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The Blacksmith's Apprentice

The Blacksmith's Apprentice - Version 1.5 released

I finally found the bug with the Ancient Ruins, where turning the key doesn't make the flood water go away in that room.  I'll be posting the fix as soon as I can, but I'm in the middle of some other changes on the project, so I want to make sure those work before I post.
 
The new version has been uploaded (see first post for download link).  In addition to fixing the bug with the Ancient ruins, I've added some ambience to the caves.  This will be the first "reverse-engineered" post, since this version is basically a hacked version of my own game, hopefully there won't be any new bugs.
 
First of all, I love the game. Honestly, I'm too addicted to stop. Finding myself with nothing to do tonight, i ended playing up from Thornbury all the way through the Ancient Ruins in one sitting. Maybe that's common. Enough with the generic praise, though. I think the use scripting is wonderufl in this game, especially the quest lo.g I like that there is a vast array of item with original names instead of the typical potion, phoenix down, ether, etc. I also like that the player has to complete side quests to earn skills, instad of jsut gaining them through leveling-up.

As far as balance goes, I found myself doing a little extra leveling up in the beginning of the game at the Crossroads. Other than that though, I like how your battle system works. They're usually tough enemeies the first time around until the player acquires a new skill from a side quest that makes returning to the areas for further story development MUCH easier. Also, the difficulty is perfect. I find myself dying every now and then (usually when is tumble on an area I'm  not supposed to pass) and I lost the one boss battle I encountered (The undead wizard in the ancient ruins)  several times before I was successful. However, it wasn't challenging to the point of frustration.

The player can easily percieve each town's unique atmosphere through the dialogue alone. I love how each area has a detailed story to accompany it, a feat that even some professional video games fail to accomplish. Overall, in spite of myself, I found playing this game to eb muuch mroe enticing than editing my own project (of course, that might just be because my project needs a complete makeover), and my only complaints are the bugs. Which was in fact, the only reaosn I stopped playing.

After I beat the undead wizard in the Ancient Ruins, I had a problem similar to the earlier post about the 6th sconce on the third floor. My problem is that I reach the room witth the cistern switch, but I can't light the sconce. It appears that the magic torch is missing from inventory (I don't know if it was ever included, but it's not there now) and the final sconce won't light. When i first entered the room and investiagted the sconce I saw the "the 6th sconce is lit and the guard sscream and flee" message., but the sconce never lit. Now it appears I can't do anyhting. I'm, wondering if there is a simple way to fix this, or if you would mind if I sent you my game file?

Thanks!

Also, I spotted one bug at the beginning of the game. In Willow Glen, there is a boy outside of the cave that says, "I wish I had a lamp to explore the cave!" Well, whenever I talk to him, I recieve a magic lamp and a tindebrox. Am I correct in assuming I'm not supposed ot have those at the beginning of the game?
 
Thanks for the feedback, it's much appreciated!  I'm currently working out those bugs you mentioned.  I had forgotten about the item-giving mailbox in Willow Glen, I set that up for testing, and forgot to get rid of it.  I'll post a new version as soon as I get the chance.  If you want to send me your saved game, I can correct the Ancient Ruins bug pretty quick.

EDIT: Main post updated with the new version.  It won't fix the Ancient Ruins bug for you retroactively, so I'll still need your saved game.
 
Question for everyone: (and sorry for the double-post)  :blush:

On several different boards (including this one, I think), many people have commented that one thing that turns them off to this game is the use of the default battle system.  I've been looking at some alternatives that still allow for the front-view battlers I have, but many of the scripts listed in the thread have missing links, no screenshots, or just don't work when I use them.  For those that have played the game and know how it flows, do you have suggestions for a different type of battle system?  I'm considering using some kind of agility-based turn based system, or maybe an RTAB.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
To be honest, I think this game is best built with the default battle system.
But, if you really want to go with something else, I would recommend KGC's sbattle camera script (or some simillar name :dead:), so:
1. The game can still used the turn-based I think this is best with.
2. Adds a bit uniqueness to the battle.
How does that sound? :)
 
I'd like to try putting in the RTAB battle system, but the only version I could find a download for (Cogwheel's version 1.16, I believe) gives me errors when I insert it into the game.

EDIT: If you get an error saying "'Leaves on L Grass' not found", you should re-download.  The fixed version is posted in the main link.
 
KoRP makes a good point. It's actually a "3D Pseudo Battle Camera" and it can add some more dynamics and eye candy to the battles. It's actually really easy to implement (only two scripts I believe) and it's pretty neat. It's original link was over at RRR, but it disappeared like so many other things there, so you might have trouble finding it.

I was actually going to use the system in my game until I found Minkoff's scripts.

Okay, just found the link. It's not much, but it should make battles a little more...engaging.
 
Started playing it a few days ago, and gotta say, kudos on making a great game.  :thumb:
I did spot a glitch, however, and I'm not willing to go through the last few pages to see if it's been reported already.

Near the beginning when you go see Charis under the tree, you can use the whistle to summon Thistle when he's standing next to you, and another Thistle pops up.  =O I assume you can keep using it to get more Thistles, too.

I look forward to continuing the game.  =D
 
Thanks for the link to KCG's pseudo camera.  I actually tried that one already, and it DID work, but I was hoping for something other than eye-candy.  That's why I'd like to at least try the RTAB.  But it sounds more and more like the preference for a non-default battle system is the minority anyway.

And thanks for telling me about the bug with Thistle, Citrus.  Since it's not a game-killer, I'll just include that fix in the next big post.
 
I've uploaded a new version, which is available on the main post.  It fixes the aforementioned problem with William's horse Thistle, as well as another problem that doesn't quite kill the game, but it makes it difficult to progress at the Dwarven Mount.  I would recommend re-downloading to anyone that hasn't yet obtained the Coal.
 
I purchased the schooner at the Dwwarves' mountain. When I try to use it though, I get Arthur asking to embark. When i select yes nothing happens. I'm assuming that means it's not supposed to be accessible in the demo, but I posted just in case its a glitch.
 
Uhhh... about the Schooner... It's not supposed to be available in the demo, but I also forgot to disallow purchasing it.  :blush: (I'm surprised you saved the 5000 Gp to buy it!)  The Coracle is the only boat that works, the idea being that the Coracle isn't large enough to make it past the darker water, so it limits where you can travel by sea.  If you need your money back for the expenditure, you can email me your saved file and I'll credit you the 5000.  Sorry about that.
 

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