BlindMind
10.08.2008, 21:00
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9507/brlogo2zo1.gif
Overview
Firstly, I hope it is alright for me to go ahead and post this in english! x__x
For those of you who have not come across this project in one of it's many iterations before; I would like to note that above all else, it has been conceived as a rather cinematic experience, and I forewarn that it should be taken as such. Those looking for a quick gameplay fix may not be particularly satisfied with the outcome.
Despite my constant ambitious with this project, I must attest that the many prior versions, in one regard or another, have been fundamentally flawed and essentially unplayable. Because of this, I observed quite a fair bit of resentment toward myself and the game, though I digress, that doesn't matter much now. To put it openly straight, I have spent the past twelve months refining and expanding this project beyond the scope of anything I could have ever hoped for even a short year ago, and I feel as though I've improved in more ways than one. I have spent literally days remaking and rewriting that which I made, pouring my soul into every ounce of the process, and I dare-say I'm quite proud of what it's become. I've certainly learned from many of my mistakes, and though I'm prepared to make undoubtedly dozens more, I've accepted it as the learning process and can only hope for a solid outcome.
What's new in this version, exactly?
In essence, the following have been changed/removed:
An entirely new stylized sprite set that expands well beyond the main party, adding quite a bit of coherence.
A far lengthier and indisputably more interactive introduction sequence.
Nearly ALL maps remade, refined or re-colored.
A number of new dungeons and gameplay sequences.
A largely original soundtrack combing the talents of Ocean's Dream and Maladroithim.
All message text-boxes are no longer slowed for "effect."
A heavily modified pacing and accordingly adjusted storyline. This is hardly the same experience.
The Battle System and Monster Encounters have been better balanced for ease of progression.
Added Side-quests and developed character interactions. (NPCs).
Nearly three hours of new material included.
New Sprite Style!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/NewSprites3.png
Contents
Backstory Synopsis (Long)
Undated ages past; the planet remained an empty sphere of nothingness. How our world came to be is a mystery shrouded in myth, time, and legend. The absolute truth is long-forgotten, ]but this is the tale told by those most ancient spirits that claim the remembrance of time.
After many millennia devoid of life, the divine presence whom had brought the incarnation of our world arose from the incessant darkness. A single strobe of blinding light ascended into the ashen skies, and Lucina, the omnipotent goddess of grandeur, spread her flaming arms to shape the earth. Childlike in appearance, she walked the barren and untamed planet for many years before finishing her work.
Her power flowing freely from the source of all existence, The Omemera Stone, Lucina began her attempt of bringing order to the chaos that was the world. Over many years of hardship, she shaped the majestic mountains, carved deep canyons, created wondrous caverns, and gardened the once-barren planet. Through much turmoil, she formed the flamboyant forests, the endless outstretched fields, and planted flowering shrubbery. She seeded and watered the world, and it came into full fruitation through her exhausting efforts. After all of her endless toil, Lucina retreated unto The Ivory Tower, her own ethereal Elysium, and sealed the pathway to where she rested.
It was said that a sole location, the holy Kingdom of Omenera, could act as a gateway to her marvelous haven, and that those who sought the legendary portal to this world would end their efforts, quite often, in vain. The Tower, a radiant remnant of her time on earth, stood as a testament to the awe and reverence of her people, a centerpiece of the city that omitted a perpetual semblance of her being to those who made their home in the sorcerous surroundings. As she gazed timelessly down upon them, the elders used this unspeakable wisdom to guide their study of the planet’s many secrets, and in time, harvested it to material form; spellbound shards commonly known as Ethrel.
In time, mankind grew envious of those who lived amidst the tower, and began to fear their presumed superiority. Marcelo Alexandros, regal royal of the mighty Alexandria, very much desired these properties for his bidding, and took appropriate action in the matter. After decades of assembling an invanquishable army; he led his mighty military toward an invasion of the blessed Omenera, vanquishing it’s innocents and raiding it’s boundless treasure. As the conflict subsided, not even Lucina’s hallowed magic could save their sinless souls, and the beloved Omeneran faded into bitter extinction, save for a few, unknown survivors.
Enraged that the Omeneran Stone, a relic he so long sought, had been naught but a bitter myth, Marcelo quickly reduced the marveled city to rumbled ash, and in his anger, erased all knowledge of it’s existence. A single remaining structure, the impenetrable Ivory Tower, juxtaposed the smoldering ruins, as Lucina gazed down in horror from renowned fortress. The survivors of the massacre faded into obscurity as the time passed them, hiding the true cherished secrets of their treasure to protect the earth and it’s denizens.
Characters:
Click on names for official artwork!
John Branden (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/john.png)
Age: 17 Yrs
Residence: Vereta
Height/Weight: 5’11 ~ 141lbs
Birth date: March 1st, 726
Weapon: Meterasu (Sword)
Eye Color: Hazel/Brown
"Those unforgettable days, I live for them."
John is a boy whose life is haunted by sensibilities of both fear and uncertainty. He lives a simple-- yet decidedly content-- existence in the secluded farming village of Vereta: a settlement shielded from the boisterous bustle of city life. John is an indolent and insecure individual, often lacking the fortitude to deal with his own life; yet he manages to maintain a light-hearted optimism toward the typically-mindless activities surrounding him.
He is slender yet sturdy, and upholds a certain agility while engaged in battle. His handle of the family blade; Meterasu, is only competent, yet he gradually finds himself able to improve through the constant guidance of his mentors and friends.
-----------------------
Zachary Wyatt (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/zach.png)
Age: 19 Yrs
Residence: Vereta
Height/Weight: 6’1 ~ 158lbs
Birth date: April 22nd, 724
Weapon: Sansoret (Sword)
Eye Color: Dark Brown
"Castles made of sand slip into the sea eventually."
Zach is a bright and ambitious, if at times arrogant, young man living in Vereta amidst John’s company. He holds many aspirations of someday being able to expand the scope of his life; growing increasingly disinterested in the narrow-minded environment that his hometown offers him. Adamant in his own views, Zach is generally quite difficult to persuade in terms of any sentiments that do not directly accommodate his own desires.
Physically quite strong; Zach wields his heirloom “Sansoret” with grace and flare. He opts to win his battles with pure, tactless aggression; rather than evasiveness or strategy.
-----------------------
Omega Amadeus (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/omega.png)
Age: 18 Yrs
Residence: Omenera Sanctum
Height/Weight: 6’2 ~ 167lbs
Birth date: October 3rd, 725
Weapon: Rapier (Sword)
Eye Color: Brown
"None of us quite know why we‘re alive, or for what purpose we exist. But just like a newborn child, we must simply shout to emphasize ourselves; our own existence."
Omega is a soft-spoken and articulate young man living in relative seclusion with his father, at Alexandria’s beloved Omenera Sanctum… a structure of ancient magnificence to which their family had been banished many years prior. Having become emotionally detached since the untimely death of his mother, Omega maintains a fairly cold relationship with Alexander, spending the bulk of his time studying history or swordplay.
Having learned much from his father in their rare time spent together, Omega is quite an asset in combat of all varieties. His Rapier strikes with astonishing agility, and likewise his knowledge of sorcery rivals that of any young wizard.
-----------------------
Crystal Dornagas (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/crystal.png)
Age: 16 Yrs
Residence: Dornaga Capital
Height/Weight: 5’6 ~ 124lbs
Birth date: March 21st, 727
Weapon: Argon Staff
Eye Color: Green
"Every one of us are like the snowflakes of these wintry glades; each distinct and marvelous.”
The quick-witted and intelligent young heir to the Dornagan thrown, Crystal is curious and kind-hearted girl burdened with the constant political conflict looming ominously over her peaceful kingdom. Often acting on impulse and emotion, she rarely gets along with her mother, a women of far less caprice. She is rarely reluctant to speak her mind, however, and fights adamantly for what she believes in; encouraging all to do the same.
Never formally trained in expeditionary arts, Crystal relies heavily on her mystifying Staff to aid others, rather than direct physical assault, while in battle.
-----------------------
Screenshots:
View Them Here!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/ForestoftheBlueMoon.png http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/MountainsOfMagic.png
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/VeretaMeadows2.png http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/SnowForest.png
http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/CheskaMap.png http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/VibrantCoast.png
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/DornagaNew.png http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/Alexandria.PNG
http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/drearyfields.png http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/ForestRain2.PNG
--------------
Download Here (http://www.arafell.com/BelovedRapture.zip)
Absolutely any feedback is welcome!
--------------
Official Artwork
John (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/john.png)
Omega (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/omega.png)
Crystal (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/crystal.png)
Rachel (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/rachel.png)
Zach (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/zach.png)
Jacob (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/jake.png)
Alex (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/alex.png)
Draco (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/draco.png)
Work ©BlindMind and LilyKat
--------------
Credits:
Main Production/Storyline: BlindMind
Battle System & Character Sprites: Skiefortress, Nessiah, BlindMind
Official Artwork: Lily Kat
Map Design: BlindMind
Original Soundtrack: Ocean's Dream, Maladoithim
Customized Overlays/Effects: Xeno-Soft, Malad
--------------
Testing:
Ciel
WIP
BadLuck
Neophyte
Rcholbert
Trance2
Xeno-Soft
Legion
Ocean's Dream
Veiriza
King Arthur
DragonHeartMan
Maladroithim
Kaempfer
AznChipmunk
--------------
Overview
Firstly, I hope it is alright for me to go ahead and post this in english! x__x
For those of you who have not come across this project in one of it's many iterations before; I would like to note that above all else, it has been conceived as a rather cinematic experience, and I forewarn that it should be taken as such. Those looking for a quick gameplay fix may not be particularly satisfied with the outcome.
Despite my constant ambitious with this project, I must attest that the many prior versions, in one regard or another, have been fundamentally flawed and essentially unplayable. Because of this, I observed quite a fair bit of resentment toward myself and the game, though I digress, that doesn't matter much now. To put it openly straight, I have spent the past twelve months refining and expanding this project beyond the scope of anything I could have ever hoped for even a short year ago, and I feel as though I've improved in more ways than one. I have spent literally days remaking and rewriting that which I made, pouring my soul into every ounce of the process, and I dare-say I'm quite proud of what it's become. I've certainly learned from many of my mistakes, and though I'm prepared to make undoubtedly dozens more, I've accepted it as the learning process and can only hope for a solid outcome.
What's new in this version, exactly?
In essence, the following have been changed/removed:
An entirely new stylized sprite set that expands well beyond the main party, adding quite a bit of coherence.
A far lengthier and indisputably more interactive introduction sequence.
Nearly ALL maps remade, refined or re-colored.
A number of new dungeons and gameplay sequences.
A largely original soundtrack combing the talents of Ocean's Dream and Maladroithim.
All message text-boxes are no longer slowed for "effect."
A heavily modified pacing and accordingly adjusted storyline. This is hardly the same experience.
The Battle System and Monster Encounters have been better balanced for ease of progression.
Added Side-quests and developed character interactions. (NPCs).
Nearly three hours of new material included.
New Sprite Style!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/NewSprites3.png
Contents
Backstory Synopsis (Long)
Undated ages past; the planet remained an empty sphere of nothingness. How our world came to be is a mystery shrouded in myth, time, and legend. The absolute truth is long-forgotten, ]but this is the tale told by those most ancient spirits that claim the remembrance of time.
After many millennia devoid of life, the divine presence whom had brought the incarnation of our world arose from the incessant darkness. A single strobe of blinding light ascended into the ashen skies, and Lucina, the omnipotent goddess of grandeur, spread her flaming arms to shape the earth. Childlike in appearance, she walked the barren and untamed planet for many years before finishing her work.
Her power flowing freely from the source of all existence, The Omemera Stone, Lucina began her attempt of bringing order to the chaos that was the world. Over many years of hardship, she shaped the majestic mountains, carved deep canyons, created wondrous caverns, and gardened the once-barren planet. Through much turmoil, she formed the flamboyant forests, the endless outstretched fields, and planted flowering shrubbery. She seeded and watered the world, and it came into full fruitation through her exhausting efforts. After all of her endless toil, Lucina retreated unto The Ivory Tower, her own ethereal Elysium, and sealed the pathway to where she rested.
It was said that a sole location, the holy Kingdom of Omenera, could act as a gateway to her marvelous haven, and that those who sought the legendary portal to this world would end their efforts, quite often, in vain. The Tower, a radiant remnant of her time on earth, stood as a testament to the awe and reverence of her people, a centerpiece of the city that omitted a perpetual semblance of her being to those who made their home in the sorcerous surroundings. As she gazed timelessly down upon them, the elders used this unspeakable wisdom to guide their study of the planet’s many secrets, and in time, harvested it to material form; spellbound shards commonly known as Ethrel.
In time, mankind grew envious of those who lived amidst the tower, and began to fear their presumed superiority. Marcelo Alexandros, regal royal of the mighty Alexandria, very much desired these properties for his bidding, and took appropriate action in the matter. After decades of assembling an invanquishable army; he led his mighty military toward an invasion of the blessed Omenera, vanquishing it’s innocents and raiding it’s boundless treasure. As the conflict subsided, not even Lucina’s hallowed magic could save their sinless souls, and the beloved Omeneran faded into bitter extinction, save for a few, unknown survivors.
Enraged that the Omeneran Stone, a relic he so long sought, had been naught but a bitter myth, Marcelo quickly reduced the marveled city to rumbled ash, and in his anger, erased all knowledge of it’s existence. A single remaining structure, the impenetrable Ivory Tower, juxtaposed the smoldering ruins, as Lucina gazed down in horror from renowned fortress. The survivors of the massacre faded into obscurity as the time passed them, hiding the true cherished secrets of their treasure to protect the earth and it’s denizens.
Characters:
Click on names for official artwork!
John Branden (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/john.png)
Age: 17 Yrs
Residence: Vereta
Height/Weight: 5’11 ~ 141lbs
Birth date: March 1st, 726
Weapon: Meterasu (Sword)
Eye Color: Hazel/Brown
"Those unforgettable days, I live for them."
John is a boy whose life is haunted by sensibilities of both fear and uncertainty. He lives a simple-- yet decidedly content-- existence in the secluded farming village of Vereta: a settlement shielded from the boisterous bustle of city life. John is an indolent and insecure individual, often lacking the fortitude to deal with his own life; yet he manages to maintain a light-hearted optimism toward the typically-mindless activities surrounding him.
He is slender yet sturdy, and upholds a certain agility while engaged in battle. His handle of the family blade; Meterasu, is only competent, yet he gradually finds himself able to improve through the constant guidance of his mentors and friends.
-----------------------
Zachary Wyatt (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/zach.png)
Age: 19 Yrs
Residence: Vereta
Height/Weight: 6’1 ~ 158lbs
Birth date: April 22nd, 724
Weapon: Sansoret (Sword)
Eye Color: Dark Brown
"Castles made of sand slip into the sea eventually."
Zach is a bright and ambitious, if at times arrogant, young man living in Vereta amidst John’s company. He holds many aspirations of someday being able to expand the scope of his life; growing increasingly disinterested in the narrow-minded environment that his hometown offers him. Adamant in his own views, Zach is generally quite difficult to persuade in terms of any sentiments that do not directly accommodate his own desires.
Physically quite strong; Zach wields his heirloom “Sansoret” with grace and flare. He opts to win his battles with pure, tactless aggression; rather than evasiveness or strategy.
-----------------------
Omega Amadeus (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/omega.png)
Age: 18 Yrs
Residence: Omenera Sanctum
Height/Weight: 6’2 ~ 167lbs
Birth date: October 3rd, 725
Weapon: Rapier (Sword)
Eye Color: Brown
"None of us quite know why we‘re alive, or for what purpose we exist. But just like a newborn child, we must simply shout to emphasize ourselves; our own existence."
Omega is a soft-spoken and articulate young man living in relative seclusion with his father, at Alexandria’s beloved Omenera Sanctum… a structure of ancient magnificence to which their family had been banished many years prior. Having become emotionally detached since the untimely death of his mother, Omega maintains a fairly cold relationship with Alexander, spending the bulk of his time studying history or swordplay.
Having learned much from his father in their rare time spent together, Omega is quite an asset in combat of all varieties. His Rapier strikes with astonishing agility, and likewise his knowledge of sorcery rivals that of any young wizard.
-----------------------
Crystal Dornagas (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/crystal.png)
Age: 16 Yrs
Residence: Dornaga Capital
Height/Weight: 5’6 ~ 124lbs
Birth date: March 21st, 727
Weapon: Argon Staff
Eye Color: Green
"Every one of us are like the snowflakes of these wintry glades; each distinct and marvelous.”
The quick-witted and intelligent young heir to the Dornagan thrown, Crystal is curious and kind-hearted girl burdened with the constant political conflict looming ominously over her peaceful kingdom. Often acting on impulse and emotion, she rarely gets along with her mother, a women of far less caprice. She is rarely reluctant to speak her mind, however, and fights adamantly for what she believes in; encouraging all to do the same.
Never formally trained in expeditionary arts, Crystal relies heavily on her mystifying Staff to aid others, rather than direct physical assault, while in battle.
-----------------------
Screenshots:
View Them Here!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/ForestoftheBlueMoon.png http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/MountainsOfMagic.png
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/VeretaMeadows2.png http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/SnowForest.png
http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/CheskaMap.png http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/VibrantCoast.png
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b190/Blindmind028/BelovedRaptureNew/DornagaNew.png http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/Alexandria.PNG
http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/drearyfields.png http://rpgmaker.net/content/games/8/screenshots/ForestRain2.PNG
--------------
Download Here (http://www.arafell.com/BelovedRapture.zip)
Absolutely any feedback is welcome!
--------------
Official Artwork
John (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/john.png)
Omega (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/omega.png)
Crystal (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/crystal.png)
Rachel (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/rachel.png)
Zach (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/zach.png)
Jacob (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/jake.png)
Alex (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/alex.png)
Draco (http://www.lilykat.net/stuff/BelovedRapture/draco.png)
Work ©BlindMind and LilyKat
--------------
Credits:
Main Production/Storyline: BlindMind
Battle System & Character Sprites: Skiefortress, Nessiah, BlindMind
Official Artwork: Lily Kat
Map Design: BlindMind
Original Soundtrack: Ocean's Dream, Maladoithim
Customized Overlays/Effects: Xeno-Soft, Malad
--------------
Testing:
Ciel
WIP
BadLuck
Neophyte
Rcholbert
Trance2
Xeno-Soft
Legion
Ocean's Dream
Veiriza
King Arthur
DragonHeartMan
Maladroithim
Kaempfer
AznChipmunk
--------------