[Fenix]

Sounds interesting, to say the least.

Definitely something that I'll be looking forward to.

[MaximB]

I generally don't like so much "Wild West" kind of games ... it's mainly because I don't live in the U.S and don't feel the "bound" to their traditions and past culture.
On the other hand , how much Orcs, Trolls, Elves and monsters can we endure ?
I will definitely give a chance to this game.

I have only one request,
As a Linux user I want that this game will be cross platform as AoD.
Thus please use a cross platform engine like TGE or any other engine that supports it (there are a lot of good FREE engines, I can tell you about Crystal Space which is worth a try, and there are many others which I looked at about a year ago).

Thanks ahead.
 

[CandyStick]

Looks like another Iron Tower game to looks forward too. Still, I hope Vince makes another game based on AOD setting after AOD comes out, it could be completed quickly because you guys have most of the assets done. Even a cool dungeon crawl with AOD combat system would be awesome, and you guys could make some more money while developing this.

[Morbus]

Yeah, dungeon crawlers are awesome and relatively easy to make. I'm all for one on AoD's setting.

And btw, what's AoD's setting called. I mean, Diablo's setting is called Sanctuary, Elder Scrolls' setting is called Nim (or something), Forgotten Realms' is called Faerhun (right?). Stuff like that. What?

[Oscar]

Forgotten Realms' is called Faerhun (right?).

Faerun actually, and it's the main continent of Toril.

[Morbus]

Indeed, and I just googled it, and it's really lame that it's a rip off of earth's map -_-

[Vince]

And btw, what's AoD's setting called.

It's called "the AoD setting". I know, it's flashy and kind of in your face, but I don't want to hide or be ashamed of my creativity.

[Casaubon]

Mmh. The game concept is interesting, but I have a few doubts.

Is the theme of Lovecraftian horror compatible with turn-based, isometric CRPG gameplay? I mean, in the videogames I played until now I found two different "types" of horror: the cheap (but often quite effective) scare from the monster that bursts in screaming from a dark corner (a la Doom 3), and the creeping feeling that something bad, *unspeakably bad*, is going to happen soon and inevitably to my character and the world (a la "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream").

A game based on Lovecraft's mythos should clearly aim for the second type of horror; yet, in my experience, the few games that managed to pull this off consistently are adventure games, not RPGs.
The reason, I think, is that RPG gameplay isn't very compatible with such an atmosphere.

Character progress, for example, doesn't mix well with the horror theme. I know, I know, it's not like the late-game character is going to be able to punch Chtulhu in the face with a power-fist and live to tell it. There could be different, lesser enemies to directly fight and kill. But if the character grows more powerful and efficient (inside or outside combat), even if only when compared to lesser opponents, the horror starts to fade. Don't get me wrong, progress and accomplishments sure make for an enjoyable gameplay, but they tend to be incompatible with the horror atmosphere, particularly Lovecraft's, which is often based on the helplessness and insignificance of the protagonist and of the human race in general. In fact, Lovecraft's protagonists tend to grow physically and mentally *weaker* as the story progress.

Isometric view: simply not scary (at least to me). Don't know exactly why. It feels more detached than FP (and you can see what's behind you); it doesn't allow the tricks available in a fixed-background adventure game (changes of perspective, showing only details, and so on).

Turn-based combat: *totally* not scary. Again, it can be a very fun mechanic, but it doesn't instill fear. If the unspeakable evil runs out of action points, ends his turn, and freezes waiting for me to come up with the best tactical choice, well, the horror is kinda spoiled.

That being said, the writing and the concept still look interesting. I hope the game will prove me completely wrong. Good luck 

edit: btw, wouldn't it be totaly kewl, a RPG in which the character grows weaker (at least in some aspects) as the game progress?

[CandyStick]

Isometric view: simply not scary (at least to me). Don't know exactly why. It feels more detached than FP (and you can see what's behind you); it doesn't allow the tricks available in a fixed-background adventure game (changes of perspective, showing only details, and so on).

Have you played Sanitarium? It's an isometric adventure game, and there is chapter in there dealing with a small town that's one of the creepiest game experiences I've ever had.

[GhanBuriGhan]

Just popping in to wish best of luck to the new team. As I posted at the Watch, I think making a good Lovecraftian RPG is a huge challenge, but if you are successful it would be a wonderful addition to the CRPG catalog. 
I have a few questions if I may:
- Do you have a budget?
- Do you work part-time or full-time?
- What team size do you have in mind?
- What does being part of ITS mean to you?
- If AoD tanks, what would that mean for your project?
- What made you announce this so early in the development process?

[Vince]

I'll answer a few questions, Ghan.

I have a few questions if I may:
- Do you have a budget?

Budget is not an indie thing. Budgets imply expensive technology and large teams working for years (20 people at 50k/year avg times 3 years, etc). Indie developers pay what they have to to get things done and usually rely on their day jobs to pay their bills.

- What does being part of ITS mean to you?

I promised him a free t-shirt.

- If AoD tanks, what would that mean for your project?

Scott would learn from our mistake to prevail where we failed.

- What Who made you announce this so early in the development process?

Uncle Vince.

You know how much I value feedback and suggestions. I thought that it would be a good idea to get the feedback early, before written in stone decisions are made. I'm glad to see that Scott is already paying attention to suggestions (like the wounds system, for example), and I strongly believe that discussing everthing with people who are interested and passionate about your project is the way to go.

[GhanBuriGhan]

I'll answer a few questions, Ghan.

I have a few questions if I may:
- Do you have a budget?

Budget is not an indie thing. Budgets imply expensive technology and large teams working for years (20 people at 50k/year avg times 3 years, etc). Indie developers pay what they have to to get things done and usually rely on their day jobs to pay their bills.

- What does being part of ITS mean to you?

I promised him a free t-shirt.

- If AoD tanks, what would that mean for your project?

Scott would learn from our mistake to prevail where we failed.

- What Who made you announce this so early in the development process?

Uncle Vince.

You know how much I value feedback and suggestions. I thought that it would be a good idea to get the feedback early, before written in stone decisions are made. I'm glad to see that Scott is already paying attention to suggestions (like the wounds system, for example), and I strongly believe that discussing everthing with people who are interested and passionate about your project is the way to go.

Thanks Vince. Maybe I should clarify my questions, eh?

Budget: You mentioned some time ago that you invested about $10000 into AoD. The question basically asks if Scott (or uncle Vince, always great to have a rich uncle!), is able and willing to make that sacrifice.

Being ITS: apart from the free T-shirt, whats the advantage for Scott of doing his thing under the ITS label, and what's it for you? After all he could be "fuzzworks studios" and still work together with you guys. I can imagine several sensible reasons, but I am just curious which ones led to this decision.

Fail and prevail: Great, but would ITS still exist? Would it change hands? Not that it matters, as the idea is unthinkable (of course!) its just a curiosity question.

Feedback: Is good, but my first impression was that it runs a little wild here, as so little is decided (or known to be). But that will probably regulate itself quickly.

[Scott]

Thanks Vince. Maybe I should clarify my questions, eh?
Budget: You mentioned some time ago that you invested about $10000 into AoD. The question basically asks if Scott (or uncle Vince, always great to have a rich uncle!), is able and willing to make that sacrifice.

I'm going to leave specific business model related questions to Uncle Vince.  I personally don't see what relevance they have to the forum, but it's up to him how much he wants to reveal.

Being ITS: apart from the free T-shirt, whats the advantage for Scott of doing his thing under the ITS label, and what's it for you? After all he could be "fuzzworks studios" and still work together with you guys. I can imagine several sensible reasons, but I am just curious which ones led to this decision.

I didn't know about the T-shirt!  WOOHOO!!  Vince has the responsibility of running the forums, buying advertising, organizing distribution and making a myriad of business decisions.  All this, and he's lead developer of AoD.  The advantage to me is I only have to concentrate on being lead developer of Cyclopean.

Fail and prevail: Great, but would ITS still exist? Would it change hands? Not that it matters, as the idea is unthinkable (of course!) its just a curiosity question.

It would be very discouraging to me personally if AoD tanked.  Keep in mind, I could have waited another several months to see what the receipts will be for AoD, but I didn't.  Obviously I wouldn't be making this up front time investment if I didn't have complete confidence in AoD's success.

Feedback: Is good, but my first impression was that it runs a little wild here, as so little is decided (or known to be). But that will probably regulate itself quickly.

On certain details I'm going to be stubborn, and unlike Vince I'm not interested in completely unfettered discussion about what an RPG is and what it could be, gender issues, Bethesda, etc.  On my forum, I want to discuss Cyclopean.  Fortunately, Vince has provided several other forums to talk about all these other topics.

[GhanBuriGhan]

Thanks for the answers. There is a simple reason why I am asking about the budget (sorry if I'm too nosy): I think it's the real world stumbling block that can most easliy kill an otherwise sound project by even the most dedicated team. My interest in a project at this early stage somewhat depends on how likely I deem its survival, that is all.

[Vince]

Thanks for the answers. There is a simple reason why I am asking about the budget (sorry if I'm too nosy): I think it's the real world stumbling block that can most easliy kill an otherwise sound project by even the most dedicated team.

It's not. We spent 10k because we could. Everything that we spent money on could have been done for free (with some extra work and patience). Even this site could have been hosted for free (but with some annoying ads).

The #1 killer of indie projects is lack of patience and dedication. It's a hard work and a lot of people aren't ready for it, losing their interest or being unable to balance their personal and professional lives with this new hobby. Money is just an excuse.

I'm busy now, so I'll comment on the rest later, if you don't mind.