The Rat Pack started life as a MAGS game which didn't win that edition of MAGS, but much to my surprise did win "Best Non Adventure Game Created with AGS" in the 2018 edition of the AGS Awards. Even when I started making the MAGS version I had the intention of expanding it into a bigger game, which led me to seeing whether I could create a deep and satisfying turn-based strategy game in which all the commands are available on a single screen. I hope players will conclude that I have succeeded.
Although the game is text-based, Kastchey encouraged me to add some nice shiny artwork to it in terms of the menu screens and events, and I'm very glad he did because they add a lot to the game (and perhaps needless to say, he himself provided the excellent artwork for the game). Real life commitments did slow down the development quite a bit but anyway it's finished now!
Thanks to Durq and Lorenzo for their valuable help with testing.
Onto the game itself...
(https://img.itch.zone/aW1hZ2UvMjY1Mjc3LzE0ODUzNTYucG5n/347x500/%2Fkn1%2Fv.png)
The Rat Pack is a text-based, turn-based strategy game. As a young rat trying to make your way in the world, you start off with a small commission from King Rat. By setting up colonies in different locations, completing mission objectives and rising up the ratty echelons you can eventually hit the big time - but it won't be easy!
Do you have what it takes to be a true leader among rats?
The story is split into 3 Chapters:
Humble Beginnings (well a rat's gotta start somewhere, you know?!)
Moving on Up (Still in the country, but living life lush!)
The Modern Urban Rat (this is it boy, we're moving into the city! YAY... but beware all the extra humans of course...)
(https://img.itch.zone/aW1hZ2UvMjY1Mjc3LzcyMDM5MzQucG5n/347x500/ZgVuQk.png)
Each Chapter contains 5 Missions with its own specific objectives, as you slowly start from the yuckiest places to grander surroundings.
(https://img.itch.zone/aW1hZ2UvMjY1Mjc3LzE0ODUzNTEucG5n/347x500/WLURpt.png)
(https://img.itch.zone/aW1hZ2UvMjY1Mjc3LzcyMDM5MzUucG5n/347x500/ZFS0U3.png)
As you progress through the missions, more options will open up so that eventually you will be juggling many options such as foraging for food, digging to expand your next and food storage area, scavenging for treasure which can then be spent on upgrading your Rat Lab and skills such as Trap Evasion, raiding rival rat colonies, improving your rank by sending to tribute to King Rat, who you can then ask for help.
(https://img.itch.zone/aW1hZ2UvMjY1Mjc3LzcyMDM5MzAucG5n/347x500/2XxQA0.png)
(https://img.itch.zone/aW1hZ2UvMjY1Mjc3LzcyMDM5MzMucG5n/347x500/PCLDwh.png)
The Rat Pack (Full Version) is available now on Itch! (https://captaind.itch.io/the-rat-pack-full-version)
(For comparison, this is the main screen for the MAGS game (https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2255-the-rat-pack-mags-version-/)):
(https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/images/games/2255_3.png)
Loved the MAGS version of this! Will try this out ASAP!
Thanks Mandle! Hope you enjoy it. ;-D
Congrats on the release, CD!
I know it's been mainly on me that it was delayed for so long, but I hope that the little bit of extra graphics will be an added value :)
Your graphics definitely add hugely to the game Kastchey! ;-D
In other news, the Linux version of this game is now available.
To celebrate the release I have made it 20% off this weekend:
https://captaind.itch.io/the-rat-pack-full-version
Today is "International Kindness Day" and I've made this game (and everything else I have selling at Itch.io) free today.
https://itch.io/s/59366/international-kindness-day-giveaway
I've released a fairly broad update for the game:
Changes:
- You now see how much Treasure you need before you can give tribute to King Rat and rank up
- Your raiding party will report their status (resting, forming, equipping) before the next Raid can take place
- Random events are slightly less likely now (-10% for mission-specific, -20% for general events)
- The difficulty has been toned down a bit - food consumption has slightly reduced, the threshold at which your rats stop producing babies has been slightly reduced, and the point are which they turn cannibal to survive is slower
- The next turn processes a little quicker
https://captaind.itch.io/the-rat-pack-full-version
I've made the game half-price for a week and it's also in a bundle with the other two games I have on Itch:
https://captaind.itch.io/the-rat-pack-full-version
Will I keep my progress if I update?
Quote from: heltenjon on Sat 12/02/2022 15:22:33
Will I keep my progress if I update?
Yes, I have been careful to avoid anything that breaks the savegame system. On my own tests everything was fine, all achievements etc were still there. As a fail-safe you could rename the savegame folder so you still have access to the old file if needed, but it definitely should work.
To celebrate The Rat Pack (Full Version) receiving nominations in the AGS Awards 2021 for both Best Non-Adventure Game Made With AGS and Best Programming, I've decided to do a giveway. (Also hopefully this means enough people might actually play the game for it to receive some votes in the awards!)
https://captaind.itch.io/the-rat-pack-full-version
75% off until the end of this week:
https://captaind.itch.io/the-rat-pack-full-version