Autumn's River: Memories Beyond Love

[luv_kitty12]

I thought it was okay...that's how I wanted to be anyway.
I never wanted this mess, this confusion. I really didn't want it.

The Story:
It was all about a memory, a hope, a wish, and love.

Dylan, a young wagon driver who lives at his Elainas village is one day encountered by a young lady, who tells him that she needs his special help to recover her lost memories. Why, she doesn't know, and neither does he for he doesn't know her at all. She just tells him, that she has no memories of her own but him, and she needs his help to reveal them.

The Characters:

Dylan Cartel:
Age: 28
Personality: A kind, loyal wagon driver who is willing to do anything to help others. He likes all kinds of animals, but horses especially which led him to become a wagon driver. However, having to be in the forest a lot made him learn to become a ranger, to defend himself. A shy, cute type of a guy who is very nice and very kind. He is sort of ‘innocent’ who thinks that everyone is capable of something and that no one could be truly bad. He is a loved person in Elainas although he thinks he’s just “normal”.

Yuvereen:
Age: 26
She has a sort of mean, cold way towards strangers, but she could open up easily to close people. She likes adventures and dangers, as well as trying new things.

Features:

~ Tankentai battle system.
~Original artwork made by the talented musti and an original OST composed by Nils Kruger.
~ Unlock secrets as you go on, find out the backgrounds of your characters.
~ Secret cameo system, get a hidden bonus for each cameo hint you unlock.

Screenshots:
Please keep in mind that some of these are subject to change.

Other notes:
I am working alone on this project beside musti and Nils who have been helping me with the art and music, and I have school, so that's why progress could be a little slow. However, a demo is expected to be released soon. ^^

Also, I could use more help with the music, like one other composer if anyone is interested. I cannot offer money but I can offer you help in mapping, spriting or writing back. ^^

 

[RobinP]

I love your maps. Are those custom tilesets? The grass is so much easier on the eyes than the RTP.

 

[luv_kitty12]

Ahh yes, these are the default RTP tilesets but edited and recolored by me. There are add-ons to it, however, that are credited to other people. ^^

Glad to hear you like the maps. Are there any other thoughts you have on the game? :D

 

[Daxis]

the title sequence is doing too much
i for one cannot understand which one is continue, new game, or end. at all.

 

[moog]

maybe its just 3 scenarios? i assume thats what it is, this looks more like an interactive movie than a game. looks nice though! diggin those face sets.

 

[bacon]

The story is a little broad right now and you dont give us much information, but it could turn into something interesting. You mapping a little bit busy, what you need to do is coordinate colors and have a specific color scheme per map. It helps convey a mood. For example, in the towm map, the tree scheme should fit the bush scheme. You have two different palettes of green. Also, maybe remove some objects so that there is more walking space. Think logically, why are there plants in a cave if there is no light source? That tree clump doesnt look so hot, I think by simplifying it, it would look better. The only gripe i have on the facesets are the shimmers in the eyes in the first person, they are too bring and make the eyes look like cat-eyes. But that is just me. I would love if you could elaborate more on your project and give us more information, such as the battle system details and more plot to the story. You dont have to write a novel, but it helps us critique your stuff better. :D

 

[RobinP]

My only real problem with the title screen is the lack of contrast. Everything is merging together as it's all using a similar palette. Although it's functional, the amount of saturation draws attention away from the focal points.

Here's a quick edit to show you what I mean.

The background should be a background. Fade it out, add some sort of filter over it or something. You need people to easily see the text and to focus in on it. Everything should look nice, but it shouldn't be too crowded.

 

[luv_kitty12]

Thanks everyone for the comments! I will do my best to reply to everyone. ^^

the title sequence is doing too much
i for one cannot understand which one is continue, new game, or end. at all.

maybe its just 3 scenarios? i assume thats what it is, this looks more like an interactive movie than a game. looks nice though! diggin those face sets.

'Myriad Dreams' is supposed to New Game, 'Blow The Leaves' is supposed to be Continue, and 'Autumn's Fading' End. However, if it's not understandable, I can change it. It's been bugging me for a bit anyways. lol

The story is a little broad right now and you dont give us much information, but it could turn into something interesting. You mapping a little bit busy, what you need to do is coordinate colors and have a specific color scheme per map. It helps convey a mood. For example, in the towm map, the tree scheme should fit the bush scheme. You have two different palettes of green. Also, maybe remove some objects so that there is more walking space. Think logically, why are there plants in a cave if there is no light source? That tree clump doesnt look so hot, I think by simplifying it, it would look better. The only gripe i have on the facesets are the shimmers in the eyes in the first person, they are too bring and make the eyes look like cat-eyes. But that is just me. I would love if you could elaborate more on your project and give us more information, such as the battle system details and more plot to the story. You dont have to write a novel, but it helps us critique your stuff better. :D

Thanks for your detailed comment, bacon. ^^ I have to agree with you that the story lacks a bit info right now, but to be honest with you, that's all I can reveal. The story's concept is on a big twist that I cannot reveal unless I spoil the whole thing. Unlike other games, there are no bad guys or world histories or else. However, I suppose I could add a few more characters to add depth to the story. Would that do it?

As for the mapping, I'll fix the plants in the cave as well as the greens in the city. As for the tree clump, I think it has to be this way since it's a forest, right? A forest is usually cluttered with trees and plants.

My only real problem with the title screen is the lack of contrast. Everything is merging together as it's all using a similar palette. Although it's functional, the amount of saturation draws attention away from the focal points.

Here's a quick edit to show you what I mean.

The background should be a background. Fade it out, add some sort of filter over it or something. You need people to easily see the text and to focus in on it. Everything should look nice, but it shouldn't be too crowded.

I really love your example! I admit it's looking a lot prettier now and I like the edits you did to the text as well. I'll try to change to give that feeling then. Thanks!

 

[Mr_Smith]

I didn't even post on this and I said I liked your maps alot! Even though your story is a bit short, and maybe a bit generic, I think it'll work out. I will say again however that the maps look awesome and that I really like the colours and stuff like that.

 

[luv_kitty12]

Thanks! I am glad you like the mapping. I work especially hard on the mapping since in my opinion, it's pretty much one of the most important elements.

By the way, I have edited the title. Is it looking better now?

 

[RobinP]

The colours don't really work and the default outer-glow colour is ugly. Also, you can't really tell what everything is meant to be. 'Autumn's River' needs to stand out. Make it bigger, give it a nicer texture and get a better glow colour for it. I do suggest you remove all the text at the bottom and stick with the usual 'New Game, Continue and Exit' buttons. It's not particularly original, but your players won't want to have to try each button to find out what they do. You need to find a balance between aesthetics and functionality.

If you're going to switch the background to a dark one like you have, you need to make the text contrast more with light colours.

 

[luv_kitty12]

You are right. I changed it completely, and I think it definitely looks a lot, lot better now. Thanks! Here is a preview:

However, it also has versions that change randomly each time you open the game. For instance, you could open it and it's morning, another it's night, another it's dusk. This screenshot is dusk.

 

[KuidonNZ]

This project definately looks interesting.

I like what you have stated with the story, but like the others, I suggest you tell us a little more.

I do have a problem with the characters though, well Dylan anyway. Youve stated he is both shy, but also likes to help others, in my opinion these are conflicting traits, a shy person would be less likely to interact with other people, and therefore less likely to be able to help them. But if he were more open to other people he would be able to help and communicate better. I understand if you think otherwise, Im simply speaking from experiance.

The screenshots youve shown definitely show you have skill in mapping, and I agree that the visual aspect of a game is important. I love the desaturated look to your tiles, something I have seen work well in many other rmxp games.

Im interested in this custom battle system, most of the battle systems you see round here are just a slight variation of the last, so I hope yours will stand above the crowd.

Ill be watching this.

 

[luv_kitty12]

Thanks for your comment, Kuidon. ^^

For the story, I don't know really how to add more but I'll give it another try. Like I have stated above, the story's concept is based on a twist. And personally, I like to leave it to the player to find the story himself, rather than give it right to him in the face.

As for Dylan, I can definitely understand what you mean. However, I didn't mean shy as in reserved. It's a little hard to describe it, but you can say he's just not the type who likes strangers. However, around his village where he knows everyone, he's very kind and helpful.

And for the custom battle system, I think I made a mistake typing that there. ^^; I am using Tankentai battle system, and since it's custom, I wrote custom. ^^; My bad; I fixed it. ^^

I am glad you think it's interesting though! :D

 

[KuidonNZ]

No problem Luv.

Oh, a twist, sounds exciting, cant wait for a demo, then. Haha.

Oh, yeah I think I understand what you mean now... he's shy at first but once he's gotten to know people he's more open. Is that right? That makes more sence in my mind. I was reading it as he's willing to help prople he'd never meet, which didnt really fit with shy.

Oh, the Tankentai battle system. Thats cool.
I read it as customly made by you, my mistake, sorry...

 

[musti]

Oh, this is looking rather nice:D I really like the maps and the recolouring of the tilesets(the RTP really is eye-tiring to look at).

The title screen definitely improved though I think the text should be more contrasted (if you take a look at RobinP's title screen you'll see he added a black colour behind the words to make them stand out better).

Can't wait for the demo :D

 

[luv_kitty12]

Ahh thanks for your comment, musti. I am glad you like the game and I am definitely lucky to have you helping me out. :D

Hmm, and I think I get what you mean. I fixed it, and this is how it came out. Any better? D;

 

[musti]

Ahh thanks for your comment, musti. I am glad you like the game and I am definitely lucky to have you helping me out. :D

Hmm, and I think I get what you mean. I fixed it, and this is how it came out. Any better? D;

Definitely an improvement :D
How much longer till a demo?

 

[luv_kitty12]

Hmm, a month or so around. It's a bit long, I know, but right now I only have the eventing left and I am mainly waiting for Nils to give me a heads up with the music. ^^