Adventure Game Studio

The joint winners for this month we’re Slasher and JackPutter.
Well done guys.

(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2467_1_thumb_200.png)	The Spider's Web (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2467-the-spider-s-web) by Slasher
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2474_1_thumb_200.png)	DAGGERHELL (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2474-daggerhell/) by Mandle
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2475_1_thumb_200.png)	My Father's Secret (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2475-my-father-s-secret) by JackPutter
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2476_3.png)	Max Fury (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2476-max-fury) by Olleh19

Topic: Cloak and Dagger.
Chosen by Slasher

A private investigator game. Either based on a film / tv private investigator or original. 'Cat and mouse' game, escape death, solve the case and win over the girl....

Previous assets may be used....

(https://i.imgur.com/8XmAn8I.png)


What is MAGS?
Started in 2001, MAGS is a competition for amateur adventure game makers. The idea is to create a game in under a month, following the rules set by the previous winner. It aims to help you work to a deadline, improve your skills, and provide a kick-start into making adventure games. Regardless of skill, MAGS is for everyone. Voting is based on "favourite" games, and not the most artistic, or the best coded. If you have bad art skills, use it as a chance to do some graphic work. If you're sub-standard at coding, use it as a chance to give scripting a go. Ultimately, people will vote for the most enjoyable entry.

Rules
Entering MAGS is simple. First, conceptualize your game following the month's criteria (see above). Second, create your game fuelled only by coffee. Finally, post your game in this thread, including:

* A working download link
* The title of your game
* A suitable in-game screenshot

At the end of the month, voting will begin, usually lasting for fourteen days, and the winner chooses the next month's theme.

Whoops, I posted this in the wrong forum. Could a mod please move it to the competitions board?

Cheers :-)

Maybe. Depends on the theme. September is going to be a fairly full month as it is since it will hopefully finally be lower temperatures and I plan to start working on things that got pushed back due to heat. But maybe I could find someone to work with? So, yeah. Put me down as as a possible.

Anyone else in?

I’m planning to open September’s jam tomorrow, two whole days early.

Watch this space.

Well, I like a challenge so I guess I'll be in.....  (laugh)

Maybe, if I get a decent idea that motivates me into doing anything. My first MAGS was also in September, so... maybe...  ;) (laugh)

I have an experimental idea I'd like to try out so, if the theme fits, I'll give it a try maybe.

MAGS September is now officially open.

The theme chosen by Slasher is:

Cloak and Dagger

Check the first post for details.

Almost exactly the kind of theme I was hoping for. I'm in most likely!

I'm still only a maybe. I'd have to think of a fairly good idea to do a game on my own.

But if someone wants to work together....

Quote from: VampireWombat on Sun 30/08/2020 15:44:39
I'm still only a maybe. I'd have to think of a fairly good idea to do a game on my own.

But if someone wants to work together....

I can help with some ideas and maybe some scripting..

Quote from: Slasher on Sun 30/08/2020 15:48:32
I can help with some ideas and maybe some scripting..

Thanks, but I was hoping for something more like a mutual partnership.

So anyway, I am going to start work on my entry tomorrow.

"Mythos Busters"

You control a team of private investigators in the 1920s who get caught up in investigating strange goings-on in the city of (naturally) Arkham.

Fucking hell, it’s not even September yet.

Quote from: Stupot on Mon 31/08/2020 07:52:06
Fucking hell, it’s not even September yet.

Hahaha, you think that's bad? I went to a job two weeks ago, a lesson I teach every Friday morning. It's about an hour's bicycle ride there (and another hour back) and it was 39 degrees that day.
I got there are the staff was like "Ummmm, Ross-Sensei, it's Thursday today."
So easy to lose track of what day and date it is these days.

So... anyway.

I might try to make a game this month after all. The theme works well for Urban Fantasy, so maybe I'll finally get around to making one. But first I need to finish this month's game.

If anyone is interested in making an urban fantasy game, let me know. If you're unsure what Urban Fantasy is, the Blackwell series and Unavowed are the best game examples and as well as the Dresden Files and Constantine books/comics.

Quote from: VampireWombat on Mon 31/08/2020 13:04:13
The theme works well for Urban Fantasy

I was actually considering the name "Mythology Busters" and doing an Urban Fantasy theme, but didn't love the idea as much as a Call Of Cthulhu RPG kinda thing.

I think I've also solved the issue of the Lovecraftian monsters never looking as insanity-inducing in onscreen graphics as they are supposed to be in the mythos world...

Quote from: Mandle on Mon 31/08/2020 15:11:43
I think I've also solved the issue of the Lovecraftian monsters never looking as insanity-inducing in onscreen graphics as they are supposed to be in the mythos world...

Sounds interesting. Hopefully it's not a method which can cause seizures.

I've removed a number of posts from this thread.
This thread is about making games and please don't kill the thread by creating dramas based on some very specific wordings.
These kind of discussions about social problems can be place elsewhere, such as the General forum.

I will participate this month as well  :) After some stressfull times I finally have free time again and can't wait to start something.

Quote from: Racoon on Mon 31/08/2020 21:31:22
I will participate this month as well  :) After some stressfull times I finally have free time again and can't wait to start something.

I do hope so  (nod)

Meanwhile, my game is planned out...

I'm in.

Good to hear it.

Anyone else?

Note me down under a 'perhaps', would you? I have an idea. Possibly.

Great to hear we may have more entry's  (nod)

Meanwhile, I have done most of the mechanics and have got a few rooms ready and sorted out a few characters..

The game takes place in a theater where murders have been committed..

"Did the sandbag fall or was it thrown?"
"Who was the shadowy figure on the roof?"
"Maybe a bit of Paganini is called for?"

Play as Dick Casey.....

I am using a variation of my Slasher Template.....

Dick Casey with his iconic bright orange trench coat and telegram capable watch?

I'm still a maybe. I've thought about it some, but I haven't come up with anything useful yet.

Splash image for The Spider's Web

(https://i.imgur.com/RAyQkvW.png)

Got 2 rooms set up....

I have come up with an idea now, too. It will be a story about a mouse detective. When a mouse from the community is murdered, he has to overcome prejudice to prove the innocence of a cat thats under suspicion. It may sound a bit weird, but I hope I can make it work :D

I'm now actually a little confused by the theme. I realized and confirmed that Cloak and Dagger refers to spies, secret organizations, etc. So does this mean that both interpretations are equally valid? Or does the P.I. have to investigate some kind of secret organization?

I love mysteries! But I don't have a game idea... yet. I love the topic, so I'm going to try to figure something out.  :P

Quote from: VampireWombat on Wed 02/09/2020 22:53:26
I'm now actually a little confused by the theme. I realized and confirmed that Cloak and Dagger refers to spies, secret organizations, etc. So does this mean that both interpretations are equally valid? Or does the P.I. have to investigate some kind of secret organization?

I don’t think it necessarily entails espionage or secret societies. I think it can be used quite broadly. We use it in business, politics, maybe even a family context. Any situation involving a web of lies and backstabbing (metaphorical or otherwise).

Quote from: Stupot on Thu 03/09/2020 02:57:36
I don’t think it necessarily entails espionage or secret societies. I think it can be used quite broadly. We use it in business, politics, maybe even a family context. Any situation involving a web of lies and backstabbing (metaphorical or otherwise).

The term 'cloak and dagger', as Stupot says can be broadly used and spying and espionage is just one way to conceive it but is may also reflect murder, mystery and suspense like Columbo or Miss Marple etc etc

If you check out the Topic's sub-heading it is referring to a Detective/P.I...  but you could be a spy solving a case detective style.....

Quote from: Racoon on Wed 02/09/2020 22:18:37
I have come up with an idea now, too. It will be a story about a mouse detective. When a mouse from the community is murdered, he has to overcome prejudice to prove the innocence of a cat thats under suspicion. It may sound a bit weird, but I hope I can make it work :D

I'm getting Mord im Laufrad vibes here! Sounds fun! EDIT: (The English title was Murder in a Wheel.)

Still working on GUIs, which is taking a lot of thought and time in this case, but still in!

I guess I probably shouldn't rely on Tvtropes to clarify genres.

I have vague ideas, but still no main idea.

Quote from: VampireWombat on Thu 03/09/2020 14:24:45
I guess I probably shouldn't rely on Tvtropes to clarify genres.

I have vague ideas, but still no main idea.

I'm not qualified for mutual partnership, but if you want to play ball with your ideas, feel free to drop me a PM.

Actually, I just got an idea a few minutes ago that takes it in a completely different direction. A kid detective.

Quote from: Slasher on Wed 02/09/2020 18:24:27
Splash image for The Spider's Web

(https://i.imgur.com/RAyQkvW.png)

Got 2 rooms set up....

This already looks good :-D

This is the final splash screen..

(https://i.imgur.com/STR78dM.png)

Maybe! I have an idea and could actually complete a side project now that I've got an established routine. Would aim to be done within two weeks.

VampireWombat: what's your main focus (story, art, coding)? Did you wind up settling on the kid detective?

Quote from: Skeevy Wonder on Fri 04/09/2020 08:17:55
VampireWombat: what's your main focus (story, art, coding)? Did you wind up settling on the kid detective?

Generally the art ends up being what gets most focused on. Story almost always ends up less than I want. I'm not great at coding, but I have always been able to get what I need done.

Probably. Maybe. Perhaps. Unless a better idea comes up or someone wants to work with me on a game.

@Slasher
The title screen makes me think of a Case Closed (JP: Detective Conan) episode.  Still cool, though.

Starting to look like a cool competition so far.

Hi

The Spider's Web

My game entry is split into 2 parts... Part 1 is almost complete.

Who was the shadowy figure on the theater rooftop you saw climbing down the ladder?
(https://i.imgur.com/6suMLOf.png)

Quote from: Slasher on Mon 07/09/2020 07:48:19
Who was the shadowy figure on the theater rooftop you saw climbing down the ladder?

Oops, sorry, that was just me. i was up on the roof sneaking a cig because I promised my wife I would quit. Excuse me for causing all the bother with people thinking there was a mysterious villain around and all...

Quote from: Mandle on Mon 07/09/2020 13:55:31
Oops, sorry, that was just me. i was up on the roof sneaking a cig because I promised my wife I would quit. Excuse me for causing all the bother with people thinking there was a mysterious villain around and all...

Dick Casey: "I should arrest you Mandle for leaving fag butts on the roof and being sneaky behind your wife's back, you villain (laugh)

Disclaimer for non-Brits: “Fag butts” has a totally innocent meaning in the UK.

I'm delighted to see so much activity in a MAGS thread! I have a simple enough idea that I might try to get together, but I'm experimenting with a completely new style of graphics so it might not work out. Plus it's been MONTHS since I coded anything, so I might have lost my AGS scripting abilities! We'll see how it turns out...

No one saw anything.  8-)

I still haven't come up with much for my game. But maybe I will do some programming this afternoon using stand in graphics...

Quote from: VampireWombat on Mon 07/09/2020 17:04:46
No one saw anything.  8-)

I saw it  (roll)

How can Dick the 'Tec  avoid certain death from the deadly, Golden scorpion's sting?
(https://i.imgur.com/EYSXe9w.png)

Part 1 of 2 is complete and i am well into part 2.....

Uses a variation of my Slasher Template....

Slasher do you do your art from scratch? Or is it created using a photo? It’s a cool style. Very unique.

Quote from: milkanannan on Tue 08/09/2020 08:06:47
Slasher do you do your art from scratch? Or is it created using a photo? It’s a cool style. Very unique.

Well, more often than not, I take my existing backgrounds (not photos) and manipulate them to the way I want.. I'm no drawing artist ;)

Some are from blank room templates that I amend to my liking like shape, colors etc.

Whatever it takes to make a game instead of whining about my lack of skills in that department...

Thanks for your comments.....

Hey guys, I am also working on my game. After a few days of procrastination, I started by making a walk cycle for my main character. He kind of looks like he is walking a bit too energetic, but I will take it as it is now.

(https://i.imgur.com/cW0P0Fz.gif)

Quote from: Racoon on Tue 08/09/2020 14:54:08
Hey guys, I am also working on my game. After a few days of procrastination, I started by making a walk cycle for my main character. He kind of looks like he is walking a bit too energetic, but I will take it as it is now.
(https://i.imgur.com/cW0P0Fz.gif)

Looks great to me mate ;)... any progress on your idea?

Meanwhile...........

Dick the 'Tec: The Spider's Web

Can Madame la Merre of the Follies La Rouge help Dick the 'Tec?
(https://i.imgur.com/zQQg9wQ.png)

Meeting the girls on stage at the Follies La Rouge.
(https://i.imgur.com/DMAM9UD.png)

Edit: Game progress now 80%...

Quote from: Slasher on Tue 08/09/2020 08:26:30
Whatever it takes to make a game instead of whining about my lack of skills in that department...

That's why you get games finished!!! You and Ed Wood will have a lot to talk about in heaven, and that is in no way a bad thing.

Much better than obsessing over a game for years and then getting bummed out when the reception did not equal the effort.

GO SLASHER!!!

EDIT: I had an inspiration to work on my own game today, and I will tomorrow maybe, and everything I said about it so far may have changed.

Things for the $104 Adventure Game Challenge have ballooned where I'm not likely to work much, if at all, on my game until the 28th. So, I'm still a maybe.
I have enough figured out that I can make the game in 3 days. I just don't know if I'll have the energy and motivation by then.

Hi Mandle,  Me and Ed Wood may well have a lot in common  (laugh)

Hope you complete an entry  (nod)

VampireWombat: I hope you do find the energy and motivation  (nod)

Hi

Dick the 'Tec: The Spider's Web

Game is 100%, now testing...

The first part of this game is not linear as rooms can be done in any order.

Sometimes there is more than one solution to a problem...

Left Click: Interact/Use Inv...  Right Click: Look/Use Inv

I did get some foundations done at least. I'll probably end up using modified versions of Maniac Mansion Mania stuff to be able to get the game done. I plan to work on it some today. Hopefully I will actually finish the game this time.

Dick the 'tec: The Spider's Web

A game of cat and mouse as you investigate deaths at the Follies la Rouge theater and end up walking into a Spiders's Web of sin and murder... and confronting your nemesis, Henretty!

You are Dick the 'tec, the best Dick in town....

This game is in two parts... Part one can be done in any order...and sometimes there is more than one solution to a problem.

Uses a variation of my Slasher Template ..

Left Click: Interact/Use Inventory/Walk
Right Click: Look/Use Inventory/Walk

Please report to me of any issues and I will rectify...thanks...

Small issues resolved.. 13th/14th Sept....

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2467-the-spider-s-web (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2467-the-spider-s-web)

Can Madame la Merre of the Follies La Rouge help Dick the 'tec?
(https://i.imgur.com/zQQg9wQ.png)

Meeting the girls on stage at the Follies La Rouge.
(https://i.imgur.com/DMAM9UD.png)

Who was the shadowy figure on the theater rooftop you saw climbing down the ladder?
(https://i.imgur.com/6suMLOf.png)

How can Dick the 'tec  avoid certain death from the deadly, Golden scorpion's sting?
(https://i.imgur.com/EYSXe9w.png)

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2467-the-spider-s-web (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2467-the-spider-s-web)

I got a promotion at work which is great because it means twice the hours and twice the wonga, but unfortunately it seriously cuts down my free time. I'll still try to complete my entry but it may be much more simple than I initially intended.

I'm not sure twice the hours is a good thing, but twice the "wonga" is definitely a good thing. So congrats on the promotion! :D

My state is on fire, and without going into detail... I've been having an insane week. Smoke is keeping me indoors pretty much, so I am very very grateful to have MAGS to keep my mind off things. Love what's been done by everyone so far!  :)

Quote from: JackPutter on Sat 12/09/2020 14:36:40
I got a promotion at work which is great because it means twice the hours and twice the wonga, but unfortunately it seriously cuts down my free time. I'll still try to complete my entry but it may be much more simple than I initially intended.

Dude, that isn't a promotion. You got cloned.

HanaIndiana: Hope the fires/smoke don't affect you too much and you are ok....

Dick the 'tec: The Spider's Web

Please report to me of any issues and I will rectify...thanks...

A small issue resolved.. 13th Sept....

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2467-the-spider-s-web

PS... People are asked to add some feedback on a game's database page for people to see and to encourage and help developers.....

Opened up the game and got a bit of work done on it today. Not sure if it was positive work or not, but at least it is work....

Quote from: Mandle on Sun 13/09/2020 09:46:51
Opened up the game and got a bit of work done on it today. Not sure if it was positive work or not, but at least it is work....

I'm sure it was positive and at least you are working on it....GO MANDLE GO  (laugh)

Thanks @slasher! I played your game and really like it  :grin:

I got stuck though, and I don't know what I'm missing. I'm assuming its me and not a bug:

Spoiler

I found enough clues where I can only go to the stage and the basement. The stage is empty (though he does say Hi to the girls, but they aren't visible). And I can't seem to do anything in the basement. I recently grabbed the broom.

[close]

Quote from: HanaIndiana on Sun 13/09/2020 18:16:54
Thanks @slasher! I played your game and really like it  :grin:

I got stuck though, and I don't know what I'm missing. I'm assuming its me and not a bug:

Spoiler

I found enough clues where I can only go to the stage and the basement. The stage is empty (though he does say Hi to the girls, but they aren't visible). And I can't seem to do anything in the basement. I recently grabbed the broom.

[close]

Ah,i need to disable stage talk if girls not there., in fact you should not go there if they are gone (new upload).. what places can you now go to?

You will auto go to basement when you have all the clues etc etc

Did you check out the face? Can you go Madame's?

That's the trouble with randomness.

I downloaded it again. I'm not talking to missing girls on stage anymore.  :smiley:
Still stuck though, is it me?

Spoiler

I talked to everyone and have the broom. I'm able to go to the Madam's office and the Basement. Madam left to call police, so her office is empty. I can't figure out how to move along.

[close]

Quote from: HanaIndiana on Sun 13/09/2020 19:25:16
I downloaded it again. I'm not talking to missing girls on stage anymore.  :smiley:
Still stuck though, is it me?

Spoiler

I talked to everyone and have the broom. I'm able to go to the Madam's office and the Basement. Madam left to call police, so her office is empty. I can't figure out how to move along.

[close]

i have just updated download... couple of tweaks..

Once you have completed all girls dialogs including haunted and stone face you will not need to return to stage after leaving.

Spoiler

Have you checked the rosters and looked at all the files in Madames'?

[close]

Can you stay with me for a while?

EDIT: 14th Sept... New version uploaded..

I just finished it. Very nice entry, Slasher. I didn't encounter any bugs. The dialogue and pacing moved along without a hitch.

Yep, no bugs for either! Great game  :-D

Still over half a month to go. Slasher, for you that’s enough tine to build a second entry.  (laugh)

Cheers guys..

Quote from: milkanannan on Mon 14/09/2020 02:46:04
Still over half a month to go. Slasher, for you that’s enough tine to build a second entry.  (laugh)

I need the rest of the time to recoup  (laugh)

Dick the 'tec: The Spider's Web

*** Few bits of grammar/spelling fixed...  Basement roof cleaned up... Active inventory x now viewable during close up of stone face...

I have a shell of a game done (yay!) I'm hoping to have time to go back and add actual walk cycles, animations, cut scenes. So it actually looks like a real game  :grin:
And I'm adding an old-school score element because why not.

Quote from: Slasher on Tue 15/09/2020 05:30:31
Dick the 'tec: The Spider's Web

I played this game on Monday. My impression is that this is probably one of the best releases Slasher has done to date and among the best MAGS entries I've seen. A few quirky solutions to puzzles but otherwise well-paced, a good difficulty level, good story and objective and hits the theme on the bullseye. I might have more to add during the vote but really good work, Slasher.

Thank you for your nice comments Shadow1000  (nod)

Hopefully more games to come from people..

Still a chance I might get my game in as I have a bit of spare time available without work or wife at home over the next few days.

Quote from: Mandle on Sat 19/09/2020 17:44:21
Still a chance I might get my game in as I have a bit of spare time available without work or wife at home over the next few days.

While the wife's away Mandle will be free to make a game  (laugh) Here's hoping... not had a game from you in a while....

My game is still a maybe. I still have 1 more week of the 104 game jam. When it's over, I'll either be so used to working on game stuff that it won't be a problem, or I'll be too exhausted to even think about it...

Well, the bad news is that my XCOM: Enemy Within "Classic Ironman" campaign I have been playing for the last two weeks corrupted its save file with no way of recovery. And DAMMIT, because this was the first time it seemed I might actually win the game at that level of play after 4 or 5 previous attempts!!!

The good news is that I'm not going to start again for quite some time, if ever, and this has broken the hypnotic spell the game had me in.

Full speed ahead on my MAGS entry!

I had an issue with a "stack overflow" error today that took an hour to solve. It just seems that you can't have 25 %s string variables formatting into a single string, so I just split the formatting into 2 separate strings and appended them.

Simple solution but it took the hour to figure out what the actual problem was. Google was no help so I wonder if nobody has ever tried to format 25 %s string variables at the same time before, failed, and asked for help...

Seems like a crazy thing to try to do but here's why I wanted to:

It's the label that shows each character's stats at the top of the screen. Each character has a maximum of 12 stats (Well, 6 stats and 6 "values", but there isn't much difference at the moment) and the stat and value names are all definable within the game, which means each stat name must be a %s and each stat amount must be a %s as well. So that's 24 plus the character's name, making 25.

Basically, I'm trying to conserve the amount of GUI elements so I can fit all the gameplay into just one GUI.

I know I could just split everything into separate GUIS but, in my experience at least, that slowly grows out of control and becomes a slippery slope of "What the eff was I doing again?!" and a kind of slider puzzle of where to put each GUI.

So... Screw that. I'm gonna pack everything into one GUI! (Or maybe two... possibly twelve...)

Now... with that problem solved I just have to decide how this game is actually supposed to be played. I have a few options, but choosing the "funnest" coupled with "possible to actually design" is a tough choice.

But this is MAGS so I will just rush forward blissfully unaware into my instinctive first choice and then look at the game tomorrow and think "WTF WAS I THINKING?!"

Cheerio!

Mandle, did not realise there was a %s limit!

I know if/else if in a function does or did have a limit..

I hope you manage to sort it out and can make a playable game  (nod)

Quote from: Slasher on Mon 21/09/2020 09:15:02
I hope you manage to sort it out and can make a playable game  (nod)

Yeah, I described how I sorted it out, but cheers old mate!

And "playable" might be a stretch but I will try!

QuoteBut this is MAGS so I will just rush forward blissfully unaware into my instinctive first choice and then look at the game tomorrow and think "WTF WAS I THINKING?!"

Love this! MAGS in a nutshell. Glad I'm not the only one.

Has there ever been a competition involving all MAGS winners?

Quote from: milkanannan on Tue 22/09/2020 03:07:13
Has there ever been a competition involving all MAGS winners?

Never to my knowledge...

That would be kind of cool, no? Legacy MAGS: The People’s Choice

I can not finish my game if it would help, since I have never won a Mags...

Quote from: milkanannan on Tue 22/09/2020 03:07:13
Has there ever been a competition involving all MAGS winners?

Are you talking about bringing past winners back for a new contest or voting on past winning entries. The former would be impossible (it’s hard enough getting the numbers when it’s open to everybody, let alone only past winners.) The latter could be fun. We already have MAGGIES which is a vote for the best winning game of the year. We could have a mega-vote of all the annual MAGGIES winners. Or a mega-mega bracketed tournament of all the past monthly winners. (People would be expected to play (Or have played) the games in order to vote on them though. It wouldn’t be worth it for the 12 people who might turn out vote.)

I think it's 50/50 whether I'll get my entry submitted or not. I have put a lot of work in and have a lot of things completed, but I don't have all that much free time coming up so I may not be able to stitch it all together. I'll do my best to streamline things and submit at least a bare-bones version if I can!

Quote from: JackPutter on Thu 24/09/2020 19:33:25
I think it's 50/50 whether I'll get my entry submitted or not. I have put a lot of work in and have a lot of things completed, but I don't have all that much free time coming up so I may not be able to stitch it all together. I'll do my best to streamline things and submit at least a bare-bones version if I can!

As long as you stitch the right parts together I'm sure you'll be fine..

Jump in, the water's lovely  (laugh)

Good job on getting your game done Slasher! I will try it out later today :)  I am also still working on my game from time to time, but I really lack motivation since I lost some of my progress after my laptop shut down because the charging cable came loose. But I still try to get something done, maybe it will be shorter than I planned before.

Dick the 'tec: The Spider's Web

A few minor issues fixed.. 26th Sept....

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2467-the-spider-s-web

Hey guys, i might enter this. But when does it end? I'm a little stressed out here  (laugh) 30th September?

Quote from: Olleh19 on Sat 26/09/2020 13:16:59
Hey guys, i might enter this. But when does it end? I'm a little stressed out here  (laugh) 30th September?

Yes

My game is still a maybe. The game jam ends tomorrow afternoon for me. If I have the energy and motivation, I will start working on the game again Monday or Tuesday.

Anybody got something to show or are you going straight to the bone?  (laugh)

I do have some stuff finished on my laptop. Maybe I'll share next time I use it. I will try to work on my game at least 1 hour tomorrow too.

My entry is currently in a mostly-playable state but is still missing one or two major puzzle pieces. I am working today and tomorrow on long shifts, but I am off on Wednesday so if I knuckle down I should be able to tie up all the loose ends before the deadline!

Quote from: JackPutter on Mon 28/09/2020 15:40:34
My entry is currently in a mostly-playable state but is still missing one or two major puzzle pieces. I am working today and tomorrow on long shifts, but I am off on Wednesday so if I knuckle down I should be able to tie up all the loose ends before the deadline!

One day to go.. Run jack, run.. and you to VampireWombat....and anyone else..

Don't let it be like an old Adam Faith song: Lonely Pup In A Christmas Shop  (laugh)

I'm pretty sure I have things to the point where the hardest part will be making a walk cycle for the player character. So, today I plan to make 1-4 cases and finish up tomorrow. I don't think I'm going to make a large case as I had originally thought. Just going to keep the cases fairly simple and hopefully fun.

My initial project grew out of control and I couldn't come anywhere near finishing it, so I put together this entry in 5 hours from start to finish at the last moment:

DAGGERHELL

(https://i.imgur.com/PYANRr2.png)

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2474-daggerhell/

A game made in 5 hours for the Sept 2020 MAGS, Cloak And Dagger Theme.
Just keep running right while avoiding the cursed daggers of death.
Every now and then you might find a magic cloak. It may save you one time from a stabbing.
Things get harder the further you progress.
Can you make it to room 66?

Mandle: Neat idea  (laugh)

Just giving it a whirl....

I'm working so hard here, damn it! It will be so short tho the game, but i still hope it will be enjoyable. (laugh)

Quote from: Olleh19 on Wed 30/09/2020 17:33:44
I'm working so hard here, damn it! It will be so short tho the game, but i still hope it will be enjoyable. (laugh)

You can do it..... go for it.....  (nod)

Quote from: Slasher on Wed 30/09/2020 17:48:27

Quote from: Olleh19 on Wed 30/09/2020 17:33:44
I'm working so hard here, damn it! It will be so short tho the game, but i still hope it will be enjoyable. (laugh)

You can do it..... go for it.....  (nod)

It is my first attempt at finishing A GAME so it's very important to me! Even tho i will not be 100% satistifed that is for sure. So many issues, but at least the puzzle can be solved! 23:59 tonight probably  (laugh)

My Father's Secret

(https://i.imgur.com/xcI76oS.png)

Your father abandoned you as a child. After many years of searching, you have tracked down where he lives. What awaits you in this mysterious house on the hill?

GAME LINK: https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2475-my-father-s-secret

---

It was touch and go there for a while, but I finally got my entry completed! My poor little laptop almost died about twice while rendering the graphics. I knew basically nothing about 3D modelling when I started this project and I have learned SO much in the past month... if I was to start again from scratch I would do it in an entirely different way! This works as-is though, but that said, if anyone finds any bugs or mistakes please let me know!

FEATURES:

• Stunning full motion video!
• Crisp 320x200 resolution!
• "Ultra-realistic" 3D environments!
• First-person perspective for an immersive exploration experience!

Excellent 3D work  (nod)

Is the file size correct?

Slasher - Thank you! The file size was not correct, I had an extra zero at the end! It's actually 126.86 MB (a bit large) instead of 1.27GB (insanely gigantic) so I have edited the game page to reflect that.

I lacked the energy to complete my game. Good luck to anyone still working.

I am working, however my sideview animation is not complete. Fuck it, You have to run around with front view only! Can i re-upload later once i fixed it? I hope so...Cause it will probably take some days, animation is hard!!! I overestimated my animation abilities completely..

I fear that I shall have to withdraw. My project will simply not do, certainly not this side of Christmas. It was rather more to chew than I would have expected.

Best of luck, however, to everyone still at work!

For interest, my idea was based upon an ancient, ancient game, called B1: Nuclear Bomber. It has not aged well at all, but it is a curiosity. A sort of text parser game, set inside the cockpit of a strategic bomber.

I might try this again, at some point.

Fascinating entries, by the by! Well done!

I will not withdraw i just need confirmation that i can upload the game like in 15 minutes or something, just adding ending screens... (laugh) I didn't touch a single thing other then that, i respect the rules. I have no more time to work on the game for this contest. It is what it is, and the animations failed me. (laugh)

:Edit: Well this sucks, i can't upload the game to the AGS games feature.  Is firefox as a browser a known "bugger"? I guess i have to try another..

Quote from: Olleh19 on Wed 30/09/2020 23:37:52
I will not withdraw i just need confirmation that i can upload the game like in 15 minutes or something, just adding ending screens... (laugh) I didn't touch a single thing other then that, i respect the rules. I have no more time to work on the game for this contest. It is what it is, and the animations failed me. (laugh)

:Edit: Well this sucks, i can't upload the game to the AGS games feature.  Is firefox as a browser a known "bugger"? I guess i have to try another..

Olleh19, just ask Stupot for a short extension. If you're basically finished, but have troubles uploading your game, he'll probably allow it. The more entries, the better.

You need to upload the game to a site (like itch.io or Google Disk or some other upload/download site), then provide the link in the form on this site. This site doesn't hold the games. Does that help any? If you have trouble with the form, you can post the link in this thread and sort out the AGS database form later.

@Olleh. The game doesn't necessarily have to be uploaded to AGS database. If you have a Mediafire or Dropbox link, for example, that is okay too.

I'm setting up the table and stuff soon because this is the only window of opportunity I've got, but I will add yours to the list if you can submit it to this thread in the next day or so.

---

@Everyone. It would be great to see more entries. It's all I want, really. One of the best ways to make sure you have a game to submit at the end of it is if you make a tiny game. Plan small, then cut it in half. Find shortcuts (e.g. walkcycles are time-consuming so I just make my characters static or have it in the first person).

Plan to have your game playable and submittable with a week to spare. This way you have a week to fix bugs, add some flourishes and maybe even get someone to test it.

Plan to submit it a day or so early. This way, if there are any technical issues with uploading, they can be sorted out in time.

Thanks for the entries, guys. voting time is upon us.
Please vote using the poll above.

(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2467_1_thumb_200.png)	The Spider's Web (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2467-the-spider-s-web) by Slasher
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2474_1_thumb_200.png)	DAGGERHELL (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2474-daggerhell/) by Mandle
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2475_1_thumb_200.png)	My Father's Secret (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2475-my-father-s-secret) by JackPutter
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2476_3.png)	Max Fury (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2476-max-fury) by Olleh19

https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2476-max-fury

I was a little late, you have to edit my game in ! (laugh)

Quote from: Olleh19 on Thu 01/10/2020 13:36:55
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2476-max-fury

Did you add a download link for it? At the moment I think the download button just shows an empty area with no links.

Quote from: morganw on Thu 01/10/2020 15:24:18

Quote from: Olleh19 on Thu 01/10/2020 13:36:55
https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2476-max-fury

Did you add a download link for it? At the moment I think the download button just shows an empty area with no links.

*busted* check again. I found a MAJOR crash bugg i had to fix it, i know it's probably against the rules, and i'm ok with that. I had a lot of fun!!

Btw, if i've known this PROPS to AGS Community's file uploading feature. It's so great that you can go in and edit the linkagain without having to re-type all information, etc.
Once you've found new bugs that you've missed!

Edit again: About my little game there are four achievements that can be made! Please let me know how you do guys and girls!  (laugh)

Quote from: VampireWombat on Wed 30/09/2020 22:35:48
I lacked the energy to complete my game. Good luck to anyone still working.

Me too. I have accrued several MAGS games in various stages of completion since 2016.

Quote from: Olleh19 on Thu 01/10/2020 15:30:42
I found a MAJOR crash bugg i had to fix it, i know it's probably against the rules, and i'm ok with that.

I believe bug fixes after the time limit is up are legal as long as no new content is added to the game. We pretty much run on the honor system with MAGS as it's more a personal challenge/motivation to allow people to actually finish and release games than a dead-serious contest. There's no palpable prize for winning except some personal pride and the right to decide the next theme, so there's no reason to cheat.

That's how i've deicided to understand the rules too! However i did add some verbs now, so i guess techically i cheated, but no art was changed, everything like that was kept. To my defense i did add these features before the deadline but forgot to hit the save button it seems.DOH! (roll)

However i'm not "in the contest" as from what i can see on that poll right now, i hope that changes since the game was playable last night i just wished my firefox wuold have let me upload but it was not working properly. Really weird glitch where i couldnt paste in the URL for googledrive, now i'm using mediafire tho.

@Olleh, your game is now included in the voting. Sorry for the delay.

It's okay to go in and fix game-breaking bugs during voting. We want voters to actually have a game that runs on their machine and is somewhat playable. But remember that this is a challenge to see what you can do in a given month, so any tinkering you do after that, including fixing minor glitches, is against the spirit of the competition.

Ideally, come the 1st of the month you will be thinking about your next entry (laugh)

Quote from: Stupot on Fri 02/10/2020 01:31:54
@Olleh, your game is now included in the voting. Sorry for the delay.

It's okay to go in and fix game-breaking bugs during voting. We want voters to actually have a game that runs on their machine and is somewhat playable. But remember that this is a challenge to see what you can do in a given month, so any tinkering you do after that, including fixing minor glitches, is against the spirit of the competition.

Ideally, come the 1st of the month you will be thinking about your next entry (laugh)

Thanks, whats even funnier is i managed to upload a faulthy rar, but it's fixed now, so now it should be playable. My AGS lucks just keeps on continuing. If i can mess things up, I SURE as H..will do so, it seems. I think i had AGS opened while zipping down the compiled folder and that made it freak out somehow. (laugh)

Those of you having to throw in the towel with unfinished projects: why not roll these projects over to next month? Tying a cloak and dagger into a ‘darkness’ wouldn’t be the biggest stretch. :=

Alright, let’s give My Father’s Secret a go... :cool:
(https://i.imgur.com/a7HFXJB_d.jpg)

JackPutter: I love this entry! Quick question for you...

Spoiler

My character got freaked out, ran out the front door, and then was killed. Is this the only ending to the game? I see an unexplored bathroom and two rooms leading off from the mystery box room.

[close]

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 02/10/2020 01:43:29

Quote from: Stupot on Fri 02/10/2020 01:31:54
@Olleh, your game is now included in the voting. Sorry for the delay.

It's okay to go in and fix game-breaking bugs during voting. We want voters to actually have a game that runs on their machine and is somewhat playable. But remember that this is a challenge to see what you can do in a given month, so any tinkering you do after that, including fixing minor glitches, is against the spirit of the competition.

Ideally, come the 1st of the month you will be thinking about your next entry (laugh)

Thanks, whats even funnier is i managed to upload a faulthy rar, but it's fixed now, so now it should be playable. My AGS lucks just keeps on continuing. If i can mess things up, I SURE as H..will do so, it seems. I think i had AGS opened while zipping down the compiled folder and that made it freak out somehow. (laugh)

Hi Olleh19,

Argh I'm having problems these days opening rar files. Is it at all possible to get your game as a zip? Sorry to be a pain.

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 04:27:47
Those of you having to throw in the towel with unfinished projects: why not roll these projects over to next month? Tying a cloak and dagger into a ‘darkness’ wouldn’t be the biggest stretch. :=

That's kind of against the rules.

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 04:45:04

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 02/10/2020 01:43:29

Quote from: Stupot on Fri 02/10/2020 01:31:54
@Olleh, your game is now included in the voting. Sorry for the delay.

It's okay to go in and fix game-breaking bugs during voting. We want voters to actually have a game that runs on their machine and is somewhat playable. But remember that this is a challenge to see what you can do in a given month, so any tinkering you do after that, including fixing minor glitches, is against the spirit of the competition.

Ideally, come the 1st of the month you will be thinking about your next entry (laugh)

Thanks, whats even funnier is i managed to upload a faulthy rar, but it's fixed now, so now it should be playable. My AGS lucks just keeps on continuing. If i can mess things up, I SURE as H..will do so, it seems. I think i had AGS opened while zipping down the compiled folder and that made it freak out somehow. (laugh)

Hi Olleh19,

Argh I'm having problems these days opening rar files. Is it at all possible to get your game as a zip? Sorry to be a pain.

I used Winrar and rar, tell me your prefered format and i'll upload it :)

I mean winzip, or whatever program is "standard" over here, i really dont know what AGS'ers use!

Quote from: Mandle on Fri 02/10/2020 04:51:33

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 04:27:47
Those of you having to throw in the towel with unfinished projects: why not roll these projects over to next month? Tying a cloak and dagger into a ‘darkness’ wouldn’t be the biggest stretch. :=

That's kind of against the rules.

Oh sorry ~ yeah that makes sense.

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 02/10/2020 07:55:28

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 04:45:04

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 02/10/2020 01:43:29

Quote from: Stupot on Fri 02/10/2020 01:31:54
@Olleh, your game is now included in the voting. Sorry for the delay.

It's okay to go in and fix game-breaking bugs during voting. We want voters to actually have a game that runs on their machine and is somewhat playable. But remember that this is a challenge to see what you can do in a given month, so any tinkering you do after that, including fixing minor glitches, is against the spirit of the competition.

Ideally, come the 1st of the month you will be thinking about your next entry (laugh)

Thanks, whats even funnier is i managed to upload a faulthy rar, but it's fixed now, so now it should be playable. My AGS lucks just keeps on continuing. If i can mess things up, I SURE as H..will do so, it seems. I think i had AGS opened while zipping down the compiled folder and that made it freak out somehow. (laugh)

Hi Olleh19,

Argh I'm having problems these days opening rar files. Is it at all possible to get your game as a zip? Sorry to be a pain.

I used Winrar and rar, tell me your prefered format and i'll upload it :)

I mean winzip, or whatever program is "standard" over here, i really dont know what AGS'ers use!

Do you mind posting a link to .zip?

I've changed it to zip so you can just click the game link on the bio !

Edit: here https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2476-max-fury/

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 08:18:41

Quote from: Mandle on Fri 02/10/2020 04:51:33

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 04:27:47
Those of you having to throw in the towel with unfinished projects: why not roll these projects over to next month? Tying a cloak and dagger into a ‘darkness’ wouldn’t be the biggest stretch. :=

That's kind of against the rules.

Oh sorry ~ yeah that makes sense.

But there's been a couple of MAGS where the theme has been to complete unfinished projects.

Quote from: heltenjon on Fri 02/10/2020 08:42:34

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 08:18:41

Quote from: Mandle on Fri 02/10/2020 04:51:33

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 04:27:47
Those of you having to throw in the towel with unfinished projects: why not roll these projects over to next month? Tying a cloak and dagger into a ‘darkness’ wouldn’t be the biggest stretch. :=

That's kind of against the rules.

Oh sorry ~ yeah that makes sense.

But there's been a couple of MAGS where the theme has been to complete unfinished projects.

Ah ok that’s a very good idea.

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 02/10/2020 08:22:22
I've changed it to zip so you can just click the game link on the bio !

Edit: here https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2476-max-fury/

Thank you!

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 04:43:17
JackPutter: I love this entry! Quick question for you...

Spoiler

My character got freaked out, ran out the front door, and then was killed. Is this the only ending to the game? I see an unexplored bathroom and two rooms leading off from the mystery box room.

[close]

I am so glad you enjoyed my game, thank you very much! With regards to your question...

Spoiler

... Yes, that is the only ending. I designed a whole house to explore but didn't have time to implement everything I had planned. This led to multiple rooms not being used. I did my best with the camera angles and kept some out of sight but others like the bathroom were impossible to avoid. Apologies for any confusion caused!

[close]

Quote from: JackPutter on Fri 02/10/2020 10:32:10

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 04:43:17
JackPutter: I love this entry! Quick question for you...

Spoiler

My character got freaked out, ran out the front door, and then was killed. Is this the only ending to the game? I see an unexplored bathroom and two rooms leading off from the mystery box room.

[close]

I am so glad you enjoyed my game, thank you very much! With regards to your question...

Spoiler

... Yes, that is the only ending. I designed a whole house to explore but didn't have time to implement everything I had planned. This led to multiple rooms not being used. I did my best with the camera angles and kept some out of sight but others like the bathroom were impossible to avoid. Apologies for any confusion caused!

[close]

I've played your game too, the father portrait was really creepy along with the music, good job  (laugh)

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 08:18:41

Quote from: Mandle on Fri 02/10/2020 04:51:33

Quote from: milkanannan on Fri 02/10/2020 04:27:47
Those of you having to throw in the towel with unfinished projects: why not roll these projects over to next month? Tying a cloak and dagger into a ‘darkness’ wouldn’t be the biggest stretch. :=

That's kind of against the rules.

Oh sorry ~ yeah that makes sense.

Unless the MAGS winner decides to make a topic like "Finish a previously started MAGS game that you never finished..."  ;)  (laugh)

Hey Guys and Girls that downloaded my game, please do it again! I have had fatal issues, cause there was so much involved in creating my room/game, i think everything should be in place now.
Sorry for those who got confused with chord laying all over the floor when it shouldn't be there, and so on......SORRY! <3

Ok Olleh👍

Quote from: milkanannan on Sat 03/10/2020 12:09:53
Ok Olleh👍

I hope it works out for you now, please let other people know if so, so they also can give it a go, private to me in Private Message if you find a bug, i'm very concerned about the game working properly.

Ok guys, i have a confession to make. I have cheated an aweful lot. It's until today that the game is actually really playable without major bugs. If you want me out of the contest, or rather say if i by chance would win the contest, it would not be fair to you other guys. Yes, it's true i didn't change sprite work, i didn't "add" anything, but i did change confusing dialog, edited the code so heavily. So i pass on the torch to the other guy if i get the most votes. I hope i don't get a lot of hate and anger from you guys now, but i really wanted this first game of mine to be 99% playable, and it just wasn't on the deadline, sadly. But it did push me to create a little game fast, and that i am more then thankful for. That means more to me then winning the contest, i hope you guys understand. I want the game to be fun, not frustrating the player too much.


Best Wishes and luck to you other guys in the contest <3

You’re still in the contest, Olleh.

We knew you were having trouble uploading the game, so that’s not an issue. It’s good of you to admit that you did more tinkering than is perhaps fair. People may take that into account when voting. If you do end up with most votes, you can decide then whether or not to pass the torch.

Quote from: Olleh19 on Sat 03/10/2020 12:41:53
Ok guys, i have a confession to make. I have cheated an aweful lot. It's until today that the game is actually really playable without major bugs. If you want me out of the contest, or rather say if i by chance would win the contest, it would not be fair to you other guys. Yes, it's true i didn't change sprite work, i didn't "add" anything, but i did change confusing dialog, edited the code so heavily. So i pass on the torch to the other guy if i get the most votes. I hope i don't get a lot of hate and anger from you guys now, but i really wanted this first game of mine to be 99% playable, and it just wasn't on the deadline, sadly. But it did push me to create a little game fast, and that i am more then thankful for. That means more to me then winning the contest, i hope you guys understand. I want the game to be fun, not frustrating the player too much.


Best Wishes and luck to you other guys in the contest <3

Well I've played both versions and they seem identical to me. Maybe I didn't get far enough to notice the changes you made. Quick hint needed:

Spoiler

Picked up the pillow, data card, and cup. I've tried everything I can think of - can you give me a loose hint what to do next? Also, is the electronic thing jumping around on the floor what I think it is? (laugh)

[close]

Quote from: milkanannan on Sat 03/10/2020 18:03:07

Quote from: Olleh19 on Sat 03/10/2020 12:41:53
Ok guys, i have a confession to make. I have cheated an aweful lot. It's until today that the game is actually really playable without major bugs. If you want me out of the contest, or rather say if i by chance would win the contest, it would not be fair to you other guys. Yes, it's true i didn't change sprite work, i didn't "add" anything, but i did change confusing dialog, edited the code so heavily. So i pass on the torch to the other guy if i get the most votes. I hope i don't get a lot of hate and anger from you guys now, but i really wanted this first game of mine to be 99% playable, and it just wasn't on the deadline, sadly. But it did push me to create a little game fast, and that i am more then thankful for. That means more to me then winning the contest, i hope you guys understand. I want the game to be fun, not frustrating the player too much.


Best Wishes and luck to you other guys in the contest <3

Well I've played both versions and they seem identical to me. Maybe I didn't get far enough to notice the changes you made. Quick hint needed:

Spoiler

Picked up the pillow, data card, and cup. I've tried everything I can think of - can you give me a loose hint what to do next? Also, is the electronic thing jumping around on the floor what I think it is? (laugh)

[close]

It's not even a hint so i type it out loud here, look for the phonecable, go around the bed, see where it "goes", try to make sense how it's moving around the apartment, look in the blackwindow, cable goes there too!. And try some basic solutions, and click around that area, see if you find anything (laugh)
Puzzles are such a personal experience, some solve it in 5minutes others 45, or even a hour(!). It's amazing to me, how so many people seem to get stuck at that stuff, but it is what it is (laugh)


Good luck tho

The short answer is YES   (nod)

(I forgot to answer you milkanannan, you can take a look on it later. Please do, it's a very ellaborate description of the unit!)

Here are my thoughts about the entries this month:

My Father's Secret by Jack Putter:

Spoiler

What a great game! I really like the 3d video gameplay, and even though I can see there was planned more, there are still good puzzles and a compelling story and atmosphere. Technically brilliant, yet never at the expense of story.

[close]

The Spider's Web by Slasher:

Spoiler

Probably one of Slasher's best short games! Fun play on the tropes of the genre. The story makes use of cliches without becoming one, while serious enough, there's always a raised eyebrow to make me smirk. I liked that the investigation part was so open, and that there were multiple paths in the caves. I hope this isn't the last case we see this detective, sorry, this dick, in.  :-D

[close]

Max Fury by Olleh19:

Spoiler

Despite some bugs at deadline, this game shines, too. It's a really good first game effort. The intro is very impressive, and the gameplay is short, but rewarding. Okay, so there is some juvenile humour and sexual innuendo and more than a few laughs at a certain president's expense, but if that doesn't bother you, this is a fine one-room game. Unfortunately, the title character never made it into the game, but I hope he will turn up in a later case.

[close]

DAGGERHELL by Mandle:

Spoiler

I think I may have spent more time playing this that Mandle spent making it. But "enough already", I just wanted to beat every game before commenting.  :-D This is like one of those VIC20 games, so it's very simple in premise and not meant as a serious contender to winning the contest. Even so, it's charming and quite addictive. I'm impressed that Mandle could make it in only five hours.

[close]

I voted for:

Spoiler

This was really hard. I think that both The Spider's Web and My Father's Secret are exceptional mags games and would be worthy winners. While My Father's Secret probably had the greatest Wow-effect on me, I ended up voting for The Spider's Web, because that's the the longest game with a lot of dialogue and clues, which I love. But it was close, and I suspect I may have voted for Jack Putter's game if he had found the time to put in all the stuff he had planned.

[close]

Thanks for the write-up, heltenjon. I described it to Stupot as an Atari game, but Vic20 is more accurate. Atari couldn't have handled the massive 320x200 resolution.

(Vic-20 resolution was 176x184  := )

Thoughts on all four games:

Spoiler

The Spider's Web - by far the most fleshed out game this month. The pacing is perfect, and I appreciate that Slasher makes it impossible to go back to places that do not need to be revisited. The quick shot of the killer descending the side of the building was a very nice thrill that added some great suspense. I think the violin is a bit overused, but aside from this there is a lot of originality to the entry.

DAGGERHELL - just the name has me laughing (laugh) I think like most, I ended up playing this game way longer than I initially thought I would. Action games made with AGS are either 'horribly unplayable' or 'playable in a clunky way', and this one is definitely the latter. Thanks Mandle - a very enjoyable entry.

My Father's Secret - I got really absorbed in this as I was playing. It is my favourite concept/delivery of the four, but it is unfortunately too short and the ending feels rushed and incomplete. I still want to know what the backstory is on the father, so hopefully JackPutter will flesh this out a bit more!

Max Fury - this looks great, and the setting and puzzles are indeed interesting. I feel the many verbs may have made the project a little too ambitious for a MAGS entry, as it left several areas essentially unfinished or confusing. Given another month this would be a very polished title.

[close]

I voted for...

Spoiler

I'm very happy to give my vote to Slasher this month.

[close]

Sooooooo, i have played Mandel's game, but i quit. I didn't quit because i didn't like it. It triggered a personal issue in my backhead from my mothers old videogame called "computer 3000" if i remember correctly.
I LOVED that console, it was a console that only worked (i believe, probably exists mods for it  in these modern days, perhaps) with the special tv, because you a had huge like almost VHS typ cartridge that you put into the tv so the console got started. This reminded of those days, and my mother when we moved just throw it away without asking me, if i actually wanted to keep, which i wanted, so i got a little bit sad, don't worry tho Mandle it's not really that big of a deal, i just got this feeling of "damn, i miss that console" :cry:
I played to where the ghost (i don't know if it is) changed shape to someone else.  (laugh)

Ironically enough the other game i played was also potentially a bit hurting to me. Since it's a little recognition factor in the son looking for father deal. However i did get stuck. I don't know if it was a bug or anything, but really i do believe i clicked around on everything, and nothing worked. After i've unlocked a certain thing took out a certain thing. Please let me know, or hint me what i'm supposed to do. (laugh)

And i've started playing Slashers game, even tho he has not responded on private message in a while, perhaps he is pissed of like Greta Thunberg "How dare you" upload a game that was unplayable for so long  (laugh), but i'll make it up for him by playing his game, and also since he probably have not played my game, to trigger him to do so. Doesn't he want to read his name in the end credit?  ;)

Also i've edited my own game again by adding a popupscreen (Thanks Heltenjon for the suggestions). Which says you can save anytime by moving mouse to the the mousewheel in the right corner, ironically it's not true, because when that message is typed, it's not possible  (laugh). But once the game starts ofc, and there's an option menu now so you can save load, etc. I didn't bother changing the templates gui, why would i. It's just a demo. But it's easier now if you want to skip the cutscene and just keep playing where you where in the game previously.

Quote from: milkanannan on Sun 04/10/2020 08:26:10

Max Fury - this looks great, and the setting and puzzles are indeed interesting. I feel the many verbs may have made the project a little too ambitious for a MAGS entry, as it left several areas essentially unfinished or confusing. Given another month this would be a very polished title.

It is absolutely right, i am a ambitious man, and creating a game in the "Thimbleweed Park" style, takes a lot of time. But now i have a month or me, perhaps i can do it better and i will (most likely) use Max Fury this time, since he is animated and ready to throw into a game! Did you ever manage to finish the game or was it too farfedged of a solution? I can PM you it if you want too.

Quote from: Olleh19 on Sun 04/10/2020 09:44:53

Quote from: milkanannan on Sun 04/10/2020 08:26:10

Max Fury - this looks great, and the setting and puzzles are indeed interesting. I feel the many verbs may have made the project a little too ambitious for a MAGS entry, as it left several areas essentially unfinished or confusing. Given another month this would be a very polished title.

It is absolutely right, i am a ambitious man, and creating a game in the "Thimbleweed Park" style, takes a lot of time. But now i have a month or me, perhaps i can do it better and i will (most likely) use Max Fury this time, since he is animated and ready to throw into a game! Did you ever manage to finish the game or was it too farfedged of a solution? I can PM you it if you want too.

Spoiler

I have to admit I didn't. I can't seem to interact at all with the 'view' (I can't even 'look' at it - no message comes up). It looks like something took that cord and went crashing through the window. Also, what is the black hole above the bed?

[close]

Quote from: Olleh19 on Sun 04/10/2020 09:39:43


Ironically enough the other game i played was also potentially a bit hurting to me. Since it's a little recognition factor in the son looking for father deal. However i did get stuck. I don't know if it was a bug or anything, but really i do believe i clicked around on everything, and nothing worked. After i've unlocked a certain thing took out a certain thing. Please let me know, or hint me what i'm supposed to do. (laugh)

Spoiler

Here's a hint: there is one area of the father's portrait that you need to examine; however, this area does not have a hotspot (i.e. no text comes up when you mouse over it)

[close]

Quote from: milkanannan on Sun 04/10/2020 11:05:26

Quote from: Olleh19 on Sun 04/10/2020 09:39:43


Ironically enough the other game i played was also potentially a bit hurting to me. Since it's a little recognition factor in the son looking for father deal. However i did get stuck. I don't know if it was a bug or anything, but really i do believe i clicked around on everything, and nothing worked. After i've unlocked a certain thing took out a certain thing. Please let me know, or hint me what i'm supposed to do. (laugh)

Spoiler

Here's a hint: there is one area of the father's portrait that you need to examine; however, this area does not have a hotspot (i.e. no text comes up when you mouse over it)

[close]

Or perhaps:

Spoiler

Have you noticed that after reading the letter, you can push the symbols on the box? The letter should give you clues to the code.

[close]

Quote from: milkanannan on Sun 04/10/2020 11:02:45

Quote from: Olleh19 on Sun 04/10/2020 09:44:53

Quote from: milkanannan on Sun 04/10/2020 08:26:10

Max Fury - this looks great, and the setting and puzzles are indeed interesting. I feel the many verbs may have made the project a little too ambitious for a MAGS entry, as it left several areas essentially unfinished or confusing. Given another month this would be a very polished title.

It is absolutely right, i am a ambitious man, and creating a game in the "Thimbleweed Park" style, takes a lot of time. But now i have a month or me, perhaps i can do it better and i will (most likely) use Max Fury this time, since he is animated and ready to throw into a game! Did you ever manage to finish the game or was it too farfedged of a solution? I can PM you it if you want too.

Spoiler

I have to admit I didn't. I can't seem to interact at all with the 'view' (I can't even 'look' at it - no message comes up). It looks like something took that cord and went crashing through the window. Also, what is the black hole above the bed?

[close]

Forget about the view - it's not implemented.
Black hole:

Spoiler

There's a piece of the cord dangling there. You have to throw it out in order to pull it loose and into the room. After that, it's just a sort of skyview you don't have to interact with, but it has a role in the ending animation.

[close]

As I give these hints, take into consideration that while I have finished the game, I have only gotten three of the four achievements.

Quote from: milkanannan on Sun 04/10/2020 11:05:26



Ironically enough the other game i played was also potentially a bit hurting to me. Since it's a little recognition factor in the son looking for father deal. However i did get stuck. I don't know if it was a bug or anything, but really i do believe i clicked around on everything, and nothing worked. After i've unlocked a certain thing took out a certain thing. Please let me know, or hint me what i'm supposed to do. (laugh)

Already did, yes. But OK I'll give it a new try! (nod)

Quote from: heltenjon on Sun 04/10/2020 12:21:17

Quote from: milkanannan on Sun 04/10/2020 11:02:45

Quote from: Olleh19 on Sun 04/10/2020 09:44:53

Quote from: milkanannan on Sun 04/10/2020 08:26:10

Max Fury - this looks great, and the setting and puzzles are indeed interesting. I feel the many verbs may have made the project a little too ambitious for a MAGS entry, as it left several areas essentially unfinished or confusing. Given another month this would be a very polished title.

It is absolutely right, i am a ambitious man, and creating a game in the "Thimbleweed Park" style, takes a lot of time. But now i have a month or me, perhaps i can do it better and i will (most likely) use Max Fury this time, since he is animated and ready to throw into a game! Did you ever manage to finish the game or was it too farfedged of a solution? I can PM you it if you want too.

Spoiler

I have to admit I didn't. I can't seem to interact at all with the 'view' (I can't even 'look' at it - no message comes up). It looks like something took that cord and went crashing through the window. Also, what is the black hole above the bed?

[close]

Forget about the view - it's not implemented.
Black hole:

Spoiler

There's a piece of the cord dangling there. You have to throw it out in order to pull it loose and into the room. After that, it's just a sort of skyview you don't have to interact with, but it has a role in the ending animation.

[close]

As I give these hints, take into consideration that while I have finished the game, I have only gotten three of the four achievements.

:-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D (nod) That is absolutely correct my friend! Well noticed there! So there is one more :)

Edit: and since you have a options menu and save/load features so you can skip the cutscenes maybe you could give a try at it..It's not as hard as you think. Well it was, but it's not anymore, i'd say! (laugh)

Everyone who votes or plays these games should also take the time to vote on the games page for each game. I keep forgetting to do this, but we could make it a habit. Then at least the MAGS games will get the five ratings necessary to get a player rating.

Quote from: heltenjon on Mon 05/10/2020 14:35:59
Everyone who votes or plays these games should also take the time to vote on the games page for each game. I keep forgetting to do this, but we could make it a habit. Then at least the MAGS games will get the five ratings necessary to get a player rating.

I used to beat that drum, but it’s pointless. So few people rate and comment on the games pages that in the last year only 3 games (out of nearly 100) have had enough ratings to show their score.

I should get back in the habit of reminding people when I announce the start of voting, though.

What does the voting say about participants. Say i wanted to vote on the My Fathers Secret, am i allowed to even vote?
(laugh)

Quote from: Olleh19 on Mon 05/10/2020 19:16:38
What does the voting say about participants. Say i wanted to vote on the My Fathers Secret, am i aloved to even vote?
(laugh)

This differs a bit from contest to contest, so it's a fair question. In MAGS, the participants may vote. You don't have to tell anyone who you voted for, although a bit of positive feedback on things you like is welcome. Most participants don't vote for their own game, but there is no rule about it.

QuoteMost participants don't vote for their own game, but there is no rule about it.

It's an unwritten rule...  ;)

Quote from: Cassiebsg on Mon 05/10/2020 21:02:05

QuoteMost participants don't vote for their own game, but there is no rule about it.

It's an unwritten rule...  ;)

I was about to vote on my own game, he he he. Cause it's too difficult for everybody, so i need to vote a little so i at least get some vote! (laugh) (laugh) (laugh) (laugh)

Hi guys,

My views on games this month....

Spoiler

My Father's Secret by JackPutter
The first thing that gabbed me was the 3D environment. The music was apt.  The puzzles were not too difficult but satisfying enough....  The game was rather short, but even so I enjoyed it... A good effort from Jack who improves with every game..... 8.5  stars...

DAGGERHELL by Mandle
As usual Mandle gives us something different....Something that takes us oldies back a few years... Interesting concept.. Surprised he did not add music....No way did I have the stamina to get to the end....  A bit repetitious...Just tags the topic..... 5.5  stars...

Max Fury by Olleh19
The graphics were fab.. I'm not a lover of 9 verb Template mainly because it's not always fully scripted and lacks some interactions... No music... The puzzle(s) were not too difficult but took a while to fathom them out... The ending could have been smoother as the game just exited,  Did not find game really matched the topic.
As a first game though Olleh19 did very well.... 5.8 stars...

[close]

Thanks for your games guys (nod)

Just downloading all games now and about to play.

I played the games with the exception of Daggerhell and voted.

My comments:

The Spider's Web by Slasher

Spoiler

A few quirky solutions to puzzles but otherwise well-paced, a good difficulty level, good story and objective and hits the theme on the bullseye. For a game created in such a short period of time, the length is also really impressive.

[close]

DAGGERHELL by Mandle

I would love to play but I tried downloading 4 times on different days and I tried three different browsers and my laptop, just in case but each time it was killed by my antivirus.

My Father's Secret by JackPutter

Spoiler

AWESOME, smooth and slick animations! I usually don't like first person views but this one was so immersive! Great background story; falls short when it comes to gameplay. I would recommend fleshing this out to a full game...would be great!

[close]

Max Fury by Olleh19

Spoiler

Nice graphics. Good adaptation of the theme. I am not really a fan of the interface where you have a menu of verbs on the left side rather than left click - interact; right click - look. Puzzles and gameplay were a bit lacking but if this is your first game, then congrats of getting it out under pressure!

[close]

My vote goes easily to

Spoiler

The Spider's Web. Complete in every way; immersive and enjoyable. Big congrats, Les!

[close]

Quote from: Slasher on Tue 06/10/2020 16:36:32
....*spoilers*

I'm more then happy with my score! (laugh)
I've reworked the puzzle, tried to make it more understandable, but it's definately challenging both for the player and the creator (unfortunaly). ha ha ha!!

Edit: It's not on the games download page, it's in my computer, as for now. It will be released in the future, but slightly re-worked to be more understandable. And then the actual "topic" of investigator will show up! (laugh)

Quote from: Shadow1000 on Thu 08/10/2020 23:15:21

Spoiler

Nice graphics. Good adaptation of the theme. I am not really a fan of the interface where you have a menu of verbs on the left side rather than left click - interact; right click - look. Puzzles and gameplay were a bit lacking but if this is your first game, then congrats of getting it out under pressure!

[close]

Hi Shadow1000!

Thanks for your feedback, the amount of work that went into that room is actually quite large. Maybe not too noticeable for the player. I learnt a valuable lesson that's for sure. Puzzle is improved a bit (offline). Forexample when the game start. Instead of having to click on broken window to understand she says in the start about a accident. So the player will know instantly that the phonecable needs to be fixed, by having it come into the apartment again! That was a clear mistake on my side. Sometimes you take things for granted. The puzzle overall was too difficult. However you are actually slightly wrong. On the "Jumpin' object" you are able to use the right button on the mouse!
Did you manage to finish the game? Very few did, which is a clear indication i need to work harder for the next game. It should not be as difficult. At least not in the start of a game!

Lesson learned there for sure... ;)

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 09/10/2020 20:47:06

Quote from: Shadow1000 on Thu 08/10/2020 23:15:21

Spoiler

Nice graphics. Good adaptation of the theme. I am not really a fan of the interface where you have a menu of verbs on the left side rather than left click - interact; right click - look. Puzzles and gameplay were a bit lacking but if this is your first game, then congrats of getting it out under pressure!

[close]

Hi Shadow1000!

Thanks for your feedback, the amount of work that went into that room is actually quite large. Maybe not too noticeable for the player. I learnt a valuable lesson that's for sure. Puzzle is improved a bit (offline). Forexample when the game start. Instead of having to click on broken window to understand she says in the start about a accident. So the player will know instantly that the phonecable needs to be fixed, by having it come into the apartment again! That was a clear mistake on my side. Sometimes you take things for granted. The puzzle overall was too difficult. However you are actually slightly wrong. On the "Jumpin' object" you are able to use the right button on the mouse!
Did you manage to finish the game? Very few did, which is a clear indication i need to work harder for the next game. It should not be as difficult. At least not in the start of a game!

Lesson learned there for sure... ;)

Actually, yes, I did finish the game. I won't say it was easy or obvious but I did solve it.

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 09/10/2020 20:47:06
Did you manage to finish the game? Very few did, which is a clear indication i need to work harder for the next game. It should not be as difficult. At least not in the start of a game!

Lesson learned there for sure... ;)

I just wondered: how do you know that few have finished the game? Unless you have been bombarded with PMs asking for hints, that is. One should think there would be a hint thread or questions here if people were really stuck. Or is it your friends and family who are stuck? That would be understandable - this is a site for people accustomed to the game genre, after all.

Quote from: heltenjon on Fri 09/10/2020 21:14:16

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 09/10/2020 20:47:06
Did you manage to finish the game? Very few did, which is a clear indication i need to work harder for the next game. It should not be as difficult. At least not in the start of a game!

Lesson learned there for sure... ;)

I just wondered: how do you know that few have finished the game? Unless you have been bombarded with PMs asking for hints, that is. One should think there would be a hint thread or questions here if people were really stuck. Or is it your friends and family who are stuck? That would be understandable - this is a site for people accustomed to the game genre, after all.

Well, at least four or five people on here have asked for somekind of hint, it could also be that they just don't want to "get frustrated", so they ask to avoid getting frustrated, which i guess also is a little bit of sign that something is "off". But i am highly critical here of course! Family members have not tried the game as of yet. Sooner or later that will happen! (laugh).

Spoiler

Don't worry, no "big changes" has been done to the puzzle. It's just small tweaks, like i've said she starts of by saying that the phone cord is outside cause of the storm. And also when looking at the cord she will say (clearly a hint). "The cord is much longer now!" or "The cord is longer now so it can be used!". I don't think that spoils anything, but at least maybe it gets into the players brain and eventually maybe they go back and look or think "oh right, she said the cord is longer", and there you go. Puzzle's obviously can be really difficult from person to person, the best one finished it in 20minutes, otherone in 33minutes (i asked them to clock the time). I suppose you could call these guys "family members" alltho i haven't met one of them in real life.

[close]

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 09/10/2020 22:00:35

Quote from: heltenjon on Fri 09/10/2020 21:14:16

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 09/10/2020 20:47:06
Did you manage to finish the game? Very few did, which is a clear indication i need to work harder for the next game. It should not be as difficult. At least not in the start of a game!

Lesson learned there for sure... ;)

I just wondered: how do you know that few have finished the game? Unless you have been bombarded with PMs asking for hints, that is. One should think there would be a hint thread or questions here if people were really stuck. Or is it your friends and family who are stuck? That would be understandable - this is a site for people accustomed to the game genre, after all.

Well, at least four or five people on here have asked for somekind of hint, it could also be that they just don't want to "get frustrated", so they ask to avoid getting frustrated, which i guess also is a little bit of sign that something is "off". But i am highly critical here of course!

(Psst...you may add a spoiler to your last post-)  ;)

Ah, that counts as a PM storm.  (laugh) IIRC, I found some bugs and asked if the game was winnable before trying further. Some frustration about a fair puzzle is okay, but I guess I don't want to spend time until the game works. I thought the puzzle was fair, by the way.

Quote from: heltenjon on Fri 09/10/2020 22:31:52

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 09/10/2020 22:00:35

Quote from: heltenjon on Fri 09/10/2020 21:14:16

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 09/10/2020 20:47:06
Did you manage to finish the game? Very few did, which is a clear indication i need to work harder for the next game. It should not be as difficult. At least not in the start of a game!

Lesson learned there for sure... ;)

I just wondered: how do you know that few have finished the game? Unless you have been bombarded with PMs asking for hints, that is. One should think there would be a hint thread or questions here if people were really stuck. Or is it your friends and family who are stuck? That would be understandable - this is a site for people accustomed to the game genre, after all.

Well, at least four or five people on here have asked for somekind of hint, it could also be that they just don't want to "get frustrated", so they ask to avoid getting frustrated, which i guess also is a little bit of sign that something is "off". But i am highly critical here of course!

(Psst...you may add a spoiler to your last post-)  ;)

Ah, that counts as a PM storm.  (laugh) IIRC, I found some bugs and asked if the game was winnable before trying further. Some frustration about a fair puzzle is okay, but I guess I don't want to spend time until the game works. I thought the puzzle was fair, by the way.

Good to know, Thanks, and thanks for the bug finds(!)

Quote from: heltenjon on Fri 09/10/2020 21:14:16

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 09/10/2020 20:47:06
Did you manage to finish the game? Very few did, which is a clear indication i need to work harder for the next game. It should not be as difficult. At least not in the start of a game!
Lesson learned there for sure... ;)

I finished the game.. it was not over difficult in my opinion... but generally if a game is getting too many 'Help me's'  than it is either bad game design or it really is hard... I think the player should have a good idea of what needs to be done, of course doing it is another matter but at least he has a focus and direction...and the solution should practically be known... like needing a spanner...

Some of us have been part of ags for years and we have played many games..... good design as well as bad design..

As long as Olleh19 realises its hard to be completely unique as many of us have seen it all before. For his first game I thought he done well and no doubt has learnt enough to advance his game development..

I love September's theme. I'm never tired of detective stories in games, books and TV series  :smiley:

My reviews & vote:

Spoiler

The Spider's web
It's a good Slasher production with an interesting story and lots of puzzles. It took me a moment to understand how to de-select an inventory item.

Daggerhell
I died in Room 2. I admit I suck at arcade games. It could be addictive for people who like this genre.

My father's secret
I loved Jack's previous games in 2D and I'm not a fan of 3D games but nevertheless Jack has done a great job here with this horror game.

Max Fury
I didn't understand the puzzles so I didn't finish the game. Like most players here, I don't really like the 9 verb interface unless puzzles are easy. But I look forward to the full version of the game which hopefully will be a bit easier to play.

I voted for the Spider's web because it's quite a long game and it perfectly fits the theme.

[close]

Congratulations to all four game authors for creating quality games!

Quote from: Slasher on Sat 10/10/2020 07:30:52

Quote from: heltenjon on Fri 09/10/2020 21:14:16

Quote from: Olleh19 on Fri 09/10/2020 20:47:06
Did you manage to finish the game? Very few did, which is a clear indication i need to work harder for the next game. It should not be as difficult. At least not in the start of a game!
Lesson learned there for sure... ;)

I finished the game.. it was not over difficult in my opinion... but generally if a game is getting too many 'Help me's'  than it is either bad game design or it really is hard... I think the player should have a good idea of what needs to be done, of course doing it is another matter but at least he has a focus and direction...and the solution should practically be known... like needing a spanner...

Some of us have been part of ags for years and we have played many games..... good design as well as bad design..

As long as Olleh19 realises its hard to be completely unique as many of us have seen it all before. For his first game I thought he done well and no doubt has learnt enough to advance his game development..

Slasher, i think a big part where i've messed up was i should have written in the introduction where she cries. That the phone cable went out the window. That would have explained the phone not working, and clearly hint the player on what needs to be done (Fix the phone to be able to call IRS, Private detective, etc). And yes, you are absolutely right! You live and learn, it was my first attempt at finishing some kind of "little game". Sure, i have played point & click games since i was a kid, but it's different to creating them! Thanks for feedback guys!

I finally got around to playing all of this month's entries! Here are my thoughts:

The Spider's Web by Slasher

Spoiler

A really stellar entry! The puzzles were just the right level of difficulty, there was great variety in the gameplay with many different locations to explore, and the story was nicely fleshed out! I enjoyed the characters very much, and this game was definitely the one that stuck closest to this month's theme in my opinion. I particularly liked the opening sequences where you were exploring the different rooms interviewing everyone, I kind of wish there were more clues to be found in that section. Snooping through files and putting the pieces together is always fun! I think this is a really strong game in general, if I have one minor criticism it is that sometimes the puzzles have the same solution so it got a touch repetitive. At least there were various humorous outcomes to solving each puzzle, even when the method was the same. Other than that minor quibble, I think it's top-notch!

[close]

DAGGERHELL by Mandle

Spoiler

Extremely simple and extremely fun! I spent a lot of time running about those dungeons. Honestly I don't have much criticism to share about this one, it does exactly what it sets out to do and does it without issue. It's a little sparse when it comes to content, but if it were to be expanded with more enemy types, pickups, weapons, or other "enhancements" it would lose the simple charm. It's like a tasty candy bar as opposed to a full meal, and sometimes all you need is a candy bar! This gets a big thumbs-up from me!

[close]

My Father's Secret by JackPutter

Spoiler

Claims to be "full motion video" but only runs at 20fps. A total SCAM.

[close]

Max Fury by Olleh

Spoiler

I loved the artwork for this game SO much! I thought it was a real visual treat, and I'm amazed that you achieved all that in a single month. I also thought the sound design was really wonderful, each action had a well-chosen sound to add extra personality. I share many of the criticisms already mentioned by other people here. I feel the 9-verb interface didn't really add anything, I think "Use" and "Examine" would have streamlined the development process and been easier to work with from the player end too. For me, it didn't really suit the theme all that well, though it seems like you intended detective Max Fury to have a much bigger role and ended up having to cut a lot due to time pressure. The humour wasn't always particularly to my taste but it did get a few chuckles out of me! Overall I think this is a AMAZING effort for a first game! With your art skills and the new knowledge you have gained from this project, you can build on what you did this month and make your next project much more polished!

[close]

Quote from: JackPutter on Sun 11/10/2020 21:33:14


Max Fury by Olleh

Spoiler

I loved the artwork for this game SO much! I thought it was a real visual treat, and I'm amazed that you achieved all that in a single month. I also thought the sound design was really wonderful, each action had a well-chosen sound to add extra personality. I share many of the criticisms already mentioned by other people here. I feel the 9-verb interface didn't really add anything, I think "Use" and "Examine" would have streamlined the development process and been easier to work with from the player end too. For me, it didn't really suit the theme all that well, though it seems like you intended detective Max Fury to have a much bigger role and ended up having to cut a lot due to time pressure. The humour wasn't always particularly to my taste but it did get a few chuckles out of me! Overall I think this is a AMAZING effort for a first game! With your art skills and the new knowledge you have gained from this project, you can build on what you did this month and make your next project much more polished!

[close]

Thank you very much for the feedback Jack! I myself really enjoyed the 9verbs (back in the day, aswell as in Thumbleweed). Cause i grew up with Day Of The Tentacle, Sam & Max, Indiana Jones Fate of Atlantis, etc. However like you've said. It is A LOT of work, and can frustrate the player, eventually. So the game did get much shorter then originally anticipated. I did enjoy Monkey Island 3's verb coin system aswell. Perhaps that is the way to go, but we'll see. It's so far into the future as for now, that it's hard to say what i'll use in the end product. Working on animations and making assets in the room a little bit smaller right now, so the characters can be it's original size and not so upscaled. I always forget that when using reference art from the internet. That is for "normal human size" game characters (at least in point & clicks) rarely have the same size as regular humans. So what ends up happening is i have to scale the characters much larger, so now i'm making the bed and furnitures smaller atm, so the characters fit better into the scene (laugh). Next project will be more polished for sure!


About the humour. I will probably scale down some of that aswell, at least on the sexual department, less of that! Since i believe such things could make the game "none-playable" for kids, which would be bad, ofc.

Edit: Actually i forgot in the ending credits. Music in the game is done by me. So only soundeffects some are from freesound.org or others are done by me.

Well, they don't come any close than this.. .Well done JackPutter in getting a wining draw  (laugh)

Well, how about that? It’s a photo finish.  The Spider’s Web and My Father’s Secret are Joint winners.

Slasher and JackPutter, Well done chaps. You’ll have a chance to put your heads together and come up with a topic for November.

Commizzos to Mandle and Olleh19. Keep on trying.

Congrats to the Winners. Looking at the judges, clearly they've made a thoughtful decision against the Swedish Game Association and it's hard-working crew. This is unacceptable. No games will be further developed ;)

Just kidding, working hard on the "real" game. It was a lot of fun this! Probably will join sometime again in the future, but then i need to be more prepared  (nod). One week and a couple of days wasn't enough.  (wrong)