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AGS Games => Completed Game Announcements => Topic started by: SeamanNaranja on Sun 28/04/2013 23:13:01

Title: Skumring: Extra Noir Edition! (v. 1.1)
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Sun 28/04/2013 23:13:01
Eight Bit Skyline presents...
(http://i.imgur.com/6b7Xa.png)

Introducing the Extra Noir Edition! Now you can play the ultimate version of Skumring!

Port Horizon 1951. A city on the verge of collapse. Moral collapse. Crime. Corruption. Greed... Money. Join private eye Cooper Chutney on his mission of truth in a city that reeks of lies, deceit and go-go dancers. Solve puzzles and interogate bartenders as you make your way through the city while the sunset comes ever closer.

Trailer:
[embed=610,360]<iframe width="610" height="360 src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kwG2Kp-e4CQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>[/embed]

Screenshots:
(http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_2.png) (http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_2.png) (http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_3.png) (http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_3.png) (http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_8.png) (http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_8.png)
(http://media.indiedb.com/images/games/1/20/19117/4.png) (http://media.indiedb.com/images/games/1/20/19117/4.png) (http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_9.png) (http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_9.png) (http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_5.png) (http://eightbitskyline.com/images/skumring_5.png)

New features:

Features:

Official website:
Skumring.eightbitskyline.com (http://skumring.eightbitskyline.com)

DOWNLOAD NOW! (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/1674/)
(You can still find the old version on the official website, if you're into amateur voice acting!)

Download size: 180 mb
Installed size: 900 MB
Supported systems: Win XP/Vista/7

Stuck in Skumring? Here's the walkthrough (http://eightbitskyline.com/Skumring_walkthrough.txt)!
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Armageddon on Mon 29/04/2013 00:35:20
Congrats on the release. Looks awesome! :D
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Stupot on Mon 29/04/2013 00:54:34
Sweet. I've been looking forward to this one. Congratulations :)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: kaput on Mon 29/04/2013 06:13:53
Congratulations on the release :)

Looks cool, I'll certainly be setting aside some time to play this one! I'm really digging the comic book style graphics and the fact that everyone walks like they're boogieing to the music  (laugh).
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: CaptainD on Mon 29/04/2013 08:35:29
Hey congrats on the release - looks very cool indeed.
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Mon 29/04/2013 09:10:12
Thanks for the replies you guys! I hope you enjoy the game :-)

Quote from: Sunny Penguin on Mon 29/04/2013 06:13:53
I'm really digging the comic book style graphics and the fact that everyone walks like they're boogieing to the music  (laugh).

This is hilarious! And it's also true! I didn't do that on purpose, but I guess the characters are just caught up in the catchy jazz tunes  :cool:
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Parafia on Mon 29/04/2013 10:01:31
Congratulations ! Very nice artstyle. I'll play it as soon as possible :)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Bloody Mimishu on Mon 29/04/2013 11:40:27
You have finally released your game Naranja? Congrat! Have watched your new trailer too. Hope the game has improved and rid of bugs since the last beta :)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Tabata on Mon 29/04/2013 17:21:03
The download doesn't work for me  :~(
It starts but doesn't download the files completely.
After several fails I give up now ~ or is there any chance for to get it from somewhere else?
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Mon 29/04/2013 17:53:17
Quote from: Tabata on Mon 29/04/2013 17:21:03
The download doesn't work for me  :~(
It starts but doesn't download the files completely.
After several fails I give up now ~ or is there any chance for to get it from somewhere else?
Weird! Have you tried to download from the mirror? (download here (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1620952/Skumring.rar))
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Tabata on Mon 29/04/2013 19:40:44
YAY! That did the trick!     (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/tanz42.gif)
I searched the site for the original download-link but obviousely that was the one that didn't work for me.
I didn't realize that the word „Mirror“ is clickable and not the description for the button aside (roll)

                     (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/thanx.gif)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Eric on Mon 29/04/2013 19:55:16
My biggest disappointment in this game is that I won't have time to start playing it until next week. Looks lovely. Congrats on the release!
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Mon 29/04/2013 20:03:00
Quote from: Tabata on Mon 29/04/2013 19:40:44YAY! That did the trick!     (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/tanz42.gif)
I searched the site for the original download-link but obviousely that was the one that didn't work for me.
I didn't realize that the word „Mirror“ is clickable and not the description for the button aside (roll)
Yeah, that was kind of unclear. I have made it more logical now, and also added another mirror!

Quote from: Eric on Mon 29/04/2013 19:55:16
My biggest disappointment in this game is that I won't have time to start playing it until next week. Looks lovely. Congrats on the release!
Thanks for the kind words :-)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Gribbler on Mon 29/04/2013 23:16:06
Congrats on the release! It's amazing you did all that by yourself. Really impressive! Over 30 locations plus programming? Wow! Fantastic job!
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Shadow1000 on Tue 30/04/2013 05:43:30
I'm 36% of the way through, or specifically, I just started Act 2. I am REALLY enjoying this game. Superb puzzles and plot. I've been challenged by the puzzles, but so far, never stuck.

I will give my full comments when I've completed the game.

Congrats!

SHADOW
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Tue 30/04/2013 11:19:12
Quote from: Gribbler on Mon 29/04/2013 23:16:06
Congrats on the release! It's amazing you did all that by yourself. Really impressive! Over 30 locations plus programming? Wow! Fantastic job!
Thanks a lot! It was probably overkill for my first game, but at least now it's done :-)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Tue 30/04/2013 11:20:20
Quote from: Shadow1000 on Tue 30/04/2013 05:43:30
I'm 36% of the way through, or specifically, I just started Act 2. I am REALLY enjoying this game. Superb puzzles and plot. I've been challenged by the puzzles, but so far, never stuck.

I will give my full comments when I've completed the game.

Congrats!
Absolutely thrilled to hear that you have enjoyed it! Good luck on your journey to the dramatic ending  :=
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Cogliostro on Tue 30/04/2013 13:40:38
SeamanNaranja ,

I've downloaded and played the game to the 76% complete point and decided to finally take a breather and comment.

First, congratulations on your first release.  I was a bit concerned when I saw the game was 1.5 GB when unzipped?!  Honestly, a game of that size is usually scary bad, and first games even more so.  Your game, however, has proved to be an extraordinary exception to the rule!!

The film-noir feel, the detective narrator, and the *HUMOR* are all spot on.

The puzzles are good.  Chutney's abilities to make friends using nothing more than a broken wrench is heart-warming indeed.  :) 

SMALL BUGS:
Spoiler

* Inside the warehouse, at the beginning, there are a few areas where Chutney changes size while walking.
* I was able to get the goon outside the bar to leave before finding out that he and the actress inside were having a thing.  Which made the conversations later a bit odd.
[close]

- Cogliostro
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Shadow1000 on Wed 01/05/2013 03:55:28
I just finished the game and all I can say is WOW! One of the best games I've played lately.

Here's my complete assessment of the game:

OVERVIEW:

Skumring is the long-awaited 50s era detective thriller that will keep your pulse racing as you hunt down clues to solve an evil plot. Expertly rendered using classic comic book style graphics, painstaking animation detail, intriguing characters and voice acting, Skumring is certainly a must play for adventure game fans. One word of caution, though: the game contains some mature themes that may not be suitable for younger players.

WHAT I LIKED:

- First and foremost, the plot was excellent. The story develops and gets deeper and deeper as you progress. The pace of the plot is nothing short of perfect
- Which brings me to my next point. The puzzles, while slightly easy, were just easy enough and logical to pose a challenge without a struggle. I only got stuck once during the game because I didn't look at a certain item. Otherwise, enough thinking and experimenting kept the game going at a perfect pace.
- It almost goes without saying that the environment was splendid. It's obvious that a LOT of effort went into developing the graphics, animation, sound (I'd play it again if I had the time just for the music! ;) )
- Really good character development. I like when characters in games take on personalities that you can love, hate, find annoying or talk in character with who they are.
- Very impressive size world to explore.
- I think that the length of the game and plot complement each other perfectly. Some games of this length have almost no plot or only have one main objective. Conversely, some games have ridiculously complex plots for little game play. I think that this game balances the two perfectly.
- Great combination of dialogue-based puzzles with inventory-based puzzles.

I've never created a game but I would surmise that the most difficult part of the development is designing the puzzles, as it's very difficult to project what associations the player will make between items and different challenges to know what's a reasonable puzzle that will make the game fun and what is just going to frustrate the player. This aspect is superb in Skumring.

WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:

Being the awesome game that this is, I really feel bad criticizing anything.

I usually like voice acting in games and voice acting could have really added to this game, but the voices of the majority of the characters simply did not match the personalities. Cooper's voice was probably the most suitable but some of them just didn't work. I don't want to be specific, because I am sure that EVERYONE who contributed worked hard but I do want to raise this point.


CONCLUSION:

SeamanNaranja and the team have really clinched it in the most challenging aspects of creating an excellent adventure game. The perfect environment, plot and puzzles are executed masterfully for a superb experience.

Congrats to everyone who participated in this project!

SHADOW
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Wed 01/05/2013 12:32:40
Quote from: Cogliostro on Tue 30/04/2013 13:40:38
SeamanNaranja ,

I've downloaded and played the game to the 76% complete point and decided to finally take a breather and comment.

First, congratulations on your first release.  I was a bit concerned when I saw the game was 1.5 GB when unzipped?!  Honestly, a game of that size is usually scary bad, and first games even more so.  Your game, however, has proved to be an extraordinary exception to the rule!!

The film-noir feel, the detective narrator, and the *HUMOR* are all spot on.

The puzzles are good.  Chutney's abilities to make friends using nothing more than a broken wrench is heart-warming indeed.  :) 

SMALL BUGS:
Spoiler

* Inside the warehouse, at the beginning, there are a few areas where Chutney changes size while walking.
* I was able to get the goon outside the bar to leave before finding out that he and the actress inside were having a thing.  Which made the conversations later a bit odd.
[close]

- Cogliostro
I'm so happy you are enjoying it! Thanks for all the kind words  :smiley:
About the size: I know it's way too big! I tried to get it down to a more reasonable size, but the voices and the music took 500 mb alone! And since there are that many locations and over 2000 sprites in the game it was simply impossible... Probably should have planned everything better before I started  :tongue:
I'll have a look at the bugs as well. Thanks for reporting them, and I hope you'll enjoy the ending of the game!

SeamanNaranja
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Wed 01/05/2013 12:38:51
Quote from: Shadow1000 on Wed 01/05/2013 03:55:28
I just finished the game and all I can say is WOW! One of the best games I've played lately.

Here's my complete assessment of the game:
Well, I just finished reading your review (probably for the fifth time) and all I can say is WOW! :shocked:

It's really cool to get such thorough feedback on something I have been working on far to long. This will make my day, no, my week! I'm really happy you liked the puzzles, since I feel that is my biggest weakness in designing the game. Well, that and my horrible english grammar!

SeamanNaranja
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Shadow1000 on Wed 01/05/2013 14:53:03
Quote from: SeamanNaranja on Wed 01/05/2013 12:38:51
Quote from: Shadow1000 on Wed 01/05/2013 03:55:28
I just finished the game and all I can say is WOW! One of the best games I've played lately.

Here's my complete assessment of the game:
Well, I just finished reading your review (probably for the fifth time) and all I can say is WOW! :shocked:

It's really cool to get such thorough feedback on something I have been working on far to long. This will make my day, no, my week! I'm really happy you liked the puzzles, since I feel that is my biggest weakness in designing the game. Well, that and my horrible english grammar!

SeamanNaranja

I'm glad you enjoyed the review :)

I forgot to add:

- I think this is your first game. If so, then BONUS points for such a success the first time around!
- You mentioned English grammar. I don't know where you live or what your first language is. The English in the game was fine. Sometimes one of my comments will be to please use a spell check or ask a native English speaker to proofread (even for native English speakers!) but the grammar and punctuation were fine in this game.

Just one point:
Spoiler
in the last area of the game, the "engine" in the warehouse as opposed to the "engine" controlling the crane is probably supposed to be a generator rather than an engine. Is the intention that it creates electricity? If so, you probably want to call it a generator. I got a bit confused but it did not affect the gameplay
[close]

SHADOW
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: piperhcombs on Wed 01/05/2013 16:40:21
I'm at the end of the game now, and it's been really fun so far.

I have to wonder though,
Spoiler
when you get the dog. what is that "NGGRRRR!" sound you(or the dog) makes when you look at it in inventory? Doesn't sound like any dog I've heard.
[close]


On another note, wow what an ending!
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Wed 01/05/2013 16:46:59
Quote from: piperhcombs on Wed 01/05/2013 16:40:21
I'm at the end of the game now, and it's been really fun so far.

I have to wonder though,
Spoiler
when you get the dog. what is that "NGGRRRR!" sound you(or the dog) makes when you look at it in inventory? Doesn't sound like any dog I've heard.
[close]
Glad you are enjoying it! It is
Spoiler
actually the sound of the voice actor for Cooper making, or at least attempting to make, a Chewbacca roar from Star Wars. He does it all the time, so it's kind of a personal signature, if you will! :)
[close]
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: noviigrac on Wed 01/05/2013 22:43:18
Just to add my 2 cents worth, the game is awesome, the story well thought of, i just have to mention 2 aspects that I didnt like and that i thought i should bring to your attention.
First of all, why didnt you make the inventory items combinable in both ways (example. combine coins with glue doesnt work, but glue with coins does, why?)
And second, when you pull an item out of your inventory and use it in the wrong way it disappears (the icon of the item)  and you have to go and get it from the inv again and use it again, i think of this as bad cause if youre stuck in an adventure game, you usually try every item with anything you can think off, which in this case takes a lot of time cause you have to bring the item back out all the time.

Otherwise a great game and a marvelous addition to AGS games.
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Wed 01/05/2013 23:10:24
Quote from: noviigrac on Wed 01/05/2013 22:43:18
Just to add my 2 cents worth, the game is awesome, the story well thought of, i just have to mention 2 aspects that I didnt like and that i thought i should bring to your attention.
First of all, why didnt you make the inventory items combinable in both ways (example. combine coins with glue doesnt work, but glue with coins does, why?)
And second, when you pull an item out of your inventory and use it in the wrong way it disappears (the icon of the item)  and you have to go and get it from the inv again and use it again, i think of this as bad cause if youre stuck in an adventure game, you usually try every item with anything you can think off, which in this case takes a lot of time cause you have to bring the item back out all the time.

Otherwise a great game and a marvelous addition to AGS games.
Thanks for the kind words! I'm happy you enjoyed it. Regarding the first thing, I really thought I did! :shocked: Must have missed that one... I was so sure I got them all. And the other thing, I totally agree, that would be better. Something I can fix for version 1.0.1! :-)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: kaput on Fri 03/05/2013 14:02:53
I really enjoyed your game! It was very well put together and a lot of hard work on your part so hats off to you sir  :cool:.

Keep them coming.
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Tabata on Sat 04/05/2013 08:29:33
Had a lot of fun playing this game. (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/thump_up.gif)
An interesting story that is revealed piece by piece while playing.
The style works well for me, too. Those cut scenes done in style of a comic strip fits nicely.

I just started with a little bug that needed me to start over the beginning:
Spoiler
I had no hotspot for the broken gutter piece and wasn't able to grab it (Not sure what triggered it though - sorry)
[close]
but in the second turn it all works well. I am only telling this in case someone else will have the same prob, but since I played the very first version it might have been solved anyway.


A well done game and I really hope to see more from you.  (nod)

Let's go to solve some more
             (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/bond.gif)
of the crime that is going on ...
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Sun 05/05/2013 18:50:59
Quote from: Sunny Penguin on Fri 03/05/2013 14:02:53
I really enjoyed your game! It was very well put together and a lot of hard work on your part so hats off to you sir  :cool:.

Keep them coming.
Thank you!  ;)

Quote from: Tabata on Sat 04/05/2013 08:29:33
Had a lot of fun playing this game. (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/thump_up.gif)
An interesting story that is revealed piece by piece while playing.
The style works well for me, too. Those cut scenes done in style of a comic strip fits nicely.

I just started with a little bug that needed me to start over the beginning:
Spoiler
I had no hotspot for the broken gutter piece and wasn't able to grab it (Not sure what triggered it though - sorry)
[close]
but in the second turn it all works well. I am only telling this in case someone else will have the same prob, but since I played the very first version it might have been solved anyway.

A well done game and I really hope to see more from you.  (nod)

Let's go to solve some more
             (http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/12962/bond.gif)
of the crime that is going on ...
Thank you for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it. :)

Regarding the bug:
Spoiler
You should be able to spot the gutter piece after you have watched the gutter one time. If this doesn't work after saving/loading I'll try to find a fix!
[close]
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Narushima on Fri 10/05/2013 16:43:45
Hey, SeamanNaranja, congratulations on the release!
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Saltwater Taffy on Fri 10/05/2013 22:50:25
Holy smokes Batman! This game is amazing. It's so pretty!

No but really, so far I'm loving this. EVERYTHING from the intro, the dialogue, the interface, the graphics, the setting. It's beautiful ;3;

Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Sat 11/05/2013 23:41:20
Quote from: Narushima on Fri 10/05/2013 16:43:45
Hey, SeamanNaranja, congratulations on the release!
Thanks man! Thanks for great feedback during testing  :)

Quote from: Saltwater Taffy on Fri 10/05/2013 22:50:25
Holy smokes Batman! This game is amazing. It's so pretty!

No but really, so far I'm loving this. EVERYTHING from the intro, the dialogue, the interface, the graphics, the setting. It's beautiful ;3;
Really happy you like it! I hope it keeps you interested to the very end :)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: cianty on Sun 19/05/2013 17:41:45
Just finished the game after a few sessions during the last couple of days and I have to say that I had a BLAST playing! The atmosphere was spot-on! The voice over was also nice, despite a few obvious lows here and there. Overall the quality is astounding - especially for a free offer. Thank you very much for providing such an enjoyable experience!

I read on your site that you are working on another point and click adventure: I can't wait for that! And I will be more than willing to pay for that.
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: CaptainD on Thu 23/05/2013 14:11:33
I haven't had time to get very far into this but wanted to stop by to say that I'm finding it an enjoyably off-beat mystery game - and of course very nicely produced!
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Fri 24/05/2013 11:46:33
Quote from: cianty on Sun 19/05/2013 17:41:45
Just finished the game after a few sessions during the last couple of days and I have to say that I had a BLAST playing! The atmosphere was spot-on! The voice over was also nice, despite a few obvious lows here and there. Overall the quality is astounding - especially for a free offer. Thank you very much for providing such an enjoyable experience!

I read on your site that you are working on another point and click adventure: I can't wait for that! And I will be more than willing to pay for that.
It is great that you found it entertaining! Even though it took me forever to finish, I always had my mind set on the freeware option. Since I have work and a steady income this is solely something I do for fun on the evenings and weekends. The joy of good feedback is an awesome reward!

... And thanks regarding the new game! The new project is evolving fast and I'm very excited about it. Since I have managed to get a couple of close friends in on it this time, I hope it will be an improvement as well.
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Fri 24/05/2013 11:47:49
Quote from: CaptainD on Thu 23/05/2013 14:11:33
I haven't had time to get very far into this but wanted to stop by to say that I'm finding it an enjoyably off-beat mystery game - and of course very nicely produced!
Thanks a lot! Hope you survive the most illogical puzzles on your way to the sunrise over Port Horizon!  :)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Fri 07/06/2013 15:35:45
Skumring is featured on Norways biggest gaming site, Gamer.no! (http://www.gamer.no/artikler/146467/fem-gratisspill-du-kan-kose-deg-med-i-helgen/) (in norwegian)  8-0
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: donkeymilk on Sun 16/06/2013 16:55:11
The quality of ags games just keeps getting better and better.
We've had that brilliant Space Quest reboot,The Journey Down,AnnasQuest,DAVE GILBERTS GAMES among lots of other recent games too numerous to mention.
SKUMRING can safely join that list of quality offerings from yet another bunch of talented game makers!
Thanks!!
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: Bloody Mimishu on Mon 17/06/2013 14:23:13
It seems that your game is getting better and better known Naranja :D
Hope to see Cooper get an award here one day (or at least nominated :D)
Title: Re: Skumring
Post by: SeamanNaranja on Tue 18/06/2013 14:27:58
Quote from: donkeymilk on Sun 16/06/2013 16:55:11
The quality of ags games just keeps getting better and better.
We've had that brilliant Space Quest reboot,The Journey Down,AnnasQuest,DAVE GILBERTS GAMES among lots of other recent games too numerous to mention.
SKUMRING can safely join that list of quality offerings from yet another bunch of talented game makers!
Thanks!!
Thanks! It's an absolute honor to even be mentioned with these fantastic games  :)

Quote from: Bloody Mimishu on Mon 17/06/2013 14:23:13
It seems that your game is getting better and better known Naranja :D
Hope to see Cooper get an award here one day (or at least nominated :D)
Yeah, it seems like it! I'm crossing my fingers for Cooper as well, he deserves something after what he's been through  :P