Infamous Quests

Public Forums => Banter and Chit-Chat! => Topic started by: 7legion77 on February 23, 2013, 04:00:30 PM

Title: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: 7legion77 on February 23, 2013, 04:00:30 PM
I hate to say it, but I just viewed their kickstarter video and their game seems quite boring.
The one thing that differentiates QFI from Mage's Initiation is humor and originality. The raunchy style of Infamy is far more entertaining than a predictable, vanilla G-rated generic fantasy game.

Just my opinion.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Lambonius on February 23, 2013, 04:07:26 PM
I think Himalaya will produce a top quality product with really tight programming and decent production values.  As to their choice of subject matter--I can only speculate.  It really depends on how well they differentiate between the four magic types to make the classes feel different.  Personally, I always considered the mage to be one of the least interesting character types in most RPGs, though Quest For Glory made up for it with a number of interesting optional story and puzzle elements for that class.  I think the writing in the AGDI/Himalaya fantasy games (namely their KQ remakes with added plot elements) is a bit on the generic fantasy side--I wasn't a fan of the Father storyline or all the silly prophecy stuff they tried to add to tie the KQ games together.  It wasn't quite as bad as TSL, if only because the AGDI writers can actually write believable and non-cheesy dialog--something Pheonix Online still has trouble with, even in Cognition.  I'm looking forward to giving Mage's Initiation a try though.  Despite the potentially bland subject matter, I do have faith in their ability to deliver a fun and interesting adventure game experience.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Klytos on February 23, 2013, 07:17:27 PM
I think it'll be good. Daniel Stacey can write a good story, and not having to tie together all the various KQ games and being given free reign with a story will be good to see. I thought Al Emmo was quite good so I look forward to it.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on February 23, 2013, 07:35:45 PM
Let me tell you - from what I've seen, it's actually really cool.  I'm rather psyched about it.  I feel like it's almost a companion piece to QFI - QFI is more about playing as a scoundrel/thief, and Mage's is an adventure for Magic users.  Now I think we have to have another game about a Barbarian and we're all set!

Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Lambonius on February 23, 2013, 07:49:00 PM
Ted the Barbarian?
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on February 23, 2013, 08:05:14 PM
Ted The Barbarian would be the most excellent game ever.  I would make "Ted The Barbarian".  Who would want to see that one, eh??


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: rugged on February 23, 2013, 08:28:54 PM
 I dont like the idea of playing elements as classes. It doesn't really excite me to play as fire or earth etc. Thief was always my preferred ever since playing guild of thieves text adventure. That aside I hold hopes that they can produce an interesting game. In particular the battle system looks like a lot of fun
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Intendant S on February 24, 2013, 12:35:34 AM
I actually liked the Father storyline in their KQ2 remake.  With that said, I really did enjoy their previous games (except for Al Emmo, but that's only because I haven't played it yet).  I'm sure they'll do great with Mage's Initiation and I have faith that it'll be an enjoyable experience.  Magic user's tend to be my least favorite class type to play, but if each element ties to certain play styles it might be a good way to differentiate itself from other adventure and adventure/RPG hybrid games.  I have enough faith to put up four Benjamins at the very least.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: s_d on February 24, 2013, 02:18:12 AM
Who would want to see that one, eh??

Barbarian S. Preston.

Esquire.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: nidoking on February 24, 2013, 08:42:45 AM
I think a lot of the replay value, and possibly the entertainment value overall, is going to come from how they distinguish between the classes. It's more than just elements, at least - it seems like the classes have more of a cultural implication, and there will be different quest lines for each class. If the spells amount to more than just elemental attacks, then there's room for a lot of variety in the combat, too. I'm hoping for something like Avatar: The Last Airbender, minus the actual ongoing conflict between the Fire Nation and the rest of the world. (Although that conflict might itself be interesting, but more likely material for a sequel in this case.)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Lambonius on February 24, 2013, 11:10:56 AM
I just wish the names weren't so cheesy.  D'Arc.  Seriously.  Legenimor.  Ugh.  Generic fantasy cliche at its most rife.

Just once I'd like to see a fantasy game with real world names.  There are a massive array to choose from if you don't just stick to English names.  It's just the blatantly made up or purposefully complex spellings that irk me.  We're a bit guilty of it, too, frankly.  ;)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: 7legion77 on February 24, 2013, 02:31:42 PM
Let me tell you - from what I've seen, it's actually really cool.  I'm rather psyched about it.  I feel like it's almost a companion piece to QFI - QFI is more about playing as a scoundrel/thief, and Mage's is an adventure for Magic users.  Now I think we have to have another game about a Barbarian and we're all set!

Bt

Haha like a "Quest for Savagery"? How about a game where you go to different towns, looting, pillaging, and burning everything in your path? Where its possible to kill NPC's. How about a pirate game... the anti-Monkey Island. You could call it "Cutthroat". 

While I got your attention Bt, do you guys need any help with voice acting? Maybe just a few lines for a minor character. I'm not looking to get paid, just trying to see if I have any potential as a voice actor. Someone once told me that I should look into it.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on February 24, 2013, 02:44:59 PM
If you like, send me a little sample at blackthorne@infamous-adventures.com .


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on March 04, 2013, 12:48:09 PM
We made funding! Yey!
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 04, 2013, 01:13:54 PM
We made funding! Yey!

Never a doubt in my mind, but it's still an amazing feeling!!


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Gamehorder on March 04, 2013, 01:47:40 PM
Heres my question... its $120 for a big box for QFI... does that mean only backers will get the big box? and it wont be avail after the game is made...> Thats the only way its worth it... hope this goes the same for the other games ive been backing for double the normal shelf cost...
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 04, 2013, 02:01:05 PM
Yeah, the QFI Big Box will only be available for the backers.  It's a limited edition.  Only the slimcase/DVD version will be available for physical purchase after release.


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Intendant S on March 04, 2013, 06:19:36 PM
We made funding! Yey!

Was there ever any doubt?  When the AGRM gets behind a project it gets BEHIND a project...and not just in a Larry way.   :o ;) ;D
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: s_d on March 04, 2013, 06:21:39 PM
Only the slimcase/DVD version will be available for physical purchase after release.

And even that edition will go out of physical distribution at some point, I suspect, eventually becoming a digital-only product when the final run is sold.  Of course, if thing go as smashingly well as we'd all like, then there could be other adventures or sequels set in Lonaria, and a physical edition could be produced to bundle multiple games.  I'd really like to see that.

We made funding! Yey!

Was there ever any doubt?  When the AGRM gets behind a project it gets BEHIND a project...and not just in a Larry way.   :o ;) ;D

Hell, yes :-)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on March 04, 2013, 07:07:13 PM
Never a doubt in my mind, but it's still an amazing feeling!!

Was there ever any doubt?  When the AGRM gets behind a project it gets BEHIND a project...and not just in a Larry way.   :o ;) ;D

Hell, yes :-)

Yeah, it looked like it had more than a fair chance. But it's still so exciting to see it reach funding with a fair amount of time still left on the clock! I think it's around half the campaign still! I'm excited about the results of meeting the stretch goals personally, so it's extremely awesome to see that we probably might just meet some of them!
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Goatmeal on March 04, 2013, 07:30:25 PM
We made funding! Yey!

Guess I can contribute now...

jk   ;)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Sslaxx on March 04, 2013, 08:37:12 PM
We made funding! Yey!
Congrats, you guys!
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: thehawk on March 05, 2013, 02:23:48 PM
I hate to say it, but I just viewed their kickstarter video and their game seems quite boring.
The one thing that differentiates QFI from Mage's Initiation is humor and originality. The raunchy style of Infamy is far more entertaining than a predictable, vanilla G-rated generic fantasy game.

Just my opinion.

Even if it didn't look like I would like the game itself at all, I would still plunk down my pesos because I think they are a fantastic team, and do incredible work (same reasons I did for IQ), and I want to see them continue.  This one may not be my thing (which, it totally is, by the way but as an example), but as long as they're around, the next one might.

Besides.  Cloth map?  How does one say no to a cloth map?
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Goatmeal on March 07, 2013, 07:14:18 PM
Destructoid just published a preview for "Mage's Initiation", based on a press-only alpha demo...

http://www.destructoid.com/preview-mage-s-initiation-channels-quest-for-glory-248022.phtml (http://www.destructoid.com/preview-mage-s-initiation-channels-quest-for-glory-248022.phtml)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 07, 2013, 07:33:48 PM
Heh, all the comments afterwards were like "More Quest For Glory?! Yes please!"  I wish they knew about us!


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Goatmeal on March 07, 2013, 08:03:39 PM
Heh, all the comments afterwards were like "More Quest For Glory?! Yes please!"  I wish they knew about us!

Bt

I noticed that, too...

If only there were some way that WE could type some words and then click "post", if only to let them know that we're here, too!   :-[

Seriously, why not Email the article's author?  He's got a link to his Email on the top-right of the page, right underneath his pic.  He likes QFG-type games, it might be a way to piggy-back on the "Mage's" preview, and I'm sure these guys would like a follow-up story that just happens to fall right in their lap...   :)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Collector on March 08, 2013, 12:06:13 AM
In the comments:
Quote
thehawk • 4 hours ago

For those looking for 'more Quest for Glory', not only do we have the mentioned Hero-U, but there is Infamous Quests' 'Quest for Infamy', also with their own funded Kickstarter.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: thehawk on March 08, 2013, 01:41:08 AM
In the comments:
Quote
thehawk • 4 hours ago

For those looking for 'more Quest for Glory', not only do we have the mentioned Hero-U, but there is Infamous Quests' 'Quest for Infamy', also with their own funded Kickstarter.

Hey.  I know that guy.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 08, 2013, 06:33:01 AM
Hey, thanks man!  You know, it really is the support of the fans and the word of mouth you provide that helps us.  We really do have an awesome cadre of fans around here.


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: thehawk on March 08, 2013, 06:15:27 PM
Hey, thanks man!  You know, it really is the support of the fans and the word of mouth you provide that helps us.  We really do have an awesome cadre of fans around here.


Bt


Sure, my pleasure!  It has been a while since I have done much game evangelizing (http://www.it-he.org/lazarus.htm)..
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Sslaxx on March 08, 2013, 08:30:21 PM
Hey, thanks man!  You know, it really is the support of the fans and the word of mouth you provide that helps us.  We really do have an awesome cadre of fans around here.


Bt


Sure, my pleasure!  It has been a while since I have done much game evangelizing ([url]http://www.it-he.org/lazarus.htm[/url])..

Such a wonderful game to do and beyond any doubt the best Ultima remake to date.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: asianmusicguy on March 13, 2013, 05:16:00 PM
I really want to see H.S. reach its $110000 stretch goal  as it seems the most art and detail heavy goal I did my best but i cant go any higher I think a lot of us here  on the forums know of or started our roots over at AGDI/H.S. forums they are just a amazing group of people AGDI was my first forum EVER and I was quite the noob. that was way back in 2005 thats where i meet BT and he used to rag on me for my grammar  use. being a noob back then I did not appreciate his sense of humor  now I absolutely love the guy and would give him the shirt of my back. AGDI is also where i heard about Kings quest 9 I would not have backed anyone's kickstarter and not have the opportunity and memory's I have now without AGDI
I would not have even made the wonderful friendships I have now.
The point is guys these are people that gave us memories that gave us friendships and in ways big or small have changed our lives.

I realize we are all kickstarter draind but people like H.s. Infamous Quests, phoenix online studios are the people who truly need support not double fine not dreamfall chapters not Chris Roberts of  Wing Commander fame the list goes on;these folks could easily make it on there own.
so i guess what I am saying here is give what you can and when you do think of how much even a small amount means to that  independent studio EVERY  single penny makes a difference

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2112639455/mages-initiation-a-classic-sierra-style-adventure/posts (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2112639455/mages-initiation-a-classic-sierra-style-adventure/posts)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Lambonius on March 13, 2013, 06:20:40 PM
I will be donating to them shortly--been holding out because money was tight back when their kickstarter first launched.  I'll get in before the end though.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: asianmusicguy on March 13, 2013, 06:34:59 PM
Yeah sorry for the long speech I just love to support people in my "family" so to speak ive made some great friends over the years  in the adventure community and try my best to help .
PS could i compete with BT for  nostalgia?
 
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 13, 2013, 07:17:42 PM
Hahah!  You could, My friend!  Heh... thanks for the kind words... and encouragement - to everyone!


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: asianmusicguy on March 13, 2013, 07:30:14 PM
No problem man. It's all from the heart
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: SarahLiz on March 15, 2013, 09:56:52 PM
So, I have a confession to make--I wasn't really into trying out Mage's Initiation, based solely on the fact that I'm just not very interested in being a Mage, Warlock, Sorcerer, whatever...I'm not a magic user.   :P  Anyway, against my better judgement I downloaded the demo today...

I am hooked.   ;)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: asianmusicguy on March 15, 2013, 11:02:05 PM
 yeah it  slowly moving I have a personal goal for them of 110,000 to get the most details game as shown by the strch goal image even if everyone here could spare $100  it would help
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: SarahLiz on March 16, 2013, 01:45:05 AM
Oh yes, I am definitely contributing now.  It's awesome.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Myrddin Starfari on March 16, 2013, 02:33:58 AM
Demo was short and a bit bugged, but not bad otherwise.  Could use a bit more in terms of the close in fighting and not dying though that could be me.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on March 16, 2013, 01:09:19 PM
For those interested, we're hosting a AMA on reddit right now!

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1aeyg7/we_are_the_development_team_behind_the_kings/ (http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1aeyg7/we_are_the_development_team_behind_the_kings/)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 17, 2013, 12:45:26 PM
Yeah, I really enjoyed the Mage's Demo.  It really whetted my appetite to play more.  I've heard some people complaining about combat, but I liked it.  I did die once during it.... which is fine.  That's going to happen.  I think it's amusing when people get upset that they die in combat or something.  People have no gaming stamina these days.  No one wants to lose.  Kind of indicative of a larger social issue, methinks.


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Myrddin Starfari on March 17, 2013, 06:58:52 PM
once I got the hang of it I thought it was ok, but I do think they need something for close quarters - that guy fought worse than I could at close quarters.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 17, 2013, 07:40:59 PM
Yeah, at close quarters it gets dicey - I was always on the run, so I was casting melee spells.


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Myrddin Starfari on March 17, 2013, 09:24:23 PM
I could barely do anything, kept on running out of mana, or the game crashed.

Ah well, I did eventually learn to run away
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: nidoking on March 17, 2013, 09:38:16 PM
once I got the hang of it I thought it was ok, but I do think they need something for close quarters - that guy fought worse than I could at close quarters.

I just cast the flame ring spell over and over. The goblins died before I did.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Myrddin Starfari on March 17, 2013, 10:52:23 PM
worked on one, but I kept on running out of mana with that tactic, which is odd cause the tactic that worked had me cast that flame dart one repeatedly not letting anything get close. Probably should have run out of mana with that too.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: asianmusicguy on March 19, 2013, 11:42:19 PM
nearly there "105,702"  im really pushing for 10 so if anyone holding back now is  the time to jump in especially since all higher tiers we now get more resin figures the $200  is your friend if want a reasonable tier with loads of swag
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on March 23, 2013, 12:42:41 AM
The Kickstarter just ended a little while ago. Our goal was $65,000 and we surpassed it to a whopping $127,765 (including PayPal pledges at the time of this writing)!!! A million thanks to anybody here who may have pledged and I hope you'll enjoy the game when it's done! Breaking the $120,000 line allowed us to unlock six of our stretch goals which includes more enemies to fight in the game, more areas to explore, a new unique quest for each of the four player classes, additional 2D animated cutscenes, full-screen closeup artwork in certain scenes (a la KQ5 and KQ6) and a higher level of detail overall, and last but not least, native ports to Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems with the 16:9 widescreen resolution to go with it!

If you still haven't checked it out, I believe you can still donate money via PayPal. The demo is also still available to try if you haven't seen it yet. Once again, thanks to everybody for your support and for believing in us!

Mage's Initiation Kickstarter Page (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2112639455/mages-initiation-a-classic-sierra-style-adventure)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: rogerxy on April 03, 2013, 02:01:56 PM
I think it's gonna be great. I pre-booked it years ago and have been waiting ever since.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Klytos on April 04, 2013, 03:54:14 AM
Very much looking forward to this. I am interested in the "native" ports to iOS and Android with the game is being developed in Adventure Game Studio, the developments in this area are very interesting.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on December 02, 2018, 11:15:45 PM
Release date! January 30th! Wishlist it on Steam! Here's a trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKW-32Qki_k (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKW-32Qki_k)

Here's a nice PC Gamer article as well:
https://www.pcgamer.com/mages-initiation-is-an-adventure-rpg-inspired-by-quest-for-glory/?utm_content=bufferfed32&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=buffer-pcgamertw (https://www.pcgamer.com/mages-initiation-is-an-adventure-rpg-inspired-by-quest-for-glory/?utm_content=bufferfed32&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=buffer-pcgamertw)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on December 03, 2018, 09:35:00 AM
Yay! Congrats on a release date.  I look forward to playing it.


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on December 04, 2018, 11:55:37 AM
They want to sell it on GOG, but GOG hasn't approved it for sale yet.


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Chadly on December 04, 2018, 12:11:36 PM
Yeah baby. When this game comes out I'm definately buying it. Now if we could get SpaceVenture to release I'd be a happy man. Oh and Star Citizen releasing some time this decade would be nice too.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Lambonius on December 05, 2018, 06:54:33 PM
They want to sell it on GOG, but GOG hasn't approved it for sale yet.


Bt

We can't all be expert GOG schmoozers like you, Steve.  ;)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on December 06, 2018, 10:13:31 AM
They want to sell it on GOG, but GOG hasn't approved it for sale yet.


Bt

We can't all be expert GOG schmoozers like you, Steve.  ;)

Hey, I got in on the ground floor when they were smaller.  Not my fault I make friends easily, hahaha!


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on December 20, 2018, 08:48:57 AM
Mage's Initiation is coming to GOG (https://www.facebook.com/HimalayaStudios/posts/2127998190583797)!
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on December 20, 2018, 09:10:17 AM
Mage's Initiation is coming to GOG (https://www.facebook.com/HimalayaStudios/posts/2127998190583797)!

Good, there's no reason it shouldn't be on GoG.

Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Klytos on December 25, 2018, 12:11:26 AM
Well, there WAS a reason it wasn't on GoG as we both know... :)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Goatmeal on December 25, 2018, 08:34:05 AM
Well, there WAS a reason it wasn't on GoG as we both know... :)

It's not considered "old" enough to be a "Good OLD Game"?...   ;D
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on December 25, 2018, 09:38:06 AM
Yeah, like The Witcher 3. Man that is one OLD good game.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on January 30, 2019, 02:36:34 PM
It's out! You can pick it up at Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/270610/Mages_Initiation_Reign_of_the_Elements/), GOG (https://www.gog.com/game/mages_initiation_reign_of_the_elements) and Humble (https://www.humblebundle.com/store/mages-initiation-reign-of-the-elements?hmb_source=humble_home&hmb_medium=product_tile&hmb_campaign=mosaic_section_1_layout_index_10_layout_type_threes_tile_index_1) for 10% off!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLcT8l-G7J8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLcT8l-G7J8)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: shoptroll on January 31, 2019, 10:10:07 PM
Only two hours in but liking it so far!
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on February 13, 2019, 09:22:02 AM
For those interested, the game soundtrack is now available to buy on my Bandcamp store. 92 tracks (12 bonus) with over 2hrs of music plus 4 album cover art variations for each mage type.

$12 CAD (or $9 USD)

http://music.brandonblume.com/album/mages-initiation-original-game-soundtrack (http://music.brandonblume.com/album/mages-initiation-original-game-soundtrack)


(https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a1886158389_16.jpg)
 (https://music.brandonblume.com/album/mages-initiation-original-game-soundtrack)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Athanasius on February 14, 2019, 02:06:27 PM
I've waited all the years from 2012 for MI, craved every screenshot and video piece... now Mage's Initiation is here - and I have to confess: I find it underwhelming. I don't even know why exactly, it seems to be a very refined game with beautiful graphics and great voice-acting. I didn't play very far into the game, I have to admit, but while playing I began to feel the irresistible urge to play QfI. Now I'm playing QfI once again and I'm enjoying it like the first time. QfI has so much charme, character and self-irony I haven't found in another game. The impression of exploring a vast valley is so well done. I seriously know no other game that gives me such a pleasurable feeling of adventuring (not even the QfG-games). QfI is one of the few games I play when I feel down, and it works wonders to cheer me up. I consider it to be one of my very few absolute favourites in thirty years of gaming. Oops, I'm getting off-topic here with my rambling praise... ;) I'll definitively continue MI at a later time, somehow it just couldn't catch my attention at the moment.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on February 15, 2019, 08:31:12 AM
This is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about my game, and it really amazing to read something like that.  I know that a lot of people put a lot of love and talent into QFI, and I know how much life, blood, sweat and tears I put into the game.  It's nice to know it has connected with someone the way it has with you, Athanasius. Thank you so much, really.


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Athanasius on February 15, 2019, 12:18:16 PM
I thank you and your team for the dedication you put into QfI! :)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Nowhere Girl on February 15, 2019, 04:03:37 PM
I like "Mage's Initiation". Well, at first I got the impression that differences between classes are really small, but later I got used to it. Graphically speaking, it is one of the most beautiful games ever. Combat sequences aren't perfect, but also graphically speaking it's the best among all adventure-RPGs I have played (QfG 1-4 + 1-2 remakes, QfI, "Heroine's Quest" and "Mage's Initiation" - I haven't played "Hero-U" because it's mostly 3D :(*). The spell icons and decorative borders look beautiful, I have even set the bar's opacity to maximum so that I could admire it in all its beauty, without the rest of the area peering through the bar. What I find a bit missing is good, consistent storywriting - the game rather drags on at first, feels unimmersive... only somewhere around the middle the story gets more interesting - not really through the "planned" plot of D'arc's quest (though the places he visits are beautiful), it's rather the conspiracy he discovers that really makes the game more exciting.
I hope that more parts will be made, but the developers wrote that they just can't spend almost 10 years making each part, so they are looking for some publisher who could help speed up the process.
*Btw - the cartoon cutscenes in "Mage's Initiation" are definitely ugly and just don't suit the rest of the game at all. I don't dislike cartoon graphics either, for example I really like Humongous Entertainment's games, particularly the Pajama Sam series - but, well, in "Mage's Initiation" these cutscenes look much worse. They would be much better if they were done in a style similar to the intro and outro.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on February 15, 2019, 05:49:38 PM
I feel bad about people being so critical of the cutscene animations. Not that the criticism is not founded or unfair, but for the sake of the animator, Akril. She's been a longtime member of the Sierra/adventure community and is a great artist. She is also the designer of the "Adventure: The Inside Job" trilogy of games. But she was not involved in any other facet of the development process. The animated cutscenes were a stretch goal addition during the Kickstarter campaign. So she was not part of the original team and was hired on to tackle that. I think she did a great job considering. She did what she was best at. But the problem is that her style clashes with the style in the rest of the game (including the hand-painted closeups). The game probably rightly deserves the criticism, but I just hope Akril doesn't take it all too badly. Some people have been very harsh about it. I haven't seen her comment on it so I don't know. Perhaps it would have just been better if that wasn't a stretch goal and the game stuck to the regular game art/sprites for those sequences. Or even just some of the hand-painted closeups.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Chadly on February 16, 2019, 11:00:25 AM
   From what i have seen of this game it is good. I haven't played it yet. I will tho. Have to say I don't care for the main characters voice. This game certainly took a long time to make, and least what i have seen they did a very nice job of it. I like the selective icon choices. (Sierra style/Lucas Arts.) I will buy this game and give a play-thru when I have time.  On a different note, I very much enjoyed Hero U, yes it was 3d. I would have preferred a 2d style. Yes it has bugs, which have been corrected. For the amount of money and time far more than they Kickstarted over 2 campaigns, Im happy with what I got. I got what I org pledged for.  Many detractors. One guy trashed the game. attacked me personally for supporting it. I actually got banned for a month for KS for Engageing said Troll/Asshole.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Chadly on February 16, 2019, 11:02:45 AM
@MusicallyInspired (http://www.infamous-quests.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=106) I very much enjoyed your music composed for the game. Nice job and impressive. :)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on February 17, 2019, 05:10:17 PM
I've really enjoyed Mage's Initiation so far.  I haven't beaten it yet, and I'm totally playing it old school style - a chunk at a time! It's nice to play a QFG-like that I didn't make! It's sad that it takes so long to make these kinds of games, and the budgets we have to work with!

The cutscenes..... they definitely clash with the art design of the game, and honestly - they should have been cut.  A decision should have been made at the executive level.  The clash in art design between the animated scenes and the rest of the game is SO disruptive... Akril did a fine job with them, but it just doesn't fit.  I know how it is, too, holding on to something because so much work as been done, but sometimes you have to throw it all out and start over.  But other than that, Mage's is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful game.  I really do get sad that all of us adventure game makers can't just crank these games out in 9 months-a year.  I'd love it if we could sell enough to do that. Unfortunately, the market just doesn't support it.

Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on February 17, 2019, 10:08:35 PM
@MusicallyInspired ([url]http://www.infamous-quests.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=106[/url]) I very much enjoyed your music composed for the game. Nice job and impressive. :)


Thank you, sir! Remember, you can also buy the soundtrack! ;)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: shoptroll on February 24, 2019, 10:23:17 PM
The cutscenes..... they definitely clash with the art design of the game, and honestly - they should have been cut.  A decision should have been made at the executive level.  The clash in art design between the animated scenes and the rest of the game is SO disruptive... Akril did a fine job with them, but it just doesn't fit.

Agreed.  Didn't Al Emmo (which I didn't play) have a similar issue?

I know they were a stretch goal (god, it's so frustrating to see games get burned on stretch goals, happens way too often sadly) but I wonder how much it would've cost in terms of time and resources to have done them "in-engine" instead.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on February 25, 2019, 09:32:18 AM
The cutscenes were going in the game either way as they were in the original screenplay and an integral part of the plot. So if we hadn't met the stretch goal it would have just been done with sprites in-engine (possibly with some closeups?) and done for the base amount of the Kickstarter goal. That's my guess, anyway.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Lambonius on February 25, 2019, 02:15:07 PM
The cutscenes were going in the game either way as they were in the original screenplay and an integral part of the plot. So if we hadn't met the stretch goal it would have just been done with sprites in-engine (possibly with some closeups?) and done for the base amount of the Kickstarter goal. That's my guess, anyway.

Ultimately that would have been more Sierra-like, and probably would have kept the aesthetics more consistent.  I can't help but think that such a thing would have been the better directorial call.  Personally, I don't mind the cutscenes; I don't think they detract from the experience, really, but I totally understand why people have found them off-putting.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 20, 2019, 10:29:20 AM
Boy, I feel kind of bad about the ole adventure games scene - I mean, there seems to be little chatter about Mage's or many other adventure games (besides Wadjeteye's games) on forums or even social media.  Even in usual chatty places, it's been silent for a while. 

I mean, it's no surprise, but it really makes me feel like our scene is dying the death many have said it was for years!


Bt
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: caldric on March 20, 2019, 01:43:22 PM
Don't worry about it too much, BT. The genre has died before. ;)
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 21, 2019, 08:38:32 AM
Heh, I don't worry about it too much.  But I am sad that we are past the enthusiasm of the adventure game revival.  I honestly wish it worked out better for everyone.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: MusicallyInspired on March 21, 2019, 10:21:36 AM
Yeah, we had about a month of buzz and that was about it. I'm super happy we got even that, though. And when people were talking about it they were loving it. Won't trade that for anything. It was nice just to be a part of something like that even if it doesn't get any more attention than it's gotten so far.
Title: Re: What do y'all think of "mage's initiation"?
Post by: Blackthorne on March 22, 2019, 08:10:56 AM
Yeah, we had about a month of buzz and that was about it. I'm super happy we got even that, though. And when people were talking about it they were loving it. Won't trade that for anything. It was nice just to be a part of something like that even if it doesn't get any more attention that it's gotten so far.

Yeah, though I suspect the game will have a long tail.  But still... it stinks.  The excitement that was palpable seven years ago is pretty dormant now.