Messages

Bump for great justice.

Here's a very recent picture of my best friend and I at a family dinner.
(I'm on the left)

Spoiler: ShowHide

The story behind this beauty is that I joined some friends in some Karaoke. They made me do Barbie Girl and I nailed it, voices and all. So they all took the liberty of photoshopping my Skype avatar, which was an ordinary photo, into majestic transgender works of art. This is my favorite edit.

Spoiler: ShowHide

And of course there needs to be an actual photo that's not trolly. This was taken a year ago.

Spoiler: ShowHide

This is a team based survival RP. In order to stay more organized and allow for greater control over the RP, I made by own forum to host it.

If you want to learn more, please head on over there!
Please note: You have to register to see the content.
Edge of Trust

Your links are broken.

Run while you still can. :v

I kid, welcome to the insane asylum forums.

I have Monday off so I will read what I can.
I won't do a massive feedback essay like winkio, but I'll do it chapter by chapter to keep it organized. Mine will be in bullet points simply referencing specific phrases or parts that I feel might need clarification, revision or would even be better off omitted. That way you'll get a structural and broad analysis from me and then get a detailed review by winkio so you have the best of both worlds. :3

[presentable]

There is never really a "win" in a debate. I think that's a poor notion in society to have. There is no right or wrong answer to an open ended situation and I feel it's wrong to say someone won a debate.
I believe a debate in its essence is one of the best ways to obtain new perspectives and knowledge. What Heretic is saying could be true or not, and what Blizz could be saying could be true or not. It doesn't matter. Hell, it doesn't even matter what the article is saying. What matters is what you take out of it and every person will differ in this.

Even if a debate gets emotional as in the case of Heretic, I think that's fine. Emotions help emphasize points and establish connections because we as human beings can sympathize with emotions and can understand them.
My original point of a poor education system still stands, and that is my contribution to the debate. Reading over what Blizz and Heretic have been saying has just simply made me re-analyze my education point and refine it. It's not right, nor is it wrong, just a different way of thinking to expand the boundaries of human knowledge.

So to further add to the debate, I believe that education is a pretty powerful thing. But I believe the proper type of education is what is needed. In this day and age, I strongly feel like educating yourself in academia can only get you so far because I do agree with Heretic that the economy is facing a very very poor reality right now and our kids will be the ones who suffer the most. What I believe is that Gen Y had very poorly directed education from their parents. It was a push into academia; something that would have helped their parents, but not necessarily themselves. Right now our world revolves around social structures and hierarchies more so than ever before. In this era of digitalism, almost everything you do is made public. So my firm belief is that educating people into how to build a credible and presentable persona, and how to properly fit into the social structures and hierarchies is what needs to be done. People need to be taught respect, responsibility, accountability and ambition. People need to be taught the importance of putting on a suit. The importance of first impressions and a hand shake. The importance of putting off your own desires for someone else's as an investment (Having an influential person owing you a favour is always a plus). All these basic social skills are vital in today's age and to be perfectly honest: not a lot of people know how to use them.

If we're going to do personal stories, I'll throw one in. I love studying people. I adore understanding patterns in humans and why we do what we do. I'm currently majoring in Social Psychology.
My grades? Not that great, honestly. My relationship with my parents? Mediocre. My friends? Best I could ask for.
I was pretty much alone growing up. My parents tried educating me and pushing me to excel in school, but I just hated school. Shoot me, but I HATED going to it and forcibly learning concepts. I liked learning everything on my own and picking up everything for myself how I saw fit. I had a rough few years in terms of relationships, schooling, finances and just regular teen angst. Lots of people thought I'd amount to nothing because quite frankly I was a lazy piece of shit who had no fancy grades to show. I just sat and gamed all day. But, honestly, I believed in my skill set and I believed in my ability to do something with my life, despite all the negativity and all the harsh words other people told me. I took every lesson from my failures to heart, and even if I did repeat my mistakes, it did affect my personality. Hell, I'll even bring one close to home in CP. I was picked up my Blizzard to map for Lexima Legends THREE times. I did a few maps for him and then I let him down all three times simply because I couldn't find the time to do his requests anymore. You can guess how disappointed he was. I took that harshly, and now I've gotten a lot better at managing what I can and can't do.
So, all in all, I'm almost 20 and currently a Manager at a large retail chain in my country. I have no post secondary diploma or fancy grades to show, I simply had the correct social skills to climb the ladder and the ability to push through and meet a challenge.

In conclusion, that's why I feel having strong social abilities is key now. So I stand firm on the fact that today's generation Y is so miserable is due to the issue of not being educated properly about the world they're about to enter. This is most likely due to a gap between their parent's understanding of how they grew up and the world they faced to the world that their child will be facing.

I've seen your writing in the past. You sent me this story in its infancy way back when we spoke on MSN
It was good then, I'm sure I'll be pleasantly surprised after the polish you've put into it.

An interesting video about the topic of education. I know it's a little off-topic, but I feel like it still has a huge relevance to the happiness of this generation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U

So basically I'm reading a novel about myself as I quest to get myself some angel booty. 

[reality]

Awkward moment when I thought this was about Pokemon...

To be honest though, I feel like every generation gets overly generalized based on the dominant culture. Look at America and some of Europe. This is mostly where that problem is, but that's because that's the dominant culture that is being presented and analyzed. However, if we take a look at Russia and most of Asia, where another vast majority of the population sits, this is really not a general problem. Yes, it exists there, but the cultural fundamentals there doesn't really promote such behavior and entitlement and their way of life and thinking is much different from ours.
It's the whole "American Dream" being blown out of proportions and quite frankly I also blame our poor approach in education. Students are not taught the reality of life in school. Schools also promote the "I'm special" attitude by constantly giving second chances in failures, giving a distorted view of the outside world. Hell, I'm almost 20 and I still haven't been taught how to do my taxes in any educational institution. They just expect you to go and figure it out, and it's that figuring out part that makes our ambitions come crashing down.

Imagine Lucy was on the right track to her career and she actually did net a great job. She got her lawn, but the reality of actually facing the world is what gets her. Maintaining that lawn, so to speak. She has to file taxes, pay mortgage (how does she know how to choose the right one?), pay for utility bills, understand how to cook, clean and take care of hazards in her home properly. She has to understand social structures and how to create connections to augment her career, something which is also not taught in schools. She basically gets a vastly different world thrown in her face all at once and is basically told "You can do it kiddo, figure it out for yourself."

Oh and I noticed a 30% unemployment rate statistic.
Well, I was kind enough to do some research: http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS14000000
That's the official United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. I see a 6.3% reporting. Even if it's lowered to "cover" up a certain portion of the population, going from a 6.3 to a 30 is a 23.7% increase, which in the context of the USA's approximately 300 Million population is 71,100,000 people. That is an extremely significant amount of the population to the point where you can literally see it with your own eyes. I'm sure pretty sure the number is not that high.

Because you ran the best role play I have ever participated in, I will do this for you.

Or I'm just using it as an excuse for you to add me on Skype after all these years. :v

Either way, I enjoy writing myself so I'll happily give you some feedback. I assume you understand it takes time to read a novel and give quality feedback, so are there any deadlines? Also, are there any specifics I need to look out for or am I just doing a general reading?

Welcome back buddy. I've known you since I joined the forum, but unfortunately we never really got to talk.
I was Lore way back in the days. In fact, I came over here from RMRK so I'm ancient just like Blizzard. :v
Glad to have an old member back with me.

Or you can go for parallax mapping. While it is more complicated and time consuming, you get the flexibility of infinite layers and a lot more freedom with tile placement.

It's turn based. It uses the default battle system with some minor tweaks.
There is no real distinction, it's something more of a folk tale. Much like how we talk about vampires and unicorns, the people of this world have tales of wizards and dragons too. Magic itself has no relevance to the plot, BUT you're in for a few surprises.
The story is layered. It's told in three acts, each drastically expanding on the events of the previous one. What makes no sense and is left unanswered in one act will be answered and made clear in the next, but then more questions are flung at the player until you finally close it all off in one big finale. The true ending will go even a step beyond and extend the regular ending for an extra five minutes to further explain any missing details.

Also, I got the portraits from the Humble Bundle package. The portraits are made by an artist called Frontier Works, but is property of Enterbrain, so I am legally allowed to use them in my commercial project since I have a legal copy of RPG Maker VX Ace, so I fulfill their license requirements. :3

EDIT: I added screenshots of the battle system to illustrate it. Also a screenshot of the current Title Screen, though I may change it.

Shiet, I want to beta test.
Any relevant phone information:
Galaxy Note II
Android Version 4.3
Model Number: SGH-I317M

[A game by...]

A game by...

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Hey guys! Thought I'd post the current project I'm working on. I always wanted to follow my dream of having my own video game design company, even if it wasn't successful. Thus, Solar Entertainment was born, and this will be its debut title. This will mainly be a solo project, but any help and feedback is greatly appreciated!

Please note that this will be a commercial project.

Progress Report
Storyline: |||||||||| 90%
Mapping: |||||||||| 0%
Eventing: |||||||||| 0%
Music: |||||||||| 30%
Scripts: |||||||||| 50%
Art Assets: |||||||||| 80%
Database: |||||||||| 0%

Back Story

Spoiler: ShowHide

When we're all alone in the world, do we believe in God...?
or...
Do we make our own God?

The game is set in a world where humanity is in constant tension between three large continental super powers. Magic had long been forgotten and the only thing that is known is an energy called Aetherlight. It is the energy that makes up all matter and life. The few humans who are able to channel Aetherlight are known as the Ascended, feared and respected by all. Manipulation of Aetherlight allows the user to do super natural phenomena such as controlling the elements, moving at blinding speeds and having seemingly infinite strength but at a cost on the body. With the horns of war about to be sounded, who will decide the fate of the world we hold so dear?

Follow the tale of a boy named Fenn, who was forged into a man through blood. His father wrongfully executed and his home labelled him a traitor, to whom must he turn but himself?
On a constant run for his life, Fenn will soon come to realize that there are far worse fates than death in store for the people of this world.

Characters

Fenn: ShowHide

Fenn grew up with his father due to his mother passing away while giving birth to him. His father was a proud Captain of the Elysian army and thus trained Fenn under swordsmanship for many years. Fenn had a gift for analyzing situations and quickly grew to become a master at cold reading. However, his gift had made him extremely cautious of others and it was difficult for him to bond with anyone. That changed when he met Leo, a young boy from the noble family of Pridehart. Leo became Fenn's first and only friend, sharing their childhoods together. Fenn has a very sarcastic demeanor but deep down is very caring and kind.

Their friendship came to a sudden turn when Fenn's father was murdered before his eyes. In a haze of emotion and rage, Fenn slaughtered the ones responsible for his father's death as Leo watched on in horror. Fenn fled Elysia, having been labelled a traitor and spy. Vowing to find out the truth behind his father's death, Fenn is now on a constant cat and mouse chase with his child hood friend. Only time will tell what happens when someone loses the game.

Leo Pridehart: ShowHide

The youngest son from the most influential noble house of Elysia. Leo is adored by all and has an astounding amount of charisma. He is extremely loyal, trustworthy and kind; the ideal candidate for Elysia's next King. Leo met Fenn when they were young boys and enjoys sparring with him. Leo has been promoted to Captain for his skill and leadership.
However, the threat of war looms on the horizon and the people need a leader. After a grand meeting between the noble houses, Leo was selected to lead the army in their counter attack on the enemy.
Unsure of what fates lies in store for him, Leo is still determined to protect his people and most of all...find the truth about his best friend.

Lucia Lumiere: ShowHide

An innocent girl from the proud noble house of Lumiere. She was raised in complete royalty and isolation from the harsh outside world. However, her incredibly kind nature pushes her to help others and to be as selfless as possible. Gifted with the ability to channel Aetherlight, she now spends her days tending to the sick and injured. Lucia longs for a greater purpose and her dream is to step out into the open world to continue helping as many people as she can. With the news of the war quickly spreading through the city, it was only a matter of time before Lucia made up her mind to take action. She would participate in the war, all right, and it will be her mission to save as many brave soldiers as she can. That is...if she can handle the reality outside the safety of her city's gates.

Amelia Pridehart: ShowHide

Amelia was born into the Pridehart family by some cruel turn of fate. Her father was the eldest son of the noble house, while her mother was just a commoner. Amelia loved her father and mother dearly, hoping to one day become a proud woman of the Pridehart house. However, her existence was found out when she was a little girl and her mother was promptly murdered in secret. Her father was forced to remarry and Amelia was cast out into the city streets to die. Pushed by the will to survive, Amelia has become a very agile and skilled thief. Now all grown up, she thirsts for revenge on those who wronged her and will do everything in her power to exact her vengeance on the Pridehart family.

Planned Features

Spoiler: ShowHide

Enchantment System
Upgrade your equipment using various materials for added effects. The better the material, the better the effect! But watch out, the success rate drastically decreases. However, it may be worth your trouble as there are many secret effects that could potentially be unlocked if you're lucky.
Multi-Branching Endings
Your choices echo throughout the story and have a direct influence on the outcome of the game. Explore over eight possible finales as you change the course of the events as they unfold. Will you unlock the true ending?
Stat and Skill Distribution
Customize all of your stats and skills by manually leveling them up. No more silly curves, you are in direct control of the direction your character develops.
Two Class Branches + Bonus Class
Each character can branch off into two class trees, each with a distinct role and with its own strength and weaknesses. Furthermore, playing on the highest difficult unlocks a bonus class to further allow for customization. Mix and match play styles to find what party suits you. Further min/max your party by customizing their stats and skills and you will always have a fresh experience every playthrough.
Over 400 pieces of equipment
No joke. The game will feature an arsenal of equipment to suit your play style. Find epic items on your journey with diverse effects and stats. Really like that bad ass sword of super duper hellfire you found but it's too weak to use now? Not a problem, go ahead and craft the stronger version of it in increments of 20 level upgrades (For example, if a weapon is level 35, you can upgrade it to the level 55 version, 75 version and 95 version, giving it an increase in stats and possibly added effects). That way you can retain the unique effects of items throughout the game to plan your strategies.
Challenging difficulty levels
The game offers a casual play through mode where enemies are much weaker, provide bonus experience and gold and have certain mechanics removed. There will also be a normal play through for those familiar with RPGs. For the hardcore veterans of the genre or those who already went through the game and looking for a challenge, the game will provide a Hard mode that not only unlocks a bonus class for each character, a selection of Legendary gear and the opportunity to witness the true ending, it will also make the game more challenging, with puzzles becoming more difficult, boss fights becoming more mechanically intensive and a general boost in the strength of the enemies.
Large variety of gameplay
While GTNL tries to keep the traditional roots of RPGs in tact, the game will offer many different evented sequences that break from the regular battle system and dungeon crawling. This includes many unique and interesting puzzles to keep you on your toes and your wits in the game.

Screenshots

Title Screen WIP: ShowHide

Battle System 1: ShowHide

Battle System 2: ShowHide

Feedback/Suggestions
If you would like to help me in any way, please feel free to send me your feedback in a message on this forums or add me on Skype (You can find it on my profile).
Also, please feel free to send in any ideas you have for the game! It doesn't matter how small they are. Got a cool idea for a weapon? Send it.
Awesome concept for a dungeon? Send it.
Thought of an interesting character? Send it.
Think there is a better placement for that one tree on that one map? Send it.
I will carefully go over all of your ideas and respond with my thoughts and we can have a nice discussion. If your idea makes it into the game, you will be put into the Special Thanks section in the credits!

Dev Diary

June 10th, 2014: ShowHide

Why hello! Today marks the creation of this thread. I'll try and put major progress in the game right here! Check back for any updates. I'll enclose everything in spoilers in case you don't want anything ruined for yourself. The game is still extremely new and I've been busy compiling all the resources I will need for it. There hasn't been much mapping done so I can't provide any cool screenshots just yet. Hopefully once I finish the resource gathering phase, I'll start putting lots of work into the maps.

No problem man. Feel free to shoot me a message here, or add me on Skype if you ever need to talk any ideas over. Always happy to help!

Looks MUCH better and the art style is a lot more fitting.
As for a name of the "energy" that the Reapers would use, I had two ideas: Projection or Reverie.
Projection is simpler and it's basically a vague synonym for dreams. The Reaper becomes a "projection" of themselves and thus exists beyond a physical state, able to reach Nightmares.
Reverie is just fancier and is a literal synonym for Daydreaming. Basically an antonym for Nightmare if you want to do the whole Good vs Evil contrast. Also I think it sounds more epic.
I can just imagine some dialogue: "Holy shit, I didn't know her Reverie looked so bad ass. It's so bright too!"

No problem, let me know if you need anymore suggestions or help.