The Longevity Gene

[markbilly]

<< CRITICS LOUNGE THREAD >>
(to continue discussion of the game's demo)

The Longevity Gene is a sci-fi adventure I'm hoping to release in two parts, to make development less daunting. I'm making good progress with Part 1, so here goes...

The Story

You find yourself, completely unaware of your identity, trapped on a damaged cargo ship hurtling towards the surface of an industrial world. Flung into a dystopian world of corrupt corporations and a society divided by technology, you must find out who you are and why you were hidden as cargo.

Features

Character and dialogue driven puzzles and a deep, engaging story.
Detailed sprites and backgrounds, in 320x200 res.
Original MIDI music.

Some screenshots:





Some characters:



Development Progress:

Part 1:

Story: 100%
Scripting: 90%
Graphics: 90%
Dialogue: 80%
Sound: 50%
Music: 20%

All that is left now is adding dialogues and sound and making it all look nice.

EDIT: I underestimated how long the "tidying up" would take, so there is a new release date below.

Expected completion date: First half of 2011.

[Igor Hardy]

Nice graphics and dystopian atmosphere.

[Peder 🚀]

And "its back!" .
Looking lovely!!!

[markbilly]

Yeah, this little project has been knocking around the forums for a while... Thought I'd give it a proper announcing, now I've sorted the graphics direction and story out properly!

[Find Therma]

Wow, both looks and sounds really interesting. Good luck!

[Matti]

Nice. Looking forward to it. I was hoping for another sci-fi adventure to pop up and I really like your style. Also, I'm into dystopian future settings.   

[Wayne Adams]

very nice use of color palette..

good silhouettes on characters too. Looking forward to more...

[Ubel]

There's always room for more sci-fi adventures in this world. This one looks amazing!

[markbilly]

Thanks everyone for the lovely comments!

[Snake]

Looking and sounding great. Reminds me of SOL a bit. Were you inspired at all?

[ThreeOhFour]

Looks good

[m0ds]

Looks great, already feels like quite an epic adventure -- good luck!

[markbilly]

SOL

The main inspirations were Beneath a Steel Sky, Bioware RPGs and sci-fi films like Blade Runner. I have played a criminally small number of adventure games, despite a love and admiration for the genre. I'm just not very good at them. Hence the more character and story based direction I'm going for. I want players to be drawn in and intrigued, not just baffled and frustrated.

[Privateer Puddin']

SOL - http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=detail&id=14

[Matti]

Hence the more character and story based direction I'm going for. I want players to be drawn in and intrigued, not just baffled and frustrated.

Sounds good, but be aware that it's more fun to solve puzzles than to watch an interactive movie. Remember: It's supposed to be a game. Just try to find a good compromise between story + gameplay.

Good luck.

[markbilly]

@Snake & Puddin': Looks nice, shame the download is broken...

@Mr Matti: Yeah, there will be puzzles don't worry! But I'm hoping to balance it so the player can explore and unravel the story through exploration and dialogue as well as the puzzles.

[SuperDre]

It looks absolutely fabulous.. So hope you finish it all soon keep up the great work..

[Dualnames]

I recall when you once said on a pm.. "I can't draw"

Sure..

[markbilly]

It looks absolutely fabulous.. So hope you finish it all soon keep up the great work..

Thanks, so do I!

I recall when you once said on a pm.. "I can't draw"

Sure..

I still can't. Every artist gets to the next level and still feels they could do a lot lot better...

I won't deny I've got a lot better, but I also won't deny that's down to the help of some very talented people and lots of use of inspiration.

[markbilly]

BUMP! with a couple more screenies:





Hope this whets your appetites!

Development is slow, but progress is certainly being made...

[SuperDre]

Wow... the original screenshots already looks great, but this also look unbelievable great... hope it will progress a bit faster

[AngelicCharon]

I've been meaning to comment on this one for a while, and I must say, digging the art direction and story.  

Keeping tabs on it.

Also, slow development at least is development.

[markbilly]

Thanks for the great comments!

Yeah, progress is slower than I wanted it to be, but I'm putting every spare minute (and a  fair few that aren't spare! ) into this, so I really hope that shows in the end...

Hopefully some time near Christmas I will be able to invest a few weeks in solid development too, as by that point I should have shifted some uni work!

[Snake]

Still looking forward to this! Looking good

[Ben X]

I've played a recent build of this, and it's shaping up verrrrry nicely.

You still planning on releasing the two parts separately, MB?

[markbilly]

Thanks Ben!

Yes, first part ETA summer '10

[Darth Mandarb]

markbilly - Thanks for the update (save the thread from being locked).

bbX1138 - Read the forum rules before posting again please.  Do not dig up threads

[GreenBoy]

Thanks Ben!

Yes, first part ETA summer '10

Absolutely wicked news!   

I've been looking forward to this game.

[Ben X]

Darth Mandarb - I have already read the forum rules. The rule I assume you're referring to, states: "If you're interested in an old thread about a project don't post asking about the progress.  Send a PM to the game's author.  If the project has been cancelled and/or abandoned there's no point in bumping the thread!" As I was providing new information about the project - namely that an alpha build has been made and is looking promising - and I already knew that the project has not been cancelled or abandoned, I don't believe I'm in contravention of the letter or spirit of this rule. Furthermore, my post garnered an official release date for the project, so I'd argue it was a relevant and useful one.

[Dualnames]

Ah, that's unfair two posts from Ben out of 4 are in here! I'm so jealous. Anyway, looking seriously to this game. I think it will get me depressed. As all works of art do!

[Ben X]

Ah, that's unfair two posts from Ben out of 4 are in here! I'm so jealous.

Well, I'm more likely to post in a project's thread if I'm privy to alpha builds, you see... 

[Dualnames]

Ah, that's unfair two posts from Ben out of 4 are in here! I'm so jealous.

Well, I'm more likely to post in a project's thread if I'm privy to alpha builds, you see... 

Which still got me wondering..who did you kill to get that alpha..
Sorry for the off-topic Darth.

[Pixelton]

Wow, the artwork is amazing!

I cant wait to give this a try.

[markbilly]

Thanks again for the comments everyone - all this enccouragement/pressure ( ) really spurs me on!

Lets just say Ben's returning a favour... Also, he's much better at 'dialogue' than me!

[Darth Mandarb]

Darth Mandarb - I have already read the forum rules. The rule I assume you're referring to, states: "If you're interested in an old thread about a project don't post asking about the progress.  Send a PM to the game's author.  If the project has been cancelled and/or abandoned there's no point in bumping the thread!" As I was providing new information about the project - namely that an alpha build has been made and is looking promising - and I already knew that the project has not been cancelled or abandoned, I don't believe I'm in contravention of the letter or spirit of this rule. Furthermore, my post garnered an official release date for the project, so I'd argue it was a relevant and useful one.

Congratulations on reading the rules!!

Now don't do that (dig up a thread) again.

Even if you feel it is relevant and/or warranted and/or "in the spirit" just don't do it.  PM the author first.

k thanks.

BACK ON TOPIC PEOPLE.

edit - Off-topic/rule debate posts were removed.  If any of you want to discuss the rules send me a PM rather than more off-topic cluttering up in here.

[Ali]

Thanks again for the comments everyone - all this enccouragement/pressure ( ) really spurs me on!

Lets just say Ben's returning a favour... Also, he's much better at 'dialogue' than me!

That last sentence is more fun if you move the inverted commas from dialogue to favour.

I missed the October update, but all the screenshots look very atmospheric. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the story!

[markbilly]

Small Update.

First post has been edited to reflect the progress I've made. Graphics and scripting now up to ~70%.

I've added a new "Polish" progress bar because it will need a lot before beta testing starts and it means I can ramp the others up to 70%!

Oh, and here's a screenie if you missed it from the critics' lounge:

[Peter Bear]

Courage to end this one.

I really like the graphic / simple shading style, this works fine. So fine.

[Pixelton]

I love the art and the feel of this game, if I wasnt so busy with other projects and concept ideas for a future project I'd PM you and to see if you needed assistance in anything.

Keep it up man, sending you lots of energy in finshing it!

MB

[Questionable]

I've added a new "Polish" progress bar because it will need a lot before beta testing starts and it means I can ramp the others up to 70%!

If you need help translating the game into any other languages besides Polish, let me know!

I'm fluent in English, Piglatin and Gibberish.

[Captain Ricco]

Small Update.

First post has been edited to reflect the progress I've made. Graphics and scripting now up to ~70%.

I've added a new "Polish" progress bar because it will need a lot before beta testing starts and it means I can ramp the others up to 70%!

Oh, and here's a screenie if you missed it from the critics' lounge:

maybe you could make the light beams as a separate sprite so they affect the player as he walks??

I dont know if AGS supports degrees of transparency though...

[markbilly]

maybe you could make the light beams as a separate sprite so they affect the player as he walks??

Already done.

[markbilly]

Good News!

I've updated the first post to better reflect progress.

Part 1:

Story: 100%
Scripting: 90%
Graphics: 90%
Dialogue: 80%
Sound: 50%
Music: 20%

All that is left now is adding dialogues and sound and making it all look nice.

So, yes. I put the last sequence together last night. The remainder of development is now filling in the gaps I left along the way and making it all look extra pretty.

In other news, Matthew Brown (aka GlassMoon) has joined the team to work on the sounds. He is improving or replacing all the existing sounds and making loads of brand new ones. I can assure you they all sound great!

Take a look at Matthew's site: www.mbrownportfolio.co.uk

Also, don't forget to check out all the progress on TLG (and other stuff) by following me on Twitter! www.twitter.com/mark_billy

[GreenBoy]

That is good news!  Really looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[ThreeOhFour]

Smashing news  8)

[Matti]

Good news indeed. I'm really looking forward to this one.

[Stacy Davidson]

Looks awesome!  The minimalist graphical approach reminds me a bit of Flashback and Out of this World (AKA Another World), as well as Steel Sky of course.  Congrats!

-s

[Steve Roderick]

I love the graphics... reminds me of Epsilon 9 or Future Wars or something. I can't wait for this.

[markbilly]

Thanks for the support, everyone!

It is SO close, yet there is so much more to do... Hopefully you won't have to wait much longer, though!

[Galen]

Dr. Manhatten, you're finally wearing shorts!

[Dualnames]

I love the graphics... reminds me of Epsilon 9 or Future Wars or something. I can't wait for this.

Mark said he can't draw. In fact insisted heartily on that part. 

Also,is this gonna take long? I can't wait from day one!

[markbilly]

I'm working hard and so are the sound and music men! this will be done in the next couple of months...

[theo]

It's cool how the style has many colors but still is coherent in it's own muted, dark, depressing way.

Looking forward to this one!

[Takyon]

Been waiting for this for ages, cannot wait for the final result

[markbilly]

It's cool how the style has many colors but still is coherent in it's own muted, dark, depressing way.

thanks for the compliments

Been waiting for this for ages, cannot wait for the final result

It's getting there, don't worry!

[Steve Roderick]

I agree with everybody, this game is intriguing in every way. I'm just as excited for this game to be released as I was when GTA 4 and MGS 4 were released. Even the title - "The Longevity Gene" - I can only imagine what the story will be about, but the title in itself has captured my attention.

And those graphics... I'm kind of an old-school gamer having grown up with the Commodore 64, the NES, and DOS... these graphics are totally retro in the very best way, made by a guy who probably wasn't even born when these systems were in there prime. I can't wait to see some animation...

A definite "must-play" AGS game from markbilly - The Pixel Master.

[ddq]

I want this game inside me.

Please finish this game soon, please.

[markbilly]

I agree with everybody, this game is intriguing in every way. I'm just as excited for this game to be released as I was when GTA 4 and MGS 4 were released. Even the title - "The Longevity Gene" - I can only imagine what the story will be about, but the title in itself has captured my attention.

And those graphics... I'm kind of an old-school gamer having grown up with the Commodore 64, the NES, and DOS... these graphics are totally retro in the very best way, made by a guy who probably wasn't even born when these systems were in there prime. I can't wait to see some animation...

A definite "must-play" AGS game from markbilly - The Pixel Master.

Wow, can I put that on the box?

[Jimbob]

Less talk, more work! Think about the accolades later!

Seriously though. get it done.

[markbilly]

I should point people who follow this thread to the recent AGS blog interview about me and The Longevity Gene:

http://ags-ssh.blogspot.com/2010/08/interview-part-11-long-live-gene.html

Also, I posted this image on my twitter feed recently to illustrate some of the animation in the game (something I haven't managed to showcase much):

[Takyon]

[markbilly]

Right, I've sorted the image. Probably wasn't a good idea trying to link it from twitpic!

[markbilly]

Hi everyone,

I'm afraid this is going to take longer than I first thought. Some bits and pieces came up when it was tested - basically:

A lot of dialogue needs re-writing. Some locations need polishing and fleshing out and I've thought of a couple of extra puzzles. There is also a lot of animation to do, which I had pretty much exclusively left for the time being.

The testing was definitely worthwhile though providing some really useful observations and the game will be ten times better because of it.

As way of an apology, here is a brand new animation:

[Dualnames]

Apology accepted Commander.

[Igor Hardy]

Nice stabbing animation. The game's hero turns out to be quite a brutal man. But I hope that bearded guy is not Jesus.

[markbilly]

The game's hero turns out to be quite a brutal man.

Or does he? - you've hit on something rather important there.

[cianty]

I've seen the light after reading Ascovel's comment. Before, I thought the Hero was slapping the other guy with a stinky fish.  : Sorry....

[markbilly]

Before, I thought the Hero was slapping the other guy with a stinky fish.

Haha!

It is clearer what is going on when in the context of the game, don't worry!

[cianty]

I am sure it will! 

[Tarmstorm]

This reminds me of Beneath a Steel Sky. Things that reminds me of Beneath a Steel Sky makes me happy...

[GreenBoy]

He's much less squinty in the animation.  I like squinty.

[markbilly]

This reminds me of Beneath a Steel Sky. Things that reminds me of Beneath a Steel Sky makes me happy...

Really glad to hear it! BASS is one of my all time favourites and a massive inspiration for me!

He's much less squinty in the animation.  I like squinty.

It's just the way it's scaled. I had to animate this at about 90-95% character size because of where in the room it takes place. Also, because of a scripting quirk that meant I had to use an object, rather than directly animate the characters.

[IanSean]

Hi everyone,

I'm afraid this is going to take longer than I first thought. Some bits and pieces came up when it was tested - basically:

A lot of dialogue needs re-writing. Some locations need polishing and fleshing out and I've thought of a couple of extra puzzles. There is also a lot of animation to do, which I had pretty much exclusively left for the time being.

The testing was definitely worthwhile though providing some really useful observations and the game will be ten times better because of it.

As way of an apology, here is a brand new animation:

It's been almost 3 years now. What is the status of this masterpiece ? Are you still alive ?
Do you need any help finishing it ? I might be able to provide support with art and testing.
Let us know.
Thanks

[Darth Mandarb]

For real?  Seriously?

IanSean - please read the forum rules before further posting.

EDIT 25 Aug 2013 - I've been contacted by markbilly who will be posting an update so I am unlocking this.

[markbilly]

Greetings.

I thought it only polite to let people know what's going on with the project. I have not worked on The Longevity Gene now since very early 2012. However, the project is only PAUSED it is certainly NOT DEAD.

I am currently working on a new version of PMQs: The Game for mobile platforms and after that TLG is back on.

The game is going to require some brutal cutting, de-cluttering and a complete dialogue rewrite so it won't be a short or trivial task.

Feel free to post any questions and I will try and answer them.

Thanks,
Mark

[qptain Nemo]

I am currently working on a new version of PMQs: The Game for mobile platforms and after that TLG is back on.

For a good minute I was genuinely thinking you mean pub master quest and being astonished.

Good luck with all your things.

[Darth Mandarb]

As the game is not in production at the moment I'm going to relock this!

If anybody has any questions please PM markbilly directly!

markbilly - Thanks for the update!  If/when you get back to development on this let me know and I'll unlock it again!  Good luck!

[Ben X]

As story consultant and playtester on The Longevity Gene, it is my sad duty to announce that development of this game has been cancelled. However, there is a version that is playable from beginning to end which Mark is hosting on his itchio page:

https://mark_billy.itch.io/

I recommend everyone have a play through. Although it's unfinished and hence quite rough around the edges, there's a lot to enjoy in this atmospheric little slice of dystopian thriller.

[selmiak]

ohnoes! This too bad. Maybe I'll take a look at that placeholder game!

[Stupot]

As story consultant and playtester on The Longevity Gene, it is my sad duty to announce that development of this game has been cancelled. However, there is a version that is playable from beginning to end which Mark is hosting on his itchio page:

Ahh man. That's a bummer. I was thinking about this title a couple of weeks ago. I guess the longevity wears off even the most long-term projects :-).

[Darth Mandarb]

I unlocked this in high spirits thinking it was back in production. Shame. Since it is not,technically,  in production this must be locked again though   I'll leave it pen for a day or two so people can pay their respects.

[AnasAbdin]

I wanted to play this game ever since I discovered AGS.

[Armageddon]

Man I was so hyped for this. I'm glad he put out a playable version at least, more than most abandoned games ever get.

[markbilly]

Thanks for the kind words, all! If it's not possible to keep this thread open to discuss the unfinished version, what's my best option? I didn't want to start a Completed Game thread, as that's not strictly true.

[Darth Mandarb]

If the game is as complete as you're going to make it then it's okay to put it in completed games (as a demo?).

You could always post it in the Critics Lounge if you want that kind of feedback on it!

Even Adventure Related Talk & Chat would be acceptable!

Or you could just lie to me (all of us) and tell me you've changed your mind and the game is back in production.

[Dualnames]

Longevity Gene and generally markbilly's behavior has been something i always admired, a guy always pushing himself to do better, and even though longevity didn't came out, that's okay, the effort is still worth a nod and a tap on the back.

Dualnames salutes

[Darth Mandarb]

A fitting way to close the thread!

markbilly - if, hopefully, you decide to pick this back up in the future let me know!  I will gladly unlock it!

A thread has been opened in the Critics Lounge
<< CRITICS LOUNGE THREAD >>
(to continue discussion of the game's demo)