Ghost Shards, Death does not always mean the end... Options

[Strawberry]

A couple of minor updates...

Battle Notes:
*Players now cannot attack non-stop, but instead only attack about three times in a row

Art Notes:
New Logo!

Why? Well, one logo got heavy complaints and the other had a subtitle I've gotten rid of ages ago. So I opted to get a new one. Credits go to Radethdart. ^^



Some portraits of important NPCs: (Ashe and Aera)





Ghost Shards is getting new graphics! Not really, but I was bored and sprited some stuff of Aelina with inspirations from handheld games. XD

[Strawberry]

Bumping up updates. YAY!

A fixed logo? o.o


A picture of Aelina:


Someone bored enough decided to make us this for fun!


Now some words...

I don't know about my fiance, but my motivation is running low. I'm feeling... dis-heartened about working on Ghost Shards. Maybe it's the fact that I feel useless in its production, or I'm getting frustrated over little things. I don't know. We told ourselves we would not stop working on the game until we at least get a demo out and no one likes it. XD

I keep asking myself if this is worth it. I have a lovely backlog of stories in my brain that I would love to work on, but Ghost Shards - according to my fiance - must take priority. Maybe the interest is dying for me because I want to write about something new already without giving this a chance. This is what, my 4th game that I've worked on?

I never completed anything in my life. Perhaps I should start now, or perhaps this isn't for me...

[Dragoncookie]

Strawberry, you can't feel like that! I also tend to give up on my projects because I want to do something new. I've given up on around 35 projects already, all with their own characters and storyline! That's why I posted Crystal Tears here: I need to finish a game at least once to see if I'm fit for this, or not. So you can't give up! Just... find something that will restore a motivation. To me, it's one particular comment in my game's thread. It always makes me think: "Maybe I should finish this after all". And your game has such an amazing concept too! I love your characters, as well. They all seem so well-designed, with an amazing personality. You shouldn't give up on this project! Don't be like the masses of people who can't finish something. If you want to stop making games, you have to at least say: "I tried once. It wasn't for me".

On another note the sprites look adorable!

[X-M-O]

I completely agree with Dragoncookie, you really need to finish this one (it really is a great concept) or at least get a demo out on it.
For now, I'd say that you should write down your other idea so that you don't forget about it, and then work on finishing this one.
You'll feel really good once you've actually completed the project enough to be able to release a demo (it always feels great to complete something).

And, once you complete it - who knows - once you know how good it feels, you might even create a new habit of completing every game concept you come up with in the future. ^^

[Strawberry]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys and gals!

I'm going to keep trucking.

UPDATES (I think)

ATTRIBUTES
Base Stats:

Hit Points [HP] - Measures the character's life.
Mana Points [MP] - Measures the character's ability to use moves and magic.
Strength [STR] - Measures the character's physical damage and most of their weapon skills.
Defense [DEF] - Measures how much physical damage character can take. Affects Narie's "Shield Crash" ability.
Intelligence [INT] - Measures character's elemental magic damage, and how much damage they take from such magic.
Willpower [WIL] - Measures character's resistance against status effects. Also Affects character's healing abilities.
Agility [AGI] - Simply measures character's dodging ability.
Dexterity [DEX] - Measures character's accuracy and their critical hit rate. Also affects Kyran's "Steal" ability, and all ranged skills.

Hidden Stats:

Attack - The base damage for a weapon.
Hate - Measures how often an enemy will target character. Using healing abilities increases hate, while certain equipment negates this attribute.
Movement Speed - How fast the character can move across the battlefield. Equipment can affect this attribute.
Focus - Effects the character's move interruption. Equipment can affect this attribute.

THE BATTLE SYSTEM
My fiance has been working greatly on the gameplay aspects of Ghost Shards. While there isn't a menu for it, tactics can technically be set to your AI teammates. He tells me that in about three weeks, there should be a playable battle system demo for people to try. I am excited about that.

CUT-SCENES
I've been thinking a lot about this aspect of the game. How can we make 2D cut-scenes interesting? Voice acting? Using our protraits differently? Use pictures to show the scene? I'm afraid of people not liking to read text box, after text box, after text box. If anyone has any ideas, please do share. ^^

CONCLUSION
This is not much, but it's what we've been working on. Sorry, there are not fun pictures this time. :<

[LiberalElephant]

This looks pretty legit. I love the idea of spirits controlling the weather. If only RMVX actually worked on my computer...

[khachuchrian]

looks amazing and very cool if i might add.

need any help with music?

[Strawberry]

@LiberalElephant - This is all on RMXP, but it sucks RMVX doesn't work on your computer. ;_;

@khachuchrian - Hi hi! We kind of have a musician, but he's only going to do like 10ish songs (not sure if it'll be enough), so if we need extra songs or something, maybe we can recruit you as a back-up? Our musician has stated that battle themes were his weakness, so if he can't do that, then I might need that and a boss theme. ^^;

Here's our title theme, by Merlandese.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XheI893Gl0

[khachuchrian]

hes really good hehe sounds very nice

[ShinGamix]

@LiberalElephant Why doesn't it work. Let me guess you are having issues with either the ntiles server or the RGSS player keeps shutting down?
If so read this.
Fix XP Compatibility Issues

Then you should be able to use it.

[Strawberry]

Thanks for helping him!

Hey all, we are looking for a female songstress to sing these lyrics to go along with the Title Theme that Merlandese composed for us. If you're willing, please let me know and I will PM you the details!

[Strawberry]

Some fun updates, I guess. XD

Music created by Merlandese:

Soft, Falling Snow (Snow Town Theme)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_q984ll74U

Battle of Necessity (Battle Theme)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI0qV8k3KRQ

Victorious! (Battle Victory Theme)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9OTxaopAgY...;feature=relmfu

Crusaders (Crusader Theme)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9OTxaopAgY...;feature=relmfu

That is all for now.

Thanks for reading! ^^

[darkhalo]

Beautiful tracks Strawberry . Particularly like the Crusaders theme.
IMO the B V Theme could be more upbeat.... or just simply up the tempo on this one !
Overall nice work...and best of luck with this project !

[Strawberry]

Battle themes were actually his weakness, but he tried. XD I bet we could speed it up in a program. ^^;

What do you guys think of the updated story and character descriptions?

STORY
The world of Arixale, ruled by nine sleeping Divinities, is in need of their awakening with the songs of the Stonesingers. Without the presence of the Divine, weather will cease to flow, the world will slowly degrade into a stagnant land.

However, all Stonesingers who recently ventured into the shrines of Divinities have yet to return. They were sent there only to be never seen again, not a slightest sound was heard by anyone. The only thing left from their disappearance are their ghost shards - a materialised piece of their soul.

A humble tavern bard and entertainer, Aelina Rowan, was arrested for crimes she felt innocent for. She was offered an alternative to redeem herself by fulfilling the role of a Stonesinger, oblivious about the mysterious disappearance of those who tried before her. Her journey would be accompanied by Narie Tearwyn, the twin sister of another Stonesinger, who perished in the very same quest Aelina is about to undertake.

The Divinities continue to slumber. Time continues to race with the fate of mortals. Why can't they be awakened? How much longer can the world of Arixale wait?


"Aw, you're no fun... I wanted to play! Hehe!"
Age: 20
Race: Frost Pixie
Gender: Female
Weapon: Scythes and Staffs

The symbol of joy, the herald of happiness, the heart of delight, these are all what Aelina Rowan has known to be in a cold village of Evertear. Who would have thought an innocent girl like her could be involved in a lethal crime?

A sweet, soothing voice has been Aelina's main tool of trade, ever since she left home and joined a travelling troupe to spread the sound of wonderful music. While some people found her sense of humor to be at times creepy and sarcastic, her voice and a happy-go-lucky attitude have won her support from those who seek a relaxing retreat in the taverns. Even with her innocent arrest, she has been asked to use her voice to redeem herself - by becoming the next Stonesinger.

The future is looking blurry to her, having gone from a joyful bard to a herald of the Divinities. With the burden of an entire world on her shoulder, would she succeed, and what price would she have to pay?


"I won't let anyone close to me die again!"
Age: 21
Race: M'vyr
Gender: Female
Weapon: Swords and Clubs

Justice. Narie lives and dies by that word. Along with her sister Sarie, they spread kindness and virtues of the world to others together. This chosen path of theirs began from the church of Silver Hill, where they could put their virtues to good use.

As Narie and Sarie approach young adult ages, they turned to the opportunity of becoming a Stonesinger. Only Sarie was chosen by the Divinities to fulfill the quest of awakening them.
A lone ghost shard was the sole thing left of Sarie afterwards.

Narie made a promise to herself. A very serious promise. Justice must be served. No excuses or delay. Something must be done now.

For her sister, her friend, and all the Stonesingers. They cannot be all gone in vain.



And which sprite style do you guys prefer?

[Laue]

This looks amazing. Do keep up your good work. Of course, this reminds me how... lesser my project is. Waiting for a demo.

[Lydyn]

And which sprite style do you guys prefer?

The second one. The proportions seem more realistic.

[Ignasis]

The screens and sprites look absolutely amazing definitely see this project through to the end.

[Strawberry]

Thanks!

I've updated the first topic - but in case you missed it - here's the new presentation:



STORY
The world of Valena, ruled by nine sleeping Divinities, is in need of their awakening with the songs of the Stonesingers. Without the presence of the Divine, weather will cease to flow, the world will slowly degrade into a stagnant land.

However, all Stonesingers who recently ventured into the shrines of Divinities have yet to return. They were sent there only to be never seen again, not a slightest sound was heard by anyone. The only thing left from their disappearance are their ghost shards - a materialized piece of their soul.

A humble tavern bard and entertainer, Aelina Rowan, was arrested for crimes she felt innocent for. She was offered an alternative to redeem herself by fulfilling the role of a Stonesinger, oblivious about the mysterious disappearance of those who tried before her. Her journey would be accompanied by Narie Tearwyn, the twin sister of another Stonesinger, who perished in the very same quest Aelina is about to undertake.

The Divinities continue to slumber. Time continues to race with the fate of mortals. Why can’t they be awakened? How much longer can the world of Valena wait?


CHARACTERS

"Aw, you're no fun... I wanted to play! Hehe!"
Age: 20
Race: Frost Pixie
Gender: Female
Weapon: Scythes and Staffs

The symbol of joy, the herald of happiness, the heart of delight -- these are all what Aelina Rowan has known to be in a cold village of Evertear. Who would have thought an innocent girl like her could be involved in a lethal crime?

A sweet, soothing voice has been Aelina’s main tool of trade, ever since she left home and joined a travelling troupe to spread the sound of wonderful music. While some people found her sense of humor to be at times creepy and sarcastic, her voice and a happy-go-lucky attitude have won her support from those who seek a relaxing retreat in the taverns. Even with her innocent arrest, she has been asked to use her voice to redeem herself - by becoming the next Stonesinger.

The future is looking blurry to her, having gone from a joyful bard to a herald of the Divinities. With the burden of an entire world on her shoulder, would she succeed, and what price would she have to pay?



"I won't let anyone close to me die again!"
Age: 23
Race: M'vyr
Gender: Female
Weapon: Swords and Clubs

Justice. Narie lives and dies by that word. Along with her sister Sarie, they spread kindness and virtues of the world to others together. This chosen path of theirs began from the church of Silver Hill, where they could put their virtues to good use.

As Narie and Sarie approach young adult ages, they turned to the opportunity of becoming a Stonesinger. Only Sarie was chosen by the Divinities to fulfill the quest of awakening them.

A lone ghost shard was the sole thing left of Sarie afterwards.

Narie made a promise to herself. A very serious promise. Justice must be served. No excuses or delay. Something must be done now.

For her sister, her friend, and all the Stonesingers. They cannot be all gone in vain.


SCREENSHOTS
Cutscene:


Battle System:


WIP Abilities Menu:


Outskirts of Evertear:



MEDIA
WIP Battle System:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r870led0wls

Title Theme by Merlandese:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XheI893Gl0


PLANNED FEATURES
*Day/Night system with regional weather effects

*Fast-paced action battle system

[ShanattoGunner]

Thanks!

I've updated the first topic - but in case you missed it - here's the new presentation:

<img src="border="0" class="linked-image"" http://webgel.net/bf/1/GhostShards.png />

STORY
The world of Valena, ruled by nine sleeping Divinities, is in need of their awakening with the songs of the Stonesingers. Without the presence of the Divine, weather will cease to flow, the world will slowly degrade into a stagnant land.

However, all Stonesingers who recently ventured into the shrines of Divinities have yet to return. They were sent there only to be never seen again, not a slightest sound was heard by anyone. The only thing left from their disappearance are their ghost shards - a materialized piece of their soul.

A humble tavern bard and entertainer, Aelina Rowan, was arrested for crimes she felt innocent for. She was offered an alternative to redeem herself by fulfilling the role of a Stonesinger, oblivious about the mysterious disappearance of those who tried before her. Her journey would be accompanied by Narie Tearwyn, the twin sister of another Stonesinger, who perished in the very same quest Aelina is about to undertake.

The Divinities continue to slumber. Time continues to race with the fate of mortals. Why can�€™t they be awakened? How much longer can the world of Valena wait?


CHARACTERS
<img src="border="0" class="linked-image"" http://webgel.net/bf/AelinaDes.png />
"Aw, you're no fun... I wanted to play! Hehe!"
Age: 20
Race: Frost Pixie
Gender: Female
Weapon: Scythes and Staffs

The symbol of joy, the herald of happiness, the heart of delight -- these are all what Aelina Rowan has known to be in a cold village of Evertear. Who would have thought an innocent girl like her could be involved in a lethal crime?

A sweet, soothing voice has been Aelina�€™s main tool of trade, ever since she left home and joined a travelling troupe to spread the sound of wonderful music. While some people found her sense of humor to be at times creepy and sarcastic, her voice and a happy-go-lucky attitude have won her support from those who seek a relaxing retreat in the taverns. Even with her innocent arrest, she has been asked to use her voice to redeem herself - by becoming the next Stonesinger.

The future is looking blurry to her, having gone from a joyful bard to a herald of the Divinities. With the burden of an entire world on her shoulder, would she succeed, and what price would she have to pay?


<img src="border="0" class="linked-image"" http://webgel.net/bf/NarieDes.png />
"I won't let anyone close to me die again!"
Age: 23
Race: M'vyr
Gender: Female
Weapon: Swords and Clubs

Justice. Narie lives and dies by that word. Along with her sister Sarie, they spread kindness and virtues of the world to others together. This chosen path of theirs began from the church of Silver Hill, where they could put their virtues to good use.

As Narie and Sarie approach young adult ages, they turned to the opportunity of becoming a Stonesinger. Only Sarie was chosen by the Divinities to fulfill the quest of awakening them.

A lone ghost shard was the sole thing left of Sarie afterwards.

Narie made a promise to herself. A very serious promise. Justice must be served. No excuses or delay. Something must be done now.

For her sister, her friend, and all the Stonesingers. They cannot be all gone in vain.


SCREENSHOTS
Cutscene:
<img src="border="0" class="linked-image"" http://webgel.net/bf/Screen_Cutscene1.png />

Battle System:
<img src="border="0" class="linked-image"" http://webgel.net/bf/bs1.png />

WIP Abilities Menu:
<img src="border="0" class="linked-image"" http://webgel.net/bb/files/Screenie_MenuAbilities.png />

Outskirts of Evertear:
<img src="border="0" class="linked-image"" http://webgel.net/bf/bs2.png />


MEDIA
WIP Battle System:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r870led0wls

Title Theme by Merlandese:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XheI893Gl0


PLANNED FEATURES
*Day/Night system with regional weather effects

*Fast-paced action battle system

All I can say is 0-0!

[Strawberry]

Where in the blazes are my pictures!?

Gosh, I need a new image hosting site.

Can someone give one that's not Photobucket? o.o