I'll be able to say more when they're out. Backers don't need to buy it again, unless you canceled the pledge? (the talk was just shipping for the updated cart, but I don't know the final decision)
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I'll be able to say more when they're out. Backers don't need to buy it again, unless you canceled the pledge? (the talk was just shipping for the updated cart, but I don't know the final decision)
As new developers started looking at retro hardware as a viable option for software releases, I was worried that there would be retro-shovelware. I'm not insinuating that all shovelware is bad mind you, as some developers are great at putting out simple to semi-complex game ideas in shorter dev cycles with a focus on getting decent return on investment via short dev-cycles, reused assets, and inexpensive licencing for localization. I saw this on the PSX, with all the simple 1500 games. D3 was awesome at this, and some of my favorite games were budget titles. So this kinda of small-scale game dev can be done well, and inexpensively, but the games need to be good...ish. Goodish.
This looks really bad. I hope devs in the future can focus on gameplay, and creating authentic 4th gen aesthetics and sound, while showcasing old-school and modern game design models. I'd rather get 10 games like Papi Commando, and even Sasha Darko's mess of a game, than this kinda stuff.
Note: I liked both Papi AND Sacred Line. But SL was a mess... Which is a shame, as I love point and click games... Sasha, make more of this stuff.. Please. Make a detective point and click game.
I wouldn't. That response doesn't exactly inspire confidence.Quote:
Originally Posted by Raistlin
A good product sells itself, and this hasn't proven itself in any way.
If anything, in a single release they had managed to get everybody want to avoid them like the plague. Their reputation is already tainted =/
You're right, it was a botched launch, and regaining trust will take time even if the next one is perfect.
I think that if the next kickstarter/crowdfunded game by your team were better planned, more transparent, and of higher overall quality, the funding would still be there.
There is quite a bit of confidence and trust that can be gained/built/rebuilt with frequent updates, dev transparency, and periodic community feedback/Q and A sessions.
The retro community wants to get new stuff for old systems. And I would go as far as saying that they are wiling to put up with lots of crap in order to get product, simply because the production of retro games is, by its very nature, difficult, time consuming, and financially limited in its scope.
That being said, the retro community knows what it wants, has money to spend on it, and very, very limited options on where to spend that money. The right company, with the right mindset, and the right skills, could be doing rather well for themselves, if they kept dev cycles short, transparent, and semi-community/investor driven.
^Playable demos also help. Retrotainment Games did a phenomenal job is allowing for a good playable demo on Haunted Halloween 2. This was also AFTER they released the first game without a kickstarter proving that they were serious. They also hit the mark with clear communication and got pretty close to their estimated release date. At the end of that, the product was also well polished and exactly what was promised.
Big Evil Corps Tanglewood is also doing a great job providing updates, demos, and taking feedback seriously.
I've just received a second version of Coffee Crisis in the post (complete surprise!) and gave it a whirl.
Things seem to have improved considerably - controls have been tuned up, the music is working properly (was bust on my MD2), the character sprites are more detailed and the animation is far slicker and smoother, there's extra attacks (grab enemies, hold for a whirling super attack), some UI improvements, and it generally feels more like a finished game. There might be more but I only had 5 mins spare this morning, If I get a few hours to myself this week I'll give it the time it deserves.
100% kudos for sticking this through and making an improved version, most would be put off by the initial reaction and abandon it.
Yeah, I was going to wait until there's an official announcement, but the updated carts have been shipping as supplies allow, and it's now for sale on the website too. Since it's now public I'm free to comment on things.
Partial changelog from memory, probably forgetting something:
- updated levels
- several new moves and animations
- weapons
- some new music and many new sfx
- lots of tuning
- backer list in-game
- and of course existing passwords work
There's also longer videos and video reviews coming.
Two videos of the updated version, short trailer and a long third-party stream:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DDTNXIt1aM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13N-Dpnhav8
I just received the updated version of Coffee Crisis. I'm really impressed Mega Cat ran a complementary replacement program for the Kickstarter backers.
The revised version is definitely improved from the original version. The inclusion of the power-up attacks changed the game play significantly for the better. Animation and sound were also more polished.
It still doesn't stand alone on it's game play - this isn't Streets of Rage, and it is also too short. The atmosphere and tone of the game are a blast though and I think it's unique enough that it is worth a closer look. My wife was completely confused when she saw me playing a Genesis game that was referencing WiFi in a cut scene.
Also, apparently you can throw enemies when you press "A", although all it did for me was do a flurry type attack. Anyone manage to toss an enemy?
The first A press grabs an enemy (or a weapon if there's one on the ground), the next ones beat the poor victim with coffee machinery. To throw a grabbed enemy, press left or right with A.
I'll give it a try, thanks. Do you know what those random coffee beans do? I've picked one up and it appeared in the top display, but I didn't notice any effect from it.Quote:
Originally Posted by roce
The magic bean, grey with yellow stripes? That gives you the bonus minigame when you finish.
Where you press buttons to raise the caffeine meter? Ah ok, I never put two and two together. Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by roce
Yep, and gain HP depending on how well you did.
How does the bonus game work? I can't get win no matter how fast I press buttons. I bought this game and truly felt like I wasted my money. This game is really bad, I'm talking about like one of the worst on the system bad!
Press the buttons fast to get the caffeine pointer up, then keep it in the green area.
I just got it for a very good price. It is not that bad. Artistically it is amazing but the gameplay is a bit bland. But still not much worse then a lot of games from back in the day. Doesn't deserve the flack it gets!
The game certainly seems to have been massively improved, kudos.
So, this was my game of the week this week, and I've got to say, I think I echo the sentiments of most in the thread that...it's not great, but I don't want to step on the video too much. Also, now I'm curious which version I have, since there's apparently two floating around.
And one other thing I noticed, the cartridge was quite warm when I pulled it out of my Genesis. I don't think I've ever noticed that on any other title. I wonder if that just has to do with how it was manufactured.
https://youtu.be/oDn5EFk_0gs
The updated one, as the pulled-back version doesn't have the Hall of heroes.
Good to know, thanks!
Hey, if someone talks to dra600n, tell him I don't think I'm allowed to send private messages yet. But he should email me at zilogandmoto@gmail.com.
Great video Zilog! Keep em coming! I love it! Also, review Tanzer! It's great!
Definitely planning on it. Need to purchase that and their release of Tanglewood, because I keep hearing good things about it, too.Quote:
Originally Posted by SEGA-Jorge
Oooooo this game looks so rough to play. It definitely needed more time in development.
Sorry, what's the Hall of Heroes again?
Was sent this by MegaCat back then and, having heard about the different versions, I've always wondered which one I got.
Hall of Heroes is a list of all the Kickstarter backers.