MAGS July: "Fairy Tale" (CLOSED)

[Atelier]

Topic: 'Fairy Tale'

The theme for July is really simple: create a game based on an existing fairy tale. If you wish, you can put your own spin on a traditional plot, but the fairy tale must remain recognizable. Or, you could mash different fairy tales together.

(A lot of) Ideas to help you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fairy_tales



Ending 6/8/2012



What is MAGS?

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

You may get help for the competition, although you must end up doing something yourself. You should however be warned that it proves difficult to organize a big team within thirty days. You are not allowed to use material already created before this competition. Your game must be completely new! Music and sound is an exception; you can use free material that is available to the public, if you wish. Modules and templates are also allowed. Please do not enter the competition with a rushed entry (a game created last minute). Sure, you can make a game and rush it - but don't do this just to win by default.

Entering MAGS is simple. First, conceptualise your game following the month's criteria (see top). Second, create your game fueled only by coffee. Third, finally, and most importantly, post your game here, including:

âœ" A working download link.
âœ" The title of your game.
âœ" A suitable screenshot.

At the end of the month, the all-important voting will begin! This period usually lasts fifteen days. Should you win, along with announcing the next month's rules, your name and game will be immortalised in the MAGS Archive. Yet hopefully, at the end of the month, the accomplishment of finishing a game will be your greatest prize. For more information please visit the Official MAGS website.

[EchosofNezhyt]

Hmm.. I might participate I wish it didn't take so much time to make something.

[Ponch]

Dibs on The Empress's New Clothes. 

[Armageddon]

Dibs on The Empress's New Clothes. 

You better make this. My second brain will explode if you don't.

[ZapZap]

I might try some Cinderella

[Ponch]

You better make this.

I'll see what I can do. 

[Atelier]

I might enter this one myself, spare-time permitting. I know that would be setting my own theme but I genuinely thought of it on the fly and in retrospect think it's a really fun theme. Does anybody mind?

[Ghost]

Go ahead, says I. There *must* be some advantage of being the host! And it is a cool theme, open to so many interpretations! Red is envious!

[Ponch]

I don't mind. With the game I'm plotting out, I expect to push the limits of what's permissible in MAGS this month anyway. And besides, the winner is decided by vote. I trust that you haven't been working on a fairy tale themed game in secret for the last six years. 

Also, thanks for the cookie. It was delicious!

[monkey0506]

I'm interested to see what would be an acceptable definition of a "fairy tale". Last night I started tinkering around with a certain idea in my head... Any good pixel artists free over the next couple of weeks please hit me up, as I have far too many other commitments right now to try and do any artwork myself.

[Fred7162]

I might do something small if my computer gets fixed in time. I'm thinking about doing one about one of the small fairy tale books i've got(there are all sorts of fairy tales in those: Turkish, Indian, Russian)

[EchosofNezhyt]

I'm interested to see what would be an acceptable definition of a "fairy tale". Last night I started tinkering around with a certain idea in my head... Any good pixel artists free over the next couple of weeks please hit me up, as I have far too many other commitments right now to try and do any artwork myself.

I might be able to do anything quick or easy.

[DBoyWheeler]

I'm still new to AGS, so it may be a long time till I do one of these competitions--but I like the idea.

So, I thought I'd chip in my two bits on a fun idea...

Hey, any of you seen how Sonic did well in the Arabian Nights ("Sonic and the Secret Rings") or in Arthurian Legends ("Sonic and the Black Knight")?

It'd be SO cool if someone did a point and click Sonic AGS game with some sort of fairy tale theme.

[Fred7162]

I like the Sonic idea. But it would be even more interesting when someone woud make a game of some little known but interesting fairytale. In my opinion these classic cinderellas and other such fairy tales are boring. Might just be a matter of taste but I like Russian fairytales alot.

[Ekeko]

Hey guys,
Can "The Happy Prince" (Oscar Wilde) be considered a fairy tale? 'Cause I have an idea for a game about it but according to Wikipedia it's not. What do you think?

[Ponch]

I wouldn't have a problem with it. The Happy Prince seems sufficiently "fairy tale-like" to me. Does anyone object to it?

[Kweepa]

It's definitely a tale told by a fairy...
SORRY!

[Ekeko]

Ok, thanks Ponch.

[Ponch]

Ekeko: Woah. Don't take my word for it. You'd better PM Atelier. He's the guy who runs this thing. I can't imagine he would have a problem with it, but you might want to ask him, just to be safe. 

Kweepa: You should be ashamed of yourself. 

[Atelier]

Ekeko that sounds fine. I haven't picked a fairy tale for my game yet... is anybody else entering this month?

[Ekeko]

Oh, ok Ponch, and thanks Atelier

[Pierrec]

Hey there.
I never took part in any MAGS before, but it sounds fun and I love this theme. Actually, I already made an AGS game based on a tale before : Crow and Foxy, and that was fun so...I will try to find another idea for this compo! 

EDIT: I think I'm going for "The Little Match Girl"

[Radiant]

Ekeko that sounds fine. I haven't picked a fairy tale for my game yet... is anybody else entering this month?

Not me this time.

[Ponch]

I'm working as hard as I can to make a MAGS game for this month. With any luck, I'll be able to finish it in time. 

UPDATE: Now with teaser screenshot!

In this exciting scene, the star of the game receives a call from Dualnames. 
(Note: Dialog may differ in final version of the game)

This is the first "Visual Novel" I've ever done and I'm finding it to be a nice change of pace from the usual "use KEY on DOOR" design. This time it's a much more rewarding "Press NEXT SCREEN button to advance the story until you get to the end."

The whole "no puzzles" thing is proving to be a delight! 

[Pierrec]

I like the screenshot AND the idea (who needs gameplay after all ?)

By the way, I changed my mind, and I'm going to do something about Puss in Boots...well...maybe not about Puss in Boots, but about a puss...and a boot. The fact is I have to write an AGS tutorial for a french magazine so, this will probably be the game I'll make for that tutorial. Is that ok with the rules ?

Also, I'll probably make the game in three hours or so, so it's not going to be very good ^^

[Ghost]

(Note: Dialog may differ in final version of the game)

I demand the dialog lines to stay intact! I also demand Dualnames as a playable character! And this looks awesome!

[Ponch]

Thanks, guys. I'm glad you like the screenshot. Joking aside, there will be actual game play, but it will all be dialog based. No inventory or mini-games here. There will be three possible endings and which one you get depends on high your score is at the end.

As far as Dualnames being a player character, I think that might complicate things. Every dialog option would be "Take off your top!" or "Could you tell me how to find the lesbians?" 

I like the idea of a MAGS game doubling as a tutorial. If you mention in your article that the game was made for MAGS, then that might raise the profile of the competition with the rest of the interwebs. 

[Atelier]

11 days left, how are we all doing? I haven't even started my entry yet... it will be a fun exercise in cutting corners!

[Ponch]

2/3rds of the way through. Hope to have it finished by the 1st. (Fingers crossed) 

[Ghost]

I smell a head-to-head race!

[ZapZap]

I don't have enough time to finish Cinderella... pity. Good luck!

[Ekeko]

I won't be able to finish my game in time.

[Ponch]

I smell a head-to-head race!

This thread needs more competition and more screenshots! 

[Atelier]

I'll post some screenshots tomorrow to prove my entry exists.

[Radiant]

Yeah, I had a nice idea for Wolf Vs. Witch, but no time this month for a MAGS. Good luck to the active participants!

[Duzz]

I was intending to enter this month, but didn't get further than a basic idea and character sprite:


It was going to be a take on the Rapunzel story, but with Rapunzel being a strong female protagonist, rather than the hapless victim. I was imagining her a bit like Marceline from adventure time. It would have ended with her escaping by taking advantage of the prince and leaving him stuck in the tower.

But maybe next month!

[Atelier]

I've made a background but there's no way I'll finish (without it being crapola). Ponch and Pierrec, how are yours going?

Also, it's a shame in some ways that lots of people couldn't finish this month, but I hear next month is something everybody can sink their teeth into...

[Ponch]

Ponch and Pierrec, how are yours going?

Almost done. I should be able to finish it by this weekend, squeaking past the deadline in the nick of time. 

[Ghost]

but I hear next month is something everybody can sink their teeth into...

Cake? Steak? Steak-Cake??

Best of luck for all those that are in!

[Nightfable]

Is it too late to enter? 

What's the minimum of rooms and puzzles my game has to have?

[Ponch]

Steak-Cake? Sweet biscuits, why didn't anyone tell me this exists! I'm dying for a slice! Heck, I'd even be willing to wash it down with some of that bagged milk they have up north. (Canadians are so kooky!)

Also, the deadline for this MAGS is August 6th. If you're going to enter a game, Nightfable, you'd better hustle! The game can be as small or big as you like and can have as many or as few puzzles as you feel like putting into it. Good luck! 

[Nightfable]

Thanks Ponch! I've started yesterday and I'm working hard on it (with my nearly non-existant programming skills).

It will be a silly game about the tale of 'The Billy Goats Gruff' in VGA/EGA/Tandy (16 colors) graphics.

[Ghost]

Sorry, man, I totally made up steak-pie and just had the name copyrighted for my upcoming epic tale of OceanStealy Cakey, Scource of the Whipped Cream. No swiping!
But don't worry, recipes for your personal steak-pie will eventually make their way into the game as DLC (Downloadable Cake).

It will be a silly game about the tale of 'The Billy Goats Gruff' in VGA/EGA/Tandy (16 colors) graphics.

Ghost approves +12 That sounds cool, and I tip my hat for anyone racing Ponch on a six-day track!

I am totally derailing the thread, ain't I?

[Ponch]

Derailing? Don't be silly. Talk of downloadable cake is ALWAYS welcome! 

[Atelier]

I've made a background but there's no way I'll finish (without it being crapola).

Yeah, I've decided to enter with my crapola game. I hope everybody sees it as... a testament to human resolve when facing a deadline... or something. Anyway I'm glad you're entering Nightfable. Now we need to make sure we're not beaten by a cow who had like a 10 year head-start.

[Nightfable]

Ghost approves +12 That sounds cool, and I tip my hat for anyone racing Ponch on a six-day track!

Hey Ghost, thanks! I'm gonna try my best, will be the first game I ever finished, lol!

Yeah, I've decided to enter with my crapola game. I hope everybody sees it as... a testament to human resolve when facing a deadline... or something. Anyway I'm glad you're entering Nightfable. Now we need to make sure we're not beaten by a cow who had like a 10 year head-start.

Can't be as bad as my crappy attempt, Atelier.  Yay for human resolve when facing a deadline! What is your game about?

[Ponch]

Ten year head start my big bovine butt! I have apparently outfoxed all of you with my devious plan of starting the game at the start of the contest. No one could have seen that coming! 

[Armageddon]

So is this being extended a month I was really looking forward to a new MAGs.

[Ponch]

So is this being extended a month I was really looking forward to a new MAGs.

Not_sure_if_serious.jpg 

[Ponch]

Behold! My MAGS game (and with several hours to spare before the dreaded deadline! )

"The Mayor's New Dress"

(Inspired by the fairy tale "The Emperor's New Clothes")

This story, done in a "visual novel" approach, follows mayor Marguerite DuChamp as she deals with the fallout of a very sexy scandal that could end in her losing her seat in the mayor's office. If she's going to win over the hearts of the people who could vote to throw her out of power (and into prison), she's really going to have to wow them with a powerfully persuasive oration. But where on earth can she find a dress suitable for such an important speech? If you know the fairy tale, you know what happens next. (Or do you?)

I've never done a visual novel style game before, so this was quite a lot of fun -- and more work than I expected it to be. I hope you like it enough to vote for me. 

In order to keep with the MAGS rule of "all new assets", I drew a ton of new art for this game and made sure to use NO sprites, GUIS, or cursors from any prior Barn Runner games (except for the TackyWorld logo, but that purple planet is my thing, man! You can't ask me to give it up!)

Thanks to Dualnames for the music, Trampoline for translating a bit of Latin, Ben304 for the nice painting he provided, Baron for the theme, and Atelier for keeping MAGS running every month.

DOWNLOAD AND LET THE TAWDRY ADVENTURE BEGIN! (Seriously, shame on you!)

[Tabata]

       
“ ... sugar buns!"

" ... sugar buns?"

" ... SUGAR BUNS!”

Nobody?

Well, it was worth a tawdry try 

[Nightfable]

I think I'll still be able to finish mine -- it's 4:56 PM here in Ontario. So, it's still the 6th. 

[arj0n]

I think I'll still be able to finish mine

I sure hope you do

[Ponch]

I think I'll still be able to finish mine -- it's 4:56 PM here in Ontario. So, it's still the 6th. 

Still a few hours left. Drink a big cup of coffee and fire up AGS! I know you can do it! 

EDIT: Tabata, your bottomless barrel of cow gifs never fails to amuse me. 

[Nightfable]

Loved your game, Ponch, it was fun!! Great art skills!!

Thanks for the encouragement, I'm hoping I can make it!!

P.S. I don't have any coffee. Does wine count? 

[Ponch]

Thanks! I'm not entirely happy with all of the art. I drew all of those pictures over two weekends, so some of them are really rushed. Several of the figures are too stiff and many of the angles used are pretty basic. I was hoping the visual novel style would give me a chance to do more varied backgrounds than the usual the nice, safe perspectives that I tend to use for my regular adventure games (a safe, boring background makes it so much easier for characters to walk around in). But, alas, it was a little too ambitious of a project to attempt for a MAGS contest and the end result isn't quite what I had hoped it would be. 

Still, I made a template out of it, so maybe I'll try something like it again one of these days when I have more time. Maybe Oceanspirit Dennis: The Visual Novel? At last, a chance to render Dennis in numerous loving, detailed closeups! 

Also, stay away from the wine! Booze only slows you down at crunch time! I'm speaking from experience here! 

Good luck! Still an hour or two left!

[Nightfable]

My first completed game: Billy Goats Gruff!!



--> Download here <--

Please remember these when playing:

• uses a verbcoin
• ridiculously short
• made without any coding skills

[Atelier]

Absolutely awesome guys! Now I'm hoping to avoid the topic of my entry- doh! But seriously, I had an unexpected commitment and it was just too un-finished. Nightfable, is was based on King Kojata, a Slavonic tale.

So let's vote!

For voting please visit the MAGS site or make your choice right here:

The Mayor's New Dress by Ponch
Billy Goats Gruff by Nightfable

Please vote only once and be sure to have played all games before sending your voice! Good luck to all participants.

Voting ends 21/8/12.

[Ponch]

My first completed game: Billy Goats Gruff!!

Hooray! \o/

Congrats on making your first game, Nightfable. I hope you're not hungover from all the wine. 

Also, boo to Atelier with his promises of a game that never materialized! Boo! (I guess you'll have to submit it for amnesty!) 

[Atelier]

I might, if I have time for that even

[Atelier]

Voting is over and we have a clear lead! The winner is:

Spoiler

MAGS COMPETITION 2012-07
The Mayor's New Dress by Ponch
3 vote(s)
Billy Goats Gruff by Nightfable
7 vote(s)

[close]

Congrats!

[Ponch]

Congrats!