Post by: elentgirl on 29 Jun 2018, 15:58
The Clockwork Labyrinth is a first person point-and-click puzzle adventure. The idea for the theme of the game came from a television documentary about clockwork automata, and from this starting point I developed a surreal mix of Steampunk, Gothic, ancient civilisations and fairground kitch. The game's focus is on its puzzles, which I hope offer a broad range of challenges, from simple fun games to more complex, interconnected puzzles.
Ever since discovering first person adventures (Myst and Riven were the first true adventure games that I played) I've wanted to make one myself, but was deterred by the number of different screens needed to allow four views in each location. I did include a couple of short first person sections in my previous game - Adventure Island - and this, together with a helpful hint from another AGS programmer, gave me the encouragement to try a full length first person game. I've cheated a little by locating it underground (no 360 degree vistas to construct!).
The Clockwork Labyrinth can now be downloaded from the AGS database here (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2266/), and I've posted a few screenshots below. I've also put together a short video trailer which can be viewed here (https://youtu.be/UDdZFZO2IFY).
The Metal Maze, in which every turn takes you to another puzzle.
(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a420/elentgirl/clockwork%201_zpsfcz7zui1.jpg)
The Caves of Confusion, where an ancient mechanism thwarts your progress.
(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a420/elentgirl/clockwork%202_zpskpyyci43.jpg)
The Cryptic Crypt, a catacomb of Gothic mysteries.
(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a420/elentgirl/clockwork%203_zpsnqywhm79.jpg)
The Museum of Curiosities, a celebration of eccentricity and the bizarre.
(http://i1033.photobucket.com/albums/a420/elentgirl/clockwork%204_zpskqaanmnh.jpg)
Post by: Mandle on 29 Jun 2018, 16:04
Puzzle-lovers prepare to spend a few pleasant days, weeks, or months embroiled in this devious game!!!
Post by: Cassiebsg on 29 Jun 2018, 17:42
Make sure you grab your copy now. :-D
Also, I'm not seeing the images either.
Post by: Slasher on 29 Jun 2018, 18:09
BTW I think you have not entered the names correctly for your helpers on the games database page..
Post by: Stupot on 30 Jun 2018, 00:14
Post by: dbuske on 30 Jun 2018, 16:38
I am stuck on finding the way to find the ticket
Post by: elentgirl on 30 Jun 2018, 22:06
I am stuck on finding the way to find the ticket
I have given a hint or two to help you on the Hints & Tips forum.
Good luck,
Elen
Post by: Sinitrena on 01 Jul 2018, 19:50
I really, thoroughly enjoy this game so far. The graphics are great, the music so good that I feel there's not enough of it - especially when it starts for a specific puzzle/screen but goes away as soon as I leave the screen. There are a couple I'd like to listen to while I just walk through the labyrinth. The atmosphere is great, the puzzles varied - different kinds and different difficulties.
It's been a long time since I was so interested in the solution to a puzzle that I got out a piece of paper and worked it out in this nice old-fashioned way. It certainly keeps me interested.
The story and personality of the main character are a bit lacking. You try to save someone from this labyrinth, someone you don't even know. That's all I've seen so far - maybe there will be more later, maybe not. I usually play adventure games mainly for the story, so slight disappointment there for me (personal preference, of course). Not so much personal preference, more a design choice I consider a mistake, is the lack of feedback from the player character. An example: In the very beginning you need
The biggest annoyance for me, though, is the slow "walking speed". I want to make one step forward, the screen fades to black, I have to listen to the foodsteps, the screen fades to the next room. It is sloooooooooooow. Especially considering that you have to walk through and explore a fairly elaborate labyrinth, keep track of where you are, and may have to walk to certain places again because you have to do something in a different part of the labyrinth first. Also, keyboard controls would be great for the movement. Or at least make the area to move forward go the whole hight of the screen. I don't know how often I klicked into the upper portion of the screen to move forward just to then realize I have to klick on the ground. There really is no good reason to limit this.
That aside, so far I can recommend this game. And I'll certainly keep playing.
Post by: elentgirl on 02 Jul 2018, 10:31
Thank you for your comments on my game.
I really, thoroughly enjoy this game so far. The graphics are great, the music so good that I feel there's not enough of it - especially when it starts for a specific puzzle/screen but goes away as soon as I leave the screen. There are a couple I'd like to listen to while I just walk through the labyrinth.I'm really glad that you are enjoying my game, and I agree with you about the music. This is not my creation - all the music is from a large collection that Eric Matyas has provided free for AGS game makers to use. I was able to find just what I wanted for every mood and location!
The story and personality of the main character are a bit lacking. You try to save someone from this labyrinth, someone you don't even know. That's all I've seen so far - maybe there will be more later, maybe not. I usually play adventure games mainly for the story, so slight disappointment there for me (personal preference, of course).I accept your criticism about the story and main character. My main aim with this game was to create an integueing and entertaining environment which is also a little sinister - the introduction is more bait to lure the main character (and the player) into the labyrinth than a realistic scenario. I have deliberately kept the main charater a little vague as I want the player to feel that THEY are the protagopnist rather than moving a chacter that may not be like them around the game.
The biggest annoyance for me, though, is the slow "walking speed". I want to make one step forward, the screen fades to black, I have to listen to the foodsteps, the screen fades to the next room. It is sloooooooooooow. Especially considering that you have to walk through and explore a fairly elaborate labyrinth, keep track of where you are, and may have to walk to certain places again because you have to do something in a different part of the labyrinth first. Also, keyboard controls would be great for the movement. Or at least make the area to move forward go the whole hight of the screen. I don't know how often I klicked into the upper portion of the screen to move forward just to then realize I have to klick on the ground. There really is no good reason to limit this.I've added your comment on the forward hotspot to the list. Regarding the walking speed, that is something I gave a lot of thought to. When I first played through the game to check if the rooms were in the correct order I had only a brief fixed gap between them. Although this allowed me to move through the maze quickly, I felt that it destroyed all sense of its being passages that you have to navigate. I believe that part of the secret of making a fantasy beliveable is to make the environment seem as real as possible. Ideally, I would have had short video sequences as you move forward rather than a bank screen, but I'm afraid I haven't the resources to do that. The speed of the footsteps is something I tweaked a great deal, trying to get the balance right. I think it must be something of a personal preference as none of the testers raised it as an issue. I'm sorry that you find it frustrating - perhaps you are a naturally fast walker!
Good luck,
Elen
Post by: Cassiebsg on 02 Jul 2018, 17:17
- About the key...
). Reason for that is, that you rarely keep the key to the safe right next to it... what's the point of even locking it then? - About the walking speed