Fatal Optimization Demo DL/Feedback thread

[Kayin]

Yes, I finally have content that's playable.

This is completely a self-organized effort. The game was created in RPG maker VX, though the Tankentai battle system and ring menus were modules created by others. I'll be including a full list of people who created modules I used shortly.

If you find yourself in battle, and the burst gauge is not going up, don't worry. Burst is more of a party dynamic, and will get more of an explanation (and role) later in the game. Think of it as a party-based Limit Break. With only one in the party, it's not going to go up fast enough to be of use. That doesn't mean it's broken, you just don't have enough people to use it right.

Other than that, if it has no immediate use, that's probably not a bug either.

PLaywise, this is an old-school 16-bit JRPG homage. Explore EVERYTHING, talk to people, examine the floor, you name it. There's a fair few easter eggs in there. Let me know if anything isn't functioning right, I'm only one man. I'm not perfect.

And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for, the download link:

http://rapidshare.com/files/383719946/Fatal_Optimization.rar

Go download and enjoy!

[Trace]

Downloading! Excited to finally see this thing

[diluzio91]

will this play on a mac? otherwise ill have to wait a while for it.

[Kayin]

Only through boot camp or CrossOver Games.

[billygoat333]

Is audio a big necessity for this game? as I am on my work computer right now but wanna play!

[Kayin]

Nah, it's there but not necessary.

[Luthien]

I died too quickly, but the game works pretty good on a netbook.

[Okele]

I've downloaded and spent some time playing, and here's some quick feedback. I'll have more when I get home from work today.

1. Game mechanics seem to be pretty good where combat and movement are concerned.

2. Could you add some door indicators on the less visible walls? It was a pain trying to figure out where I was going.

3. I didn't have time to dig through the menus so maybe I missed it, but a short key tutorial might be wise. Even if it just explains where the inventory button is.

4. Story? Something at the beginning will help us figure out why we're playing. As of now all I know is that I'm running around a school. I have no clue why, I just know that I am.

[billygoat333]

I died too quickly, but the game works pretty good on a netbook.

lol I died pretty fast too.

[Kayin]

Okele, www.fataloptimization.wordpress.com will do ya for story.

Now as for the rest of it, I am recoding a lot of this. The indicators is something I can easily do (need to make the tiles, not a big deal) and a lot of this is being tweaked. However, a lot of old JRPGs just dumped you in the middle of something and said sort it yourself. They didn't hold hands, and I follow that tradition.

Just noticed I got a front page article on bit-tech.net as well...

[Kayin]

Just an update, with a completely unconfigured WINE, works 100% except for sound (I'm working on that in WINE, it's my settings, not the game) so you Linux guys can play it no prob. Should also work on OSX that way as well.

[The boy 4rm oz]

I just finished the demo, took me about 10 mins with only 1 death :D.

I would just like to say that you got a good thing going here. One thing that confused me was how the main characters portrait kept changing between pre and post accident but I guess that was due to it being a demo. Also when you first encounter your sensei, the Japanese text, I find, was un-needed.

I also second the motion of adding a visual door indicator to the horizontal lower walls and the vertical walls, I did find it annoying that I had to keep walking against the walls to find a door.

Besides that I think you have done a very good job. I like the music and the graphics and sprites look great. +rep

[CorrodedZoul]

run through the demo, and as said before, you should put a shade for the doors.
Also, check the cell position of the returning points, right now it drops you right onto the door. otherwise no major probs, but i got stuck. i mean i was coming back from one of the classrooms, and got to a "dorm?" en then when trying to leave, i got myself teleported behind the armor rack...
Oh, another thing, theres a situation... I beat the purple guy, twice in a row (no kidding) and that way earned 2000 exp. and the story didn't advance till i spoke with the teacher. I say this coz i think it may be wrong that way...
Nevertheless, i liked it, and hope you get around to finish it, so I can play it through, jejejejejeje.........
Good luck nad keep the good work!!!!

[Luthien]

I had the same problems (getting stuck and fighting Hariel twice - except I died the second time...). I told Kayin about it and I know he's working to correct it.

[The boy 4rm oz]

Come to think of it, I too had the same issue.