Sorry your browser is not supported!

You are using an outdated browser that does not support modern web technologies, in order to use this site please update to a new browser.

Browsers supported include Chrome, FireFox, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer 10+ or Microsoft Edge.

FPSC Classic Showcase / [X9] Dusk (Full Release)

Author
Message
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 19th Aug 2011 06:30 Edited at: 26th Aug 2011 08:29


Developer: Astek/ Daily BranD Games

Story-

You play as a private eye, investigating the where abouts of a man who was reported missing over 2 years ago. You personally knew him for 20 something years and a strange letter in the mail sparks your interest. Recent reports have come in with people reporting strange activity near an old apartment complex. Sometimes even a silloute of a man can be made out in its third story windows. Everyone in the neighborhood knows the apartments were abandoned long ago and many people are expressing their concerns over the sightings. Your mind quickly jerks back to 20 years ago and you begin to fear the worst. If you don't investigate this yourself, you will be dooming your very existence. No one else can know. Only you...

Description:

You will be solving puzzles and facing the dark secrets of the past. Play at night, in the dark, and turn your volume up!
There are important things to be heard. You can also interact with lots of things in the environment. Press "F" on objects.

Clarifying: YOU CAN SEARCH EVERY LOCKER AND MOST CABINETS AND DRESSERS. AFTER LEVEL 3, THERE IS NO NEED TO PRESS F ON THEM

Screenshots:





Trailer:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M07OIZNlSq4


Download:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XX16Q2D9

CREDITS

USEFUL FEEDBACK AND TESTING- StoryTeller01
PACKER AND MEDIA PROTECTION- S4real

OTHER WORTHY MENTIONS:

Kravenwolf- Models
CosmicProphet - Models
Doomster - Base Textures
TGC - FPSC and Media
Bond 1 - Models
Black Boe - Audio
Kevin Macleod - Audio
Cyborg Art - Models
Rolfy- Models and a Little Help
Ched80 - Script


AND OTHERS WHO I'VE FAILED TO MENTION. THANK YOU.

Feel Free to Donate If You Liked - I'm Not Asking for Much and its Not Mandatory - It Just Helps

Paypal-


Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 19th Aug 2011 07:50 Edited at: 26th Aug 2011 08:15
Notice:

Original download has been repacked to fix several game halting issues. Please re-download for full experience


I wanted to keep the first post clean of any chit-chat so I'm making a separate on here so I can explain the games (somewhat early) release.
I had intended to do a bit more for this game but with me stressing the FPSC lightmapping capabilities... too many bugs occurred
to ever try and continue broadening THIS particular game.

I hit 1000+ lightmapped objects and a built FPSC game won't use over 2GB of memory when loading a level. This is why levels 2 and
3 are prone to crashing. SAVE OFTEN! As for what you need to run this game:

Minimum Specs:

- 2GB Ram
- Any Dual Core CPU
- Windows XP
- Intel HD Integrated Graphics


Feedback is welcomed. I intended for a full scale commercial release but some FPSC boundaries kept me back. Instead of trashing the game, I decided to release what I had.

Thanks for looking guys.

UPDATE 8/26/2011:

Dusk 1.02 has been uploaded with the following critiques:

- Level 3 load halt now fixed for systems with 2GB memory or more. If you have less then 2GB, I CANNOT guarantee it to load.

- Broadened the last level and made the final puzzle a little more clear.

- Enhanced gun sounds.

- Maximized maps for replay-ability.

- Fixed helmet hud for player convenience.


Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
The Storyteller 01
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th May 2009
Location: On a silent hill in dead space
Posted: 20th Aug 2011 12:02 Edited at: 20th Aug 2011 19:24
I played it 2 times now and I am very impressed so far - congratiolations, Astek!

I am still working to get around a certain part and after that I'll write a review.

Btw, it's really funny how most WIP threads get spammed with comments within the first 12 hours, while Showcase threads tend to somehow go unnoticed for days...

In case you find my grammar and spelling weird ---> native German speaker ^^
KeithC
Senior Moderator
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 27th Oct 2005
Location: Michigan
Posted: 20th Aug 2011 16:58
I've submitted this to the BOTB Judges (and myself) for approval.

-Keith

KeithC
Senior Moderator
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 27th Oct 2005
Location: Michigan
Posted: 20th Aug 2011 20:13
I've played through a bit (stuck on the wires right now); very impressive so far.

-Keith

ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 20th Aug 2011 21:35
Quote: "I am still working to get around a certain part"


I'm interested to know where it is you are stuck.

Quote: "I've played through a bit (stuck on the wires right now); very impressive so far. "


Yeah, it will take a little while to understand the power puzzle. You need to use that book though. Save so you don't kill yourself
and have to start the game over.

Also, tell me if level 3 crashes on you guys. That is my biggest worry. After level 3, there should be no more
level crashing occurring at all.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
The Storyteller 01
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th May 2009
Location: On a silent hill in dead space
Posted: 20th Aug 2011 21:52 Edited at: 20th Aug 2011 21:53
Quote: "I'm interested to know where it is you are stuck."

I allready sent you a mail because the question would give away too much

I am still in level 1 btw.

In case you find my grammar and spelling weird ---> native German speaker ^^
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 21st Aug 2011 04:35 Edited at: 22nd Aug 2011 18:01
Quote: "I already sent you a mail because the question would give away too much. I am still in level 1 btw."


Seems to me you are already on level 2... but I do hope you get passed that part you were talking about.

As for people not commenting... I don't know. I've already gotten 38+ downloads but only 2 people commenting.
FPSC has just gotten significantly less popular in these past few months. The forum is quite quiet. It's sad but true I guess.

I UPDATED THE FIRST POST FOR CLARIFICATION. IF YOU DOWNLOADED MY FIRST RELEASE, GET THE NEW ONE. THE INVESTIGATE HUDS ARE
REMOVED AND THAT FOR THE DESIRED EFFECT.
IF YOU ARE ALREADY CLOSE TO BEATING IT ANYWAY, DON'T EVEN WORRY ABOUT IT.
JUST BE SURE TO READ THE CLARIFICATION AS IT SHOULD MAKE EVERYTHING CLEARER.


Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
The Storyteller 01
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th May 2009
Location: On a silent hill in dead space
Posted: 23rd Aug 2011 12:24
I am at the end of level 2 now.

The game is challenging in the way the old Lucas Art 2-D adventures where - nothing is served on a silver plate. You really have to think outisde of simple game mechanisms to progress.

I just hope I am not the only one actually playing Dusk

In case you find my grammar and spelling weird ---> native German speaker ^^
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 23rd Aug 2011 19:54 Edited at: 23rd Aug 2011 19:55
Quote: "The game is challenging in the way the old Lucas Art 2-D adventures where"


Its ironic because I'm not very good at the old puzzle games. For my next game, I'm hoping to tone and it down and
only give you the real "slammer" puzzle at key intervals in the game. More action will ensue as well, to reward the player.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
BlackFox
FPSC Master
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th May 2008
Location: Knight to Queens Bishop 3
Posted: 23rd Aug 2011 20:57
Quote: "I just hope I am not the only one actually playing Dusk"


No, you're not. Misery loves company

I have to say, I was quite pleased to be able to try this out. We downloaded the first download and it would not load on our machine. After dealing with a hectic few days, and after checking this thread this morning and seeing a new download was available, I grabbed it. Loading times are great- I have just enough time to pour a cup of coffee, add cream and sugar, and sit just when the game starts.

When launching the executable, the launcher buttons have no text on them. Not too sure if anyone else experienced this, but it was no real concern to me. I knew which buttons did what. The music in the launcher is very nice- relaxing. I guess it is my age settling on me, but it really soothes one when waiting. Good choice Once inside the game, the sounds heard and the interaction with certain items was a surprise that I did not expect. However, they fit the game perfectly.

I have only made my way through the first level (bottom and top floor). The only thing that jumped out at me was the doors leading to the stairwells from the hallways. When they are open and you close them, the sound plays first, then the animation runs to close the door. On a couple it is noticeable, but if I recall one of them was very close to the animation and sound being in-sync. Unless that is just an issue on our end, I'm not too worried.

I made a save and will be waiting for BlueFox to try her hand at it. She loves puzzle-type games like this. I'm certain she will get past my save point. You are correct with this:

Quote: "Play at night, in the dark, and turn your volume up!
There are important things to be heard."


It is hard to play during the day, and the addition of my two year old running around the house playing fire truck and the dog chasing the cat really hampers my efforts. I will try this tonight and hope I can see better, because during the day it is really hard to see on our monitor (could be the hand prints on it too LOL).

Overall, I would give this a 4 out of 5 based on what I have seen so far. I don't really offer much in the way of suggestions on other developers work, for the simple fact that we all have our own style. Having developments we have made over the years, I know everyone has different tastes and methods. It is how you put the methods together that give the game a nice feel and flow. I enjoy playing others developments because I end up learning something.

A great job, and definitely one we will play over and over.


Twitter: @NFoxMedia
Wolf
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Nov 2007
Location: Luxemburg
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 03:00
Quote: "I just hope I am not the only one actually playing Dusk"


I'm downloading now.

The screenshots do not impress me...but that doesn't mean anything. Expect one of my usual reviews soon. Unless you dont want me to post feedback. if so, post now.

But I'm sure this will be good.



-Wolf

I make serious coffee - so strong it wakes up the neighbors.
http://serygalacaffeine.deviantart.com/
Twitter:@Serygala
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 03:34
Quote: "The screenshots do not impress me...but that doesn't mean anything."


I decided to go with the "show but not actually show" approach. The second screenshot was even a little "iffy" for me
because it marks the chapter where the games takes a big turn.

Quote: "Expect one of my usual reviews soon. Unless you dont want me to post feedback. if so, post now."


All I'm saying is that you better think outside the box. Like Storyteller said,

Quote: "nothing is served on a silver plate"


Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
Wolf
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Nov 2007
Location: Luxemburg
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 03:37
Quote: "All I'm saying is that you better think outside the box"


I always do

I make serious coffee - so strong it wakes up the neighbors.
http://serygalacaffeine.deviantart.com/
Twitter:@Serygala
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 04:50 Edited at: 24th Aug 2011 04:51
If anyone can't get Level 3 to load, let me know please. This is obviously a big bug that shouldn't be in there.
I know one way to optimize and fix this and I apologize for anyone who has worked so hard just to get stuck at Level 3.

I can fix this if its a problem on ANYONE'S pc.

I should also note that you should never try and "cheat" a puzzle. You have to follow it all the way through to complete it.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
BlackFox
FPSC Master
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th May 2008
Location: Knight to Queens Bishop 3
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 05:30
Quote: "If anyone can't get Level 3 to load, let me know please."


LOL I can't get past level one. I have to get Mrs. Fox to play and get me past this level.


Twitter: @NFoxMedia
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 06:14
Quote: "LOL I can't get past level one. I have to get Mrs. Fox to play and get me past this level."


Would you mind holding off then until I fix a few issues. I have to give Storyteller some real credit in finding some issues with
my game. I'm thinking I want to make a few things a little bit more clear as well as expanding something before my repack.

As for you too Wolf, you might want to stop and wait for the repack. I think you will get annoyed if you play through it all just
to be stopped at level 3.

I also apologize Storyteller that you have been my "dedicated tester". I know some things got you worked up and I
know that everything you said could be addressed. I just need to make the touch ups and then I can be fully satisfied in the (hopefully) final patch.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
BlackFox
FPSC Master
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th May 2008
Location: Knight to Queens Bishop 3
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 06:19
Quote: "Would you mind holding off then until I fix a few issues. I have to give Storyteller some real credit in finding some issues with
my game. I'm thinking I want to make a few things a little bit more clear as well as expanding something before my repack."


Not at all, Astek. I'll help Mrs Fox with her model packs she is working on, and keep an eye on this thread for the next repack.


Twitter: @NFoxMedia
Wolf
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Nov 2007
Location: Luxemburg
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 13:15 Edited at: 24th Aug 2011 13:22
Awww! Okay...I'm waiting. By this chance: check your inbox of your E-Mail account, please!

My dto entry will be slightly similar...I really hope you don't mind. But puzzlesolving firstperson adventures are and will be the best genre ever



-Wolf

I make serious coffee - so strong it wakes up the neighbors.
http://serygalacaffeine.deviantart.com/
Twitter:@Serygala
Soviet176
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 19th Sep 2009
Location: Volgograd
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 16:06
I can't even load the game. When it decryption it just crashes. Not responding.


xplosys
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Jan 2006
Playing: FPSC Multiplayer Games
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 19:33
Soviet176,

What are your system/OS specs?

s4real
VIP Member
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 22nd Jul 2006
Location:
Posted: 24th Aug 2011 22:07
Soviet176 when does it crash before the launch and exit buttons or when you try new game and then it loads in then crashes.

and please give detail like xplosys said system/OS specs.

best s4real


Pack ya games with vishnu packer its free. Vishnu game launcher is now released.
Wolf
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Nov 2007
Location: Luxemburg
Posted: 26th Aug 2011 02:30
Any news, Astek?

And why is there so little going on here? This is instant BOTB!!



-Wolf

I make serious coffee - so strong it wakes up the neighbors.
http://serygalacaffeine.deviantart.com/
Twitter:@Serygala
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 26th Aug 2011 08:03 Edited at: 26th Aug 2011 08:26
Sorry guys. I took 1 extra day because I got caught up playing TF2. I did manage to compile a final build that addresses several
issues and this should count as my final link for the entry in BOTB. That last sentence was for Keith, so I hope he is looking.

Also, S4, I'm not trying to look like a cheapskate either. I plan on getting your new packer for my next game. I'm running tight
on cash right now and I owe more then I actually have at the moment (isn't that America). Anyways, I'm going to update the first post.

Quote: "By this chance: check your inbox of your E-Mail account, please!"


I just now read your mail. You see, I own Photoshop Elements so I could have done it myself. Lets just say that it might actually serve a
purpose... or perhaps not. Either way, I've left half the story up to the player's imagination. It's like a book. Each player will
have his or her own explanation to the whole thing. No one is wrong and no one is right.

Changes:

- Level 3 load halt now fixed for systems with 2GB memory or more. If you have less then 2GB, I CANNOT guarantee it to load.

- Broadened the last level and made the final puzzle a little more clear.

- Enhanced gun sounds.

- Maximized maps for replay-ability.

- Fixed helmet hud for player convenience.


Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
The Storyteller 01
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th May 2009
Location: On a silent hill in dead space
Posted: 26th Aug 2011 09:12
Looking forward to play the next build

PS: I havent't gotten to the end of level 2 yet, but I encountered no crashes with the old version so far.

In case you find my grammar and spelling weird ---> native German speaker ^^
KeithC
Senior Moderator
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 27th Oct 2005
Location: Michigan
Posted: 26th Aug 2011 17:22
It says the file is temp unavailable, Astek (in your first post).

-Keith

ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 26th Aug 2011 19:28
Quote: "It says the file is temp unavailable, Astek (in your first post)."


I hate Megaupload because it does that sometimes but I just check it now and it works. I guess you have to wait a little bit afterwards
to try it after its uploaded. I also apologize for the problems I've had with this game. I thought it complete before but there were
several things that needed to be addressed. But hey, even some of the BOTB people have had to patch their games before. I see that
Lewis had to at one point, and it looks like I'm no different. This game was truthfully a learning experience. Now that I have
a broader understanding of FPSC's lightmapping limitations, I won't be making the same mistake twice.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
The Storyteller 01
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th May 2009
Location: On a silent hill in dead space
Posted: 26th Aug 2011 19:52 Edited at: 26th Aug 2011 19:52
Quote: "But hey, even some of the BOTB people have had to patch their games before"


Not to mention the legion of AAA titles, which where nearly unplayable prior to their first patch

In case you find my grammar and spelling weird ---> native German speaker ^^
bruce3371
13
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Aug 2010
Location: Englishland
Posted: 26th Aug 2011 22:11
Quote: "I thought it complete before but there were
several things that needed to be addressed"


This is why I'm sending my game to play testers before releasing it, so that it's as bug free as possible when people download it.

Quote: "Not to mention the legion of AAA titles, which where nearly unplayable prior to their first patch"


And still unplayable after (Daikatana anyone?) lol

ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 26th Aug 2011 23:03
Quote: "This is why I'm sending my game to play testers before releasing it, so that it's as bug free as possible when people download it."


I had closed testing on several machines but the biggest bug was level 3 not loading for people on the OUTSIDE. I did some testing
before, just not really a broad scope. I didn't really expect this title to be "FPSC gold" or something. I also had to drop the
continuance of THIS specific game because of the massive lightmapping strain FPSC Game compiles can't load.

For my next project however, it will be more thorough.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
bruce3371
13
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Aug 2010
Location: Englishland
Posted: 26th Aug 2011 23:18
The first time I attempted to build my game, I did a half-hearted self test, before sending it to my play testers.

You can just imagine how red faced I was when I realised just how buggy the build was that I sent to them!!

But, yeah, not matter how thorough you are when testing, FPSC has a nasty habit of biting you in the ass when you least expect it!!

On the other hand, I enjoy the challenge!!

BTW, my previous comment wasn't meant as a criticism, just an observation.

Metal Devil123
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 13th Jul 2008
Location: Suomi, Finland
Posted: 27th Aug 2011 20:23
I can't download, it says the file is temporarily unavailable...

ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 28th Aug 2011 06:06 Edited at: 28th Aug 2011 06:10
Quote: "I can't download, it says the file is temporarily unavailable..."


I'm starting to hate Megaupload. I'd use Mediafire, but I'm 24mb over the limit. I also find it silly for me to pay premium.
I'd imagine there is a ton of illegal downloads going on like there is a fire right now. That is why the site must have screeched to
a halt like it did. It must be a new video game or something being leaked. I wouldn't know what it is though; just a guess.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
Yiff
18
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 30th Sep 2005
Location:
Posted: 28th Aug 2011 06:09
I can't download, it says the file is temporarily unavailable...

Is 'Dusk' canned or will it be still available ?
bruce3371
13
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Aug 2010
Location: Englishland
Posted: 28th Aug 2011 16:17
Quote: "I'm starting to hate Megaupload. I'd use Mediafire, but I'm 24mb over the limit."


Try Gamefront. User accounts are free and there's no file on size limit. The only limit is the amount of time a file will stay on the site if it isn't regularly downloaded.

ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 28th Aug 2011 16:53
Quote: "Try Gamefront. User accounts are free and there's no file on size limit. The only limit is the amount of time a file will stay on the site if it isn't regularly downloaded."


That's the only thing. I'd have to reupload multiple times in the future as it will most likely go inactive for that long.

Quote: "Is 'Dusk' canned or will it be still available ?"


I don't know how you can a full release game... but no. Just come back and try later. I can access the file just fine by clicking the link.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
bruce3371
13
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Aug 2010
Location: Englishland
Posted: 28th Aug 2011 17:11 Edited at: 28th Aug 2011 17:28
Quote: "I'd have to reupload multiple times in the future as it will most likely go inactive for that long."


Admittedly, that is a drawback, but IMO one that outweighs having a file size limit or having to sign up for a premium account.

Metal Devil123
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 13th Jul 2008
Location: Suomi, Finland
Posted: 28th Aug 2011 17:42
It works now, will give some comments later on!

Pbcrazy
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 25th Sep 2008
Location: ...pillow room...
Posted: 30th Aug 2011 06:00
Just played it a bit. Great fun! Though I only got partway through level one.

Few problems.
- It wouldn't let me walk through the air duct in the way for some reason. Tried everything, but it was acting as if it was blocked.
- The voice in the telephone was hard to understand. I ended up just randomly searching stuff till I figured out what I was supposed to do.

Well done though!
Wolf
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Nov 2007
Location: Luxemburg
Posted: 30th Aug 2011 06:31
@Pbcrazy: Just reload the level and play through it again...worked for me.
Things like these that happen out of the blue made me reconcider my own games. I think it would be wise to have multiple solutions for a puzzle. In case one doesnt work for no reason. :S

@Astek: Upload it to MODDB. That way you'll get thousands of players and a stable download link. After a few weeks, the game will be available on multiple platforms such as fileplant, atomic gamer and so on "by itself."



-Wolf

I make serious coffee - so strong it wakes up the neighbors.
http://serygalacaffeine.deviantart.com/
Twitter:@Serygala
Worf
12
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 30th May 2011
Location: Telford
Posted: 30th Aug 2011 16:50
Will not work under Windows 7 x64, gets as far as loading screen then quits.

Shame, was looking forward to play it.
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 1st Sep 2011 06:22
Quote: "Will not work under Windows 7 x64, gets as far as loading screen then quits."


I made this game, and tested this game on Windows 7 Pro 64-bit. If you could tell me your system specs, I'd appreciate it.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
The Storyteller 01
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 11th May 2009
Location: On a silent hill in dead space
Posted: 1st Sep 2011 11:41
I am in the middle of replaying it a couple of times for the review, and so far I had no crashes upon loading and a steady framerate of 50+

Btw, the improvements all work great for me

In case you find my grammar and spelling weird ---> native German speaker ^^
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 2nd Sep 2011 06:40
Quote: "I am in the middle of replaying it a couple of times for the review, and so far I had no crashes upon loading and a steady framerate of 50+

Btw, the improvements all work great for me"


I'm glad to hear that.

Notice:
I've taken Wolf's advice and submitted this game to IndieDB. Hopefully more can play the game now.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
Kilgore
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 22nd Feb 2008
Location: Chad Valley
Posted: 8th Sep 2011 22:08
I couldn't get beyond the first level because it was way too dark for me. FPSC games sometimes seem slightly dark on my set up, but the brightness couldn't be altered on this one, so I couldn't see what I was doing enough to progress.

What I could see of it was very promising. It loaded and ran smoothly. I thought the sparing use of sound and the Satie track were great, and I loved the voiceover comments,adventure-game style, when searching items.

Nice to see the pack 54 puzzles put to use as well.
Wolf
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Nov 2007
Location: Luxemburg
Posted: 14th Sep 2011 03:00 Edited at: 14th Sep 2011 03:03
By the way, Hades is the greek god of the underworld. The greek version of hell is tartarus. (Yes, it sounds like a french herbed butter, but its a fact). Why did you add greek mythology in the first place? Not that I dislike it, but it doesn't really add anything to the setting.

I still owe you a review on this...you'll get it as soon as possible



-Wolf

Matter is energy condensed to a slow vibration, we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively Theres no such thing as death,life is only a dream,and were the imagination of ourselves.
ASTECH
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 18th Jul 2007
Location:
Posted: 14th Sep 2011 05:08
Hey Wolf,

I know that Hades is a Greek god in Greek mythology and in the Greek translation of the Bible, Tartarus is indeed the word for Hell.
However, the verse listed was from the New King James translation of the Bible.

Moreover, I don't think you need to think into it so much. I wanted to use a book to base a puzzle off of and I was reading this
book during the course of making the level... and I just decided to base the puzzle around it.

At the very most, it serves a purpose to foreshadow a darker story development. I can't recall ever thinking this but perhaps
it might have been a subconscious self slipping it in for the purpose, or perhaps not. Just take it for what it is; a puzzle.

Whoever said that Intel graphics fail, obviously never owned a Core i5.
Wolf
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Nov 2007
Location: Luxemburg
Posted: 14th Sep 2011 09:31
Quote: "
Moreover, I don't think you need to think into it so much. I wanted to use a book to base a puzzle off of and I was reading this
book during the course of making the level... and I just decided to base the puzzle around it."


Oh! I didn't mean this as a point of criticism...not at all, your puzzle is just great!

I'm just a huge historie/mythologie/religion buff ...and I tend to geek a little too much on it.



-Wolf

Matter is energy condensed to a slow vibration, we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively Theres no such thing as death,life is only a dream,and were the imagination of ourselves.
Wolf
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 8th Nov 2007
Location: Luxemburg
Posted: 27th Sep 2011 15:30 Edited at: 27th Sep 2011 15:31
Alrighty, I promised a review and here it is.
I have mixed feelings about this game. I also decided to make shorter reviews from now on (unless I get carried away) so I can test more games and write about them without it being a chore.

So lets dive right into dust, shall we?

Dusk is a first-person adventure hybrid. While the adventure-puzzles are extremely well developed and the best I saw in an FPSC game so far, the shooting and the action is just okay. I don't want to spoil anything in this review and I do not want to describe the entire game.

It holds up a solid athmosphere. You can almost feel the abandoned building and smell its dusty air...it really is that well done. I have to point out that astek works with immersion and lightning here...the actual visual effects and graphics are just okay but that doesn't stick out at all. Even though it looks like an upper middleclass FPSC-Game it feels far more real than various AAA titles.

It starts out without any real explanation and I was really exciting to find out what was going on. The story was told pretty good through notes and loadingscreens (that didn't add up so well).
We later get info through an emergency broadcast on television, we get to that later.An other brilliant touch was the way we could interact with the environment. I was able to search and investigate almost everything in the first 3 levels. Every action narrated by Astek (I guess). He did this pretty good. His voice blends in and doesnt feel out of place (and I'm glad he agreed to do voice acting for Shavra, hehe).

The puzzles are what this game really shines at. They are unexpected, well developed and not obvious...they do also not feel forced like in most FPSC titles and are actually really fun. The player spends a lot of time in the same location without getting bored of it and there are a lot of things to discover. Astek was really creative here. I would go far enough to concider the first few levels of this game an FPSC prime example. They are original, fun and do a lot with its setting.
In most FPSC games...we search keys and switches. We do this in this game too...a lot BUT we also get to dive in the sewer, fight an aligator (way to add an urban legend to a game...nice semi-easteregg), use a phone, use an axe to break down some boards, solve a classic image riddle, make a phonecall and discover a secret passage. Fantastic!

I already mentioned the place's haunting ambience. The sounds are also adding a lot to it even though I'm surprised of how little sounds you actually use to create this effect. In the first build, the (zombie?) walking inside the room with the bloodstained bathroom really gave me a creepy vibe and the corpse looking at you as you enter this one room on the third floor actually spooked me Everything is really dense so far.

I also have to mention that the building follows a certain logic that makes it seem believable. Most fpsc games just tie random rooms together that no sane architect would ever come up with. This one doesn't. And everytime the protagonist mentions a certain room...I knew where it was located.

Another great touch is how it actually turns dusk in the third level. Where bright sunlight used to blind us in the first 2 levels, we can now see a sunset. (and automatic floor...why??) This is a really neat addition to the already very solid ambience and overall feel.

I already feared that astek would really take the zombie route in after the third level loadingscreen...but I am now convinced after a (really great) emergency broadcast on the tv. I'm also informed that I'm in Pensylvania. (Which is not a city, but a state. Yeah...I just googled that...I always thought it was a city :S)
After this FPSC piece of awesomness, I was expecting Astek to take the zombie route the right way and maybe scare me a little bit more. However while loading level 4 I had to help my mother cutting the bushes in the garden...and as I came back I had the strange impression that I was playing another game... or... well...
Astek just jumped the shark.

I'm serious...the game dies after level 3.
We are now in an underground laboratory where we shoot zombies (that look like decaying corpses out of a swamp). The leveldesign swaps its logic and athmosphere with fancy scifistuff and things that make now sence. (one of the terminals actually says "flight control".) The rooms are boring and have no substance...dont get me wrong, they are okay and the fog effect astek added here saves it a little from being downright mediocre. The doors use a wrong shader and glow like neonlights. We are also not able to investigate our environment anymore. Switches that open doors are clumsy pads awkwardly attached to these scififurniture thingies...I guess Astek figured out that nobody would actually like to explore this level. Some of the tubes that are there...for... well, we dont have a reason, but they glow and thats cool right? Yeah, anyway: the tubes use wrong specular maps which look a little awkward. (I dont know why I'm actually pointing this out...the whole level lags any of the greatness the former three levels had)
We do even get some corny music playing.

The loadingscreen for level 4 seems to tell us that the protagonist is infected aswell...or something (?) Granted, this would explain why we arent able to investigate the environment anymore. However, its a bit of a strange turn of events as the player doesnt appear to show any signs of this "infection". (Also...where do all these countless clonecorpses come from...why are they decayed so much... I'm nitpicking? Sorry!)

So in Level 4 we actually have a pit filled with green liquid. Yes Astek gives us after all this awesome build up a pit of green goo... and a computer that looks like some end 90's terminal...which doesnt add up to the rest of the environment. However, I was out of ammo and didnt seem to get away from the computer which kept telling me "wrong password". The 2 zombies there killed me and I decided to remember the game as something great instead of something mediocre...so I stopped playing at this point.

.-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-
/ / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \
`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-'

Rating: 65%
- 20% rather poor after level 3
- 5% small design flaws such as Nazi symbols on the lockers
and slightly repititive props. This includes enemy sounds later
on.
- 2% Slight lack of story insight
- 3% the game crashed 3 times while playing. Here I know that its
not really your fault so I dont substract much.
- 5% Some corny music that felt out of place (especially the
organbit and this...whatever it was in the lab)

Sound: A-B (pretty good, even though steps, monsters, jumping, impact etc. could use work)
Visuals: B- (they where okay and didn't really matter much in this game)
Comfort/performance: A (nothing to report, good keyboard layout)
Scripting/Gameplay: A+ (lets just count the first levels here, shall we )
Music: C (ahem...no)
Story: B (Zombies and labs...but I give it a B because ASTEK has been putting effort in the way of telling it and letting the player "feel" it)

.-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-. .-.-
/ / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \ \ / / \
`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-' `-`-'

Conclusion: A promising FPSC game that started out as something outstandingly special and ended up being your typical FPSC Game.

Would I recommend it?: Dusk is a game that every FPSC user should play. I would strongly recommend it to every FPSC newbie as it clearly shows how great your game can be without fancy graphics and overdone shadereffects.
I would also recommend it to First person adventure lovers, but only if they are actually in the mood for some corny shooting later on.
However, this is not a game I would buy or recommend to the majority of gamers due to its flaws later on.

This was my review, I hope you enjoyed it and I certainly hope to see more games with this potential soon
Everything here is just my personal opinion, nothing else.
Forgive me for my grammar



-Wolf

Matter is energy condensed to a slow vibration, we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively Theres no such thing as death,life is only a dream,and were the imagination of ourselves.
Bootlicker
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 29th Mar 2009
Location: Germany
Posted: 27th Sep 2011 20:58
this game makes me want to kill myself. its so goddamn hard, i didnt get past the first level. i got the number to the phone just i couldnt understand what it was saying then i had nothing to do? :S argh. :L took my like 20mins just to get that far! :L



Login to post a reply

Server time is: 2024-03-29 09:44:32
Your offset time is: 2024-03-29 09:44:32