Whilst I would normally start our weekly news updates with pseudo-witty ruminations on Pier Solar's development process, I think now is the time to pause and deliver some much needed thanks.
Danger abounds in any development project. From the little guys in the indie-scene all the way up to the grandmasters at Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, Capcom, SquareEnix, et cetera, the process of putting a game together always comes with the knowledge that catastrophic failure will be constantly nipping at your heels.
When you're a relatively new group with plans to release a JRPG on a long dead console and then sell it for real money... well, lets just say risk is as prevalent as skepticism.
Or at least, it should be.
But that's the thing. Instead of leaving Pier Solar to rot away in the dank caverns of internet obscurity Sega fans, indie fans, RPG fans, and just general all around gamers have championed our little project. From raving about the game in message boards to covering it on websites you guys have guaranteed this project's success. Even after receiving a pretty devastating blow last year - one that would have killed most indie projects - you guys stuck by us. We received countless letters of encouragement after announcing the delay and some outright threats to our person that let us know that Pier Solar had to be completed and released. Either that, or we may not live to see the light of another day.
And here we stand. One area of the game's development is completely finished and another is set to finalize at the end of the month. All the pieces are coming together and before long you'll be placing that brand spanking new game in your long neglected Genesis - which will gasp to life and you'll feel the same way you did when you were ten years old and just finished unwrapping that much hyped game you blew your paper route money on (much to the chagrin of your parents).
When will that day be?
Ha-Ha! Soonish...
The purpose of this post is really to thank you guys for your support, your patience and your sheer bat-shit insane excitement for Pier Solar. And no matter how much coverage we get we're still shocked when people go out of their way to spotlight our game. People like PeteDorr, a YouTuber who did an entire five minute preview of our game (which lead directly to an increase in sales), are the kind people who keep us motivated. Check out his video below:
Now that's just awesome. You all should subscribe to his YouTube channel as well, because his videos are pretty entertaining.
Alas, it's time to cut this short and return to the salt mines. But before we do one more thank you is in order: for all your support, patience, and hard earned money. We aim to please.
Cheers.
-WM
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Little Bit O' Spit and Polish
Greetings boys and girls. Come, sit 'round the fire, pin your ears back and partake in our previous week's adventures.
The last seven days has seen a steady stream of work being done on all fronts: Monsters being molded from our collective creative power (and in defiance of God's will!), new cities emerging, and changes a-plenty being implemented to the script. Story wise we're on the third of five planned drafts, the entirety of which will be completed by the end of the month. After that our translators will emerge from their cages and begin their dark work - allowing us to not only wreak havoc in one language, but several.
We've begun the polishing process on some of our older areas, including the ones you've played in the demo. Check it out below.
Here's the starting town from the demo:
And here's what it looks like now:
Subtle changes to be sure, but an increase in quality nevertheless.
Finally, here's an early sketch of one of our monsters. Until next week!
-WM
The last seven days has seen a steady stream of work being done on all fronts: Monsters being molded from our collective creative power (and in defiance of God's will!), new cities emerging, and changes a-plenty being implemented to the script. Story wise we're on the third of five planned drafts, the entirety of which will be completed by the end of the month. After that our translators will emerge from their cages and begin their dark work - allowing us to not only wreak havoc in one language, but several.
We've begun the polishing process on some of our older areas, including the ones you've played in the demo. Check it out below.
Here's the starting town from the demo:
And here's what it looks like now:
Subtle changes to be sure, but an increase in quality nevertheless.
Finally, here's an early sketch of one of our monsters. Until next week!
-WM
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Our Influence Spreads...
A'hoy me mateys! Welcome back to another week of exciting, scrumptious and tantalizing Pier Solar previews. While we're sure you all spent the holidays consumed by drunken merriment we've continued to toil away. For you! Then again, most of our days are spent in an inebriated stupor anyway so we didn't miss anything.
The last couple of days have been exciting on the publicity side as interest from the press has begun to grow. We've got new mentions in CVG and Develop and further upcoming coverage in a magazine that will remain nameless until the details are finalized.
Needless to say, we feel watched. All the time. It's kind of creepy.
Heebie-jeebies aside we've got some new shots for you, but in order to prevent spoilers they're going to be displayed completely without context. Mysterious!
That's it for now and remember, our contest is still ongoing. The final deadline is January 31st so get those WPs in ASAP. Dismissed!
-WM
The last couple of days have been exciting on the publicity side as interest from the press has begun to grow. We've got new mentions in CVG and Develop and further upcoming coverage in a magazine that will remain nameless until the details are finalized.
Needless to say, we feel watched. All the time. It's kind of creepy.
Heebie-jeebies aside we've got some new shots for you, but in order to prevent spoilers they're going to be displayed completely without context. Mysterious!
That's it for now and remember, our contest is still ongoing. The final deadline is January 31st so get those WPs in ASAP. Dismissed!
-WM
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Shiny Boxes Revealed!
Behold! After many, many, many requests we finally decided to reveal the packaging that will accompany Pier Solar's descent from the heavens. Or, more likely, delivery by a bitter member of the postal service. Regardless of its mode of transit, this is what will await you upon the game's release (and subsequent purchase of course!)
The final boxes have been given the seal of approval by the Fonz and now they wait for their union with the finished project.
Speaking of, we've been busy producing new monsters, refining some cutscenes and building new locales all of which we think you'll really love. Here's a bite size sample of one of our more Arabian themed areas:
Remember, our contest to win a free copy of Pier Solar is still ongoing. All you have to do is toss together a Pier Solar themed wallpaper, attach it and hit us up at wolfrider31 at hotmail dot com with your subject reading Pier Solar Submission. Multiple submissions are allowed and the best one will be notified by email and have their WP enshrined in our hallowed halls / posted on our website.
Here's a sneak peak at the inside of the instruction manual - good advice dwells within!
See you all next week!
-WM
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Give Away Time!
We at Watermelon Development were witness to something disturbing this week. Our intrepid project leader Tulio stumbled upon a spy in our midst, hungrily rummaging through our development vault in an attempt to get an early glance at our game. This vicious villain went by the last name "Claws" and sported the most horrific red attire - surely dyed with the blood of the innocent.
When confronted with his crimes, he used the smiling faces of gamers on Christmas morning as a defense, threatening to add us to some sort of "list" (a hit list we presume) for delaying our upcoming RPG and destroying the dreams of countless old school gamers.
Needless to say, The Fonz would have none of his threats and the picture below tells the story of what happened next.
Nevertheless, our defeated foe's words struck a chord with us and we thought it unfair to leave you all Pier Solar-less during the holiday season. So here's the plan, but it requires a little work on your part.
We're giving away one (1) free copy of Pier Solar to the person who designs the best PS wallpaper. Use whatever you want to put it together, just make sure it looks good on your desktop. Once you're finished, email it to wolfrider31 at hotmail dot com with the subject line reading Pier Solar Submission. The best of the best will have their choice of a free Pier Solar game in any flavor they wish.
Go forth anonymous artists, and bring us Pier Solar greatness.
(Oh, and you'll also have your WP published on our site. Which in some cultures is considered an honor.)
Happy Holidays everyone, and tune in next week for another Pier Solar progress update!
-WM
When confronted with his crimes, he used the smiling faces of gamers on Christmas morning as a defense, threatening to add us to some sort of "list" (a hit list we presume) for delaying our upcoming RPG and destroying the dreams of countless old school gamers.
Needless to say, The Fonz would have none of his threats and the picture below tells the story of what happened next.
Nevertheless, our defeated foe's words struck a chord with us and we thought it unfair to leave you all Pier Solar-less during the holiday season. So here's the plan, but it requires a little work on your part.
We're giving away one (1) free copy of Pier Solar to the person who designs the best PS wallpaper. Use whatever you want to put it together, just make sure it looks good on your desktop. Once you're finished, email it to wolfrider31 at hotmail dot com with the subject line reading Pier Solar Submission. The best of the best will have their choice of a free Pier Solar game in any flavor they wish.
Go forth anonymous artists, and bring us Pier Solar greatness.
(Oh, and you'll also have your WP published on our site. Which in some cultures is considered an honor.)
Happy Holidays everyone, and tune in next week for another Pier Solar progress update!
-WM
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
New Screens and "The Fonz" Battles a Chinese Factory Boss
Perhaps "battles" is too strong a word, but there were indeed fisticuffs - complete with wire teams and slow motion drop kicks. In the end, our fabled graphics designer emerged victorious and The Boss (think Hattori Honzo with cardboard... and... Chinese) agreed to emerge from retirement and do this one final task: Assemble the boxes for Pier Solar.
Okay, so martial arts drama wasn't exactly part of our man's plane trip but he did make the arduous journey to see the boxes being birthed in their native land. Thankfully he was well pleased and no blood had to spilled. Again.
While Fonzie was busy ensuring our packaging was of the utmost quality (and desperately trying to resist the seductive power of Communism) back at the salt mines we were busy injecting Pier Solar with pure liquid excellence. At the moment our script is being worked over and a second draft will soon be delivered to our translators. Of course little changes will be added right up until the very final stages of development, but this version will represent the official and completed plot.
That is until we tire of it and decide to replace the whole cast with mimes. You know, so we can get that whole "art-game" label.
For you, our loyal Solarites (can we call you that or is it too cultish?), we have a few new work in progress screens for you to enjoy. Below are a few locations both in and out of battle and an early example of one of our cutscenes.
In the spirit of the holidays we have a special contest coming up where you, yes you, could win a free copy of Pier Solar. Check back in next week for all the details.
- WM
Okay, so martial arts drama wasn't exactly part of our man's plane trip but he did make the arduous journey to see the boxes being birthed in their native land. Thankfully he was well pleased and no blood had to spilled. Again.
While Fonzie was busy ensuring our packaging was of the utmost quality (and desperately trying to resist the seductive power of Communism) back at the salt mines we were busy injecting Pier Solar with pure liquid excellence. At the moment our script is being worked over and a second draft will soon be delivered to our translators. Of course little changes will be added right up until the very final stages of development, but this version will represent the official and completed plot.
That is until we tire of it and decide to replace the whole cast with mimes. You know, so we can get that whole "art-game" label.
For you, our loyal Solarites (can we call you that or is it too cultish?), we have a few new work in progress screens for you to enjoy. Below are a few locations both in and out of battle and an early example of one of our cutscenes.
In the spirit of the holidays we have a special contest coming up where you, yes you, could win a free copy of Pier Solar. Check back in next week for all the details.
- WM
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
New Look, More Updates, and a Teenie Tiny Gift
Welcome one and all to the brand new, ultra improved, won't-beat-your-computer-to-death-with-a-nine-iron, HTML only Pier Solar website!
[Pause for polite clapping]
Needless to say it's been a rocky few months for those eagerly awaiting the first new Genesis game in centuries - but fear not! Despite the coal we gingerly placed in your stocking upon announcing the delay, progress on the development side has been steady and things are shaping up to be well worth the wait.
So what have we been up to? As you read in the last update a significant number of assets had to redeveloped when we lost one of our art guys to an unfortunate smelting accident (there was a midget involved - don't ask). Opportunity however can be found in the strangest places and the sudden changes we had to make forced us to re-evaluate the game's script. In an effort to lessen the impact of having to develop so much new art we made a couple of significant changes to the narrative. Far from being a reduction, the alterations allowed for a much tighter and more personal story and for what we hope to be one of the coolest (and weirdest) moments in the game.
Meanwhile, on the more tangible side, we've finalized our packaging and sent it off to the magical land of printing where it will return - no longer an idea, but a BOX. And a BOOKLET. And some other fun stuff. We know this glorious unveiling has been kept from you but let me assure you, and I say this as a registered cynic, it looks "wicked cool". At least, I think that's what the kids today would call it.
This post also marks the first of many more weekly website updates where we'll bring forth new screenshots, development details and compromising photographs of the development team freebasing in their bathrooms. Some people have called this development "exciting" and "a way for WaterMelon Development to assure people that they have not run off with their money and purchased a small island nation." We would agree with both assessments.
So what else do we have for you? A little preview of some of the unholy creations our art guys have cooked up. Creations that you will soon be able to kill yourselves you burgeoning little psychotics you. Feast your eyes!
That's all for now folks. See you next week!
- WM
[Pause for polite clapping]
Needless to say it's been a rocky few months for those eagerly awaiting the first new Genesis game in centuries - but fear not! Despite the coal we gingerly placed in your stocking upon announcing the delay, progress on the development side has been steady and things are shaping up to be well worth the wait.
So what have we been up to? As you read in the last update a significant number of assets had to redeveloped when we lost one of our art guys to an unfortunate smelting accident (there was a midget involved - don't ask). Opportunity however can be found in the strangest places and the sudden changes we had to make forced us to re-evaluate the game's script. In an effort to lessen the impact of having to develop so much new art we made a couple of significant changes to the narrative. Far from being a reduction, the alterations allowed for a much tighter and more personal story and for what we hope to be one of the coolest (and weirdest) moments in the game.
Meanwhile, on the more tangible side, we've finalized our packaging and sent it off to the magical land of printing where it will return - no longer an idea, but a BOX. And a BOOKLET. And some other fun stuff. We know this glorious unveiling has been kept from you but let me assure you, and I say this as a registered cynic, it looks "wicked cool". At least, I think that's what the kids today would call it.
This post also marks the first of many more weekly website updates where we'll bring forth new screenshots, development details and compromising photographs of the development team freebasing in their bathrooms. Some people have called this development "exciting" and "a way for WaterMelon Development to assure people that they have not run off with their money and purchased a small island nation." We would agree with both assessments.
So what else do we have for you? A little preview of some of the unholy creations our art guys have cooked up. Creations that you will soon be able to kill yourselves you burgeoning little psychotics you. Feast your eyes!
That's all for now folks. See you next week!
- WM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)