MAGS February "Mix and Match" (RESULT)

[MAGS Host]

The voting is over and the winner of MAGS February is:

Wilfred:2088 by HanaIndiana.

Well done Hana. You'll be contacted soon about choosing a theme for April.

Thanks to all participants and voters.

	White Bear Beauty Chlorinde and the Paranormal Parrot by DBoyWheeler
	Wilfred:2088 by HanaIndiana
	A Martyr of Time by Mandle
	Finger of Suspicion by Slasher

Click on the game title to download.

Voting

Vote using the poll above

Remember:
* try all the games before you vote
* vote only once
* vote for your favourite
* don't forget to leave a comment and rating on the AGS games database

Voting Ends: March 15th

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Topic: Mix and Match
This month's guidelines were set by Slasher



The rules are as follows:

A) Pick a Genre from below
Horror
Drama
Sci-Fi
Fantasy
Comedy

B) Pick a setting from below
Historical
Contemporary
In the future

C) Pick a location from below
Old house
Spaceship or Space station
Underground tunnels
Deserted city
Under the sea

Your game must include a pet with an extraordinary talent/gift...

Once you have made your 3 choices then begin making your game and good luck to you all...


Ending:  Feb 28th

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is MAGS?

Started in 2001, MAGS is a competition for amateur adventure game makers. The idea is to create a game in under a month, following the rules set by the previous winner. It aims to help you work to a deadline, improve your skills, and provide a kick-start into making adventure games. Regardless of skill, MAGS is for everyone. Voting is based on "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.

Rules

• You may work in a team to produce an entry.
• You are not allowed to use any material created before the competition. Your game must be completely new! An exception is music and sound; you can use any audio that is freely available to the public.
• Any modules and templates featured in this board are also allowed.

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

âÅ"“ A working download link
âÅ"“ The title of your game
âÅ"“ A suitable in-game screenshot

At the end of the month, voting will begin, usually lasting for fifteen days. The winner chooses the next month's theme, and their name and game is immortalised in the MAGS Archive. For more information, please visit the Official MAGS website.

[DBoyWheeler]

Okay, I wrote down the ideas (from the rules list) that I might plan to do.

Comedy setting, contemporary, old house (on an island, but still the "old house" setting).

Special pet is a parrot with psychic powers (telepathy, telekinesis, etc.)  Way better than wuss boy owl Cedric, huh?

How's this for an idea so far?

[Riaise]

Great theme, Slasher! It'll be fun to see which themes people pick!

[Click'd]

I wonder if someone will go for Sci-Fi, Historical. That would be truly mix and match.

[Slasher]

Keep going, guys.....

Have fun

Will I enter? We'll have to see

[CaptainD]

I wonder if someone will go for Sci-Fi, Historical. That would be truly mix and match.

Time travel...

[HanaIndiana]

You read my mind CaptainD   I might do something like that, but I don't know. This is a great theme Slasher... so many possibilities.

UPDATE: Okay, it was too many options for me, so I picked them all out of a hat. Well, my desk drawer.
Perhaps I'll keep my randomized game topic a surprise (unless I'm supposed to share). This should be fun!

[cat]

I'm looking forward to play all the historical space station dramas

[Slasher]

I'v been deep in thought and....

Thought I would try something different (he who dares )

Title:  Finger of suspicion.

An investigative/Drama, Historical, Old house... Think of 'Her Story' as this game is based on searching by keywords from statements said to further the investigation.

After a dinner party at Fairfax Manor, socialite Dorothy Moore had been found dead. The police have sent you to investigate as they can't fathom out her unexpected death.

Lord and Lady Fairfax say it must have been the ghost of Fairfax Manor that had murdered Dorothy Moore by scaring her to death.

Was it really a ghost that killed Dorothy Moore?

You must use all your detective instincts and deductive skills to find out if it was murder by a  ghost or by a living person by seeking out clues.

Use your Investigative Search facility to delve deeper into clues you discover/hear that will help solve this mysterious death.

Your pet rat, Hugo will squeak if he hears a lie.

This game will be very GUI based and will use real life videos (If I can get the people to make them.)

There is to be 9 characters:
* Lord Fairfax
* Lady Fairfax
* Simon Fairfax (Son)
* Jeeves the Butler
* The Cook
* The Gardener
* Pierre a dinner guest
* Pierres wife a dinner guest
* Major Smith a dinner guest

Now i just have to make it

[Riaise]

I wonder if someone will go for Sci-Fi, Historical. That would be truly mix and match.

Been there, done that.

[Mandle]

I wonder if someone will go for Sci-Fi, Historical. That would be truly mix and match.

Been there, done that.

Indeed you have! And I know which great game that was without clicking!

[Slasher]

Following some inquiries about the video part roles I may be able to fulfill this vital part of the game.

Offers for video part roles welcomed.

UPDATED Screenshot in production:

[TheFrighter]

You read my mind CaptainD   I might do something like that, but I don't know. This is a great theme Slasher... so many possibilities.

UPDATE: Okay, it was too many options for me, so I picked them all out of a hat. Well, my desk drawer.
Perhaps I'll keep my randomized game topic a surprise (unless I'm supposed to share). This should be fun!

I wonder if someone will go for Sci-Fi, Historical. That would be truly mix and match.

I'm looking forward to play all the historical space station dramas

By the way i did a little search in database and resuls 0 games horror+historical and 0 games sci-fi+historical. That's a pity.

_

[Slasher]

That's because they may not be under that catargory selection..

[Slasher]

Come on you guys not entering... join me and make some videos for my game

slasher

[DBoyWheeler]

I'm right now working on the main character sprite.

(Since February is the shortest month, I might need to keep the game simple as possible, so it'll be the main character, the pet with special powers, a couple rooms and objects.  Since the main character is in a bikini, there wouldn't be a place to put inventory, so I'm gonna get creative with how objects are interacted with.)

[TheFrighter]

(Since the main character is in a bikini, there wouldn't be a place to put inventory, so I'm gonna get creative with how objects are interacted with.)

Or maybe use a larger bkini!





_

[Jojo_the_monkey]

Hello!! I am long-time adventure fan, but a 'newbie' in the ags community. Although, I am a musician and I like to contribute and practice my skills. I always wanted to contribute to the adventure game scene, so I thought mags is a good way to start. Please pm me to send you some samples. I would like to have your response. Thanks a lot.

[Mandle]

Actually, having missed the deadline for January MAGS was probably a blessing in disguise for me this time around:

I realized today that I had wanted to expand the rather simple puzzle-based game that I didn't get working into something with a bit more meat on the bone.

And then I realized that I actually started work on the game last Saturday, which was February 3rd.

So then I realized that I can legally enter it in THIS month's MAGS.

And THEN a whole storyline and game that I can use the puzzle mechanic in came crashing into my head out of nowhere on my bicycle ride home from work (which is where I come up with most ideas)...

Long story short: I'm in for this month's MAGS!

[Slasher]

Updated screenshot


Due to time restraints I will not be able to include the videos I would have liked so I have opted for just voices. I am upset about this but hopefully will include all videos in a deluxe game later this year...

Please forgive me

[Radiant]

Bonus points if you implement all of the above and start the game by asking the player which environment he wants

[Mandle]

I'm in with a very oldschool text adventure!

Here is the current interface:

Showing an interaction:

Spoiler

[close]

and its outcome:

Spoiler

[close]

[Slasher]

Looks intriguing mate

[HanaIndiana]

Oooh old school text adventure, nice!
Bummer about the videos Slasher, I was curious about that. But I'm looking forward to an investigation type game.

I ended up mixing and matching again, but I finally have a final selection. It will be space related, because apparently all my games need to involve space or religion. (Hmm at some point I really need to make a game that combines those topics).

I have my story and puzzles planned out. Now comes the fun part!

[Slasher]

Welcome on-board HanaIndiana,

I'm sure you'll come up with something great....

Like the text idea Mandle...

Nice to see a few entries this month... I do hope everyone completes their game on time...

Meanwhile, my entry is forging ahead despite having lost a few days and having to reconstruct it after deciding that adding videos from many people was too much to expect in such a short space of time but hope that what I have is sufficient enough to at least get a few plays...

Game is based on entering keyword(s) into a search box. Certain words are keywords that will lead to progressing forward in the game. Keywords can be from what you hear from suspects when you talk to them relating to your keywords.  And just to help you there is a point in the game where you produce Hugo, your pet rat. Hugo can sniff out a big, fat lie....

Watch out you don't fall into a red herring

Was it a ghost that murdered Dorothy Moore? You'll have to play and find out for yourself

[Eggie]

I love the hell out of Slasher's project so far

As for me, it's more than a week in and I'm still building the interface so whoooo knows if this is getting finished but-




Contemporary fantasy featuring an old house!

[DBoyWheeler]

@Mandle Must... resist... urge... to... make... Homestar Runner reference...

(Kudos to anyone who knows what I'm talking about.)

@Eggie WOW!  Nice work so far!

[TheFrighter]

As for me, it's more than a week in and I'm still building the interface so whoooo knows if this is getting finished but-

You're good as ever Eggie!
By the way... Somnamulizer: A Tale From Olympus U is still in beta version without the save option?
_

[Slasher]

Love the graphic shots Eggie

Please complete the game by hook or by crook

[Eggie]

By the way... Somnamulizer: A Tale From Olympus U is still in beta version without the save option?

I prefer to think of it as "Iron Man Mode" version???? And also might have broken that game's source and not backed it up??? ':| ':| ':| (Also I thought I had an autosave system set up but thinking back it is very possible I also forgot to add a 'load' button)

[Slasher]

New Screeny for Finger of Suspicion

[Mandle]

Looking good Slasher!!!

I've done a lot of work on my game tonight and it's looking alright although the next step is still a mystery to me...

But if it wasn't I probably wouldn't want to keep working on it...

Forging on!

[Slasher]

I've done a lot of work on my game tonight and it's looking alright although the next step is still a mystery to me...

Into the valley of death

I would expect no  less from you Mandle...

Meanwhile I am receiving voices from all quarters...

Hopefully I will meet the deadline...

[Slasher]

Hi,

still two weeks to go and there are some forms of life in the making

As like Mandle I thought I would try something different (to me at least)....


In my game (Finger of suspicion) you need to 'listen' carefully to what the characters are saying as this game is speech audio only....

Listen out for 'keywords' you can use to gain further statements from the suspects via your Investigative Search facility..

Examine the murder scene.

You cannot Save or Load... no cheating allowed

You get to decide whom you are going to arrest and send to trial...

Will you send to trial the murderer of Dorothy Moore or send an innocent suspect?

There are 10 suspects to choose from. Thanks to all who lent their voices.

This is a Prototype-version that could lead to a fully blown, video game...with a new murder mystery...

Because this is a MAG's game it is not too long but it depends on your power of picking up keywords...

It is all gui based with just the mouse pointer.....

Game progress: 80%

[Mandle]

10 Worked on game...

20 Broke game...

30 Fixed game...

40 Worked on game...

50 Made progress...

60 Broke game...

70 GOTO 10

[selmiak]

you need some exit conditions for that loop!

[Cassiebsg]

the only exit condition in there is "Abort! Deadline reached!"

[Mandle]

10 Worked on game...

20 Found problem area...

30 Tried to fix problem srea...

40 Failed...

50 Ignored problem area...

60 If game works despite problems then GOTO 80...

70 GOTO 10

80 Game is now working fine enough for now...

YAY! I found the exit from loop condition: Ignore stuff that doesn't work and press on!!!

Thanks selmiak for the hint!

Game is on track and could actually get finished...

[Mandle]

My game now officially rocks! (I added some music)

By the way, what is the method to change the main game name again?

Mine is still set to something stupid.

Something about renaming the game folder and then doing some other thing?

[Slasher]

Build all files...

Glad to hear you are on course Mandle.. I shall expect perfection

[DBoyWheeler]

Still working on mine--I have just about three rooms left.

[Slasher]

Still working on mine--I have just about three rooms left.

Woooeeee.... you have every chance of entering your game on time....

I'm still waiting for a few more voices to add to my game and then I have to join the dots, wrap it up in a pink bow and post it to the game database

[HanaIndiana]

Go Go GO, you can finish! I'm using this MAGS as a chance to practice my pixel art and it's taking me forever. I'm trying to finish, but I'm probably only about 30% done.

[DBoyWheeler]

I think I'm almost done with mine.  I've completed the rooms and the coding with them.  All that's left is to test it, and then add in some sound effects and music (which oughta be the easiest part).  And I should be done.

[Update] It's FINALLY FINISHED!!!

Here it is:
White Bear Beauty Chlorinde and the Paranormal Parrot
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2241/

Completed Games Announcement: http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=55828

Screenshots if you need 'em:

[Mandle]

Well, yesterday was my big chance to get a ton of work done on my game but something unexpected cropped up in RL and I could only get a bit of cosmetic work done. I doubt I will be able to release the finished game, but a "Chapter One" with a "To Be Continued In Chapter Two..." ending is a strong possibility.

I'll see how far along I am by next Monday/Tuesday or so before begging for the usual February extension...

[Shadow1000]

I think I'm almost done with mine.  I've completed the rooms and the coding with them.  All that's left is to test it, and then add in some sound effects and music (which oughta be the easiest part).  And I should be done.

[Update] It's FINALLY FINISHED!!!

Here it is:
White Bear Beauty Chlorinde and the Paranormal Parrot
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2241/

Completed Games Announcement: http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=55828

I tried to play this game. It crashed

Spoiler

when i was near the secret room and I tried to look or do the scotch or the foam beads

[close]

Has this game been tested before uploading?

[HanaIndiana]

I hear ya Mandle. I'm convincing myself I'll be able to finish 70% of the work this weekend.
So come Monday I too will be hinting at a February extension. It's only fair!

[DBoyWheeler]

I think I'm almost done with mine.  I've completed the rooms and the coding with them.  All that's left is to test it, and then add in some sound effects and music (which oughta be the easiest part).  And I should be done.

[Update] It's FINALLY FINISHED!!!

Here it is:
White Bear Beauty Chlorinde and the Paranormal Parrot
http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2241/

Completed Games Announcement: http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=55828

I tried to play this game. It crashed

Spoiler

when i was near the secret room and I tried to look or do the scotch or the foam beads

[close]

Has this game been tested before uploading?

I did test it and it worked fine for me.

[Mandle]

Did a 10 hour stint tonight on my game and made quite some progress...

[Shadow1000]

I tried to play this game. It crashed

Spoiler

when i was near the secret room and I tried to look or do the scotch or the foam beads

[close]

Has this game been tested before uploading?

I did test it and it worked fine for me.

Ok, then do you know why it's crashing or how I can proceed without it crashing?

[DBoyWheeler]

Ok, then do you know why it's crashing or how I can proceed without it crashing?

I hadn't notice it ever crashing at my end.  After visiting the room the first time, the three needed items appear.  I then just pick up the three items, in any order, and return to the room where the secret door is, and a "cutscene" does the rest of the work.

[HanaIndiana]

@Mandle it sounds like you might finish (fingers crossed). Awesome!

I worked all Saturday and part of today, and I think I'll have enough done to at least share what I have. Yay!
I need to record some audio, do some testing, and create a speech animation.

My Mix and Match isn't exactly unique - Sci-fi, In the future, Spaceship.
Oh well, I like what I like. 

After this, I don't plan on doing any MAGS for quite awhile. I want to tackle a full-length game.

[Mandle]

I want to tackle a full-length game.

YIKES!!! But that means no HanaIndiana games for a few years

[Shadow1000]

Ok, then do you know why it's crashing or how I can proceed without it crashing?

I hadn't notice it ever crashing at my end.  After visiting the room the first time, the three needed items appear.  I then just pick up the three items, in any order, and return to the room where the secret door is, and a "cutscene" does the rest of the work.

Ok so that answers the question. I only had 2 out of the 3 and went to the room. You might want to check that out and iron out the problem for other players.

[DBoyWheeler]

Ok so that answers the question. I only had 2 out of the 3 and went to the room. You might want to check that out and iron out the problem for other players.

I looked through the room's code and don't see anything that could've triggered the problem.

[OneDollar]

I was hoping to put something together for this month (after not posting here for two and a half years...) but the design got far too big, and then I got engaged (no regrets there ) so it's not going to get finished this month.

Here's a couple of work in progress screenshots:



I'm going to keep working on it at a slower pace, so if it looks interesting keep an eye out...

[CaptainD]

Congrats on the engagement OneDollar!

Your game looks interesting, hope you keep developing it over the months to come!

[HanaIndiana]

Congratulations OneDollar!
Thanks for sharing your progress, it looks intriguing.

[Slasher]

Hopefully I will meet the deadline...

Good luck guys

[HanaIndiana]

Here's my entry!  "Sci-Fi, In the Future, Spaceship"

Wilfred:2088
A very short one-room game for Feb. MAGS 2018.

[imgzoom]http://underfootstudios.com/ags/pic/ship.png[/imgzoom]

Completed game link:  http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=55847.0

[TheFrighter]

"Sci-Fi, In the Future, Spaceship"

A little straightforward, uh?

_

[Mandle]

Begging right now for an extension until the end of next Sunday...

Pleeeeeaaassseeee...

February is short and I got robbed of my time to work on my game last week due to a shitty thing that happened in RL.

If I can get another few days I can release Chapter One of my game at least instead of just a crappy one puzzle thing that noone will enjoy...

If not then I understand...

But... Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaasssseeee...

[Stupot]

The best I can do is a 24 hour extension (Friday morning Japan time).

Trouble is, weekends are the worst time for me to get on my laptop to deal with it all. And my laptop is shitty so I like to close each MAGS and start the new one at the same time. And because my rule is to start each MAGS on the 1st of the month regardless even if there's an extension to the previous month, that means I have to spend two sessions dealing with it instead of one.  It's not much of a problem but man my laptop is bad and I sort of have to plan my mornings around it every time I have to fire it up.

[HanaIndiana]

A little straightforward, uh?

I know, right. What's funny is it started out Comedy, In the Future, Underground tunnels.
Had some trouble with ideas, and changed it to Comedy, In the Future, Spaceship.
Then when all was said and done, I really couldn't call it a comedy, so there you go.
I'm stuck in my ways.

[Mandle]

The best I can do is a 24 hour extension (Friday morning Japan time).

Trouble is, weekends are the worst time for me to get on my laptop to deal with it all.

Understood... well, it would be Monday morning officially which would kind of make it like a normal 31 day month, give or take, but it's cool if I just have to upload what I have so far tonight, hopefully with a bugfix or two: interface is still a bit wonky...

[Mandle]

A MARTYR OF TIME


My very incomplete "demo" entry for this round.

Oldschool text adventure interface, meaning you should type stuff like "look bottle" and "get pen". Shortcuts like "l" for "look" and "x" for "examine" are supported (mostly... I hope...)

The interface is mostly only two-word input like the above examples. There are some cases where more words are needed and this is explained ingame when the need arises.

Type "save" to save game, "load" or "restore" to load game, "quit" to quit game.

You can die in this game. It is short but saving after progress might be a good idea. There is no autosave at the moment.

The game will let you know when the demo version has been completed fully.

IMPORTANT: TYPE ONLY IN LOWER CASE FOR THE WHOLE GAME OR THE PARSER WILL NOT UNDERSTAND!!!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GAME

[Slasher]

Finger of Suspicion Was it the ghost of fairfax manor that murdered Dorothy Moore or was it by the hand of the living? This is a unique search by keywords(s) that you hear from suspects or see to further your investigation. Can you solve this murder mystery? (With some help from your pet rat, Hugo.) Prototype version... Download Game

My thanks to all those that helped bring this game to life with their voices.

Screenshots

Specs: 1024 X 768 32 Bit color Direct3D 9 hardware acceleration

[Mandle]

Oh, and cheers for the 24 hour extension, Stu!

I did manage to squash the more horrible bugs because of it. Still one or two known glitches and interface slightly wonky still but more stable and playable.

Should give a coffee-break/lunch-break size bit of fun I hope.

Didn't get up to the bit yet that includes the theme's setting or pet sadly so for now it's just:

Spoiler

Sci-fi/Historical

[close]

[MAGS Host]

The competition has now ended and voting is underway.

	White Bear Beauty Chlorinde and the Paranormal Parrot by DBoyWheeler
	Wilfred:2088 by HanaIndiana
	A Martyr of Time by Mandle
	Finger of Suspicion by Slasher

Click on the game title to download.

Voting

Vote using the poll above

Remember:
* try all the games before you vote
* vote only once
* vote for your favourite
* don't forget to leave a comment and rating on the AGS games database

Voting Ends: March 15th


Happy voting.

[TheFrighter]

I voted!

Spoiler

for DBW!

[close]

[Mandle]

I voted!

Spoiler

for DBW!

[close]

Do you have any time to give us some feedback on what you thought of the games?

Devs live for feedback... We crave it!

[TheFrighter]

You are right, Mandle! I will do it soon!

_

[Shadow1000]

Some great games this month and some REAL last minute entries!

So here are my thoughts:

White Bear Beauty Chlorinde and the Paranormal Parrot by DBoyWheeler[/i]
Pros:

- The idea of a talking parrot-guide was creative.
- Lots of rooms for the length of the game. I happen to like games with rooms to explore.
- Meets the criteria for the contest
- The simple graphics for the backgrounds are pleasing

Cons:

- There didn't seem to be any puzzles in the game. It felt more like "complete the tasks"
- The main character's animation really detracts from the game
- I had it crash repeatedly. I did finish eventually, though


Wilfred:2088 by HanaIndiana
Beautiful game made in a short amount of time! Very original theme. I really enjoyed the puzzles and characters. Voice overs are a major bonus.

A Martyr of Time by Mandle
This one was a close runner up for the nostalgia alone! Trust Mandle to come up with something SO unexpected from beginning to end. It really reminds me of those games I used to play on the PET back in the 80s (ok, I'm old). Great theme and puzzles. I was disappointed when it ended! PLEEEEEEASE make it a full-length now that the contest time constraints are gone.

I do want to comment that I did NOT find it easy and it was not a fast play. I did complete it but it took quite the effort (well worth it, though)

Finger of Suspicion by Slasher
Another great entry. It looks like a LOT of detailed work and design went into it, and a LOT of voice acting. I would have preferred to see the voices accompanied by subtitles or other text where the user could skip to move things along. I happen to pick up information better by reading than listening (I know - I wouldn't make a good detective) but otherwise well done.

My vote goes to Wilfred 2088. When I have trouble choosing a winner from some great entries which all have strengths in different areas I go by which game game me the most overall enjoyment while playing and I definitely give that to Wilfred. Well done!

[Mandle]

PLEEEEEEASE make it a full-length now that the contest time constraints are gone.

I did complete it

Great to hear that you enjoyed the game! I had no time to show it to anyone before release so I wasn't even sure if it was fun or not after test-playing like a hundred times myself.

Also great to hear it was finishable... I also wasn't sure if some parts were reasonably solveable. I could solve them because I knew the solutions but had no idea if they were possible for someone who didn't. So, good news all around. Cheers!

And yes, this is one that I WILL be developing into a full-length game because the story is so stuck in my head. And now that the interface(s) are (almost) glitch-free the actual work to expand the game-world is quite easy (and fun). The advantage of the text adventure: write a few sentences and you can create a new room in minutes, instead of hours/days/weeks when graphics are needed for everything...

In fact, I'll be working on it today after I play the other entries!

[Stupot]

Do you have any time to give us some feedback on what you thought of the games?

Devs live for feedback... We crave it!

You are right, Mandle! I will do it soon!

Also, if you can get into the habit of leaving comments and ratings on each game's special AGS page in the database, that would be awesome. Not enough people do this.

[Tabata]

Some great games this month and some REAL last minute entries!
...
My vote goes to Wilfred 2088. When I have trouble choosing a winner from some great entries which all have strengths in different areas I go by which game game me the most overall enjoyment while playing and I definitely give that to Wilfred. Well done!

I so absolutely agree (with all of the remarks done) and that's why I voted for cute Wilfred, too (even it is a cat )

[Slasher]

Due to not having enough time to fully complete my game as I would have liked I have to go for:

Spoiler

Wilfred...Cute graphics, nice game play... Well done HanaIndiana

[close]

Glad we got 4 entries this month.

Let's see more for next month

[Riaise]

I need a hint for A Martyr of Time (I would open thread in hints and tips, but since this game isn't in the database I don't know if that's allowed ). I think I need to go downstairs but the game won't let me, so I think I'm missing a step.

Spoiler

I've cracked the code and have the map to Dakota apartments and the date of John Lennon's death. I used the bracelet to go there, but ended up embedded inside my apartment building. So I have to go downstairs before I use the bracelet, but I can't work out how to get the game to allow me to do that.

[close]

I'm really enjoying the game so far, it's fun puzzling out what to do next!

[Shadow1000]

I need a hint for A Martyr of Time (I would open thread in hints and tips, but since this game isn't in the database I don't know if that's allowed ). I think I need to go downstairs but the game won't let me, so I think I'm missing a step.

Spoiler

I've cracked the code and have the map to Dakota apartments and the date of John Lennon's death. I used the bracelet to go there, but ended up embedded inside my apartment building. So I have to go downstairs before I use the bracelet, but I can't work out how to get the game to allow me to do that.

[close]

I'm really enjoying the game so far, it's fun puzzling out what to do next!

I got stuck there for a LONG time too. Did you:

Spoiler

Use keypad

[close]

?

[Riaise]

@Shadow1000

Spoiler

Yes, if I use the keypad it takes me to 1980, before my apartment was built, and I end up falling. I'm sure I've missed something, but I can't work out what it is.

[close]

[Shadow1000]

@Shadow1000

Spoiler

Yes, if I use the keypad it takes me to 1980, before my apartment was built, and I end up falling. I'm sure I've missed something, but I can't work out what it is.

[close]

Whew...I spent a LOT of time on that one too

Spoiler

look at the vacant lot. that will make you descend. before you go splat on the ground, use the keypad again

[close]

Cheers!

[Riaise]

Thanks, Shadow, I've completed it now!

I'll write down my thoughts once I've finished all the games.

[Shadow1000]

Thanks, Shadow, I've completed it now!

I'll write down my thoughts once I've finished all the games.

Most welcome. Looking forward to your comments and vote-verdict!

[Riaise]

I've completed them all now, so here is my feedback:

White Bear Beauty Chlorinde and the Paranormal Parrot by DBoyWheeler

This was a nice idea for a game but, as Shadow1000 mentioned, there aren't really any puzzles, just walking around the house until you find the items you need. Also, I found that the default walk speed was very slow and had to speed it up a lot in settings. The parrot companion was a good character, though!

Wilfred:2088 by HanaIndiana

I love the look of this game and the idea is very original. The puzzles are good and completely logical, the main characters really come to life, despite neither of them being human, and the voice acting was great! Really good job!

A Martyr of Time by Mandle

This game drew me in from the very beginning. It took a short while to figure out what I could do, and how, and I got a bit stuck towards the end, but overall I really enjoyed the game. I just wish it was longer! I'm glad you're working on a full version!

Finger of Suspicion by Slasher

I really like the concept of this game. I think there are a few kinks to be ironed out, like the fact that after a while I was pretty sure I knew who the murderer was but couldn't accuse them because I hadn't found all of the keywords. I'm not really sure what exactly triggered the final accusation screen, either. Overall, though, the idea is really good and I think could be expanded upon to make a really decent game.

All of the games were very individual this month, but one of them really stood out for me so my vote goes to:

Spoiler

Wilfred:2088! A Martyr of Time comes a close second for me, because of it's intriguing story and interesting puzzles, but there just wasn't quite enough of it in the end.

[close]

[Mandle]

@Shadow1000

Spoiler

Yes, if I use the keypad it takes me to 1980, before my apartment was built, and I end up falling. I'm sure I've missed something, but I can't work out what it is.

[close]

Whew...I spent a LOT of time on that one too

Spoiler

look at the vacant lot. that will make you descend. before you go splat on the ground, use the keypad again

[close]

Cheers!

Yeah, sorry about the clunkiness of that part. The rest of the parser doesn't work yet in that room so only when you "look" does anything happen. In the full game it will happen every time you enter some text so it will be easier to figure out what to do.

[DBoyWheeler]

Um, for the part at the end of my game... why there's no puzzle at the end...

I was going to have a puzzle at the end, but AGS decided to give me some sass by making it so I couldn't interact with the objects at the end for some weird reason.  So that's kind of the reason why.

[Mandle]

I've played all the games, so time for some feedback:

White Bear Beauty Chlorinde and the Paranormal Parrot by DBoyWheeler

I think most of the negative points have been pointed out by others so I will just say what I liked about the game:

* I do like games with simple bold graphics, especially if this means that walkable areas and exits are immediately obvious. I had no problem navigating my way around the game and had little worries about missing any areas.

* It's always nice to have another character with you along for the ride, and the parrot was fun.

* The goals were simple and I always understood what I was supposed to be doing next.

So, for a game that was supposed to be a simple and easy experience, this one ticked all the boxes for that criteria.

For the creator I would say it's a successful experience in creating a play environment that is immediately intuitive and instantly playable. This is an important part of game design which many more complex and professional games sometimes get wrong so well done on that point!

Wilfred:2088 by HanaIndiana

A great game! I loved that every puzzle was about exploiting the natural instincts of a cat. The fact that this causes the cat to become a world-famous hero was hilarious and so I'd say you can honestly call the genre "comedy" even though you seemed reluctant to do so. This game got my vote!

Finger of Suspicion by Slasher

The game is an awesome concept but I felt a bit let down by lack of response to many key-words that made sense to ask about but were not useable. The game did hold my attention for about two hours, trying to bash my head against the next exact thing I was supposed to ask about but eventually I had to give up. Sorry Dorothy! I shall always love you! (Maybe I need to download the updated version, even though Slasher said the original version should be completable?!)
NEEDS A SAVE GAME FEATURE!!!

[Gurok]

Some neat games this month.

Wilfred: 2088 was outstanding. It was nice to see Wilfred get the recognition he deserved! What a unique concept, and such a great execution. The puzzles were very well thought out. I felt the clueing was just about right and I finished the whole thing pretty quickly. Great job.
Finger of Suspicion was a very intriguing concept. I wanted the video version and a save system and, and... lots of things, but I really enjoyed what I played. Great archetypes, very nice voice work. I still don't know who the killer is. Ran out of time to play games and wanted to get my vote in .
A Martyr of Time had me interested from the get-go. I love playing these games, but I think they really benefit from a good parser. I'd suggest reimplementing it in Inform or TADS. I ended up travelling back in time and falling to my doom. Still not sure what I could've done better, but I had fun!
White Bear Beauty Chlorinde and the Paranormal Parrot. I finished it quickly and didn't encounter any bugs. It's clear to me the author focussed on character development over puzzles. Chlorinde (cool name) should get about in a white bear suit IMHO, unless it's a story set at the beach. Aside from that, I really liked both quirky characters -- something I've come to expect from DBoyWheeler.

It was tough. My vote went to Wilfred:2088 as the most complete game and the one I had the most fun with. All other entries had something I liked!

[Hobo]

A Martyr of Time (seems that there are no other places to comment this game)

First of all, nice work, Mandle! I've never really played text adventures before, so it was an interesting experience. I've heard that text adventures and parser systems often give the player much more freedom compared to verb bars and mouse click interfaces, but I actually felt very limited by this. 95% of the time my actions were not understood by the game and when the game keeps constantly telling me that I can't play it, it's difficult to stay engaged and immersed.

About some specific puzzles:

Spoiler

I found the message decoding very frustrating, the system itself was kind of tedious and I would have never worked it out without the forums hints thread. Are there any hints or clues in the game that help you break it or is it all about brute forcing and guessing or am I simply having a brain malfunction? It also took me a while to figure out the right keyword. There are no grammatical articles in Estonian, so I sometimes forget how they can affect the meaning.

[close]

I did actually enjoy the game, there's some potential for an exciting adventure here and I'd gladly try out the full version.

If you keep working on it, then I suggest adding some options for visual settings. I personally prefer reading darker text on lighter background and it would be awesome if the color scheme was adjustable. And since the game is already in 640x400 resolution, you could try out some smoother fonts or even allow the player to choose between different fonts (for dyslexic readers etc.)

[Mandle]

If you keep working on it,

Cheers for the comments and good suggestions!

I am actively still working on the game and it's now many times larger than the demo.

I'm hoping to get a play-testable version of the first "quest" completed by the end of the month.

I've been expanding the parser as well to include many new actions and that will be expanded again after playtesting as it's hard to think of everything that players might try to do on my own.

Cheers!

[MAGS Host]

The voting is over and the winner of MAGS February is:

Wilfred:2088 by HanaIndiana.

Well done Hana. You'll be contacted soon about choosing a theme for April.

Thanks to all participants and voters.

[Slasher]

Looks like you nailed it HanaIndiana

Well done...

Make March MAG a good one

[TheFrighter]

Yp yp hurrah for HanaIndiana!

_