Scott Pilgrim Sierra Adventure Game

[Challudym]

Ah, I finally visited this Ning thing. Browsing around I saw talk of a Scott Pilgrim video game, and I just happen to be programming a Scott Pilgrim video game with Sierra Creative Interpreter currently.

The story goes, that backstage at a band competition the members of Sex Bob-omb see a metal band member steal the trophy and escape into an inter-dimensional portal. They all manage to make it through the portal before it disappears, but Scott finds himself alone on the other side, in a strange world and strange clothing.

It seems this (yet unnamed o.O?) metal band has taken over this kingdom of rock music, and forces everyone to listen only to metal and abide by metal customs, with violators being severely punished. For nearly 100 years, no citizens have been allowed to own instruments, and though once common, Scott's bass guitar is regarded with awe and fear. In secret, Scott is taken in by the rebel anti-metal alliance, for he is believed to be one of the three legendary band members foretold of in ancient prophecy that would make this land free for all kinds of music once again.

In reality, Sex Bob-omb sucks too much to even think of competing with the tyrannical metal band, they would be annihilated instantly. After reuniting with Stephen and Kim, Sex Bob-omb journeys to the far reaches of this land, searching for unspoiled areas of raw music that have yet to be conquered and destroyed by metal's grasp, where they will train to strengthen their rock'n roll.

Answering questions, taking suggestions. Perhaps I'll post more about it later o.O

[Bryan Lee O'Malley]

That's awesome!

How is SCI to work with? I used to be obsessed with those games, although I have kept that stuff mostly out of Scott Pilgrim so far. (I have some other ideas that are more rooted in Sierra games, so i'm trying to save them.)

[Challudym]

I was wanting to use SCUMM to make an adventure game, but it doesn't look like anyone's completely figured that out yet. I had given up hope on that, and one day I accidentally stumbled upon tiny portions of the Internet dedicated to SCI programming, which had evolved to the point where resource editing programs and documentation for it were abound.

I've been programming with different versions of RPG Maker for the PC for a few years, and using SCI Studio is quite a bit harder, though not completely outside of my understanding. It's like a 16-color RPG Maker with more scripting. Each room is a different picture, with a script attached to it, which defines what objects/characters are standing in that room, how you can interact with them, transports to different rooms, etc.

I'm much better at RPG Maker 2k/2k3/XP and could probably do whatever I thought of, program a beat em' up or whatever, but I've chosen this format FOR its restrictions. It's difficult for me to finish an RPG Maker game because of the huge amount it's capable of; I spend so much time adding /changing functionally and laboring over graphics and music I'd never get finished :P Also I've never successfully ran an RMXP game on a non-RMXP having computer, but anyone can play a DOS game with something like dosbox.

SCI Studio website

[ozwalled]

If you're REALLY set on using the SCUMM system (or something close to it) with a little work (and maybe some help from the fine, fine AGS forumers), you can do it with Adventure Game Studio. http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/

It's remarkably flexible, and fairly easy to use and get into. The default is set to the point-and-click Sierra style stuff (think Gabriel Knight, sort of), but can be changed to any wide variety of things with a little bit of working with the program's code stuff.

Definitely worth looking into, IMO.

[Challudym]

I had used it before, and considered it when deciding to use SCI. I seemed to have less trouble getting the hang of SCI compared to old AGS, also AGS wouldn't let me work on an adventure game on Christmas, telling me to spend some time with my family or go to a pub or something XD So I just set my computer clock to the 26th, of course >.>

Anywho, I've glanced at this very new, updated version of AGS at your suggestion, and I'm considering it. It's not that big of a deal as most of the work done so far lies in text documents and resources. AGS is compatible with newer computers, so that'd be a big plus, even if it doesn't have the coolness factor SCI does for being an actual old adventure game system.

I don't have very much to show so far in the way of sprites, but this battle outline gives a little feel for the battle system. The terms used are pretty generic and could be put into anything at this point o.o

[triplea]

Awesome, looks like a lot of effort is going to be put into this. I love how Scott looks, it has that certain nostalgic charm to it. Can't wait to see the finished game.

Though really the closest I've played to the Sierra engine is that Peasant's Quest game on Home Star Runner. Though that was pretty fun.

Are we going to be seeing any of the actual villains in the series make an appearance?

Also, as a suggestion, if that pic is what things should look like in game, use another color for the outlines of things like the grass and clouds so it looks more like a Sierra game.

[Challudym]

Ah, thanks for the suggestion about the colored lines. With so few colors and at such a low resolution, every pixel counts :D

I've been sort of refraining from divulging this, but at this point the game's going to be in development for months anyway. The game's only half about Sex Bob-omb overthrowing an evil metal band. The other half is Scott realizing he's dreaming, and the dream becomes a nightmare. Ramona comes to rescue him, but she's unable to reach him since his self-doubt has reached debilitating levels, creating a wall around his dream. Scott has to find and defeat his four points of self-doubt before Ramona can rescue him. Those self-doubts are embodied by the ghosts of his past.

[Challudym]

Oh yes, specific suggestions... well for one, I have no idea what I should call this game. The land he's stuck in is tentatively titled 'Rockadonia' with a capital of 'Rock City', with a reggae town called 'Beach' and a western town called 'Gulch'. Gulch is surrounded by the Treble Cliffs, which might be the only one of those names I end up keeping o.O

More information about the game is here (updated infrequently): 'Scott Pilgrim Adventure Game Page'

[AliceQuinn]

yo that is totally sweet
i would love to see that happen & if i was computer savy i would help too, i can write if you need help scripting, i wrote a script for a Scott Pilgrim side story i am dieing to show off, i cant really capture Wallace's essence yet, but i could deal with Stephen Stills & Kim Pine. so yeah if you need help scripting i would love to pitch in