The Seal of Seasons



Story
Based around a fantasy world called Hamarra, it was once ruled by a powerful Goddess
called Apheus, who bore four children to rule the seasons. Effiona was the judgement of
winter, Arrius of summer, Fyan of Autumn and Pheela of spring. To ensure that her
children kept the balance of faith, she gave each one a branch taken from the Kuhwana
Tree, the great tree of knowledge. Apheus believed this would not allow her Gods of Season
to misbehave. For two thousand years, the balance was held, until oneday the Kuhwana
Tree died, and so to did the Wisdom branch that the Gods held. For two weeks the Gods
unleashed their powers on Hamarra, and in temper, Apheus turned them into dust and
locked them into a gold casket. Secretly, she hides it where nobody will ever find it.
As a final sacrifice to Hamarra, Apheus blows her last breath on the withered Kuhwana
Tree to revive it. The governing of seasons now lies with it.
Two hundred years later, an earthquake reveals the hidden casket to a village boy, who
takes it to a local blacksmith to open. When they finally open it, they realise that they
have released a great energy spirit of malice and revenge in the form of Defia, a God of
darkness. The only way of destroying her, is by finding the young Kuhwana Tree to find
an answer to seal her back in the chest.

Hamarra
Both an old and a forward moving world to steampunk tech era

Characters:
Story starts off with Rheinar, born into a noble family, Rheinar flags concern by his new
ruthless father who believes his son is a mute and hasn't developed as an infant.
Pushed out by a new brother, his gothic aunt decides to look after him. Its at this point
Rheinar changes into a new man.
A Summoner by nature, and a wild gunslinger and spell user.
Wolffe...a Bowmaster from the old world town of Savonnia.
Solar....a Cleric, and close friend of Rheinar. Also a grand summoner.
Moonlight....Dark Mage. Great spell user, and can transform into a new battle character.
Shylo....Classed as a darkling, Shylo is the man of great mystery.
Sharlot....Noble Warrior, spell user and summoner. Classed as a Prowess.
Lancia.....A palace knight of Savonnia. Leaves to join Rheinars party.
Redd....starts as a palace apprentice to the royal court. Intelligent and protective.
Lokk....Pirate. Unlike others in the game, she can equip with ultraspecial accessories.

Summons
Marlor......A dark dragon wielding the most powerful use of black magic known.
Freyal.....A beautiful dragon that can use both magic types.
Deliah.....A wonderful lady figure that has use of the powerful white type spells.
Grandor.....A most colourful bird like summons, who works on her own battle pitch.
Kuko.....An unusual but affectionate pet of Redd. Can be brought into battle as support.

The Game
A mix of old meets new cultures. Traditional jRPG type made in RMXP.
Graphics....intro of isometric maps with normal 2D interiors. Lots of original resources
made for the game itself. Battle sprites originally by Ragnarok O & transformed & recoloured.
Intro of using Charlie Fleed's excellent sideview cbs using Minkoff/DerVulfman/Cogwheel script..
Gameplay is between 5 to 6 hours and use of a dash movement script.
Gamefile size....approx 325 Mb. + font file required. (in game folder).
Full walkthrough ......completed.
Standalone game = Yes.


Music mp3's from Ken Nakagawa.

Scripts...so many, but credits to mention.
Charlie Fleed and DerVvulfman/Minkoff for the v3 cbs and its add ons.
dubealex for the ams message script v4
Ryex for the animated menu script.
Amaranth for the anti lag script.
Rataime for shadow & reflection script.
Cogwheel for the 8 way dir movement
The Law for shop and battle end fade script.
Risefield for the shadow text.
Forever zero for the blacksmith script
Roulette script by mistyrain
Blackjack script by Lan Lan games.
Sephiroth for the guage bars
Dash script by Cogwheel

Graphics
HKCP team for the half kaizer sprites
Venetia for the HK tilesets
Ragnarok sprites (Gravity Corp) plus my own templates and re inks !
Some Illustrative work by Ragnarok Online and myself.
Tilesets supported by Reinar and Inquisitor, 66rpg and myself.
66rpg.com for sharing their resources such as battle sprites/backgrounds.
Character sets by Sithjester, Reinar and my own.
Spell animation sheets "particle transfer" by Zekallinos
RTP by Enterbrain

Eventing
Own events.

Music
Music tracks by composer Ken Nakagawa.
Music track called "Unity" created by Rosary.


Release date: November 2011
Status: Released November 18th in RRR.

Screens.

CBS using Charlie Fleed's script.

Menu system by Ryex.
Example in-game maps....




Spell animation using the diffusion particle transfer....for incredible effects.

Kangola town.

One of four Aeons.

Seal of Seasons Game exe download. (Revised Jan 2012)

Due to the original large filesize, do the following in order to play.

1. Download all three files: the exe, the Animation zip file, and BGM zip file.
2 Next step is to (unzip) and place the BGM in the Audio folder of the game.
3 Unzip the Animation file in the game folder.
4 Make a new folder and name it "Graphics" and place animation file into it.
5 Final step is to install the font into the main windows directory folder found in C; (Copy n paste it)
6 Your'e all ready to play !

Game Animation File download

BGM File download.

NB: The game file contains both the walkthru and font file.
Lastly, this game is well suited to any PC/Analogue game controller as it's 8 way movement....
so highly recommended !

Wow, come on guys....feedback lol.
Anyways, I'm looking for someone who can produce original hero facesets for this game, seven in all.
Any takers ?

Very nice game, and your plot of the story was very interesting.. How did you edited Ryex's script that the gold can be shown x)?

Sorry, I wanted to comment on this a long time ago..but I've been having some problems of my own obviously.

First, let me say that the story prologue sound really cool, for some reason I was having a bit of trouble remember the names of who was who but once I got that straightened out I realized how awesome the story really sounded.I also like the look of the side-view battle system in this game compared to your others(which tended to be off angle and the dimensions of the characters and background never really matched up).

The only thing I'm worried about is the isomeric view of the game. In most cases I've seen and played, whenever a game is isometric but the character is only able to move in 4-8 directions, moving around and going in doors and whatnot tends to be a real pain with annoying collision detection. I'm especially worried about that in an rpgmaker game since I can't really think of a way around that, but it's really far to early to tell how it will work out in the end.

I'll definitely be checking in regularly on this game and I can't wait to see more .

That is one incredible looking game!
The screenshots look amazing and the battle's look really fun. Everything looks so colorful and drawing, make's me really want to play it. I must admit based on these screenshots its one of the best looking RPG Maker game's I have ever seen!

Thanks guys. .
Interesting point about the isometric view there. I thought about this alot, but with the 8 way script, no
collision issues at all with it so far. The game is set in an almost FFVII world too, making way for many
different environments. Interior maps will virtually be non iso..standard X and Y movement.
Yes, Charlie Fleeds cbs is the best script ever, using the same script from Mink/DerVvulfman himself.
The cbs allows even the Aeons to develop ala FF8, break limits, transitions, super arts etc which will
all be here.

@Sifri. Again, Fleeds script has seen to that.

Awh... Sorry ;-;

Even though this thread was created less than forty-eight hours ago?

No, really. When mods start bumping their own threads in less than forty-eight hours, I begin to get really confused about the rules of bumping.

I'm equally curious to know how Stormrider managed to play this game, when I can't find a download link anywhere around here.

I mean I meant to comment on it as soon as it was created because darkhalo's encouragement on my work is all.
I'm not sure about the bumping rules but I think you have to wait at least 24 hours? I'm not sure so don't quote me on this...
And where, anywhere, did I said I played the game at all? I just gave my opinions on the written story within the thread and the things was worrying about gameplay wise.
I gotta ask, do you ever have anything positive to say about anything or anyone?
I mean there are better places to send your bitter chills man, that's all that I'm saying.

I'm particually impressed with the story. Would the seasons be corrupted and out of control? Walking into winter from a summer area. Like some treasure chests trapped under ice, which are only accessible through other seasons...

Actually... It would bloody awesome if you could change the seasons at will, kinda like LOZ: Oracle of Seasons. But I suppose then you'd have to make many, many variations of a single map. An looks like that could be too much work with the tileset you are using.

Speaking of which I'm also loving the isometric tileset. Will this style carry on throught the rest of the world? in other words the futuristic cities and steampunk towns?

Looking forward to play testing this game.

Godspeed! xx

Stormrider, while you did not explicitly state you've played the game, the information in your post led me to believe you had. What with information about the prologue and gameplay (I.E. the isometric view). I see a "Story" in the first thread, a simple one that seems easy enough to follow, so when you started writing about a "Prologue" which was difficult to keep the names straight, I figured you must have access to a length piece of prose at the start of the game. And as for the isometric view, don't forget I'm on 56k dial-up at home, and thus have imageshack images disbled on my home browser. So if you were seeing the isometric view from the screenshots posted, then I apologize; I had figured that was something else you had seen in-game.

Here's when Solar visits the new Kuwhana tree for the... yeap, you got it, the Gold Sealing Key
which they need for the chest. The summons here, which animates beautifully in game is also
used in battle. The animated character sets, such as the key here twirls in suspension etc.
The map is rtp, only it could do what I wanted here.


@ Zeffa. Yes, Defia leashes the power of all seasons. One city will be futuristic, very much so
while some towns are steampunk like I guess, all very fantasy based.

@ Storm. Thanks. The exteriors will mostly be worked using the iso sets, but there's a good
measure of both in the game.

looks sexy a nother awesome game by you Why not use your own custom sprite like you usualy do? why ehhhh dollmage!!! battlers????

Ooooh, twas only a matter of time the "battler sprite" thing would be brought up.
I did actually do one sprite from scratch (well, idle pose in four frames) but after that
starting with the second poses, I gave up. Too detailed and way too time consuming.
Dollmages seemed a quick replacement I suppose. All said Black, maybe I should
reconsider new sprites again. ...starts with more idea's.....

well you got the tallent to idlize it !!!!!!!!!!! and make some custom one that will give your game that awesome feel
or you can donwload the ragnorock pack that jen has up and chop n' block em then use those
Link http://www.rpgrevolution.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5787

Just a nudge to say that the game is still steadily progressing.
At last all of the hero battle sprites are finished, two summons with one left to do.
The intro has also been completed, which took a long time to get right.
For the moment, here's a screen of the battlers & summons, so you'll see differences
already. Will update again soon. DH.


Portrait type...

Why I have this obsession for dragons...they won't leave me alone.

Nice man. I had no idea you had a thread for this game. It looks amazing. I really like the iso maps. And your battler graphics are always awesome. I also don't care what other people say about the battle system angle and what no. I like the way you have it. Adds a fresh twist to an overused style of fighting. Those dragon summons look really good too. Can't wait to play the demo.

The story is very well written. To me the battle angles aren't much of a big deal. It does put a fresher feeling to the battle system. The graphics are, WOW!! they really jump out of the screen and grab your attention. As for the isometric view, I just recently played a demo of a game made with rmxp that pulled off the isometric view very well so it is possible. And if you pull it off it will turn out great.

Good luck with your project cant wait to play it:)

My my, this has been a while I guess. Just to say this is still WIP and quite a few changes too.
The storyline has been changed in so far as the hero characters now have more background
info than before, and some have actually come into the game earlier because of that reason.
Meantime, cbs is done more maps added and puzzle game.
I'll add more screens later.



One that was in screenshots a while back. (Young Rheinar).


Rheinar pose later in the game.


Battle Challenge. (Using Charlie Fleeds system)

Nice to hear you've given a bit more information on the characters and it looks like you're getting all the graphics to flow and fit together nicely.

One thing I'd recommend though and it's nothing major is the command window on the battle system, you may have been planning this but as the default graphic it does stand out and doesn't blend with the rest of the theme.

Oh and I'm really liking the text graphics of the characters.

Dude those iso maps make me drool. lol Seriously I am glad to hear that this game is still under way. I cannot wait to play it, a demo or whatever it is you end up releasing first.

I think it's great. Nice story, good graphics...

One offput is that I don't like isometricity. I'm not telling you to stop doing it, because it's revolutionary in a way, mainly because you don't see much iso RPGs. And a lot of people think it looks great. Keep it up, I'd love to play it when it comes out.

You are so good with maps as always! I can't think those nice screenshots and graphics are made on RPGXP. Anyway, I'm rather using RPGXP than RPGVX.

Quite a bump to say the game is progressing along nicely, though quietly.
Storyline shaping up, characters developed further, and a new alchemy script brought in.
The battle system is quite well established now (Charlie Fleeds cbs) and work is still on the
sprite side very heavily. Full intro now finished, and a good selection of maps made.
As recent work has been on graphics, here's a screen to give you an idea of whats coming.



CBS

First off, I wanna say that it looks like you have an awesome battle system there. ANd the story is looking pretty amazing too.

But seriously, am I the only one who doesn't like the maps?
Well, I should say graphics really, the mapping looks pretty solid. But [imo] the graphics clash horribly with each other,




Other than the graphics this looks like it could be a good game with a great story and solid gameplay.

It looks fantastic! It looks like it's going to be a really, really good game!

The battle system made me wanna play it the most, though
I love how you make maps as well ^^

I can't wait to see a demo!

Wonderful! You fix the battle system by yourself? This is so great! I'm always your Fan, Darkhalo.
Waiting for more updates.

Not really a fan of Dark Halo's lay out in his games usually because of the scenes and how they are set. Although I do like his ideas for the stories and his plot is always solid, understandable and he uses a fantastic battlesystem. One thing I love of about Dark Halos games are the supreme maps he builds in the diegesis. I'm looking forward to seeing the full version of this project...

All thanks to those who are following the game so far...you won't be disappointed with the final game .
Infact, quite alot has gone into this project just over the past week really.
Charlie has been very supportive with the cbs, and like I said, Im only now starting to dabble with all
those extra's the scripts have to offer....more than enough action there.

@harry. I always welcome feedback, and how the game can improve. This has been evident with the
project already I guess. However, maybe I should post up that latest town map. More RTP has been
removed such as those trees in favour of other sprites that match the graphics more.
As with the animals etc, they animate quite realistically, really something to watch. Generally, with the
background music/sounds...it comes alive the minute you find yourself in the town.
Re: the graphics, its all about experimenting with graphics, theres is no set formulae for mapping, its
about enjoyment and making it pleasing to play.

@obsorber. Thanks. Yes, I'm moving on here. Creating new games is all about re-invention.

Will add more screens soon.

Glad you took my feedback on board, I will more than likely give this game a go as the graphics aren't bad [imo] it's just the way you've used different styles of graphics in the same map which looks bad, although this may be because I like consistency.
And even though they animate realistically I don't believe that that is a good reason to include them when they clash so much with the map.
Also, the RTP [imo] actually fit better with the buildings and the map as a whole than the sprites do. :/
Although, looking back through your posts the screenshots do seem to be getting more consistant.

I wish the best of luck to you. n_n

@Thanks Harry and everyone.

Recent work done on the story and cut scenes as per usual. However, Iv'e decided to include
a few members in this game too...both as characters (two characters) and npc's.
Anyone wishing to be included....then let me know. (choose your own name).

Progress. Game is about 40% complete I guess....
Small cut screen shot...you'll see these two quite often.

Wow that looks amazing
is that all original artwork?

Now that is an awesome map. Where'd you get those tiles from? Or did you make them?

I'm never usually a fan of panoramas or w/e they are called [teh background picture thingy] but it works really well in this map. Good job. n_n

Although, the picture in the window skin/message box looks stretched.

Sweet Mary - This game looks beautiful! When can we see a demo release?

I hope the characters and gameplay can live up to the already stunning visuals.

Yes, a lil bump finally. The game is now well over the 50% margin and the storyline in progress.
All the characters in place, battle sprites all done, and those initial cut scenes too...phew.
Btw, the battle system comes as close to FF as I'll get...thanks Charlie !
Here's a portrait of Annabel at last....quite an important figure in the game.
Blue tones aren't perfect, but I'm happy with the result.

Big bump, infact I had to scan a few times just to find this topic...so neglected.
Anyways, work is currently back in progress, and more maps added indeedy .
Quite a few cave maps in this game come to think about it....here's one biggie compiled today.
All in tilesets btw and contrasting.




And a peek of the dungeon made last week

Reading over the story again to remind myself, it's certainly the perfect amount there to take in before playing.
I'm interested in how these characters are introduced in the game, but I guess waiting is the fun part

How secret is Shadow? Is it a 'you're not telling us anything about them and we'll find out when we play' or is it a 'Miss that door and you'll finish the game without ever seeing this character'.

The game does seem to change constantly throughout development, new resources, scripts etc.
Alot of thought and feeling has gone into these characters, that was a must do in this game.
The good thing is the plot remains the same..... and there are certainly moments of betrayal and
intruigue which hopefully will appeal.
Yes, Shadow...it's one of those Vincent ala ff VII type scenario's, and the character is definitely to
be found in the game. Infact there's quite an intruiging story just around that. Yes, he/she is
a potential party member.

Oh I like that certainly gives a secondary goal and re-playability value.

the graphic is impressive
seems like they are original sprites?

orz I see maps from xuanyuan sword game (a Chinese RPG)
do you mean 66rpg.com for the sprite? instead of rpg66.com?

This is a pretty cool looking game. Will you release a demo soon?

Hmm, I'm not sure if this was discussed before or not but I kind of feel like your 3D rendered graphics clash a bit with the 2D animated sprites. I noticed this while looking at the screenshots of your character in the dungeon-like area. Everything else looks really awesome though.

@Fayte. Yes, I'm still unsure that will be the finalised walking sprite...I highly doubt it somehow.
Most of the maps such as caves, interiors etc are basically 4 way movement. In towns and
open areas its free to explore in any direction. In the Black Rose project, movement is fully 8 way
for example as the sprites are created for that. But I see your point.

@ oldmangreg. The game will be released in RRR without a peek demo.

@ doranikofu. So I got it wrong way round ...I suspect it won't be the last.

Two added screens of the castle barracks.

More screens added as the Earth Cave now completed...huge, and the Ice Cave....mapping having been the focus lately.







Fire Cave next I guess .

Beautiful.

Four of six major cut scenes. Also a sneak preview of the latest portrait format now officially in use.


More maps added today.

The water on that first one looks so murky it's brilliant, the submerged edge alters though (Just between the characters and the portrait).

Those last to look very confined, I guess that could be effective when searching for something. It's not repetitive though is it? I could see myself getting very lost in that map.

Thanks Holder. Yes, infact all tilesets and portraits are from 66rpg...and now in use finally.
The game itself is a huge step forward from the other games in terms of graphics, and gameplay.
A lot more involving character wise....as per story driven games go really.
Most of the work has actually been on visuals.....definitely. The spell animations (which lacked in
the previous outings) is probably one of the outstanding area's with SoS. The downside is, expect
a large filesize .

Ohhh wow, now this is looking really good from all sides, you alot of talent gathered up to do this dark, i wouldnt expect anything less, the world map and battle system really caught my eye. This is gonna be a gem of a game, let me know if you run into any problems

any news on a demo?