Post by: CaptainD on 05 Sep 2012, 23:40
Secondly... this is going to take a while to come out. I'm working on this with Tino (Knoodn), creator of the amazingly awesome UNGA needs MUMBA (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/Games.aspx/Detail/1567); he's doing the programming and graphics, I'm doing the writing, game design and voice acting. Both of us are working on other, bigger projects at the moment so this one is going to take a while to come out... but we're steadily working on it. Music is being provided by the frighteningly talented KingSeamus (http://www.kingseamus.com/ (http://www.kingseamus.com/)).
Troll Song is a little different to most of the other games I'm working on - we're using a 5-verb interface (+Look), the verbs are very specific to a troll. This isn't a game about dumb brutes... okay the trolls may not speak very eloquently or be extremely intelligent, but they have a definite culture and code of conduct. (I've always felt that trolls have been dealt an extremely harsh hand in literature!) This episodic game series gives them a whole new mythology, a creation mythos, and despite their strength and size, a very dangerous enemy...
We're only actually developed one location so far, but it is a rather large location containing a number of puzzles. Here are some screenshots:
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ4kYU6viN4/UEfPZ5PI93I/AAAAAAAAN7s/0WYDYiCugto/s1600/Troll+Song+Screenshot+5th+September+2012+-+1.png)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_WBlAhlntH0/UEfPal6D5HI/AAAAAAAAN70/C6zUTOiISvw/s1600/Troll+Song+Screenshot+5th+September+2012+-+2.png)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bb3VuzMzFCU/UEfPbbWK2fI/AAAAAAAAN78/wE9UvfBbRC8/s1600/Troll+Song+Screenshot+5th+September+2012+-+3.png)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OLCsh2M6s8w/UEfPcaPuXUI/AAAAAAAAN8E/fR6F0JA2_Wg/s1600/Troll+Song+Screenshot+5th+September+2012+-+4.png)
In Troll Song Episode 1: Completely Stoned you play as Clod, a troll who along with all the other trolls has been overpowered by a mysterious force and locked away inside a mountain, trapped by strange devices that are slowly turning them back into inanimate stone. A freak avalanche opens up a hole into the area Clod is being held, and this reverses the process slightly - enough for him to free himself properly, save his troll brothers and start to find out who their enemy is? That part's up to you... As you can partially see from the screenshots, being turned to stone has left Clod a little short of abilities... before you can hope to escape, you'll need to regain your strength and get those abilities back. (Okay I admit it, this was largely inspired by the part in Zak McKraken where you got locked in a cell by the alien mindbenders and were left with only the Walk verb active until slowly the rest returned!)
I'll post more information on this thread of course and you can also keep tabs on the game at http://www.troll-song.com/ (http://www.troll-song.com/). Once we've got a little further into development I'll probably be looking for some beta testers. We're hoping to give this game a unique look and feel, and I think we're along the right lines so far.
Post by: KodiakBehr on 05 Sep 2012, 23:49
Post by: selmiak on 06 Sep 2012, 00:11
*secretly hopes for secret unloackable special attacks like headbutting and screenshaking*
maybe as DLC?
Post by: AnasAbdin on 06 Sep 2012, 12:02
It makes me sad that it'll take a while to come out... I can only imagine the amount of fun waiting for us!
keep up the good work!
Post by: CaptainD on 06 Sep 2012, 19:21
Selmaik - headbutts no (at least they're not planned at this stage), screenshaking definintely features though! ;-D
Anas - glad I've surprised you! Though... if you expect to be surprised next time and I do surprise you again, will you actually be surprised??! Anyway, we'll get it finished as soon as practically possible, but I have to admit that both Tino and myself have other priorities right now... mainly Captain Disaster and Journey of Iesir. But we WILL definitely get Troll Song made! 8-)
Post by: JSH on 09 Sep 2012, 18:05
In any case, I enjoyed the games you guys have done previously and I'm looking forward to playing this one!
Post by: CaptainD on 22 Nov 2012, 10:32
I can now confirm that we will have a (very short) playable demo of Troll Song at Adventure-X.
Post by: Fitz on 22 Nov 2012, 15:57
Post by: CaptainD on 23 Nov 2012, 09:10
... will there be conversations in the game?
Yes, although not necessarily in the first episode. Conversations will become more part of the game later in the series.
Post by: Paul Franzen on 28 Nov 2012, 02:04
Post by: CaptainD on 28 Nov 2012, 08:55
Such a short demo will work fine (I think!) for an exhibition where people will probably have limited time on a demo PC, but for people downloading it they may be disappointed by its shortness - you'll probably only take about 10 minutes to complete it in its current state.
(That said - if you want to play the build we have so far, drop me a PM.)
Post by: WHAM on 28 Nov 2012, 12:08
Troll Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTSA_sWGM44)
Seriously? IT WILL NEVER LEAVE YOUR MIND!
Also: Like the look of the game, I know a few people who will have no trouble whatsoever in gettin into that troll -mindset. ;)
Post by: Fitz on 28 Nov 2012, 15:14
Post by: CaptainD on 30 Nov 2012, 21:38
Actually I do have a theme song in mind... maybe I'll post a snippet sometime.
Post by: CaptainD on 03 Dec 2012, 21:46
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KODYZWo77Zg/UL0cBYnaHII/AAAAAAAAP6k/UvspPUVMj38/s640/Troll+Song+Chapter+One+Testing.png)
Post by: CaptainD on 11 Dec 2012, 12:33
Also we have another musician on board - Eric Galluzo (AGS forum member Viking), who may well also be adding his voice talents to the proceedings. He tells me that he already sounds a little Trollish... :-D Also Rob McManus (LTGiants2000( will be helping with playtesting, voice acting and (provided the virtual slave-driving whip is working properly) creating a trailer for Troll Song that will be on show at Adventure-X, and released on the net after that.
If anyone would be interested in joining the beta testing team, please PM me.
Post by: splat44 on 12 Dec 2012, 00:32
Are there going some sound effects with those verbs?
That should make game even more interesting!
I know you probably will be asking for beta when the time comes and I would certain like to take part of this!
I did several test with few games as you may see it attached to my userID.
Regards
Post by: CaptainD on 12 Dec 2012, 12:57
Are there going some sound effects with those verbs?
That should make game even more interesting!
Well, some will have specific sound effects - mainly Roar and Smash (sorry to Hulk fans, but "CLOD SMASH!" is going to resound in your ears soon) - but for others it will depend on whether the particular action needs a sound effect in the game.
The team is growing:
Viking has joined as musician and voice actor
LTGiants2000 has joined as playtester and voice actor
TheBitPriest has joined as playtester
splat44 has joined as playtester (check your PM, splat!)
Post by: splat44 on 13 Dec 2012, 09:35
Are there going some sound effects with those verbs?
That should make game even more interesting!
Well, some will have specific sound effects - mainly Roar and Smash (sorry to Hulk fans, but "CLOD SMASH!" is going to resound in your ears soon) - but for others it will depend on whether the particular action needs a sound effect in the game.
The team is growing:
Viking has joined as musician and voice actor
LTGiants2000 has joined as playtester and voice actor
TheBitPriest has joined as playtester
splat44 has joined as playtester (check your PM, splat!)
Great and I got it. If any reports, I'll send you a PM!
Post by: selmiak on 13 Dec 2012, 11:53
Post by: CaptainD on 13 Dec 2012, 12:24
The full team:
Koodn - Programming, graphics
CaptainD - Storyline, game design, voice acting
KingSeamus - Music
Viking - Music, voice acting
LTGiants2000 - Testing, voice acting
TheBitPriest - Testing
Splat44 - Testing
Selmiak - Testing
Post by: on 17 Dec 2012, 18:44
Post by: CaptainD on 17 Dec 2012, 18:51
Anyway I'll be putting up a playable demo of Troll Song on the AGS games page really soon. Watch this space!
Post by: CaptainD on 23 Jan 2013, 12:13
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1644/ (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1644/)
I just have to warn you - this IS a very short demo. But it should give you a nice feel for what the game is going to be like and you have the full introductory cut-scene, which no-one apart from those who saw the game's presentation at Adventure-X will have seen before.
Incidentally, we're now calling the episodes "verses - it seems appropriate for a game entitled Troll Song.
Post by: Tabata on 23 Jan 2013, 22:57
(http://s1.directupload.net/images/user/120922/b3uet6h9.gif)
"ME WANT MOOOAR!"
I like to play with trolls (laugh)
Post by: Hernald on 24 Jan 2013, 00:12
Post by: CaptainD on 24 Jan 2013, 12:17
@Hernald - thanks, from the start I wanted to do something a little different with this game and happily it looks like it'll work well. Tino's artwork has brought my ideas to life wonderfully.
Post by: Tabata on 24 Jan 2013, 13:16
@Tabata - I'm not sure sure Trolls (even civillised ones!) would appreciate being referred to as "cute"... :PWell, I am pretty sure they wouldn't. (laugh)
But their behavior, "talk" and look is so - ahem - ... CUTE :grin:
Take it as a big compliment that you and your team were able to make me like them ;)
good work, really!
Post by: Fitz on 25 Jan 2013, 21:09
Post by: LTGiants2000 on 30 Jan 2013, 04:22
Post by: CaptainD on 26 Feb 2013, 20:46
(At the bottom of the first page of the freeware round-up - http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/24053 (http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/24053))
Post by: CaptainD on 01 Mar 2013, 23:11
Post by: LTGiants2000 on 02 Mar 2013, 00:44
Just my opinion.
Post by: CaptainD on 04 Mar 2014, 11:08
After a long hiatus, Troll Song is back in production. Dualnames is taking over the coding mantle and AprilSkies will be our new artist. Development isn't likely to be spectacularly rapid, but we would be looking at getting the full Verse One released within a few months. I'll update when I have more info.
The episodes will still be Freeware. Once the final episode has been released however, we will be putting it all together as a single game, adding content to what's already there as well, and releasing that commercially. That's going to be a long way off, but just to let people know the plan. You can read more about our new team members in this post on the dev blog (http://www.troll-song.com/2014/03/exciting-news-troll-fans.html)].
Post by: Andail on 04 Mar 2014, 15:06
With so much talent on board you're headed for success :-D
Post by: selmiak on 04 Mar 2014, 15:16
Post by: Peder 🚀 on 05 Mar 2014, 14:44
Post by: Tabata on 05 Mar 2014, 17:01
That's great news!
Post by: CitizenParagon on 05 Mar 2014, 17:50
Post by: Paul Franzen on 07 Mar 2014, 14:31
Post by: AprilSkies on 10 Mar 2014, 08:06
Post by: CaptainD on 10 Mar 2014, 13:04
Guys - I'm really pleased to see that there's so much interest in Troll Song, and AprilSkies, bad suggestions for nicknammes aside, has been doing some amazing artwork for it. Soon I'll nag Dualnames into putting it all together. TS has been in hiatus for longer than I care to think about, but it's making up for lost time atm!
Post by: KodiakBehr on 11 Mar 2014, 00:41
Post by: CaptainD on 18 Mar 2014, 14:20
Post by: Driven Bats on 27 Mar 2014, 22:18
The demo is cool, and reminds me of the point-and-click puzzle-solving adventures I loved as a kid. I dig the background music, too. Can't wait to see more!
Post by: CaptainD on 30 Mar 2014, 19:37
Post by: Myshkin on 06 Apr 2014, 01:13
Looking forward to this one :)
Post by: AprilSkies on 06 Apr 2014, 16:50
I gotta say, the name Troll Song is what made me check out this thread, and the art is what made me look for more.
Knoodn did a wonderful job here. Art is what hooked me... then I tryed the game and fell in love.
Working on Khoodn sprites I've been even more impressed: small details are amazing.
Post by: CaptainD on 18 Apr 2014, 10:43
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sUY-nXrEPdI/U1Dw66jM07I/AAAAAAAAYao/KGfApgP_ZO0/s1600/Troll+Song+18th+April+2014.png)
Getting close to the point where we can send Verse One out to the testers... (KodiakBehr and Paul Franzen have joined our testing team btw - welcome guys!)
Yes, Dugg is picking his nose in the screenshot - he does that. Which also leads me to introduce oraxon as the voice of Dugg.
More news soon...
Post by: Slasher on 18 Apr 2014, 12:55
Quote
Yes, Dugg is picking his nose in the screenshot - he does that.Yukky bugger (laugh)
Lovely colour tones/shades by AprilSkies ;)
Post by: Gurok on 18 Apr 2014, 13:53
Post by: Tabata on 19 Apr 2014, 13:30
Post by: miguel on 19 Apr 2014, 14:04
Post by: CaptainD on 06 May 2014, 12:40
(Miguel... no plans for a Barbarian, but perhaps we could fit in a Goblin who sells onions?)
Just a quick update - testing is going well, and I've handed over the voicing of Clod to Jesse Lowther (many thanks to Fizzii for the tip!). Lots of little improvements made to the interface, animations, etc as a result of testers' feedback, as well as a few bug fixes. All looking good so far!
Post by: Hobo on 06 May 2014, 15:13
Miguel... no plans for a Barbarian, but perhaps we could fit in a Goblin who sells onions?Don't worry, Miguel, we'll just have to mod the game after its release:
http://i.imgur.com/DCkG1oV.png (http://i.imgur.com/DCkG1oV.png)
This is what you guys had in mind, right? Barbarians and gobliiins?
Good to hear that things are progressing well. The demo was awesome and I can't wait to play some more.
Also, Jesse Lowther sounds pretty nice.
Post by: CaptainD on 09 Nov 2014, 10:00
Verse I is complete, Verse II is getting very close to completion, Verse III is being mapped out. (In case you didn't know or had forgotten, there are 5 verses in total in the game). Since Jim and Andrea joined the team we've been moving forward at a nice pace.
Just a couple of screenshot segments for you whilst you wait...
See you at Adventure-X!
The Dev Blog (http://www.troll-song.com/) has also received a little bit of a facelift.
Post by: NickyNyce on 09 Nov 2014, 11:08
Post by: AnasAbdin on 09 Nov 2014, 12:46
Post by: selmiak on 09 Nov 2014, 13:06
Post by: CaptainD on 09 Nov 2014, 16:06
looking great, but I'd love to see them even bigger. Y U NO USE IMGZOOM?
Just for you, I've edited the post and made them all zoomable. :wink:
Post by: Matti on 09 Nov 2014, 16:37
Post by: selmiak on 09 Nov 2014, 17:58
Post by: AprilSkies on 13 Nov 2014, 20:01
I especially had fun making a top-down town, I'm going to show you "cropped" (in Dave's style).
I wanted to make my personal homage to Ultima VII (as you can see in the "prospective" of the buildings)
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sfW08S-hUU/VGO6z4-znhI/AAAAAAAAd3o/xx74H2Rvhsc/s640/Exploring%2BTown.png)
Post by: cacaro on 14 Nov 2014, 11:00
Post by: AnasAbdin on 14 Nov 2014, 12:15
Post by: CaptainD on 14 Nov 2014, 12:27
Really happy that people are looking forward to this.
A little more news:
- a native Linux version is planned to be released simultaneously with the PC version
- an official welcome to Bicliotti, who has joined our test team
Post by: CaptainD on 14 Nov 2014, 21:54
Post by: Monsieur OUXX on 15 Nov 2014, 18:11
Post by: Fizzii on 15 Nov 2014, 20:12
Post by: CaptainD on 15 Nov 2014, 20:47
@Monsieur OUXX - yes, as you guessed, the apparent simplicity is rather deceptive. A fairly deep game with strong characterisation in here (at least that's what I'm aiming for).
@Fizzii - thanks again for your voice actor tip - Jesse has done an incredible job with Clod's voicing, but he's enthusiastic about helping the project in other ways too. ;-D
Post by: splat44 on 21 Nov 2014, 21:07
I also received an email from AprilSkies tales game creator and She helping you with graphic.
You might adding her among credits in beginning of original thread.
AprilSkies also asked my interesting in joining test team and as well with troll song, since I'm already in and so we can be on same page, of course I'm still interested in helping out as usual. It possible she might remind you by email. Good luck in present this in AdventureX London!
Post by: CaptainD on 22 Nov 2014, 09:38
Firstly, for Andrea's sanity as this isn't the first time it's happened... AprilSkies is a guy! :grin:
I did PM all the original testers when we restarted development, but maybe you didn't get yours? Anyway would be more than happy to have you back on board!
Updating the first post is a good idea, I'll get it done soon, but in the meantime there is a credits page on the dev blog (http://www.troll-song.com/p/credits.html).
AprilSkies takes most of the credit for the awesome graphics, though koodn has to take a lot of credit for creating the first location and awesome art style in the first place.
Post by: miguel on 22 Nov 2014, 10:32
Firstly, for Andrea's sanity as this isn't the first time it's happened... AprilSkies is a guy! :grin:
We all know that, we're only messing with Andrea (a name that in Portuguese IS feminine) :=
Jokes aside, this looks really good guys, great job! That top view is unique in AGS and beautifully made.
Post by: AprilSkies on 22 Nov 2014, 10:37
Post by: CaptainD on 22 Nov 2014, 11:20
To bring this back a little more to the point...
Post by: Bavolis on 22 Nov 2014, 16:57
Post by: CaptainD on 22 Nov 2014, 19:25
Post by: miguel on 23 Nov 2014, 12:40
Quote
PLEASE don't let Miguel turn this into another orchiectomy thread... (wrong) (wrong) (wrong) (wrong)Will not, you guys deserve all the respect in the world, keep it up!
Post by: CaptainD on 24 Nov 2014, 22:03
I would also appreciate it if those interested in the game could hop over to the Dev Blog (http://www.troll-song.com/) and cast their vote on how soon they would like to see the Verse One freeware game released (this will effectively replace the extremely short demo that already exists, but with the higher quality voicing, hint system, etc etc already in place as it will be in the full game. It is, basically, the first part of the full game.)
Also, thoughts... for those that have played this, should it be possible (in the full game) to actually skip verse one completely? I'm pretty torn about this idea.
Post by: splat44 on 27 Nov 2014, 22:07
Again, looking forward working on this project.
Hi Phil!
Firstly, for Andrea's sanity as this isn't the first time it's happened... AprilSkies is a guy! :grin:
I did PM all the original testers when we restarted development, but maybe you didn't get yours? Anyway would be more than happy to have you back on board!
Updating the first post is a good idea, I'll get it done soon, but in the meantime there is a credits page on the dev blog (http://www.troll-song.com/p/credits.html).
AprilSkies takes most of the credit for the awesome graphics, though koodn has to take a lot of credit for creating the first location and awesome art style in the first place.
Post by: CaptainD on 27 Nov 2014, 22:25
Voting is well under way, having the freeware "Verse One" released as soon as possible is the clear favourite atm. Agree / disagree? Cast your vote at http://www.troll-song.com/
Oh and I hope people take the time to listen to some of Viking's great cut scene music (https://archive.org/embed/VolcanoEscape2). It's obviously better when you see the cut scene it goes with, but it's pretty awesome just as it is. ;-D
Post by: splat44 on 28 Nov 2014, 03:23
Oops yeah, sorry - fixed now.
Voting is well under way, having the freeware "Verse One" released as soon as possible is the clear favourite atm. Agree / disagree? Cast your vote at http://www.troll-song.com/
Oh and I hope people take the time to listen to some of Viking's great cut scene music (https://archive.org/embed/VolcanoEscape2). It's obviously better when you see the cut scene it goes with, but it's pretty awesome just as it is. ;-D
+1
Post by: CaptainD on 19 Dec 2014, 12:11
Or is it actually a Theatrical Trailer? Now I'm confused... at any rate, I hope you enjoy it!
[embed=640,480]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALL9D3tWW0A[/embed]
Post by: AnasAbdin on 19 Dec 2014, 13:22
I love it!!!
Post by: Mandle on 19 Dec 2014, 13:30
Post by: on 19 Dec 2014, 13:49
Post by: CaptainD on 19 Dec 2014, 14:19
@Mandle - why thank you sir, that is a very nice compliment ;-D
@Mods - hehe, I'm sure Jesse's voice gets compared to JEJ a fair bit. Fortunately he's not as expensive... :-D
Post by: IndieRetroNews on 19 Dec 2014, 15:23
Post by: CaptainD on 19 Dec 2014, 21:09
Expect an article soon CaptainD, we were waiting for the trailer :)
Thanks for the post! :-D
Post by: Yeppoh on 19 Dec 2014, 21:15
Post by: CaptainD on 20 Dec 2014, 12:53
Post by: Lasca on 20 Dec 2014, 14:45
Post by: CaptainD on 20 Dec 2014, 16:17
(BTW in case anyone's getting lost looking for the actual trailer, here it is (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=46754.msg636503160#msg636503160)!)
Post by: LTGiants2000 on 20 Dec 2014, 22:28
Post by: monkey424 on 20 Dec 2014, 22:57
Post by: LostTrainDude on 20 Dec 2014, 23:41
I especially love the millisecond that made me see the available "verbs" and I have to admit that I didn't see the top-down section (about 0:50) coming at all!
Great stuff, looking forward to it :D
Post by: MiteWiseacreLives! on 21 Dec 2014, 03:40
I'm getting into this game
Post by: Dropped Monocle Games on 21 Dec 2014, 12:44
Post by: Stupot on 21 Dec 2014, 14:37
Post by: CaptainD on 21 Dec 2014, 21:11
@LTGiants2000 - NO CHANCE!
@monkey424 - well it couldn't be THAT good of course! :-D
@LostTrainDude - heh, we're full of surprises. 8-)
@MiteWiseacreLives - don't you know, trolls are almost as good as dinosaurs!
@Soxbrooker - thanks!
@Stupot+ - "this game is going to be awesome" - we certainly hope so!!
Post by: AprilSkies on 22 Dec 2014, 10:36
And Tino created the original art that I'm only expanding. He made an amazing job with art as well.
Post by: CaptainD on 23 Dec 2014, 13:12
Post by: CaptainD on 30 Jan 2015, 13:03
So, the old demo really wasn't up to the quality of the game that we've been making. The complete Verse One that we're just released is (not saying we won't find ways to add to or improve it further before the full game is released of course! :grin:)
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1880/
Post by: CaptainD on 14 Feb 2015, 19:17
Post by: AnasAbdin on 14 Feb 2015, 19:21
I love the colors used alot!
Post by: CaptainD on 23 Feb 2015, 11:26
http://www.indiedb.com/games/troll-song
Post by: AnasAbdin on 23 Feb 2015, 13:02
and why is this not a surprise? good games deserve good things 8-)
Post by: splat44 on 05 Mar 2015, 07:28
I did some testing since yesterday but since it got already release and due to how busy I was, I have feeling I came a bit late. I sent a pm to mention a recommendation.
I also discovered the following:
According to AprilSkies, there going to be troll song verse 2? If so, then I don't mind being on team as play tester and Andrae will agree on this as I am working on one of his game "tales" on same manner as yours
Post by: CaptainD on 05 Mar 2015, 09:22
This released "Verse One" is just the first part of what will be the full game - you're still on the test team for the whole thing! :grin: Good catch about the bats.
(Also - thanks Anas!)