Getting Back in the Swing of Things...

After a bit of a hiatus, what would you like to see on the blog this summer? Building the world or writing in the world?

Battle testing

Sorry for the long wait in between updates, but to make up for it, here's a video of the new battle system and the first look at Losi fighting.

Full party battle and first Losi battle footage

Digital Viginette: Galia's Decision

Another digital viginette from my partner, done in script:

(Galia walks into the room, followed by Losi)

Losi: What did you want to speak to me about?

(Losi and Galia both take a chair at the table)

Galia: I'm going to be gone for a very long time.

(Losi has a slightly confused expression)

Galia: I've chosen to travel with Miresa on her Gemsinger quest.

(Losi's face turns shocked)

Losi: What!? You are?

Galia: Yes. And this is where you come in. I will need you to look after the temple in my absence.

Losi: I'm sorry, Lady Galia. I don't think I can bear such a huge responsibility.

Galia: I trust you, Losi. I knew that when I received you as an apprentice, you would be capable of great things. I know you can handle this.

Losi: Y-you do? (Losi's facial expression changes to a look of determination)

Losi: Then in that case. I accept all the responsibilities of this temple. I thank you for entrusting me with such a task.

(Galia nods, and a hint of pride for her apprentice shows)

Galia: Very good. I'm pleased to know the temple will be well looked after while I'm gone.

Losi: Please be safe on your journey. The Gemsinger quest is known to be one of the hardest quests anyone can ever go through.

(Galia gently walks up to the window to stare out at the nightly rain outside)

Galia: I know. However, my mother once told me something.

Galia: "Sometimes the greatest heroes are someone you least expected."

Quickie Viginette: The Initiate

Here's a sneak peek of the digital Shokiyu for you, done in dialogue...

"Losi Jiatan...the day has come for you to fledge into a full member of the Sapphire Clan."

"Name your task, Master, and I will do whatever it takes to see it through."

"You've learned that long ago, each clan had its own Great Sigil. But they were shattered and scattered throughout Shokiyu--I want you to find one of these sigils, and return it here to the clan hall. If you succeed, we will recognize you as a full clan member."

"I will go, and do whatever it takes to restore our clan to its rightful glory."

Sneak Peek: The Beginning

Today we have actual gameplay for you!

The prologue and the first minute or so of the game

First look at Ace Draft

First look at new character designs, new world map, and more!

First Look: The New Telrain

Here's a sneak peek of the new Telrain: A Walking Tour of Telrain

Be warned: it may change when the new version of RPG Maker comes out

New version coming!

...of RPG Maker, that is.

From my partner:


Reason? Well, there's a new version of RPG Maker coming out! It's called RPG Maker VX Ace! I'm really looking forward to working in this new engine. I'm not going to rename the draft though, since I can just transfer all my files to the new version. And, with this new RPG Maker coming out, I'm really inspired to make a video game again!

A New Draft Arrives

From my partner:

Obviously, you can tell from the title that Gemsinger Chronicles: The Video Game is getting a new draft. This will be called "Gemsinger Chronicles E".

Reason for this?

I've been making RPG Maker VX games since June 2009, and It's been 2 and a half years since then. The particular draft, called "Gemsinger R", that I was working on was started in the summer of 2010. It's been a year and a half since I started that specific draft. I know I have gotten a lot done on that draft, but since a lot of it was made a year ago, I've improved a lot from that draft. I know I can do more on the video game, and there's a lot of things that I wanted changed in Gemsinger Chronicles R, but since I have improved and I'm capable of much more, I think it's time to start from scratch again. Since I'm starting from scratch, I'm able to rework everything. I'm able to have a fresh, new start on the video game. And with that, I'll be able to make a better game than before. So, that said, I think it's time for Gemsinger R to go, and Gemsinger E to arrive. I'm going to do many things differently in the new edition, and I'll be able to use my improved abilities to make a fun experience for everyone!

I know that I have had many, many drafts of Gemsinger Chronicles so far. I know it's been 2 years since the first ever draft on Gemsinger. Why is it taking the game so long? Well, that's how making an RPG Maker VX game is. It's very common for people to restart their games to make them better. I've been improving on RPG Maker this whole time, and in each draft, it gets better. Will Gemsinger Chronicles E be the final draft? Yes, most likely. But if it's not? Well, then I'll make something better. But you don't need to worry, I'm confident that Gemsinger Chronicles E will be the last draft.

So, that's all I have to say. Look forward for new updates and videos.

Plans for 2012

First off all, Happy New Year to all that support the blog.

As for my plans for the year, expect more work on both the story and The Video Game. I hope that we will have a playable demo out this year for you to enjoy. Plus, I also hope to write out a novelization of the digital Shokiyu and post it here serially.

Here it is!

Here's the Christmas present!

Screenshots galore!
Digital Viginette 4: Meeting Dorian LeMaire
Digital Viginette 5: Lafisavia

Sneak Peek of Christmas Present

Take a look here

The Christmas Present is Coming!

Direct from my partner:

The holidays is finally here, and Christmas is not far around the corner, which means that Gemsinger progress is picking up!

That also means that the Gemsinger Chronicles "Christmas Package" (Or winter package) will be released on Christmas Week! (approximately December 24)

Here's what to expect (Alterations may occur):

-Various Screenshots
-A new Digital Viginette
-A new progress video

More stuff may be added later.

The State of the Chronicles: November 2011

Progress was slow this month, but we at least got a few new screenshots out.

I'm hoping we have a playable demo ready for you very soon. In the meantime, we hope to show you guys more of the game over the holidays.

Just a little progress...

Here's just a little taste of Sayamir Caverns: here

Belated State of the Chronicles: October 2011

I would've had this up sooner, but USB port issues forced me offline at the end of the month.

Anyway, work on The Video Game is going very well--we've introduced many new characters and locations, coming ever so closer to a demo release date

This coming month, we hope to have more viginettes up and sneak peeks of the digital Shokiyu

Some of Dorian's Verses

At the beginning of the game:

The world of Shokiyu cries once again
For the demon lord rises and casts a great stain
The Eight Holy Ladies try to hold him back
As at the light barrier, he slashes and hacks

This harrowing scene plays out in a girl's dream
As the Holy Ladies call to her, she hears not their scream
That the hour has come for the Gemsinger to rise
She knows not of her destiny as she opens her eyes....

Receiving the letter to Leria:

How will a quest help us?" the girl did protest
As they walked to the mayor's at her fairy's behest
"Maybe we will find something valuable." she was told
"Such as a rare item, fine jewels, or some gold."

But alas, when they got there, the mayor's request
Was to deliver a letter, the girl was distressed
But they set out for the palace far to the east...
The girl she complained, and wasn't pleased in the least

When Miresa accidentally burns a rare vase with an errant fire spell:

A fire spell cast to amaze and astound
A family heirloom was burned to the ground
The girl was heartbroken, it had been there for years
And her parents would have no sympathy for her tears

But all was not lost! her fairy did say
A traveling merchant has come here today
Maybe he'll have a vase like the one burned?
So the girl grabbed her coins, for a new vase she yearned!

Video Game Update: Dorian LaMaire

See Dorian in action!

Note that what he says here is a temporary script.

Digital Viginette #3: Meet Dorian LaMaire

Dorian LaMaire is one of the more well known Shokiyan minstrels--in The Video Game, he keeps track of what you've done previously, reminds you of what you need to be doing, and notifies you of any sidequests in the area. If you were to actually meet him, he would probably say this:

Welcome! Welcome, traveler! I am Dorian LaMaire, a pearl rank minstrel of the Fellowship of Singers. As with others of my trade, I make a living wandering about Shokiyu, telling tales and singing songs about great heroes, cunning tricksters, fair ladies, terrifying monsters, and other figures of Shokiyan lore.

Right now, I'm in the process of writing the tale of the Sixth Gemsinger--so if you find me on your travels, I will be happy to tell you what I have of the tale so far, in exchange for a coin or two in the harp case.

When to Expect a Demo

My partner on a timeframe for a demo:

"The answer is simply...

I really don't know yet.

I was thinking of making a demo for Gemsinger Chronicles: The Video Game. However there's still much more I need to do before a demo is ready. I have many incomplete and unmade sidequests. I want to be able to get the Halliwen sidequest developed and the underwater sea sidequest finished. I also need to start upgrading the scenes and do some tinkering with the battle system. I also want to get more gameplay before a demo is released.

My goal is to finish the Ice Sigil and get the Fire and Wind Sigils done as well. Then a demo will be made. Progress is increasing on that. I have to finish the Isilia Mountains and make the Ice area (Unnamed Ice Dungeon) so that the Ice Sigil will be complete. Then I can move onto Fire and Wind. (I have something special for those two. However I won't spoil that yet)

After that I will have done 5/8 of the main quest completed. (8 gems, and I would've had 5 out of 8 gems)

Then I will most likely have a demo ready. However, this won't be something that will be released in a day. It will take quite a while for this to be ready.

So stay tuned for Video Game updates."