the case 8. Ben Jordan is together with John DeFoe series the best AGS stuff I have ever played.
I have just one issue with the Case 8. I am not able to save/load. I click on Save, write something next to "Save as" text. Then click "Save" button at the bottom.  The Save window will close but when I try to load the game or save another one, the list is empty and there is nothing saved.
I don't remember which version of AGS was used to create BJ8, but your description sounds like the known problem AGS had (or still have in some circumstances) when the saves directory has non-ANSI characters in it (for example - cyrillics or asian hieroglyths).
One solution that once worked was to run the game in Win98 compatibility mode:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html
Title: Re: Ben Jordan Case 8: Relics of the Past
Post by: Damned on Tue 07/10/2014 12:21:46
Quote from: Crimson Wizard on Mon 06/10/2014 12:17:26
Quote from: Damned on Mon 06/10/2014 11:45:00
Hi guys. I have finished all the cases except the case 8. Ben Jordan is together with John DeFoe series the best AGS stuff I have ever played.
I have just one issue with the Case 8. I am not able to save/load. I click on Save, write something next to "Save as" text. Then click "Save" button at the bottom.  The Save window will close but when I try to load the game or save another one, the list is empty and there is nothing saved.
I don't remember which version of AGS was used to create BJ8, but your description sounds like the known problem AGS had (or still have in some circumstances) when the saves directory has non-ANSI characters in it (for example - cyrillics or asian hieroglyths).
One solution that once worked was to run the game in Win98 compatibility mode:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/316-compatibility-mode.html

Thank you. Win98 compatibility mode solves the issue!