FreezeME is a 3D platformer deliberately designed to resemble platformers from the N64 era.
Anything new? The main distinguishing mechanic is that the protagonist "R" can take pictures and “freeze” for a short period of time enemies and objects, generating new and interesting gameplay situations.
What is the plot about? “R” is hot on the trail of her best friend, “M,” who has been kidnapped by the evil Fat the Cat who is attempting to create a “Free-Dog-World”.
On what platforms are you planning to release? PC, MAC and Linux. Consoles might be considered at a later stage.
And the requirement for those? Windows XP with SP2 or later, Ubuntu Linux, version 10.10 or later o Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later. Graphics card with DirectX 9 level (shader model 2.0) capabilities. Any card made since 2004 should work. 1GB RAM and 5GB FREE SPACE
Release Date? Early 2015.
I have just uploaded the game to Steam Greenlight here: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=231340170
I would love to see this in a Nintendo console, and getting the Steam approval would be of great help to achieve this!
Hope you find this interesting!
Thank you for your support! Rainy Night Creations.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: ShyGuy on February 25, 2014, 03:47:09 PM
Well it looks cool. Mario 64 meets Dora the explorer?
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: misselan on February 25, 2014, 04:00:05 PM
Oh no! Haha, another person that associates the main character with Dora :'(
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: Oblivion on February 25, 2014, 08:13:55 PM
Quote
Anything new? [/font]The main distinguishing mechanic is that the protagonist "R" can take pictures and “freeze” for a short period of time enemies and objects, generating new and interesting gameplay situations. [/size][/font]
Unfortunately, I've seen similar to this last year. She could take photos and, for example, tilt the photo and have the real life object tilt with it. Along with other cool mechanics. However, the game's atmosphere was almost the complete opposite of this. While this, yes, reminds me of Dora, the game I am talking about reminded me of some very macabre and dark platformer.
If I remember correctly, it was in Beta at the time.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: misselan on February 26, 2014, 02:11:09 PM
Damn! I have to make another game ;) Nah, just meant, in comparison to the 3d platformers of that era.
She reminds you of Dora too :(. Hope I can use that to my advantage somehow...
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 26, 2014, 03:01:10 PM
I applaud you for working on a game, period.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: Phil on February 26, 2014, 03:23:23 PM
Very intriguing! I like the look!
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: ShyGuy on February 27, 2014, 12:18:57 AM
What game engine are you using?
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: misselan on February 28, 2014, 04:49:53 AM
Unity it is :)
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 28, 2014, 07:59:07 AM
Yeah Unity is pretty awesome (especially the Pro version).
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: misselan on March 03, 2014, 01:22:51 PM
Just released a video with some updates:
This week I’ve been working on improving the dialogue system, populating the first level, adding some new NPCs and last but not least, I have modified the post processing filters, now the game looks more colorful and vibrant!
Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ-gOdqN0Aw
Also, I’m going to release an alpha demo for free on March 17th :)
Finally, did I tell you that we are on greenlight and we would really appreciate you upvote :P: ? Here:
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: misselan on March 17, 2014, 01:45:14 PM
Hello everyone!
Just wanted to let you know, I have just uploaded a free alpha demo, in case you feel like playing some 3D action platforming :).
More information and download link here: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/updates/231340170/1395077794
Feedback is more than Welcome!
Hope you'll enjoy it!
Thank you!
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 17, 2014, 08:28:53 PM
Thanks I will check it out soon.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 19, 2014, 01:17:27 AM
Only played it for a few minutes, had no idea what I was doing (sound down, didn't ready any of he info), so I can't really comment on the gameplay - but the presentation is stellar.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: Stratos on March 22, 2014, 09:27:36 PM
Don't know what everyone is talking about. The protagonist looks Asian, not Latina. That ain't no Dora to me. I should know considering I have relatives who are the spitting image of Dora.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on March 24, 2014, 05:40:26 PM
I am downloading the demo now and will try it before I pass judgement. First off I disagree with the defense that just because it's another game it's good, as an artist myself who struggles getting people to appreciate my work it's not a good defense to just say you don't like it let me see you do better, because that's not a good approach. This game looks promising so I want to give real feedback, most of it will be harsh but you need that to make a great game, the endless praise just because it reminds someone of something else is not helpful if the game isn't working.
Pre-demo thoughts:
Just based on the youtube videos this game looks confusing. Not how to play I think I get that, but what is so special about it? Don't rely on the nostalgia of oh we need another Mario 64 style game because there have been countless platformers over the years that just plain sucked because they were cash in's with no soul, so please if you want to take this game seriously don't rely on just the praise from those who think it reminds them of something else. Make this game stand on it's own or it will fail.
The level design looks dated, especially by today's standards. It is one thing to do a SNES or 8 bit style artistic game for the merit, but 3D type games are different, making an ugly blocky virtua fighter clone today would just be tacky, so work on the graphics and keep them coming what I saw so far was very generic and felt rushed, which is fine it's early. You need more stuff going on and the environments are too bland, spruce them up a bit. Also there should be more enemies running around, don't just copy and paste Mario 64 into a modern engine make this game worth playing, Mario 64 is great but dated, this game needs to keep your attention so far the videos looked like it would be bland and boring real quick.
I would lose the galaxy style stuff right off, don't poke the bear if Nintendo thinks this is a blatant rip off they will pounce, making it an homage is one thing making it a rip off is another thing.
The music needs work, I don't know who is doing your music but it needs more, it sounds too SNES for a modern game, even those homages on Steam use modern musical themes even if they use 8 bit tones to generate them. I think the game has potential and would like to see it get released but not in it's current form, it needs some work and it needs to be more than a Mario clone with a Dora knock off, also seriously change her outfit or something, again don't poke the bear comes to mind, someone suggested licensing it to whoever makes Dora, bad idea, change something to make her less Dora like don't play on that because if it looks too much like Dora and is too easy to confuse for Dora then her owners will sue, no if's about it they won't let you make money off their property even if it is by accident.
Right now keep it up, the levels look bland, needs more enemies, puzzles and she needs more moves, and get rid of those Galaxy rip offs and you got a good start, also get some help with the music that tune is too bland it could use some spritzing up maybe some percussion even.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: misselan on March 25, 2014, 06:55:09 AM
@Brandogg Thanks so much for giving it a go! You have to follow the Pig next to the fountain, now play again ahah! Nah, I know it's a bit confusing at the moment. I have to implement a cinemactic on which the camera focus on the pig as soon as you land and then he starts running away, this will be probably implemented on the next build.
@Stratos oh man, I totally agree with you! The character is based on my girlfriend who happens to have that hair, but I always see it more than an Asian hairstyle than anything else. Unfortunately people like to classify and always look for resemblances anywhere and Dora is really famous so there you go...
I'm still reluctant to chance completely the character for the sole reason that she (my girlfriend) and her photography passion were the original idea from where the game built upon, however I would like to steer people away from that, so they actually talk about the game itself and not what the characters look alike.
I have implemented a few slight modifications, not much, but hopefully will prevent some people from making that connection. So now my character has glasses and also snickers :)
@marvel_moviefan_2012 Thanks SO MUCH for taking the time to compile that feedback! I just wish I could get the same kind of feedback from anybody that have seen the videos or tried the game.
From your comments I get the general idea that your perception of the game is that overall looks sort of "bland", which is something I agree and acknowledge.
Some of your comments I strongly agree, like the level design or the puzzles, stills lots to do and that's probably where I'm focusing the most on every new iteration (there are already significant changes in this regard in the upcoming build).
Some of others like the music I find them more subjective, not that I think you are wrong, but I also got people telling me they love it and when I got the tunes from my musician I liked them too.
I guess the question here is whether they fit the game and the mood at that specific moment.
The game, as previously mentioned is currently in alpha status, but is good to hear from other people which are the areas they think I should focus on going forward. I really appreciate your feedback!
One last question, did you base all this on only the videos? Or, did you actually play the alpha? Just wondering, not that there are "dramatic" changes but I implement new stuff on a daily basis, so even the latest videos on youtube are a bit outdated :)
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: misselan on April 03, 2014, 12:36:00 PM
Hello everybody!
I'd like to show some pictures with some of the updates I've been working on recently. I'm in the process of changing most of the textures and shaders, I've added lots of stuff to the level. Fixed numerous bugs (mainly character's movement related). Also, focused a bit more on the menus and finally, now the main character is wearing glasses and sneakers! (please don't tell me still looks like Dora )
I have to implement some changes on the shadowing procedure, add different options for the camera (auto/semi/manual) and fix some bugs on the navigation and path finding for the enemies to wrap up Alpha v0.31, but before that you can watch a video with some of that here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRwte9H82oQ
Hope you like it so far!
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: Fatty The Hutt on April 03, 2014, 01:15:49 PM
I would be very interested in this game if it was coming to Wii U e-shop. Otherwise, no. Isn't Wii U supposed to be very "friendly" to Wii U games? Are you planning a Wii U release? If not, why? Your "target" audience owns Nintendo systems.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on April 03, 2014, 01:59:42 PM
Yes so far all my impressions are based on the youtube videos. I downloaded but haven't had a chance to try the demo yet. I agree with Fatty, as your target demographic is Nintendo fans do try to get this on Wii U, I think Steam is OK but really these types of games are not fun to play on a PC which is why Nintendo excels at them and Microsoft avoids them like the plague.
I guess what I meant about the music is that it was missing something, it just sounded like it was the same clip over and over, not saying that is a bad thing but if you are going for a Mario type feel remember each level should have it's own theme, you don't have to over do it by making every level have it's own music just each theme should like snow levels, grassy hilltop levels etc.
I tend to notice music more as I am a musician myself so that is just my feedback don't go out of your way to make it a masterpiece but really try to beef it up plain old midi tracks are boring it needs more, I didn't spend a lot of time listening to it but it did sound bland when I did but when I get around to playing the demo I will give it a more fair assessment.
KEEP IT UP, if this game gets finished up I can see it being a fun game.
As for changing the character, maybe not her hair but do something with her clothes if you can, something that differentiates her from Dora, I know she doesn't look exactly like her but she does look similar enough that is the first thought most people are having and I just think if there can be confusion your going to get whoever it is that owns Dora's attention and you really don't want that. If this was a school project you would be fine but even as a free give away this could be seen as devaluing their property if enough people mistake it for her so keep that in mind. Maybe change her hat or give her a hat, or a head band, or something to really set her apart. Another option might to alter her body type a little, maker her taller relative to her surroundings that could help.
Also while it might seem like a good idea to model it after a girlfriend now, unless you are already committed to the long term, consider using her as the basis but change enough that supposing you split up over whatever, she doesn't sue your ass off. Not that she would but you know what the say about a woman's scorn, so better safe than sorry.
All in all KEEP IT UP we need more games like this, we need more games period and if it turns out great and you can get it on the right platforms you might have a hit. I don't have a Wii U full disclosure but to be fair I WILL NOT buy a game like this on Steam, it's not fun to play unless you can offer full controller support with analog inputs otherwise if it requires key mapping or forces one to use a specific controller like a 360 as an example you are cutting off your market right there.
Also don't just limit yourself to Wii U, if you can get it on PSN DO IT, Sony has an audience for these types of games too and they are more lucrative business wise, so if you can get it on PSN go for it, if you can get it on eShop go for it, but if you limit yourself to Steam, well obviously money is an issue but all food for thought.
I love these types of games, but they still have to be good and they still have to be accessible.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: misselan on April 03, 2014, 02:25:05 PM
@Fatty_The_Hut I would love to see this on a Wii-U, I'm planning on contacting them in the near future and see what they think about this game on their system. I've also heard they are more indie friendly but as any other console I guess is not a publish-what-you-want yet and I'm assuming any game interested on being published on their platforms has to: A) come from a developer with previous games released B) Or, the current game is finished C) Or, the game has a decent community/fan base already.
Unfortunately I don't meet any of those yet :( .
As for the question regarding, why I'm targeting Nintendo fans if I don't have a confirmed released on a Nintendo platform yet? Well, this is a 3d platformer and I guess statistically, Nintendo owners are the ones more inclined to play this kind of game also the more experienced. In the event I don't manage to make it on wii-U, I was hoping some of these would also have PCs and could be interested on it. Also, the game is still on alpha stage, so again I was hoping, people with experience on this kind of games could feed me with some relevant feedback to make it better :)
@marvel_moviefan_2012 Thanks again so much for your input and your kind words! Your comments are all pretty reasonable, and is not that I'm not taking them into account! I DO. Just want to put all the reasonable comments I got so far at the same level :) and so far, most of the people like the music. If I get an the opposite overall feeling I won't hesitate to change all of them.
As for the character, I'm in the process of changing some stuff, as you can see now has glasses and sneakers. I will probably implement a different texture for the pull over and do something with the pants. The hair is a bit more complicated, because the character has the ability to turn into a sort of super saiyan (the hair changes color and goes all spiky), going for a poneytail, hat or similar would probably diminish this effect also making the hair longer, would imply some heavy physic collisions with the upper body part. But I'm confident with these little changes most of the people won't make this association (immediately :P)
Finally about the platforms, as I mentioned in my reply to Fatty above, I'm all open, and hoping to release on consoles, but I guess is not just a matter of me wanting this :(.
And btw, the game supports GAMEPAD :P
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: marvel_moviefan_2012 on April 04, 2014, 04:12:23 PM
Yes I did finally figure that out once I tried the demo, remember my comments are suggestions mostly.
Impressions so far, obviously it is an alpha so I won't be too harsh on the glitches but the game is very buggy on my end. Most of the platforms disappear when I get too close to them, or somehow I fall of the edge of the screen and die when there was no indication there was an edge to fall off.
The cameras I hope are preliminary because right now they are too touchy and don't stick, some of that could be my mouse, which is in desperate need of a replacement so when I get some money to replace that I can be sure.
Her jumping is way off, she needs to jump twice as high as she currently does, I can't even get onto half the platforms and the ones I do she falls right off, rights through into an invisible abyss, or bumps her head and falls back down.
The level design is too generic, I already voiced that but here are some suggestions to make it better. First don't model it too closely on the N64 which was very limiting because that will just limit the game and come off as lazy to some people. I think the level design is alright so far but it needs more textures, there should be little things like butterflies and birds flying around, maybe as she runs through the dust have her kick up a dust trail, I saw some sort of dust effect or trail following the other characters so that could be something you are working on and needs tweaking or it could be something my GPU doesn't support.
IF this game is going to be beefy, like require a current or high spec system then it is beyond my reach on PC, I am stuck with a two year old laptop with a 1.5 ghz Quad Core with 8GB RAM, so if that can't handle the game you might be over reaching your target audience by a long shot, the types of gamers who invest heavily in PC's tend to be more into graphics heavy games and this is not graphics heavy.
Let me see, the music is okay the more I played it and got to listen to it, it was kind of bland in the youtube videos but again those were short videos so I might have just had too quick of a listen to get it, I think it could maybe be more uptempo if this is the first level because in a platform game you want to keep the player moving, if the music makes you get sleepy or too relaxed then you slow down and the game loses some of it's appeal.
I like platformers they are one of my favorite genres, but keep in mind there are a lot of bad platformers out there. I like the general idea, but obviously it needs some work.
I tried to take a photo and it didn't do anything so if that is still being worked on fine, it's still early. I wasn't sure if you could interact with the enemies or not, can you jump on them or will she have some other way to defeat bad guys?
I like collecting coins and things in these types of games, each platform should have at least one thing to collect or they should be spread out, all I saw were a few diamond things in one area. I didn't play much the game was too slow and choppy and I tried all three settings. Again I am on a laptop but I can play pretty intense retail games even New Vegas no problem so if this is slowing down my machine it could use some optimizing which I am sure comes latter so no worries there something to keep in mind.
Side note, my comment on Game pads was to include support for more than just Xbox controllers and your write up made it sound like you had an xbox controller in mind, generic controllers use numbers Xbox are the only ones I know of that actually label their buttons. I don't use Xbox controllers, currently I mostly use Logitech Dual Shock style controllers and specific controllers for specific game types, I personally have a USB N64 controller and most likely if supported will use that, otherwise I will use one of my dual analog stick controllers so no worries there, what I meant was don't tailor it for Xbox controllers but support as many as you can manage, obviously most people use Xbox pads or at least they are the most vocal maybe but it was just a suggestion. I didn't try to use a controller so I will mess around with the ones I have and report which ones work and which ones don't when I have more time to mess around with it.
Keep it up for sure this does look better than just another Disney/Nick Toons tie in which are the bulk of the platformers out there, which I avoid like the plague.
For reference my favorites are the first three Crash, the DKC games, Bug and Bug Too on Saturn, Sonic Adventure, Sonic Adventure 2, Mario 64, DK 64, Pac-Man World, and most of the main Mario games. I also play most of the Sonic games even the bad ones so I am okay with a less than perfect game but I am more forgiving when it involves Mario or Sonic because I been playing them so long they are hard to hate on. I was not a fan of the Banjo games at all and I really despite most cartoon based tie ins even the Pixar/Dreamworks ones but again that is just me something to consider.
Jumping is important, getting her to run and jump together and high enough to matter are big deals so work on that because if the final game she jumps like she does now it will be a terrible game.
Also don't rule out Playstation if you can, many of us former Nintendo guys have moved on to Sony and we still get these types of games on Playstation, maybe not as many as on Nintendo but they are still out there. Personally I have a PS3, will get a PS4 and have a PC, so that is my preference not to sound rude don't take this that way but this game even if given a full retail release, would not sell me on a Wii U so don't put all your eggs in that basket either, previous Nintendo consoles yes, but Wii U is in a weird place where not enough have transitioned, even those of use who traditionally would have. If this releases next year or latter things will be different keep an eye on the market but if you do consider Sony you can get it on 3 platforms under one account, Vita, PS3, and PS4 maybe even PS Now depending on how that turns out, so my advice is talk to Sony first and only talk to Nintendo if they are super accomodating or maybe willing to help publish it. Nintendo user base right now is really small and they are really focused exclusively on first party stuff even indie stuff is having a hard time so yes we are your audience but we also don't all own a Wii U, yet.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: ShyGuy on March 24, 2015, 07:55:11 PM
HEY!
Misselan has launched a Kickstarter for FreezMe! plus it has a reasonable goal!
The video is looking good, support it if you want 3D platformers for your Wii or PC.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: ThePerm on May 02, 2015, 05:40:33 AM
im surprised the goal didn't make it. The yooka laylee people even linked to it on their twitter. launch another kickstarter I say. If I were launching a kickstarter I would want to launch one on a thursday night. People get paid on Fridays.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: ShyGuy on May 02, 2015, 01:53:21 PM
I think Kickstarter has started drying up unless something gets a lot of hype and really grabs the fanbase, even then it can be tough. I hope it still finds funding and releases.
Title: Re: FreezeME - A 3D platformer in the style of the N64-era
Post by: NWR_insanolord on May 02, 2015, 03:43:34 PM
I was actually interested in this one. That's too bad.
