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Domain: adventuregamers.com
Stories and comments across the archive that link to adventuregamers.com.
Stories · 25
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Adventure Game Interfaces and Puzzle Theory
MarkN writes "It seems like whenever broad topics of game design are discussed on Slashdot, a few people bring up examples of Adventure Games, possibly owing to the age and interests of our members. I'd be interested to hear the community's thoughts on a piece I wrote on Adventure Games, talking about the evolution they underwent in terms of interfaces, and how the choice of interface affects some aspects of the puzzles and design. My basic premise is that an Adventure Game is an exercise in abstract puzzle solving — you could represent the same game with a parser or a point and click interface and still have the same underlying puzzle structure, and required player actions. What the interface does affect is how the player specifies those actions. Point and click games typically have a bare handful of verbs compared to parser games, where the player is forced to describe the desired interaction much more precisely in a way that doesn't lend itself to brute force fiddling. It's a point Yahtzee has made in the past; he went so far as to design a modern graphic adventure game with a parser input to demonstrate its potential." Read on for the rest of MarkN's comments. MarkN continues:
"In addition to talking about the underlying concepts of the genre, the other main thing I touch on are the consequences of the simplification of interfaces — puzzles are more likely to be cracked by trying everything until it works since there are fewer possibilities for interaction. There are a few simple alternatives: requiring a number of actions in sequence, or requiring the player to achieve a more complex configuration or state to demonstrate their intent. But that can reduce the world of puzzle solving to explicit logic puzzles in order to get around the problems that more creative types of puzzles run into, since they depend upon actions that are simpler to specify. It's a topic I'd be interested to get the community's thoughts on, and what they see as the best way to craft a puzzle solving experience." -
Uru Makes A Comeback
Via a GameSetWatch post, the news on Adventure Gamers that Uru is back in a limited form. Uru, the online Myst game from Cyan Worlds, was taken offline not long after the service was first launched. From the article: "In an open letter to the community, Cyan co-founder Rand Miller revealed that they have received 'limited funding from a third party that allows us to breathe some refreshing new life and optimism into all things Uru.' The server, called the D'mala shard, is available for no charge to any owner of Uru, though to access it you'll require an invitation from the community." -
Sam & Max Ride Again
duck2ducks writes "Adventure game fans had a rough time last year when the eagerly-awaited Sam and Max sequel was canceled, revived, and canceled again. Fortunately, the rights have now been picked up by Telltale Games (currently at work adapting Jeff Smith's Bone graphic novels) - and since Telltale is made up of former LucasArts designers, the dog and hyperkinetic rabbity thing may have found the perfect place to call home." -
Bone Game Announced by Ex-Lucasarts Team
CanarDuck writes "Telltale games is a company founded last year by a trio of former Lucasarts employees. They have announced that they will develop a game based on Jeff Smith's popular comic series Bone. There is an interview at Adventuregamers discussing the title, and the fact that it will be a point and click adventure game." -
Sam and Max 2 to Remain Cancelled
Doomstalk writes "In the last couple of months, rumors on the possible resurrection of LucasArts' Sam and Max: Freelance Police grew in gaming circles. The rumors mentioned a new, mysterious games publisher called Bad Brain that was willing to raise money in order to buy the rights to an unnamed adventure game from LucasArts. Many thought this was too good to be true. Unfortunately, they were proven right, as Bad Brain revealed the news that negotiations with LucasArts over the rights to Sam and Max 2 have been discontinued." -
Sam and Max Revival?
Though we've mentioned the possibility before, the rumour is again circulating that Sam and Max may ride again. Adventure Gamers has the story in the form of an interview with the owner of the studio supposedly angling for the franchise. From the article: Q: Rumor has it that Bad Brain is attempting to acquire the rights to Sam & Max: Freelance Police. What can you say about that? A: No comment (I signed an NDA). All I can say is: yes, we are talking to LucasArts about a game that might involve animals, but that's all folks!" -
Adventuredevelopers.com Returns
Courthold writes "After a very long period of downtime, Adventuredevelopers.com has returned, filling the void for all amateur adventure game creators out there. It returns fully equipped with many new articles, and a forum to share your ideas and work with others in the community. Adventuredevelopers is part of the Lucasfan Network (lfnetwork.com) along with other sites such as AdventureGamers and Mixnmojo. Hopefully this site along with others will help revive the long lost genre that is adventure games." -
Ex-LucasArts Developers Try Vampyre Graphical Adventure
Thanks to an anonymous reader for pointing to an AdventureGamers interview with ex-LucasArts developers Autumn Moon Entertainment regarding its early-in-development graphical adventure A Vampyre Story. They explain: "With the drop in sales for [the traditional graphical adventure] genre, it became harder to get assigned to new adventure game projects at [LucasArts]. It seemed like the only logical way to be a part of that kind of project again was to create something independently." The late-2005 due project is still seeking a publisher, but is further profiled in the June 2004 Inventory PDF magazine, and the interview also explains the plot ("A young French opera star becomes the object of obsession for a deranged vampire... She must escape his castle and return to Paris"), and possible game duration ("The game will be shorter than Curse of Monkey Island and longer than Full Throttle.") -
Ex-LucasArts Developers Try Vampyre Graphical Adventure
Thanks to an anonymous reader for pointing to an AdventureGamers interview with ex-LucasArts developers Autumn Moon Entertainment regarding its early-in-development graphical adventure A Vampyre Story. They explain: "With the drop in sales for [the traditional graphical adventure] genre, it became harder to get assigned to new adventure game projects at [LucasArts]. It seemed like the only logical way to be a part of that kind of project again was to create something independently." The late-2005 due project is still seeking a publisher, but is further profiled in the June 2004 Inventory PDF magazine, and the interview also explains the plot ("A young French opera star becomes the object of obsession for a deranged vampire... She must escape his castle and return to Paris"), and possible game duration ("The game will be shorter than Curse of Monkey Island and longer than Full Throttle.") -
Ex-LucasArts Developers Try Vampyre Graphical Adventure
Thanks to an anonymous reader for pointing to an AdventureGamers interview with ex-LucasArts developers Autumn Moon Entertainment regarding its early-in-development graphical adventure A Vampyre Story. They explain: "With the drop in sales for [the traditional graphical adventure] genre, it became harder to get assigned to new adventure game projects at [LucasArts]. It seemed like the only logical way to be a part of that kind of project again was to create something independently." The late-2005 due project is still seeking a publisher, but is further profiled in the June 2004 Inventory PDF magazine, and the interview also explains the plot ("A young French opera star becomes the object of obsession for a deranged vampire... She must escape his castle and return to Paris"), and possible game duration ("The game will be shorter than Curse of Monkey Island and longer than Full Throttle.") -
Independent Adventure Gaming Gets June Update
Thanks to DIY Games for its update on last month's free graphical adventure and text adventure releases, as "some older games gained recognition, and some newer ones may soon follow their example." Among the highlights was the previously DIY Games-referenced title A Case Of The Crabs, "One of the rare Flash [graphic adventure] projects... [that] deserves your attention" and which "got first featured in The New York Times Circuits sections, and later became no. 7 in the top 100 on-line games at FHM.com." Elsewhere, "The Adventurers Underground published an excellent article about The Reality on the Norm", a "a series of [graphic adventure] games based around a fictitious town." Finally, and oddly, the Adventure Game Studio software spawned the decidedly non-traditional Mafioso Over Kill, a "rail shooter, reminiscent of the Virtua Cop arcade games." -
StarForce Copy Protection Causing User Ire
Ant writes "According to a thread on the Rage3D boards, and another on The Adventure Company's site, the copy protection system StarForce, as used in PC videogames including Toca Race Driver 2, Traitor's Gate 2 and Broken Sword 3, is installed on a user's PC without proper explanation, and doesn't get removed on many uninstalls - some users report difficulty in keeping their systems stable due to conflicts, and think they've tracked it down to the StarForce protection." -
No-Action Jackson - Graphic Adventuring Up Geekdom
digitaltacoGSI writes "Fans of LucasArts-style adventure games (Monkey Island, Day of Tentacle, etc) would be wise to check out the brand-new, freely downloadable PC graphical adventure entitled No-Action Jackson, from independent developer Britton O'Toole. The story revolves around a young nerd -- Jackson -- who must escape the confines of his house and free his friends from their daily activities in order to make it to their D&D sessions at the local comic book store. It's very funny, very professional, has a great old-school look, and includes some very difficult puzzles." Judging by the positive reactions on AGSForums.com, this is well worth checking out. -
Steve Purcell On Sam & Max 2's Cancellation
An anonymous reader writes "Saw this newsbit on AdventureGamers.com - Steve Purcell, creator of Sam & Max, made the following statement in a letter to the LucasArts fansite Mixnmojo regarding LucasArts' cancellation of Sam & Max 2: 'LucasArts' sudden decision to stop production on Sam & Max is mystifying. Sam & Max was on schedule and coming together beautifully... It's a shame to think that the [dev team's] accomplishments, as well as the goodwill that has been growing in the gaming press toward this project, will all go to waste due to this shortsighted decision.' Check out the link for the full letter. There is also an interesting editorial posted on AdventureGamers.com as well." Is this cancellation a blow the commercially developed traditional graphic adventure can recover from? -
Steve Purcell On Sam & Max 2's Cancellation
An anonymous reader writes "Saw this newsbit on AdventureGamers.com - Steve Purcell, creator of Sam & Max, made the following statement in a letter to the LucasArts fansite Mixnmojo regarding LucasArts' cancellation of Sam & Max 2: 'LucasArts' sudden decision to stop production on Sam & Max is mystifying. Sam & Max was on schedule and coming together beautifully... It's a shame to think that the [dev team's] accomplishments, as well as the goodwill that has been growing in the gaming press toward this project, will all go to waste due to this shortsighted decision.' Check out the link for the full letter. There is also an interesting editorial posted on AdventureGamers.com as well." Is this cancellation a blow the commercially developed traditional graphic adventure can recover from? -
Graphic Adventure Underground Awards Announced
Thanks to Adventure Gamers for releasing the results of its Underground Awards, honoring the best amateur graphic adventures. The introduction notes that "...the field of amateur adventures seems to improve every year", and winners include overall victor Out Of Order ("One of those rare games where you just can't believe you're playing it for free"), as well as Best Story for The Uncertainty Machine ("[a] dark atmosphere and ingenious research-based puzzles"), and Best Sound/Music for Apprentice ("a wonderful backdrop for the light-hearted adventure.") -
Graphic Adventure Underground Awards Announced
Thanks to Adventure Gamers for releasing the results of its Underground Awards, honoring the best amateur graphic adventures. The introduction notes that "...the field of amateur adventures seems to improve every year", and winners include overall victor Out Of Order ("One of those rare games where you just can't believe you're playing it for free"), as well as Best Story for The Uncertainty Machine ("[a] dark atmosphere and ingenious research-based puzzles"), and Best Sound/Music for Apprentice ("a wonderful backdrop for the light-hearted adventure.") -
Graphic Adventure Underground Awards Announced
Thanks to Adventure Gamers for releasing the results of its Underground Awards, honoring the best amateur graphic adventures. The introduction notes that "...the field of amateur adventures seems to improve every year", and winners include overall victor Out Of Order ("One of those rare games where you just can't believe you're playing it for free"), as well as Best Story for The Uncertainty Machine ("[a] dark atmosphere and ingenious research-based puzzles"), and Best Sound/Music for Apprentice ("a wonderful backdrop for the light-hearted adventure.") -
Graphic Adventure Underground Awards Announced
Thanks to Adventure Gamers for releasing the results of its Underground Awards, honoring the best amateur graphic adventures. The introduction notes that "...the field of amateur adventures seems to improve every year", and winners include overall victor Out Of Order ("One of those rare games where you just can't believe you're playing it for free"), as well as Best Story for The Uncertainty Machine ("[a] dark atmosphere and ingenious research-based puzzles"), and Best Sound/Music for Apprentice ("a wonderful backdrop for the light-hearted adventure.") -
The Future Of Adventure Games Discussed
Thanks to AdventureGamers.com for the first part of their continuing feature article discussing what the future holds for the adventure game as a genre. The author shrewdly points out: "The death of adventure games is a topic that's been... well, done to death", and goes on to muse: "We can restlessly theorize about the genre's supposed 'death' forever, but it won't really get us anywhere. Instead, we need to take a closer look at the stuff (adventure) games are made of." He then points out: "Syberia or Jak & Daxter - ask anyone on the forums which one is the adventure game and everyone will reply the former. It's a no-brainer. However, things get difficult when you try to define exactly why Syberia is the adventure game." It's then claimed that "...the most visible characteristic of adventure games is that they offer a departure from action-and-reaction gameplay and manual dexterity" - but do games in this genre still appeal? -
The Return Of Leisure Suit Larry
Thanks to Blue's News for their article pointing out playboy gaming icon Leisure Suit Larry will be returning to videogames, since a Computer Games magazine cover "reveals plans for Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude." According to the piece, "This would mark the eighth installment in the exploits of the polyester-clad would-be Romeo, whose last [adventure] gaming appearance was over six years ago now", and it's noted that "the teaser makes a reference to similarities to Grand Theft Auto." Unfortunately, AdventureGamers have also learned "that [original series creator] Al Lowe has nothing to do with this new game." -
The Return Of Leisure Suit Larry
Thanks to Blue's News for their article pointing out playboy gaming icon Leisure Suit Larry will be returning to videogames, since a Computer Games magazine cover "reveals plans for Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude." According to the piece, "This would mark the eighth installment in the exploits of the polyester-clad would-be Romeo, whose last [adventure] gaming appearance was over six years ago now", and it's noted that "the teaser makes a reference to similarities to Grand Theft Auto." Unfortunately, AdventureGamers have also learned "that [original series creator] Al Lowe has nothing to do with this new game." -
Sam & Max - Freelance Police Previewed
tabacco writes "Adventuregamers.com is running a preview of the new Sam and Max game, titled Sam & Max: Freelance Police. Those who didn't enjoy Escape From Monkey Island's keyboard interface should be happy to know that LucasArts is making its sequel to Sam & Max Hit the Road a traditional point-and-click adventure. According to Adventure Gamers, Sam & Max: Freelance Police will have mini-games like the first one, and the same weird humor. Check out the official site for more info." S : We first spotted this title a couple of weeks back, but this new preview confirms point and click gameplay and Steve Purcell's involvement. -
Sam & Max - Freelance Police Previewed
tabacco writes "Adventuregamers.com is running a preview of the new Sam and Max game, titled Sam & Max: Freelance Police. Those who didn't enjoy Escape From Monkey Island's keyboard interface should be happy to know that LucasArts is making its sequel to Sam & Max Hit the Road a traditional point-and-click adventure. According to Adventure Gamers, Sam & Max: Freelance Police will have mini-games like the first one, and the same weird humor. Check out the official site for more info." S : We first spotted this title a couple of weeks back, but this new preview confirms point and click gameplay and Steve Purcell's involvement. -
The Longest Journey 2 Revealed
Thanks to an anonymous reader for pointing to an interview on Adventuregamers.com previewing the recently announced The Longest Journey 2, a sequel to one of the last 'traditional' adventure games, Funcom's critically acclaimed The Longest Journey. The game's lead designer, Ragnar Tornquist, is quoted as saying "We are all through with point-and-click route. The reason for that is that I find the more immediate controls to be more interesting." We ran an earlier story on how the next Broken Sword game is making a similar transition.