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[Guert]

I think I'm going to try alternate looks for the title. No matter what it'll be, I think it's going to help. Thanks a lot for the suggestion

[Guert]

Just a quick message to say that a new devlog entry is on its way. I've been quite busy with a couple of projects and work lately so I haven't been able to update the game much. Thanks!

[Guert]

Yeah, sorry about double posting but I got a new job and I'm overloaded with work. I'll post the second I have some time. 

[Guert]

NECROMANCY!
Oh yes! After almost a year on hiatus, Art of Crime is back and kicking. 2012 was huge for me but I took some time during the holiday season to wrap a few things up. So much that now, the game has entered the beta stage.  There are still a few things to finish but the game's feature complete. So what's new since last devlog post? This:

• You can now find the drawing girl's cellphone, which contains crucial information on the case
• You can interrogate a drawing version of the suspect, which gives a different view on the events.
• New artworks in the convent room for more details and polish
• General code polish and bug fixing

I'll post new screenshots soon. I'll also be starting to hunt for beta testers to catch as many bugs as possible.

Later!

[C.D Buckmaster]

Nothing cheers me up more than finding an old awesome project become active again in Devlogs.

I can't wait to see those screenshots.

[Guert]

Devlog 6
The game is back on track and all features are complete. There's still some bugs to iron out and some polish to do but the game is fully playable without major, progression-blocking issues.

Right now, I'm trying to come up with a new visual for the game's logo.

So far, the design is too busy and it really becomes hard on the eye when placed in the main menu. I'll keep searching for the right look in days to come.

The new feature I'd like to talk about is the addition of the cellphone. On the night of the attack, the drawing girl took pictures of the event with her cellphone before running off. When she was safe in the convent's room, she hid somewhere safe. By inspecting creepy drawings, you can find clues on where the cellphone lies.


Once found, you can find personal emails as well as crucial evidence of what unfolded that night.


Of course, everything isn't as easy and straight forward. You might have to work a bit in order to get access to the information. In the end, the cellphone is a straight window into the drawing girl's personal life. Although it doesn't say much, the cellphone shows how she is just a simple, everyday girl.   

Thanks!

[Guert]

Devlog 7
As mentioned in a previous devlog, you can interview the girl in order to get more information on what unfolded. Of course, her side of the story is one-sided. So, using pieces of a note written by the girl, you can enter the dark world and meet the killer to get his or her side of the story.


You start by finding the torn parts of the note...


... and assemble them into something comprehensible.


Using your powers, you can enter the note and "speak" with the suspect.


Much like with the girl, he or she is not very cooperative, so you'll need to be persuasive to make him or her talk.

The information given by the suspect is different from what the girl is saying. The goal of this feature is getting to see the other side of the medal and understand how the events came to be.

The final part of development is fixing bugs and getting comments from players. Then, it'll be time for a plan of action for the release.

Thanks!

[Guert]

Nothing cheers me up more than finding an old awesome project become active again in Devlogs.

I can't wait to see those screenshots.

I'm so sorry, I forgot to reply to you in my previous posts! Thanks for posting, I'll be posting more screenshots this week. Anything I've talked about you'd like to see? Thanks!

[Alex Higgins]

Just saw this thread for the first time; love the concept, and the art is really, really good. I look forward to playing this one.

[Guert]

Just saw this thread for the first time; love the concept, and the art is really, really good. I look forward to playing this one.

Nice! Thanks!
On development side, I sent out a few builds to a couple of beta testers and a few bugs popped out. Luckily, nothing major, but there's a bit of work involved to iron things out. Regarding the title screen, I haven't found a fitting visual yet, but I can't say I've been trying that much these past few days.

Thanks!

[Guert]

Let's start this post with a screenshot:



This is taken in the drawings of the street. All drawings are linked to this environment where all sorts of things come to life.

On development side, I've encountered one nasty bug, which I luckily fixed, and I've been tweaking and polishing a few things regarding the interviews.  I also go some good feedback from some testers, so I'll be polishing up the flow and ergonomics of the game. Within a few weeks, I should have a fully working public beta.

Thanks and take care!

[Guert]

With more closed beta testing, I've been busy polishing up some bugs and clarity issues. Things are going pretty well. I'll be posting new updates this week. 

[pluckyporcupine]

Ooo. Just saw this. This looks great!

I especially like the art style.

[Guert]

Thanks! It's much appreciated! 

On dev side, I've been smoothing out the experience as much as possible. I've been getting less feedback and the bug list has been decreasing faster than the rate at which new bugs are found, so, Yay!

There still something bothering me with the title though. It's like the name "art of crime" never grew on me. So I'm starting to do these little brainstorm on what angle the title should take, what it should convey, etc. I thought "The Witness" could be nice, but, Jonathan Blow already snatched it for his upcoming game

So that's what's going on right now for this project. Once I wrap up a few more bugs, I'll have to start working on a new launch plan and some promo stuff.

Thanks! 
   

[Guert]

Unfortunately, I've caught up in crunch time at work and I have not been able to touch the game much. I'm still tossing ideas around for the title, which I hope to find within the next few days.

Cheers! 

[Guert]

This week's been a little more productive. I've reviewed the convent room  to better tell the story of the game. I added a few more details, which not only tells a little bit more about the background setting, but also helps teach how the game is played.

I've also added greetings in the interviews so that conversations feel a lot more natural. It's the kind of late addition that make you go "why didn't I do that from the start?"

Thanks! 

[Guert]

The game is nearing completion. I'm currently working on the ending, which I'm pretty satisfied with so far. I hope to post new stuff in the next 2 weeks. 

[Guert]

After a long while, the game is finally complete. It underwent a lot of tweaks, changes, bug fixing and even title review, but it is now at a state that I'm satisfied with.

The game will be released as freeware this summer. For all details, please see the TIGS Feedback thread. Thanks!
 

[pluckyporcupine]

Awesome! Been waiting to try this out. I'll give it a shot later tonight!

[Guert]

Nice! Thanks a bunch! And sorry for the delay