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Title: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: dantheman363 on October 06, 2010, 04:42:48 AM Greetings everyone, I have finally completed my first video game called Extraterrestrial Grail! It is an outer space video board game in which you are an alien searching for the Grail on different planets. The object of the game is to have the Grail card in your hand when time runs out or to kill everyone + have the Grail card in your hand.
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail Direct Download (installer): http://bit.ly/wLI2GX Direct Download (zip): http://bit.ly/zohIqX Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prxp8LqDcHE Screen-shots: (http://i.imgur.com/hDQQR.png) (http://i.imgur.com/4mdCg.png) (http://i.imgur.com/6xood.png) http://i.imgur.com/EOyd9.png http://i.imgur.com/jI9tR.png http://i.imgur.com/Vcd56.png http://i.imgur.com/6fXok.png System Requirements: - Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7 - .NET 2.0 Please let me know what you think, the more feedback the better. What is your favorite part about playing this game and what is your least favorite part? Thanks! Have fun! :) Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: savagewhimsy on October 06, 2010, 12:56:20 PM My input probably isn't very valuable because I lost patience trying to learn how to play the game before I could really get into it, but I have a few comments. Really, what stood out the most to me is how hard it was to get into. It really could have used some sort of in-game tutorial or instructions. The manual wasn't nearly as helpful as I would have liked. It seems very disorganized, seems to assume I already kinda know the game, and doesn't really tell me "how" to play, e.g. what decisions I should make and why.
Also, the graphics and UI are very off-putting. I am really more tempted to make a tabletop mockup of this game and try to decipher the manual with friends or family than to actually have another go at diving headfirst into a round with 3 other ugly aliens who already know how to beat me. Otherwise, the game concept seems really appealing. I would be interested in watching a playthrough with explanations/commentary. Perhaps if you hooked up with a nice artist and did a few things to make the game more approachable for the first-timer, you'd have a real fine game here. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: starsrift on October 06, 2010, 08:04:24 PM I think that as a first game, this is really nicely done.
Pros: It was fun. Really, it was. I love board games, and this seemed like a really good concept. It wasn't particularly hard, though the baffling array of attribute cards added more interest to what could've been a really simple game of finding and holding the Grail. Cons: I got lots of these, hold on. 1 - the game feels incomplete. You have a chat function implemented in the game, but it's single player. The bots did not seem to respond to my earnest attempts to engage them in conversation. :( I certainly recognize that network play is a bit of work, but hotseat play would've been nice. 2 - this is a really easy fix - your "options" dialogue should be prompted to come up when you start a new game. 3 - a little tutorial would've been nice. It doesn't have to be much, but a PDF game manual is a turn off. :( Along these lines, an "easy" mode where you cut down the number of cards to something more easy to learn would've been great. 4 - I didn't like being unable to pick my race. 5 - some audio feedback & fx would've been nice. There are open libraries of the stuff out on the 'net... Good job, I look forward to seeing more! Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on October 07, 2010, 05:32:06 AM My input probably isn't very valuable because I lost patience trying to learn how to play the game before I could really get into it, but I have a few comments. Really, what stood out the most to me is how hard it was to get into. It really could have used some sort of in-game tutorial or instructions. The manual wasn't nearly as helpful as I would have liked. It seems very disorganized, seems to assume I already kinda know the game, and doesn't really tell me "how" to play, e.g. what decisions I should make and why. Also, the graphics and UI are very off-putting. I am really more tempted to make a tabletop mockup of this game and try to decipher the manual with friends or family than to actually have another go at diving headfirst into a round with 3 other ugly aliens who already know how to beat me. Otherwise, the game concept seems really appealing. I would be interested in watching a playthrough with explanations/commentary. Perhaps if you hooked up with a nice artist and did a few things to make the game more approachable for the first-timer, you'd have a real fine game here. No, your input is very valuable and I appreciate the time you took to give me advice. I will definitely start working on making the manual more useful and making the game itself more accessible. A good tutorial in the manual and a tutorial as a video with explanations/commentary is great advice and I will work on that. Thank you for the game concept compliment, I put a lot of thought into structuring everything. As for the graphics and UI, I still have a lot of work to do on them. I will look into fixing the user interface to be more intuitive and try finding someone to do the art who can draw better than I can...haha. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on October 07, 2010, 05:43:48 AM I think that as a first game, this is really nicely done. Pros: It was fun. Really, it was. I love board games, and this seemed like a really good concept. It wasn't particularly hard, though the baffling array of attribute cards added more interest to what could've been a really simple game of finding and holding the Grail. Cons: I got lots of these, hold on. 1 - the game feels incomplete. You have a chat function implemented in the game, but it's single player. The bots did not seem to respond to my earnest attempts to engage them in conversation. :( I certainly recognize that network play is a bit of work, but hotseat play would've been nice. 2 - this is a really easy fix - your "options" dialogue should be prompted to come up when you start a new game. 3 - a little tutorial would've been nice. It doesn't have to be much, but a PDF game manual is a turn off. :( Along these lines, an "easy" mode where you cut down the number of cards to something more easy to learn would've been great. 4 - I didn't like being unable to pick my race. 5 - some audio feedback & fx would've been nice. There are open libraries of the stuff out on the 'net... Good job, I look forward to seeing more! Thanks for the compliment! :) I put so much time into this game so far and it feels great to get some positive feedback. This game was designed to have a "board game" feel and attract board game lovers. Regarding the difficultly, some people think the game is too hard and others think the game is too easy. I think that both camps of people are right. I need to make an easy/medium/hard game modes in order to keep things interesting for everyone. Yes, the game is incomplete in the sense that it is going to be a multiplayer game eventually (hence the chat function). I will work on having the bots talk trash to make the game seem more real. The problem with hotseat play is that when both players are looking at the same computer, they can see each other's attribute cards which is a disadvantage to both of them. Any advice on the approach on how to handle this hotseat limitation? Ya, I should have the options dialog box pop-up for a new game. I will work a on tutorial in the manual/in-game/video. I don't think the user should be able to pick their alien because it adds to the randomness of the game and you must adjust to the different styles of each alien. But I will consider making an option to choose your alien. Also, sound and music is on my todo list as well. Thanks for all the feedback! :) Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: starsrift on October 07, 2010, 03:11:45 PM The problem with hotseat play is that when both players are looking at the same computer, they can see each other's attribute cards which is a disadvantage to both of them. Any advice on the approach on how to handle this hotseat limitation? The bottom line is of course that with hotseat play, hidden information relies on the honesty of the players themselves. And they may not want to play with hidden information, too, which is fine, really, even if it's contrary to your initial design. :) But upon seeing a hotseat game, you could make the cards "flippable", that is, hidden until the player clicks on them, and then can click on them again to hide them from casual view. Or, you could keep the card images hidden and pop up smaller thumbnail images/names for mouseovers. Or both. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on October 12, 2010, 05:53:48 AM The problem with hotseat play is that when both players are looking at the same computer, they can see each other's attribute cards which is a disadvantage to both of them. Any advice on the approach on how to handle this hotseat limitation? The bottom line is of course that with hotseat play, hidden information relies on the honesty of the players themselves. And they may not want to play with hidden information, too, which is fine, really, even if it's contrary to your initial design. :) But upon seeing a hotseat game, you could make the cards "flippable", that is, hidden until the player clicks on them, and then can click on them again to hide them from casual view. Or, you could keep the card images hidden and pop up smaller thumbnail images/names for mouseovers. Or both. Thanks for the advice, starsrift! I will keep that into consideration. For a hotseat game, I would have to think about how to handle two users battling each other as well. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on October 20, 2010, 08:06:35 AM My input probably isn't very valuable because I lost patience trying to learn how to play the game before I could really get into it, but I have a few comments. Really, what stood out the most to me is how hard it was to get into. It really could have used some sort of in-game tutorial or instructions. The manual wasn't nearly as helpful as I would have liked. It seems very disorganized, seems to assume I already kinda know the game, and doesn't really tell me "how" to play, e.g. what decisions I should make and why. Also, the graphics and UI are very off-putting. I am really more tempted to make a tabletop mockup of this game and try to decipher the manual with friends or family than to actually have another go at diving headfirst into a round with 3 other ugly aliens who already know how to beat me. Otherwise, the game concept seems really appealing. I would be interested in watching a playthrough with explanations/commentary. Perhaps if you hooked up with a nice artist and did a few things to make the game more approachable for the first-timer, you'd have a real fine game here. No, your input is very valuable and I appreciate the time you took to give me advice. I will definitely start working on making the manual more useful and making the game itself more accessible. A good tutorial in the manual and a tutorial as a video with explanations/commentary is great advice and I will work on that. Thank you for the game concept compliment, I put a lot of thought into structuring everything. As for the graphics and UI, I still have a lot of work to do on them. I will look into fixing the user interface to be more intuitive and try finding someone to do the art who can draw better than I can...haha. FYI, I am planning on releasing the next version of Extraterrestrial Grail sometime next month in November. The next version is slated to include:
Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on November 23, 2010, 06:39:09 AM Extraterrestrial Grail version 1.0.0.2 has been released! The change list is listed below:
* updated about box * made configuration file to store user options * made high score file * made background music and some sound effects * the move buttons alternate colors when visible * added game difficulty to be configurable * added simple mode http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/ I updated the game manual too with screenshots and with more information on how to play the game. Listed below is a link for a YouTube video of Extraterrestrial Grail. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xsca05cfSk Please check it out and let me know what you think! Thanks again for all the great feedback so far! FYI starsrift, the enemies will now randomly talk back at you. Hehe Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: starsrift on November 23, 2010, 08:18:38 AM FYI starsrift, the enemies will now randomly talk back at you. Hehe Excellent! I'll check it out in a day or two, and edit this poast. :D EDIT: Uhhh, three or something days? Something something steam sale something something. :shrug2: Anyway! Audio was awesome, it fit well! :D Krlb is coming for me, oh noez! Still wished I could choose my race, still want to see Options come up before going to new game. :) The game seemed much more approachable this time through, but of course, I know how to play now. Good job, all around! Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: RichMakeGame! on November 23, 2010, 04:13:04 PM edit: oh, sorry you already stated you're working on the UI- sorry my bad :). um, carry on :)
----------- old post: hey, I havent played yet I just wanted to comment.. the graphics really scare me off playing it. Please think about contacting an artist, or ripping off another games art style which looks nice and inviting/clear to read (popcap is a good starting point) you're limiting your potential player base if the game doesn't look at least a little bit inviting. I'm assuming you've put a lot of work into the mechanics and the fun, so why use icons which look like they took 2 minutes in paint to create? sorry to be blunt, but this has a direct connection to how easy the game is to learn- are the buttons and icons self explanatory and intuitive? if someone had to guess what an icon did, could they get it right? if your interface is actually enjoyable to use, players are more likely to stick with it when they encounter difficulty Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on November 25, 2010, 08:26:32 AM FYI starsrift, the enemies will now randomly talk back at you. Hehe Excellent! I'll check it out in a day or two, and edit this poast. :D Great! I'll look forward to your review. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on November 25, 2010, 08:30:31 AM edit: oh, sorry you already stated you're working on the UI- sorry my bad :). um, carry on :) ----------- old post: hey, I havent played yet I just wanted to comment.. the graphics really scare me off playing it. Please think about contacting an artist, or ripping off another games art style which looks nice and inviting/clear to read (popcap is a good starting point) you're limiting your potential player base if the game doesn't look at least a little bit inviting. I'm assuming you've put a lot of work into the mechanics and the fun, so why use icons which look like they took 2 minutes in paint to create? sorry to be blunt, but this has a direct connection to how easy the game is to learn- are the buttons and icons self explanatory and intuitive? if someone had to guess what an icon did, could they get it right? if your interface is actually enjoyable to use, players are more likely to stick with it when they encounter difficulty Yes, I understand the graphics are not up to snuff yet but thank you for your advice. I do realize that it is important to have graphics that invite the player to play the game. I am working on finding an artist, if anyone is willing to redo my graphics pro bono then just let me know! :) Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on November 29, 2010, 09:18:42 AM FYI starsrift, the enemies will now randomly talk back at you. Hehe Excellent! I'll check it out in a day or two, and edit this poast. :D EDIT: Uhhh, three or something days? Something something steam sale something something. :shrug2: Anyway! Audio was awesome, it fit well! :D Krlb is coming for me, oh noez! Still wished I could choose my race, still want to see Options come up before going to new game. :) The game seemed much more approachable this time through, but of course, I know how to play now. Good job, all around! Thanks for the update starsrift! I saw that you edited your post, but I had forgot to reply to it until now. Thanks for the compliment about the audio, right now there is only audio for the attribute cards and game music, for the next update I will have audio for everything (end of game, natural attacks, it's your turn notifier, death, hyperspace tunnels, and etc.) I will add a option to choose your race and a option to see the option screen before going to a new game (since I don't know if people will want that turned on or not). Back to work for me... :P Also, I'm sure that you would be interested in knowing that I am having someone work on the graphics for my game as well. So hopefully it will look nicer than it does right now. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on December 22, 2010, 05:22:09 AM Extraterrestrial Grail version 1.0.0.3 has been released! The change list is listed below:
* added option to choose your starting alien, by default it is set at random * option dialog box will popup (by default) when clicking on the new game button * completed sound effects for everything and added battle music * battle indicators will turn yellow when it is that character's turn in battle * the attribute card description box will automatically update the description based off of the selected card * tool tips for a planet will now show if that planet is infected with the Eboolian Virus * instead of possibly losing one life point on a pink nebula, you might be transported to a random planet instead * nitrous oxide canister always hits instead of working only 50% of the time * portal to the 5th dimension will last for up to 5 minutes instead of 4 * fixed some minor bugs Download here: http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/ Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail - my first video game Post by: dantheman363 on December 22, 2010, 05:30:24 AM Still wished I could choose my race, still want to see Options come up before going to new game. :) The game seemed much more approachable this time through, but of course, I know how to play now. Good job, all around! Hey starsrift! Both of these requests are found in the latest version. You can now choose your race and the options dialog box will popup by default before going to a new game. :handthumbsupL: :) :handthumbsupR: Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: dantheman363 on January 03, 2011, 06:37:53 AM Happy New Years everyone!
Extraterrestrial Grail version 1.0.0.4 has been released! The change list is listed below: * updated planet tool tips to show which alien has control of the planet and to show if the planet is infected with the Eboolian Virus or not * removed a THERMAL_GARMENT from the deck and added a WHIP instead * the Rope will now allow the attacker to randomly steal a card from the defender * body suit no longer doubles as a thermal garment * at the beginning of a new turn for the user, the alien token will flicker for 3 seconds * increased font size wherever possible * if you have the Rocket Boots Attribute card, then you only need a 4/5/6 in order to successfully run from battle * updated Attribute card descriptions Download here: http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/ Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: kidchameleon on January 03, 2011, 07:22:28 AM A good effort OP. One thing I would say is that for a non board game player, its not very intuitive. Many players would not bother reading a user manual. Perhaps your not targeting non board game players, that's fine but I would make the game as accessible as possible to the most people.
Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: dantheman363 on January 04, 2011, 06:13:45 AM A good effort OP. Thanks! One thing I would say is that for a non board game player, its not very intuitive. Many players would not bother reading a user manual. Perhaps your not targeting non board game players, that's fine but I would make the game as accessible as possible to the most people. I am working on making the game more intuitive. Specifically, how would you suggest that I make the game more intuitive and accessible? An in-game tutorial is on my todo list, is that the sort of thing that you are talking about? Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: dantheman363 on January 12, 2011, 05:57:09 AM Extraterrestrial Grail version 1.0.0.5 has been released! The change list is listed below:
* renamed all references of "opening a planet's envelope" to "searching a planet for Attribute cards" (for clarity sake) * when in battle, the yellow vertical bars on each side of the alien will flicker on and off to indicate which alien has the current battle turn * the yellow bar above the alien pictures on the game board will flicker on and off to indicate which alien has the current turn * the start button will change color during the "Planet and Attribute Card Setup" when the user has 6 or less Attribute cards in their hand (indicates that you are ready to start the game) Download here: http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/ New YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn6VbPz84Ds My upcoming to-do list includes making an in-game tutorial and being able to customize the deck of attribute cards. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: dantheman363 on January 27, 2011, 01:23:54 PM I have posted some news on my website today. I found an artist who is drawing updated graphics for Extraterrestrial Grail, the version of EG with updated graphics should be released sometime in February. Yay! ;D
Here is the link: http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/Home/news/1272011 (http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/Home/news/1272011) I'll try to get a new release of EG out before the weekend which will include the ability to create your own deck of Attribute cards. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: dantheman363 on January 28, 2011, 05:15:59 AM Extraterrestrial Grail version 1.0.0.6 has been released! The change list is listed below:
* added the ability to customize a deck of attribute cards for use in a game of Extraterrestrial Grail * a text box with a picture and a description of the Attribute card will popup when clicking on the ? button * decrypting headset only requires a roll of 4/5/6 for the six-sided die in order to be successful (instead of 5/6) * when both the freeze and heat pump are held in the hand, it will create a healing energy for the alien which gains 1 life point at the beginning of a new turn (if not past the max) Direct Download (installer): http://bit.ly/gJia0L Direct Download (zip): http://bit.ly/eYVy6Y Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail (major graphics update!) Post by: dantheman363 on February 11, 2011, 07:34:22 AM Quintuple post (5x)! :facepalm:
Also, the graphics are very off-putting. hey, I havent played yet I just wanted to comment.. the graphics really scare me off playing it. Hey guys, I have some great news (http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/Home/news/2112011) for both of you! Thanks to the great work done by Joey van der Kaaij (http://www.joeyvanderkaaij.com/), all of the graphics in Extraterrestrial Grail have been updated (http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=15132.msg438023#msg438023)! (http://i.imgur.com/mZgAh.png) Video with updated graphics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcFSJuNlJ2Q Download here: Website: http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail Direct Download (installer): http://bit.ly/hE3Qjq Direct Download (zip): http://bit.ly/e46U1M Let me know what you think about the new graphics. At least this game isn't such an eyesore now, haha. An in-game tutorial is now my highest priority and it will be ready for the next release. Have fun! :) Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail (major graphics update!) Post by: kidchameleon on February 11, 2011, 01:54:05 PM New graphics are gorgious
Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail (major graphics update!) Post by: starsrift on February 11, 2011, 11:31:53 PM Holy shit, that looks awesome. Applause! And more applause for sticking with it! :handclap::)
Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail (major graphics update!) Post by: Virtanen on February 13, 2011, 12:40:07 AM This isn't really my type of genre but it was rather nicely done. The graphics looked sweet :handthumbsupL:
Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail (major graphics update!) Post by: dantheman363 on February 15, 2011, 06:53:25 AM New graphics are gorgious Holy shit, that looks awesome. Applause! And more applause for sticking with it! :handclap::) This isn't really my type of genre but it was rather nicely done. The graphics looked sweet :handthumbsupL: Thanks for the compliments guys! ;D I really do appreciate it, Joey and I put a lot of work into the graphics. Now I am working on the in-game tutorial to help new players learn how to play Extraterrestrial Grail. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail (major graphics update!) Post by: Starflier on February 16, 2011, 10:34:14 AM I love this game. I haven't even played it yet, but I love it. It looks straight off a "Best Games for Windows 95" CD-ROM, But in a good way...
Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail (major graphics update!) Post by: dantheman363 on February 17, 2011, 01:28:57 PM I love this game. I haven't even played it yet, but I love it. It looks straight off a "Best Games for Windows 95" CD-ROM, But in a good way... ROFL. :lol: When you get a chance to play it, let me know. Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: dantheman363 on February 21, 2011, 07:48:17 AM Really, what stood out the most to me is how hard it was to get into. It really could have used some sort of in-game tutorial or instructions. 3 - a little tutorial would've been nice. A good effort OP. One thing I would say is that for a non board game player, its not very intuitive. Many players would not bother reading a user manual. Perhaps your not targeting non board game players, that's fine but I would make the game as accessible as possible to the most people. Hey guys, Extraterrestrial Grail version 1.1.0.1 has been released! This release includes an in-game tutorial that will pop-up instruction windows at different parts of the game to help you learn how to play the game of EG. Download: http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail Change list: * added an in-game beginner's tutorial * added the ability to turn on/off music and sound using the command prompt in the status text box * added 'help' command which gives a list of all the possible commands Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: dantheman363 on January 19, 2012, 07:38:01 AM Extraterrestrial Grail version 1.1.0.2 has been released!
http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/ Listed below are the changes in this version (http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/Home/news/1162012): * fixed various bugs with music, buttons, alien tokens being displayed properly, and etc. * removed some of the white space around the alien tokens and the grail * removed the classic game type option because it is on by default (you must always have the Grail in your hand at the end of the game in order to win) * gain 1 life point on each turn an alien ends on their home planet (this is turned on by default now) * updated computer alien AI to be able to play keep-a-way when it has the Grail Direct Download (installer): http://bit.ly/wLI2GX Direct Download (zip): http://bit.ly/zohIqX New YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prxp8LqDcHE Title: Re: Extraterrestrial Grail Post by: dantheman363 on January 29, 2012, 11:09:04 AM Extraterrestrial Grail version 1.1.0.3 has been released!
http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/ Listed below are the changes in this version (http://sites.google.com/site/extraterrestrialgrail/Home/news/1282012): *each alien does a unique end-of-game celebration when they win *the Game Setup window now displays a picture of your alien next to the description text *added a more descriptive error message when trying to start the game before you have 6 or less attribute cards in your hand *the Game Setup window will display a help window if you try to move an Attribute card to a planet but you don't have a planet selected in the dropdown *the selected Attribute card will now be displayed in a picture on the Game Setup window, Customize Deck of Attribute Cards window, Search Planet Window, and Battle Victor window *made the size of the Game Setup window bigger, with bigger fonts and buttons to make it easier to read *if you double-click on the picture for the Extraterrestrial Grail Title Screen, then a new game will be started automatically Direct Download (installer): http://bit.ly/w49D1R Direct Download (zip): http://bit.ly/zMQ3NL |