Allright, no problem as long that girl look sexy & hot that is okay with me:heartcoveredeyes::heartcoveredeyes:. Fast development ? That even better. :biggrin:
- Thread starter suo_mynona
- Start date
- Oct 1, 2017
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Might not be a bad idea at all, I like the reasoning behind it.
And If written and coded well I think it can be even superior to having whatever number of renders, our imagination beats all.
That said, it needs to be written (aka you must be able to picture it, with all the small details and the believable characters and the general feeling on the daily events) and coded (aka with interesting paths and activities) well, which it's not an easy task.
And If written and coded well I think it can be even superior to having whatever number of renders, our imagination beats all.
That said, it needs to be written (aka you must be able to picture it, with all the small details and the believable characters and the general feeling on the daily events) and coded (aka with interesting paths and activities) well, which it's not an easy task.
- Jan 28, 2018
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I love your game, but have to make a case for ren'py, pointing some things on your arguments.
A example from you code ren'py code with a spell error.
<img <img it's an html error, html too is forgiving, it renders but it shouldn't, can lead to strange things.
and this is code, not just text
Using the right tools to make your life easier. With
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you have
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and
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for RenPy.
A example from you code ren'py code with a spell error.
Have you looked at twee files
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Code:
<img <img class="centered-inline" src="images/prolog/prolog_intro.png" />and this is code, not just text
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There is a community remaking RPGM games to ren'py as an example is
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. Some developers that are leaving ren'py going to Unity and Unreal, not twine or RPGM.For the time each image take to render... well that's not a ren'py issue.
You can always add more text for each image and reuse the images in different contexts, this will be the same for any engine that requires rendered images.
- Nov 3, 2017
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Please before this turns into into a game engine flame war understand I never stated I didn't think RenPy wasn't a good engine, or even that I didn't like it. What is did give was MY reason for exploring another game engine and MY challenges I had developing a RenPy game. I'm not asking you to agree with my opinion or even feel a need to defend RenPy. People wanted to know why I was exploring other game engines and I shared why.
Who knows, I may even switch back. Like I said, I'm experimenting.
- Suo
I don't really view his post as trying to be critical of the swap just maybe potential help with some of the issues you may have experienced with ren'py. Personally I think unity from a sandbox standpoint is better than ren'py because there is just much more to utilize, but it still has to be coded/worked in the right way or it becomes extremely buggy and a terrible user experience. At the end of the day you should pick the engine though that is the easiest environment for you to work in that you feel is the best vehicle for the game and ren'py, unity, etc... of course may not be among those.
I think the comments towards the latter that you pointed out is engines like RPGM do have their pros of easy to build game mechanics around a story and it being a more manageable vehicle. Often times though they have a lot of cons not only from a user experience, but are pitfalls some devs fall in when creating a game in it such as:
1. Lazy writing.
2. Less content.
3. Meaningless/tedious gameplay.
4. Poor pacing.
If not done right it is easy to alienate yourself from a larger audience (or completely flop) especially in this genre of game where people are looking for more action less stagnation in the experience. This is what leads to devs moving away from it when that was their initial start and of course any move takes time (time that has a lot of unfortunate negative implications on continuing a project). Also developing the above pitfalls leads to a harder transition when moving to a new engine especially with regards to content creation.
I don't think though you should be bashed or argued with over the swap at all at any rate do what you feel is best, but I also don't think that was the posters intent either.
I do like the story you are trying to tell in this game though and hope it turns out well. Good luck. :FeelsGoodMan:
- Nov 3, 2017
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Updated the tech test demo.
Features:
- Coffee shop quest line expanded. Can now work and start becoming corrupted at the coffee shop. You can only work at 8 AM or 1 PM so watch the time carefully.
- Added the hotel where you can stay the night if you can afford it. It fully resets your energy and hunger.
- Added Hollywood that can be accessed via the bus after you call Max. Just a stub currently but will be expanded as part of Max's quest line. Bus is free; however, each way move time forward an hour.
- Added a working ATM at the coffee shop and hotel. You can move money between cash and your bank account. This will be important as you'll be able to be robbed in the future. Cash to buy things, bank to keep money safe.
Features:
- Coffee shop quest line expanded. Can now work and start becoming corrupted at the coffee shop. You can only work at 8 AM or 1 PM so watch the time carefully.
- Added the hotel where you can stay the night if you can afford it. It fully resets your energy and hunger.
- Added Hollywood that can be accessed via the bus after you call Max. Just a stub currently but will be expanded as part of Max's quest line. Bus is free; however, each way move time forward an hour.
- Added a working ATM at the coffee shop and hotel. You can move money between cash and your bank account. This will be important as you'll be able to be robbed in the future. Cash to buy things, bank to keep money safe.
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- Nov 3, 2017
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Working on:
- Frank quest line to add the photo studio as next work location. 8AM till 5PM M-F. Possibility of modelling on Saturdays...
- Movie theater in Hollywood. Since game is set in 2017, I was going to import the actual movies and their opening dates into the game. You'll be able to go to the movies and see what's playing, go on dates, etc.
- Initial quest line to rent spare room at max's place. Available once you save up the $1200 security deposit...
- Suo
I do have a question that isn't meant to be sarcastic are anything I'm just trying to understand if I'm missing something.
I remember on the ren'py version while short there were a lot more CGs/stills in it (especially with more erotic depictions). I know this is a remake under a new engine so if they aren't there yet that is fine, but are they there and I'm just not playing through the right parameters to find them?
From what I can tell game play wise:
I'm hoping with the engine change this isn't slowly being turned into more of a text based game, but I'm going to assume it is just because a lot of stuff hasn't been added yet (these moves take time). Keep up the good work and I hope my questions are answered with the coming releases.
I remember on the ren'py version while short there were a lot more CGs/stills in it (especially with more erotic depictions). I know this is a remake under a new engine so if they aren't there yet that is fine, but are they there and I'm just not playing through the right parameters to find them?
From what I can tell game play wise:
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I'm hoping with the engine change this isn't slowly being turned into more of a text based game, but I'm going to assume it is just because a lot of stuff hasn't been added yet (these moves take time). Keep up the good work and I hope my questions are answered with the coming releases.
- Nov 3, 2017
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Yes and no. Yes, there are existing CGs that haven't been included in the game yet. The RenPy version had further plot progress than the current remake has. One of the pieces of feedback was that the coffee shop sequence escalated way too quickly. I am stretching out the progress in the remake. Those images will be returning as the story progresses.
As I discussed above, one of the things that took a long time to create were the images as a typical scene had several. Going forward, most scenes will only have one or two images with more text to carry the story.
So it will be more of a text based game than the RenPy version was, but still will have images.
- Suo
- Nov 3, 2017
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I'm not here to push my Patreon account; just looking for honest feedback. I knew I'd take a loss on subscribers and not tried to hide anything. If you like what I'm doing at the pace I can maintain as a side hobby feel free to support me. If you don't want to, feel free to provide some feedback. Either way, I'm making the work available here for free.
- Suo
I think most people would be fine with a few images per scene provided they are nice and saucey if you know what I mean.
I would state in the process of putting those images in probably try to abstain from using filler images that have no relative context to the story (i.e. money given image for a standard process of making money in the game). I believe there was some of that in the coffee shop and it fills up the page real estate while not offering much of anything. I think if people are going to have to scroll/click to cycle a process multiple times (like in that area) you might as well make it worth their while. That could be just a problem inherit with something being more html based format wise (or still in process of development), but if that is the element it is built in you got to find a way to work with it to make the production more enjoyable/seamless.
This somewhat reminds me of ToA by Majalis format wise (of course that game covers way different topics). While it is an RPG I don't nor feel the need to have to engage in that portion of the game and can enjoy it more for the writing/art that goes into it. That being said interactions/encounters in it are very frequent and are what helps it to maintain solid pacing throughout (also makes it enjoying to replay) so I definitely recommend keeping something similar in mind.
I do like the build content wise and I hope you are looking to add more RNG encounters in other dead/waiting zones of the game (maybe flesh it out with a bit of scenery). I think not only is there a chance here to present a great story you have planned, but to really utilize sequencing and variation to keep it engaging from start to finish.
Lastly, thanks for being receptive to feedback as I know sometimes it can be difficult. Also keep the dark mystic it suits the story.
- Mar 25, 2018
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At current pace, I am almost inclined to take drawing lessons to start my own project. The premise, while not exactly new, hasn't been done in a modern setting, at least not to my knowledge. The story has (had?) a lot of potential to branch out in different directions and could cover a wide variety of kinks and human interactions that gets often neglected.
I mean how often do you get the chance to befriend a homeless person without giving the bum fellatio right away because the amulet in his possession is needed to progress the story?
Whether it is the writing, the rendering or the overall script that gives you trouble, I wish there was a way to help you speed up your progress.
I mean how often do you get the chance to befriend a homeless person without giving the bum fellatio right away because the amulet in his possession is needed to progress the story?
Whether it is the writing, the rendering or the overall script that gives you trouble, I wish there was a way to help you speed up your progress.
I won't mention my complaints about the engine change and stuff, but am I doing something wrong or is the game just serving the same customers over and over with no change whatsoever now?
- Nov 3, 2017
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Right now yes. In the background some experience is being gained. Right now nothing happens. In the future, additional quests will be unlocked. In the future waitress experience will open up other jobs at other places. The prostitution will open up other places Emily can "work".
The next update will include the initial sandbox for Frank's Studio where you can work as an assistant. Again gaining experience before other quests open up. That will also introduce Alondra where you can increase your friendship to a level to go on dates or become her roommate.
- Suo
- Sep 10, 2018
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I played an earlier version and I really dug the premise and execution of content in that version. The exception being with the carefully established premise of slow corruption then bam she got corrupted extremely quickly and I'm glad that issue has already been pointed out and furthermore addressed. From a user experience standpoint when it comes to ren'py vs html, ren'py equates to slower updates but a far higher quality of experience than html as html games 95% of the time feel a few pictures away from a text-based game.
Maybe your game will be different, I don't know and maybe this is more about what you want to create than appealing to a broader market but switching the engine to html seems like a big step in the wrong direction from a user standpoint. Just my two cents, in the end its your game and your choice.
Maybe your game will be different, I don't know and maybe this is more about what you want to create than appealing to a broader market but switching the engine to html seems like a big step in the wrong direction from a user standpoint. Just my two cents, in the end its your game and your choice.
- Nov 3, 2017
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I'm actually running a poll on Patreon to determine next steps. I've been looking at how I used to develop under RenPy, how I'm developing with SugarCube, and seeing a middle ground. At this point the engine no longer matters to me.
- Suo
- Apr 10, 2018
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Still holding onto the dream that this one gets finished. Far too many games are set in Asian themes, which I get since they are mostly Asian-made games...But California Bound is finally a game set in a North American setting, representing the culture and turmoils western society faces. No kunoichis, no chans/kuns, no otakus. Again, not that their is anything wrong with those things, but if you're not living in that culture, it can take a lot of effort to immerse yourself into a game involving that stuff.
I hope Suo keeps the dev up this year and really makes it happen.
I hope Suo keeps the dev up this year and really makes it happen.
Last I had heard a vote was put up for another debate on game engine between html or ren'py. Personally I didn't mind the switch to html as long as the game maintains the same visual element that the ren'py version did as the remake at the time was a tad lacking (albeit I was still optimistic of a better finished product in time once the dev was acclimated with the new system). Typical trend of html is being mostly text only, but I've seen games like Degrees of Lewdity do a very good job in creating a robust game that isn't really in that same light.
I think in the end though the general favoritism of ren'py is what has spurred the debate on change yet again, and I think that is somewhat unfortunately as it antiquates to more delay and the dev potentially being pigeon holed away from their vision/intent for this project.
I can only say I mirror your hope that this project doesn't dead end and continues with commitments to content creation by the dev.