Messages

[For your consideration:]

For your consideration:



Tracey hates her humdrum job at Insurance International, but it turns out there is more going on there than meets the eye. An unknown organisation is plotting a coup that will have catastrophic global consequences, and unless it can be stopped in time, the world will be brought to its knees...

Game page: https://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2313/

Special game features include:

• Multiple endings
• Minigames
• References to many classic adventure games
• Easter eggs

Screenshots

A well-appointed apartment


Out on the town


Captured


Out in the open


Another day at the office



Suggestions for nominations:

Best game created with AGS
Best freeware game created with AGS
Best writing
Best character
Best gameplay
Best puzzles
Best background art
Best character art
Best animation
Best music & sound
Best programming (lighting effects, reflections, computer interface, mini games, birds, gravel, among other things)

I liked this - there was an interesting story and some of the set-pieces were good and it never felt repetitive. I liked Tracey as a character, too.

Any niggles? That church puzzle was trying at parts - but I really do appreciate that there was eventually a way to cheat it that was in game. It just took me a while to get to that point. I also agree with Shadow1000 about the amount of dialogue - there's a lot of it that slows the pace down and I just started skipping it to get through it.

I did enjoy it though - well done.

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Please do give it a vote on the game's page if you haven't already!

Oh, congrats.
I missed this release due to holidays. Hope to find the time to play it soon... 

Thanks, Cassie

Thanks for your kind comments. I'm glad you (mostly) enjoyed the game.

To respond to the points you mention:

I agree, the game is rather wordy. There is a lot of exposition because the plot is quite complex, and in some places I have committed the sin of telling rather than showing. This is especially true in the scene in the nightclub. Most of the wordiness is discussion of the content of documents, and I have an idea for how I could cut down this down without losing any of the content.

The puzzle in the church does take time to solve, it's true, but there is a much quicker shortcut if you are able to find it The clues to be found in various places need to be studied closely and possibly multiple times.

Spoiler

I also tried playing the fight scene twice, once winning and once surrendering, but both of those seemed to take me to the same place. Am I missing something?

[close]

No, both outcomes take you to the same place, but what you need to do next is different depending on whether you won or lost.

Spoiler

When entering the crypt to get the cellphone, the door was open and the light was off. It was very difficult to turn on the light because the switch is behind the door. I sat there clicking every little spot to get the switch. This is not a puzzle but some poor object positioning!

[close]

There is a large hotspot, but perhaps it is not labelled in the way you would expect...

If you don't mind, could you post your review on the game page (without giving the things away in the spoilers) and voting if you haven't already done so? Thank you!

Game images and thumbnails should all be working as expected now.  As should the wiki.

Thanks. Much better, although I get this error now (I filled in all compulsory fields):

Database query G.37.11 error: Column 'website_url' cannot be null

Try again?  We might have to go back and forth a few times with this until I can get the database configuration working perfectly!

All good this time. Thanks!

Looks nice, and the new server seems to be faster. Good work, guys.

I'm having trouble updating my game page: I get a load of warnings and errors when I click "Update" (see below). I suspect this is due to the migration as it wasn't happening before.


Warning: unlink(/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png): Permission denied in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2372
Could not delete image 1: /home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png


Warning: move_uploaded_file(/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png): failed to open stream: Permission denied in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397

Warning: move_uploaded_file(): Unable to move '/tmp/phpyNvSSK' to '/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png' in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397
Could not save file as : /home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png.
Warning: move_uploaded_file(/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_2.png): failed to open stream: Permission denied in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397

Warning: move_uploaded_file(): Unable to move '/tmp/phpv2tgA6' to '/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_2.png' in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397
Could not save file as : /home/ags/html//images/games/2313_2.png.
Warning: move_uploaded_file(/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_3.png): failed to open stream: Permission denied in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397

Warning: move_uploaded_file(): Unable to move '/tmp/phpL3eMTt' to '/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_3.png' in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397
Could not save file as : /home/ags/html//images/games/2313_3.png.Database query G.37.11 error: Column 'dl_url_agsa' cannot be null

This is probably fixed now.  Please try again!

Thanks. Much better, although I get this error now (I filled in all compulsory fields):

Database query G.37.11 error: Column 'website_url' cannot be null

Looks nice, and the new server seems to be faster. Good work, guys.

I'm having trouble updating my game page: I get a load of warnings and errors when I click "Update" (see below). I suspect this is due to the migration as it wasn't happening before.


Warning: unlink(/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png): Permission denied in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2372
Could not delete image 1: /home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png


Warning: move_uploaded_file(/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png): failed to open stream: Permission denied in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397

Warning: move_uploaded_file(): Unable to move '/tmp/phpyNvSSK' to '/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png' in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397
Could not save file as : /home/ags/html//images/games/2313_1.png.
Warning: move_uploaded_file(/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_2.png): failed to open stream: Permission denied in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397

Warning: move_uploaded_file(): Unable to move '/tmp/phpv2tgA6' to '/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_2.png' in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397
Could not save file as : /home/ags/html//images/games/2313_2.png.
Warning: move_uploaded_file(/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_3.png): failed to open stream: Permission denied in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397

Warning: move_uploaded_file(): Unable to move '/tmp/phpL3eMTt' to '/home/ags/html//images/games/2313_3.png' in /home/ags/html/pages/game.php on line 2397
Could not save file as : /home/ags/html//images/games/2313_3.png.Database query G.37.11 error: Column 'dl_url_agsa' cannot be null

Spoiler

So, I thought of that. I took the approach that I'd see if the chip is on the top, bottom, right, and so on. But that does not give a complete solution either

For example: in the top row of the inscription the letter S appears twice, one intact and one with a chip on the top centre. So, which S do I use in the top row of the slider?
The second row has a U with a chip in the left centre. No such letter U in the slider unless a crack is the same as a chip? But if so, then that changes the approach to row 1

In short, the clue is ambiguous unless I'm missing something. Normally I'd guess but in this case, it's taking me 30 - 45 minutes to solve the slider EVERY TIME and I've already spent probably close to an hour an a half sliding blocks around.

[close]

Thank you

A more detailed explanation:

Spoiler

Pay attention to the chipped tiles only. The undamaged ones are not important because there is only one place each of them can go.

For example, in the top row of the inscription, the E tile is chipped at the top, and in the bottom row, the E tiles are chipped at the bottom. That tells you in which rows of the puzzle to put the two E tiles, which are similarly damaged.

Use the same idea with the other damaged tiles, and there will then be only one possible solution.

[close]

That doesn't really help.

Spoiler

Thanks for the explanation for the E.

I've probably spent over 4 hours on the slider puzzle. Part because completing the slider puzzle takes between 30-45 minutes each time and part because the solution is really not clear so each time is really mainly a guess.

For example, the inscription has the S in the second row with a chip on part of the letter S. There is no such chipped S on the slider puzzle. There is only one with a chip on the bottom so those obviously cannot correspond to each other. The letter U on the top has some mark on the left but sitting and staring at it, I have no idea if that is just a line or a chip, the one in the centre row has one on the right centre but nothing like that exists in the slider puzzle. I don't know if the cracks are supposed to represent a chip or not, as in the last time I asked.

My latest guess is this:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n5cl62hmyhtgzjy/0.jpg?dl=0

If I reverse the U and N in the second row, is that the solution? If so, can you suggest how to do that?

[close]

Sorry you've struggled with this puzzle. It's one of the hardest in the game, so I hope you'll play on once you get past this one.

Summary of what is needed:

Spoiler

Top row: damage at the tops of the tiles. Bottom row: damage at the bottoms of the tiles. Middle row: damage in the middles of the tiles (chips in the inscription; cracks in the puzzle), although once you know that the tiles with chips on them go in the top and bottom rows, there's nowhere else for the remaining N, U and S to go other than in the middle row.

[close]

So, to solve the puzzle starting from where you are now:

Spoiler

The only thing left to do other than swapping the N and the U is to swap the S's in the middle and bottom rows.

[close]

And something that will save you time:

Spoiler

Quidet mentions she had a puzzle like this and it was easier to solve once she'd worked out how to take the pieces out.

[close]

Spoiler

There is a way you can do just that using something in the church.

[close]

I just finished playing through the game. I had a fun time. Congrats on the release!

Hey, well done! You might be the first to complete it.

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Please do rate the game on the game page if you would like to.

[In the rain]

Some more screenshots to whet your appetite...

In the rain


Captured

Spoiler

So, I thought of that. I took the approach that I'd see if the chip is on the top, bottom, right, and so on. But that does not give a complete solution either

For example: in the top row of the inscription the letter S appears twice, one intact and one with a chip on the top centre. So, which S do I use in the top row of the slider?
The second row has a U with a chip in the left centre. No such letter U in the slider unless a crack is the same as a chip? But if so, then that changes the approach to row 1

In short, the clue is ambiguous unless I'm missing something. Normally I'd guess but in this case, it's taking me 30 - 45 minutes to solve the slider EVERY TIME and I've already spent probably close to an hour an a half sliding blocks around.

[close]

Thank you

A more detailed explanation:

Spoiler

Pay attention to the chipped tiles only. The undamaged ones are not important because there is only one place each of them can go.

For example, in the top row of the inscription, the E tile is chipped at the top, and in the bottom row, the E tiles are chipped at the bottom. That tells you in which rows of the puzzle to put the two E tiles, which are similarly damaged.

Use the same idea with the other damaged tiles, and there will then be only one possible solution.

[close]

I'm stuck on what's probably the first puzzle...

Spoiler

I'm in the church doing the slider puzzle on the statue of Mary. I know that the chips in the stones on the puzzle correspond to the chips in the inscription under the crucifix, but I can't come up with any connection. For example, in the inscription, the E, U and S there is a chip so I thought I'd use those chipped letters but that kind of thinking doesn't carry across to the other rows, especially when some of them have cracks rather than chips, etc. I don't see any way to figure out what the goal is.

I have also noted that the blocks with the I II I on the lion mosaic is the same shape as the slider puzzle. I don't get that clue at all.

[close]

Hints:

The biggest clue is in the

Spoiler

inscription below the crucifix

[close]

. The

Spoiler

mosaic

[close]

only gives you more general help.

Spoiler

The shape of the damage to the tiles doesn't match up, as you've seen. It's where the damage to the tiles is that tells you where they should go.

[close]

Congratulations on finishing the game, Paolo! 11 years is a lot of time!
Downloading it now.

Thank you, Lorenzo. Enjoy the game.

[This City at Nightby Paul Giaccone and Ben Chandler]

After 11 years on and off working my fingers to the bone, it's finally here!

This City at Night
by Paul Giaccone and Ben Chandler



Tracey hates her humdrum job at Insurance International, but it turns out there is more going on there than meets the eye. An unknown organisation is plotting a coup that will have catastrophic global consequences, and unless it can be stopped in time, the world will be brought to its knees...

Special features:

* Early scenes contain gameplay, art and special effects not seen in the demo
* Multiple endings
* Minigames
* References to many classic adventure games
* Easter eggs

Screenshots:







Note that this game is marked as "mild" for language, but some players may find the language offensive. Some stronger words are censored (but guessable). There are one or two mildly suggestive scenes, and some mild violence. This game isn't suitable for young children.

Game page: http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/site/games/game/2313/

Currently available in English only. Italian version coming shortly (done and currently being checked).

Final touches are now being made - the last step is the editing of the Italian translation, and that is almost complete.

I'm aiming now to get this into the games database before the end of the year!

Crikey, it's been nearly ten years in the making! That must feel like a huge weight off your shoulders!

I think it's already over 11. It will be, believe me. I've almost forgotten what the outside world looks like

I've played the game through three times.  This is what you need to keep in mind.

Spoiler

Fordham will have numerous opportunities to identify the alleged criminal but many of them are premature.  It pays to delay actually naming someone until you explore all possible avenues, which will become apparent as you continue to play the game.  If you do ID the wrong person it will negatively affect your ability to proceed in subsequent cases.

[close]

OK, thanks.

Spoiler

I felt that I had no options left but to accuse someone I didn't really believe was the criminal, and from Upton's responses, she tends to agree.

[close]

I'll play it through another time once I've finished and see whether I can find the alternative avenues of investigation.

The optimal solution to a case will never be blocked off based on accusations made in previous cases.

I'm going to be rolling out an update next week which will allow you to declare a case unsolvable when a suspect is unlocked, in addition to closing off all leads. That way you won't be forced to accuse someone if you believe they're innocent.

Thanks, Grundislav, that would be great. Also:

Spoiler

I take it there's no way to avoid what happens to Bill in the very first case and the consequences that follow? In other words, that this is an integral part of the story.

[close]

I don't usually buy commercial games, but this one caught my attention, so I splashed out.

Great job! The artwork is beautiful and the game is solid.

I have a question:

Spoiler

So far I have got to the end of the third case, but things are unsatisfactory. Fordham seems to be jumping to obvious conclusions after identifying only one suspect and ignoring clues that point to different culprits. I think that this must be part of the story, and I'm hoping that he will get a chance to redeem himself and resolve what look like miscarriages of justice. Without giving too much away, am I right that this is what is going on?

[close]

I'm late coming to this thread but I really like the walkcycles and animations!

The game is now being beta-tested. I anticipate it will be released in November.