Chaos Project

RPG Maker => Projects / Games => Topic started by: tSwitch on June 20, 2008, 08:17:08 pm

Title: [XP]The Insanity: Mind of the Condemned [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 20, 2008, 08:17:08 pm
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/psycho-mantis/TIMOTCbanner.png)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/psycho-mantis/TSBanner-1.png)
Temperance Studios Original Production


Download Link:HERE! (http://www.sendspace.com/file/ew3v1h)




Story:

I was escorted from my room by two men in white.  They were wearing hoods, so I couldn't see their faces.  The walls in which we walked were as white as their outfits; kept bleach white and clean by nightly janitors that scrubbed off any mess with industrial-strength detergent and stiff bristled brushes.  They made the most peculiar scratching noise...

The man in front of me opened a door and lead me in.  The room was nice, medium sized, with just enough decoration to catch the eye, but not so much as to clutter the room.  It was all very neat and orderly, as was the man who stood behind the desk on one side of the room.

"Ahh you brought him.  Thank You.  You may leave now."




Features:
> Zenith Tactical Battle System
> 2 Man CMS by NAMKCOR
> Tons of Addons by Blizzard
> Zeriab's F12 Fix
> Involving and slightly twisted storyline.
> Tricky puzzles for witty people
> Appx 1 hour of gameplay (+ or - depending on puzzles)
> Four Difficulties
> Re-visited skills
> Re-visited items
> New Weapons
> Revised and more complete Ending
> Pending Walkthrough Release



Characters:

Name: Leon
Age: 19
Bio: A young college student with an interesting story to tell.

Name: Dave
Age: 34
Bio: An acclaimed psychiatrist and self-publishing author, currently working at the Barkham Psychiatric Clinic.

Name: Aaron
Age: 19
Bio: Leon's best friend and 'partner in crime'.  A Street Rocker with a beautiful Flying V named 'Ebony'




Screenies:
I would have posted more, if I wanted to spoil the story.
Spoiler: ShowHide

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/psycho-mantis/TheInsanity_MOTC.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/psycho-mantis/youmaycallmedave.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/psycho-mantis/awwwwwhydoihavetobeit.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/psycho-mantis/updatedbattlescreenie.png)





Credit and additional help:
> Blizzard
> Nick
> Makers of the Kurama RTP Resources
> Various Musical Artists (including Planet b and Children of Bodom)
> Makers of the tori_gaku school resources
> CCOA
> Zeriab
> Zylos, the Grammar Nazi
> Tektek
> Anyone else that I forgot to mention

*Disclaimer: Temperance Studios in no way take credit for ANY of the resources used in creating this game (except the piano jingle, title screen, T.S. Intro Screen, Game Over Screen).  Temperance Studios only claims credit for the story, dialogue, and character personalities.  If the resources are not properly credited and you KNOW the correct author, contact NAMKCOR at Rockman922@hotmail.com so that he might credit it properly.*

-----
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Starrodkirby86 on June 20, 2008, 08:26:50 pm
I knew you obtained those Japanese high schoolers from Tori, I remember seeing them somewhere before, heh. Seeing that the game is only one hour of gameplay somewhat turns me off to the whole experience as the game looks really...cold, yet bright...The name of the game itself reminds me of a History Day Competition Title which is not at all bad, and this is really the first time I seen a Title: SubTitle being used in such a masterful way. Awesome...


Now to just download it...XD
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 20, 2008, 09:07:22 pm
I think the game fits well in an hour.  It's a short story, not meant to be an epic.
I hope you like it.

I'm uploading a fixed version as I type this, that fixes the 'downed character' graphical bug that's been popping up.

:hopefully:fixed download link added
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Starrodkirby86 on June 20, 2008, 09:30:18 pm
Quote from: NAMKCOR on June 20, 2008, 09:07:22 pm
I think the game fits well in an hour.  It's a short story, not meant to be an epic.
I hope you like it.

I'm uploading a fixed version as I type this, that fixes the 'downed character' graphical bug that's been popping up.

:hopefully:fixed download link added
Oh, thanks. Now I have to download that...I'm going to be playing this game in my computer personally and alone, so then I can actually get the ambient feel. If it's a horror story, then I'm prepared to scream out the guts from my mout---maybe not. And I doubt it's horrific.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Vell on June 20, 2008, 09:31:23 pm
what of the background history? one of the requirements is the background hsitory, but with a one hour game... I don't think you could have much of one anyway XD.

well, I think you should add a little of the background history before I can be totally sure Im allowed to move it...
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 20, 2008, 09:53:56 pm
the 'backstory' is what you find out through the events of the game.
it's a trip into the past, in a sense.

if I posted that, it'd be spoilers :P

Also, it's not a horror game.
It's a storyline driven game, that tells a short tale that I wrote a while back.

Also: Due to the nature of the TBS, and the fact that Nick no longer updates it, you may run into one of the rare and hard for me to find bugs that I am unable to solve :(
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Sally on June 20, 2008, 11:02:06 pm
im downloading now befor the download link goes missing :)
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 20, 2008, 11:20:58 pm
lol, the link won't go missing, it's set for a while :D
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on June 21, 2008, 08:11:53 am
You should remove you e-mail from the post and tell people to look into your profile instead. Spam bots could get your e-mail easily. :S
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Sally on June 21, 2008, 10:24:33 am
yeah, im gonna play it after i find out how to make my enemys to attack me.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 21, 2008, 10:58:48 am
Quote from: Blizzard on June 21, 2008, 08:11:53 am
You should remove you e-mail from the post and tell people to look into your profile instead. Spam bots could get your e-mail easily. :S


too lazy, and I care far too little :P
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on June 21, 2008, 11:09:15 am
Lol, ok. Is this game actually finished?
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 21, 2008, 12:14:15 pm
yes, lol, that's typically what [Complete] means :P

update: uploaded v1.04
addressed some passibility errors and one cutscene bug
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Sally on June 21, 2008, 08:27:18 pm
we still gonna get some uhh... patches... :)
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 21, 2008, 09:12:23 pm
it *should* be fixed up for now.
aside from the rare TBS bugs.

ok, I lied.
fixed a bug with the soccer ball, and another passibility error >_<
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Sally on June 21, 2008, 11:08:32 pm
lol thats alright :P im gonna play it sometime...
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 21, 2008, 11:44:18 pm
haha, hope you enjoy :D

edit: lied again, fixed a visual bug and revised the final battle a bit.

Also: my 11 year old kid brother is the first one to beat the game, PICK UP THE PACE PEOPLES!
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Sally on June 21, 2008, 11:48:39 pm
lol 11 year olds have time on there hands...
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 22, 2008, 12:43:43 am
1 hour and 25 minutes it took 'im
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on June 22, 2008, 07:29:28 am
How did I miss the [Complete] tag?! O_O *downloads* I'll play it as soon as I find some time.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Starrodkirby86 on June 22, 2008, 11:34:56 am
I tried to play it yesterday NAMK on my computer (Not this one), and it froze thanks to Blizzard's Tons. It looks like Blizzard really wants to win this race...What it was was a Bitmap Failure somewhere right after the beginning, when the old coot starts blabbing out stuff if I remember it's an old man...is it one? You know, the owner of the office? *sigh* I'll try and settle it down here then.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 22, 2008, 03:13:57 pm
Quote from: Starrodkirby86 on June 22, 2008, 11:34:56 am
I tried to play it yesterday NAMK on my computer (Not this one), and it froze thanks to Blizzard's Tons. It looks like Blizzard really wants to win this race...What it was was a Bitmap Failure somewhere right after the beginning, when the old coot starts blabbing out stuff if I remember it's an old man...is it one? You know, the owner of the office? *sigh* I'll try and settle it down here then.


I have never had anyone tell me that the game did that to them.
in fact, I couldn't even think of how it would be fixed. :(

Quote from: Blizzard on June 22, 2008, 07:29:28 am
How did I miss the [Complete] tag?! O_O *downloads* I'll play it as soon as I find some time.


sweet, ty blizz, hope you like it.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Starrodkirby86 on June 25, 2008, 01:45:21 pm
This review has been obsoleted by Version 2.06 . Please go later in this thread to read that instead.

Review of The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis: ShowHide

The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis
By: Temperance Studios (NAMKCOR)
Review by Starrodkirby86


   It's always been arduous and difficult to start off something, even when it comes to writing a review. For the exact reason, I have taken the time to use the phrases here as a filler for the Introduction. There isn't exactly much else to state, unless someone in the psychiatry business, then, we might as well ramble on. Why am I even mentioning psychiatry anyway? Ah, it's to intertwine one into the next subject, which obviously as the Header speaks for itself, is about The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis, a game that chronicles a session of a patient within an asylum, leading onto his life story (It is psychiatry after all).

   As a game that clearly is short in length, the story needs to entangle the player pretty early in order to get their attention span to remain focused into the game. The player takes the role of Leon, who has many troubles throughout his life. I can't retort many of these episodes considering they probably contain spoilers. Suspense usually makes a story successful, and this is no exception. The storyline does urge to reader to go on, to unravel the mystery of Leon, from having a normal cheery life to something...more dark. Character development shows, but rather only for Leon, where the other characters simply have minor roles or their screen time is extremely small. As the game is divided into three chapters, the real characters that only appear in every single of the three would be Dave (The psychiatrist) and Leon. The rest of the people only appear exclusively for that chapter. It's such a shame, as the story should have done more for them, but wasn't exactly any new task that could have been done in the first place.

   More of Leon's past gets revealed, but the player will never truly know how Leon got his sorry bottom into the Asylum. This is because the game ends only after one session with Leon and Dave, giving such a disappointing cliffhanger. There's room for a sequel that may reveal more of his past (And the fate now), along with the continual involvement of the other characters. After all, there are no small parts, just small actors. On another subject in relation to the story, there are opportunities where it is perfect for the player to interact in. NAMKCOR takes advantage of every one of them, and as the chapters go along, the player will realize s/he will get more involved with Leon's activities. The interactivity also gets more intricate as the chapters drop like a rock, from hide-and-seek to avoiding the spikes on a Chess Board.

   The Gameplay works well within Insanity, but the main problem with it is the Tactical Battle System. It is not excruciatingly bad, no, and in cases it makes sense to do it for a game such as this. However, the trouble is within the script writing itself. Occasionally, an error may appear known as the "Pathfinding Error". Attain that error during an enemy's turn, the only possible route is to restart the battle. This brings an element of luck on the AI's side, after all your hard work, you finally get the tides turned against the foe, but the enemy's trump card forces you to fight them YET AGAIN FOR THE UMPTEENTH time.

   Not only does the enemy have a higher chance of winning, the game does give you a difficult moment to survive in. Leon and his sidekick Aaron are to simply put it compared to the other enemies, plain wimps. In order to win the game in the most painless (I use painless as a pun) way possible, you have to abuse two actions--Painkillers and Skills. Painkillers are the game's potions, and they're the only ticket of survival. Enemies will take such a beating on Leon and Aaron, opposed to the other side where their HP is drastically high, the best strategy is to play a game of cat-and-mouse; run and heal, fight back, get beaten up, and repeat. Skills power up the player, and they are also the Painkillers' best friend, since the more skills the player uses strategically, the less Painkillers s/he need to use overall. Do this for almost every battle you face, and the game has turned a little bit easier (A little bit of luck is still needed to win the battle, a Critical Hit on Leon or Aaron for example can ruin a whole plan).

   The graphics work well with the eye and cooperates with the storyline. NAMKCOR can map the locations with a high level of skill. If he wants a secret underground Fight Club, he can definitely map it. If he wants a dreamy forest of pure ecstasy with touch of magic and mystics, he can definitely map it. The battle animations and character battlers are also very creative as well, as he uses the popular Gaia Online game to create graphics for his heroes (Rather, an avatar generator for Gaia Online). It is the first time I have seen someone use it, and in such a way that it does not get annoying or unpleasing to the eye (A graphical inconsistency for example). The highest drawback when it comes to the aesthetics would be the passability of the tiles. While this issue does not affect the game in any way, it may seem quite strange that Leon is able to do a little dance on the registration machine and not get kicked out of the Arena.

   Music is generally a small category and is not taken upon with a high priority. Alas, I will still mention the audio and sound anyway. All songs do fit well for the atmosphere it tries to portray, and the music contains a continuity that reverts the player back into another state of mind when this song plays. There is nothing sub-par about it, along with any clichés known for an RPG Maker to insert with music. However, the battle music does get loud in some cases and can scare any unwary fool. But that's obvious, since the battle music uses an Electric Guitar most of the time.

   Overall, Insanity is a great play at such a small length. The player may retry quite a lot, when it's the battle or when it's the endgame puzzles. The continued attempts remind me of the way-too common deaths in the game Shadowgate, and may be a frustration among people. However, as it is beatable in quite some time (Maybe a little hint would get the player all the way), the issue is minor. The length of the game actually helps it out; the player can remember nearly every event from the beginning to the end, and still talk about it well enough, unless their memory is too dry to recite out. In my words, I would definitely say to play the game, enjoy the "bitter" tea, and dream a little more insane tonight.

Point Values: ShowHide
POINTS GRADE:
STORYLINE: 9.5/10
Pros:
~Is not the standard RPG flair of stories
~Philosophical content used in a nice way
~Story isn't choppy despite the chapter dividing
~Attachment to Leon is there
~Suspense
~Small length of game makes remembrance of all events
Cons:
~Little to no character development for the other characters
~Cliffhanger results in no resolution
~Player will never truly know how Leon got into the Asylum
~Minor spelling errors (Surprizing, isn't that surprising?)
~Small length of game gets the player to urge for more!!!

GAMEPLAY: 8.5/10
Pros:
~Tactical Battle System works most of the part
~A lot of the puzzles are clever
~Interactivity is used at its most
~Actual use of Skills and Items, no negligence on that
Cons:
~Minor eventing errors (Especially Chapter 2; Are you ready to fight Fredrich? Yes. Okay, go right ahead. Are you ready to fight Fredrich? No. Tell me when you're ready. *Goes into arena*)
~Some puzzles are annoying
~Pathfinding Error
~Painkiller Abuse

GRAPHICS: 9.0/10
Pros:
~Great mapping
~Creative use of Battle Animations and Battlers
~Beautiful Title Screen, Game Over, and Logo
Cons:
~Tile Passability Errors
~Some areas can use for more cosmetics

AUDIO/SOUND: 8.5/10
Pros:
~Songs are in the right place
~Sound used in right areas
~Continuity
Cons:
~Not everything is custom (Not that major)
~Guitar Solos may be out of usual

Personal Score: 9.5/10

AVERAGED: 9.0/10

Ending with a quote: "You're suicidal." :D

This insane review is 1415 words and 7988 characters long.



--------

Here you go NAMK, a review I concocted. ^^
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 25, 2008, 05:24:00 pm
sweet, glad you loved it so much :D
the passibility bugs were fixed in v1.05, and I'll look into that eventing error.

ANNOUNCEMENT:
First off, due to popular demand, there WILL be a sequel; details will be released at a later date.  The sequel will be much longer than this one, and will feature a FULLY CUSTOM BATTLE SYSTEM.  As far as the CBS goes, all I'll tell you is this, STRATEGY IS KEY!
(perhaps even a romp around Barkham ;) )

Second, Version 2.05 will feature either ZTBS or GTBS for purposes of destroying the pathfinding bug once and for all, as well as making enemies fight with actual strategy as opposed to swarm tactics.  I am implementing this now, and it should be released by the end of the night, if I work at it hard.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Lost_Hope on June 25, 2008, 09:01:02 pm
hey, there is a problem. When I got to the first fight in the little battle arena that you go to, the guy tried to move backwards and it froze the game up.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 25, 2008, 10:08:01 pm
as has been posted, there are pathfinding bugs with Nick's TBS
fortunately, I am currently switching the game over to Zenith TBS, which has no such bugs.

v2.05 will be released tonight, and the TBS experience will be much better.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Lost_Hope on June 27, 2008, 10:30:28 pm
so far I like it. DOn't tell me but I wonder if he is ever diagnosed with insanity
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on June 27, 2008, 10:34:24 pm
UPDATE

v2.05 released, featuring Zenith TBS, and a few other changes, as well as recalibration of the battle learning curve.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 07, 2008, 06:29:25 pm
fukkin bumped

game should work now
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on July 08, 2008, 03:52:38 am
I hope that, too. *downloads*
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Fantasist on July 08, 2008, 11:54:16 am
I dunno if I missed something, I can't move the player in the first nonfight scene with ANY of the keys. The menu and everything works fine though.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 08, 2008, 04:49:18 pm
Quote from: Fantasist on July 08, 2008, 11:54:16 am
I dunno if I missed something, I can't move the player in the first nonfight scene with ANY of the keys. The menu and everything works fine though.


erm...'first nonfight scene'
in which chapter?

if it's chapter two,THAT SHOULD WORK I NEED TO FIX IT AGAIN GODDAMNIT
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on July 09, 2008, 07:03:43 am
I downloaded the new version and haven't tried yet. D: Please fix it so I can download the fixed one before I am stuck with limited bandwidth again.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 09, 2008, 11:30:25 pm
I'm so goddamned pissed right now...it SHOULD FUCKING WORK.
if I find out it's a problem with ZTBS and I have to switch it out with ANOTHER TBS -AGAIN- I'm going to flip.

it's not doing this ANYWHERE except right in the beginning of the game.
I've skipped ahead and tested all the rest, it ALL FUCKING WORKS.

omfg what is wrong with RMXP...
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Fantasist on July 10, 2008, 05:55:36 am
Yeah in-case you want the exact location, it's right after the first fight when Leon tells Dave the 'other interesting story', where they were headed out to a hangout. The map which has a blue crystal in the left.

Try doing that map again instead of fixing it.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on July 10, 2008, 06:37:26 am
Ever tried using "p [stuff you need to debug or suspect to cause the bug].inspect" in the middle of your code? I highly suggest it to track the call stack (the order in which the methods are called).
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 11, 2008, 12:10:16 am
BUMP FOR GREAT JUSTICE
IT FUCKING WORKS NOW

The problem was Tons' Caterpillar script (which I wasn't even using, WTF?!) screwing with Scene_Map or something.

Anyway, it works now.
PLEY IT?!
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on July 11, 2008, 06:19:46 am
Yeah, I remember somebody telling me that the caterpillar was messing up something. Are you using v6.4? *downloads new version <3*
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Fantasist on July 11, 2008, 01:40:25 pm
I just started and it's top-notch mate! You come up with awesome themes and presentation! I really liked your last game too :D
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 11, 2008, 04:18:51 pm
Quote from: Blizzard on July 11, 2008, 06:19:46 am
Yeah, I remember somebody telling me that the caterpillar was messing up something. Are you using v6.4? *downloads new version <3*


the caterpillar has ALWAYS caused me errors, resulting in my having to remove it, or put it above everything :/
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: superkboom on July 12, 2008, 01:15:52 am
Hey man, nice game, only one problem, I can't move once I finish the battle with the three school boys, the part where your in the slums? Not sure if it's a glitch, graphical error, i don't know, just wondering?
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 12, 2008, 07:31:28 am
that's been fixed in v2.16
try re-downloading the game.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: superkboom on July 12, 2008, 07:21:23 pm
Shall do, this game looks pretty good, hoping to test it even further!
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 12, 2008, 09:18:01 pm
hope you like it, uploading v2.17

fixed a passibility error, an eventing error, and a few database errors.
that should be it, until the grammar overhaul

done
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on July 13, 2008, 08:42:28 am
*downloads... again* #_#
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 13, 2008, 10:36:21 am
sorry about all the repeated downloads, after I switched to ZTBS a whole new fold of errors just popped up out of nowhere :(

v2.27 is in the works, but all that one has is totally fixed grammar, so when that's up it's not really an essential download xD
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Fantasist on July 14, 2008, 07:54:32 am
I've played the game and I really like it :D I'm looking forward to that sequel you mentioned.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 14, 2008, 06:28:22 pm
:) the sequel will come out after my next project (need time to write a proper continuation; the first took me a good 3 months)

I'm going to leave it at one game, but I may update and release a Special Edition
see the reply 3 down from here
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Starrodkirby86 on July 19, 2008, 12:18:24 pm
The Insanity Review: ShowHide
The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis
By: Temperance Studios (NAMKCOR)
Review by Starrodkirby86


   It's always been arduous and difficult to start off something, even when it comes to writing a review. For the exact reason, I have taken the time to use the phrases here as a filler for the Introduction. There isn't exactly much else to state, unless someone in the psychiatry business, then, we might as well ramble on. Why am I even mentioning psychiatry anyway? Ah, it's to intertwine one into the next subject, which obviously as the Header speaks for itself, is about The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis, a game that chronicles a session of a patient within an asylum, leading onto his life story (It is psychiatry after all).

   As a game that clearly is short in length, the story needs to entangle the player pretty early in order to get their attention span to remain focused into the game. The player takes the role of Leon, who has many troubles throughout his life. I can't retort many of these episodes considering they probably contain spoilers. Suspense usually makes a story successful, and this is no exception. The storyline does urge to reader to go on, to unravel the mystery of Leon, from having a normal cheery life to something...more dark. Character development shows, but rather only for Leon, where the other characters simply have minor roles or their screen time is extremely small. As the game is divided into three chapters, the real characters that only appear in every single of the three would be Dave (The psychiatrist) and Leon. The rest of the people only appear exclusively for that chapter. It's such a shame, as the story should have done more for them, but wasn't exactly any new task that could have been done in the first place.

   More of Leon's past gets revealed, but the player will never truly know how Leon got his sorry bottom into the Asylum. This is because the game ends only after one session with Leon and Dave, giving such a disappointing cliffhanger. There's room for a sequel that may reveal more of his past (And the fate now), along with the continual involvement of the other characters. After all, there are no small parts, just small actors. On another subject in relation to the story, there are opportunities where it is perfect for the player to interact in. NAMKCOR takes advantage of every one of them, and as the chapters go along, the player will realize s/he will get more involved with Leon's activities. The interactivity also gets more intricate as the chapters drop like a rock, from hide-and-seek to avoiding the spikes on a Chess Board.

   The battling works well with Insanity. Now that NAMKCOR replaced Nick's TBS with the Zenith Tactic Battle System, there are no longer errors in regards to pathfinding. One of the worst flaws in the game has finally been eradicated once and for all. In addition, NAMKCOR has also gave graphics to every enemy in the game. This can prove to be quite an interesting thing, as a reason I played the new version of the game was to see the graphics of the enemies. The move over was painless, and maybe even better. Very little moves have been altered, so they still have the same effect as before. The difficulty is still retained, except there is now a sharp learning curve.

   Not only does the enemy have a higher chance of winning, the game does give you a difficult moment to survive in. Leon and his sidekick Aaron are to simply put it compared to the other enemies, plain wimps. In order to win the game in the most painless (I use painless as a pun) way possible, you have to abuse two actions--Painkillers and Skills. Painkillers are the game's potions, and they're the only ticket of survival. Enemies will take such a beating on Leon and Aaron, opposed to the other side where their HP is drastically high, the best strategy is to play a game of cat-and-mouse; run and heal, fight back, get beaten up, and repeat. Skills power up the player, and they are also the Painkillers' best friend, since the more skills the player uses strategically, the less Painkillers s/he need to use overall. Do this for almost every battle you face, and the game has turned a little bit easier (A little bit of luck is still needed to win the battle, a Critical Hit on Leon or Aaron for example can ruin a whole plan).

   The graphics work well with the eye and cooperates with the storyline. NAMKCOR can map the locations with a high level of skill. If he wants a secret underground Fight Club, he can definitely map it. If he wants a dreamy forest of pure ecstasy with touch of magic and mystics, he can definitely map it. The battle animations and character battlers are also very creative as well, as he uses the popular Gaia Online game to create graphics for his heroes (Rather, an avatar generator for Gaia Online). It is the first time I have seen someone use it, and in such a way that it does not get annoying or unpleasing to the eye (A graphical inconsistency for example). The highest drawback when it comes to the aesthetics would be the passability of the tiles. While this issue does not affect the game in any way, it may seem quite strange that Leon is able to do a little dance on the registration machine and not get kicked out of the Arena. Fortunately, NAMKCOR corrected this (Or most of) the problem, so it's not as much of an annoyance.

   Music is generally a small category and is not taken upon with a high priority. Alas, I will still mention the audio and sound anyway. All songs do fit well for the atmosphere it tries to portray, and the music contains a continuity that reverts the player back into another state of mind when this song plays. There is nothing sub-par about it, along with any clichés known for an RPG Maker to insert with music. However, the battle music does get loud in some cases and can scare any unwary fool. But that's obvious, since the battle music uses an Electric Guitar most of the time.

   Overall, Insanity is a great play at such a small length. The player may retry quite a lot, when it's the battle or when it's the endgame puzzles. The continued attempts remind me of the way-too common deaths in the game Shadowgate, and may be a frustration among people. However, as it is beatable in quite some time (Maybe a little hint would get the player all the way), the issue is minor. The length of the game actually helps it out; the player can remember nearly every event from the beginning to the end, and still talk about it well enough, unless their memory is too dry to recite out. In my words, I would definitely say to play the game, enjoy the "bitter" tea, and dream a little more insane tonight.

POINTS GRADE:
STORYLINE: 9.5/10
Pros:
~Is not the standard RPG flair of stories
~Philosophical content used in a nice way
~Story isn't choppy despite the chapter dividing
~Attachment to Leon is there
~Suspense
~Small length of game makes remembrance of all events
Cons:
~Little to no character development for the other characters
~Cliffhanger results in no resolution
~Player will never truly know how Leon got into the Asylum
~Minor spelling errors (Surprizing, isn't that surprising?)
~Small length of game gets the player to urge for more!!!

GAMEPLAY: 9.0/10
Pros:
~Tactical Battle System works most of the part
~A lot of the puzzles are clever
~Interactivity is used at its most
~Actual use of Skills and Items, no negligence on that
Cons:
~Minor eventing errors
~Some puzzles are annoying
~Painkiller Abuse

GRAPHICS: 9.0/10
Pros:
~Great mapping
~Creative use of Battle Animations and Battlers
~Beautiful Title Screen, Game Over, and Logo
Cons:
~Some areas can use for more cosmetics

AUDIO/SOUND: 8.5/10
Pros:
~Songs are in the right place
~Sound used in right areas
~Continuity
Cons:
~Not everything is custom (Not that major)
~Guitar Solos may be out of usual

Personal Score: 9.5/10

AVERAGED: 9.1/10

Ending with a quote: "You must be suicidal." :D

Version 2.0 . I hope it's better. I still don't know if it's very bias or I'm very nice with the high score. xD
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on July 19, 2008, 12:51:21 pm
ty for the updated reviewing love, SRK
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on October 16, 2008, 09:50:02 am
Ok, I know this is a double post, but big update.

I'm considering releasing an updated version of the game, including difficulty selection and perhaps some more skills, and perhaps an Epilogue chapter, for those interested in a bit more conclusion to the storyline.

But, the game was released a while ago, and people have already done their run-throughs so, I'll leave it up to you guys.

Should I work on and release "The Insanity: The Mind of the Condemned"? (effectively; The Insanity: Special Edition)

edit: this was my favorite project ever, and I'd love to work on it some more and update it a bit, but I'm not going to if it'd be a wasted effort.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on October 16, 2008, 10:23:12 am
I'd like to see some extras in the game especially since it's still fresh for me. One of the most disappointing things was the lack of skills. ._. I hope won't have to hack my savegame to beat "easy" mode this time. xD
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on October 16, 2008, 10:32:13 am
Quote from: Blizzard on October 16, 2008, 10:23:12 am
I'd like to see some extras in the game especially since it's still fresh for me. One of the most disappointing things was the lack of skills. ._. I hope won't have to hack my savegame to beat "easy" mode this time. xD


original game had no "easy" mode.
only sadistic
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Blizzard on October 16, 2008, 10:47:33 am
I meant in the special edition. I hope that I won't have to hack my savegame when playing "easy" in the special edition as I had to hack my savegame in the normal game without difficulty choice.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on October 19, 2008, 04:45:32 pm
alright guys, planned features for the SE (so far).

-- 4 Difficulties to choose from (Sub-Par, Average, Psychotic, Suicidal)
    (Psychotic being how hard it was before)
-- New Title screen
-- Revisited and New Items/Equipment
-- Revisited and new Skills
-- Short Epilogue Chapter (not quite a whole chapter of gameplay, but it finishes off the story)
-- short Battle Tutorial in the first fight.
-- Instructions Manual
-- Walkthrough Guide will be released simultaneously with the game.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Ryex on October 19, 2008, 10:27:41 pm
I would love to see the second version!
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: Diokatsu on October 19, 2008, 11:20:55 pm
Second version sounds like a win. I'm already licking my entirely computer based lips.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on October 20, 2008, 09:28:51 am
-- 4 Difficulties to choose from (Sub-Par, Average, Psychotic, Suicidal)
    (Psychotic being how hard it was before)

-- New Title screen
-- Revisited and New Items/Equipment
-- Revisited and new Skills
-- Short Epilogue Chapter (not quite a whole chapter of gameplay, but it finishes off the story)
-- short Battle Tutorial in the first fight.
-- Instructions Manual
-- Walkthrough Guide will be released simultaneously with the game.

strikeout == completed.
I'll have the game out sometime mid to late this week.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: Mind of the Condemned [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on October 28, 2008, 01:49:49 pm
I double post to bump because this totally deserves it.

The Insanity: Mind of the Condemned is complete.
(Special Re-visited edition of 'The Insanity: A cold and bitter diagnosis')

Walkthrough pending release, and I decided no instructions manual is really needed.
download link updated in first post

revised features in the special edition are highlighted in red.

edit: everyone please thank Zylos for his editing work; the game wouldn't be what it is without his help
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: Mind of the Condemned [Complete]
Post by: Starrodkirby86 on October 28, 2008, 05:55:54 pm
Don't worry about the double post, you can double post in a 24-gap. :)

Woohoo, it's finally out! That's pretty great. :D I don't know if I would play it because of the current business I'm in, but this is pretty awesome. Don't know if I should revise my review...No, I shouldn't at the moment because that review was for A cold and bitter diagnosis, not for Mind of the Condemned...I like the lowercase subtitle better personally... ._.; Oh well, that doesn't matter! KUDOS NAMK!
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: Mind of the Condemned [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on October 29, 2008, 01:59:58 pm
Quote from: Starrodkirby86 on October 28, 2008, 05:55:54 pm
Don't worry about the double post, you can double post in a 24-gap. :)

Woohoo, it's finally out! That's pretty great. :D I don't know if I would play it because of the current business I'm in, but this is pretty awesome. Don't know if I should revise my review...No, I shouldn't at the moment because that review was for A cold and bitter diagnosis, not for Mind of the Condemned...I like the lowercase subtitle better personally... ._.; Oh well, that doesn't matter! KUDOS NAMK!


:)

it's pretty much the same game, with a conclusive ending, a few graphical updates, more skills, and easier difficulty levels to choose from.
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: Mind of the Condemned [Complete]
Post by: Ryex on November 24, 2008, 09:24:49 pm
Congrats on a VERY good revisit I finally got the chance to play all they way through (took about two hours) and I must say for the length of the game it is very good. let see... ratings!


useing the GameSpots Rating system (by thing I mean what Game spot takes their numbers to mean.
10.0: Prime
    This exceedingly rare score refers to a game that is as perfect as a game can aspire to be at its time of release. Obviously, the constantly changing standards for technology and gameplay will probably make this game obsolete some day, but at its time of release, a game earning this score could not have been improved upon in any meaningful way.
9.0-9.5: Superb
    We absolutely recommend any game in this range, especially to fans of that particular genre. However, games that score in the 9 range are also typically well suited to new players. Games that earn 9s are naturally uncommon, and earn GameSpot's Editors' Choice Award for their outstanding quality.
8.0-8.5: Great
    This range refers to great games that are excellent in almost every way and whose few setbacks probably aren't too important. We highly recommend games in the upper half of this range, since they tend to be good enough to provide an enjoyable experience to fans of the particular genre and to new players alike.
7.0-7.5: Good
    A game within this range is good overall, and likely worth playing by fans of the particular genre or by those otherwise interested. While its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, a game that falls in this range tends to have noticeable faults.
6.0-6.5: Fair
    Games that earn 6-range ratings have certain good qualities but significant problems as well. These games may well be worth playing, but you should approach them with caution.
5.0-5.5: Mediocre
    A 5-range score refers to a game that's "merely average" in the negative sense. These games tend to have enough major weaknesses to considerably outweigh their strengths. There's probably a substantially better, similar game out there for you.
4.0-4.5: Poor
    Games that just don't work right and maybe didn't spend enough time in production tend to fall in to this category. They simply lack the cohesion and quality that make other games fun.
3.0-3.5: Bad
    You probably shouldn't get too close to a game in this range. Any of its positive qualities most likely serve only to make the rest of it seem even more disappointing.
2.0-2.5: Terrible
    Beware, for a game in this range is almost entirely devoid of any remotely decent or fully functional features.
1.0-1.5: Abysmal
    Ouch. The rare game that falls in this lowest-of-the-low range has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Don't play this game. )


Your game Ranks an 8.5! good Job Man!
Title: Re: [XP]The Insanity: Mind of the Condemned [Complete]
Post by: tSwitch on November 27, 2008, 04:10:40 pm
thanks, glad you enjoyed the game.