Messages

Wooo! First trophy! Thank You everyone! Was super fun

I've got some of the pixel art for my game REDWORLD up here, if anyone wants to look at it: http://imgur.com/a/pSdcn

Is it by any chance inspired by Phantasm?




Also, hello and welcome to the forums (both you and Umbrella Terms) !

[Heavy Metal Nannulf: The Strange Stage]

Heavy Metal Nannulf: The Strange Stage by DBoyWheeler:

Spoiler

It's the most complete entry that actually plays like a finished game. Congratulations for wrapping that up! As some people already mentioned - the walkcycle is so jerky that it makes the game less enjoyable. The story is nice - I love the idea of getting rid of the bad omen. I know that the main character visits the stage 3 times (or more) so it technically follows the rules of this MAGS, however, I think that it would "feel" better if those 3 visits happened at different days. This would show that the hero is deeply connected to this place. I think you can easily build upon what you have and add next two days with different puzzles that you have to solve before the band lets you sing with them in the end

[close]

Disgust by horusr:

Spoiler

The story is fresh and original, good job! I love that the main character is a creep (the sniffing scene was awesome). It's a pity that you didn't manage to add any interactivity - it could have turned out really fun! I'm waiting for an updated version - I will gladly play as a creepy psychotic guy

[close]

That Day by Cassiebsg:

Spoiler

The style is distinct and brings to mind paper models (I would actually love a game made in "paper" style you achieved in the school location. I know it probably wasn't on purpose, but I still liked it ). The fun thing about the boat is that I actually wasnt sure what I have seen. I was looking elsewhere and it happened too fast for me to know for sure if the man pushed the girl out of the boat or if she fell out. This made the final decision really tense

[close]

1st: 06 - Rocchinator - Revernauts (v2)
2nd: 01 - Blondbraid - Eepuot
3rd: 05 - Nixxon - Teleported Creature

I thought it was obvious that it was based on Trump judging by its description

[Species Name:]

Species Name: Antititties

Desccription: Named after their similarity to earth ants, members of the Antititties species are mostly female (over 90% of population). They are very intelligent, but also very conservative. They value their cultural heritage and refuse to ever change their primal and primitive way of life.

Habitat: Underground colonies and small surface areas near them.

Threats: Although peaceful in general, they are very strong and get angry easily so it's better to watch your words when engaged in direct contact. However, they also have a soft spot for males of any intelligent species they encounter, getting shy and quiet in their company, not able to hurt them. There were reports of abducted men that were visiting their lands, but planet authorities weren't able to confirm any links to Antititties.

Yay! My first contest entry I'm mostly happy with this one (the shading still seems a little bit flat to me though). I might animate it at some later time

[imgzoom]http://i.imgur.com/hLzQ8mF.png[/imgzoom]Also here's a zoomable version (I don't know which one is better/preffered to post )

Count me in already started creating

Will the 2x1 pixel still work in AGS? I mean, can you make sure that the character always stays "on-grid"?

I'm not sure, haven't checked yet. Probably I would have to use some programming magic to make this happen.

I think what the 1x1 version is missing is detail. Have a look at the gif CaesarCub has posted and add some more dithering, especially on the left bridge part and the slopes.

Yeah, more detail would help. Also some fixes (like in case of the animal skeleton - in 2x1 it can already stay as-is and in 1x1 there are lots of shapes and lines that need to be fixed)

I think that I'll go with 1x1. It seems most people like that version better even if they agree 2x1 is more retro

Where do you set it for non-square pixels? Or are you just making a 2x1 grid and coloring inside it?

When you create a new image you simply tick the "advanced options" checkbox and choose pixel size from the dropdown list

My main issue with the 2x1 pixels is that you have to keep making sure everything is in the non-square grid, and all the drawing software I use is not helpful on that aspect, so it always ends up being more work for me.

I had the same issue, I used many programs like Pyxel Edit, GrafX2, Cosmigo ProMotion and Graphics Gale. I think the only one from those which supports the 2x1 pixel size is ProMotion but I hate working in this application for some reason. It has LOTS of feautures but I find it hard to use no matter how long I'm using it.

But now, I found a perfect software for my needs! Aseprite! It has nice pallette support, dithered gradients, custom brushes, 2x1 pixel size, layers, animations, and more. I can't recommend it hard enough! Really, I'm in love with this editor. They have a free demo where you can use every feature of the program but you cannot save your work. The full version is cheap (unlike the "pro" version of Cosmigo ProMotion). You can check it out here: https://www.aseprite.org/. If they ever add an optional non-pixelart interface then I suspect that it will slowly become the most used pixelart editor

On the technical side, what Gurok mentioned is true, pre 256 color Sierra backgrounds were a list of commands that the computer would draw.
Here is a stolen gif that shows one background being rendered

Oh that is so freaking cool! Thank you for providing me with the gif! I will not use the same method of creating my backgrounds (obviously) but referencing it should help me achieve the Sierra "feel"

There has to be a gay Gordon doctor at some point...

I bet the new one is a lesbian. That would make all the SJW scream with joy

Is that one of the Deathstalkers?

Damn. Too easy. I accept your answer sir. The first one.

Teenage He-man and his fantasy gay adventure with Skeletor?

I would totally watch that

That's why I said that was an evil hint - I wouldn't have guessed if I havent watched it recently and if you haven't mentioned that's a collaboration
Ok, I guess it's my turn now. Hopefully it's not too easy and not too hard

Oh! I think I know! However, if I am right, then saying that it's "visible in the picture" is a very evil hint. Is it The Great Wall?

If you aren't funny, please stop trying.

Hmm... Can't say I completely agree with that. It depends. If the developer wants to learn how to be funny there is no other choice but to try and then analyze where he or she succeded and failed. It's like saying "if you can't draw, please stop trying". I personally belive that if you really care about some skill then you simply have to keep trying until you get good at it.

HOWEVER, I have to admit that it seems that some people have BIG problems with being funny. This is one of those skills where natural talent is very important. If you're not funny at all then you'll probably have much much much harder time learning how to be funny.

try having characters that contrast each other[...]
A good way to make a funny payoff is to subvert the audience expectations, if they are led to expect something, show them the opposite.

This. Contrast + Surprise is what makes us laugh. It's easier said than done though. Making funny moments in my game scares me as well. I'll try to stick to some simple rules found floating around the web, mix it up with some funny stuff from my life and see what happens. Also, be sure to show your funny scenes and jokes to other people. You as the creator lose the ability to judge if your jokes are funny or not because you can't feel the surprise anymore.

Edit: Just noticed this is 6 days old, sorry for necro

It sounds like an awesome game! Just remember not to make the sequel about this guy:

Hmm... Brien son Of Conan

I know you said the backgrounds aren't part of the game, but what game is this exactly?

Could this be a Conan the Barbarian game?

The game will be called Barbarian Quest (obviously ) but it's not about Conan because
a) I'm not sure if I can use the character (the books are public domain, but some new editions, comics and movies are not).
b) Although Conan has some ironic sense of humor I would like the game to be even more humorous.
There's not much to show right now apart from those mockups. I'm currently working on the story and experimenting with the style.
The game will use and play with lots of barbarian tropes as much as King Quest played with myths and fantasy tropes.

It looks cool. Reminds me in a remote way of Space Quest II, with the exploring of the planet and discovering of new beings and cultures.

I'm really happy that it made you think about exploring/discovery from SQII as those elements will be a big part of the game like in nearly every Space Quest and King Quest game.

Sierra really only ever used a 50% ordered dither, like the part I've highlighted in magenta

Ah! True. I'll keep it in mind and try to stick to 50% ordered dither only

Random fact: Izera just joined the forum today!

That's true I decided to join because I really wanted to get feedback from fellow adventure lovers and creators. Also, AGS is the engine/editor I chose for the game so It seemed appropriate to register on the forums

In that particular image the protagonist in 2x1 looks like a bare-breasted woman!

Haha! Yeah I was afraid someone might say that. Not sure how to make him into a strong barbarian in 2x1 without that illusion. He either has "breasts" or flat chest

Overall I like the 2x1 better, but you should try to get the dithering from the 1x1 to work.

I originally tried the same full-scale gradient on 2x1 but it felt somewhat off. I liked this narrow one better for some reason. You may be right though - the more I keep looking at the narrow one the more wierd it seems now