[ ON HOLD ] King's Quest 4

[Karens]

Sierra's 4. chapter, The perils of Rosella in 3d, I just need a programmer when the art is done.

It will be true to the original, but without dead ends and having to completely restore when dying.




Some in-game screens (the last pic is a 3d version of the original Kq4 cover);








http://unicorntales.org/kq4-perilsofrosella-remake/



overall progress; 15 % complete

[FrankT]

Hmm? Isn't there some other KQ4 remake in the works?

[smaug]

Well, there certainly was a project from Magic Mirror Games, a project that I followed closely and was very impressed by.
Karens was one of their main artists, and would frequently present some of her beautiful artwork in the MMG forums. From what I have seen of her work, so far, I can only say that, in my opinion, if this project is carried through, then it will be a marvelous and beautiful experience for King's Quest fans and adventure game fans, alike!
I mean, the images speak for themselves, don't they?

The very best of luck with this project, Karens, this is a project I will keep my eyes peeled upon!!!

[Darth Mandarb]

You need two IN-GAME screenshots.  Please review the FORUM RULES and update the first post accordingly.  If you do not have two in-game shots I will lock this until you are ready and can comply with the rules (menu/title screens and promotional art do not count as screenshots).

Thanks

[Sslaxx]

You need two IN-GAME screenshots.  Please update the first post accordingly.  If you do not have two in-game shots I will lock this until you are ready and can comply with the rules (menu/title screens and promotional art do not count as screenshots).

Karens implied that they don't at the moment have anyone to program the game.

[Karens]

Thank you for the kind words Smaug

Yeah, this is just the 3d version since the other one is in 2d,, well, basically
and yes, I do need a programmer so if anyone's interested please email me),

edit by darth - moved images to first post to comply with the rules

[Darth Mandarb]

Thanks Karens!

I hate to be a pain, but are those actually IN game?  I see no character(s), no cursors, no GUIs?  I'm not going to lock this as it now has PLENTY of material to show your progress but people want to see what the game will look like (character, cursor, gui), not just those pretty pictures (and they are pretty)!

Please reply w/ PM so we can keep this thread from becoming a mess.  And to everybody else, let's get back on target and talk about this game and not the previous iterations!

[Karens]

yes,  they are, and I added a series of images, a cutscene, with the main character
(the girl sitting on the throne)

[DrSlash]

I really wish you good luck with it! These screenshots look great and I hope we'll see this project released some day 

[cosmicr]

this looks really exciting! the programming may be difficult however, since kq4 was a pretty advanced game, with day/night cycle, timing, etc.

best of luck!

[snoopy]

Great will this be a Plus version ?

[Karens]

Thanks!, and no, it's not really a plus version, Im only altering and 'polishing' a few of the puzzles, not many though,, to remedy the many dead ends (like the small island mission),

[snoopy]

Ok thanks i have another question will we be able to here the characters talk like a speech pack for example?

[mkennedy]

Im only altering and 'polishing' a few of the puzzles, not many though,, to remedy the many dead ends (like the small island mission),

Getting rid of dead ends is always a good thing, Good luck on the project!

[The Hero]

HI how are you I would just like to say when the game reaches a stage of any testing I would be more then happy to lend a hand  I want to suggest that you post about the project over on http://www.tsl-game.com/index.php a very large number of KQ fans are there of course and it is more active  post over there if you want great feedback
your artwork is amazing i really want this project to succeed many in the fan community would love for a project like this to be done
so again i over any help I can give
 

[Arjunaz78]

Glad to hear that you make a remake of KQ4,besides an already KQ4 remake that currently made by Magic Mirror Games seems to be 'Dead'..(refer to the date of news on their website) 

I very like your artwork and it's a great one!!..i prefer you include the dead ends options,because it will become more challange like AGDI use it on their KQ1 remake. 

p/s: sorry for my bad English. 

THX.

[arj0n]

Off-topic:

...besides an already KQ4 remake that currently made by Magic Mirror Games seems to be 'Dead'..(refer to the date of news on their website) 

There project might not be that 'Dead' after all...

On-topic:
Good luck on this project Karens (and team?)!!

[Sledgy]

OMG, wonderful screenshots!!! 

[Arjunaz78]

Off-topic:

...besides an already KQ4 remake that currently made by Magic Mirror Games seems to be 'Dead'..(refer to the date of news on their website) 

There project might not be that 'Dead' after all...

On-topic:
Good luck on this project Karens (and team?)!!

Did you mean 'King's Quest: Kingdom Of Sorrow' currently in production by Infamous Adventures are actually the King's Quest 4 Remake??
I know they make another King's Quest Remake but it's looks like are not related to King's Quest 4 original..

What i really mean is the Magic Mirror Games is truly 'DEAD' with their 'King's Quest 4 Remake' project.Only refer to them.

p/s: once again sorry for my Bad English 

[Darth Mandarb]

Please take discussions that are not about this game into PMs and leave this thread about this game.  Thanks!

[WHAM]

I've never played Kings Quest 4, but I can't really say this looks inviting either. The characteers seen in the example pictures look, to be frank, poorly posed and deeeep in the uncanny valley. Then there is the issue of the backgrounds shown: All the backgrounds are far too well lit, oversaturated and look like they were cast out of plastic. In the title screen, I cannot tell if the woman's face in the mirror is happy, screaming, in shock or having some sort of twisted orgasm.

I understand it is hard to work with 3D models in a 2D environment, but judging by the fact that you say you only have about 5% done so far, I would warmly recommend looking into some other game engine, that would allow you to work in 3D.

[Nightfable]

I find the graphics really pretty and charming; you'll easily find people interested in joining your team.

Keep it up and don't let anything get you down! 

[agentbauer]

Yes, I agree with Nightfable, but I also suggest that you look for another game engine, as AGS is not the best for making a 3d game.

[Karens]

Hey, sorry for the late reply;

The hero; that's great, I will defin let you know when Im in need of beta testers

I worked a little with the TSL team in the past so I can probably find someone there too, thanks for the advice,


Arjunaz78; thanks, I know the MMgames KQ project appears to be dead, but according to the directors they're still in development,, but yeah, it seems to go mysteriously slow..

Im not sure about dubbing and additional voice packs, I haven't really decided yet, but Im not a great fan of it, I have to admit, as you might end up with some rather cheesy sounding dialogue and narration, (seeing as the game has some cheesy lines here and there),
I'll have to find some really talented people if so... ,, but I will defin. consider it for the future,

And thanks for the encouraging words! , I thought a long time about doing this project to be honest,, being the workhorse I am I already made over 200 backgrounds with animation for the MMgames team and another 10 years with the TSL team, so I have a lot of experience with KQ  and fan game art,

About a 3d engine; (thanks for the link Haggis, I appreciate it!), I’ve looked into those and the amount of polygons, 3d faces I need for my scenes far exceed those in any real time adv. game engine,, so that wouldn’t be possible, (those real time scenes can probably handle a couple of thousand polygons, while mine are usually around a couple of millions..

[Nightfable]

You worked on The Silver Lining? That is so cool!! 

Your screens are gorgeous, how long does it get you to make one background? What program do you use?

[olzen]

I rather like the looks of this! All due respect to developers of VGA-remakes, but it's refreshing to see someone trying something more up-to-date. Good luck with your project

[Radiant]

This looks very cool, and I'd definitely play it!

[smaug]

Awesome images, as always!

I have always had a penchant for VGA graphics, like Kings Quest V and VI, Indiana Jones and the fate of Atlantis, and the like. I have found the three dimensional games I have played, (and granted, there have not been too many) to be somewhat blocky and too 'shiny', (lacking in texture, is perhaps a better description) graphic wise.

But these screens are flourishing with details, textures, beautiful lighting and pure emotion.

I can not wait to see Rosella moving through this, the most beautiful rendition of Tamir, yet!

[Karens]

Thanks:),
Im using Cinema4d, best 3d app in the world,
and I guess it depends on how complex the scene is, the amount of time it takes me,, sometimes I can create a screen in a day or two, and other times I need a week.

[MMMorshew]

Even if the title screen and Rosella looks a bit too kitschy for my taste, all those backgrounds are amazing. They even look a little like photos taken from some handmade miniature world. For some reason, I could also imagine characters made out of modeling clay moving trough these landscapes, like in Wallace and Gromit. 

[Nightfable]

So many details!! I want to jump in there and explore!

BTW, do you have any sprites of Rosella walking yet? I really can't wait to see more!  8)

[Karens]

Even if the title screen and Rosella looks a bit too kitschy for my taste, all those backgrounds are amazing. They even look a little like photos taken from some handmade miniature world. For some reason, I could also imagine characters made out of modeling clay moving trough these landscapes, like in Wallace and Gromit.  

Thanks, maybe it's a KQ dollhouse...

[/quote]

So many details!! I want to jump in there and explore!

BTW, do you have any sprites of Rosella walking yet? I really can't wait to see more!  8)

I haven't started animating her yet, Rosella, but I made a concept thingie, maybe Ill use the model to create some new cover art, I agree the old one isn't too good, a bit kitschy,

Im not sure if she looks a bit unattractive, her nose is a bit round, reminds me a little of the Rosella troll in kq7, but I don't want her to look too glamorous either,



used the wrong texture for the Rosella version with braids, that's why she looked so weird as a peasant girl; in full makeup

I'd take that Rosella model back to the drawing board, frankly.  She's not attractive at all.  Very boyish, and not at all what we've come to expect from the way she is represented in the series.

I think the model itself is well-rendered, certainly--but she's just...homely.

Yeah, I can see the peasant version of Rosella looking a little dull, but she just doesn't look right with full makeup,, I can make her lips a little redder though.


The castle version after some tweaking,





and a first test of a looping walk animation, still needs some work,


http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r26/Karenssss/?action=view&current=Untitled-2.mp4

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r26/Karenssss/?action=view&current=Untitled-3.mp4

[Anian]

I'd use the one that's right next to the full picture with the red dress (second from the right in the middle), the profile one. That one has the nose the right size and the eyes are not to high up. Although some of those face look like Dreamworks models - strong beards, eyes just a bit too high up, round noses etc.  

Btw what is this renedered in, Bryce? It sort of looks like Bryce, on the backgrounds at least. Design looks pretty good I think, keep it up.

[Sslaxx]

I find the graphics really pretty and charming; you'll easily find people interested in joining your team.

Keep it up and don't let anything get you down!  

Nice to see you combined efforts with Agentbauer! This game is getting a lot of love at the moment.

[miguel]

Karens, those are some impressive screens you're showing. Good work.
Don't let anybody say otherwise or that you can't make it on AGS, just do it. The amount of work you're putting in this project is something to be admired.
Good luck, pick your own time to do it and release it when it feels right to you.

[Snarky]

Im not sure if she looks a bit unattractive, her nose is a bit round, reminds me a little of the Rosella troll in kq7, but I don't want her to look too glamorous either,

I haven't been too keen on the background screens (a bit tacky, a bit plasticky, and a bit busy for me), but then I'm not a fan of 3D-rendered art.

I think the character model is very nicely designed, though. Don't worry about her being "unattractive"; it's much better for her face to have some personality and look like a real person than to be generically perfect, interchangeable with every other computer game heroine.

[Igor Hardy]

Yeah, I agree with Snarky about Rosella. She definitely has personality the way you modeled her.

[Lambonius]

I'd take that Rosella model back to the drawing board, frankly.  She's not attractive at all.  Very boyish, and not at all what we've come to expect from the way she is represented in the series.

I think the model itself is well-rendered, certainly--but she's just...homely.

[Darth Mandarb]

Okay, this is getting a little off-track in here.

This is not the critics lounge so let's refrain from critiquing the art-work like a Critics Lounge thread!

Karens - as there seems to be some mixed feelings about Rosella; if you want to get some general advice please post the request in the CL (personally I like how she looks)!

[Nightfable]

The castle version after some tweaking,

]] image removed from quote [[

Oooo, I love her new design! *applause* Does it take long to animate a walk-cycle in 3D? I'm struggling with the my pixel-art Rosella walk-cycles -- I find the animations tougher to do than painting the backgrounds.

[Karens]

Thanks! and yeah, 3d is much easier and quicker, once you have set up models and rigging it's very easy to render out walkcycles and animation, (compared to 2d where you have to draw 4 or 8 walking sprites individually -you only need to plot one walk cycle in 3d and then render it from any angle you want, (if you're planning to learn 3d animation I recommend Motionbuilder by Autodesk, it won't get any easier than that even if the app has a slightly steep learning curve, it's worth it;
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/download/item?id=13581896&siteID=123112

a little update, Edgar,both normal and green,,
and he does look a little goofy with that hairdo

I put this in a new post since the other one is getting really big,

[arj0n]

Something in his face makes him also a bit female...
And, he got boobs 

[MMMorshew]

These models really have personality and look very realistic without being victim of that weird uncanny-vally-phenomenon, but the shiny, glittery rendering and that hairstyle make it look a little barbieish. 

But thats not a problem at all... except his smile. Looks a little like a sinister version of this:
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Media/Pix/pictures/2008/10/15/WallaceGromit460.jpg



But still, your skill at all this is incredible. Keep it up!

edit by darth non-game image removed

[Darth Mandarb]

Do I need to mention again that this is NOT the critics lounge people?  Really?  It's not a difficult concept...

[qptain Nemo]

Even though I don't care about King's Quest, I will play this because this is absolutely adorable.

[Karens]

These models really have personality and look very realistic without being victim of that weird uncanny-vally-phenomenon, but the shiny, glittery rendering and that hairstyle make it look a little barbieish.  

But thats not a problem at all... except his smile. Looks a little like a sinister version of this:
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Media/Pix/pictures/2008/10/15/WallaceGromit460.jpg



But still, your skill at all this is incredible. Keep it up!

edit by darth non-game image removed

Yeah. there is a certain similarity to Wallace's goofy grin,, (or was it Gromit,, hm:)

Something in his face makes him also a bit female...
And, he got boobs  

nah, it's the hairdo, and those are pecs,, I think,,

same model with shorter hair ->




and thanks for the compliments:)

Smexy!! Kiss

I'd have him over the icky pixelated version any day! BTW, I like the pecs.

... Is there a chance we might see him shirtless? *.

heheh

I put the hairdo on Alexander instead, (and I tried create some family resemblance to Rosella);




[/quote]

Loool nightfalbe 

BTW Karen, I suggest you open a thread in the critics lounge, or Darth might get angry, and I don't want to get this thread closed....

SMILE @ Darth

I would, but I don't really have time for a lot of tweaking right now, or c&c, considering the amount of work I have to go through, so I'll just post an update pic now and then,
I can put it up later when Im less swamped, thanks,

[Nightfable]

same model with shorter hair ->

Image removed from quote ... again

and thanks for the compliments:)

Smexy!!

I'd have him over the icky pixelated version any day! BTW, I like the pecs.

... _{Is there a chance we might see him shirtless?} *.*

[agentbauer]

Loool nightfalbe 

BTW Karen, I suggest you open a thread in the critics lounge, or Darth might get angry, and I don't want to get this thread closed....

SMILE @ Darth

[Nightfable]

SMILE @ Darth

Haha, sorry Darth, I couldn't help myself.

I'll keep in check, next time. I promise.  

[Construed]

I must say this is the most beautifull done graphics in any ags game i have seen.
Almost making me rethink doing mine in 3d.

[Karens]

I must say this is the most beautifull done graphics in any ags game i have seen.
Almost making me rethink doing mine in 3d.

Thanks
You should take a look at Daz3d, they have a lot of freebies and apps that make it very easy to get into 3d. Daz studio is an excellent start; (and free)

http://www.daz3d.com/i/products/daz_studio?

[Snarky]

A little update, the king and queen, not sure if he looks a little weird..

Then you should post it to the critics' lounge, like Darth keeps saying.

[Datadog]

Impressive screens so far! Best of luck with the animation - with all that hair and cloth on Rosella, you'll need it.

I'm looking forward to seeing your non-human characters when you get them modeled and rendered.

[Karens]

Impressive screens so far! Best of luck with the animation - with all that hair and cloth on Rosella, you'll need it.

I'm looking forward to seeing your non-human characters when you get them modeled and rendered.

yeah, animation is a whole lot more work , the worst thing is probably trying to create natural movement without models looking like stiff robots, (the hair are polygons though, not 'real' hair, that would slow down the animation to a crawl),

[Anian]

The enterances to the spiral staircases are usually round (like top view of the staircase), because you couldn't really walk down those stairs without crawling, not to mention that you'll have trouble if you try to animate a character walking down them.
But the atmosphere and the texture work are really nice.

[Karens]

The enterances to the spiral staircases are usually round (like top view of the staircase), because you couldn't really walk down those stairs without crawling, not to mention that you'll have trouble if you try to animate a character walking down them.
But the atmosphere and the texture work are really nice.

yeah ideally, but since Im recreating the original Sierra-on-line screens that's my first compromise so to speak

and while the perspective is a little bit off, Im not animating her going through the hole itself -so I'll just fade out the screen when she's at the top of the stairs, I think that's going to work animation wise,

[Anian]

I see, clever.

[Karens]

..

[splat44]

Wow look at those graphics!

I hope development still continues!

[smaug]

Development MUST continue!!!

Abandoning a project this promising and good looking is tantamount to TREASON, and so, must be punished with even harsher methods than possible!!!

Karens, I seem to recall that you posted a wonderful cut scene with Rosella kissing the frogprince, in the MMG forums. I do not know if you plan to use that cut scene in your game, but what I DO know is that if the forum members in the AGS forums had a chance to view the cut scene, they would greatly appreciate it..! 

[Snarky]

Is there any reason to believe the game was abandoned in the sixteen hours between when the last update was posted and when the question was posed?

[Nightfable]

The new screens are stunning! What great attention to detail. :o

Is there any way we can see that Rosella and frogprince cutscene Smaug is talking about?  8)

[agentbauer]

The new screens are stunning! What great attention to detail. :o

Is there any way we can see that Rosella and frogprince cutscene Smaug is talking about?  8)

Even if we get a bit off topic, I'd also like to see that scene

[smaug]

Delightfully broody and eerie, even in broad daylight..!

[Karens]

..

[Construed]

I might be able to help you do some basic coding if your still lacking, just pm me or post on my forums

[Shadow1000]

I have to say that I LOVE the scenes so far!

I think that they are so true to the genre and environment of the game and brilliantly rendered! If this all comes to fruition it could be the next masterpiece.

Good luck!

SHADOW

[Karens]

Thanks GrimReapYou, I will defin. let you know when Im ready to go :-)

and those are some great compliments SHadow100!,, but masterpiece?,, naah, Im no pro by any means, but hopefully this will look a bit better than the blocky, somewhat ugly MoE 3d graphics,  ;P

and apropos Valentine's day





and a little King's Quest nostalgia;

[Shadow1000]

and those are some great compliments SHadow100!,, but masterpiece?,, naah, Im no pro by any means, but hopefully this will look a bit better than the blocky, somewhat ugly MoE 3d graphics,  ;P

Well, the reason I said "could be" is because to me, a great game is mainly how well the puzzles, logic, flow, plot, and characters are developed and the graphics are only a small percentage. I've been an adventure gamer since the old classic Adventure and many other completely text-based games.

That said, because of the environment provided by what I've seen in your screens, I think that the immersion factor is really boosted. They are just so beautiful and set the tone for the game in the sense that they are just as one would picture the world to look like that it brings you right there.

I'm looking forward to playing this!

SHADOW

[Karens]

I completely agree, a pretty game is nothing without a decent plot and gameplay,

and thanks again, tis too sweet

[smaug]

Apart from the images being stunningly beautiful, what impresses me, is their faithfulness towards the original images. They are instantly recogniseable, yet at the same time on a totally different level.

It is like watching a favorite film on an old VHS cassette, on a 12 inch black and white TV, and then watch the same film on blue-ray on a 50 inch wide screen, ten years later...

[Blue]

Karens - you are very talented! I loved KQ4 and I will definetely follow the progress on this remake!

[Domino]

This is Awesome. Keep up the Great Work.

Domino

[Karens]

Thanks, I'll be back with some updates later

[Karens]

a little update,, been working on converting the game's midi files, (these were made in Cubase btw)

original

http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/118934/fisherman%20original

converted

http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/118935/fisherman%20enhanced

original

http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/118936/original%20Sound26-0

converted
http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/118937/enhanced%20Sound26-0

original

http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/118940/original%20cleaning

converted
http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/118942/converted%2062

original

http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/118943/originalo%2069

converted
http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/118947/converted%2069

[Karens]

..

[smaug]

When I see these awesome new images, I really cannot say, which project I am anticipating the most, Peter Jacksons, The Hobbit, or Karens' Kings Quest 4 Excellent, Superbrilliant, MegaDeluxe version..!!!

[Karens]

Thank you , Im really looking forward to The Hobbit too!, the book wasn't overly exciting (after seeing the fantastic movies), but I've heard the Hobbit movie is supposed to be really, really good,

and in the meantime, waiting for various goodies:), you should check out Jolly Rover, a little gem of a game, made by only one guy, but it's one of the most fun, charming click and point games there are imo (much like an AGS game), I really recommend that one, (it's also a little tribute to the Monkey Island games),,
I did a little 3d tribute of my own,

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r26/Karenssss/jolly2.jpg
edit by darth - non-game related image changed to link


game's website
http://www.brawsome.com.au/blog/index.php/games/jolly-rover/

[Armageddon]

Jolly Rover was made with AGS. And technically he didn't do any of the art, he hired a guy to do it from his basic designs.

[Karens]

Jolly Rover was made with AGS. And technically he didn't do any of the art, he hired a guy to do it from his basic designs.

Yeah, the art is nice, but somewhat lacking in detail here and there, very cartoony, I guess it fits the light tone of the game, but overall, imo it doesnt quite justify the terrific gameplay and puzzles.
Maybe next time he'll do the sequel in 3d.. ,)

and thanks Darth for editing the post, I'll be more careful next time when adding non related pics!

[FrankT]

Brilliant so far! But I'm a little worried with how seamlessly they'll integrate with the backgrounds when they go into AGS.

[Construed]

It's pretty easy if your willing to take some time with them, take them in an external editor, add an alpha channel and  do a little edge trimming, takes time though

[Karens]

It's pretty easy if your willing to take some time with them, take them in an external editor, add an alpha channel and  do a little edge trimming, takes time though

Thanks FrantT , and yeah, the 3d app generates alphas automatically, so it's very easy to composite things, you can both generate back and foreground alphas at the same time as everything is rendering (so Im actually just rendering the model itself on a static background, it saves a lot of space and you don't have to edge trim anything.

[Darth Mandarb]

Karens - Your first post no long contains any in-game screenshots.  Please update it according to the rules so I don't have to be evil-moderator-guy and lock this!

thanks for the update!

[Karens]

Thanks Darth,

new site;


http://unicorntales.org/kq4-perilsofrosella-remake/

[smaug]

Nice looking site, and LOTS of beautiful images!

Am I correct in understanding that you have assembled more people to work on this project?

This game is going to be for AGS, what Avatar become for the film industry..!!!

[Karens]

Thank you

and yeah, there are three of us now, working on the game and website.

quote; "This game is going to be for AGS, what Avatar become for the film industry..!!!"

There are some pretty nice looking 2d games for AGS though, Im not sure how to compare to them. My backgrounds are done in days, some of their 2d work is painstakingly drawn by hand, weeks on end, pixel by pixel. An enormous job compared to creating a scene in 3d, so Im not going to even begin to compare my work with that, but thank you very much for your kind words, it's nice to see AGS getting more into different arenas, like 3d, or pre-rendered 3d to be correct

[smaug]

I am, what you might call, a "pixelbuff", myself, and I will always favor the look of the great adventures from the mid-to-late 90's, with such masterpieces as Fate of Atlantis, Kings Quest 5 and 6 and The Dig (a personal favorite), being prime examples.

From the treasure chest of AGS, there are, among others, such wonderful gems as Kings Quest 1, 2+ and 3 redux, A tale of two Kingdoms, and many more.
I follow the development of Heroine Quest with great interest and anticipation...

I was one that did not care very much for the look of Grim Fandango, for example, with the graphics being too sterile, shiny, blocky and lacking in textures, for my taste.
Of course, this is just my personal opinion, and recent polls seem to prove me wrong, as Grim Fandango tops the list over the greatest adventures ever made.
Certainly I realise that there are lots and lots of factors involved in creating a great adventure game, but for me, looks and general appearance, is certainly one of them.

3D programs and software has developed a lot since Grim Fandango, of course, and it seems that the days of blocky graphics are all but gone, but any software, as good as it gets, is just the tool of the artist, in my opinion, and will not achieve anything on its own.

So, I uphold my praise for your work, not in the least in how you achieve to stay so true to the classic backgrounds, and still present them as state of the art backgrounds of the 21. century.

I honestly do believe that if this project is completed, and I REALLY hope it will, it will set a new standard, and take AGS created games even further than many of the past glorious AGS games have done... 

[Karens]

Yeah, I think those old "pixel games" were charming too.
Sometimes I wonder if the overly simplified graphics helped to stimulate the imagination and sense of fantasy in the gamer,, sort of putting in the blanks and questions of an adv. game, like a book. I guess in that sense a very detailed visual 3d world would feel less ..creative for some.

Hmmm,, Grim Fand. had a rather sterile 3d look compared to today's standard, I agree (and I didn't like the game all that much either, to be honest, the plot and story never really grabbed me.

Thanks, I hope it won't take too long, getting this thing wrapped up

[LTGiants2000]

Hi Karens, any updates to your game since last post? Has the information been moved away from this thread or has there been no updates to speak of? Thanks!!

[Karens]

Hi there, we have a new site up and running, so new screens and news will be updated there as well;

http://unicorntales.org/kq4-perilsofrosella-remake/

[smaug]

I really like the mansion room, with the books and the portrait!

Come to think of it, in the original KQ4, was the portrait an image of Roberta Williams..?
I do seem to recall that I thought the portrait looked like the image we got of Roberta, after each death scene, but I have not played the original in quite a few years, and I am not even sure that the portrait was supposed to be Roberta, in the first place.
Anyone knows if this was the case, or not?
Anyway, I think the portrait could provide an excellent opportunity for an in-joke, and I would not at all be surprised if the development team has drawn the same conclusion...

The images are beautiful, as always, keep up the awesome work..!

[Karens]

Thanks Smaug, I never thought about that!.The death pun woman is defin. Roberta, but Im not sure about the portrait in the mansion living room, but maybe there are similarities there too. Looking at the portrait there does seem to be a certain Roberta quality/likeness to it!





another test render of the inventory and some various game items;

[LTGiants2000]

Karens....so well done, bravo. Keep up the great work I can't wait to see more! If you ever need voice acting, I would be honored to assist.

[smaug]

Ah, it is a beautiful portrait, when you see it up close! And it even has a faded, dusty look to it, I love it!

But wait...did I not see her eyes shift..?

[Karens]

quote;
Karens....so well done, bravo. Keep up the great work I can't wait to see more! If you ever need voice acting, I would be honored to assist.

Thanks ! We still haven't decided on adding a voicepack, but it's defin. something we'll consider for the future,
we'll probably put up a poll or two on our website for that.

quote;
But wait...did I not see her eyes shift..?

Yeah, that's kinda creepy, I actually remember a series on tv when I was younger, Brodrene Dahl (Norwegian thingie). In one of the episodes the guys visited a vampire castle or something,, and somebody one the other side of the wall would cut out holes in the wall portrait and you'd see their eyes there, staring at the visitors. That scared the living daylights out of me as a kid, *lol.
I think they did the same thing in Kubrick's movie, (the one with Cruise and Kidman). It's still really, really creepy, but then again I never liked masks,, or even worse, clowns,, I'd take Freddy Kruger any day..  heheh

[deltamatrix]

do you have a sprite of rosella walking?

[Karens]

here are some short walk cycle loops (render tests),

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r26/Karenssss/?action=view&current=Untitled-2.mp4

http://s140.photobucket.com/albums/r26/Karenssss/?action=view&current=Untitled-3.mp4

[smaug]

No one who, as a child, ever saw the moving eyes in the portrait in the Brødrene Dal series, would ever forget it!
I, for one, will never forget, and it seems you had the same bone chilling feeling of excitement, as I had, when I watched the show, for the first time, back in the early Eighties!

As for clowns...well if you do not fancy them to begin with, you definitively will NOT want to read Stephen Kings masterpiece IT..!

Back on topic, now, the game items are fantastic, I especially like the sack of diamonds! Are these items pictured as you plan to show them in the inventory..?

[Karens]

heheh, yeah, I think I actually started crying (and later my dad had to look in the closet for vampires when I was going to bed,, 

and I've actualy seen King's It,, (but only the first half.. heheh


You'll get closeups of all items when picking them up for the first time. Some items can be viewed up close through the inventory too, but only items that can be influenced in some way,, -like opening the pouch etc.
We chose not to add closeups of everything though, -through the inventory,  so not to confuse and frustrate the gamer too much.

[smaug]

Ah, that is one magnificent looking inventory, Karens!

So fitting with the overall atmosphere and mood of the game, and, in fact, Kings Quest, in general..!

[Karens]

Thank you :-)

[deltamatrix]

So just a minute here. How many KQ4 remakes are there now. I count 3 including this one.

[Karens]

So just a minute here. How many KQ4 remakes are there now. I count 3 including this one.

Yeah, seems the MMgames team is up and running again, good for them. In a year or two you might see Telltale's version of King's Quest too ,
but I think it's all good. All three fan versions will be very different, Nightfable's will have new plot and story elements, which is really cool imo.
We will have both a slightly tweaked 1:1 version plus a new improved (somewhat more difficult) second version (two modes in the same game) and mmgames is a completely 1:1 game with everything identical to the original.

[smaug]

It certainly suggests that KQ4 holds a special place in many an adventure gamers hearts, especially, perhaps, in the hearts of those who first played the game as a child, at the time it was originally released.
And now, some twenty years later, many of these children have become very talented adults, who still remember the thrills and joy the games of their childhood gave them, and are willing to spend their spare time, remaking these classics for a whole new generation of gamers to enjoy..!

And I suspect that this is a very good way of reliving and remembering fond memories from the past..!

[Karens]

Yeah, that's true, it's actually the first adv. game I ever played as a kid, so there are a lot of memories there,, absolutely

[LTGiants2000]

Yeah, that's true, it's actually the first adv. game I ever played as a kid, so there are a lot of memories there,, absolutely

+1

Definitely one of the first I played all the way through (I think I had played a few before it but was too young to be able to complete it). It was a toughy though, I think I ended up calling a hint hotline (or paying for the UHS)!

[Karens]

Yeah, me too, as to hint books. I think Al Lowe said in an interview Sierra made more money at one time on hint books than the games themselves.
To be honest I never really liked adv games without any kind of hints built into it,, so we're adding our own dynamic hint system where the gamer can decide for themselves how much they want the clues to reveal

A little update, the Island and a tweaked frog pond and hut;

[DazJ]

Excellent work! These really are magnificent renders and definitely have that right look. Each background seems to be bursting with magic. All the best with this project!

[Karens]

Excellent work! These really are magnificent renders and definitely have that right look. Each background seems to be bursting with magic. All the best with this project!

Thanks!:) We've already progressed quite a lot since this thing started, we're probably around 20 percent done with the art now. Screens will also look better when animated, (like water ripples, etc)

[smaug]

Awesome awesome screenshots!

But, in the nursery room, I find there are a couple of puzzling anachronisms, namely the toy train and the aircraft model. I cannot recall if they were present in the original, or not, but I have to say, I find it unlikely that such technical devices would have been known to the inhabitants of Tamir.
Then again, if the mansion really was a Victorian age mansion, somehow magically transported to Tamir, which, I believe, is mentioned in the KQ4 guide, it would allow us to account for the toy train. However, the aircraft model, I fear, would still be a little bit out of place and time. It is an intriguing problem, and those who are more knowledgeable of the KQ guides, than me, could perhaps shed some more insight into the matter.

And then I wonder, would it be possible to "insert" the Rosella sprite into one of the magnificent backgrounds, just to give a glimpse on how the whole picture, as it were, will look..?

[Knox]

Wow, I really like the grass effect! If you dont mind me asking, how did you do it? Do you use 3ds max or Maya (or some other 3d package)...I always wondered how to render grass like that!

[Karens]

Awesome awesome screenshots!

But, in the nursery room, I find there are a couple of puzzling anachronisms, namely the toy train and the aircraft model. I cannot recall if they were present in the original, or not, but I have to say, I find it unlikely that such technical devices would have been known to the inhabitants of Tamir.
Then again, if the mansion really was a Victorian age mansion, somehow magically transported to Tamir, which, I believe, is mentioned in the KQ4 guide, it would allow us to account for the toy train. However, the aircraft model, I fear, would still be a little bit out of place and time. It is an intriguing problem, and those who are more knowledgeable of the KQ guides, than me, could perhaps shed some more insight into the matter.

And then I wonder, would it be possible to "insert" the Rosella sprite into one of the magnificent backgrounds, just to give a glimpse on how the whole picture, as it were, will look..?

Yeah, *lol, I never thought about that! but you're right, I changed the airplane, I think the train is okay though in a Victorian house.
Also, a little preview visit from Rosella

Wow, I really like the grass effect! If you dont mind me asking, how did you do it? Do you use 3ds max or Maya (or some other 3d package)...I always wondered how to render grass like that!

The grass is done in Cinema 4d, it's basically just some straws put together in a clump and then copied around with render instances (also called proxies) -with random rotation and alignment settings. It's also good to put some translucency or sss (sub surface scattering) in the material and have a little color variation so it doesn't look too uniform. The lighting is the most important thing though, don't put it in front of the grass or too high up, (SSS materials like skin and grass etc, work best with back lighting and diagonal lights).

I fiddled a little with 3ds way back, the 2012-13 versions are a lot more stable and better when poly editing. I guess it's a lot better than  Cinema in terms of modeling and character animation, (Maya is probably the best),, but I've gotten so used to Cinema, everything just goes faster, especially texturing. To be honest I don't really feel comfortable in 3ds, never did, it's such a cluttered, awkward interface imo, but it is the industry standard I suppose. 

[smaug]

Rosella in the nursery!

It is beautiful! Absolutely stunningly beautiful! The lighting, the shadow, everything is perfectly consistent with the background! What an awesome gaming experience this is going to be..!

[Karens]

Yeah, and it's not too long now before our first playable demo is out

Some new screens;

[smaug]

Wow, I love the shark sticking its head out of the water!

I can clearly hear John Williams' immortal two tone cello theme as I watch it..!!!

[Karens]

Wow, I love the shark sticking its head out of the water!

I can clearly hear John Williams' immortal two tone cello theme as I watch it..!!!

Oh yeah, "da dam.., da dam..da dam.. *violins*. whaaaa, ..
it's actually one of my favorite movies (Jaws), plus I love sharks in general, such incredibly fascinating animals


not much to speak of as for game updates though, I'm currently working on tweaking the grass for the outdoor scenes, if anyone finds that interesting... (and yeah, the reindeer is very random..heheh)

[smaug]

I am incredibly fascinated with sharks, too, and Jaws is indeed one of my favorite movies of all time. And even if I know that real Great Whites are nothing like the shark in the movie, it has still instilled in me a primal fear of sharks, that I, most likely, will have throughout my entire life.

"Fear of the shark", to misquote Iron Maiden...

On the topic side, these outdoor scenes are brilliant, the swan dam in particular stands out as a beautiful scene..!

[EchosofNezhyt]

Awesome, Its a nice change to see see 3d art here
Goodjob.

[CaptainD]

This is going to be one amazing-looking game!

[Karens]

Thanks!, that's really nice to hear. I know not everyone is crazy about amateur 3d, but I suppose people in here are slowly getting a bit more liberal as to AGS 3d graphics:)

[smaug]

I believe it depends on how the 3D graphics are executed. I, myself, am primarily a fan of VGA graphics, but the sheer beauty and talent with which you have created your graphics, have won me completely over! And I am sure I am not the only one!
I am afraid you do not qualify as an "amateur", though, as your graphics shine with professionalism throughout..!

[Tabata]

And I am sure I am not the only one!

+ 1


I mostly don't like the 3D graphics in AGS-games that much,
because I am a fan of the old school pixel pushers and what they are able to create.
But what you are coming up with is awesome!
       

[Karens]

Yeah, I know exactly what you mean, the old VGA and pixel graphics were really charming and beautiful in their own right,
taking that into consideration it makes the compliments even better I think,, heheh
It won't be long now till we release our first test demo, and I hope we'll get some constructive criticism for that one so we can make the final release even better.

[smaug]

So a demo is forthcoming? That is VERY exciting news! Is there any chance you can reveal something about what the demo will contain..?

[Karens]

Just a few screens, (the deserted island with some tweaked puzzles),

[Corby]

Hey, looking forward to trying that demo. Good luck!

[smaug]

My summer vacation is upon me, and I would love to spend some of it on a deserted island..!

[Karens]

Thanks! It's not ready quite yet, but hopefully in a month or two.

[smaug]

Is it possible to have a small status report on how the production is going?

Of course, I realise that the glorious weather we have enjoyed in Norway, this summer, may have slowed the progress down somewhat...

[Karens]

Hi, sorry for the late reply!, haven't been here in a while,

yes, we are still going strong, but the summer turned out to be somewhat of a...yes, vacation:), so there has been a temporary stop in production.
Mostly all work is done for the demo, but sadly it takes time to program it all, and since I only do art, sound and animation, everything needs to be checked and synchronized via email correspondence, and that takes time too, so yeah, it might still take a couple of months Im afraid

[smaug]

May the programming fly along, swiftly, like an eight legged, four winged, two horned unicorn..!

[splat44]

Actuall, I played all KQs from Sierra! This one is great and screenshots are excellent! If you need beta testers, I'll be more than glad to help as I did some work in the past in AGS community!

[Karens]

Heee haw!,. .thank you Smaug! heheh

and sure, I will let you know Splat, thanks for that

a few updates;

[smaug]

As always, beautiful and incredibly faithful adaptions of the original screens..!

[Karens]

:-))

[Karens]

a little update on the game, (still working hard to get the demo out soon),


the castle of Lolotte and the swamp,

[Frodo]

Very beautiful!  I love your artwork Karens.   

[Karens]

Thank you! that means a lot!

[Tabata]

... and again some really wonderful backgrounds - all those details - WOW! 

The swamp with all the different plants and play with light/shadow is awesome.
The only thing I don't like that much (might be because I don't understand) is the soft shining around the towers on the pic in the middle.

It's always a big fun to watch your art.
     
Thank you for showing!

[smaug]

Very VERY good to see that the project is moving steadily towards a demo release! And the new backgrounds are, as always, quite astonishing in their beauty!
Even with the vines, and the stable to the left, I get a kind of John Howes Orthanc feeling about the first castle picture. Which, of course, is a VERY good thing..!!!

[Karens]

Very VERY good to see that the project is moving steadily towards a demo release! And the new backgrounds are, as always, quite astonishing in their beauty!
Even with the vines, and the stable to the left, I get a kind of John Howes Orthanc feeling about the first castle picture. Which, of course, is a VERY good thing..!!!

yeah, those pieces are probably my all time faves among fantasy art; the Lotr concept and painted landscapes. A lot of it is also mixed in with photographic elements which makes it appear photo realistic. Some really stunning backdrops and landscapes in those movies, especially the fairy folk and their villages are really nice,


Tabata; hmm,,as for the castle,, I think I might fade down the 'halo' around those towers a bit, the glow there is a little too much, you're right,
thanks again for being so observant!! :-)

[splat44]

Thanks for taking me into considation Karen, looking forward to this and great job for improving those graphics!

edit by Darth - quote removed; no need to quote images like that!

[Radiant]

Very VERY good to see that the project is moving steadily towards a demo release!

Whoa, I missed that news flash. Great, I would love to see a demo!

[smaug]

I think that the demo is eagerly anticipated by lots and lots of AGS forum members, and probably among many other adventure fans as well!

All I want for Christmas is a KQ4 demo! Ok, so maybe a couple of things more then, but a KQ4 demo would be right on top of my list...

[Karens]

Thanks! The demo will be ready in the beginning of 2013.

Here's a little greeting from the team;








and a romantic shot of Rosella and Edgar;




The full high res wallpapers can be viewed (and downloaded) on our new web site servers;

http://unicorntales.org/kq4-perilsofrosella-remake/2012/kq4-general-category/site-upgrades/moved-site-servers/

[smaug]

A royal Christmas, if ever there were one, indeed!

And a Merry Christmas to every one on the team and in the forums!

[OG]

Aye, merry christmas! Very nice pictures. There is one thing that bother me though... Is that child in the first picture going to kill me? I hope not but you never know. It's the crazy look in his crazy eyes!

[Karens]

Ho ho ho,
thank you! *lol :-)


as for the boy, yeah,, I might just use the same model again for... Halloween X)


The pic compression is pretty horrible though, here are some better res.;

http://i46.tinypic.com/1z3uhhw.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/jubbev.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/18hugg.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/343t8xt.jpg

[Karens]

Happy new year from the Unicorn Tales team!


http://i50.tinypic.com/23iv4uo.jpg

[Frodo]

That is gorgous Karens.  I love it!  The fireworks are amazing!   

[smaug]

Very beautiful indeed, Karen, breathtaking!

One thing worries me a bit, though. It would appear as the castle moat is frozen solid, and then covered with snow.
How will the moat monsters fare under such conditions? Perhaps they dig themselves in at the soggy bottom of the moat, and hibernate through the winter months?
I feel a bit concerned as to the well-being of the moat monsters, I must confess, as I have had quite a few close encounters, almost to the point of feeling a certain bond, with them, in the past...

Happy New Year!

[Karens]

Thank you

finished the first of the two covers for the game,

http://i48.tinypic.com/qyai69.jpg

and yeah, Smaug; I know there is a moat around Daventry castle, I guess it's still there, under the snow :-)

[Nightfable]

Keep up the awesome work, Karens. It looks fantastic! 

[Karens]

Thank you Nightfable,and likewise, I hope the game is going well!

Here's a little update, the ghost house and some messy dwarves;

[Lasca]

Really looks awesome.

[Karens]

Thank you so much Lasca! :-)

as for game progress; all screens and backgrounds are now done, and we've only got animation and sprites left.
Still working hard on programming and coding the game, but we're making great progress,, the game is probably 60 percent done!

[Frodo]

When the time comes that you need bug testers, I'd like to volunteer.   

[smaug]

The new images are as stunning as ever! And the news concerning the game being 60 percent complete, REALLY got my blood going!

I just wondered about the status and progress of the demo, could we hope for it to be released in early spring, perhaps..

[Karens]

Frodo, thanks! we will let you know :PP

The new images are as stunning as ever! And the news concerning the game being 60 percent complete, REALLY got my blood going!

I just wondered about the status and progress of the demo, could we hope for it to be released in early spring, perhaps..

Nah, it'll be ready in a month or so! :-)

[smaug]

Which, of course, is much closer in time, than early spring! Especially in the part of the world which I live in, where early spring can easily be defined as the month of April! May the Gods of programming and coding take kindly to you, and make your Quest swift and free of peril..!

[splat44]

Wow I didn't realized it was that soon! Looking forward to test this!

[Karens]

Yep :-) thanks!

a little update, the man hating whale! :O
http://i46.tinypic.com/u4fhz.jpg

[Frodo]

That whale is AWESOME! 

[smaug]

That was one fantastic looking whale, surely he is the Prince of Whales (), and a great, great picture! I suddenly had a flashback to the first time I witnessed the classic 1956 film version of Moby Dick, at the tender age of 10 or 11. It took a firm grip of my imagination and interest, and has never let go!

I was just wondering whether this picture is a still, taken from an animated cut scene, or if it is a standalone piece? Regardless it is a work of art..!

[Karens]

That whale is AWESOME! 

Thank you Frodo :-)

That was one fantastic looking whale, surely he is the Prince of Whales (), and a great, great picture! I suddenly had a flashback to the first time I witnessed the classic 1956 film version of Moby Dick, at the tender age of 10 or 11. It took a firm grip of my imagination and interest, and has never let go!

I was just wondering whether this picture is a still, taken from an animated cut scene, or if it is a standalone piece? Regardless it is a work of art..!

hehe! that's a funny remark, and we do need some funny whale quotes for the game..hmm...
but no, this is a pic from the demo, only a still. If I could animate with that kind of render quality I'd be up there with DIsney and Pixar I think :-) , and just rendering one still like this takes about 2-3 hours of render time

Those animated movies usually need many network farms of computers to generate all that high end 3d, it all takes an enormous amount of computing power and time,, Im just a happy wannabe amateur

[smaug]

Well, one picture can tell a whole story, and that certainly is the case with this whale picture. I have been, and continue to be, an avid comics reader, and I have many single frames, particulary those masterpieces from Carl Barks, burned right into the back of my brain, and there they will stay, for as long as I live. Much the same applies to this wonderful whale picture...

As for Disney and Pixar, they might just headhunt you, if they ever get hold of a copy of the full game, once it is released...

[Karens]

Well, one picture can tell a whole story, and that certainly is the case with this whale picture. I have been, and continue to be, an avid comics reader, and I have many single frames, particulary those masterpieces from Carl Barks, burned right into the back of my brain, and there they will stay, for as long as I live. Much the same applies to this wonderful whale picture...

As for Disney and Pixar, they might just headhunt you, if they ever get hold of a copy of the full game, once it is released...

Thank you! that's mighty sweet of you to say Øyvind! If I were a person who blushed this would be the time!  heheh :-),
I guess the whale is a bit cartoony, cause I changed the teeth, they're actually a couple of human teeth I stole from a daz model, as you can see from the inside of the whale (same set of teeth),, and it'll look better when animated,,

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r26/Karenssss/whale_screen2_zps22e6bc45.jpg

also, if you have any ideas for what to put in the bottle, plug, in the stomach (of the whale), like something funny maybe,, please let me know, so we could add that to the demo. In the original it was just a cheesy sales ad for hintbooks,, but, hmm!, ,maybe we could have it like the man in there, the skeleton, wrote something before he died,, maybe trying to throw it out the blowhole in vain,,
"Please help me, if anyone finds this I'm inside the whale,, no kidding!".... hmm :-)

[smaug]

And it is done, I think...

[Karens]

heheh, that's is really cool, I love the plug idea, and the Italian-ENglish way of writing, funny, I will present the idea to the team, but I doubt they will object, this would be perfect for the plug, and very fairytale-ish in the style of the rest of the game,, and I like how it's revealed little by little when reading it, nice!

ps: could you remove this post? as to keeping it a surprise for the people trying out the demo, as for the letter, you can use my email;
sjokokroko@hotmail.com

heheh,, so cool :PP

[Karens]

The demo is being finalized, so we need play testers,
those interested can email me at;

sjokokroko@hotmail.com



or visit our forums at;

http://unicorntales.org/kq4-perilsofrosella-remake/forum/Forum-Joining-the-project

[smaug]

I do not see myself as a qualified tester, by any means, but I beg that you make sure you acquire the fastest and speediest testers avaliable, so we, the fans, can enjoy the demo as soon as absolutely possible..!

[Karens]

Yes, hopefully it won't be too long now!

[Frodo]

I emailed you, to volunteer as play tester   

[arj0n]

I would have volunteered but I have to much test-projects running now, sorry.
But you've Frodo on board, so your project is in good hands 

[Karens]

Yeah, we have a few testers on board now so I think the demo will be out shortly

[Karens]

The Demo is out;

http://unicorntales.org/kq4-perilsofrosella-remake/2013/kq4-general-category/fully-playable-demo/playable-demo-v11-released/

[Shadow1000]

WOW! Can't wait! Thanks, Karen!!

SHADOW

[Karens]

:-)

[smaug]

I have now played through the demo, for a second time, and I would like to share some of my thoughts regarding the demo...

Where to start?

The visuals are breathtakingly beautiful! The backgrounds, Rosella herself, the talk portrait (with matching facial expressions), they are all exceptionally well excecuted! This world is vibrant, beautifully textured and lit, in short: It is alive!

The sounds are ambient, non obtrusive and help make the few demo screens live and breathe! The subtle arrangement of Greensleeves was perfect as pre- and post score, and especially effective and emotional during the closing scene, with Rosella and the unicorn. I almost had a tear in the corner of my eye, there, for a moment...

The puzzles were great! Not to reveal too much, but I really liked the whistle puzzle!

My favorite moment? The shark attack(s)! Complete with John Williams' immortal two-tone cello chug! I will tell you, my hair stood out in the back of my neck!

I honestly believe that this project will set new standards in amateur game making, and certainly in remaking of classic games, that other developers will strive to meet, for years to come! If the original KQ4, (itself a sizeable technical leap in the adventure game genre) nowadays can be seen as an old twelve inch, black and white TV movie, then this remake is a glorious 60 inch LED TV, widescreen, HD, 7:1 surround version of the same movie!

Keep up the amazing, brilliant work, and thank you for letting us share in the magic..!   

[Sgrondo]

Karens if you want to prepare an italian translation of the game send me a PM when the game will be ready and finished. I'm a "pro" translator.

Edit:
I've played the demo, it's really nice. I can give you a couple of advices: Could you insert more "jokes" please? i mean... when you try to talk with an animal or with a tree, the player is expecting some jokes in Sierra style. And please, don't use this formula "The debris doesn't need your %s." for objects: it works in english language, but if you want to translate the game in other languages, that "%s" could be a problem. In italian and french language (for example), every "noun" must to be preceeded by an "article", the articles could be fem. or ma., it depends from the "noun" that they preceed. So a translator have to write "I detriti non hanno bisogno di un\a %s." where "Un" is for ma. noun and "una" is for fem. noun. "Un/a" (in french un/e) it's ugly, so please, if it's possible, write the same kind of line for every object without using the "%s". Obviously if it's possible and if you consider to develope future translations. 

[Karens]

Hi Smaug, sorry for the super late reply! I've been without my pc for ages, my video card went kaput and I've had no access to the password etc, but let me say, wow, that is absolutely the nicest review and comments we've gotten by far, so sweet! and it really helps the spirit and motivation for keeping up the good work, the game is still going strong! and the Gepetto note was genius, we will be sure to use your help now and then for ideas and inspiration, really clever :-)

Hope you're doing good up there in the north! :-)

[Karens]

Karens if you want to prepare an italian translation of the game send me a PM when the game will be ready and finished. I'm a "pro" translator.

Edit:
I've played the demo, it's really nice. I can give you a couple of advices: Could you insert more "jokes" please? i mean... when you try to talk with an animal or with a tree, the player is expecting some jokes in Sierra style. And please, don't use this formula "The debris doesn't need your %s." for objects: it works in english language, but if you want to translate the game in other languages, that "%s" could be a problem. In italian and french language (for example), every "noun" must to be preceeded by an "article", the articles could be fem. or ma., it depends from the "noun" that they preceed. So a translator have to write "I detriti non hanno bisogno di un\a %s." where "Un" is for ma. noun and "una" is for fem. noun. "Un/a" (in french un/e) it's ugly, so please, if it's possible, write the same kind of line for every object without using the "%s". Obviously if it's possible and if you consider to develope future translations. 

Hi Sgrondo, thanks for the reply and interesting info! We're currently wondering if we should do the demo in French, but we'll see, (if we decide to do an Italian version you will surely hear from us! :-)

and yeah, absolutely ,about jokes, we do try to make more funny quotes, comments and jokes, having more elaborate, long jokes might not suit the rather short narration comments, but we will defin. try to make things more funny, the original also had some really funny stuff, so we also try to use that first and then alter, modify things if it gets too corny :-)

Thanks,

[Damian]

This game looks beautiful

[smaug]

Well, in my opinion, credit should be given, where credit is due, and that is certainly the case with this project!

And I would also like to mention that I am very glad that you chose to present the game in the 3D sprite/2D background form, firstly because I think it makes it much easier to compare your remake with the original and recognise the backgrounds (and marvel at the brilliant updates) and as such it is a truly great homage to the original game.
And secondly, simply because I tend to get very lost, very quickly, in a fully 3D rendered landscape. I remember I did not quite get the hang of, otherwise great games like Grim Fandango, Escape from Monkey Island or even The Silver lining, but, of course, this is surely just a case of habit, on my part.

If there is any small way I can contribute to this project, I would be honoured and thrilled to do so!

Here, up north, the summer has really settled and taken hold! Unfortunately my holiday is still a month away, but when it comes, I plan on one or two short trips down south. I might even make it as far as Bergen, actually, as I have a friend who lives and works at Mongstad...

[Karens]

Thanks Damian

Yeah, there is something about a 2d bg that is easier to navigate and walk through, I agree.
I also find myself lost in 3d games at times, I love fps games though, like Dragon Age or role playing games like FInal Fantasy etc, I love those, but I usually have to explore every little detail and room so, it can get exhausting X),
but I will never stop loving 2d painted adv. games, point and click games. They will be around for a long, long time imo, even if most gaming 'experts' predicted extinction ten years ago, we still love them cause they're easy to get into, navigate, and beautiful to look at without all kinds of 3d effects flying around. Sometimes it just nicer having a storybook kind of game where you read things on-screen instead of doing them all in 3d,

ah, my step dad worked at Mongstad once as well!, now he works for some other oil company and earns a shi** load of money! lucky bastard X)

if you're instered, we do actually need your help Øyvind , We're talking about adding some books in the ghost house, which deals with the history of Tamir and the Unicorn/pirates story,, (which has to be created), I dunno if you're interested, but if you are, please let us know! (just email me),

We also need a permanent team member to do narrations, they should be light-hearted and funny, and also interesting and clever, so of course I thought of you , but again, you can think about it and let us know, it would however be amazing to have you on our team though!

We also need a person to do walk behind masks, if anyone is interested, email me at; sjokokroko@hotmail.com

[Karens]

the final poster for the remake game;

[kaput]

I'll be honest and say that the portrait in the middle is really cool, I'm not sure it reflects the story perfectly, but it's appealing. The border kind of ruins it, though. It's a nice logo form you have chosen, but the border and other font choices kind of cheapen it for me. I say do away with the border - you don't need it. The subtitle looks a little insignificant and the text at the bottom looks (sorry) like an after thought. You guys are awesome with the graphics in this game and have done a seriously great job thus far. I'd hate to see the cover (really important) tarnish the game.

[smaug]

I love the poster, I think it is magnificent! If this were the cover of a DVD, or a book, I know I would simply have to buy a copy! As this actually is a cover for a computer game, I simply have to play the game! But then I knew that, allready..!

By the way, Karens, did you manage to convert the last files I sent you..?

[Karens]

Thanks for the compliments! :-)

Penguin; I agree that the border and text are somewhat big and take up a lot of space, but, I really wanted it to look like a 90's KQ game box, that's the idea behind the look
but I will defin. think about it though, making it smaller, it's an interesting idea, but, Im not sure if maybe the text and game title would end up too small, and hard to make out, especially the top one with  glows and star shine etc, but thanks for the input! and likewise with the comments on the ROsella talk portraits, it means a lot to hear that! I was very unsure about the new edits, but hearing that makes me feel a lot better about them! :-)

Smaug, sorry for taking so long to get back to you, Ive been swamped with work lately, but I love the story and it's really good!, it just needs some editing length wise, but I don't really want to cut out anything without your approval, so Im trying to find a compromise.
I will send you an email and reply in a couple of days! and thank you again for contributing with your awesome ideas and stories, it'll make Tamir a much more exciting place to explore!


a little update, some final talk portraits,

[smaug]

Beautiful, beautiful talk portraits! The ones with Rosella in her royal gown, and those of Genesta would have to be my favorites. The ones of Genesta take the character in a more fairylike direction, as opposed to her original appearance, and I, for one, find that very interesting and fitting. Not to mention the fact that she is very beautiful..!

[BornOfBlackEarth]

The models look great!  I can tell, there's a lot of love put into this production!  I agree with the choice of picking KQ4 for a remake.  KQ6, for example, really got the royal treatment.  It would be a shame to remake KQ6.  But "Perils of Rosella" is one that has been begging for a revamp for quite a long time.

I am quite curious to know how the game engine works, once it reaches that phase.  Keep us posted!  And of course, love to AGSers all around the world!!!

[Karens]

Thanks smaug and bornofblackeart! :-))

and yeah, SMaug; I guess Genesta and Lolotte probably has more of a fairytale look to them, like a very classic (almost cliche!? look, but then again, I didn't care for the very barbie doll kind of look ROsella and Genesta had in the original, while Lolotte looked like an old hag, I wanted her to be more dolled up and , well,, sexy is maybe not the right word for Lolotte , but more so than Genesta that I saw as a more inncocent, child like character, (maybe a bit helpless as to the more direct, powerful Lolotte who just takes what she wants), it fits nicely with the "please help me Rosella, Im just a small helpless fairy..." X),

Here are some closeups in Genesta's bedroom,

[smaug]

Gorgeous pictures, as always! I really like the shiny look of the marble floor! I do not think a bed room can get any more "fairyish" than this..!

[chaiavi]

I am so sorry to be the bearer of these sad news.

I think this is the best thread to write them though.

Karen S, had some health complications which she didn't come out from, may her soul rest in peace.



Karen was a very gifted artist and a close (though virtual) friend of mine and her passing is a big loss to me personally as it is a big loss to the community.


Karen contributed to several projects dedicating her time and talent without regard to herself.



Her greatest contribution to date is her remake to King's Quest IV the perils of Rosella as you can see from this thread.

I myself "met" her at this very thread, and when I saw her graphics I was so blasted away so I instantly offered her to create a team which will create the game using her graphics.

We created the "Unicorn Tales" team and started a site dedicated to this remake.


Karen gave her life essence to this game.
You are welcome to check the site and her art, as well as the progress of the game @ UnicornTales


The latest post talking about Karen's sudden departure can be found here


Farewell my friend,,

[Andail]

What sad news
My condolences!

[smaug]

I am left utterly flabbergasted by these sad ill news! I never met Karen, in person, but we corresponded quite a bit, and, as we both live in Norway, there was some loose talk about us meeting during next summer. Alas, this will now, never come to pass.
I was honoured to be asked by her, to make a small contribution to this extraordinary project, and her dedication, love for this project and vast talent shone through every bit of correspondense we had.

Not only this team, not only the AGS community, but the whole world of Adventure Gaming is a bit poorer, as Karen has left us.

Good bye, Karen. This world was never meant for someone as beautiful, like you...

[Mandle]

I did not know Karen, but her soul shows through her incredible artwork.

The community has suffered a major blow with the loss of this gifted artist.

I pray for her and I pray also that this project can somehow be completed in her honour.

Horribly sad news.

[TheBitPriest]

Very sad!  May she rest in peace.

[Sslaxx]

That is damned sad news.

[Volcan]

The pictures are awesome.

Too bad she passed away.

My condolences.

[Frodo]

I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.  It's tragic news.   
She was a very talented artist, and from what I've seen of her posts here, a wonderful person.
My condolances to all her friends and family. 

[snoopy]

1st like to give my condolences. 2nd thing i know magic mirror stopped working there version but is  Nightfable and Westend studios still working on there remake ?

Maybe as a suggestion all 3 groups Magic mirrors, nightfable and westend studios, and Unicorn tales could work together to help finish the project that Karen started.
 

[CaptainD]

That's about the saddest thing I've ever read on the AGS boards.  My condolences to all Karen's family and friends.

[Tabata]

Oh, what sad news!
Hope you 'll be able to keep the remembrance for her (and her great art) alife
by finishing the project she loved so much and put such a lot of love in. 

[selmiak]

*pokes topic with a stick*

These are sad news, it's hard reading this on the boards, my condolescense. Please finish this game for.

[agentbauer]

My condolences too, that are terrible news.
Farewell Karen and rest in peace

1st like to give my condolences. 2nd thing i know magic mirror stopped working there version but is  Nightfable and Westend studios still working on there remake ?

Maybe as a suggestion all 3 groups Magic mirrors, nightfable and westend studios, and Unicorn tales could work together to help finish the project that Karen started.
 

Good idea, but to speak for Westend Studios and Nightfable, we stopped working on our remake, its not cancelled, but due lack of time on hold. We have a self running demo done, with a good portion of the intro, and many beautiful background, animations and a nearly complete soundtrack but thats it.

I hope Unicorn tales will finish the game for Karen.