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Download the Demo (57 MB) | Kickstarter Page
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What's Alcarys Complex?
Alcarys Complex is an action-RPG developed in Game Maker 8/8.1 Pro (really, the game was started in Game Maker 6). Myself and a few other people have been working since August 2006 to create a responsibly written, entertaining JRPG. I have paid careful attention to the main script for this game: I began writing the game's first draft in February 2009 and ended in May. Since then, this 165-page script has consistently seen countless draft revisions. The story is informed greatly by characterization and character development - each of the six main characters have defined growth arcs based on their circumstances and experience.
Now, I'm not a professional writer, and I'm not published, but I've taken to heart the notion that writing is a skill and a process meant to be honed and improved over time, not something you just do, and I hope that will suffice.
The Story
Alcarys Complex is a game about the nature of power and violence in all its forms. It's about people in positions of power, and the various ways those people choose to wield it. It's about a young man whose convictions are tested when he decides to forsake violence, and it's about a woman whose career hides its share of secrets. It's about a nobleman bent by and enraged with jealousy. It's about a mercenary who finally, finally, has found someone who understands and loves him. Most of all, it's about people yearning to be saved from the world, rather than save it.
Note: this game is a story-driven character study. If you like JRPG-style games, exploring a new world, and reading about it, you'll feel right at home. If cutscenes are your bane, this probably isn't the game for you.
The Gameplay
- (Mostly) real-time action RPG combat reminiscent of Secret of Mana, but...
- the experience backbone has been removed from the act of killing. In its place is the Sociability system, where speaking to NPCs and progressing in the story nets you points you can use to power up your characters. It's actually possible to do a no-kill playthrough (minus certain story deaths)!
- the NPC population is varied and well-defined. The player can pursue many different paths with NPCs depending on progress in the main plot, the main character that the NPC is interested in, and even which party member addresses the NPC at that time.
- the Interactive Dialogue system, where you navigate through conversations with various people and select the best character to respond to the 'adversary.'
The main point with all of this: all of these systems are abstracted at the character's level instead of the player's. You very rarely know what a specific character is thinking. Your choices are almost always between the characters in your party. Given clues and your knowledge of the character, it's your job to select the right character for the situation. Call it a way to actively get to know the characters, their temperaments, and their history.
Screenshots (click here to see more)
Default Controls
Note: in order to customize your control set or use a joypad, go to the Configuration menu.
[Arrow] - Move/Navigate Menus
[C] - Attack/Confirm
[X] - Show Dialogue/Secondary Function
[Z] - Cancel
[Q] - Main Menu
[Enter] - Pause
[A,S,D] - Party Member Command Menu
[1-6] - Node Hotkeys (top row number keys)
[F1] - Help
Miscellaneous Info
Category: Action RPG
License: Commercial
File Size: 57.1 MB
GM Version: GM 8.1
Vista Compatible: yes
Changes Screen Resolution: only if you ask it to
Download Link: modestarcade.com
This game isn't released yet but it's really close to completion! The game is feature-complete and it's about 90% content-complete. When it comes out, you can find it at www.modestarcade.com.
Specifically, I'm looking for people who would be willing to help us find and destroy bugs prior to the final release of this game. If you can help us out, shoot me a PM with your e-mail and I'll add you to our QA mailing list.
Anyway, thanks for your time! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Download the Demo (57 MB) | Kickstarter Page
Edited by Pasty, 07 May 2012 - 07:12 PM.
