Let's Play: Game! Dev! Story!

[D.KnightSpider]

http://i.minus.com/iJQzFiVjGL2Ji.png

Game Dev Story?

Released in October of 2012, Game Dev Story was one of Kairosoft's first forays into the world of mobile gaming and the first in a long-running series of strategy/simulation based ' Story' games. Kairosoft has become something of a very profitable niche developer. The company started out as nine Japanese guys making games, hit paydirt on the iOS platform, and now sell their stuff on both the Japanese and English markets.

I'll be honest, you can tell that this is Kairosoft's first time out of the box. The gameplay is about as simple as you can get and it lacks the interactive polish of later Kairosoft titles. But, at the same time, the game is a labor of love that makes it highly, highly addictive and a joy to play.


You're LP-ing an [I]iPhone game?

Well, this is the Android version of the game, but yes. Game Dev Story is extremely fun and pretty much all about naming things and making choices, which provides a lot of opportunity for audience participation. Pretty much everything that we do will be up to you guys: play your cards right and we could become one of the Big 3, play them wrong and, eh, we'll flounder around as a hated shovelware producer.

Plus, I really wanted to do an LP and my time is rather limited, so this seemed like a good compromise.


I'm a pro at this game! Are we going to--?

Possibly. If the thread doesn't stumble across the super-special something on accident, I'll point us in that direction later. Most of the fun of this game comes from the experience, puns and loving nods to gaming history; so for the sake of those who haven't played the game yet, let's keep the few spoilers that there are to a minimum.


Great! How do we start?

Very slowly. A lot of decisions have to be made within the first few minutes of gameplay, so it'll take a few updates to really get things up and rolling. Once we hit the meat of the gameplay, though, updates will have a lot more substance and audience choices will dictate what sort of games we make, how we market them, and what those games are actually called.

We haven't even officially started, but it's already time for some audience participation. I'll show off the game's intro in full, later. But, for the moment, here's what we need to get rolling:

http://i.minus.com/ikeGnGg1JJM4G.png

A name for our fledgling gaming organization. Nothing vulgar, please. We'll also need:

http://i.minus.com/ibgrVJ32k2jlkY.png

Underlings! Employees! People for us to boss around! Right now, we have 500 dollars (as evidenced by the 500 on the top right) for our organization to use at it sees fit. Searching for employees via online ad is a bit beyond our means at the moment. So, do we search for help by word of mouth and risk getting deadbeats off the street or do we take the pricier option, aim for better help, but burn some of our precious startup capital?


The choice is yours. Please bold your votes/suggestions.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

I move for the unilaterally ridiculous Metal Top Gear III Enterprises.

Also, word of mouth: bring on the deadbeats!

[polity4life]

Word of mouth is worth it for now. It's worth finding anyone who can do graphics or sound, just to keep it in-house and put a lid on costs.

Can't wait to see what the first game options will be.

[Grinner]

Wow! I was looking for the name of this game the other day.

Thanks!

[Sanguine]

I vote for Giant Playground Productions as the name and Word of Mouth for the hiring method.

[NotAEvilToaster]

Magazine ads and Metal Top Gear III Enterprises.

[D.KnightSpider]

Update #2

http://i.minus.com/i2Jzuw9d9a899.png
http://i.minus.com/i2EsGfVr69fNo.png

This does not bode well.

http://i.minus.com/imD3j8t5BZJxb.png
http://minus.com/ltMJFKkQzwYcX


Yeah, no. I don't think we really want license plate spaghetti. Let's just truncate things a bit.

http://i.minus.com/ibze3cFh45BF9T.png
http://i.minus.com/i2PyuyWP9gFJb.png

Hello, there. This is our charming and wonderful secretary. She's the tutorial girl of this game and will walk us through the ins and outs of game creation.


http://i.minus.com/iifrDjMKkw7s9.png
http://i.minus.com/ibs25zDYtrAQYZ.png


Uh, yes, I just explained that.

http://i.minus.com/iNv9DoScttBFI.png


Before we do that, let's take a look at our start-up digs, shall we?

http://i.minus.com/iT9mHiwh410gD.png


Yeah, not exactly the ritz, huh? But we're starting out with $500 in our pocket and two employees. (The game gives us two employees right out of the gate and then instructs us to hire two more.) The fact that we're able to afford a loyal tutorial girl is pretty amazing in and of itself.

But before we start hiring, I'll explain the user interface. It's pretty simple. The game is controlled entirely from one menu.

http://i.minus.com/imkm3Tp1MUOM1.png


That one.

When you select an item on the menu, you get a couple of extra options. 'Develop' is where you arrange projects and create video games. 'Game' is, of course, where you plot your own video game. This takes a lot of time and moolah, but can give you a lot of return on your investment if you put together a good one.

'Contract' is when you take a job for someone else. They have a pretty quick turn around time and are usually simple things like 'design a jingle' or 'make a pinball game'. It's a reasonably reliable source of immediate income, but it doesn't have nearly as much RoI as game development.

http://i.minus.com/iYc0bngFb8GB7.png


The 'Staff' menu lets us work with our staff. We can 'Train' our employees to improve their stats (yes, they all have stats) for a small sum of money or level them up to increase their abilities all in one go.

We can also hire employees, or pull a Donald Trump and go "You're fired." Like it or not, we'll probably be using that option a little later on.

http://i.minus.com/ipNjyKRZXb2qy.png


'Actions' affect the business as a whole. You can 'Advertise' a new game, which you will definitely want to do. It doesn't matter if you have a blockbuster title, no one will buy it if they don't know that it's there.

The game will also provide us with items that we can use to boost popularity or the appeal of a game. And 'Move Seats' lets us... reorganize the department. Because we feel like it. We're the boss. It's what we do. Don't you ever read Dilbert?


http://i.minus.com/iJ3XJqBYyDxnr.png

Info just pretty much tells us the history of the game. It'll show us how different games did, who we have working for us, and our accomplishments. Etc.

And 'System' is just your different options like turning the sound down and the like.


http://i.minus.com/ibjfMFNIsJuG0E.png
http://i.minus.com/izZVIQJ4qyh1D.png


Okay. You all voted to advertise by word of mouth, and so that's what we shall do.

http://i.minus.com/ib0NJbwoha57XU.png


Thank you, dear.

While our Secretary is asking around back alleyways for deadbeat talent, let's take a gander at the two units we own.

http://i.minus.com/ibzIh4u6p5HKzX.png
http://i.minus.com/iIZV1eqOK0gxo.png


Each employee has four stats that govern the type of work that they do. The 'Program' stat governs how well they program games. A higher number will net you a well-programmed game like Mass Effect. A low number will give you E.T. Atari and could very well cause another video game crash.

Maybe.

'Scenario' is basically 'story'. The higher the number, the better the tale. Reviewers and the market will penalize you if your game doesn't have an engaging story.

'Graphics' are what they sound like. Don't want a bunch of immature gamers ragging on the way your game looks? Better boost this number quickly.

'Sound' is the quality of music that the game has.

If you look, you'll also see that Newb is a Coder while S. Presso is a writer. Each employee has a class/job that defines where they'll focus their attention. When we start making games, Newb will gravitate towards Coding the project, so we'll want to work on increasing his Program stat. Presso is a Writer, so she'll focus on story. 'Program' isn't as necessary for her, but 'Scenario' is vital.

What class does what isn't set in stone, though. A Coder can still contribute Graphics is the project has low Graphics. A Class is more of a general indicator than a hard and fast rule. That said, unless he's got a high Sound stat, relying on a Coder to develop your music is a really bad idea.

Part of the Boss' job is to develop his precious employees so that they become good little resources and become extraordinary at their assigned role.

There are items that will let an employee change their class/job, so that is something to consider. Those are still a loooooong way off, though, so don't consider that too much.

http://i.minus.com/itYU56rMk2acL.png
http://i.minus.com/izBvSJGe2VxE6.png


A fine question, miss. Let's see the applicants.

http://i.minus.com/iZzch7IWypwlV.png
http://i.minus.com/irSviIVEyEql9.png
http://i.minus.com/iby0KjDmP7iiDK.png


Finally, if you look towards the bottom of each employee screen, you'll see that each employee expects a salary. We foot this bill directly from our on hand resources, yearly, so that's something to keep in mind.

So there we have it. We have two desks to fill and three applicants with which to do it. I think this means that it's time for another vote!

This time around, vote for:
` two employees to hire,
` a name for our Secretary (This isn't an in-game option. It'll just for fun and my LP Banter. Shorter is better, and nothing vulgar please.)

Also, please, please be sure to bold your votes.


Next time on Game Dev Story: Underlings! Contracts! Mascots?

[polity4life]

Given that we have a decent coder and writer on staff, having another coder won't hurt. The more fun the game the better and coders are prime at that. Also, we lack anyone that can draw a stick figure properly.

My votes are for Sam Ulation and Dee Coder.

Oh right, the secretary. How about Secretary? She didn't put a name on her tax forms (and we don't pay her anyway! Shhh! :smallwink:) so she doesn't get a name.

[Flickerdart]

Agreed; the designer is frankly a genius compared to our people, and even the programmer is a big improvement. They're also both cheaper than the writer.

[Deme]

Yeah, it looks like the writer, while better at sound than any of our people, isn't that much better a writer -- not good enough for being the most expensive option. The designer seems pretty freaking beastly at design, and two programmers are better than one, right?

Also, I vote that we call her a variety of names, a new one every part of the LP, just so that she understands who's the boss. I suggest starting with Martha.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Let's grab the designer and the coder; as other people have noted, they're nicely minmaxed, and now we'll have pretty games! I guess we'll have to make do on sound for the moment. Still, let's grab opportunities while we can.

The Secretary? I move that we name her...Mary Sue. Because.

[Flickerdart]

Let's grab the designer and the coder; as other people have noted, they're nicely minmaxed, and now we'll have pretty games! I guess we'll have to make do on sound for the moment. Still, let's grab opportunities while we can.
With graphics like that, we can style our game after silent films and get away with it.

[Sanguine]

I'll agree with everyone else and say hire the designer and the coder, as for the secretary, I say her name should be Elayne Vassal.

[RagingKrikkit]

Not that it matters at this point, but Designer/Coder

[D.KnightSpider]

An update of names and fails.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Hmm... There was no clear consensus reached over the Secretary's name...

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I do have a name. It's--

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: So we're going to run with Deme's suggestion and go with a different name for every update. Now, then, Secretary, let's see those applications again.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Oh, uh, about that... I'm afraid that I've, well, lost the paperwork.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: You lost the paperwork?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Yes, I'm sorry about that.

(Actually, this is my fault. In later Kairosoft games, once you've uncovered a worker's application, they go into the Hire menu and you can access them any time. You can hire them later on or ignore them altogether. Game Dev Story, being the first game in the series... doesn't do that. If you don't hire the employees at the time you advertise for them, then you lose them. It was definitely a Darn You Muscle Memory! moment.)

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Well then, you'd best go advertise again. But know that it comes out of your pay, understand?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: *sigh* yes, sir.

(There's a literal ton of employees in this game, and which ones you get when you try to hire are pretty much random. Newb and S. Presso are the only two that we're certain to start out with each game. Cue about 15 minutes of me abusing the RNG trying to get Sam and Dee back.)

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Well, sir, I haven't managed to track down Sam Ulation, but I believe I've found a perfectly reasonable replacement.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Well, let's see them then.

http://i.minus.com/iGk3j4AVa9Irh.png
http://i.minus.com/iRmuUWSS8cD8x.png
http://i.minus.com/istnnVzB0vItW.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: That is a rather impressive replacement. Alright, let's hire Gilly Bates and Dee Coder.

http://i.minus.com/i7S0AtSeN7hRK.png
http://i.minus.com/iYzI10oao0Cw2.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: We didn't even exist until two days ago. How could you possibly have dreamed of working here?

http://i.minus.com/ibqb1jxisTwNNv.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: As you can see, hiring Gilly and Dee requires us to pay their salaries. As a result, we've had $150 worth of expenses this month and our capital on hand is $350.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Hmm... Well, we can't have that. Since I don't believe that we're ready to actually make a game yet, let's do this instead:

http://i.minus.com/iYEi00fFrrQzE.png
http://i.minus.com/i0aeQ3dycWrMF.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Secretary, some more info on these options, if you would?

http://i.minus.com/ib1hIbRpuEIegE.png
http://i.minus.com/ibgEbCTCtFIHNL.png
http://i.minus.com/iQN63xXuhhYld.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Each contracted project has a deadline, as indicated by the due date. The Pay line tells us how much money we'll receive at completion. And the other two options tell us the requirements for a successful contract completion.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: The 'Fun' stat is related to the 'Program' stat. The better a person can program, the more fun they can put in the project. 'Graphics' and 'Sound' are fairly self-explanatory. And 'Creativity' is how creative the game is. It's related to the 'Scenario' stat.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: I see, I see. Well, with two programmers and a designer on staff, I think we can draw a comic book.

http://i.minus.com/itwB1NPuOW2mD.png
http://i.minus.com/i8B67W1CsHLek.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Once a project has been accepted, the employees will automatically start working on it. Sometimes, employees will collaborate and increase a stat, such as Newb and Presso are doing. The little Graphic icon over Gilly's head indicates that right now, he is putting some Graphics into the project. You can't control what aspect of the project an employee works on directly.

http://i.minus.com/iPR42NGLkBH01.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Secretary, why is Newb on fire? More importantly, why hasn't anyone put him out yet?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Sometimes, an employee will 'catch on fire' and run wild inputting aspects into a game. Right now, Newb is full of graphical inspiration and greatly increasing the design of the comic book.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Er, well, good. Carry on. Just try not to burn the drapes.

http://i.minus.com/ibs0cVHaJhdzqQ.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Oh, really? Let me see...

http://i.minus.com/ibe8lTKnswg1iz.png
It will need to be impressive to make an impact on this crowded market.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Haha! Front page and all!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: ...

http://i.minus.com/iQGaU4MgYdXUE.png
http://i.minus.com/iw6gjBbSTBryN.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: It was done early and met the expectations. The client was satisfied and the coffers are feeling just a bit fuller. Alright, let's do that again.

http://i.minus.com/ibsAR92MUI2UZu.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: This one appears doable.

http://i.minus.com/ibdSITX7fTr6nf.png
http://i.minus.com/iziezR0n9dp2t.png
http://i.minus.com/ibgjYrRkRGAosR.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Burn!

http://i.minus.com/iOjTXzcld7rcb.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Burn! Raise those stats, yes!

http://i.minus.com/ibpRl8SjavH9tD.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Excellent. Excellent. There we are, now that we're in the black again--

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Excuse, me, sir?

http://i.minus.com/iuK3VbqnWImSJ.png
The number next to the floppy disk in the upper left is your research data. Use it to level up your staff or improve the game you are developing.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Yes, yes, all in due time. I'll cover that next update. But, as I was saying. Now that we're in the black, it's time to pull out all the stops.

http://i.minus.com/iWW4qNjqzFuKi.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: We're making a game!

http://i.minus.com/isPEHDACvwEkz.png
http://i.minus.com/i30tHcKG4MkVl.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Don't worry about the Platform option. We'll deal with that later.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Very well. As you can see, there are several options available to us. First, we need to determine what sort of genre this game will carry. Here are our present options.

http://i.minus.com/i8qYwHOFmQIid.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: More options will become available as our staff improves and research is conducted, so don't worry too much if the available pool seems a bit small.

http://i.minus.com/i8f9PQmy6DFSX.png
http://i.minus.com/ibw6wAlaPZK9HK.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: We'll also need to determine what type of game this will be. Certain types and genres go well together. A game with a compatible type and genre will sell better and be easier to create. A game with an incompatible type and genre will sell poorly and be hard to program. Please choose wisely.

http://i.minus.com/i4JwKuSBIkbSL.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: 'Direction' is essentially the amount of development time that the game has. 'Normal' development time offers a decent schedule, but no special perks. 'Speed' cuts the development time but harms the game's overall quality. 'Quality' offers longer development time and increased costs, but allows the staff a great deal of leeway and freedom with the project. 'Research' will sacrifice quality and speed for the sake of accumulating lots of Research Data, and finally, 'Budget' doubles the available budget, has a long development period, but inspires the staff to do their level best.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: They should be doing their level best all of the time if you ask me. Maybe I should light them on fire permanently...

--

Now, then, it's the moment you've all been waiting for. It's voting time!

Here's what you're voting on this time:
` What Genre of game will we make?
` What Type of game will we make?
` What should Metal Top Gear's slogan be? (Again, this isn't an in game option. It's just for fun and another way for our insipid boss to make poor Ms. Secretary's life miserable.)

If there's no clear frontrunner, I'll use some RNG magic to pick one of the available suggestions. Also, please bold your votes!

[RagingKrikkit]

Tonight, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9EGjebCO5Y) Solid Snake with a stinger (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-beS_AyXKs)

Adventure/Historical/Quality

[polity4life]

We just need to get product on the shelves, so I certainly nominate a Normal direction and production cycle.

How about...Trivia and Historical called You Failed! This will be a great product for all the folks who liked napping well into their twenties, and we know they have the time to play our games! And we can always advertise it as a primer to reinvigorate interest in education without it having the stigma of being an educational game!

As for a motto? How about, We got your money already so shut up! I think the big boys in the industry play that game and we want a piece of that profit pie, right? Fake it will we make it!

[Sanguine]

I'll vote for an Adventure game about Ninjas. I don't have a preference on motto.

[Flickerdart]

We will make a Ninja Golf Puzzle and it will be glorious.

[Closet_Skeleton]

Educational Reversi Budget+

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Educational Ninja game with Quality effort, yo. You know you want it.

Slogan should be All cutscenes, all the time!

[SlyGuyMcFly]

Educational Ninja game with Quality effort, yo. You know you want it.

I do certainly want it! Quality Educational Ninjas go!

[Thanatos 51-50]

What about a Quality Historical Adventure ?

[cha0s4a11]

Speed Ninja Puzzle Game, Go!

[D.KnightSpider]

Ninja sneak attack update!

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Let's see here. The Ninjas blew everything out of the water, and it was a three way tie between Adventure, Historical and Educational... *rolls die* Aha! Brilliance! We will create a phenomenal Educational Ninja game!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: An... educational ninja game? Sir, I think that perhaps you should reconsider. Most children old enough to be enthralled with ninjas won't be interested in education.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Oh, hush, Martha.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: But my name is--

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: This is the way that genius works. Besides, they're ninjas. Ninjas are sneaky. The little tykes will never see the education coming. The ninjas will sneak up on them and stab the education right into their brains. By the time the kids think to complain, it'll be too late. We'll have had their money so they can just shut up.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: But, Sir, I...

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: I say, that's not at all bad. We've got your money so shut up already. That's our new slogan.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Sir, I really must protest.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: If you want your paycheck, Martha, you'll shut up already. Call the meeting.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: ....

http://i.minus.com/iIAPNtAiFUPHM.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: And I don't remember putting our Direction up for a vote. We're going after research. Juicy research. More research means more data and more data means better employees and better employees mean that we get to burn people more often.

http://i.minus.com/iY5iRwAqciBJC.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Once the platform, genre, type and direction have been chosen, we're brought to this screen where we can manage the general direction of the project. Given the, er, unique nature of this game and the low talent levels of our staff, there isn't much leeway for input. We have two Direction Points that we can use to influence the project's preset perimeters.

http://i.minus.com/ixUHa6mtVVuAu.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Oh, just put the points into Cuteness. Maybe it'll cover up our shoddy graphic abilities.

http://i.minus.com/ivO1mizzRC0hO.png
http://i.minus.com/iMYTOrsbyFj0H.png
You can either us a scenario writer on staff or hire an outside expert.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Hmm... What are my options?

http://i.minus.com/iN9kiazHQm9oe.png
http://i.minus.com/iTtVltDW59jH9.png
http://i.minus.com/iZASSmlKZF6o8.png
http://i.minus.com/ipFOdxDXvrNn3.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Josh Slackerville and Mark Jersey are outside contracts that we could contract this job to. This is evidenced by the red 'OUT' sign on their screens.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Bah. What am I paying S. Presso for? Get her to do it. I'm not wasting hard earned money so that someone else can do her work.

http://i.minus.com/isvPYvq0jFKoj.png
http://i.minus.com/i0CR7WqQjpaei.png
http://i.minus.com/ibvahOZOlagKPk.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: That is... serviceable. As a starting point.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Now that the game proposal has been written, the staff will start work on the alpha build of the game.

http://i.minus.com/iixll6ekwRtE9.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Good, good. But, before we do that. Let's put some of that research data to use, hm? Let's level up our prize employees a bit. I want to see them BURN!

http://i.minus.com/ibxEUTABNUlh39.png
http://i.minus.com/ibfRWqltpHRC5c.png
http://i.minus.com/iBTC14CU6osKl.png
http://i.minus.com/iovEYHL2nb1dl.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: When an employee levels up, their stats will increase, but so will their salary. Make sure that you have enough on hand to pay them when the time comes. Also, please notice that what stat is raised at level up is determined by that employees' class.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Now, we may proceed with the arson.

http://i.minus.com/ibx3WYFLJMZGKH.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: I don't see arson.

http://i.minus.com/iHeOFcqj1HQkr.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Much better.

http://i.minus.com/iIDza6hKtC8NS.png
Who should we put in charge of character design?

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Good gravy, girl. Do you even have to ask? We hired a designer, didn't we? Get her to do it!

http://i.minus.com/ibkwogM1CnerHH.png
I'll do my best to come up with some impressive graphics!
http://i.minus.com/i5OjIyShhSQL1.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: I'll say it, then. That is positively horrible.

(While it is expected at this stage of the game, that is really horrible. Especially when you consider that late-game games' attributes will easily be breaking the triple digits.)

http://i.minus.com/i7kt0zc9GP64w.png
http://i.minus.com/ibnIyJlKBcUEn6.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Martha, Martha, Martha! Keep it in house! Get-- wait... we don't have a sound engineer, do we?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: No, sir. We don't. Since we don't have an actual sound engineer on staff, we have no choice but to hire this job out for contract.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: There, you see? That's why I deliberately did not hire any of those other bozo contractors. I was saving my money for this precise moment.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: *sigh*

http://i.minus.com/iQBZ0HpB337Md.png
http://i.minus.com/iUsxwcGP8ua6C.png
http://i.minus.com/iiOnATyMhs7Iy.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: ... If you say so. I remain unconvinced.

http://i.minus.com/ioKmMOCsEuuK6.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Now, the debugging process begins. During this time, the staff will do their best to eradicate any of the bugs within the game. The number of bugs that have infected the project can be seen on the bottom right. At present, there are 8 bugs that we have to contend with. Each bug that gets debugged nets us research data and increases the quality of the product. If we're in a time crunch, we can choose to ship the game without fully debugging the product, but we'll be heavily penalized for doing so.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Research data! Level ups! Arson!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Sir, about this fire fixation of yours...

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: If you want your paycheck, you'll shut up already.

http://i.minus.com/iWGbzJ92nhAMM.png
http://i.minus.com/ilpLTBtNrlxP2.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: A new console, you say? Haha! Alright, let's skeedaddle off to the press conference.

http://i.minus.com/i4xWCZA7Fr2xK.png
http://i.minus.com/ibdYm7qw4XeN55.png
http://i.minus.com/iC93mXvFkt2Tw.png
http://i.minus.com/ipquyTxxZlrga.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: This relates to the 'Platform' option during the initial game development. Buying the license for a console will let you develop games for that console and reach more of the market. However, how well the console sells will affect our sales. But if we manage to crank out a blockbuster, we can expect that console's sales to skyrocket along with our own.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Very interesting, yes. I shall ponder this thoroughly. By which I mean I'll have the board of directors vote on it at a later date.

http://i.minus.com/ibkxD9ObDU4pPa.png
This game seems to have good sound. Excellent!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Here's the product's final stats.

http://i.minus.com/iLGZzyAzd0Vo6.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Ah, yes. Now it comes time for another vote.

http://i.minus.com/icrbA4snFwf6y.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: What do we call this educational ninja game?

---

You heard the man. This time around vote on a name for the game!

If there's no clear frontrunner, then I'll let the RNG decide. Also, make sure to bold your votes!

[RagingKrikkit]

Math Ninja!

See how clever I am? it's like Fruit Ninja, but with maths!

[Flickerdart]

Real Ultimate Power, of course.

[polity4life]

Easy: Ninja Professor.

I like the cut of our manager's jib. Keep up the good work!

[Sanguine]

I second Ninja Professor.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Thirding Ninja Professor.

Also, mental image of chibi ninjas teaching kids stuff is hilarious.

[onionbreath]

This is exciting! I love this game. The commentary so far is hilarious, keep it up! :smallbiggrin:

Seconding Real Ultimate Power
(Game title is also limited to 14 chars as well IIRC, so it could be shortened to Real Ult Power)

(I'm positive this game was released earlier than Oct 2012 though.)

[Grif]

Oh wow. I remember when I played this on my old Nokia. Pretty fun game, all things considered.

[D.KnightSpider]

This update includes dated pop culture references.


(I'm positive this game was released earlier than Oct 2012 though.)

It's time for an EP-Ep-Ep-EPIC FAIL! (on my part). The game was actually released on Oct. 9th 2010. That's a pretty big ka-whoops on my part. And in the first sentence, too. :frown:

---

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: And the winner is!

http://i.minus.com/ibvfOOonadzPFE.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Sir, I thought that the idea was to hide the fact that it was an education title.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Mary, Mary, stop being so contrary.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: My name isn't Mary--

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: It's a game about ninjas! All we have to do is stir up some controversy among the adults and the kids will come flocking to our game like salmon to charcoal grills! With a title like that, people will think that it's a glorified killing tutorial or something. How could this possibly fail?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: You leave me at a loss for words, sir.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Dratted straight, I do.

http://i.minus.com/igxcQOiXHrpxz.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Once your game has been made and put to market, video game critics will review and rate your project. The more favorable their reviews, the better you can expect your sales to be. Poor reviews will hurt our sales. Since this was our first time out of the box, our game's stats weren't very impressive. Mediocre reviews were to be expected.

http://i.minus.com/iSrarxf9HaJmq.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Bah. I've got your money so shut up. You critics are only interested in being snarky and getting money. You wouldn't know true genius if it beat you at Pong!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Er...

http://i.minus.com/imq3ToihnOyuy.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Hmm. You know what we need?

http://i.minus.com/iFq7VUJzdesff.png
http://i.minus.com/i00JOA86hmJPw.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Marketing. Marketing can fix anything. We'll go directly over the critics' heads and place our product directly in the lap of our target audience. Maybe we'll grease a few palms to cause some of that controversy I talked about.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I hardly think that you'll get teachers worked up about math, sir.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: That's nothing a little pixilated blood can't fix.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: But, sir, the game's already been shipped.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Then that's nothing a little real blood can't fix. Mary, let me see your arm.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Oh, er, uh, look at that!

http://i.minus.com/i4J9XfFAoifg0.png
http://i.minus.com/ifAceJU49NtEB.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Now we've done some advertising, people are aware that Metal Top Gear exists. We've gathered some interest in our work.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Bwahahaha! Who was right, am I right? They love Ninja Professor!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: But, sir, those numbers were just from advertising. Ninja Professor isn't even on the shelves yet...

http://i.minus.com/iKodCLMIMb1Ot.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Oh, wait. Now it is. Since we have a game on the shelves, our fan base has increased.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: And it will increase more. I so decree it.

http://i.minus.com/ivnqRyEoIKtEG.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: While we're waiting for the sales numbers to come in, let's build up our capital and kill some time with some contract work.

http://i.minus.com/ibqGet5S51qvy2.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Haven't we done this one before?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: This one's for the localization.

http://i.minus.com/iiP0bttLJmUyj.png
http://i.minus.com/ibuzEkkVDE8GF8.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Bah. Oh, well. Rome wasn't burned in a day.

http://i.minus.com/iyAR7OnymKvX.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: If you'll notice, there are several different layouts that you can choose for the information bar. This one tells us our yearly sales, profits and progress towards completing the project.

http://i.minus.com/i8Wx3WBFl5Nvh.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: This one informs us of the game we currently have on the market, our sales, and the number of units sold across time.

http://i.minus.com/ibc3GOKheKZlfu.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Excellent, excellent. But that's some lovely research data up top, there. Let's go ahead and level up one of our two star employees, shall we?

http://i.minus.com/iIpwoeFpsuKeC.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Sir, do you think it's wise to ignore Newb and S. Presso like this? They could benefit from some research data as well.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Pfft. Those hangers-on? Please. The only reason I hired them in the first place, aside from being desperate, is because they were old college buddies who needed jobs. We need to think of the big picture, Mary. Once we get a bit more capital, I aim to fire those two, in the non-literal sense, and replace them with actual talent.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: How... strategic of you, sir.

http://i.minus.com/i59Rj7kbJ1po7.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Leveling Dee up allowed her to unlock the Life genre. Now we'll have more options to choose from when making games.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Mary, another round of contracts, if you please?

http://i.minus.com/ibmMrqY8FaR7oe.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Hahahahaho! Bwah, that's rich! If I come up with a game scenario, you can be darn sure I'm not going to sell it to some low level peon.

http://i.minus.com/iOHFxQDMLTps3.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: That's much better.

http://i.minus.com/ibwoXD7DKsfjM.png
http://i.minus.com/iuv6nd4ANYR36.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Me see! Me see!

http://i.minus.com/iGEn0LOwLBXQk.png
success. In many cases, a hit game prompts many people to purchase a system. Indeed, a single hit game can greatly change a console's fortunes.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Hmm... I'm pondering something ponderous.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Shall I fetch some information on the current console options, sir?

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: You read my mind, Mary. Some fluffy bunny slippers would also be appreciated.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: What- but- I-? *sigh* I won't even ask. But first, we finished that contract.

http://i.minus.com/im6LNogLpXTmo.png
http://i.minus.com/iQQF1HkGqafuk.png
http://i.minus.com/iZe7OcD0UbGuI.png
http://i.minus.com/ikEbBcjLdIjWX.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Holy, guacamole! Just look at those licensing fees! They're outrageous!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: When you consider the market share of the console, it does become a worthwhile investment, sir.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Maybe so, maybe not. But this I do know, I'm not spending that kind of money just yet. Let's go for another video game instead.

http://i.minus.com/ic8ic1axnTbJp.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Here are our available genres and types.

http://i.minus.com/ibnyPSK6BiXpC1.png
http://i.minus.com/iqn1chde1BSD7.png
http://i.minus.com/ibpf0FG1b4XhlL.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: As you can see, now that we've gotten our feet wet, we have several new options available to us.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: And that means that it's voting time!

---

Vote for:
` a Genre
` a Type

` No console votes this time. I want to grind some cash and for one other thing to happen first.

Be sure to bold your votes!

EDIT: No update tomorrow, so you have all weekend to collaborate and plot on our next project.

[The Glyphstone]

Pirate Adventure.

[Deme]

Pirate Adventure

Sounds good to me.

[tyckspoon]

Metal Top Gear will make its name as the leading developer of all things Ninja. LIFE NINJA game. (Also I'm not even sure what genre 'Life' is supposed to be. Am I suggesting, like, Sims Ninja here? Because I'm totally down for that.)

[Flickerdart]

I support Ninja Life. Though we should probably target more B-rank rather than C-rank choices.

[Deme]

Yeah, changing my vote if it means we're make Sims Ninja.

I want a life-simulation game where you raise ninjas.

[D.KnightSpider]

Sneak post, go!

Let me clarify real quick: the 'Life' option is not equivalent to a simulation. The options that 'Life's best compatible with don't really make sense if you think of it as a simulation. Plus we get a full fledged 'Simulation' option later on.

'Life' is a bit of an odd one, I'll admit, because it's not really intuitively clear just what it is. As best I can determine and explain, 'Life' is less simulation and more... down to earth mundane realisticness. It's closer to that subset of the simulation genre that gives you games like Princess Maker, Newgrounds dating sims or Dogz/Catz.

With that info, feel free to redo your votes if you want. It's an odd duck of an option, I know.

[tyckspoon]

Hmm.. no, no, that still sounds like a game that should be made. :smalltongue: (Mechanics question: Is it possible to get good enough at particular types/genres to force a best-seller out of unfitting combinations, or do you have to yield and make so-called 'good' game styles in order to really break into good sales?)

[Deme]

If that's the case, then I'll wait until we can do a proper Ninja-Raising Sim, and stick with Pirate Adventure.

[Sanguine]

Let's do a Pirate Adventure.

[tyckspoon]

Bah. You sellouts wanting to make games people might actually like. :smalltongue:

[The Glyphstone]

We need to control the Pirate and Ninja genres to the exclusion of all others.

[Sanguine]

We need to control the Pirate and Ninja genres to the exclusion of all others.

My thinking exactly.

[RagingKrikkit]

That's what we'll be! We'll be the company that takes the pirate/ninja debate and puts it to games!

EDIT: Dang, double ninja-d!

Pirate/Adventure

[Loki_42]

Well, this seems fantastic.

And come on people. Life/Ninja. Like, seriously.

[Flickerdart]

Sneak post, go!

Let me clarify real quick: the 'Life' option is not equivalent to a simulation. The options that 'Life's best compatible with don't really make sense if you think of it as a simulation. Plus we get a full fledged 'Simulation' option later on.

'Life' is a bit of an odd one, I'll admit, because it's not really intuitively clear just what it is. As best I can determine and explain, 'Life' is less simulation and more... down to earth mundane realisticness. It's closer to that subset of the simulation genre that gives you games like Princess Maker, Newgrounds dating sims or Dogz/Catz.

With that info, feel free to redo your votes if you want. It's an odd duck of an option, I know.
Ninja Dating Sim?

Yes.

YES.

[onionbreath]

hmmm, it looks like a bad time to pitch my Reversi Trivia game. I'll put it back on the shelf and throw my vote for...
Life / Ninja

Go Ninja Go Ninja Go!

[Thanatos 51-50]

Budget + Educational Pirate!

Because we've done the Educational ninja game already!
We need to educate children regarding the lash and rum! Also, Grand Theft Boat.

[D.KnightSpider]

I just finished screencapping the footage for the next update... And whew dogs, was this project ever a thing. I'll get it transcribed and uploaded early tomorrow. I'm about out of time for the day.

In the meantime, have a mechanics update.


(Mechanics question: Is it possible to get good enough at particular types/genres to force a best-seller out of unfitting combinations, or do you have to yield and make so-called 'good' game styles in order to really break into good sales?)

The answer to that is: 'Kinda'. Type/Genre combinations do not level. The penalties and bonuses from incompatible/compatible are pretty much set in stone. No matter how many times you make a Educational Ninja game, you'll never get any better or worse at that particular combination. The bonuses/penalties will never increase or decrease-- to an extent. Your Type/Genre choices do impact some hidden stats and things behind the scenes, but those aren't directly relevant to this discussion.

An incompatible type/genre will cause your staff to be less enthusiastic about the project and turn in shoddy work. When the game pauses for you to select someone to do the game proposal, character design or music composition, whichever character you select will give you minimal bonuses. In the early game, those bonuses are a decent source of your project's final stats. During development time proper, your employees will also be a lot slower about raising the project's stats or contributing to it.

A compatible type/genre does the opposite. Staff will have more inspiration and eagerness to work on the project and turn in better work.

It's important to realize however, that those penalties and bonuses primarily affect your staff. If you power level your staff, then you can get your staff's stats high enough to overcome those penalties and still churn out a blockbuster. You won't reap as much as a game with a good combination, but you won't be barred from doing that either.

Game Dev Story is pretty forgiving. It's not going to slap you with a game over just for making a few bad combination choice. I could definitely see a 'bad combination run' as a doable challenge run.


EDIT: Also, Grand Theft Boat is an awesome idea.

[D.KnightSpider]

Under the wire update go!

---

The saga continues!

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Elayne gather the staff. Due to democracy, RNG chicanery and general smarts, I have decided what our next project will be.

http://i.minus.com/iKgokxj6eIzgX.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Elayne! *snaps fingers* Pay attention!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Oh, wait? Me? Um. An adventure pirate game? That sounds... mildly intriguing. If a bit spotty.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: It does, doesn't it? Don't you just love democracy in action?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I'm not quite sure that's what that phrase means but... alright. I'll gather the staff.

http://i.minus.com/iiTsGnGRPiWCY.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Must you even ask? What am I paying you for?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I was just making sure...

http://i.minus.com/i1LZReU8UhewJ.png
http://i.minus.com/ijLh92PQRdj2T.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Boomeranging banana bread on a biscuit! Only four fun? Two creativity? Is that honestly the best that Presso can do?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Well, you have been neglecting to give her research data. She's only level one and her stats weren't that impressive to begin with.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: It's a pirate adventure game! What sort of data does she need? Digitized pictures of Johnny Depp?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Well, that would be a start...

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Did you say something, m'dear?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Nothing! Nothing!

http://i.minus.com/iboKb1Vnddtm1m.png

http://i.minus.com/iV898eGLAjG9f.png
http://i.minus.com/i8JgQ81ba0hpw.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Who are you and why are you standing in front of my desk?

http://i.minus.com/iKfvaXDZbTEmO.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Sometimes, your staff will come to you and ask for permission to try new things or to increase one of the game's stats. If their attempt succeeds, you could greatly increase your games' stats. If you fail, then you could turn your project into an extremely buggy mess.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Let me see... you turn in an extremely shoddy game proposal and then expect me to give you free reign? I'll need to see the numbers.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I just so happen to have some here.

http://i.minus.com/ibtP2TkuzYGyFg.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Fifty dollars, twenty research data and less than a one in four chance of success? Foul developer, I say thee nay!

http://i.minus.com/iPwMKOWyjMMaY.png
http://i.minus.com/ibrJxinqNrwfDZ.png

http://i.minus.com/ibkMnVaHLTccPh.png
However, this year the government is going to pay to encourage development of the game industry. You'll have to pay starting next year, so make sure you have enough cash available.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: What on earth? The government wants more video games? That little controversy I started must have gathered some real attention.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: ... I'm sorry, but I don't see how a controversy over your ninja game could possibly cause the government to pay our way.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: It was a ninja game, right? The government always needs new assassins on their payroll. They must have considered our game a training simulator or something. Heaven knows that math is dull enough to kill someone with.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Somehow, a stimulus seems more likely.

http://i.minus.com/ilj0Ha2PDVEA4.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Gilly, what are you doing?! You're on a hot streak putting BUGS into our game! If you value your paycheck, you'll stop right now!

(Yes, employees can catch on fire and start putting in bugs. This one was pretty unusual, though, in that Gilly Bates didn't actually put a single bug into the system. He caught on fire, yeah, but didn't actually add anything to project. I've never really seen that happen before.)

http://i.minus.com/iBuH0DymiwzrR.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Hmm... Let's see how Dee's stats compare to that of our best contractor.

http://i.minus.com/ibt4F0CXbQQRgJ.png
http://i.minus.com/iZXUurClc67nz.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Bwah. That's such a no brainer. Give Dee the contract and tell her to whip up something good.

http://i.minus.com/i9idSS5KsrG8I.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: That is hardly a proper attitude, young missy. You will design my game characters and you will like them! Otherwise I'll send you to your room without supper!

http://i.minus.com/iboepzyLmWEgVC.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Only ten!? What the--? Dee, dear, your stats are higher than that. Why? Why did she do so poorly?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: It could be because of a couple of things. The game's combination could be poor, but more likely, I think she's just overworked. When you constantly and repeatedly assign the same person to the same job, you'll wear out their creativity and energy. Alternating who you assign projects to will do more for your projects than simply falling back on the same people time after time.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Oh, right, of course. Next time, Elayne listen to me when I tell you to get some fresh talent.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: *sigh*

http://i.minus.com/ibojmki2ujeYgL.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Dee! Now you're on fire with bugs! Cease and desist immediately or I'll give you a face-full of Raid! I mean it!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Sir, maybe we should start getting concerned? The game is sixty percent complete and it only has fifteen fun. Creativity and graphics are sub-par.. It might be time to cancel the project and cut our losses.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Never! Metal Top Gear will capitalize on the Ninja/Pirate debate! If there's one thing we do well, it is abuse the power of internet memes! The game shall continue. Besides, I have a plan most cunning. It starts with the power of traveling salesmen!

http://i.minus.com/i76lcsTWAKKDx.png
salesman from Items and Things. We sell items to help you out. Boost items require research data to be used but can be used at any time.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Your offer intrigues me and I wish to learn more.

http://i.minus.com/ibfxfDlqcoBqj2.png
http://minus.com/leMug6Dh4d04M

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Fun boost, graphics boost, creativity boost, sound boost, bug spray to remove bugs... All of these items will boost different stats at the cost of research data. Wait, what's that?

http://i.minus.com/ijhP2OFQiqywT.png
http://i.minus.com/ibpl9nMOnwOkdF.png
http://i.minus.com/ibapmqmPM7UvBQ.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Aha! We'll take a fun boost and a dead bull, please.

http://i.minus.com/ibkkyI0YhwIODP.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Now then, let's save this project!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I feel the need to point out that--

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Hush, Elayne! Salvation is at hand!

http://i.minus.com/iD6WQYGlwXvpz.png
http://i.minus.com/iblOh4Ovcuq608.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: NOOOOOOOOO!!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I tried to tell you. The fun boost requires at least 30 research data.

http://i.minus.com/iwEwJChG8tW16.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Research data! Someone fetch me my research data!

http://i.minus.com/ikxVOlf1bUAgb.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: We still don't have a sound designer, so we'll have to contract the job out.

http://i.minus.com/iMx0ImDJurqw3.png
http://i.minus.com/i8bnbdkXJk8dE.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: ... *headdesk* There's just no justice in the world.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I told you she was overworked.

http://i.minus.com/i6XzsPZ8E3ORf.png
http://i.minus.com/ibh59wMJegJIKl.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I admire your dedication, but I wouldn't bother him right now. He's... in a bit of a mood.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Research data! Research data! Move you peons! Get me my valuable research files!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: See what I mean?

http://i.minus.com/iZuyTw99Vr6IC.png

http://i.minus.com/ibthrxzUFNobwT.png
http://i.minus.com/ibnYGRd55eJI2i.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Now! Now! NOW! Blow all tanks! Fun boost is go!

http://i.minus.com/iiRnXVIjvVZp4.png
http://i.minus.com/isYfs8t4o0CZV.png
http://i.minus.com/ivp7xIzkhLQE1.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Help me, Gilly Bates! You're my only hope!

http://i.minus.com/ibcDtqDKETHTtL.png
http://i.minus.com/i360ccDaQ6UEc.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: YES! HAHAHA! Eat it! Eat it, I say! I am a genius!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I should have listened to my mother and become a seamstress.

http://i.minus.com/ibuIvOyuRHj9Gy.png
game in a while.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: This can happen if you spend too long on contract work between games. Unless you constantly put games on the market, people will forget about you and your fan base will shrink.

http://i.minus.com/ijDpjsZxkvSbx.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Bah. No matter, they'll come crawling back once this pirate game hits the stands. They will pay for abandoning us! We'll input special stylized flashing screens to cause them seizures! YES! Brilliance!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Uh, I'll just be in the back... I really don't want to hear this.

http://i.minus.com/ibqh2Xu6ARouhG.png
http://i.minus.com/iZpAe7RL11BKL.png
http://i.minus.com/iv7Z2dmu5MHbF.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Excellent. Excellent. Hah. I knew that fun boost would be helpful. Now then, let's wrap this up and ship!

http://i.minus.com/iPoHK1PeOZggE.png

---

Vote for:
` A name for this Pirate Adventure Game.
` In the next update we're going to let Newb and Presso go. This will leave us with a Programmer and a Designer and open up space for us to hire two other individuals. Some of our presently available classes are: Coders, Writers, Designers, Composer/Sound Engineer. Vote which two classes we should hire.
` Also, the well of names is pretty dry right now. Suggest a name for our secretary.

Be sure to bold your votes!

[NotAEvilToaster]

Our game should be Doki Doki Pirate Blast! The Adventures of Solid Sally against the great Pantsbeard! Or DDPBTAOSSATGPB. Our secretary should be SUPER JANE.

[Sanguine]

The title should be: Sinbad: Adventure on the High Seas

And the secretary's name should be: Robin

Edit: Sound Engineer and Writer

[The Glyphstone]

Grand Theft Boat. Why let a good concept go to waste?

Secretary's name: Melissa (more M-names!)

New Employees: Sound Engineer, Writer.

[Flickerdart]

We need a new Sound Engineer and a better Writer for sure.

As for the name, I vote for Booty Quest.

[huttj509]

Game Name for a pirate adventure game? Chimpanzee Island.

Secretary name? Hmmm, Lupine Squiggle?

Second on sound and writing.

[Thanatos 51-50]

C'mon, guys! Grand Theft Boat! I'm not at all biased due to the fact that I said it first!

That being said, the Secretary's name shall be...
Christina

Moar Sound Engineers and Writers, of course.
...
Is it possible to get a bigger office?

[D.KnightSpider]

Oh yeah, definitely. Once we manage to get enough capital in the bank, the game will automatically upgrade our office, give us more space, and allow us to hire more employees. We're not always going to be stuck with four employees max.

[polity4life]

Oh man. I'm finally back from...wherever I was.

So I see we have a Pirate Adventure game that needs some naming and we're vetting new hire possibilities?

Okay...working my mojo...

The name will be...Booty Quest. Pirates seek booty and it's an adventure, synonym for quest, to get it, amirite?

As for staff, get a writer now! We can afford to keep contracting sound. Unless the best sound guy we can afford wants to come here at a substantial discount join the team then we should prioritize better writing. A good proposal means the staff will be more excited, the game will be more fun, and there will be boat loads of creativity on the table before the coders hit the keys.

[Thanatos 51-50]

Just a quick suggestion to D.KnightSpider:

Could you enclose the updates in spoiler boxes, please? The pictures loading makes my screen get all jumpy when I'm scrolling down.

[Flickerdart]

Oh man. I'm finally back from...wherever I was.

So I see we have a Pirate Adventure game that needs some naming and we're vetting new hire possibilities?

Okay...working my mojo...

The name will be...Booty Quest. Pirates seek booty and it's an adventure, synonym for quest, to get it, amirite?

As for staff, get a writer now! We can afford to keep contracting sound. Unless the best sound guy we can afford wants to come here at a substantial discount join the team then we should prioritize better writing. A good proposal means the staff will be more excited, the game will be more fun, and there will be boat loads of creativity on the table before the coders hit the keys.
Ok, that one is way better than the one I was thinking of so I'm gonna vote for Booty Quest too.

[D.KnightSpider]

Should 'Booty Quest' win, I'm unofficially naming our protagonist: "Shantae". Seas below knows that it fits like a glove.


Just a quick suggestion to D.KnightSpider:

Could you enclose the updates in spoiler boxes, please? The pictures loading makes my screen get all jumpy when I'm scrolling down.

Done and done. It occurred to me a few times that I should spoilerize these updates, but never when I was actively working on an update. Sorry about that.

Also, I found out tonight that my job's putting me on the road until Friday-ish, which means I'll be away from my desktop setup and LP utilities. In an effort to provide some content during this interval, I'm going to borrow a borrowed idea from Deme and open up this up to questions for the characters.

Got a curious question or burning desire for some staff or personage in the game? Fire away. I'll coerce them into providing an answer.

Also, voting will stay open until such a time as I gain proper LP access once again.

[onionbreath]

I vote for Grand Theft Boat.
Secretary's name is Homeslice
Hire a Writer and a Designer

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Grand Theft Boat

Hire a writer and a designer. Then get back to ninja business.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Seven: Unemployment Strikes Back


http://i.minus.com/izGCehPOy5yDQ.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Avast the mainstay and hoist the rudder! We've got aquatic felonies to be committin'!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Grand Theft Boat? It does have a nice ring to it, I suppose. I'm a bit worried about the game's genre/combination type, however. It seems an unlikely mix.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Halt ye downsayin' words, lassie Robin, or I be makin' ye walk the plank!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Sir, National Talk Like a Pirate Day (I can't believe that even exists) isn't until September.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: I be in a mood to hand out pink slips. What's ye point?

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I... find myself without one.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Good lass. How be me reviews sayin'?

http://i.minus.com/iiktXrDtj5U4e.png
http://i.minus.com/iwCqldsgmCPuy.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Rather mediocre, actually. it's certainly an improvement, however.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Arr. I have ye money, so ye can just shut up. Get me some advertisin' rollin' to increase me gamey sales.

http://i.minus.com/ibBMCVFubBLtp.png
http://i.minus.com/ibkv23Bahs1979.png
http://i.minus.com/ihiOVm7bFNuzn.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Now comes the time ye be dreadin' and I be enjoyin'. Fetch me my pink slips, wench hunter Robin or I be keelhaulin' ye!

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: By chance, do you take any medication that I should be aware of?

http://i.minus.com/ixm3MobT2Omhu.png
http://i.minus.com/ibdowafXpbcpy0.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: I be havin' none o' ye backtalk! Out! Out, I say!

http://i.minus.com/ibzfCl3ijcJs8l.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Aww... I will, Newb. I'll tell them for you. And don't worry about a thing, you can always use me as a reference.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Get yer slimy tail offin' me boat!

http://i.minus.com/iLOt7QNDBBI83.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Y-No. Off the boat with ye.

http://i.minus.com/i4sfCpIM0OkN8.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: *sigh* I'll put out the word that we're hiring. It'll be a few days before we get some applicants, but I'm sure we'll get something.

http://i.minus.com/iwTci5lQoDgv3.png
http://i.minus.com/ixsuhJKyPZgKI.png
http://i.minus.com/ie6209hBNlgaz.png
http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: It's sales rankings was... #28!
http://i.minus.com/iJ9OEKHsPGJYg.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Har, har, har! Progress be progress, little lass. We made it onto th' charts this time. Today the charts; tomorrow, we pillage the world!

http://i.minus.com/iwsrpMLuY252Q.png
http://i.minus.com/i8YEwNUpoJffA.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: No. Get outta me sight before I take ye good eye and makes ye wear an eyepatch.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Where's a compliance officer when you need one?

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Quit ye bellyachin', Robin. There are worse fates for a winsome young lass such as yeself. Ye could fetch a prime price at market.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: So help me, I have pepper spray and I know how to use it.

http://i.minus.com/iAhDLeEgiASrB.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: The results of our magazine ad are in.

http://i.minus.com/ibzQ55hQ1xXCGC.png
http://i.minus.com/ibfOHt9t4IcMEq.png
http://i.minus.com/iKgZp719zONVW.png
http://i.minus.com/iWiMIO0dJxLU9.png
http://i.minus.com/ijFFja6GoACsE.png
http://i.minus.com/iq4mgKowLdeum.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: What be this? I be firin' Newb and Presso and they be beggin' to come back to me crew? No. I refuse to rehire them worthless carcases. Hmm... There be a fine writer, but no real sound engineer.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Sir, if I could point out Porkins' work history.

http://i.minus.com/iiSJ5KaPjffcy.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Ahar! A fine eye ye have, lassie Robin. We'll hire Biggs Porkins and change his job next time that salesboy wanders by. Bring John Gameson on as well with me blessin'.

http://i.minus.com/iYAHxm4gar3EY.png
http://i.minus.com/i8I41gX8wb6vO.png
http://i.minus.com/iPm5lMTUyfiXE.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: As you can see, by hiring Biggs and John, we now have the knowledge needed to open up the Racing genre. Bringing in different people can have a profound impact on our industry knowledge.

http://i.minus.com/ibjJA4IFZan760.png
increased slightly overall!
http://i.minus.com/iRojplABSt3fW.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Pirates, me lass! Pirates be extremely hot right now! Couple them popular pirates and me startling genius and the sky be the limit. We be sailin' for the stars, Robin. Fame and glory await!

http://i.minus.com/iVhul05nKQIsO.png
http://i.minus.com/isCKyAX28is8c.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: I be feelin' the need to bring our new crewman up to speed. Fetch me my research data and prepare for some rigorous sea trainin', ye scurvy dogs!

http://i.minus.com/ijtHDQ7NqdwON.png
http://i.minus.com/ib2d0irIz2bA2s.png
http://i.minus.com/iSlflTZP1tOXw.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Now, get ye noses back to the grindstone and work up some new research data to make up fer that which I wasted on the likes of ye.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: I hardly think that it was wasted. It's an investment. The higher their stats, the better the work that they can do.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: I prefer to have me research data on hand to maximize me chance of success, I do.

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: That doesn't even make sense! The game doesn't work that way.

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Less worryin' about the scope of me genius and more scroungin' up contract work, wench Robin.

http://i.minus.com/iiTSnZmILztzJ.png
http://i.minus.com/ixphNNwX176mg.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Excellent. Excellent. Now, I be thinkin' that it be time for some trainin'. Get the new boys out and stuff 'em full of knowledge.

http://i.minus.com/iujAcR7CYMAt3.png
http://i.minus.com/iTM4e70SA3sdo.png
http://i.minus.com/iC3XVmC3TUupf.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: As you can see, training employees will allow you to make a cash investment in order to increase their stats. Different training options will increase different stats by different amounts. Naturally, you'll want to focus on those stats that are primarily affected by their class contributions.

http://i.minus.com/iC8cYSfKnuMfu.png
http://i.minus.com/iXJI8zNA6cLEl.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Training employees is also the most useful way to unlock new genres and types. As the employees' stats increase, so will their knowledge about game production. When the stats reach a certain point, the genre or type will automatically be unlocked.

http://i.minus.com/ibcBdsHIpYbjmG.png
http://i.minus.com/ibfn91DZpu4gfc.png
http://i.minus.com/ib2pGp9gmrAChf.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: See how much was unlocked with just a little bit of training? Never underestimate the importance of training.

http://i.minus.com/ibbzC3oWBVA3dt.png
http://i.minus.com/iboTiIgl5rykG0.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Gar. I be a pirate and a pirate be bold at the gamblin' table. Alright, little lassie. Ye can have yer fun.

http://i.minus.com/ifpKqlStllLuO.png
http://min.us/lQEANl4TAAymK
http://i.minus.com/i7mD4kX0ydUxN.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Failure be unacceptable, little miss! Prepare to receive forty lashes at the mast!
http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Whoa, sir! This was a contract job, so there aren't any real penalties for failure. Had we been working on a game, then the project would have become riddled with bugs. But since this is a contract, all we lose is the research data and fifty dollars in the investment. Besides, think of what that would do to morale.
http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Fifty dollars be fifty dollars, and research data be invaluable, but ye words do sway me. Alright, bonny Dee, ye be gettin' some respite fer now. But I be watchin' ye, see?

http://i.minus.com/ibryHwIDBEo3yT.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Now, let's finish bringin' our two newbies up to speed. I be gettin' the itch to be game makin' again. Plus, this accent be gettin' really irritatin'.
http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: Thank the stars, it kept slipping something fierce.

http://i.minus.com/ipgtjV9seXL90.png
http://i.minus.com/iX2Cd3IprJjnn.png

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Alrighty. Let's be seein' our present genre and type options, eh?

http://i.minus.com/ibcwokMkUiIqIA.png
http://i.minus.com/iGuc2y9g8sgqn.png
http://i.minus.com/i96vK9DBEBDFE.png
http://i.minus.com/iRqdFDj2hmk7B.png

http://i.minus.com/i5Jib8uLAFxOH.png: And now we turn the decision over to the board of directors. What sort of game should we make?

http://i.minus.com/ibgUCSS7wwHsx7.png: Choose wisely er I be gutting ye gizzards with me stapler removers. ARRRR!

---

This time around vote for:
` A Genre for our next game.
` A Type for our next game.

Be sure to bold your vote or it doesn't count!

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Ninja Racing game. GO GO GO!

[Deme]

Romance Life
Just to try something that feels like an intuitive combo for once...That said...
Why is Pirate Adventure a bad combo? Pirates do nothing but adventure!
I am going to see how bad this combo system is!

[Thanatos 51-50]

Ninja adventure

I, too, am flabberghasted as to how Pirate Adventure (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_Island_(series)) could EVER be a bad combination.

[huttj509]

Mystery Adventure

Recreate the Dreamcatcher Sherlock Holmes games! Mwahahaha!

Actually, is there a conceptual difference between "Mystery" and "Detective"?

[The Glyphstone]

I think the real devs just threw darts at a wall. I found a chart online, and though I won't link to it for now - it'd spoil the fun, some of them make no sense. For instance, a Ninja Shooter is a better combination than a Pirate Shooter.


But let's try a Mystery Adventure this time.

[RagingKrikkit]

Fantasy Adventure would be my suggestion, but since nobody would get behind me on this, Ninja Adventure.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

Romance Racing. Because. Scratch that I'm being silly. Ninja Romance!




And yeah, I seriously can't believe Pirate Adventure is a bad combo either.

[Aragehaor]

Guys, guys, guys, guys.



Ninja. Romance. We can finally have that ninja dating sim we always longed for! :smalltongue:




(Also, this let's play is fantastic.)

[The Glyphstone]

Ninja Romance isn't a valid combination. They're both Types, and we need one Type and one Genre.

[Sanguine]

Ninja Adventure!

[Aragehaor]

Ninja Romance isn't a valid combination. They're both Types, and we need one Type and one Genre.

Bah, really? Apparently i don't pay enough attention(though romance not actually being a genre is interesting.)

In that case then i suppose Mystery Adventure could be neat.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

Ninja Romance isn't a valid combination. They're both Types, and we need one Type and one Genre.

All the sadface :smallfrown:

Guess I'll join the Mystery Adventure bandwagon.

[Deme]

Ninja Romance isn't a valid combination. They're both Types, and we need one Type and one Genre.

This is the source of my eternal sorrow. This right here. Why can't we make games where ninjas find love, too?

[onionbreath]

I vote for a Marathon Adventure.

It would be a 26.2 mile Parkour / Freerunning course.

(Does Super Mario Bros. count as a Marathon Adventure? He probably runs about 26 miles over the course of the game...) :smallsmile:

[The Glyphstone]

This is the source of my eternal sorrow. This right here. Why can't we make games where ninjas find love, too?

A ninja who knows love is no ninja. A true ninja feels love only for Flipping Out and Killing People, nothing and no one else.

[Thanatos 51-50]

I think this game considers "Adventure" to be of the point-and-click variety..

[Vauron]

Romance Life

[CarpeGuitarrem]

I think this game considers "Adventure" to be of the point-and-click variety..
So why not Pirate Adventure (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monkey_Island_(series))?

[D.KnightSpider]

Its not that Pirate/Adventure is a bad combo so much as it is that that particular combo is entirely neutral. It doesn't provide any bonuses or penalties.

Also, to play devil's advocate a bit, keep in mind that this game did originate in Japan, so the combinations do tend to reflect Japanese tastes. I don't know how much influence Monkey Island had over there, or if they even know it exists.

That doesn't make that particular combo result any less awkward, though

[huttj509]

I think this game considers "Adventure" to be of the point-and-click variety..

Hence my suggestion "pirate adventure" be riffed off Monkey Island for the name.

Edit: Somehow I missed 2 replies half an hour before mine...

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Ninja Romance isn't a valid combination. They're both Types, and we need one Type and one Genre.
Yup. I wanted this too.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Eight: Neither Server Errors, Browser Crashes, nor Upload Difficulties Shall Keep this LP from it's Duly Appointed Rounds.

A.K.A.: The Update in Which Nothing Happens.


http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Very good, very good. As soon as we clear up this little contract matter, I deduce that we shall begin work on a mystery adventure game.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Yes. That is what the board of directors voted on.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: T'was elementary, my dear Melissa. Even a child could have seen that solution.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That wasn't- there isn't- there was no big mystery. The board of directors took a vote and we're going to act on it.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Of course. They took a vote to solve the problem, and that problem had an elementary solution.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I give up. And my name isn't Melissa.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Didn't think it was. Now then, let's clean up this little contract business, yes?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That reminds me...

http://i.minus.com/iNHQ1rfsjKuhx.png
http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: You will have to pay your staff's salaries at the end of March. You should make sure that you have enough money available.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Sweet mountains of banana bread, you mean that these people actually expect to be paid?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That is why they're working here. And, besides, how can this possibly surprise you? The government paid their salaries last year.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: It worked itself out last year, I expected it to work itself out this year. In fact, let's just expect that to happen. So, Melissa, how's that contract coming along?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Sir, I really must object to this line of--

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: It's funny, I wonder how long it would take you to detect a new job.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: -- The contract's almost finished, actually.

http://i.minus.com/ibd2OeJvFzp50b.png
http://i.minus.com/iyUVmpRDioYhn.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Excellent. Now, let's quickly do some leveling up...

http://i.minus.com/imGaUCfEdL78h.png
http://i.minus.com/ibvmM0uEULQSLm.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Sir, about those staff salaries?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Fine, fine, fine. We'll do a bit more side work in order to increase our bottom line. Will that pacify you? May I get back to being a genius now?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I suppose.

http://i.minus.com/ibnvwVDaSXs4aS.png
http://i.minus.com/iYsrEhNdlIYeu.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Wait, what? Intendro? What in the name of Poirot's mustaches is an Intendro?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: A new console developer, I'd imagine. Why don't we go to the press conference and find out?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Wait, I have a brilliant idea! Intendro must be a new console developer. Let's go take a look at their handiwork, shall we?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: *sigh*

http://i.minus.com/iUddErCfdKAmy.png
http://i.minus.com/iMDOv9Bh2ZWNF.png
http://i.minus.com/iFhvgMjgGX6yu.png
http://i.minus.com/itcCRqserfSM9.png
http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: too!

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Hmm... In-tire-resting, in-tire-resting. Come, Melissa, the game is afoot! The time to strike is now, and that means that a decision must be made!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Sir, before you go all Sherlock on this problem, perhaps you should take a look at this?

http://i.minus.com/ib9XsiYTfAExm.png
http://i.minus.com/iezAFUfizK3t6.png
http://i.minus.com/ibeWQ9WSoZL0my.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Yes, yes, that is very good information. But, now, the time has come for--!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Bookkeeping corrections!

http://i.minus.com/iDoi7vTnOxeY3.png
http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Staff's salaries!

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Alright, already! Give them their paychecks. Buy their loyalty for another year. Whatever. Now! Let us--!

http://i.minus.com/iEeL3sEsLizZe.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: *smoulder* Are there any other interruptions waiting in the wings, Melissa?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Nnnnnope. Doesn't look that way.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Finally, then! It's time to vote on our console, let's see our choices!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Alright, our choices are--

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Hold up, if you're going to showcase our options, shouldn't you put on a fancy dress of some sort?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Wh-wh-what?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That's the way that they do it on Wheel of Fortune and The Price is Right. Scurry off and change, now.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Not on your life.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I could fire you, you know.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: And I could sue you into oblivion.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Fine. Just show us our options.

http://i.minus.com/ibeKN4R7N12KDj.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: There's the PC. It's cheap, reliable, and easy to develop for, but it's market share... isn't really that great. It's pretty much the bottom rung of the ladder.

http://i.minus.com/i9wM21fiKzu0S.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: The Micro SX was the first console released on the market. In order to develop for this console, we'll need to pay a one time licensing fee of $200. It's a pricey investment, but it gives you almost double the market share of the regular PC. Unfortunately, it's an old piece of hardware. There's no telling how much longer it'll be on the market.

http://i.minus.com/ixUEZlCLkuHUB.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: There's The Exodus. It also requires a one time payment to buy a license, but it's licensing fees are higher, but the increase in market share you get isn't that great initially. However, it's been on the market for year or so, which means that a block buster title could sell very well and cause its market share to spike drastically. The console's due to get a second wind any time now.

http://i.minus.com/iJaQaaORfi11.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: And, finally, the newly released IES. It has a lot of market share, but its licensing fees are equally high. Taking out an IES license would pretty much wipe us out, but a few contracts would give us the needed capital to develop a game. It would require a lot of money, but it has the potential for a great payoff with that kind of market share.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That's pretty much the situation in a nutshell.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Alright, board of directors, let's get some voting done!

---

Okay, since this chapter was pretty much me just grinding because I knew that the IES was about to release, this time around, you'll have to vote on two things:
` A name for our adventure mystery game.
` Which console to develop the game for.

An unbolded vote doesn't count!

[Flickerdart]

A 41% market share means lots of cash. Suck up the downpayment on the IES and rock that mystery adventure!

[The Glyphstone]

Herlock Sholmes I - it can be the first in a series, if the first game sells good.

For Licensing, do we have to pay that 800K every time we make a game for the IES, or that a 'make games for the IES" license?

[D.KnightSpider]

All of the licenses are one-time deals; if we buy the IES license, you can make as many games for the IES as you all want. All it will cost Metal Top Gear is the usual development fees, but those are decided by the type/genre combination and what direction (remember the Research, Speed, Quality options?) we take with the development.

[The Glyphstone]

In that case, Herlock Sholmes I for the IES.

If we can't afford to make a game after buying the license, take a quick contract job.

[T.G. Oskar]

I'd modify the title for something like Herlock Polmes, a Belgian detective living in London, alongside spunky sidekick Charles Chungson and loyal maid Ananda Christew.They fight crime.

Rather than play up for the Intendro, do a leap of faith AND do one for the Exodus. The IES can wait, perhaps giving it a port. Then again, being an Adventure game, perhaps the PC can do well. I mean, you *want* to generate money, no?

[huttj509]

Testament Mystery Case of Awakened Jack Lupin Probably too long though...so second choice would be Hercule Holmes. The little grey cells are elementary, my dear Hastings.

IES

[Sanguine]

I say we should make the game for the IES. I have no preference for the name.

[Thanatos 51-50]

Wait! How long did it take between the NES and the SNES, anyway...

Y'know what? Forget it! Jump on the sweet sweet Nintendo Intendo money! I have a feeling they'll be around for a while.

IES, and The Aventures of Pubdomain McHolmes, Master Detective, Volume I

PubDomain Tales

[SlyGuyMcFly]

Hercule Holmes and let's go for the IES

[Aragehaor]

Lets go with the IES seeing as how it'll probably have the longest lifespan out of the three. No preference on name.

[onionbreath]

Even if the boss somehow convinces "Melissa" to start moonlighting on street corners (and somehow also avoids the inevitable harassment lawsuit), it will take a while to scratch up enough cash for the license and development cost. Our fans are going to forget we exist.

I vote for some PC shovelware. The mystery is that I lost my sandwich and I'm trying to find it, so the title will be Where's my Salami?

(If this project is the winner, I think we should use speed type development)

[RagingKrikkit]

IES

Wait, that means we're going to have to censor everything now...

[NotAEvilToaster]

It's a one time fee.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Herlock Polmes, for the IES; a couple good titles should be more than enough to make up for the increased price, right...?

[The Glyphstone]

I'll switch my vote to Herlock Polmes, but the 'Her' has to be literal, a spunky girl detective. Because it allows for the potential of many more borderline harrassment comments towards the secretary.

Her name will be Marlene next, by the way.

[T.G. Oskar]

I'll switch my vote to Herlock Polmes, but the 'Her' has to be literal, a spunky girl detective. Because it allows for the potential of many more borderline harrassment comments towards the secretary.

Her name will be Marlene next, by the way.

I'll raise that up even further: the spunky girl detective feigns being the companion of the legendary Herlock Polmes. Evidently, she is Polmes, but since nobody trusts a spunky girl, she feigns having her actual underling be Polmes. Let's add Remington Steele plots to the mix, no?

[Sanguine]

I'll raise that up even further: the spunky girl detective feigns being the companion of the legendary Herlock Polmes. Evidently, she is Polmes, but since nobody trusts a spunky girl, she feigns having her actual underling be Polmes. Let's add Remington Steele plots to the mix, no?

I support this.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Can we cast Jewel Saite as Polmes? Or Jenna Louise Coleman.

[Sanguine]

Can we cast Jewel Saite as Polmes?

I support this as well.

[The Glyphstone]

For the inevitable tie-in movie, sure.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Nine: Chick with a Hot Tin Star


http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: The time has come! Lupine! Gather the staff!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Who's Lupi-- Oh, wait.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Pay attention, Lupine II! It's time to take out a license! Get the IES agent on the phone, I demand that he give us the necessary code to bypass that rotten lock-out chip!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Wasn't I just regular old 'Lupine' a moment ago?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I have no idea what you're talking about. LICENSE! NOW!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Alright, alright. Just a moment.
http://i.minus.com/iMoANLbYKaXYx.png

Hmm... It looks like you've got enough capital. All right. I'll give you a license.

http://i.minus.com/iOVfTtRsg9Arn.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Young man, I fully intend to develop some games that will promote Metal Top Gear. You've got your own in-house stuff that'll promote your own console. We at Metal Top Gear look after our own!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That's not very--

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Lupine III, do we have their license?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Yes.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Then kindly shut up.

http://i.minus.com/ibkbnRHTRgH9ga.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: We have very little money to work with, though. We'll have to do some work before we can afford to make an IES game.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Oh, I'm not too worried. With our extra supplemental income, we should be able to afford it before too much longer.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Supplemental income?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Yes, the board came up with the idea. You. Streetcorners. Moon--

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: If you finish that sentence, I will mace you. Then take you to the E.R. Then mace you again.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Alright. Alright, fine. Don't get your titles in a knot. We'll take out some contract work.

http://i.minus.com/ibdg9E8VjkvjrU.png
http://i.minus.com/ibyXRbSeRNDoWs.png
http://i.minus.com/iPjPHETOlOtYP.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Wait, what? Dee's already capped out?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Each job can only be leveled five times. After that, you either have to change the employee's job or rely on training to raise their stats.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Pitiful. Why, in my day, the level cap was 99!

http://i.minus.com/ibd40qRY17IYI9.png
game in a while.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Ungrateful little upstarts. Why, in my day, our games suffered all sorts of delays and we liked it! Sometimes we got entirely fake sequels and never knew the difference! Shame on them, I say!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: How old are you, exactly?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That is entirely on a need to know basis. You don't need to know. Just like you might not need your next paycheck if you keep this up.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: *sigh* We're starting to run a little low on capital.
http://i.minus.com/iXJkFnqvhIKdP.png
http://i.minus.com/ifofZMD4P4Vsa.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: We'll be fine. I intend to grind contracts like a gold farmer a lousy Chinese MMORPG.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ... What does that even mean?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Do I look like I have all the answers? By the way, Lupine IV, I appreciate your willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the team. I know that most people would have found that demeaning, but--

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ... What are you talking about?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: This money... it didn't come from the board's suggestion?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Dee? Please gag me with a spork until I pass out. I really want to forget that the last two minutes ever happened.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Er, moving on!

http://i.minus.com/i8TR9EGF9z9fI.png
http://i.minus.com/ibmN8tC6Fx6I9h.png
http://i.minus.com/ibx7Po84uw7rqw.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Career change manual! Now! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!

http://i.minus.com/iK425KyXa5u51.png
http://i.minus.com/ibt4KbTZh2B3Ax.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: And that wraps up the work on our latest contract.

http://i.minus.com/ibtZPj5fhnHeSG.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Grind contracts like your life depends on it! Because it does! But first, we have something to rectify. Oh, Biggs! Prepare to get your Wedge on!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That just-- Ugh! This entire day is nothing but things I'd love to unhear.

http://i.minus.com/ibh46xYEj0PiIg.png
http://i.minus.com/iOwupgzM4s7LG.png
http://i.minus.com/iWClTNupdjwZw.png
http://i.minus.com/iyUj8DXcWcwx9.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Grind!

http://i.minus.com/ieXvnGiyTw9y.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Grind!

http://i.minus.com/ibuaSqHvII5pw0.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Grind! GRIND! GRIND! Oh, wait. Stop grinding. Now, let's make this little puppy. Prepare to be amazed as we make a mystery adventure game that will rival the success of the Nancy Drew series! Only our protagonist will be better!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: How do you possibly beat a classic character like Nancy Drew?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: With FIRE!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ... I'm going to just stop listening now, mmm'k?

http://i.minus.com/iSjt63UeM4vWM.png
http://i.minus.com/iFQlalzu3182o.png
http://i.minus.com/i7yU0xhLYokRd.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: This will do nicely. We want to maximize the fanservice aspects of this game.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Wait, we-- what? Fanservice?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Gameson! Game proposal distraction! STAT!

http://i.minus.com/iq09khG6Cx9wh.png
http://i.minus.com/i8iXq8kTZEd9a.png
http://i.minus.com/ibn8nwmnasBqS8.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Mwahahaha!! Excellent! Excellent! Slave away, my minions! Make me filthy rich!

http://i.minus.com/iVEgmX3TOrRCr.png
http://i.minus.com/idQ1nUj8DnwXb.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That's a good peon! Who wants a cookie?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Where did I put those earplugs?

http://i.minus.com/iQeDRw82spwTY.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Oh, DeeEEEEeeee~ I have a little assignment for you!

http://i.minus.com/ibjJ2lwr9Cf0VW.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Bah. What am I paying you for? Your shining personality? You get me some deliciously fanservicey graphics that the Sci-Fi nerds will love or I'll sack you like yesterday's lunch!

http://i.minus.com/ikVW9KwlZr1ut.png
http://i.minus.com/ilCTzyEIPZFeE.png
http://i.minus.com/i3z9WhxuXAja1.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Didn't they just release the IES? Seriously? They're taking it off the market already?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I don't think so, but there's only one way to find out what they're up to. We'll have to visit the press conference.

http://i.minus.com/iyPztJOwpGYys.png
http://i.minus.com/iicYA8BWPdyS7.png
http://i.minus.com/iR35TUxIEC4cc.png
http://i.minus.com/iPpKrf1ZRjUmI.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Astounding. Simply astounding. A portable game device. Lupine V! Do you realize what this means? We can reprogram the young squirt's minds even easier now!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Reprogram? What are you putting in this game of yours?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Oh, just a little-- heylookatthatDee'sonFIYAH!

http://i.minus.com/i9Wb6KTgxea88.png
http://i.minus.com/ibhglvkCZLNKEm.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Biggs! You're up! Make me proud, man!

http://i.minus.com/iE8z1mH32DxYh.png
http://i.minus.com/iwuozM0JvdgC7.png
http://i.minus.com/iCYsftEin7A19.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Not yet, we won't. I'm not done yet! FUN BOOST IS GREEN LIT! GOOOOOOOO!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ...

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: What? No disbelievingly snippy comment?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ...

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Oh, right. Earplugs.

http://i.minus.com/ipQFovckWJzK7.png
http://i.minus.com/ibijgJvgCuqTle.png
http://i.minus.com/ifqXEbucY8HAK.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Now just to master blasterize those bugs, and, drumroll, please!

http://i.minus.com/iby7MkPpfVxxul.png
http://i.minus.com/i5itcqIQHQ1Y9.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: This game seems to have good fun. Excellent! And a good combination should help boost sales!

http://i.minus.com/iMpXqsNa9Boi2.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Alright, Lupine VI, and you other guys, let's rock! What do the critics have to say about this wonderful masterpiece?

http://i.minus.com/iDGhgTeEKz7sZ.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Bah. If it was up to these critics, then Michelangelo's masterpieces would have been declared to be spoiled cottage cheese! I refuse to believe that my beloved Herlock Polmes is so mediocre! We're going over their heads! Ready the demo distribution!

http://i.minus.com/ivu947GZ4RxEk.png

http://i.minus.com/iLkHajLRYbB1V.png
http://i.minus.com/ib36rMTCcSEcF.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Just put that bill in with the others. There's still some room in the trash can for a few more.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: But, this isn't a bill. It's a fan letter.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Then shred it-- wait, a fan letter? Gimme!

http://i.minus.com/ibkFU0VbmXIpJl.png
http://i.minus.com/ibpwuvZ3q86X1Q.png
http://i.minus.com/ibxdD03wIcnKcu.png
http://i.minus.com/idyeAsT5jJhsz.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I told you! I told you! There is no problem that fanservice can't solve! And the Sci-Fi nerds! They're flocking to our games in droves! Fanservice!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That's what you said last time, but it was ninjas, not fanservice.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Fanservice ninjas! Brilliant!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: *sigh* Do his ears even work or does he just habitually ignore everything I say?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I don't ignore everything. I'm just too busy singing my own praises to pay attention to most other things.

http://i.minus.com/ibx7RXpA42LB3i.png
http://i.minus.com/ibiFQh9UTv1g45.png
http://i.minus.com/ieCJbagBMrfOa.png
http://i.minus.com/igmg3Y1m7quHy.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I knew this day would come. *sniff* I think I'm going to cry. BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Even his tears are obnoxious... Oy...

---

O.K., so, we cracked the top ten. But we're not done yet. Not by a long shot. It's votin' time! And there's a lot of voting to be done!

This time around vote for:
` One of the following Genres for our next game: Simulation, Table, Action, Adventure, Shooter, Racing, Trivia, Life, Puzzle, Educational

` One of the following Types for our next game: Fantasy, Romance, Pirate, Animal, Robot, Historical, Ninja, Detective, Mystery, Reversi, Golf, Marathon,

` Do we take out another console license or not? If so, which console do we license? Keep in mind that we can only develop one game at a time, so if we spread ourselves too thin, we'll end up with a bunch of expensive licenses that we're not using. At the same time, diversifying our console licenses will increase our fan base and help boost sales.

` We're going to hire two new classes, which ones should they be? None of our present employees are going anywhere, but we're going to be able to upsize the office very, very soon. When that happens, we'll be able to hire two new employees. For reference, here are the classes that we presently have available: Coder, Writer, Designer or Sound Engineer.

Count not, an unbolded vote does.

[Thanatos 51-50]

Oh? We have Action games, now?
Let's go for a Romance Action game.

Dee seems to be tiring of Graphic Design, and I'm sure an off-designer will be perfect for that. Likewise, we don't want to burn out Gameson...

Graphic Designer and Writer

[Flickerdart]

Historical Racing for the IES. Everyone knows that the only way mortal enemies can reconcile their differences is with kart racing, and so Pirate Ninja Kart is bound to be a smashing success.

[RagingKrikkit]

Historical Adventure (IES), no new liscence, Graphic designer & Writer

[The Glyphstone]

Historical Racing for the IES. Everyone knows that the only way mortal enemies can reconcile their differences is with kart racing, and so Pirate Ninja Kart is bound to be a smashing success.

This, plus Graphic Designer and Writer.

[T.G. Oskar]

Detective Racing. Because Thick Racy's Prix MUST be developed.

Exploit the IES for all it's worth. Later on, you can squeeze the Game Kid for all it's worth. Ergo, ix-nay on censing-lay new sole-conay

As for new people: Graphic Designer by a longshot. My other choice is *.That means go wild with the choice; it's the wildcard search symbol, no?

[onionbreath]

What could be better than a Ninja Action game? It's such a great idea you don't even need a fancy title. Just call it Ninja Action! and it will fly ... um, sneak its way off the shelves by the thousands. Let's use that IES license.

Hire a Coder and a Designer.

[Sanguine]

Historical Racing for the IES. Everyone knows that the only way mortal enemies can reconcile their differences is with kart racing, and so Pirate Ninja Kart is bound to be a smashing success.


This, plus Graphic Designer and Writer.

I vote for this. Also, no new licenses.

[Thanatos 51-50]

This, plus Graphic Designer and Writer.

Psssst. Boldface your votes.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Historical Racing game, no new license, and hire a Designer and a Sound Engineer.

[The Glyphstone]

Psssst. Boldface your votes.

Whachoo talkin' bout?:smalltongue:

[WinterGreen]

Looks nice and oldschool!
Should try this out.

[Thanatos 51-50]

Whachoo talkin' bout?:smalltongue:

No fair usin' your mod powers to make me seem like an idiot talking about things that don't exist! :smalltongue:

[The Glyphstone]

No fair usin' your mod powers to make me seem like an idiot talking about things that don't exist! :smalltongue:

There is no mind control post editing citizen, go back to your fun.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Ten: And He Came So Highly Recommended...


http://i.minus.com/ibdj02MIPFyx5V.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Would you just look at those sales! Sell, Herlock! Sell like your life depends on it!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Those are really good numbers, actually.

http://i.minus.com/ibp4YgaCexdzuu.png
http://i.minus.com/ixICOFEDuGvt7.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Fantastic! The more exposure, the more units we sell. The more units we sell, the more money rolls in. The more money rolls in, the higher we move up the corporate rankings! SELL!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I should really start investing in some drinking games... It would really help out with this job. But for some strange reason, that reminds me!

http://i.minus.com/iiLahKAvCxCNk.png
http://i.minus.com/i6Y1kN1cNZFuc.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: We didn't come all this way just to turn back now. Onward! And get me a new office!!

http://i.minus.com/iVZ8CpJPDLk2U.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Excellent! Let's hire some new people, then! Ms. Christina, fetch me my employment options!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Christina? We don't-- Oh, right. Sure. I'll get you the options. Why don't you enjoy this latest issue of Game Guy Magazine while I scrounge up some talent?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Game Guy? Please tell me that they did another article about us. I do so love seeing my picture on the glossy page! HEROIC POSE GO!!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: *sigh* Time to google up a list of drinking games for when you're working underneath a bad bossman.

http://i.minus.com/iWbBZYM6NbTUO.png
http://i.minus.com/ibjwg8EgRDEUE4.png
http://i.minus.com/iCLu3jwinBod3.png
http://i.minus.com/i9n42JEFT4uHo.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: What's this? They dared to quote Dee Coder but they didn't once mention me? What deviltry is this? I'm the head honcho around here! Why don't I have any memorable quotes attached to me?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I have no idea. Poor journalism, perhaps?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Probably. I should sue.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: You probably would if you could.

http://i.minus.com/i7hpsiW1TuqGC.png
increased!
http://i.minus.com/in3zIGPYsEzuW.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Excellent. Now, about those employment options?

http://i.minus.com/i2CBReqrpaEvs.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: As much as I love that news, might I please hire someone now?

http://i.minus.com/i6j3sXHzMsUrb.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Good. Now, hire--!

http://i.minus.com/iFcK0vcO4OOIV.png
http://i.minus.com/ibqZR4DmNFB0Ti.png
http://i.minus.com/iilPnfheFi8BL.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: ...

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: What's wrong? You got very quiet very quickly. Don't you like success?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I love success, Christine. But what I don't like are people interrupting me when I'm trying to hire people and improve the local economy.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Well, there's nothing stopping you, now. Go ahead and hire someone.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Good. Let's see those--!

http://i.minus.com/iboMZ6o7XGtWEv.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: staff's salaries.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Nyyyyyeaaggh! Is there anything else that would like to interrupt--

http://i.minus.com/ib4vW4Bl4r9pH.png
http://i.minus.com/iN4IkDBJeMuob.png
http://i.minus.com/iN4hUaztr2iYf.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: So, not only have I been refused the ability to hire someone, but we've also missed the deadline, lost our paycheck, and taken a hit to our reputation and fan base?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That's... about the size of it, sir.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Christine?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Yes, sir?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I hope you weren't particularly attached to your next paycheck.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: :<

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: ... What?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I'm afraid that there's more bad news...

http://i.minus.com/ixefg0mEQpDW8.png
http://i.minus.com/ibuDLhRkab2sCt.png
http://i.minus.com/ibsofoEr0sKqYU.png
http://i.minus.com/i95UtiwYJkhJp.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Fantastic... it looks like my work is really cut out for me. Now, about those new hires?

http://i.minus.com/iHbpAuZPSkurW.png
http://i.minus.com/iLIaVKwjnDL2r.png
http://i.minus.com/iUrltnwu2QUff.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Well, let's see them. Anyone we can use?

http://i.minus.com/ib0ajZAWXSvDGo.png
http://i.minus.com/iij6gUQFUZApk.png
http://i.minus.com/iYT5vixJTW4KN.png
http://i.minus.com/ibjFjvfJLI9P7L.png
http://i.minus.com/iBV81fCKWbPat.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Producers and Directors?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: They can do anything for anything. They're jacks of all trades, basically.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Well, we were looking for a writer and graphic designer. Hire Shigeto and Marla and we'll change their jobs the next time that salesman wanders by.

http://i.minus.com/iyznDRtBKxaRn.png
http://i.minus.com/iKhh4BnAVVnfR.png
http://i.minus.com/iQEtICll3wg2V.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Hmm... I should probably turn our attention towards our next gaming project... A historical racer, eh? Hmm...

http://i.minus.com/igJ83nwlsDaKg.png
http://i.minus.com/iqhJWaOcnDZp7.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Christina! Strike up the band! I have it!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I'm getting the staff now.

http://i.minus.com/iJMiTETOmPeVP.png
http://i.minus.com/i55DxxmnwHkQn.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Pirates versus ninjas-- On Go Karts! I am a genius!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: More like an abuser of internet memes.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: It would be a shame if someone-- *coughChristinacough* -- lost their next paycheck.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Shutting up now!

http://i.minus.com/ifVbfVqaD3NMK.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Let's give the new kid on the block a chance, eh?

http://i.minus.com/ibhSeCDlzDx6sd.png
http://i.minus.com/ipRd3Nic4HIqM.png
http://i.minus.com/iViCmbyXv1bFy.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: ...

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: If I may be so bold, sir. Our goose is--

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: MY GENIUS WILL NOT BE DENIED!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Eep!

http://i.minus.com/i4jfUPnj52SZT.png
http://i.minus.com/ibjM03MKmLqXCu.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I just hired that Producer woman. Get her to do it. Mary, I think her name was.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That was my-- No... never mind. *sigh* I'll get her.

http://i.minus.com/i4n38oEuiYAm8.png
http://i.minus.com/ibiQjq1cp7tdAK.png
http://i.minus.com/iEkDmQtDXpUUv.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ... This combination is sinking us like a ship.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: GENIUS. MINE. DENIED!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I have no idea what you mean, and I'm very glad of that fact.

http://i.minus.com/iKTfM5XG1z5O0.png
http://i.minus.com/ibniQNzdVwXG7Q.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Gilly, you're my only hope. Go for it.

http://i.minus.com/i4h9lniazZXYa.png
http://i.minus.com/iXGJKVZLOyzNb.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: YES!

http://i.minus.com/iK7ST3dDZR5Ud.png
http://i.minus.com/irHBBh0mTqp6w.png
http://i.minus.com/ieV1h8mDFf2lc.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: OOOOOH YES!

http://i.minus.com/ibjpkEXHJ9BDkk.png
http://i.minus.com/iHI9FqZmiMz9b.png
http://i.minus.com/ihCtpXOsydGVk.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Yes! Gilly, you are officially employee of the month. I think you've just saved the project!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: At the cost of all of our research data.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Sometimes, for the greater good, sacrifices must be made.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Did you seriously just rip off The Prince of Egypt? Besides, you were the one who was bonkers about storing research data.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That was then, this is now. Let's rock out!

http://i.minus.com/iB81QswEaI82J.png
finished!
http://i.minus.com/iBrsjYWce5rNn.png
http://i.minus.com/iBrsjYWce5rNn.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That... would be recommended, yes. Isn't increasing our games' stats what you're-- I don't know-- supposed to be doing? Hmm??

http://i.minus.com/iC3hMcBBOJuif.png
http://i.minus.com/iLocyQc28Bbk8.png
http://i.minus.com/imLtLV1Nq7f0v.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: This is it... the moment of truth...

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Excuse me if I don't hold my breath. This is going to bomb like a demolition's experts science fair project.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Christina, I'm impressed. That was a very colorful metaphor you just used.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Oh, good gravy, I'm starting to sound like you now.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Another colorful expression. I'm so pleased.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ... Strangle me now, anyone?

http://i.minus.com/idY9qboH0MoV.png
http://i.minus.com/ibu3GWsln4q7xv.png
http://i.minus.com/ibwtCni78dB27R.png
http://i.minus.com/iJNmqayEGN3BT.png
http://i.minus.com/iX6sEZy5LyVy2.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Well, at this point, I'd say that there's only one thing left to do. It's time to cast our lots and hope that fortune favors us.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: It's time to vote, isn't it?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That it is.

--

Only one thing to vote for this time:
` What do we call this monstrosity?

[The Glyphstone]

Real Ultimate KARRRRRTing.

[Brennan1214]

Ninja Pirate Boat Kart Stabbing

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Memory Lane, naturally.

[Thanatos 51-50]

Polmes Karting

Because if we have a signature character, why not abuse her like a Cash Cow?

Just realized I was ninja'd by the infinitely superior Memory Lane

[T.G. Oskar]

Memory Lane, naturally.

I have nothing but words of agreement to this title. It's witty, short (which is needed because of the limit), and really evokes the historical racing bit. Because if you wanted to make a ninja/pirate racer, you would have gone with a crossover, which IIRC doesn't exist here.

Plus, I can see already the rewiews about it...

...developed by Metal Gear Studios, Memory Lane combines two normally atypical themes such as history and racing, and blends them into a surreal concept never seen before. The story mode involves a young girl that evokes great races of the Ancient World, such as the travels done by Marathon, or the ride of Paul Revere, and adds such elements as power-ups to outrun your opponents, which will do everything so you cannot reach the end in first place. The competition mode combines this elements of the story mode and turns them into a typical racing game, but with an entirely different explanation behind...

It certainly plays up with originality, and ties in with some degree of mystery, no? It is definitely a game far from its time.

[Sanguine]

Memory Lane, naturally.

This name has my support.

[SlyGuyMcFly]

Memory Lane is too good to pass up.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Stoppit, folks, you're makin' me blush.

[onionbreath]

Real Ultimate KARRRRRTing.

I like this one

[Pie Guy]

Hitler's Master Racing! (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/comics/critical-miss/10157-The-Thin-Starting-Line)

[Deme]

Memory Lane, totally.

[D.KnightSpider]

Okeedoke, voting is done. Memory Lane is the clear winner, here. (As it should be, that's a pretty awesome title right there.)

Just a quick update on the updates. I'm going to try the 'less is more' approach for a while and slim down the update length in favor of more ease-of-use and quick updates. These massive chapters are a bit of a bear right now and require far too much time and rushing for me to feel comfortable with the quality of the end result.

So expect some updatage tomorrow afternoon with the results of Memory Lane's sales.


Teaser: I was very surprised at what happened with this game. Like, never expected this sort of thing to happen, surprised.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Eleven: The Secret Diary of an Abused Secretary

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Dear Diary, well, another day has joined the others: in the trash can. Some days, I wonder why I bothered to take this job-- especially since it was such a step down for me. But, as my crazy boss said, sometimes you have to make a sacrifice for the greater good. I just really hope that that 'greater good' shows up and I'm not completely wasting my time with this job.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Anyway, we finished our latest game today. I'm really worried about this one. The Historical and Racing combination is so bad... I wouldn't be at all surprised if the board of directors was on crack or something when they made that decision.

http://i.minus.com/ilRM9O1UkGKIu.png
http://i.minus.com/ilaNv7Y1ulLu2.png
http://i.minus.com/ij6GbQxKma1cw.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I was fairly amazed at those scores. Memory Lane had managed to tie Herlock Polmes in terms of review scores. That was crazy enough, but the day was only going to get crazier from there on out.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Of course, a game without any advertising was going to bomb no matter what, so our devil of a boss ordered us to do some more demo distribution---

http://i.minus.com/ibiv6RnNnmmZOj.png
http://i.minus.com/in1mjmc08wvMx.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: --- After he got my name wrong, again. I mean, seriously, he called me 'Homeslice'. What the fudge? That isn't even a real name. Then again, he was talking about 'bling vs google' and rapping everything he said. I guess it was kind of worth it just to hear Gameson explain that 'bling' was not a search engine.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Anyway, while we waited for Memory Lane to hit the shelves, the boss decided that we should take out another contract job. I don't know why. Our overhead is getting to the point that contract jobs can't sustain us. But as he patiently explained to 'Homeslice', I'm just the secretary and he's the man in charge.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: If only he knew...

http://i.minus.com/iwYLucMDFjPDp.png
http://i.minus.com/iblyKQ8oOzMwqm.png
http://i.minus.com/i8Irdup0Dlztm.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Ugh. And, of course, the boss got revenge on Gameson by denying his request to increase the project's creativity. I kind of have to agree with that decision, there really wasn't much chance for return on that kind investment. I do have to disagree with the boss' attempt to, and I quote, 'bust a cap on yo'.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Seriously, does this guy even have a functioning brain cell? He's been making even less sense than usual lately.

http://i.minus.com/i5tY4SbYrz2Wq.png
http://i.minus.com/ibdpQvcUrE9lS7.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: There was a really good thing that happened, today. Intendro Force wrote up a spot on Memory Lane and gave it a good bit of praise. That really helped to pick up the sales pace.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: And we got another fan letter.

http://i.minus.com/iY83E2CLky2Y5.png
http://i.minus.com/iGiSIKfeL59rM.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That... actually freaks me out just a bit. He practices his racing skills with Memory Lane? Ugh. That just does not sound safe. But, then again, that makes a certain amount of sense. The boss is crazy, so he'd definitely be able to attract crazy people to our products.

http://i.minus.com/isQEK1oA8vzKg.png
http://i.minus.com/iHvf1axjwG1PV.png
http://i.minus.com/idaotjcRQgka.png
http://i.minus.com/iboptMPDXh2QTk.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That wasn't bad, not with how much of an uphill battle the game's type/genre combination was. It was a definite step down from Herlock Polmes. But it's still encouraging. Our people are good enough to make a crazy choice marketable. I'm proud of them.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Now if only the boss wouldn't take all the credit for our team's work, I'd be happy. And I still don't know what he meant by 'we're the greatest hood ever!'.

http://i.minus.com/ig2grPRK34eML.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Oh, yeah. And Gameson leveled up, maxing him out as a writer. That little level up came with a pretty big perk, actually.

http://i.minus.com/iePHImWETaV2b.png
http://i.minus.com/ibiZvP4RKtMPTQ.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: And with that, the boss decided that it was time to start developing a new game. I've gotta go, Diary, the board of directors will be meeting soon in order to hash out what the new game's type and genre will be. Cross you fingers and wish me luck...

---

Okeedokee, here's what I need you to vote on this time around:
` A Genre for our next game. Here are our current choices:
http://i.minus.com/iudVUNDXjMrKN.png
http://i.minus.com/ibxlYH4Yx1VGtW.png
http://i.minus.com/iZzHK1pXvSg6G.png

` A Type for our next game. Here are our current choices:
http://i.minus.com/ibmcf18XTckKNX.png
http://i.minus.com/iENVc6mxbmDmX.png

` And since we've run dry, a name for the secretary.

Want your vote to count? Make sure to bold the vote!

[The Glyphstone]

Detective Action - Herlock Polmes, Alien Hunter

Let's call the secretary Clarise.

What part of the update did you not expect?

[onionbreath]

Romance Audio Novel
I have no idea what to call it. The best I could come up with was Sounds Hot

[Flickerdart]

Historical RPG: Obviously, after the success of Memory Lane we need to spin it off into an RPG.

[Vauron]

Lets try for a Romance Life.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Time to bring it back to our Herlock roots...

Herlock Polmes Quest, a Mystery RPG!

[T.G. Oskar]

Heh, here's one for the years:

Romance Sim(ulation) RPG

Herlock Polmes falls in love!! And must balance her duties in mystery-cracking with the advances of many ladies who fall in love with Herlock Polmes, the image (or rather, of Mr. Chungson), while trying to solve the mysteries behind them and her own mystery. Is she in love with Mr. Chungson? Or perhaps with her adoptive brother Dykroft? And just who is Dykroft, anyways? Is it pronounced "DAI-croft", "DAIK-roft", or...

Whoops, look at the time! The secretary will be named Ananda Christew, because the boss is thinking about how to succeed on the next game so as to name her secretary for Herlock's own!

[Sanguine]

I'll second Herlock Polmes Quest and move to add Susan to the secretary name list.

[Thanatos 51-50]

I vote the board breaks for taco night.

[Brennan1214]

Fantasy Shooter, Title: Kill It With Fire!!!

[Thanatos 51-50]

In other news: I' going to *Actually* back Detective Action.
We can call it Herlock Noir

Have we called the secretary Christine yet?

[D.KnightSpider]

What part of the update did you not expect?

To be honest? Pretty much all of it. Given the general craziness of that particular type and combo, I expected Memory Lane to bomb big time.

(Granted, it might have had it not been for that Creativity Boost. The Fun Boost could have replaced that one, but the payoff wouldn't have been near as spectacular.)

But, as was said in the update itself, the staff's really coming along. With a bit more training and leveling, they'll be unstoppable powerhouses.

---

Hmm... There seems to be quite a bit of support for the return of Herlock Polmes. Just a lot of disagreement on which direction to take that return. Anyone want to break the logjam? :thog:

[huttj509]

Mystery RPG

Herlock Polmes RPG for the Intendro Entertainment System.

Bonus points if Geno gets a cameo.

[Flickerdart]

Hey, you know how you said that making good games for a console increases its market share...is it possible to just stick with PC and make it the best platform through making awesome games, or do you have to go with consoles and keep getting new licenses every couple years to get anywhere?

[T.G. Oskar]

Hey, you know how you said that making good games for a console increases its market share...is it possible to just stick with PC and make it the best platform through making awesome games, or do you have to go with consoles and keep getting new licenses every couple years to get anywhere?

Not sure, but this all seems to be what happens if you manage to get a game to reach #1, where it might just grant a small bonus. It feels a lot like the random bonuses you get for favorable reviews and whatnot.

So far, there's:
Genre: 3 for Mystery, 2 for Detective, 3 for Romance, 1 for Historical, 1 for Fantasy
Type: 2 Action, 4 RPG, 1 Sim RPG, 1 Audio Novel, 1 Shooter
Blends: 3 Mystery RPG, 2 Detective Action.

So it seems it might be a Mystery RPG, if only because Mystery tops Romance on Blends even if Genres were the same.

And for Secretaries: 1 for each of Susan, Christine, Ananda Christew, Sounds Hot and Clarise. Someone can swing the vote for secretaries!!!

[Flickerdart]

Clarise sounds like a pretty secretarial name.

[The Glyphstone]

With pre-written bonus jokes about lambs and screaming, since our boss isn't creepy enough yet.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

With pre-written bonus jokes about lambs and screaming, since our boss isn't creepy enough yet.
Yessssssssssssss.

[huttj509]

With pre-written bonus jokes about lambs and screaming, since our boss isn't creepy enough yet.

I can just picture it.

She comes into work.

"Hello Clarice"

She promptly leaves for the day.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

I propose that, regardless of what the next game is, the title is Fava Beans and a Nice Chianti, or at least incorporates that.

If Clarise is indeed the name, that is.

[D.KnightSpider]

Hey, you know how you said that making good games for a console increases its market share...is it possible to just stick with PC and make it the best platform through making awesome games, or do you have to go with consoles and keep getting new licenses every couple years to get anywhere?

It's possible (I've successfully changed history before and turned Senga into the console war winner). In order to pull something like that off, you have to consistently make good games and blockbusters. It won't happen overnight, but if you build your staff and games right, then you can turn the PC into a must-have item.

It's much easier to do with a New Game+ where you retain all of your discovered types and genres than completely cold, though.

[onionbreath]

And for Secretaries: 1 for each of Susan, Christine, Ananda Christew, Sounds Hot and Clarise. Someone can swing the vote for secretaries!!!

Sounds Hot was actually the name for the game I was pitching, not my suggestion for the secretary's name. Sorry for teh confusion :smallcool:

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Twelve: Statistical Anomaly


http://i.minus.com/i8Yy9yIJ9XRW4.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I'm... shocked.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Why?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: This... actually looks like a feasible combination. It's not outlandish or bizarre.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Such is the power of the fanservice. Herlock Polmes conquers all.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Ugh. Don't tell me we're back to that degredation.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I don't see what the big problem is, Susan. Why, you should be flattered.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ... I know that I'm going to regret this, but... why should I be flattered?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Herlock was modeled after you, of course.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: But-- that--- I-- Ugh. Then all of you were oggling... If you need me, I'll be over there soaking my brain in bleach.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Yes, yes, you do that.

http://i.minus.com/i3J035CrxorXK.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Hmm. I should probably get someone to write up the game proposal. Let's see... Gameson! You're in the driver's seat again!

http://i.minus.com/ibxBvYxQLQv7AZ.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: You had better do a good job, Gameson. Otherwise I'll end up dropping you from the party! In other words, I'll fire you in a heartbeat.

http://i.minus.com/ikKtkIAn9y3nT.png
http://i.minus.com/ibiLo8Nsb9YLZe.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Genius. Pure, undiluted genius.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: What did I miss?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Oh, just the usual. Me being awesome.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ... And, now, I find myself without a proper comeback to that.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Such is the effect of my razor wit.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Right. Hey. Look. I found a Career Change manual tucked away in the back.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Eeeexcellent. Let's reset Mr. Minamoto's stats, yes?

http://i.minus.com/ibxHrwviOQ7Rv4.png
http://i.minus.com/i08tZ0Thhzei3.png
http://i.minus.com/ivpT2np0IHAlu.png
http://i.minus.com/iNjp0l20W77nO.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: As you should. I'm expecting some splendid work from you. And if not, then I'll get you killed and perma-lost intentionally.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I don't know which is worse: the fact that you're making no sense, or that your gibberish sounds like vague death threats.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I'm talking stats in their purest form, Susan. It's not my fault that you don't have a head for numbers.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Riiiiiight.

http://i.minus.com/iEHZ5ImZMyyHO.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Hey, wait... what's this?

http://i.minus.com/ibjNTxco8hlL5E.png
http://i.minus.com/iNuluYMLH5gZe.png
http://i.minus.com/iYIjTAUtTnjRm.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Hmm. No, I'm not hopeful. Our numbers and stats were decent, but hardly earth shattering. Feel free to attend, Susan, but I would rather stay here and man the Metal Top Gear helm. This game won't make itself, you know.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Mhm. Alright, I'll let you know what happens.

http://i.minus.com/ibyEDSYnclYFvj.png
http://i.minus.com/iKbCiuM7NbAzN.png
http://i.minus.com/ibpK81pEJg4iKB.png
http://i.minus.com/iAN8XVhyQcVGf.png
http://i.minus.com/ibkZuHGVUqbNLY.png
http://i.minus.com/iHmkXxk2SBlZc.png
http://i.minus.com/ibr02pouyFhjmA.png
http://i.minus.com/ibtvr8zzbfIhJy.png
http://i.minus.com/iV3uHlyoafNrs.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: What did I tell you? It was a giant waste of time, wasn't it?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: It got me away from you, that's hardly a waste of time.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Touche.

http://i.minus.com/ix6Bs6pA4jvbE.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Dee should be rested up after that little furlough. Go ahead and give the job to her. She has decent stats for it.

http://i.minus.com/iLyctMBqFL16L.png
http://i.minus.com/ifHo2Ib4wZ44a.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That was, well, less than impressive. Dee, m'dear, you're just constantly disappointing me. Maybe it's time to take you off the team.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: You seem... obsessed with firing people today.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I haven't fired anyone in a year or so. My firing finger is getting itchy.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: You-- what?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: It's a very rare medical condition.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Words fail me.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Two for two!

http://i.minus.com/i9sTlDt0r84vc.png
http://i.minus.com/ipSUqtbSB73ZW.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Yes, yes, yes. We know. Get Biggs on it. Cut to the chase, alright?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Alright, alright. There's no need to get fussy about it.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Grinding is tedious. No one likes grinding. Just skip over that all. Use a cheat code or something.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I just-- No. I'm not going to ask. Listening to an explanation from you won't actually explain anything anything.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Really? I must have missed my true calling in politics.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: ... Well, you are a blood sucking insect.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Whaaaaa?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Two for three.

http://i.minus.com/ihLi9Zkga9orC.png
http://i.minus.com/ipSUqtbSB73ZW.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Not quite yet. We're not through with development yet.

http://i.minus.com/izrzmFL6zE6sM.png
http://i.minus.com/ibaEcrHeCJZHvw.png
http://i.minus.com/ipKEalcia9dkH.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Now with a little debugging and running out the clock...

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Why does it feel like we're skipping forward in time?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Because we are? We're always moving forward in time. That's the way your life works.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: That's not what I meant and you know it.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Maybe. But I've successfully carried us to the end of this project.

http://i.minus.com/ibeXqusBogInVT.png
http://i.minus.com/iJHwMENCRXes3.png
http://i.minus.com/i1M3A0JwaRLzq.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Ah. Yes. I have a really good feeling about this one. Let's hurry up and get it on the shelves!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Would the upcoming payroll have anything to do with that eagerness?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Not that you know.

---

Vote for a name for the game!

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Ooooooooh, I have a better idea than Herlock Polmes Quest....

Final Problem VII

[onionbreath]

Who's the Boss?

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode 13: Who's The Boss, Yo?


http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Christine, I have a question for you?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: What? 'Christine'? We're recycling names already?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I have no idea what you're talking about. Now, about our latest game, who's the boss?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Uh, you are?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: No. I mean our latest game, who's the boss.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: I just said--

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: If you insist on turning this into an Abbott and Costello sketch, then I'll probably exercise my firing finger by pointing it at you.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Right. New game. Called 'Who's the Boss?".

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Exactly. Now, Christine?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Yes?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: SHIP IT!

http://i.minus.com/irtYR3Bot6AAK.png
http://i.minus.com/ib0El1JuUUBThC.png
http://i.minus.com/ibbx5FFHkQyMHv.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Bah. These lousy critics insist on giving us twenties repeatedly. Why, if this were some kind of stat-based RNG-driven game then these twenties would mean something! As it is we're just middling near the middle of the pack. I refuse to stand for it a moment longer! I refuse, do you hear, Christine?!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Um, yes? Although I'm not quite sure what you're going to do about it. You can't change what's been printed.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: If you whine and throw a fit long enough, you can change anything. Now, strike up the bands! We're going to protest!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Wait, really?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Controversy, Christine-- not flattery-- gets you everywhere.

http://i.minus.com/iUr12afsozg0E.png
http://i.minus.com/iSIsyewFzAcIF.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Now we'll just grab a contract to kill some time...

http://i.minus.com/iDB0r0VNxd5Y0.png

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Sir, I've got some letters that you should look at. It's about your recent controversy about gaming reviews.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: They were just a means to an end. I don't really care what they say at this point.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Ooookay. I'll just throw this fan letter away.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: What? Fan letter? GIMME!

http://i.minus.com/ib1Q1ldJnRem3a.png
http://i.minus.com/ibsGaEEMV7v9Eq.png
http://i.minus.com/ir8eczclpzNea.png
http://i.minus.com/iJjuwI5VbUOFe.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Ha! You see? I was right. With this kind of support, we'll show them who's the boss! We're the boss! We'll take their money so they can just shut up!

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Um, right. Well, the sales numbers are about to come in so we'll see how well your storm of controversy worked.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Splendidly, I'm telling you. This will work. It always works.

http://i.minus.com/iH0bgUOeEBtah.png
http://minus.com/lphhyQWbieIvu
http://i.minus.com/ibuLxxsvXscPil.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: *snicker*

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Alright. Go ahead. I know that you want to say it.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Who was right, Christine?

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: You were. You were right.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That's right. That's why I'm the boss and you're the secretary. Don't forget it.

http://i.minus.com/iCxsQ4rdyjEMZ.png: Around here? I never could.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Now then... training montage?

http://i.minus.com/iJv3LtRRs1CHS.png
http://i.minus.com/ibn08J1wk6iQr1.png
http://i.minus.com/ibfQbDLqRs8b5z.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: And a little more advertising...

http://i.minus.com/ibca2vzS1GCfwq.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: And a project completion...

http://i.minus.com/ioVkkkKoYNJAQ.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: And the schedule is clear for another game. It's voting time!

---

You guys know the drill:
` Vote for One of the Following Genres
http://i.minus.com/i3le5f9aY3jXS.png
http://i.minus.com/iRtyrXNXS3RFx.png
http://i.minus.com/iMaubYOFGjDjF.png

` Vote for One of the Following Types
http://i.minus.com/ibipM6UlAr9fT4.png
http://i.minus.com/iSvjTkqt88P3c.png

And be sure to bold your votes!

[T.G. Oskar]

I still insist a Romance Sim(ulation) RPG known as Hercule in Love has to be produced. I threw the pitch, and it still stands.

Also, @onionbreath: while I didn't notice that was the name of a game that you were pitching, it IS definitely an awesome name for a secretary. Let's say it's Halloween and the boss is hooked on a specific webcomic I will not mention that has a strange naming convention for its eponymous characters, and the secretary gives an idea and the boss answers "Sounds Hot", and she goes "wha?", and he goes "I don't like the idea", and she goes "but you mentioned it sounded...oh, screw this!" and the antics continue.

But still, we need to have a sim RPG where Hercule has to solve crimes and choose the love of her life, with a revolutionary new system that determines your crime-solving abilities based on your romantic approaches!

[Brennan1214]

Golf Action, which would also probably make a pretty funny title by itself.

[Aragehaor]

We have neglected the shinobi for far too long, there is only one option available to us now! Unleash the Ninja Sim-RPG!

[Sanguine]

We have neglected the shinobi for far too long, there is only one option available to us now! Unleash the Ninja Sim-RPG!

I second this.

[The Glyphstone]

Ninja Sim RPG.

The Boss will go on a Japanese kick, calling everyone [Name]-San or [Name]-Chan, and ordering people to commit seppuku when they fail to measure up.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Yup, Ninja Sim RPG.

[The Glyphstone]

Yup, Ninja Sim.

Remember that Ninja Sim, Ninja RPG, and Ninja Sim-RPG are each different.

[onionbreath]

Since it looks like Ninja is running away with the vote (bad pun intentional), I will use my vote to pay tribute to one of my favorite games, Robo Rally.

I vote for Robot Board

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Remember that Ninja Sim, Ninja RPG, and Ninja Sim-RPG are each different.
Whoops! Thanks for the pointer! Vote amended.

[D.KnightSpider]

And the Ninja Sim RPGers have it, as we all knew that they would. This game's been in the pipeline far, far too long to lose the vote now. Hehee.

Alright, in an effort to further play around with the updating process and figure out what works and what doesn't, let's go all out.

Vote on a name for the Ninja Sim RPG!

[huttj509]

And the Ninja Sim RPGers have it, as we all knew that they would. This game's been in the pipeline far, far too long to lose the vote now. Hehee.

Alright, in an effort to further play around with the updating process and figure out what works and what doesn't, let's go all out.

Vote on a name for the Ninja Sim RPG!

Spot Check

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Spot Check
I can't top this. Second this vote.

[Jallorn]

Spot Check

Thirdededed.

[onionbreath]

Spot Check

That's a damn good name. For some reason, it reminds me of my favorite line in OOTS - Elan saying "I found all these swords for you. They were in my spleen."

However, I am submitting another title for the LOLz anyway. It came to me instantly and the boss loves controversy, right?

Better Than Inindo

[D.KnightSpider]

... onionbreath, I initially read that as: "Better than Innuendo".

... Now I can't see that as anything but.

[onionbreath]

Ha. I make one teeny tiny suggestion regarding the secretary and supplemental income and the rest of the board thinks everything I say now is dirtier than it really is. That's office politics for ya :smallbiggrin:

This sounds like a good title once we open the "Dating" type however. :smallamused:

BTW, Inindo was a ninja sim RPG made by KOEI for the Super Nintendo. I played it a long time ago but don't remember much about it.

[RagingKrikkit]

*Comes back from lunch* What have you done to my company?!

Fantasy RPG for IES: Last Legend The first of a... how many of them are there now?

[D.KnightSpider]

You're forever cursed to the land of the silver fox, onionbreath. :smallbiggrin:

I've got the footage needed for the next update all screencapped, so all I have to do is write up the chapter. I should have it up by tonight-ish.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Fourteen: The Silence of the Ham

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Hi, boss. Sorry I'm late. The bus broke down, so... please don't dock my pay?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Good evening, Clarice.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... You're kidding, right?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Oh, come now. Surely you know better than that.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: If you think that you're going to scare me with some creepy voice and a ninja mask, then you're sorely mistaken.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Is that really what you think?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: That's what I know. Sheesh. And-- *shriek*-- why is there a man under my desk?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: I believe the correct turn of phrase is: "He failed a spot check"?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Wait a moment... this is... It's the boss! Oh my stars, you killed the boss!

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Perhaps I did, perhaps I did not. Either way, you'd be better off just accepting this situation and not hurling such slanderous words around.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: What-- who are you?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: My name is unimportant. It is who I represent that is important. I represent a clan of respectable ninja who were... rather displeased with your boss', shall we say, inaccurate portrayal of our lives. When we heard that Metal Top Wing was working on a new Ninja game... certain steps had to be taken to preserve the integrity of the Inindo clan.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: You're... serious, aren't you?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: I am. And you had better gather the staff. We have a new game to make and a record to straighten. I believe that a Sim RPG Ninja game is in order?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: How can we make a game without the boss?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Think of me as your new boss. If you have a problem with that, then some severance can be arranged... starting with the carotid artery.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Er... yes. I have a report that you should look at, sir.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Excellent, Clarice.

http://i.minus.com/ibhueVdxDAJMUO.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: staff's salaries.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Money means nothing to the Inindo. But if it is required to secure the loyalty of those less enlightened, such shall we do. Although, I do believe that your staff has been found wanting. It's time to train them up and make them a formidable gaming force.

http://i.minus.com/ibeUW9yRXTAff9.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: To the obstacle course with you! Dodge the taps, avoid the deadly blades, beware of instant-kill poison!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Wait... holy cow... you actually set up a ninja training course in the back yard?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Yes. Now, go!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: In these heels?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Train or die. The choice is yours.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Come to think of it, I do need to drop a few pounds. I'm going! I'm going!

http://i.minus.com/iVcRRn0MzgkJG.png
http://i.minus.com/ixOsEInj2vUTM.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: This feels... oddly unclean. One should not learn to master the art of cartoons from a study of anime. Such is defilement. Gameson, I would have words with thee.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: *gulp*

http://i.minus.com/ib1BowmAzNLKHb.png
http://i.minus.com/ikZqhKckthXL7.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: A cosplayer. This explains much about you, Biggs. Just as a cosplayer is but a pale imitation of a more capable warrior, so are your skills but a pale imitation of a real sound designer. I shall give you a chance to prove yourself... but if you fail... your life will be forfeit.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Isn't that a little... harsh?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Honor above all. A man without honor must needs be eliminated.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: But...

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Severance, Clarice.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Objection withdrawn.

http://i.minus.com/ibcBEY9s6JoAto.png
http://i.minus.com/iflSKkwB8CwKY.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: A logical result of the applied training and class. I sense much potential in you, Dee.

http://i.minus.com/iyLDCFKv8FXD4.png
http://i.minus.com/ibueVr43XOdkxy.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Gilly, you surpass expectations as always.

http://i.minus.com/ibz4Nz6VNO1OT9.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: That's... wow...

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: You see? With applied dedication and training, I have accomplished in minutes what your boss was unable to do in years.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: That's quite a list. Think of all the new combinations that we could play around with, now. How did you know that would happen?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: The threat of death can be quite... motivating.

http://i.minus.com/i1PHle7hTf8Lx.png
http://i.minus.com/iZaY2Jfrb69Lm.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Excellent. Now, let us straighten the record and produce a game that more accurately reflects the dedication and honor of the Inindo clan.

http://i.minus.com/iTDG5SZel6Z5.png
http://i.minus.com/ibq9LzNDxYNrtB.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Minamoto, I choose you.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Was that intentional?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: I have no idea what you are referring to. Now, focus on the task at hand or you may fail a rather critical spot check.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... You know, I have no idea what 'failing a spot check' even means.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: It means, Clarice, that you may fail to notice my letter opener approaching your neck.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Focus. Right. I'll get right on that.

http://i.minus.com/iqI6CT7X8AZ4h.png
http://i.minus.com/ibaaaVMuxzVHZS.png
http://i.minus.com/ib0Mkp39a6yoac.png
http://i.minus.com/ivlARh1S3Undl.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: A true ninja knows which risks are acceptable to take. You may make your attempt, but know that failure carries a high price.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: *gulp*

http://i.minus.com/intpoPpSYVjdI.png
http://i.minus.com/ibkUIcWyE9892u.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: That is... acceptable, although hardly worthy of praise.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I'd think not failing spot checks would be worthy enough of joy.

http://i.minus.com/iy21eN98N1EYH.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: One career change manual, please. We have a producer who needs to be demoted to a graphic designer.

http://i.minus.com/iyNz0aKUuUwCD.png
http://i.minus.com/ibc3e6f0TyoUo7.png
http://i.minus.com/ib0M8jM6iCgUP8.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Marla was just 'adjusted' give her the task. But know that--

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Failure equals death, we know.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: And the prominent tongue gets cut.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... But I love my tongue.

http://i.minus.com/izqerkZU1ZnbU.png
http://i.minus.com/imbOfXSRI817i.png
http://i.minus.com/ib0Obu2hdMXWbb.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Should we go take a look?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Intelligence and recon are essential to the ninja's mastery of sneakiness. We shall go spy on those who would threaten Intendro's market share... and take appropriate measures as needed.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... That sounds suspiciously like corporate espionage.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Then your incessant chatter has ruined your ears, grasshopper. We shall train them upon our return.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: *ulp*

http://i.minus.com/ibdNWiFgQmtfq3.png
http://i.minus.com/iBXTlGH74VMNS.png
http://i.minus.com/i738L0RWQCVkQ.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: An interesting device, to be sure. It will be interesting to see how its emergence in the market affects the market share. But we have training to discuss, young grasshopper.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Yeah, uh, um... about that...

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Listen for the whistle of blades and avoid them as necessary. Otherwise you may get knicked from a poison needle.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Wait, what? You can't be serious!

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: There are no blades, Clarice.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Oh, whew.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: That you can see. I have disguised them very well.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... I want the old boss back.

http://i.minus.com/ibbEfvlD7lBQS3.png
http://i.minus.com/ibvLdwjFWF6XkZ.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Biggs, this is your final chance. Dedicate yourself. Do well. Succeed and be blessed. Fail and be destroyed.

http://i.minus.com/inJCMiAtfvUGS.png
http://i.minus.com/ibbr6h76zpvHj6.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Does a ten save?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: ... Deal with the upcoming Gamedex conference. I shall attend to the rest.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: That--

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Severance.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Going!

http://i.minus.com/ipaittHqOE2ZR.png
http://i.minus.com/icLiIyCitJ5hX.png
http://i.minus.com/i1cKQxUJxNogv.png
http://i.minus.com/ib1QNnXxsAeCIJ.png
http://i.minus.com/iC1dRv535xQJi.png
http://i.minus.com/iyfZbYAero0Cc.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Well, I'm back. Hey, Biggs is still alive. You didn't kill him!

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Not yet. I needed him to dispose of your prior boss' body.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Eep.

http://i.minus.com/ib0wr3mi7XaDXH.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: It's time to start debugging. The game is almost done.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Not just yet. It is not.

http://i.minus.com/ine6XsVuIXaJv.png
http://i.minus.com/ixu5vFIoYfQ5r.png
http://i.minus.com/ibxmgxBN0tK2uC.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Now, we may finish debugging and ship. I am expecting a reasonable score from this game.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I don't know. For all your talk of death threats and training... it doesn't seem any more or less spectacular than our other games.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: To the untrained eye, perhaps.

http://i.minus.com/i9sUzh6xduc8D.png
http://i.minus.com/iRuhR8dElTHKR.png
http://i.minus.com/ivZlwy4gXJZ5H.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Look at that criticism about it being too hardcore. That's going to really hurt us.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Suffering builds character. If the masses cannot handle such a simple game, then they lack honor and are unworthy of our glory.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: That's... one way to look at it.

http://i.minus.com/ij5fEfW8F42A7.png
http://i.minus.com/ixlZXNcjtjs4T.png

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: There. You see? The success gained from conquering an indomitable challenge is forever sweet.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I dunno. Something seems off there.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Clarice.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Shutting up. Oh wait, look at that...

http://i.minus.com/ibn9b8CwURimME.png
http://i.minus.com/iiNPxAND0bgbR.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: See? Your harsh training didn't accomplish squat more than our other methods did.

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: If you cannot see the success for the criticism, then you are most blind. We shall have to train that. But first... Get me Mr. Porkins.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Why?

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. He is a weak link that must be eliminated. I had mercy on his soul and waited for the project to finish before meeting out his punishment. But the time has come.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: You can't kill Biggs! That's-- you can't!

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: His fate is mine to decide. Now, if you will excuse me...

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Biggs! RUN!

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Can you outrun the essence of the wind?

http://i.minus.com/iiSq7Patszshw.png: Get away! AAGH!!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: BIIIIIIGGS!

http://i.minus.com/iiSq7Patszshw.png: *croak*

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: You killed him... you really... killed him...

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Now, back to work. Else the same fate shall befall you.
No, this isn't going to turn into a deranged slasher fic. I do have a plan that will make it all better. Anywho, time to vote!

Vote for ONE of the following Genres:
` RPG, Simulation, Sim RPG, Table, Action, Adventure, Shooter, Racing, Trivia, Life, Board, Puzzle, Audio Novel, Educational

Vote for ONE of the following Types:
` Fantasy, Dungeon, Romance, Pirate, Animal, Robot, Historical, Art, Game Co., Ninja, Detective, Mystery, Cartoon, Cosplay, Reversi, Golf, Marathon

[Flickerdart]

An Educational Ninja game is vital if we want to train our fan base to succeed at our other games.

[Vauron]

Eh, how about Romance RPG.

[huttj509]

Cosplay RPG

Call it Last Legend X-2.

[onionbreath]

Game Co. Simulation

[Brennan1214]

I second Game Co. Simulation, call it No fourth wall.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

This was an unexpected and awesome turn of events.

Now....Cosplay Shooter, call it Con-Ops. You play an intrepid cosplayer who goes on missions against the foes of geekery, unlocking new cosplays which grant new abilities.

[T.G. Oskar]

I still insist a Romance Sim(ulation) RPG known as Hercule in Love has to be produced. I threw the pitch, and it still stands.

[...]we need to have a sim RPG where Hercule has to solve crimes and choose the love of her life, with a revolutionary new system that determines your crime-solving abilities based on your romantic approaches!

I will not change my vote by any means. What I say is what I say and that's final. By the way, when, why and how did the ninja entered Metal Top Wing (I had the idea it was Gear...)

[Closet_Skeleton]

Cosplay Educational. It shall teach the sewing skills necessary for high quality cosplay.

[Loki_42]

I'm gonna agree with Game Co. Simulation.

[AgentPaper]

I'm gonna agree with Game Co. Simulation.

This, followed by an update where the boss is playing said game and yelling about what he's doing in the game, which the rest of the team misunderstands and takes as orders.

[The Glyphstone]

This, followed by an update where the boss is playing said game and yelling about what he's doing in the game, which the rest of the team misunderstands and takes as orders.

Isn't the boss faking being dead?

Game Co. Simulation called No Fourth Wall is my vote.

[onionbreath]

This, followed by an update where the boss is playing said game and yelling about what he's doing in the game, which the rest of the team misunderstands and takes as orders.

That would be awesome

[Thanatos 51-50]

A Game Company Simulation entitled No Fourth Wall is too good to pass up.

[D.KnightSpider]

Alrighty diddlydoo. No Fourth Wall is the clear winner; I've got the footage that I need, so an update should be forthcoming tonight.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Fifteen: This is Why He Died in A New Hope


http://i.minus.com/iiSq7Patszshw.png: AAAAAAAAGHHH-- I'm-- I'm still alive?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Psyche!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Wait, what, you're alive?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Of course I'm still alive. You didn't think that I was going to go and die on you, did you?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I was kind of hoping...

http://i.minus.com/ibn92UHpnVmNW0.png: Well, brother, I think that this joke has run its course. With that, I take my leave.

http://i.minus.com/iiSq7Patszshw.png: B-brother?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Yes. That was my twin brother in from Japan. He agreed to help me prank you guys a good one.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... You mean that your death and all of that training from hell was... a joke? Are you freakin' kidding me?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Now, now, Ananda. Let's not be hasty. It was all done in good fun. Now, get back to work or all hand out pink slips to the lot of you! Let's go! Move it, move it, move it!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Eeep!

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Training Montage! Now!

http://i.minus.com/ibkFYwWssah1vA.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibp9RduokOVQjz.png
http://i.minus.com/iybuOzqnwrnMB.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iix1vRh6c9Hx6.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Gilly does wrestling? Who knew?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I certainly didn't, just like I didn't know that you were so depraved as to fake your own death.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Oh, come, now, Ananda. It was hilarious.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: *sigh* I think you mean, 'Amanda'.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: No, I'm pretty sure I don't.

http://i.minus.com/ibmZRbOl0pOlHF.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iWCmFTrRMXcaO.png
http://i.minus.com/innfwuutgjs5q.pnghttp://i.minus.com/i6x3Du8SVAkrR.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: That's... quite a few unlocks. Wow.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: It's all thanks to my dear brother. Watching him train you to death taught me how to properly intimidate you all. Through observing him, I have mastered the art of the death glare.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: You know, at the time, we thought that your brother was a cold-blooded killer. I'm guessing that that might have had something to do with it.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: *DEATH GLARE*

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Nnnnnope. Totally not feeling it.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: I have a pink slip.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Eeeeek!

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Much better. Now then, isn't it game time? Yes, I believe it is. It's time to build our next game!

http://i.minus.com/iRnTWMnujW5oG.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iOfCMwXuIUiKi.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Who should we get to write up the game proposal?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Mmm... Japan has been good to us, thus far; maybe the streak will continue. Let's get Minamoto on it.

http://i.minus.com/i4stjwo7LmlCV.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ipY98vHfDTsyA.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Ha ha! I told you that Japan was a winner, just look at that fun score! Phenominal!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Minamoto did knock it out of the park. He singlehandedly put in more than half of our usual fun traits.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: And it's all thanks to my genius, is it not? Come on, you can say it.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Don't push your luck.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Hand me that pink slip, Ananda.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Alright! Yes! It was your genius! your genius did it!

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Thank you!

http://i.minus.com/iXS68pOecH0lX.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iRiuPCQntuzSI.png

http://i.minus.com/iUKMhEvZPZtfL.pnghttp://i.minus.com/i80HAc3yNS2L.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: I thought as much. Alright, Marla, let's see if you can follow in Minamoto's footsteps. Who's a good girl? You're a good girl! do a good job and you'll get a treat, oh yes!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Ugh... This is so demeaning... C'mon... ignore him... find a happy place... happy place...

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Your hair's on fire.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: AGH! Wha-- Ugh! You!

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: *snicker*

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: One of these days, you're going to push me too far.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Oh, I'll fire you long before that.

http://i.minus.com/i1dzflbcSx1aG.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: That is... highly disappointing, Marla. Clearly, we need to enroll you in some art classes. And, of course, I hear that there's only one way to realize proper anatomy. You know where to find me if you need me.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Someone, anyone, help us.

http://i.minus.com/igcEGiV4JW80L.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibptLTffufJxmR.png
http://i.minus.com/iKQeUnlCg2N63.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iT6d6k0Qc9wby.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Well... I suppose that I owe you one for the whole faking my death bit... So, alright. You have my permission to try.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: What's this? A shred of conscience, maybe?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: What's this? An itchy firing finger?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Forget I said anything...

http://i.minus.com/i5bjPQemjpCsB.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iboURn5hyhWDVT.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: ....

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ...

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: ....

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Uh, boss?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Biggs, had I not just pranked you, you would be out on the street faster than I could say 'Dun, Dun, Dun'.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: S--

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Note, however, that I have no such reservations about you, Ananda.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Sssssssshutting up now.

http://i.minus.com/iLCog0lRxA453.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: You had better come up with some kind of phenomenal sound track if you want to save your job, Porkins.

http://i.minus.com/iW4amZPnQGh7n.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibwCeaWaCj6lxp.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Your best leaves much to be desired, Porky. Very soon, you might find yourself going: "Th-th-th-th-that's all folks!"

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Uh, hey, look!

http://i.minus.com/iDk0RtXRTo18W.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibkGagzlE6cVgI.png
http://i.minus.com/iL4ZqWwtSyqDD.pnghttp://i.minus.com/isx7BLZyiERZv.png
http://i.minus.com/iZE1mcgV91xLW.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iYRnCAIuSXJZN.png
http://i.minus.com/ib0O8c1PshBzBo.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iX5rd8EH3FYtm.png
http://i.minus.com/i0kawTn5LMWGF.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iRkwM3J5nUFR3.png
http://i.minus.com/iiAfcc8rfsk4f.png
http://i.minus.com/iHDjsUTxxGpnR.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iXf75S9vyL8ih.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Cheetah Women? Cheetah Women? CHEETAH WOMEN!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I really do not like where this is heading.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Rolling Rats on a Freight Train! Why didn't I think of that? Can you imagine? The power of fanservice combined with the furry block? Ananda!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I refuse to model for anything.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: What? No. Get the company lawyers on this! I want to be able to wrest the rights to Cheetah Women away from whoever they are pronto! It must become our property, STAT!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I got it. I got it. Sheesh.

http://i.minus.com/iH3cZcjYkAm4a.pnghttp://i.minus.com/i0Cx9cJeLoDQ4.png
http://i.minus.com/iPeX4TVH7lHlW.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iZch7hmebZ03w.png
http://i.minus.com/ibwKYhmCR96C2S.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibh0FJsZGRFZUg.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Excellent. Excellent. I have a good feeling about this one. What do the judges say about the game, eh?

http://i.minus.com/iWPDdLO1dWx0j.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iXTv6SlYwOtO7.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: And I know just how to promote it!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: For some reason, hearing you say that fills me with dread.

http://i.minus.com/icJXVeNax8pMk.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... You sponsored a TV station?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Yes. Now, with every station break, viewers will be greeted with my smiling face urging them to support their local Metal Top Gear by purchasing No 4th Wall.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... And that's supposed to sell our game? Or drive them away from us?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Sell our game, of course. What else would subliminal messaging be used for?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: You did what?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Absolutely nothing at all and certainly nothing illegal.

http://i.minus.com/iUcZ3BThSDw1T.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iO0hQ6191O590.png
http://i.minus.com/iBzLqFrNRVEZh.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iuYnmoBfdhI7Y.png
http://i.minus.com/iZ6eyzZWusoWS.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibsaaWayqow4ZA.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: That looks... almost demented.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: It does, doesn't it?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Clearly, they're out to attract the heavy metal, punk rock niche. We should consider this carefully.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Ooooookay.

http://i.minus.com/ilYW3BrcIUwEu.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ixzAwJo7Ph1OZ.png
http://i.minus.com/i8yYh2f28xClw.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Finally! At long last, we've managed to break through the 20 point ceiling! Now that we're at the #3 spot, it's just a hop, skip and a jump to #1. All we need is a little more life or death training to make it all work.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Oh dear... maybe I should consider a sick day soon.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Sick leave gets you fired.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Why am I not surprised?

---

Alright, people, it's voting time!

This time around vote for:
` The console that we want to develop for. Our options are as follows:
http://i.minus.com/ibt2i0rN9iDSSx.png
http://i.minus.com/iYttc0JX5f1TX.png
http://i.minus.com/ibbCAQlFfSuZcS.png
http://i.minus.com/iBbrzUCYtqFCG.png
http://i.minus.com/irGylUzObheIm.png
http://i.minus.com/iM4QUuOqhOETV.png

` A Genre for our game. Our options are:
http://i.minus.com/iLireRGhojM7K.png
http://i.minus.com/iCutxVWTFbGfz.png
http://i.minus.com/ibvXKqpu6BdZQZ.png

` A Type for our game. Our options are:
http://i.minus.com/ikTrqTR3KesLM.png
http://i.minus.com/iCChCy7gdwoHl.png
http://i.minus.com/ibf8VsWktiNIVn.png
http://i.minus.com/ib0RjLdmxrTujk.png

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Let's take a massively unwarranted risk, and ship for the PCC-FQX! Yeah! Livin' on the edge!

Also, considering the options, a Bookstore Adventure is our next go-around. Herlock Polmes vs. the Author

[T.G. Oskar]

I still insist a Romance Sim(ulation) RPG known as Hercule in Love has to be produced. I threw the pitch, and it still stands.

[...]we need to have a sim RPG where Hercule has to solve crimes and choose the love of her life, with a revolutionary new system that determines your crime-solving abilities based on your romantic approaches!

Again: until its done, I won't change my vote. In fact, I'm so adamant about having this game released, I refuse to recognize a rodent's rear region's reward about the console it'll be produced. Even in the Microx, if it's possible.

[stevenjobs]

Word of mouth is worth it for now. It's worth finding anyone who can do graphics or sound, just to keep it in-house and put a lid on costs.

Can't wait to see what the first game options will be.

[Brennan1214]

Let's take a massively unwarranted risk, and ship for the PCC-FQX! Yeah! Livin' on the edge!

Also, considering the options, a Bookstore Adventure is our next go-around. Herlock Polmes vs. the Author

This is good.

[onionbreath]

These updates are always fun to read :smallbiggrin:. Thanks for putting this together.



Also, considering the options, a Bookstore Adventure is our next go-around. Herlock Polmes vs. the Author

Third-ed-ed

[fizzmaister]

Just read the entire LP so far. This is a blast.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode 16: Louis Armstrong Can Probably Breathe Easy
http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Hi, Boss. I'm on time, so don't think that you can dock my pay.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Don'tcha worry, baby girl, your paycheck I ain't gonna hurl.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ...

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: What's the matter, Sounds Hot? You ain't speakin' so I be thinkin' that a cat's got your tongue.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Did you just...?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: 'Course my words do howl, can't ya feel the groove in ya soul?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: That just-- What on earth does bad scat lyrics have to do with making a library game?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Absotively-posolutely-nothin'.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Oliver and Company? Really?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: But, when it sounds shot, then sound shots, Sounds Hot.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Okay then. How about a round of training reports?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That sounds mighty fine, my sassy feline.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: *sigh* Curse this wretched economy.

http://i.minus.com/ibeVPKB04KeBJP.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibomlmMhZJzyWc.png
http://i.minus.com/i6t14cYyFKsKf.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibq20RJwFJXU6t.png

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I think that everyone's taken their present job about as far as they can. We're getting to the point that there's not a lot of return on investment any more.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: If such be the case, then we're gonna shake up this place. The next time our salesman appears, there'll be some reorganization, I fear.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Your promises fill me with dread.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: By design, my feline. When fears and frustrations I got, I take them out on Sounds Hot.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Whatever that means. Look, there's a phone call from PCC-FQX. It's probably good news.

http://i.minus.com/iKfxX4BroVc85.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ib289uQpJMjL6W.png
http://i.minus.com/iVrQCkJtqpyNv.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibh7GumTpe21FB.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That's what I like to hear, the sound of future money in my ear.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: You know that your tempo and rhythm are all wrong, right?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I don't hold to your convections, my rhyme is but perfection.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: And very hard on the ears. Ow.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Then you'd best fix your ear, before I kick your derrière.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Ugh. Why do I even try?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: You love it, that's no lie.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Right now, I'd rather die.

http://i.minus.com/ib04UFFPrPNusF.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibCTdwQQLsPF1.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That's, 'an adventure game', Gameson. In English class, did you learn nothin'?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: That's... an astonishingly good point coming from you.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Hater's gonna hate, mate. My insights are always great. It's not my fault you can't appreciate.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Did you just call me your wife? Ew.

http://i.minus.com/ij9bzAWPRoDmM.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibcLV9tFhWz7sd.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: You know what'll make me smile? Something that we ain't done in a while.

http://i.minus.com/ibeZxpzipdjEDA.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibi7LdTozOpFP8.png
http://i.minus.com/ikoTdLIbZg0zR.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ioDLFiSXCKRYz.png
http://i.minus.com/iy4IcxtVCHvvd.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Whooo dogs, that's a lot! Ain't it great, Sounds Hot?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: That is really good. The team did a smashing job with No Fourth Wall.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: To celebrate this great day, we'll drink the night away.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I'll pass, thanks.

http://i.minus.com/ibfPhUkB5XXRkx.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. Let the cash drawer ring and spend some of our bling.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Uh... you mean that you want to outsource this one?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Give our guys a rest, then next time they'll do their best.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: If you say so.

http://i.minus.com/iltKtv9YinuLj.pnghttp://i.minus.com/i1TwEocWBvK6S.png
http://i.minus.com/iHhLZUp65EfaO.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: How's that for poor luck? I expected more bang for our buck.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: He didn't really do any better than Gameson did for the Fun stat... and Gameson's stats are lower.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: They can't all be a winner, Sounds Hot, how about dinner?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: What is it with you today?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Nothing's the matter. Can I have an answer?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I'd rather be stranded on the moon... without oxygen.

http://i.minus.com/iIqPzXOGqnMHs.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibtuQzTkSElEY4.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Go for it, pig-man.

http://i.minus.com/i7DWcc326mvFx.pnghttp://i.minus.com/i46nxVv5i0pI6.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Now that's what I want to see! Success for you and me!

http://i.minus.com/iU2dRUUXwTvzm.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iZJDNiNoDSnvL.png
http://i.minus.com/iEBkJR8VXrSVm.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ipzTFygvDaCHO.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Avast and belay! How I hate payday! Fine! Take your filthy money, but I expect repayment, honey!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... The heck is wrong with you?

http://i.minus.com/it9tdw7b8xcNV.pnghttp://i.minus.com/inIxy4Jvjiitl.png
http://i.minus.com/iQ3GzaANhK2OU.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Dee's worked like a horse, it's time to outsource.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: If you say so.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: If such be the case, then--

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: No. Wait. Doesn't Biggs do our music?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Tell me, you miserable urchin, do you know what rhymes with Porkin?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Point taken.

http://i.minus.com/i7K74Uxd1SE9K.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iXkHWNoHsTLMS.png
http://i.minus.com/ilej1RYafG5gA.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I find that hard to believe, but you gave Biggs reprieve.

http://i.minus.com/ipTXiCaat7hXt.pnghttp://i.minus.com/it72OWvw9BJos.png
http://minus.com/lXLyBgt8A2CF8http://i.minus.com/izheRmocwCxRz.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Yeeeeeeeeeah! That's a stellar game. This company'll never be the same. They'll never be able to reject, such a grand project!

http://i.minus.com/iblNb4HWc6qsJO.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ib145Pa4P9EA3z.png
http://i.minus.com/iYtj3UAUAb0qn.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Then let's get to advertisin'. We'll do so with some racin'!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Racin'? Oh, you mean racing. Like, a stock car sponsorship?

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: That's what I said, better clean out your head. When that's what you've got, you can tell it, Sounds Hot.

http://i.minus.com/ifFr7p1NTFfbt.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iXCN9lLdRHe1r.png
http://i.minus.com/ibqSTRWvNSPx4b.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iK74QajEUTyr6.png
http://i.minus.com/i5kGzAKfMeS2I.png

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: Yeahah! That's the way that it ought to be! Nothin' but the Top Ten for you and me!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Uh, okay. I really can't wait for this project to wrap up. Listening to your bad attempts at singing are giving me a headache.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: I can fulfill your heart's desire. Because, of this, I tire. It was fun for a bit, you see, but, hooo boy, has it taken a toll on me.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I'm sure.

http://i.minus.com/i8VUQIiZYpMCm.png: To vote, it is now time, so I don't have to rhyme.

---

You guys know the drill. Vote up a game (type/genre/platform) and, since we've run dry, throw in a new secretary name while you're at it. Sound good? :smallbiggrin:

Our present options:
Genres:
http://i.minus.com/ib10NcCbeqkXG7.png
http://i.minus.com/iCEk4kJhkvPTY.png
http://i.minus.com/iQlb5Y6FIUgY9.png

Types:
http://i.minus.com/i8881oI1CqLkl.png
http://i.minus.com/ibgggUVThPnSIs.png
http://i.minus.com/ibuWYADFPanXkR.png
http://i.minus.com/iz35zUXvZDblB.png

[Sanguine]

Dating Sim Rpg

[The Glyphstone]

Dating Simulation, titled Eighth Letter Game

[CarpeGuitarrem]

I still insist a Romance Sim(ulation) RPG known as Hercule in Love has to be produced. I threw the pitch, and it still stands.

Also, @onionbreath: while I didn't notice that was the name of a game that you were pitching, it IS definitely an awesome name for a secretary. Let's say it's Halloween and the boss is hooked on a specific webcomic I will not mention that has a strange naming convention for its eponymous characters, and the secretary gives an idea and the boss answers "Sounds Hot", and she goes "wha?", and he goes "I don't like the idea", and she goes "but you mentioned it sounded...oh, screw this!" and the antics continue.

But still, we need to have a sim RPG where Hercule has to solve crimes and choose the love of her life, with a revolutionary new system that determines your crime-solving abilities based on your romantic approaches!
Let's do this! Also, Caroline is my next vote.

[Thanatos 51-50]

Yeah, I'm good for Dating Sim, although my vote as far as the name of the game is for Orkish Courtship.

And we can call the Secretary Sugar Lips!

[T.G. Oskar]

I still insist a Romance Sim(ulation) RPG known as Hercule in Love has to be produced. I threw the pitch, and it still stands.

But still, we need to have a sim RPG where Hercule has to solve crimes and choose the love of her life, with a revolutionary new system that determines your crime-solving abilities based on your romantic approaches!

Let's do this! Also, Caroline is my next vote.

I wholeheartedly agree with this! And it's not just because it's exactly what I'm gunning for, but because recursive quoting. That way, I don't have to change my vote, which won't happen until the Let's Play ends or until it's done.

Bets can be placed on which will come first.

[onionbreath]

I think we should make an Animal Racing game and call it SJP Hrs Racing.

The 14-char limit doesn't do justice to the title. The full name is Sarah Jessica Parker's Horse Racing

[Loki_42]

I still insist a Romance Sim(ulation) RPG known as Hercule in Love has to be produced. I threw the pitch, and it still stands.

But still, we need to have a sim RPG where Hercule has to solve crimes and choose the love of her life, with a revolutionary new system that determines your crime-solving abilities based on your romantic approaches!

Let's do this! Also, Caroline is my next vote.

I wholeheartedly agree with this! And it's not just because it's exactly what I'm gunning for, but because recursive quoting. That way, I don't have to change my vote, which won't happen until the Let's Play ends or until it's done.

Bets can be placed on which will come first.

Let's add on to this unwieldy quote monstrosity and give Oskar his time in the sun.

[The Glyphstone]

I still insist a Romance Sim(ulation) RPG known as Hercule in Love has to be produced. I threw the pitch, and it still stands.

But still, we need to have a sim RPG where Hercule has to solve crimes and choose the love of her life, with a revolutionary new system that determines your crime-solving abilities based on your romantic approaches!

Let's do this! Also, Caroline is my next vote.

I wholeheartedly agree with this! And it's not just because it's exactly what I'm gunning for, but because recursive quoting. That way, I don't have to change my vote, which won't happen until the Let's Play ends or until it's done.

Bets can be placed on which will come first.

Let's add on to this unwieldy quote monstrosity and give Oskar his time in the sun.

Indeed. I am changing my vote to support the quote bandwagon.

[D.KnightSpider]

How far can your tunnel quote go? *dun dun* How far can your tunnel quote go? *dun dun*

Don't forget to throw out some secretary name, guys. Otherwise I might have to actually resort to using her real name. Hehee.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

How far can your tunnel quote go? *dun dun* How far can your tunnel quote go? *dun dun*

Don't forget to throw out some secretary name, guys. Otherwise I might have to actually resort to using her real name. Hehee.
So far, we have Caroline and Sugar Lips.

[D.KnightSpider]

Indeed. But two names only go so far...

--

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: And one of those isn't even a real name! 'Sugar Lips'? Seriously? Have you no shame at all?

--

Anywho, after a killer work week (68 hours and counting) and sixteen-ish episodes of basically writing the same thing in different ways, I'm feeling a bit burnt out and full of writer's block. I need to change it up and get some new material.

So, I think it's time for another thread experiment. Episode 17 is going to be a focus episode. If you want, vote for two employees to get a day in the limelight. Voting ends tomorrow night-ish when I begin working on the next update.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Porkins and Minamoto, naturally.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode 17: Fatigue Takes Its Toll


http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Mr. Porkins... may I ask what you're doing?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: What does it look like I'm doing? I'm watching Torch Alert on Interpix.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: I had surmised as much. Has it not occurred to you that we are to be working?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Relax. I can do two things at once. I'm a very skill multi-tasker.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: The quality of your work would suggest otherwise.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Eh, I'm not too worried. I figure the boss owes me after that whole decapitation bit. I can probably skate by a while longer.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: I find such an attitude appalling. But I digress. Have you heard the rumors? Supposedly, a large company shake-up is on its way.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: I'll believe it when it happens, Minamoto. The way I see it, we're pretty much set for life at this point. Our games are cracking the top ten. The cash is flowin' freely. Why upset the applecart at this point?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Because our boss is a sadistic monster?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Point.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Ah. Such poor timing.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: What is?

http://i.minus.com/iba2Z851ozqhVg.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Oh, that. Uh, why's that a bad thing?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Because, our income is just short of what is needed to progress to the next tier of advertising.

http://i.minus.com/iINrc2Am5b1AN.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: ... I see what you mean. With a bit more moolah to work with, we could have had some real fun with the booth babes.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Tell me, do you honestly wish to see the boss insult them the way that he berates his secretary?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: ... No. That would totally kill the buzz and ruin any chances that I'd have with them. Minamoto, this is a crisis. We need to find some way to prevent the boss from poisoning the booth babe well.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Somehow, this attitude of yours does not surprise me.

http://i.minus.com/ibzdSf31qcW0MD.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iTIprTA21z2GR.png
http://i.minus.com/iFPVXpOOHcEo.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iuhXrgguUCuBn.png

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: It appears that my fears were well founded.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: How'zat? There weren't even any booth babes for the bossman to drive off.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: That is not the fear to which I refer. The 'bossman' as you call him, has decided to make due on his threat. While his secretary was handling Gamedex, the boss found some career change manuals.

http://i.minus.com/i6mf9pxeSniMI.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibk9N8TfRt55xB.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Don't you find this a little weird?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: That he is restructuring the company?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: No, that you have to keep dancing around the secretary's name because we don't know what it is.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: To an extent. I find more concern in the abuse that she suffers than her lack of proper title, however.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: I wonder if I can sneak a peek at her wallet. That should tell us what it is...

http://i.minus.com/igZqKU6H5NoDe.pnghttp://i.minus.com/i0sgt1XAQOb3E.png
http://i.minus.com/ibeLv8EZSz0BdN.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Whoa, wait. The boss made you a sound engineer? For real?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: It would appear so.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: But... why?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: I believe that he said something about... trimming fat from the company.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Ulp.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: I wouldn't be too worried, Porkins. As you said, the boss does still owe you one.

http://minus.com/ljwdDOWLISn2mhttp://i.minus.com/ipCNwB5WqAAvI.png
http://i.minus.com/ibwmxiZcSVb10D.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ipwsyBq30Yb6G.png

http://i.minus.com/iFs9Fz28xr0qW.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iVdGAB58WYJmV.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: With all the new jobs floating around, I wonder what the boss is going to do about the game proposal.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: I would assume that he'll get one of his new writers to do it.

http://i.minus.com/ibhNVyuxQYjZMR.png

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Case in point.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Pffft. I'm less than impressed since that was easily guessed. Hey, I'm a poet and I didn't even know it?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Truly, your wit is presage.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Why, thank you.

http://i.minus.com/ilppKIvIkuMvC.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ihRHEe9LNrzJj.png
http://i.minus.com/iT07QlHvYOFeN.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iQUtQjEmwBfTa.png
http://i.minus.com/i5vNpU4obGp2F.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Well, that was a poor showing. Only 6 fun? I think the boss screwed up big time on this one. I told you that he shouldn't have upset the applecart.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: It was to be expected. It is his first time as a writer and he lacks the training that others have had.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Well, those results make mine look good, so I guess that I'm alright with that. Anything to increase my standing in the world.

http://i.minus.com/iMX4WYswigijC.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iGtYdtt5gcsPR.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Let me guess, another new guy's going to get the job?

http://i.minus.com/ib0DaorZo9oqkQ.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Totally called it. That's just the way that the world works.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: T'was a rather predictable result, as a comrade of mine once said.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Eh, when you do it, it's just pompous hot air. When I do it, it's genius. It's all in the approach.

http://i.minus.com/iiZgX7Vf5koxe.pnghttp://i.minus.com/igfvAwHrFX5MA.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Man. That's a whole lot better than the last time around... Dang...

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Not quite the free pass that you were expecting?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Not at all. I might actually have to start working again at this rate.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: T'would be a wise idea, should you ask me.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: I didn't, I'm not and I won't.

http://i.minus.com/ibd7DRseCFV9eB.pnghttp://i.minus.com/idhOEUYFdWePo.png
http://i.minus.com/i2lC0DLF9pJNZ.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ifU5XVv4FDY8w.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Looks like you're up, big man.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Indeed. I shall endeavor to do my best.

http://i.minus.com/ir7nP5C548Mo.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: That's... wow. You did worse than Gilly Bates. Now that's sayin' somethin'.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: It appears that fortune was not on my side.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: She's a cruel mistress, no doubt. I told you not to run with her.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: What th- no! That is not remotely what I meant!

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Oh, don't worry. I won't tell the wife.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: You, sir, are deplorable.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: And adorable. Don't forget that.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Hardly.

http://i.minus.com/igzbouhGcJGVp.pnghttp://i.minus.com/i4VBu9btzb1rR.png
http://i.minus.com/i3kGf28nEL2aP.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Ouch.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: As was said, fortune is a cruel mistress. It appears that she still has it in for you.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Hah. It's not clever to use recycled material, bub. You've gotta try a whole lot harder if you want to get the better of me.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: So I see. I shall meditate on this failure.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Dude, you're taking this way too seriously.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Someone must, as you could care less.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Touche.

http://i.minus.com/ibnzxcGLPL8QHH.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ikIi4AlbaOgDj.png
http://i.minus.com/ibr2rJSJy1jVa5.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Hah! In your face, anonymous reviewers! You trash our game and we still make the top ten. How's that for awesome!

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: It would--

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: If you try to continue with this Mistress Fortune metaphor, I will... do I don't know what but it'll be unpleasant.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Let me know when you decide what that is.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: ... Yeah, sure... I'll get right on that.

---

You guys know the drill, types, genres and secretary names!

Genres:
http://i.minus.com/ib10NcCbeqkXG7.png
http://i.minus.com/iCEk4kJhkvPTY.png
http://i.minus.com/iQlb5Y6FIUgY9.png

Types:
http://i.minus.com/i8881oI1CqLkl.png
http://i.minus.com/ibgggUVThPnSIs.png
http://i.minus.com/ibuWYADFPanXkR.png
http://i.minus.com/iz35zUXvZDblB.png

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Alright, folks. Here it is: our Great Big Massive Crossover Event!

A Bookstore Shooter called Herlock Polmes and the Flying Shuriken. As bookstores everywhere come under attack, Herlock must fight through periods of history and fiction in order to defeat the nefarious ninja who are responsible for this atrocity!

Also, seconding Caroline the secretary.

EDIT: vote changed to Roxanne.

[Sanguine]

Alright, folks. Here it is: our Great Big Massive Crossover Event!

A Bookstore Shooter called Herlock Polmes and the Flying Shuriken. As bookstores everywhere come under attack, Herlock must fight through periods of history and fiction in order to defeat the nefarious ninja who are responsible for this atrocity!

Seconded and Sarah for the secratary's name.

[Ajadea]

This is an amazingly funny LP.
You should call the secretary Bob.

As for the game... Action Reversi. Because... just because. Why not.

[Brennan1214]

You know, I've been meaning to ask. What is reversi?

[CarpeGuitarrem]

You know, I've been meaning to ask. What is reversi?
Generic version of Othello (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi). Which is a game about flipping the pieces on the board to your color. So it's a little like Go, but with flipping pieces.

[onionbreath]

I don't just think outside of the box. I stomp it into pieces, and then eat the pieces, and then go through excruciating pain a couple days later.

Ogre Racing

[The Glyphstone]

I like A Bookstore Shooter called Herlock Polmes and the Flying Shuriken, but the secretary's name should be Steve. The boss can't even assign her a gender-appropriate name at this point.

[Thanatos 51-50]

Y'know what? Bookstore Shooter gets my vote.
Have we called the Secretary Amanda, Roxanne, Lenore, Beatrice, or Desdemona yet?

[CarpeGuitarrem]

My word, Thanatos, those are inspired gold. I'm switching my vote to Roxanne.

[Thanatos 51-50]

My word, Thanatos, those are inspired gold.

I had an acute case of Sudden Onset You're a Literature Major, Dammit, Just Pull Out Some Female Names.

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Eighteen: His Twin Brother Is Also A Paralegal


http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Well, yes, Bob, I completely agree.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Hum de dum.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: It does make a certain amount of sense when you look at it that way.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: What's up with the boss? He's been talking on that Bluetooth all morning.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I don't know, really, and since it's better than listening to him prattle on, I think I'm alright with it.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Eh, you got a point there. And, hey, it means less work for us so I'm cool with it... By the way, I've been meaning to ask you something for a while.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Oh? What's that?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Very good. I'll get right on that. Steve?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Well, we've been working together for a few years now, but I really don't know anything about you. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to, I don't know, chill out after work or something?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Are you asking me out on a date?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Not really a date, per se. It's just... (dang it, Porkins, you can't say that! Sure she looks pretty smokin' in that pseudo-schoolgirl thing she's got going on, but chicks don't dig that kind of forwardness!) ... uh, y'know, a chance to hang out. Learn more about my coworkers. That sort of thing.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: We seem to be having a connection problem, here. Steve? Steve?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I... guess that would be alright.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Great. Though, uh, this is a little embarrassing, but, I don't think I really know your name...

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Oh, it's--

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: PORKINS! WILL YOU PLEASE STOP DISTRACTING STEVE SO THAT WE CAN GET SOME WORK DONE AROUND HERE?!

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Eep!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Wait, you're naming me-- but that's just-- I'm a woman!

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Now, Porkins, get back to work or I'll fire you like a yule log on Christmas morning! And give you the gift of pink slips!

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: I'll pick you up at eight-- bye!!

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: ... Now, then, Secretary Steve, I have most urgent news for you.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: More urgent than ruining my social life and deciding that I'm a man trapped in a woman's body?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Since there's no way that I can answer that question without setting off a firestorm of controversy, let's just cut to the chase. Last night, during my nightly poker game, I had an epiphany.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Oh, this ought to be good.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: It was a very fierce game, you see, and after imbibing quite a bit, I found myself in this most fierce match with this little stringy fellow.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: This can hardly end well.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: The string fellow's name was Bob and it turned out to be the most delightful financial advisor. He also turned out to be an actual piece of string.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... You were playing poker... with a piece of string. You must have been hammered.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Anyway, Bob told me that it's time to strike while the iron is hot. We're taking Metal Top Wing public.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Wait, we're-- public? We're going on the stock market? Are you crazy? The paperwork alone would be nightmarish. You're taking financial advice from an inanimate object?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: You of all people should know not to judge books by their covers, Steve. That's why I'll handle the finer points of the process and you'll do all the paperwork for us. I knew that I could count on you, Steve.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: And you weren't talking on your Bluetooth all day, but to a piece of string... ugh... this day just got a whole lot worse.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Excellent! I knew that you'd understand. Now, how's the latest round of training look?

http://i.minus.com/iLskNhWuuULQZ.pnghttp://i.minus.com/if0ADhkcQ0GY8.png
http://i.minus.com/ihGa8eES66RL5.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibngUh4N9t8SVv.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Checkers? Seriously? That's the best that Minamoto could do?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: nspiration can strike out of nowhere, in some cases, it just strikes out.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Very, true, Steve. Very true. Wait, what's that, Bob? Hmm... Yes. Useless inspiration very well should be ground out of existence. We'll get right on that.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I'm being upstaged by a string. Can my life lose any more meaning?

http://i.minus.com/i8gPrTy5WTIoj.pnghttp://i.minus.com/inMfuniXd68h4.png
http://i.minus.com/iTHPwlXNlFPCD.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibsIl9mVljIYHz.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Hmm... Minamoto seems to be struggling lately. Such a shame, he used to be one of our best employees.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Well, he is a Sound Engineer now. You're expecting a musical maker to put together a game proposal that's not a rhythm game. That doesn't exactly make logical sense.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: What's that, Bob? Oh, yes, of course. Minamoto spent years as a producer and writer before trying his hand as a Sound Engineer. Do you really expect us to believe that he forgot how to spin a good yarn just because I gave him different duties?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Not so much that he forgot just that he, uh, has a lot less time to devote to writing? Also, that pun was terrible.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Wasn't it, though?

http://i.minus.com/iXZX6eCNWJDDp.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibs8E6ne7GWVcj.png
http://i.minus.com/iidpx3GHrV5Wt.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Bah. I have no time for this frivolity. We have a company to put on the stock exchanges!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: We actually have a pretty strong hand this year.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: That's exactly what I said last night before losing my house.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: You lost your house?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: I just hope that that potato remembers to water my flowers and feed Sparky.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: What kind of poker game was this?

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Strip.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Moving on.

http://i.minus.com/idvB12ZGCxs5y.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iRpAIcclLslAA.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: YES! Ha! HA! With this money, I can buy my house back!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Yay.

http://i.minus.com/iYKLqi1a2VOS1.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibgfBUj9Ia6I3T.png
http://i.minus.com/i0VE5bhA4nTPw.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iBeWCpERHdTC2.png
http://i.minus.com/ijpfEkua0lqac.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: And I have my house! I tell you, Steve. That potato was such a good spud about it all. He hadn't changed anything. It was all just as I left it.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Gee, I wonder why.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: I don't know either. But thank heaven for small favors, eh?

http://i.minus.com/iWBrUbyNGsA59.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iJl4WOpxsWMMI.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: What say you, Right Hand Bob? Hmm... Yes... I see... Very well, Gilly. Go for it.

http://i.minus.com/io4wrs4Q6whn9.pnghttp://i.minus.com/imLh8LXpuUEuK.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Excellent! Excellent! This is just what the doctor ordered. I knew that you were the man, Gilly!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: So you get his gender right, but not mine.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

http://i.minus.com/ih7P70DWplGRs.pngreleased!
http://i.minus.com/iWYFeGNR7WY6c.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibz1J6emlJtPB1.png
http://i.minus.com/inOx7yNPLfgVf.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Whahahaa! Look at our fan base grow! I tell you, Steve, I have a really good feeling about all of this. Maybe I should go talk to that tuna fish. Maybe it'll let me have my car back... he hasn't even taken it anywhere, so I know that he's not using it.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Ugh. I don't even want to think about how much your car reeks by now. It's a crying shame, though... I really liked that little car.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Oh? I don't suppose that you'd be interested in a little poker game slash wager, then?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Not on your life, flyboy.

http://i.minus.com/i3MmVZlF7jNeq.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iN16j03iGkoAQ.png
http://i.minus.com/ibeal7ZGvoYTof.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ib20q5PEFKyLPc.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: I'm sensing a trend, here.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: It's a bookstore shooter, what did you expect? We're making a game about Hercule running around throwing bookmarks at everything. There's only so much that can be done with such a premise.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Oh, come now, Steve. There's a lot more to this game than that. The Board of Directors was very clear about just what this game should contain. It's faaaaabulous premise!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: ... Please don't ever do that again.

http://i.minus.com/iTTNWVrIOx9ws.pnghttp://i.minus.com/is8TkOJzD2qYD.png
http://i.minus.com/ibqDTGNsh84Cx7.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: ... I really should not be surprised, and yet I am.

http://i.minus.com/i5NggAeAXjGSc.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibxuyQKAKHDFf0.png
http://i.minus.com/iKe4FvAdqSQf5.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibnpWfm38ISARq.png
http://i.minus.com/ibzIoAeVfTpb3j.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: That's an interesting little sucker. Arcade games, eh? That might be something to look into... if we get in on the ground floor of the market, then we just might have a fighting chance of making it big.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Maybe, but... I don't know. Arcade games have a rather lousy reputation when it comes to quality and winnability.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Who cares about that? They're great at milking quarters from kids' pockets, right? We want their money, so you can just shut up, alright?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Yeah, sure, whatevs.

http://i.minus.com/ibpyNmwBvUoAON.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iLKKBztumpKNh.png
http://i.minus.com/ibmYShfdmjPV3b.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ib1ZAqNQQ0bXjm.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: And we're in the home stretch... I've got a really good feeling about this.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I'm glad that one of us does. If you're going to go public, then you need a strong showing right now.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: I'm all about strength and masculinity, Steve. You won't find a more manly specimen than myself. Care to see?

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I can't say 'NO!' fast enough.

http://i.minus.com/io6ftbyb4ZSPs.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iXySidLyegNUh.png
http://i.minus.com/ibyrHGAtjpRfYd.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibnJyscOdBBIDw.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: You see? YOU SEE? They all said that I was crazy. They all said that the combination was bad. But I beat them at their own game! Herlock Polmes and the Flying Shuriken is a marvelous, marvelous game and don't you say otherwise!

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: Okay. Okay. You're right. I'll admit it, you pulled the project off. I'm amazed that that worked out, though... It'll be interesting to see what happens with sales.

http://i.minus.com/iBgZiTPW205rx.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ib1cR60R141RlP.png
http://i.minus.com/iD2ZumglkeBga.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iuCx24fsvBtvC.png
http://i.minus.com/ibc65IxXgQWvTg.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Perfection, I tell you.

http://i.minus.com/ibpk9iNlNmVPYN.png: I admit defeat, alright? You don't have to gloat.

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Oh, but I do, Steve. I really and truly do.

http://i.minus.com/ibj9yFEIsDuTne.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iV80uWG0AjDhx.png
http://i.minus.com/iZfZZ4cd4R5xP.png

http://i.minus.com/ibdrfOOd5Ari2q.png: Next time, baby. Next time, we're going to be Number 1! I can feel it in my bones!

----

It's voting time! You guys know the drill: Here's our present options.

Consoles:
http://i.minus.com/ibsuEn9SnQKnvG.png
http://i.minus.com/igs2OswqaejmE.png (Spoilers: The IES will discontinue in 3 in-game months.)
http://i.minus.com/i7qkXDBgEoDlS.png
http://i.minus.com/ib2l9cF2NnVIfW.png
http://i.minus.com/ibtvUj7lV4j68Z.png
http://i.minus.com/i3RHnvEfQt8cG.png

Genres:
http://i.minus.com/iVnhj0zeFBUwM.png
http://i.minus.com/iExrmvTb9LuXH.png
http://i.minus.com/ibm71En5aGFwkU.png

Types:
http://i.minus.com/iXbLrXWIUJzg9.png
http://i.minus.com/iYVYOVu5UBCW7.png
http://i.minus.com/ibapjrpwuPADwZ.png
http://i.minus.com/i9w7BgQZFmdmi.png

[The Glyphstone]

Wait, if we have 1,149 fans, and sold 129,014 copies of our latest game...those must be some really dedicated fans.

[D.KnightSpider]

Or our 'fans' are just those who have a loooooot of (misplaced) faith in us and like our products. The other 127,865 people just tried out this one game but aren't sold on us as a company.

Kinda like how people used to sware by Bioware as opposed to those who wanted to know what all the Mass Effect hype was about.

[Jallorn]

I really want to see what we could accomplish with a good combo, I think we should return to that combo we did before that worked, make a sequel.

[Aragehaor]

Checkers? Seriously? That's the best that Minamoto could do?

Checkers Adventure.
See below

Also, we should develop for Intendro's replacement for the IES! (Unless they dont make one!)

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Let's have one last go at the good ol' IES before it dies, then. A Checkers Sim RPG (which, according to my Google-fu, is akin to Final Fantasy Tactics and the like) which metaphorically represents the tumultuous case-solving of Herlock Polmes, as she unravels a net of intrigue that the nefarious Ninjarty, her dread nemesis, has spun!

The Ninjarty Problem

[Aragehaor]

Let's have one last go at the good ol' IES before it dies, then. A Checkers Sim RPG (which, according to my Google-fu, is akin to Final Fantasy Tactics and the like) which metaphorically represents the tumultuous case-solving of Herlock Polmes, as she unravels a net of intrigue that the nefarious Ninjarty, her dread nemesis, has spun!

The Ninjarty Problem

In an effort not to divide the checkers vote, My support is now behind this idea.
Racing! Checkers! :smallcool:

Incidentally, i don't think* we can shove out a game in three months before the IES is discontinued.

(redacted)

*i could be completely wrong.

[Ajadea]

Let's have one last go at the good ol' IES before it dies, then. A Checkers Sim RPG (which, according to my Google-fu, is akin to Final Fantasy Tactics and the like) which metaphorically represents the tumultuous case-solving of Herlock Polmes, as she unravels a net of intrigue that the nefarious Ninjarty, her dread nemesis, has spun!

The Ninjarty Problem

Right. Switching my vote to this because it sounds better than my nebulously defined idea.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Incidentally, i don't think* we can shove out a game in three months before the IES is discontinued.

If this be true, my second vote will go to the PCC-whatsit.

[Thanatos 51-50]

A PCC-Whatsiit (What console is that one supposed to be a play off, anyway?) game, entitled King Polmes It shall be a Checkers RPG.

[onionbreath]

A Checkers game, huh? I just came up with a great idea!

Checkers Racing

On second thought, this may be the worst idea ever. I can't even think of a title, let alone a plot or way to pitch the concept. Wait, that's it! The title is Worst Idea Ever

[Aragehaor]

A Checkers game, huh? I just came up with a great idea!

Checkers Racing

On second thought, this may be the worst idea ever. I can't even think of a title, let alone a plot or way to pitch the concept. Wait, that's it! The title is Worst Idea Ever

I HAVE BEEN SWAYED BY YOUR DEEP AND COMPELLING WORDS.

As such, I change my vote to Checkers Racing! and the name to be Worst Idea Ever!

Also! I shall henceforth be known as Aragehaor the fickle and easily swayed! :smalltongue:

[T.G. Oskar]

I really want to see what we could accomplish with a good combo, I think we should return to that combo we did before that worked, make a sequel.

Which of the two? Who's The Boss (popular combo)? Hercule Polmes: Librarian in Love (winner of the Game Awards; genre/shift match)? Or, the de-facto mascot of Metal Top Gear Wing, Hercule Polmes herself (great combo)?

Gentlemen, we have a mascot! We'll see if it competes with the Pizza Delivery Guy that saves a rich billionaire woman and her assets from an evil snake king, or Comrade Hedgehog, facing the robocapitalist forces of Dr. Smith...

And, because that Pizza Delivery Guy is just everywhere...Hercule shall appear in her first Checkers Audio Novel game for the NeonGeon! Yes indeed, or the secretary won't be named Calico ;P

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Also! I shall henceforth be known as Aragehaor the fickle and easily swayed! :smalltongue:
I have imaginary internet cookies.

[Aragehaor]

I have imaginary internet cookies.

Curse you! Ah, very well... I shall change my vote to PCC-Whatsiit! Never let it be said that i cannot succumb to fake bribery.



(What? That is what you wanted, isnt it? :smalltongue:)

[D.KnightSpider]

Episode Nineteen: Nosy Neighbors


http://i.minus.com/iCKSUSmsHq9yZ.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iZMczhqWPrXun.png

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Ah, Porkins, how did your date with... what was your pet name for her? Ah, yes, 'Sugar Lips' go?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: I don't want to talk about it.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Oh? I find this surprising. You were the one champing at the bit for the big night.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: I think you mean 'chomping'.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: No, I meant 'champing'. That's actually the proper turn of phrase for the phrase.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: I feel so much better now that I know that.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Truly?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: No.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Oh.

http://i.minus.com/i8x35h3LMp6YN.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iZ03mkpO8jUHb.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Oh, no. Nonononono. Oh, no.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: What is it?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Every time that salesman comes around, the boss ends up reorganizing the company. You just started making it as a decent Sound Engineer. Knowing the boss, he'll have you doing design work or somesuch next. Doesn't that bug you?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Variety is the spice of life. I welcome the changes and new experiences that that brings.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: You would.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Speaking of experiences, I believe that you had one with Ms. Sugar Lips?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Nice try, but no go, bucko.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: What is this, 'bucko'?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: It's... no, never mind.

http://i.minus.com/ibj4PFiEuiADzq.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibnlVEhfP4bBlv.png
http://i.minus.com/ijJU7mzfgabMg.pnghttp://i.minus.com/izvtVc2WoM9Fk.png
http://i.minus.com/ibuEDnPPcB6WPt.pnghttp://i.minus.com/i8xlSOXziOZaI.png
http://i.minus.com/ibbJtWJ8dNN2qK.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibkOvD41KrADmu.png
http://i.minus.com/iHVZ1x0wUCFsu.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Oh, come on! You hadn't even changed jobs yet!

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: I suppose that they enjoyed my work in other fields.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Must have. Sheesh. No one ever writes an article about me.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Perhaps if you applied yourself to more than the pursuit of women, others would take note of your work.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Yeah, but can you imagine the effort that that would take? Sheesh. I'll stick with the babes, thanks.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Even after last night?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: You know, for this who 'honorable knight' thing that you've got going on, you're a horrible gossip.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Everyone needs a hobby.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: I would prefer it if you would forget about Sugar Lips and myself.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Perhaps. It depends on how long I remain curious about your affairs.

http://i.minus.com/iDifKpPk8QNvF.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iLE0w7se4ZwlN.png
http://i.minus.com/iboech8qT1EkN0.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Y'know, I'm kinda diggin' this new groove. Everyone's turning in really low scoring work lately. It establishes a really cushy grading curve.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: I find such affairs frustrating, really. We should be striving for what is better, not limiting ourselves to mediocrity.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: What sort of crazy work ethic is that?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: A good one.

http://i.minus.com/ikSbVm16nqprN.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibxOEwmmo3L8bG.png
http://i.minus.com/iSP8hSniOW6Ui.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Oh, this'll be good. Given Gilly's track record, I'm expecting him to crash and burn.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Much like you and Ms. Sugar Lips?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Would you drop that already?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Not until you tell me what happened.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Then you're in for a long wait.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Then you are in for a lot of questions.

http://i.minus.com/ixkok3fCIoe85.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iS39jnQR0Oi9s.png

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: What was that about Gilly's ability?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: ... Oh, shut up.

http://i.minus.com/ioy1YI2vaNqA.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ipudchjxViTcP.png
http://i.minus.com/ibdVBXawv1iXTj.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ieIh47XfA90CJ.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Another new console? Man, this market's getting really crowded.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Indeed. Their prices are becoming worrisome, however. Licensing fees are increasing greatly.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Eh, not my problem.

http://i.minus.com/iCDPFhpQfPcRP.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iHKpdBRbYsFF9.png
http://i.minus.com/idTHrRNAjGrUK.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iUr90EEnRWNZW.png

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: That is a rather impressive piece of hardware. It would most definitely be worth investigating.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: I'll say. That's pretty sweet.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: I believe that that's what you said about Sugar Lips?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Would you please keep it down? If she hears you talking like that, I'm a dead man.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: It went that poorly?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: No-Ye- It's complicated. Now leave me alone.

http://i.minus.com/iXxVMMiTuzUNU.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iiDkgrk5FiGkE.png
http://i.minus.com/ifo8RxPmAyevF.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibMOHBK0eD34f.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: If I have a guess-- and I don't but I'll make one anyway-- then I'd guess that you're up, big man.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: It is possible. I shall endeavor to make a home run. That reminds me, did you happen to make it to--

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: If you attempt to turn this into a metaphor for a dating relationship... I'll do something unpleasant.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Noted.

http://i.minus.com/ibbxQ6nkO3Ea8g.pnghttp://i.minus.com/iUZ552WT8GLOU.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Methinks you just fell flat on your face, big man. After that magazine article, I was really expecting something great.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: I did my best, that will be satisfaction enough.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Seems like a weak justification to me.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: As was your reasons for attraction to Sugar Lips.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Ouch.

http://i.minus.com/ixLSDP0agPAKH.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibvzF90HWWJtTP.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Dang. Still no booth babes.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Are you not in a committed relationship?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: No comment.

http://i.minus.com/ibbHZrruR210TV.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibhtaMVpucf45h.png

http://i.minus.com/iEPjY1NSOpqls.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibsmcg1Qk0iQvt.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: What? Another one?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: So it would appear. Since the IES has been discontinued, then I would assume that there is a new successor to the IES console.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: What was your first clue?

http://i.minus.com/iPlLXJ8BCGKKY.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibo1rPPaIVjXbV.png
http://i.minus.com/ifmalwPIA1nkW.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibyg6CD9Xrleed.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: So, it's not just an IES, but a SUPER IES?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Yes, I would expect an onslaught of SUPER titles, then.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Super.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Are you referring to your date with Sugar Lips or the console?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Would you just drop it already?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: No.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Gah.

http://i.minus.com/iVY7XIRpNQDOp.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ioZWbiztCqLW1.png
http://i.minus.com/ibqixi0VtDjXsR.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: ... That's one really convoluted title. It barely makes any sense.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: For once, I am forced to agree with you. It is distinct, however. That should be beneficial.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Much like my evening last night, right?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: ... That was a good one. I hadn't considered it. *scribble*

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Are you writing these down?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: It's better than relying on memory.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: Why? Do you have memory problems?

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: My memory is better than your performance.

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: ... Touche.

http://i.minus.com/ikatNXEv2pDpY.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibvh0rMqZtKyJL.png
http://i.minus.com/iEHxrRbrZc5p3.pnghttp://i.minus.com/ibd1bBppOi9fbb.png

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: So close and yet so far.

http://i.minus.com/ic2Qe8g0yY1Pz.png: Much like last night, eh?

http://i.minus.com/ibeCbEeSvmhsyh.png: *headdesk*

----

Vote up game! (Be sure to bold your votes.)

Consoles:
http://i.minus.com/iFBvEDPoj2Dmd.png
http://i.minus.com/iblxpLzXklT1jw.png
http://i.minus.com/i97koPTGk3xkC.png
http://i.minus.com/iTzyZr0wrTJ3X.png
http://i.minus.com/iEU5xTzxh3uqx.png
http://i.minus.com/iGV2SV8shyJfU.png

Genres:
http://i.minus.com/i7cNdITKQzPKD.png
http://i.minus.com/iRaPRFNtogg8C.png
http://i.minus.com/if0tjhcCySpsf.png

Types:
http://i.minus.com/iZ09B8APtP7QO.png
http://i.minus.com/ibkDiWkcvJLK6k.png
http://i.minus.com/iDNfOURqjN7tQ.png
http://i.minus.com/ibxavhydy9s4Q8.png
http://i.minus.com/igQLnDPoPh0Mt.png

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Oh-ho-ho! War, huh?

I propose that we formulate a War Racing game: Baskerville Wars. Following the presumed demise of both Ninjarty and Herlock Polmes, the Baker Street Irregulars find themselves in a pitched conflict with the ninja clans, waged across the fields of the Baskervilles, as they ride hounds into battle against one another. Let loose the dogs of war, and no mercy for the slow!

To be released on the Super IES.

[Thanatos 51-50]

Super Memory Lane, a Historical Racing Game for the Super IES.

... Because Metal Top Gear deserves a Mario Kart.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Super Memory Lane, a Historical Racing Game for the Super IES.

... Because Metal Top Gear deserves a Mario Kart.
Hmmmmmmmmm. I'm considering a vote change.

[ZeroNumerous]

Checkers Racing

I'll throw in my vote for this for our next game, but changing the name.

The concept is: Herlock Polmes just defeated her archnemesis Ninjarty, and saved Prince Pizza from Ninjarty's dangerous clutches.

So, to celebrate, all them--plus the Prince's retianers, the Cheesesticks, Polmes' sidekick, Polmes' loyal steed, and Ninjarty's right hand man--go off to have a rousing game of checkers. But just any ordinary game of checkers... Checkers with go-karts!

It's called Herlock Polmes Grand Prix

[D.KnightSpider]

Checkers games on motorcycles? :elan:


Anywho, question for you all. We're about halfway through the game, give or take, so I'm contemplating doing something different. Rather than putting it to a vote, what about doing some contests over the next couple of updates? The winner of said contest getting to pick the next type/genre/console for the next game?

Said contests would revolve around our unofficial mascot: Herlock Polmes, and involve things like coming up with a backstory based upon the games made or designing cover art for an entry.

I dunno. Thoughts?

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Sounds workable to me.

[Aragehaor]

I'll throw in my vote for this for our next game, but changing the name.

The concept is: Herlock Polmes just defeated her archnemesis Ninjarty, and saved Prince Pizza from Ninjarty's dangerous clutches.

So, to celebrate, all them--plus the Prince's retianers, the Cheesesticks, Polmes' sidekick, Polmes' loyal steed, and Ninjarty's right hand man--go off to have a rousing game of checkers. But just any ordinary game of checkers... Checkers with go-karts!

It's called Herlock Polmes Grand PrixThis.


Checkers games on motorcycles? :elan:


Anywho, question for you all. We're about halfway through the game, give or take, so I'm contemplating doing something different. Rather than putting it to a vote, what about doing some contests over the next couple of updates? The winner of said contest getting to pick the next type/genre/console for the next game?

Said contests would revolve around our unofficial mascot: Herlock Polmes, and involve things like coming up with a backstory based upon the games made or designing cover art for an entry.

I dunno. Thoughts?Could be workable, though I'm not certain how sustainable that would be - it could also get old* if all our games from now on feature Herlock Polmes.


*Or hilarious

[T.G. Oskar]

Could be workable, though I'm not certain how sustainable that would be - it could also get old* if all our games from now on feature Herlock Polmes.


*Or hilarious

Erm...then what about Mario Pizza Delivery Guy? He's no longer a mere heroic plumber pizza delivery guy, but a plumber pizza delivery guy/racer/firefighter/golfer/b-baller/slugger/whatchamacallit. Why not have our fearless detective chick pull that as well?

Though...it does involve that we should have a secondary mascot? How about Pokémon Mythical Creatures (Mycrés, for short)? Or Link Richter, the Hero of Time Space from The Legend of Zelda The Epic of Eleanor?

As for the choice...going for Racing. Go nuts on which kind of Racing game. On the Super IES (the most innuendo-filled console on the market, take two).

[D.KnightSpider]

Could be workable, though I'm not certain how sustainable that would be - it could also get old* if all our games from now on feature Herlock Polmes.


*Or hilarious

I'm not really suggesting that all of our games from here on out feature Polmes (although given our track record, I would not be at all surprised if such turned out to be the case). It would be entirely dependent on what the winner of said contest decides on. Want to re-invent Action 52 in this universe? Go for it.

I'm just using Herlock's stuff as an example because we've built up quite the little empire around her.