Remember when you were young? When we had all those cool gadjets like the ViewMaster? That's when I first remember hearing about AGS web getting an update. Kidding aside, CJ has set his mind on it. Oh, and he has also left AGA responsible on forum issues we've all been getting lately.
So, blaming AGA now, actually works. Also make sure to thank AGA for some new changes in the forums.
- 4 new subforums/boards (Bug Reports, Engine Development, Editor Development, Recruitment)
- Some changes in the order and categorizing of the forum boards, that are too complex to list.
- Beginners Questions merged in Technical Support as a child board,
- Popular Threads renamed to The Rumpus Room
Yep, you've got it straight. The AGS forums are back online and roaring away. Looks like a problem with the flux capacitor caused the headlight oil to burn out, resulting in a johnson rod malfunction within the webserver itself.
It's a good thing CJ is such a nerd, and could diagnose and fix such a troublesome and problematic issue.
Well, don't just stand there, get over there and do some posting!
Guests will arrive shortly at my house, so I must write this fast and all. Well, the forums are still down, surprisingly, and well, you're probably here wondering if they are. So yes, our plan has worked.
In the meantime play some good music and browse this blog, or else.
And here is the promised 2nd issue of this web-like magazine, by Mark m0ds Lovegrove, Ben Yahtzee Crowshaw and whoever Todd Johhson is.
Anyhow, it's an interesting view to the past. This one shows some engines that were at the time better than AGS or up to par, or who knows, but most importantly, it features anINTERVIEW WITH CHRIS JONES ( CJ ).
There's also an article frommr. Lovegrove, on how to make text adventure games. And a walkthrough to Larry Vales.
From the AGS Dictionary: LEKSUTIN, COURTLAND (Leksutin, C-Lex, C) AGS-veteran and strong profile despite the lack of produced games. Often referred to as "the hitman", or other terms related to violence and bad-ass attitude, but still known as a considerate and sensible character.
A man, a myth, who knows. All that matters is that his name is the 13th reason, why this blog gets traffic. Is it an elaborate plan to justice? Let's see some specific posts about c.leksutin, before we explain a finding, that might as well, be the best thing ever, since sliced bread.
-GilbetV7000a: "Or, to make it simple for people (that the target of this post is obviously one of them): Don't double or triple post. Edit your posts, or else c.leksutin is after you (this is called auto-banning from life)."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It is obvious that the man has disappeared. CJ rumors the fact that CJ is just waiting in the shadows, lurking, and waiting for the perfect moment in which he will strike. We can all wonder.
Rumors have been spreading around from some newspaper, with the absurd and uncatchy title, AGS TODAY, but dear readers, this is a serious blog. We have inside information, of what appears to be a very inspiring movement from the AGS community.
The members of a close circle called AGS Bake Sale, have decided to release a bunch of games, that will be -pay-what-you-want- in order to gather some money for a great cause, a new AGS server, namely.
Today, Wadjet Eye Games has released its newest game, which happens to be the franchise that Dave Gilbert himself, is to blame for.
-INTERFACE
The changes towards some directions that Dave Gilbert has made, only feel natural and correct. The mouse cursor changing color to indicate which character you are controlling, is just one sprite, but really works magnificent. The control interface is basically the same, and takes zero time to get adjusted to - and if problems arise, Dave has integrated a tutorial so neatly in the start of the game. I am really impressed by how easily and naturally issues, that would bug you in the previous games, have been solved here.
With that said, I found the menus a bit generic to be frank. Perhaps I am nitpicking, but they felt a bit uninspired, graphically. I am quite possibly nagging for nothing. -GRAPHICS
Hiring InCreator and Ben304, is probably the greatest team-up you could come up with. The background art and related animation, is definitely fantastic, and really raises the bar. A mix between 3D and 2D, really shows attention to detail, and makes every background worth it. About the character art, what can be said about Ben Chandler, that has not be said before? The animations are extremely fluid and retro-like, and there's a lot of diversity in terms of character designs. Initially one can rush to the conclusion that the character art and the background art, don't match, but I feel they give a graphical boost to the series that was perhaps needed.
-STORY
Well, I don't want to spoil much, in fact I'd rather not say anything, but since I am forced to, by Scottish supermen, I have to say that the story is definitely bloody brilliant. It's probably like watching a nice movie, it kind of stays with you for a bit after it's over. I think also a sequel is due. The conversations between Rosa and Joey are still fantastic, and perhaps even more amusing this time.
The best thing about this game is that it plays like a standalone game. You don't have to play the rest first, though that would be nice. And unless I am mistaken Wadjet Eye Games offers all the Blackwell games in a DVD.
-EXTRAS
The music and voice work are still top notch, with the voice work feeling more natural than it did for Gemini Rue. It probably has to do with the fact that the team has been stabilizing a bit, but regardless this has to be noted. I also found the best part of the game to be the Developer Commentary. Unlike Gemini Rue where frankly I hated it's implementation, here, in Blackwell, it's simply fantastic.
The game is available for $14.99 (download) or $24.99 (limited edition DVD version). Note that the DVD will only be offered through this Sunday, October 16.
-CONCLUSION
Blackwell Deception, the fourth installment on the series, has just one flaw for me. It leaves you begging for a sequel. The game is certainly the best of the series, hands down.
-NOT LIKING THIS REVIEW:
You can always read the same opinion, expressed in a more coherent and verbally correct way. So, here's two of them.
I doubt it's just me. But whenever I'm trying to access any board/topic/post I get to have a message that says Database Error. Click on the image below see it zoomed, or use ctrl + mouse wheel.
Anyhow, just letting you guys know. Well, time to play some Portal 2, then.
This isn't the prank with the iPod, this is actually real. Thanks to CJ releasing the source code, and JJS making the port to PSP, and subspark porting Fountain of Youth, we have the single most amazing thing till now.
Darn CJ for overshadowing my own release... I haven't looked at the walkcycle generator for nigh on 3 years, so apologies if its broken or rubbish! Please give Steve McRea and myself acknowledgment if you use the code at all.
