Relas: Chaos of the Realms - Arcanum inspired game made in RM VX Ace

[Broseph]

Greetings, Codexistan. M:

I am a newfag here who has been a lurker for several months now. I have actually been working on an RPG of my own in an ancient RPG Maker engine in my spare time for about six years now, and after many overhauls and years of procrastination I now have a short demo to show for it.

It's called The Chronicles of Engea. It may be standard RPG Maker shit but I have tried to do some unique things with it. My hope is to rebuild this game from the ground up in a more capable and less shitty engine in the future.

http://rpgmaker.net/games/4034/ for those who are interested.

 

[Marsal]

I don't want to belittle your effort, but I really dislike jRPGs, from the aesthetics to combat style. I see you have expanded (or plan to expand) the traditional gameplay by adding interactive dialog and choices & consequences. Reviews indicate the story is good and there is plenty of content. I'm actually pleasantly surprised.

I don't like to play unfinished games (especially if the story is one of the strong points) and my critique would probably be shallow and clouded by my contempt for the jRPGs in general, and thus of no use to you. I'll keep an eye on your project, though. Some resident weeaboo scum jRPG fans should be of more help. Maybe try posting in jRPG forum?

You should consider this for a future engine if you want to add decent tactical combat, keep development simple and hopefully get rid of that "art style": http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1719196889/iceblink-engine

Good luck!

 

[felipepepe]

Weeaboo scum reporting in, since you asked so nicely I'm downloading now to give it a try.

EDIT: Some first impressions:

For good things, the mucis is nice and the art assets too. I liked very much how the classes feel balanced, I had a hard time choosing which one to use.

As for bad thing, that font is borderline unreadable bro, seriously. Also, I get that there are lots of dialog options, but the dialog is so bad & overly simplistic it seems like you're joking... .i.e, the way you get party members feels like a parody, yet the game has some serious tones, is just awkwards....

And the combat is supposed to be insanely hard like that? Seriously, I died twice on the TUTORIAL. It was funny even, my warrior got stunlocked & killed by the first monster in the game! Either you're going REALLY hardcore and that is a warning to players orthe RNG is very off (since I missed a lot of attacks).

Since I'm nitpicking, the combat text is very weird... having the monster attacks appearing as "Oak Tree attacks the enemy" is very weird when that "enemy" is me....

 

[Broseph]

I don't want to belittle your effort, but I really dislike jRPGs, from the aesthetics to combat style. I see you have expanded (or plan to expand) the traditional gameplay by adding interactive dialog and choices & consequences. Reviews indicate the story is good and there is plenty of content. I'm actually pleasantly surprised.

I don't like to play unfinished games (especially if the story is one of the strong points) and my critique would probably be shallow and clouded by my contempt for the jRPGs in general, and thus of no use to you. I'll keep an eye on your project, though. Some resident weeaboo scum jRPG fans should be of more help. Maybe try posting in jRPG forum?

You should consider this for a future engine if you want to add decent tactical combat, keep development simple and hopefully get rid of that "art style": http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1719196889/iceblink-engine

Good luck!

Thanks for the kind words. That engine looks very interesting BTW, bookmarked it for future reference.

Weeaboo scum reporting in, since you asked so nicely I'm downloading now to give it a try.
As for bad thing, that font is borderline unreadable bro, seriously. Also, I get that there are lots of dialog options, but the dialog is so bad & overly simplistic it seems like you're joking... .i.e, the way you get party members feels like a parody, yet the game has some serious tones, is just awkwards....

And the combat is supposed to be insanely hard like that? Seriously, I died twice on the TUTORIAL. It was funny even, my warrior got stunlocked & killed by the first monster in the game! Either you're going REALLY hardcore and that is a warning to players orthe RNG is very off (since I missed a lot of attacks).

Since I'm nitpicking, the combat text is very weird... having the monster attacks appearing as "Oak Tree attacks the enemy" is very weird when that "enemy" is me....

The god awful font isn't an inherent trait of the game but it can happen with older RPG Maker games on Windows 7. Google "RPG Maker 2000 font fix."

RPG Maker doesn't allow for very long dialogue choices so I have to leave them being short and to the point. In retrospect it probably would have been better if I had done it keyword style and then had the rest of the dialogue in message boxes.

Game is not supposed to be insanely hardcore, but the trees are a powerful enemy initially. I do need to tweak that tutorial encounter, it's something I've neglected.

As far as the combat text goes, the weird format is (I believe) left over from the not so well done English translation. It's pretty much hardcoded that way, not much I can do about it. Unless replacing "the enemy" with "you" would be better, but I can't change the sentence structure unfortunately.

 

[felipepepe]

Ok, spend almost an hour on this, I'm not amused to try more... some critics:

WTF is that shit Exterminatus? I gave a beer to a goblin on a "free beer day" and got a ridiculously OP magic spell as a gift from the gods, that only my WARRIOR can cast... o_O

Also, you REALLY need to balance the difficulty on this... first enemy rapes you, then you fight 4 slimes that you kill in one hit, only to fight the raping tree again (BTW, their "we don't know peace" explanation was very bad bro)... After taking the guy to the goblin land I didn't found what else to do, so I roamed through the map and got beated to death by insane battles... the 3 zombies and 3 knights were very hard but doable, but just how am I supposed to face the OP necromancer right after it, with not even trash mobs to get Xp? (I facerolled the 4 skeleotns with that broken Exterminatus thing). The "dark thing" on the basement of the house is non-intuitive, I had to die & reload many times to understand why I was even dying, and only to be raped by a evil OP ghost, that in no way I could beat at my level...

I played for like 40 minutes, was Lv 9 already but didn't got money for buying equipment and there was nowhere to get xp or some gold... I didn't find out how to continue the main quest and every other thing was too hard for me to possibly beat...

The whole dialog thing didn't seem very profound either... I mean, I got different text with different awnsers, but rarerly did the end result mattered... you say you're tring to make a jRPG with western elements, but you'll have to try harder to get this across... even some of the conseuqnces seems dull... I killed the dying old man, but coudn't loot his key and the robbers didn't do a thing in the Pub... felt like I skipped the whole quest instead of making a choice...

 

[Broseph]

Ok, spend almost an hour on this, I'm not amused to try more... some critics:

WTF is that shit Exterminatus? I gave a beer to a goblin on a "free beer day" and got a ridiculously OP magic spell as a gift from the gods, that only my WARRIOR can cast... o_O

Left over from old version, I'm still trying to figure out where to put that item. Only Joel can cast the spell because he is the mortal deemed worthy of the spell by the god.

Also, you REALLY need to balance the difficulty on this... first enemy rapes you, then you fight 4 slimes that you kill in one hit, only to fight the raping tree again (BTW, their "we don't know peace" explanation was very bad bro)... After taking the guy to the goblin land I didn't found what else to do, so I roamed through the map and got beated to death by insane battles... the 3 zombies and 3 knights were very hard but doable, but just how am I supposed to face the OP necromancer right after it, with not even trash mobs to get Xp? (I facerolled the 4 skeleotns with that broken Exterminatus thing). The "dark thing" on the basement of the house is non-intuitive, I had to die & reload many times to understand why I was even dying, and only to be raped by a evil OP ghost, that in no way I could beat at my level...

Everything has been rebalanced for the new version, I just haven't put it out yet because I wanted to do a pretty significant update. A lot of the battles you mentioned are side quests intended for higher level characters. Right now my biggest problem may be that I have too many quests crammed into areas, so some of them will come across as super unbalanced for lower level characters. This will probably change once I get to finishing the damn thing.

I played for like 40 minutes, was Lv 9 already but didn't got money for buying equipment and there was nowhere to get xp or some gold... I didn't find out how to continue the main quest and every other thing was too hard for me to possibly beat...

Did you read the journal at all? I tried not to give away too much but I did intend for it to give you hints about what to do next.

The whole dialog thing didn't seem very profound either... I mean, I got different text with different awnsers, but rarerly did the end result mattered... you say you're tring to make a jRPG with western elements, but you'll have to try harder to get this across... even some of the conseuqnces seems dull... I killed the dying old man, but coudn't loot his key and the robbers didn't do a thing in the Pub... felt like I skipped the whole quest instead of making a choice...

Good suggestion for that quest with being able to loot the key, can't believe I didn't think of that TBH.

Some of the consequences in the game only have effects later on. A lot of the other dialogue options are your standard flavor text. Intending on fleshing out the C&C as I continue developing.

Anyway, I appreciate the critique bro. It is undoubtedly pretty unpolished at this point but I think I'm getting there.

 

[laclongquan]

Dont worry. There are plenty more weaboos here. But your game is not sexy enough, with not the usual catchy terms, so we dont flock together here.

 

[Broseph]

Dont worry. There are plenty more weaboos here. But your game is not sexy enough, with not the usual catchy terms, so we dont flock together here.

Yes, I suppose you're right. There is a distinct lack of tentacle porn and emotionally engaging cutscenes in this game.

 

[laclongquan]

That, and "I brandish my hyper weapon to heaven!"

"Turnbased squad-based tactical management game" will make them cream in their pants.

 

[Broseph]

That, and "I brandish my hyper weapon to heaven!"

"Turnbased squad-based tactical management game" will make them cream in their pants.

Will keep in mind for future endeavors.

 

[Broseph]

felipepepe

Just uploaded new version. There are a lot of changes in it that I made about a month ago and some that I based off of your critique. A lot of balance changes, and I've expanded on a few quests too.

 

[Mother Russia]

felipepepe

Just uploaded new version. There are a lot of changes in it that I made about a month ago and some that I based off of your critique. A lot of balance changes, and I've expanded on a few quests too.

Downloading now.

Why don't you port this to the latest RPG MAKER XP ACE (or watever) It has 3rd person battles, so you can actually see your pcs and shit FF and Lunar style.

Anyhow, will give my impressions later. While I do that, why don't you try out this excellent (and short) game made in rpg maker by Deen Games and Muslim Gamer. You can download it from their website (deengames.com)

 

[Mother Russia]

Ok I played a bit. I had no problem with the oak in the turtorial, it didn't even get a turn. I used Holy Strike with my main character, and the npc used fire spell. Over in one turn. Felt good, felt...powerful. If only there was option to rape the corpse...

A couple things:

-I like the char gen type thing. But there doesn't seem to be much difference. All classes appear to start off as a priest, right? Or wrong? I picked mage background because it gave me an extra spell. Develop this more. It wont add much more work and is easy to do, (I hope) but the benefit from word of mouth will be great. It will give a good impression to ppl who start a new game, and will be more fun. I suggest giving different classes if possible, or at least more variation. More spells, special attacks etc etc.

-Try porting over to latest RPG Maker, as it has better graphics and 3rd person battles, which are more fun.

-Have better spell effects. Holy Strike's spell effect was a music symbol dropping onto the tree. WTF? Go for something like Agrias Oak's Judgement Blade attack from FF:Tactics.

 

[Broseph]

Ok I played a bit. I had no problem with the oak in the turtorial, it didn't even get a turn. I used Holy Strike with my main character, and the npc used fire spell. Over in one turn. Felt good, felt...powerful. If only there was option to rape the corpse...

A couple things:

-I like the char gen type thing. But there doesn't seem to be much difference. All classes appear to start off as a priest, right? Or wrong? I picked mage background because it gave me an extra spell. Develop this more. It wont add much more work and is easy to do, (I hope) but the benefit from word of mouth will be great. It will give a good impression to ppl who start a new game, and will be more fun. I suggest giving different classes if possible, or at least more variation. More spells, special attacks etc etc.

-Try porting over to latest RPG Maker, as it has better graphics and 3rd person battles, which are more fun.

-Have better spell effects. Holy Strike's spell effect was a music symbol dropping onto the tree. WTF? Go for something like Agrias Oak's Judgement Blade attack from FF:Tactics.

I'm expanding on the character generation for the next version. I'm thinking that you have to choose to specialize in a certain type of fighting/magic oriented skill set at the beginning after you pick your character background which changes the skills you learn. So, if you choose "Natural Born Fighter," you can choose to specialize in Martial, Melee, or Ranged skills. "Learned Mage" allows you to specialize in Elemental, Light, or Dark spells.

I've put quite a bit of work into this game so at this point porting over to the new RPG Maker isn't really an option. I am definitely looking into it for the sequel or remake of this game that I'm planning.

Will work on spell effects as well. Some of them I made myself but others are from the default database and as such are kinda retarded.

Thanks for the feedback BRO.

 

[Mother Russia]

Ok I played a bit. I had no problem with the oak in the turtorial, it didn't even get a turn. I used Holy Strike with my main character, and the npc used fire spell. Over in one turn. Felt good, felt...powerful. If only there was option to rape the corpse...

A couple things:

-I like the char gen type thing. But there doesn't seem to be much difference. All classes appear to start off as a priest, right? Or wrong? I picked mage background because it gave me an extra spell. Develop this more. It wont add much more work and is easy to do, (I hope) but the benefit from word of mouth will be great. It will give a good impression to ppl who start a new game, and will be more fun. I suggest giving different classes if possible, or at least more variation. More spells, special attacks etc etc.

-Try porting over to latest RPG Maker, as it has better graphics and 3rd person battles, which are more fun.

-Have better spell effects. Holy Strike's spell effect was a music symbol dropping onto the tree. WTF? Go for something like Agrias Oak's Judgement Blade attack from FF:Tactics.

I'm expanding on the character generation for the next version. I'm thinking that you have to choose to specialize in a certain type of fighting/magic oriented skill set at the beginning after you pick your character background which changes the skills you learn. So, if you choose "Natural Born Fighter," you can choose to specialize in Martial, Melee, or Ranged skills. "Learned Mage" allows you to specialize in Elemental, Light, or Dark spells.

I've put quite a bit of work into this game so at this point porting over to the new RPG Maker isn't really an option. I am definitely looking into it for the sequel or remake of this game that I'm planning.

Will work on spell effects as well. Some of them I made myself but others are from the default database and as such are kinda retarded.

Thanks for the feedback BRO.

Make sure to post back here after the next version, and be sure to tag me as I don't browse this sub forum often.

 

[Broseph]

MASSIVE INCLINE FORTHCOMING!

Adding Dismiss Party Member skill and making all party members optional so soloing is possible.

Also adding more advanced options to character creation, rewriting some of the dialog in the beginning of the game, and from there adding more quests and new areas, then expanding on main quest.

 

[Broseph]

JarlFrank Jaesun Zed

Could one of you change the title of this thread to something to the effect of "The Chronicles of Engea: Arcanum inspired game made in RM VX Ace"? Would be much appreciated.

Also, Marsal, the demo for the remake will be out very soon and it has few to no JRPG elements. Would you care to play it and offer your impressions when it releases?

 

[JarlFrank]

JarlFrank Jaesun Zed

Could one of you change the title of this thread to something to the effect of "The Chronicles of Engea: Arcanum inspired game made in RM VX Ace"? Would be much appreciated.

Yes

 

[Broseph]

Marsal Mother Russia shihonage

Released the demo for the remake today. It's a little rough around the edges at the moment, but I'd be interested in hearing your feedback.

http://rpgmaker.net/games/4034/downloads/4175/

 

[Broseph]

I haven't worked on the game much in the last few weeks, as I've been pretty busy. I'm writing out the whole story for the game beforehand this time. The original version's story was pretty much made up as I went along and it showed. Lots of running back and forth between the same two locations for the first chapter. This new version is going to have much better and more deliberate pacing with less high level quests shoved into your face in the first part of the game.

The game starts off with you and your mage friend Lydia being attacked by a demon. Since this is a most unusual occurence, you decide to investigate. If you ask around for rumors, you'll find out that the road leading to the capital from Southtown has been closed by the governor because there are a group of bandits operating on the south road. The first objective of the game is to gain entrance to the south road. There are a couple of ways you can accomplish this:

1. Kill the guards and just pass through. This will be difficult, but possible. Still, you'll probably want to be level 3 or 4 and have a full party before attempting. You'll also get a -50 reputation drop in the county if you do this.
2. Assist the governor in eliminating a necromancer to get his permission to pass on the south road. He will send you off with his bodyguard, a paladin named Sir Cuthbert. Once you get into the necromancer's lair, you can choose to either eliminate the necromancer, work with him to lead his undead army on the city of Deepmount, or just leave him alone and say that you eliminated him. If you choose either of the latter two options, Sir Cuthbert will object. You can then choose to kill him, or let him get away. If you let him get away, you'll get a massive drop to your reputation in the county, but if you return to the governor he will believe you when you tell him that Cuthbert is lying about you, because if you did help the necromancer you probably wouldn't have returned to him.
3. Pay a healthy sum of gold to convince the governor to let you pass. This will probably be around 2,000 GP or so, which will be possible at this stage in the game but it'll require some exploring and side questing.

The necromancer also serves to introduce some of the lore of the world to the player. He explains how the city of Deepmount was once a fort for the kingdom's soldiers, and some of the garrison there were Old God worshipers. He wants to take back the city in the name of the Old Gods. He also foreshadows later events in the game and kind of comments on the demon attack when he says that "a new day is rising." You'll learn more about that and his ties to the main plot later.

Some screenshots. Since my original screenshots I expanded the resolution to 640x480 and I made the interface less transparent:

 

[JarlFrank]

This looks like 500 times better than your first attempt.

 

[laclongquan]

Yeah. Nearly sexy enough. we shall see.

 

[Major_Blackhart]

I shall follow this with guarded interest.

 

[Broseph]

Okay guys, I've changed the name of the game to Tales of Relas for a few reasons.

1. Relas is the name of the mortal plane of the universe I've created, and allows room for sequels. Engea is the name of a single continent.
2. The Chronicles of Engea is a banal shit boring name and sounds too similar to The Chronicles of Narnia.

I'm also working on releasing an updated version of the demo soon. Probably within the next few weeks.

Thread title change once more please? JarlFrank

 

[JarlFrank]

When renaming the thread I first mistyped it as "Tales of Reals".

Suggestion to move the game to a modern Brazil inspired fantasy setting where your character is on a quest to earn as many reals as possible only to be robbed by mulattos orcs at the bus station repeatedly.