Galactic Keep: Dice Battles by Gilded Skull Games

[gildedskull]

‘Galactic Keep: Dice Battles’ takes core elements of classic dice and paper role playing games (like dungeon crawling for loot and experience on paper maps, a ‘DM’ style of telling a story and rolling dice to create characters, move and to battle) and translates them into an iPhone experience.

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_screen1_new.jpg

One of the key elements of this game will be the story: we want to create a variety of story ‘missions’ in the first offering that allow quite a bit of replay. To this end, the first five missions that will ship with the game will have many branching story paths that lead to at least multiple 'endings', various different unlockable playable characters, many weapons to equip and special attacks to collect.

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_screen3_new.jpg
http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_screen6_new.jpg

Each mission will offer players a different experience: one will have a lot of battles, loot, creatures, enemies and combat. Others will have more exploration, larger maps and a lot of conversation with NPCs. One mission, for example, is a murder mystery on an orbital trading post. Another is a stealth-raid of a reouge laboratory compound within a skyscraper-sized freighter that's sunk partway into a gaseous bog on an uncharted planetoid.

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_screen4_new.jpg
http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_screen5_new.jpg

We’re also working on bluetooth battles (to take your leveled-up characters and battle your friends) and downloadable content packs that will include new missions and unlockable playable characters (among other things). We'll post more details here and on our website over the next couple months.

We’re looking at submitting Galactic Keep in 2011. We’d like to heavily beta test this game and we’ll keep you posted as we begin!

Rob
Gilded Skull Games

[Coral]

Galactic Keep looks really interesting. The style seems very unique to me. I am looking forward to more info on it and can't wait for a video of the gameplay.

[Rocker1]

galactic keep looks amazing!

[gildedskull]

Thanks. I'm trying to make games that I'd want to play myself.

Galactic Keep is something that I'd like people to be able to dig their teeth into. We hope to start with something really good and build on it with updates and add-on content and mission packs over time. I'm really into having a lot of weird characters with interesting stories to tell.

The mood is supposed to tap into 'serial sci-fi' classics of the 60's and 70's in a somewhat gritty...but hopeful setting.

Artistically, I'm taking a low tech approach for a (sometimes) high-tech story (on a cutting edge platform). Rough, hand-hewn graphics are my specialty!

[Devilishly Good]

wow, i love the graphics style in Galactic Keep, that looks really nice

the game itself looks quirky and fun, will definitely be keeping an eye on this one

[gildedskull]

Here are some portraits of characters to be used in Galactic Keep. Some are supposed to become playable, some are enemies. I'd love to get your thoughts on favorites!

Just so you know, these are concepts. Characters may or may not appear in the final game at this point. We're hoping to have a pretty wide variety of enemies and playable characters these are just a few...

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_sample_character_sketch3.jpg

[Devilishly Good]

#3 ftw for me

[gildedskull]

yep, #3 is a 'Gharsos', a gas race that collects items and integrates them into their 'cloud' to give them a more humanoid form. That one is supposed to have collected the skull of slain enemy and is using it as a 'head' of sorts. It fights with a sword.

[Rocker1]

#12 looks awsome

[MunkieSuthorn]

Very interested in Galactic Keep...

Dice battles, does this indicate a level of randomness in the game? Or is it all prescripted?

Munkie!

[gildedskull]

Characters have base stats and players will roll to add to those stats (when first using a character). Maps are pre-rendered but the player will roll to move on them. Enemies/NPCs will have set AI and will move after the players turn is complete. Battles are rolled, but are effected by weapon modifiers. Characters will have special attacks to use that will mix combat up a bit.

The story will have multiple paths to take (depending on the missions). You will be able to replay previously played missions to find other things in the mission that you may not have seen in your first time through.

[gildedskull]

We're working on having 'quick battles' and being able to 'free roam' maps for items and experience...

[walsh06]

galactic keep sounds like an awesome game. I cant wait for it to come out.

[Devilishly Good]

We're working on having 'quick battles' and being able to 'free roam' maps for items and experience...

...very cool

[BadSanta]

Galactic keep sounds an interesting concept,it looks like an improved gamebook.

[gildedskull]

I was a fan of 'The Warlock of Firetop Mountain' when I was a kid! Galactic Keep will have many things a gamebook could never have, but 'the gamebook' is part of the root of the idea. ;)

[PointOfLight]

I was a fan of 'The Warlock of Firetop Mountain' when I was a kid! Galactic Keep will have many things a gamebook could never have, but 'the gamebook' is part of the root of the idea. ;)

I think I might actually have a copy of Warlock Of Firetop Mountain in my basement somewhere! I used to love those kind of books. I was really into the Lone Wolf ones as well.

[BadSanta]

I think I might actually have a copy of Warlock Of Firetop Mountain in my basement somewhere! I used to love those kind of books. I was really into the Lone Wolf ones as well.

Here in italy "lone wolf" is called "Lupo Solitario"..ah my wasted childhood...

[K7A7O7S]

Both of these look really good. I enjoy the art style, and am definitely looking forward to Galactic Keep.

[gildedskull]

A little info on character 12 from the character sheet. You'll notice that in the character sheet that #9 is similar to #12: nine is a robot made in the image of the species seen in #12. They are (at least this particular group) engineers, the species puts focus on mechanical and bio engineering. They consider themselves above the law and aren't at all afraid to experiment in using contraband compounds and technologies in their science.

We'll see about having one of these guys as an unlockable playable character!

[Devilishly Good]

A little info on character 12 from the character sheet. You'll notice that in the character sheet that #9 is similar to #12: nine is a robot made in the image of the species seen in #12. They are (at least this particular group) engineers, the species puts focus on mechanical and bio engineering. They consider themselves above the law and aren't at all afraid to experiment in using contraband compounds and technologies in their science.

We'll see about having one of these guys as an unlockable playable character!

now that sounds cool...always like the darker character classes, myself

[Hodapp]

Toot toot- http://toucharcade.com/2009/07/10/exclusive-sneak-peeks-gilded-skull-games-imp-or-oaf-and-galactic-keep-dice-battles/

Few more screenshots on the front page article that haven't been posted so far. Galactic Keep looks absolutely amazing.

[Medic8er]

Wow, I've been a lurker for awhile, but I must say that I had to post that Galactic Keep looks AMAZING. I love the art style and looks very original. Day one download for me.

p.s. I still have a box full of my old Lone Wolf books somewhere at my parents house. Ahhh...memories:cool:

[VeganTnT]

Does anyone else feel like Galactic Keep is going to ruin their lives? I have a feeling i'm going to be playing insane amounts

[drelbs]

Does anyone else feel like Galactic Keep is going to ruin their lives?
Yes.

Be afraid, be very afraid! :eek:

[mbourgon]

I can't even begin to think about how much work this feature would be, but...

Co-op? Push notifications to your friends that it's game time?

Just hankering for some old-school RPG goodness (my NWN2 party sizzled out a while ago, my Shadowrun group ended with arrival of a child, and now we only really get together once a month to play Arkham Horror).

[fahdiz]

Does anyone else feel like Galactic Keep is going to ruin their lives?


Kinda looks that way.

[gildedskull]

I can't even begin to think about how much work this feature would be, but...

Co-op? Push notifications to your friends that it's game time?

Just hankering for some old-school RPG goodness (my NWN2 party sizzled out a while ago, my Shadowrun group ended with arrival of a child, and now we only really get together once a month to play Arkham Horror).

I know how you feel. Co-op would be amazing. We're working on the game one step at a time. We're going to start with the local battles, lock that down, and work from there. Putting multiple player-controlled characters on a map (locally) would be the next step...then online co-op. It would involve new (types of) missions too. The game will be an iterative process.

....no promises...but wanted to let you know that I hear you!

[Dark NRG]

I'm so glad Hodapp put this on the home page!
I'm so stoked about this, totally sjgame-ish (which I'm surprised they, or anyone else has done)

I personally would tweak #10's look, maybe the eyes, maybe some cleavage.
Idk, ask Obama.... (current event news jk there;)

[gildedskull]

A couple more pieces of art: a hero and an 'enemy'.

http://gildedskull.com/screens/big_card_new_Paun_algabast.jpg

[VeganTnT]

The artwork is amazing. It blows me away.

T minus 5 months?

[dolly]

Oh my...
I really like your art style. Can't wait for this game! Instant buy for me.

I think this gem will win over many gamers who miss good story-driven games in the appstore. For me, it's all about the story and good characters.

Co-up via bluetooth or wifi would be a killer feature; through internet also of course, as somebody mentioned.

Must ask, is it your rules or is it borrowed from Dungeons and dragons or any other roleplaying game?

[Twazzock]

Galactic Keep looks really fantastic. I think games with less 'gameplay' and more story telling etc. work better on the iPhone due to the limited control scheme. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

[gildedskull]

Oh my...
I really like your art style. Can't wait for this game! Instant buy for me.

I think this gem will win over many gamers who miss good story-driven games in the appstore. For me, it's all about the story and good characters.

Co-up via bluetooth or wifi would be a killer feature; through internet also of course, as somebody mentioned.

Must ask, is it your rules or is it borrowed from Dungeons and dragons or any other roleplaying game?

The rules are going to be unique to the game but will certainly be familiar to people who have played other systems. We're focusing on the d10 as the core die...which mixes things up a bit: it allows for smaller rolls and for percentage rolls (smaller than a d20, larger than a d6).

In the core battle, each character will have a primary weapon (unlimited use) and a special attack (that can only be used a certain number of times in each battle).

We're considering adding in a critical hit and failure system (for rolls of 10 and 1) in battle that will add flavor (through random actions). Eli noted this to us as something he'd be into and we think it's pretty doable. With a d10 they should happen quite often (as compared to a d20) and I think it will work well. I love the idea of being able to massively screw up or really disadvantage your enemy!

For example, a critical attack roll of '10' in a battle would trigger 1 of 25 'special' things to happen during the attack like crippling the opponents weapon for a couple turns, hitting an opponents 'weapon hand', reducing their damage for the rest of the battle etc.

The characters attributes factor into the game as modifiers to specific actions. More about this once we lock more of the game down!

[eggzbacon]

Whens beta testing coming out?
I would love to try your game

[gildedskull]

We'll be sure to announce when beta testing begins! Like I said earlier, this game will call for a lot of play balancing so we'd like to pre-test it thoroughly (and continue to adjust after launch if need be).

[PointOfLight]

The only negative I've seen to Galactic Keep so far is that we have to wait so long for it to come out :)

[BadSanta]

The only negative I've seen to Galactic Keep so far is that we have to wait so long for it to come out :)

Same here :(

[Lions]

How long do we have to wait for Galactic Keep? I probably missed the time line in any earlier post. This looks like a MUST HAVE game.

[PointOfLight]

How long do we have to wait for Galactic Keep? I probably missed the time line in any earlier post. This looks like a MUST HAVE game.

I believe they said it wasn't coming out until 2010.

[mbourgon]

....no promises...but wanted to let you know that I hear you!

Woot! Thanks.

[gildedskull]

http://gildedskull.com/screens/big_card_new_pirates.jpg

Hello! Thought I'd post some new art and character information.

We've been working on developing many of the enemies and writing their back-stories. The way I see it, the more back-story that we create for the characters in the universe, the more invested you can (hopefully) become in the 'game mythology'.

Some of the back-story may never make it into the game but will be used to inform the creation of missions and characters (it will help in map design, weapon design, AI movement, character dialogue etc.).

So, that said, these two characters are pirates.

They're part of a crew of about twenty humans on a recently stolen cruiser packed with contraband (weapons and substance) called ‘The Belt’. The ship about the size of a seven-story apartment building. All aboard the cruiser, as part of a ritual to join the crew, have given up most of their organic bodies and have replaced them with a specific design of armor-plated mechanical suit.

The carapace of the suit clasps the person’s head and holds their key organs, which are integrated into the circuitry of the suit to control movement as well as automatic functions like breathing and circulation.

The inventor of the suit, a member of the ship's crew and their lead physician, calculated that the suit would allow them to live almost a century longer than they would with their complete organic bodies. The suits are also built to allow the wearer to add or remove repositionable weapons and tools in addition to a variety of legpieces.

[fahdiz]

Good lord, do I ever want Galactic Keep.

[thevagrant]

This game looks more and more awesome everytime !

[VeganTnT]

I really can't get over how beautiful the artwork is, it reminds me of the all the comics I read as a kid.

[gildedskull]

Thanks!

There's something missing in much of the art found in many 'contemporary' games (and comics for that matter) now-a-days. Art in a lot of games is so tight and controlled and clean that you lose the artist's hand, no rough lines and flowing colors.

I'm a big fan of Yoshitaka Amano of Final Fantasy fame and his character designs and artwork.

[K7A7O7S]

I'm a big fan of Yoshitaka Amano of Final Fantasy fame and his character designs and artwork.

Amano is an excellent artist. If only more American art followed the traditions of Japanese art. Any ways, keep it up man, I am truly anticipating Galactic Keep. Is there going to be bionics and such, or I guess my question is, will it be as deep as a RIFTS campaign?

[gildedskull]

Honestly, I don't know too much about Rifts. I know that it takes place in a future apocalyptic world which is a completely different set up than that of Galactic Keep...

Depth is something that's difficult to gauge...but we're trying to make something that's pretty deep that allows players to dig in deeper if they want.

On the other hand, we want the game to be fast and the choices you make to have consequences which can lead to rich but shallow play.

It's a balance.

There are somewhat 'finite' elements to the game: you can only carry one weapon per character. This means that if you find another weapon you have to decide on the spot whether you want to use it and get rid of the one you are currently using or get rid of the one you found (you will be shown both weapons side by side).

Each character will have one unique special attack. There are ways to switch this attack with a new one in some cases but they are rare. The idea is that each character will play slightly different...but they will still ultimately be customizable if the player wants to change them.

There will be characters who are part robot (Some sects of the culture require it), plain old robots and robots that use organic limbs. There's no magic in this universe, just science. There's no telekinesis or psionics. There are, however, natural 'elements' that humans have never seen before that can be controlled by a variety of different beings.

[deckard]

As someone who was around and playing D&D (I think I even still have my laminated paper chits!) when it first came out, Galactic Keep looks incredible, something truly unique. Dev please don't lose sight of the planned coop support and for the single player mode it seems the more ways key encounters can be randomized the better.

[K7A7O7S]

Honestly, I don't know too much about Rifts. I know that it takes place in a future apocalyptic world which is a completely different set up than that of Galactic Keep...

Depth is something that's difficult to gauge...but we're trying to make something that's pretty deep that allows players to dig in deeper if they want.

On the other hand, we want the game to be fast and the choices you make to have consequences which can lead to rich but shallow play.

It's a balance.

There are somewhat 'finite' elements to the game: you can only carry one weapon per character. This means that if you find another weapon you have to decide on the spot whether you want to use it and get rid of the one you are currently using or get rid of the one you found (you will be shown both weapons side by side).

Each character will have one unique special attack. There are ways to switch this attack with a new one in some cases but they are rare. The idea is that each character will play slightly different...but they will still ultimately be customizable if the player wants to change them.

There will be characters who are part robot (Some sects of the culture require it), plain old robots and robots that use organic limbs. There's no magic in this universe, just science. There's no telekinesis or psionics. There are, however, natural 'elements' that humans have never seen before that can be controlled by a variety of different beings.

Right on, thnx for the info man. I like the idea of a strictly science based RPG. Rifts was a mix of magic and futuristic science (bionics, robots etc..) This sounds amazing, and I am looking forward to it. A definite instant buy.

[Rolento]

this makes me miss my DnD days.

[gildedskull]

Dev please don't lose sight of the planned coop support and for the single player mode it seems the more ways key encounters can be randomized the better.

Coop will not be forgotten :)

...but it is a whole other can of worms.

Exactly: having encounters randomized is certainly one of the things we're focusing on. The branching story will help. Story paths will be opened/triggered by going to certain places on the map, leading you to new key encounters/characters/enemies/stuff and (of course) new story events.

Sentient enemies will, for the most part, be distinct characters (with names, specific abilities, favored weapons etc.). They will move around (on their turn) and you may or may not be able to see them on the map depending on their abilities.

There will be certain beings (some non-sentient robots, creatures) and enemy groups (the 'Night Tangent' an underground and secretive quasi-military order; and a group calling themselves the 'Android Enclave') that will have 'masked identities' and that may appear in groups.

Lots of enemies, lots of things to find, lots of decisions to make!

[gildedskull]

One of the benefits of creating a game with a style that's similar to a 'dice and paper tabletop game' is that...it's easy to actually play-test and balance the game using actual paper and dice on a tabletop! So that's what we've been doing.

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_playing_the_game.jpg

We're taking actual game maps and mission story outlines (including decision trees) and we're developing the characters, enemies and tweaking the maps using the game rules and dice in a 'true' paper game simulation.

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_bill_vs_algabast_paper.jpg

This makes it much easier to play, re-test and balance game components like maps, an infinite number of experimental weapons, special attacks and general gameplay mechanics. It's quick, cheap and (somewhat) easy to figure things out this way!

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_group_of_cards.jpg

That said, give shot at creating some interesting weapon types or special attacks for characters. Post them here and we'll pick a few to test out in the paper version of the game and let you know/see (right here) how they fare!

We'll pick three weapons and three special attacks to test (translating them into the 'game universe') and give them to a couple of characters that we've pre-rolled to try them out against one another.

There's a good chance they may even end up in the final version of the game.

We're hoping to see some devistatingly awesome and other-worldly creations!

[Devilishly Good]

ok, my idea for an attack is a ball lightning gun (or spell for a magic user) and you launch the projectile out as a small cohesive ball of lightning and when it lands, it essentially does electricity/shock damage in an circular area of effect, it could cause enemies to become stunned as well...i guess player's skill, plus item stats could determine strength of the attack, duration, distance the attack could be launched

Hmmm, a name for the attack, I dunno: Devil's Defiler? :p

another idea is a touch-based psionic attack, if successful causes the target to attack a target of the caster's choice, strength of the attack could determine the number of turns the command holds, once the duration ends, the victim has to roll intelligence to snap out of it and maybe they try to run or stand there confused if they fail the roll and their mind is trying to figure out what just happened.

[boynamedluke]

For anyone that can catch one, the Pixie Launcher.
A slingshot at heart, this weapon has an enchanted leather "seat" for the projectile especially good at holding pixies - until you launch them.

No one likes pixie guts smashed on their forehead, but everyone enjoys that little scream before they SPLAT.

[gildedskull]

A really great start!

The idea of having a weapon that launches an 'organism' of sorts that causes physical damage in addition to screaming to its death is pretty cool. A weapon that fires a pulsing electric singularity core, causing a 'stun' effect could be pretty cool too.

Don't forget to give them unique names...like 'Pixie Launcher'!

[boynamedluke]

I'm not sure about the rules in all versions of tabletop games, but in my circle there are effects of rolling a 1, as well as a 20. (max/min of any roll). The max is usually a 2x modifier, or special, but the 1 is always a personal disaster. With the Pixie Launcher, the Pixie would become free, and become another enemy in the fray - or a backfire occurs, blinding the player due to excessive pixie guts in his/her eyes.


Anyway,

Face Scraper:
Originally used in the days of yore to remove the rough husk of coconuts, this modified tool is made for your enemy's face. Best used from behind an unsuspecting target, the tool locks on the skull like a mask, then with simple twists of the handle, scrapes the face off any smile.

Roll a 1 and you'll be missing a thin layer off your own nose.

[swigo8]

this game is getting a lot of publicity and comments, i hope it lives up:)

[ballistic]

WOW. You guys are putting some work into this one. Im really liking the unique art and the idea of (*gasp*) following up on your game!!! will most-likely be picking up this one. Nice work guys!!

[gildedskull]

I'm not sure about the rules in all versions of tabletop games, but in my circle there are effects of rolling a 1, as well as a 20. (max/min of any roll). The max is usually a 2x modifier, or special, but the 1 is always a personal disaster.

Yep, we're working on having 'critical hits' and 'critical failures' with rolls of 1 and 10. Each roll will bring up a randomized hit or failure that will be based on the weapon type (blade weapon, blunt weapon, projectile/firing weapon). For a 'special weapon' like this it would make sense to have a special critical hit/failure or two that could happen in an attack.

[boynamedluke]

Special Ability:

Half a Mind's Eye

Chance to control the next move of your opponent, but also a chance you may forget your own next move...

[gildedskull]

One weapon and one special created:

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/weapon_card_toucharcade_1.jpg

We've played with both and balanced them somewhat for a low to mid level mission on a 'Balthwot Hunter' and 'Robot Coalition (member)'. On the robot, we also created 'Confusion Resonance' as a special attack:

touch enemy: if (1d10+INT)>17, enemy -25 DAM (confusion) for 2 turns

By the way, the 'Pixie Launcher' ended up being pretty powerful so we made it a 'special attack' instead of a weapon (special attacks are limited to between 1-4 attacks per battle max, depending on the character's level).

A few other good attacks/specials thus far, keep 'em coming! We'll test out a bunch (over the coming days) and decide on two more of each.

[Devilishly Good]

One weapon and one special created:

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/weapon_card_toucharcade_1.jpg

We've played with both and balanced them somewhat for a low to mid level mission on a 'Balthwot Hunter' and 'Robot Coalition (member)'. On the robot, we also created 'Confusion Resonance' as a special attack:

touch enemy: if (1d10+INT)>17, enemy -25 DAM (confusion) for 2 turns

By the way, the 'Pixie Launcher' ended up being pretty powerful so we made it a 'special attack' instead of a weapon (special attacks are limited to between 1-4 attacks per battle max, depending on the character's level).

A few other good attacks/specials thus far, keep 'em coming! We'll test out a bunch (over the coming days) and decide on two more of each.

awesome! http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/661_devil_with_big_grin.gif

I will have to see if I can think of any more ideas...

[VeganTnT]

VeganTnT
A plant based life form, resembling a purple carrot, grown and cultivated into the perfect weapon. Perfectly edible until you remove the leafy greens which starts a violent chemical reaction. Once the reaction is complete it causes a mild concussive force and releases a noxious gas which causes paralysis and may poison an enemy upon inhalation.

Pack more rations, or pack more grenades? Why not do both!

[Devilishly Good]

Arachnia's Net - shoots out a nearly invisible monofilament net of exceptional strength capable of trapping multiple foes under its strands. Trapped foes must make a Strength check to break free. Could either be in a grenade or gun format.

[PointOfLight]

VeganTnT
A plant based life form, resembling a purple carrot, grown and cultivated into the perfect weapon. Perfectly edible until you remove the leafy greens which starts a violent chemical reaction. Once the reaction is complete it causes a mild concussive force and releases a noxious gas which causes paralysis and may poison an enemy upon inhalation.

Pack more rations, or pack more grenades? Why not do both!

I really like this idea, but I think it should have a taste like candy and saliva would trigger the "badness". Think of how cool that would be - lure the enemy in with the enticement of a treat, only to kill them with their own temptations. Talk about sinful sweets :)

[travisdunn]

Galactic Keep looks excellent, and pretty much touches all my major old-school pressure points. What a natural fit you've made with the iPhone UI as well, and bonus points for the sci-fi theme.

[Devilishly Good]

Another weapon idea...I remember there will be robots in the game...

Armed Arm - robot gets into melee with an opponent and makes a grapple attack with opponent, if successful, the Armed Arm grasps the opponent and unattaches from the robot. The Armed Arm is now activated and it's full of powerful explosive that will go off after 3 rounds giving the robot time to move away out of the blast radius. Grasped opponent will have to make a pretty hard STR check to remove the arm.

Robot will be without a second arm until it gets replaced.

[upsidedown]

Weapon: Smidgenizer
A gun with a big barrel that shoots a big sticky smidgen(blob) of a sticky substance, that causes the victim to be stuck in one place, and also causes minimal damage.

[gildedskull]

The net idea is a cool one, we have a 'tangler' weapon that we're testing as a special attack. We like the veganTNT too. There are no 'rations' in the game at the moment though...but the player could potentially choose to use it to replenish health or to use as a weapon.

The ability to draw an enemy in to attack/trap them is a great addition (making the weapon usable on the map instead of just in battle). I'd have to confirm if that's possible in our present game configuration. If that's something that's asked for enough and there's interest in it, it could certainly be possible.

We like the 'Armed Arm' and have been working on several types of attacks like this for a couple of the species in the game. The big (actually huge) drawback is replacing the arm...but that's part of the fun. You'd actually need to find another arm (or take one from a dead enemy) somewhere in the game/mission which is possible but could be problematic. In the meantime, the character would have a pretty big -STR modifier.

Could be interesting to play like that though. The 'risk vs. reward' choice seems plausible: kill a strong enemy (almost instantly) in one shot and have to walk around for the rest of the mission (and maybe the next mission) without an arm.

Some Gharsos (which are a ghost-like hive-mind cluster of cells) will be able to propel collected weapons/explosives that are parts of their bodies at enemies...but once they are out of stuff, they are (more or less) just a cloud of gas and have a very weak attack.

...still deciding the next ones to pick!

[gildedskull]

Next up:

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/weapon_card_toucharcade_2.jpg

In Galactic Keep, you will have a limited number of special attacks (you start with one and get a second at level 9, another at level 18) so what we've been doing is giving the specials a prolonged attack (that lasts at least an additional turn or two.

With 'Half a Mind's Eye', we decided against a 'prolonged attack' as you can use your enemies special which could be prolonged attack...and this could make things confusing.

(NOTE: Conceptually, in this universe, there's no 'magic' or telepathy etc. so that's why we've made this is a weapon. You're still controlling your opponent's move (making them attack themselves) but it's a device that emits an electrical pulse at a frequency that disrupts the communication of neurons...it's somewhat unreliable as there really isn't a way to 'focus' the pulse.)

'VeganTNT' is a pretty powerful weapon (used as a special) for a mid level character. For now, we don't have weapons that can be used on the map...but this would certainly fit that usage if we were.

...So in the meantime, it makes a pretty good special attack (it would seem to fit a character in the 'Hunter' class, probably an alien species like a 'Reouge', a species who are adept with bio-weapons).

Just so you know, there will be an abundance of different weapons to find and use in Galactic Keep. So far we've tested about 60. Each character will have their own distinct weapon (to start with) plus there will be many weapons to find throughout the various missions.

We're open to creating two more weapons/specials based on your ideas, keep them coming!

Also, 'Imp or Oaf?' is almost ready to test on a more 'broad' scale (in the next couple weeks) so please PM me if you're interested in being a tester. More news on 'Imp or Oaf?' coming very soon.

Thanks for your input thus far!

[Devilishly Good]

How about something defensive, like a personal shield that is a form fitting field of energy...I'm thinking of the personal shields like in Dune, but not boxy...form fitting.

...lol, it could be called "Self Defense".

hmm, how about a two handed rail gun that fires solid slugs, the "Express"...it's a quick way to deliver death to your enemies

[gildedskull]

Dune is a great reference (one of my favorite movies from an art direction standpoint and a great book). Those 'personal shields' looked amazing, good special effect for the time.

[Devilishly Good]

Dune is a great reference (one of my favorite movies from an art direction standpoint and a great book). Those 'personal shields' looked amazing, good special effect for the time.

...yup, "only the slow blade enters the shield".

[gildedskull]

As we develop Galactic Keep: Dice Battles I will regularly post images and descriptions of the characters, places, species and technologies to be found in the game right here, in this post. Here’s the first of the series:

MEET THE BALTHWOT
http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_DB_polaroid.jpg
Generally, not much is known about the Balthwot civilization. One feature of their culture that is very obvious, however, is its duality.

A large sect of Balthwot individuals are, for the most part, very focused on a particularly secretive (and somewhat peaceful) religion and pursue their religious doctrines with unending fervor toward ends that have had both positive and negative effects on other species.

In contrast, there have been an astounding number of persons who are diametrically opposed to the teachings of the primary core principles of their largest faith. Many brutal military commanders, vicious and remorseless pirates and esteemed and unyielding warriors throughout their tumultuous history have fought voraciously against the powerful religious sect that has been the ruling power of their home planet, Taarses, for centuries.

It is said by some that the Pakall and the Balthwot are genetically related. It is true that both species originated from the Daltheon System but neither culture has ever acknowledged that their similarities may point to a common ancestry.

The Balthwot is one of seven playable species in 'Galactic Keep: Dice Battles'.

[gildedskull]

Gilded Skull Games is now on twitter! Get the latest on 'Imp or Oaf?' and 'Galactic Keep: Dice Battles' (and some new surprises to be announced in the coming months) by following http://twitter.com/GildedSkull!

Something 'of interest' may happen if we reach 1K followers!

[Dark NRG]

Man, I can't wait for Galactic Keep. I won't care about Minigore updates or arguments with Alive 4-Ever or other games anymore! :D

ps sorry, I'm not a "twitter" person, but I'll support you any other way! I'll start with my humble opinion to focus your energy and resources on Galactic Keep. No matter how I try, since it was featured on the front page of TA to even know looking at the website, I just-don't-get Imp or Oaf... at all.

[gildedskull]

I get that you don’t get it.

‘Imp or Oaf?’ originally wasn’t even a game. A friend of mine came up to me one afternoon. He’s a pretty quirky guy…but aren’t we all. So he has this picture he’d drawn on a post-it note that he was (mostly) covering with his hand. He shoved it into my face “Imp or Oaf?!”. I had no idea what it was, I could only see a foot. He lifted his hand: “Oaf!” then he gave me the drawing. It was ridiculous, there was no way I could have known what it was. He came back to me all day long with a new one every couple of hours. Some were really stupid and some were actually hilarious.

So flash forward six years or so. I was beginning to start Gilded Skull. ‘Galactic Keep’ is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time but we needed to make a game that, in addition to helping to fund the development of Galactic Keep, would help us to ‘prime the pump’ so to speak. We needed to test out the iPhone, get a walkthrough of the submission process with Apple…and generally needed a 'guinea pig' app.

So I was talking to this friend and it clicked: what if we made ‘Imp or Oaf?’ into an iPhone guessing game for kids! So we started to make the game, wrote up a concept doc and started to lay it out. We tested it a bit and found that when you built scoring into the game it became a pretty fun time waster. The highscores (and wanting to see the new and different imps and oafs) made the game compelling to play.

The game is so simple. A bit absurd but, in the end, fun to play and a tiny bit 'educational'.

So that’s the ‘Imp or Oaf?’ story! It’s a game for kids…but it ends up being a pretty fun game in general.

...and hopefully it might help to pay the bills and make sure that GK gets made!

[gildedskull]

Hey all!

We're still looking for TWO MORE unique weapon concepts/ideas that may end up being used in Galactic Keep. We've already created four weapons based on toucharcade-user ideas (seen in this post) and are excited to see some more!

As we said earlier:

“We'll pick three weapons and three special attacks to test (translating them into the 'game universe') and give them to a couple of characters that we've pre-rolled to try them out against one another.”

We’ll also post a picture of what the weapon will look like (on a ‘weapon card’).

More info on Galactic Keep soon!

[gildedskull]

As we develop Galactic Keep: Dice Battles I’ll continue to post images and descriptions of the characters, places, species and technologies to be found in the game right here, in this post. Here is another of the playable species to be found in the game:

MEET THE ROBOT

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_DB_polaroid_robot.jpg

A being of sentient AI contained within a variety of different sized and shaped carapace. The original ten AI robots were created by the United Coalition of Bodies as military technology. Of the ten, eight were said to be destroyed in various conflicts. The remaining two, named ‘Aien’ and ‘Tairn’, were hired by the Coalition to continue development on more of their kind.

Over the course of several hundred years sentient robots have spread throughout the galaxy, recognized as full and free citizens by the Coalition.

The Robot will be one of seven playable species in 'Galactic Keep: Dice Battles'.

Follow us on twitter here (http://twitter.com/GildedSkull)

[Devilishly Good]

Weapon ideas - I know they're not that creative, but hey :p

Devil's Pitchfork - melee weapon in the form of a trident, the business end is superheated and can fire damage in addition to the weapon's base damage

Devil's Sting - melee weapon in the form of a whip with a barbed tip...use it to deliver nasty wounds or load it with poison for an extra nasty surprise

Bunny Boots - special boots giving the wearer extra speed and jump capabilities, you probably need to make a balance/dex check to wear them unless you meet some minimum dex requirement

[Dagger2_pt]

I'm a fan of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Pen Paper and i haven't played Forgotten Realms for a couple of months.

Those 2 games in this thread looks the type i had played before. I took a peek to those games in the official website (http://www.gildedskull.com), made a decision that i will go for the Galactic Keep: Dice Battle. It looks better than the Imp or Oaf which is very strange and wierd.

I hope the Gilded Skull release the Galactic Keep at the same time of Imp or Oaf.

[Ethansdad]

Weapon idea:

The Roulette - a weapon designed by a race with suicidal tendancies; a powerful weapon but with a one in six chance that the discharge would instead affect the wielder instead of the intended target. Seen as being designed by a race looking to add some 'fairness' into the advantage this weapon provides, it is important to note that they are now extinct.

[PointOfLight]

I hope the Gilded Skull release the Galactic Keep at the same time of Imp or Oaf.

I wouldn't count on that. I'm pretty sure Imp Or Oaf? is close to being submitted to Apple, while Galactic Keep isn't due until early next year. I'd have to go back through the thread to confirm that, but I'm pretty sure that's correct.

[gildedskull]

I wish it were true...that Galactic Keep were as far along as 'Imp or Oaf?'...but it's not the case.

We're getting close with 'Imp or Oaf?'. An annoying bug or two are being cleared out and we're going to beta test for a week or so, gather info and tweak then submit. We want it to be 100% stable before we release. Let me know if you'd like to beta test (many in the thread have!) and I'll contact you.

GK is progressing faster than expected. We'll keep you updated on the production in the coming months :)

Working on some of the 'critical hits' and 'critical failures' today! Should add a lot of diversity to play. An example of a critical hit (blade weapon against a sentient enemy):

"You stab forward and twist your weapon as it enters your foe! You've inflicted internal trauma resulting in +7 DAM to them every turn for the rest of the battle."

[Ethansdad]

Weapon ideas:

The Destabalizer - this weapon will destabalize the molecular structure of the target, causing them to become intangible for a number of 'turns'. During this period you will not be able to use another weapon against the affected enemy, but the enemy will also be unable to use any weapons against your character. (Should it suit the game, it may also be possible to walk through the enemy, or fire through them at another enemy. It could also be used on friendlies - to allow them to walk through enemies and set up a crossfire).

Improbability Gun - based on the technology recovered from a very advanced starship, this weapon has completely random affect on the intended target. It could turn the target into a tomato - or an even more powerful enemy. (This could be used to draw upon any existing art within the database, turning your foe into a weapon you can then pick up, or swapping it out for another creature, etc.).

[PointOfLight]

Weapon ideas:

The Destabalizer - this weapon will destabalize the molecular structure of the target, causing them to become intangible for a number of 'turns'. During this period you will not be able to use another weapon against the affected enemy, but the enemy will also be unable to use any weapons against your character. (Should it suit the game, it may also be possible to walk through the enemy, or fire through them at another enemy. It could also be used on friendlies - to allow them to walk through enemies and set up a crossfire).

Improbability Gun - based on the technology recovered from a very advanced starship, this weapon has completely random affect on the intended target. It could turn the target into a tomato - or an even more powerful enemy. (This could be used to draw upon any existing art within the database, turning your foe into a weapon you can then pick up, or swapping it out for another creature, etc.).

You aren't a Douglas Adams fan by chance, are you :)

[Ethansdad]

Answer: 42.

[PointOfLight]

Answer: 42.

Don't Panic!

[drelbs]

Thinking about numbers, how 'bout:

39 Steps

Drains stapina and drops a load of potential energy onto the target as if they had run up 39 steps worth of stairs and then fell down to where they started. Critical hit adds damage as if they had tumbled down said stairs.

[Devilishly Good]

I think that's a keeper! :)

[gildedskull]

So option 3 it is! :)

Needs a bit more polish and pixel-moving but it looks good on device and in the new iTunes9 app coverflow. The rough edges really make it stand out, seems like most icons keep with the sharp edges of the 'button' shape.

All who responded and helped out, thanks a lot for your input!

The decision on the weapon and special attack for Galactic Keep is going to be tough, a lot of interesting ideas thus far.

If it helps at all to get the creativity flowing, the 6 classes in GK are:

Hunter
Pirate
Warrior
United Coalition of Bodies (military)
Ethelian (an android martial artist and weapons specialist)
Time master

We're making our weapon/special attack decision at around noon tomorrow so all suggestions and ideas before then will be in the running!

[Comassion]

If it helps at all to get the creativity flowing, the 6 classes in GK are:

Hunter
Pirate
Warrior
United Coalition of Bodies (military)
Ethelian (an android martial artist and weapons specialist)
Time master

We're making our weapon/special attack decision at around noon tomorrow so all suggestions and ideas before then will be in the running!

Time master attack ideas:

Retrograde assistance: Warp yourself back in time to the start of the current battle (or if that's too powerful, warp a turn or two back) to help yourself from that point in the fight.

Murderous Paradox: Go back in time and kill target enemy's parents / builders. Target fades out of existence, meaning you never met him, and didn't need to go back and kill his parents - and since you didn't do that, he fades back into existence. But then you met him, so you killed his parents.

Actual game effect: Target fades out of and into existence every turn. Useful to debilitate one creature and deal with others in a more normal fashion.

[Ethansdad]

Any decision on what user suggested weapons you've decided to go with?

[gildedskull]

We've chosen the last weapon and special that may be used in Galactic Keep: Dice Battles. It was a tough decision as there were quite a few really unique and out-there ideas that you came up with. Thanks again to all who submitted ideas. The last two we chose are:

The 'Improbability Gun', created by Ethansdad

and

The 'Murderous Paradox' special created by Comassion.

We've tested a few others, but these seemed to be the coolest and funnest to play (in the context of the game). We'll post the card versions with art very soon.

Thanks again!

[gildedskull]

Here's the card art for the last new special and new weapon!

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/weapon_card_toucharcade_3.jpg

Here are the others:

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/weapon_card_toucharcade_2.jpg

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/weapon_card_toucharcade_1.jpg

(note that there will be a summarized description of the weapon/special that will appear on the back of the card, seen when the card is flipped).

Thanks go out tot the following Toucharcade.com users:

Murderous Paradox:Comassion
Improbability Gun:Ethansdad
Half a Mind's Eye: boynamedluke
VeganTNT: VeganTNT
Pixie Launcher: boynamedluke
Devil's Defiler: Devilishly Good

The people who's weapons were chosen will get credit in the game (in the credits and on the back of the card).

Maybe we should try this out with a character further down the line...;)

follow Gilded Skull Games on twitter here (http://twitter.com/gildedskull)

[Devilishly Good]

woo hoo, very cool :)

[Ethansdad]

Very awesome! Talk about instant gratification - not only does one I suggested get chosen, but the card is already ready! Thanks very much, I'm glad you found that idea useful.

[gildedskull]

Were a small but nimble operation! The trick isn't making the cards, it's getting the cards working in-game ;)

Glad you like!

[Dark NRG]

I'm glad to see you using your time wisely now, with the promising game for positive revenue potential.

[K7A7O7S]

Everytime I come to this thread I get a bit more agrivated. I am angry guys! You may find yourselves asking, "Why K7A7O7S, why are you so angry?" And I would then reply "Because guys, I am not playing Galactic Keep right now!"

Im j/k, this is gonna be bad @$$. I cant friggin wait. Keep up all of the hard work.

[Comassion]

That's awesome. Thank you! I was going to buy the game anyway, but now I'll probably have to buy it twice. ;)

[boynamedluke]

any news on a release date?

keep up the good work, I love the style.

[gildedskull]

any news on a release date?

We're still saying early next year for release. We're considering some 'other options' for development and release based on the flexibility of the platform so we'll be sure to keep you updated on that (possible 'smaller stories' that are launched before the release of the full game that tie into it). No promises, but it's something we're thinking about.

Thought I'd throw this out there: if there's anything you're interested in knowing about the game in general (or the game world), feel free to ask and we'll do our best to answer here.

[gildedskull]

Things are coming along well with Galactic Keep, this week we've been focusing on developing and filling out some of the core missions. Here's a screen showing part of one of the new maps we've just created for a mission titled (tentatively) 'Mhawot Station Massacre'.

http://gildedskull.com/screens/malwhot_map_screen_test.jpg


In the mission, you stop at a outpost station to gather supplies on your way to the large planet it's orbiting. You soon find that something is awry on the station and you can choose to check it out or move on.

Here's a section of the mission that occurs soon after gaining clearance and landing on the outposts main platform. Close to where you landed your ship, you see a leather bag on the ground near a small opening in the deck plating and you decide to reach down and pick it up:

As you do so, there’s a whine and a shutter as the plating near the opening curls up slightly. You move closer to see what looks like some sort of creature underneath but you can’t tell what it is. It must be pretty strong to bend the plating like that.

DECISION 12a) Take the bag 12b) Leave it alone and back away

D12a) You yank the bag toward you as the plating is wrenched upward and is torn from the deck and hurtled into space. The creature begins to stand and you realize it’s a ‘FORLORN’. These massive beasts can fold their limbs to get into very tight spaces.

Who knows how it got to the station. You’ve heard of these things hiding out on space debris and refuse without feeding for years at a time though. It’s probably starving. This particular specimen is abnormally huge once it has completely unfolded. It sizes you up then lunges in your direction!

...looks like there's going to be a fight. A tiny taste of the mood and story in GK: Dice Battles!

[boynamedluke]

It gave me wood.


Can't wait to roll for initiative.

[gildedskull]

Hey!

Working on movers for the board/map.

We started with the first one, more generic and simple, geometric. We like the idea of it being so simple and 'representative' of the characters. We actually toyed with the idea of using a penny or a bottle cap (I've player RPGs with coins on many occasions).

The second one is an example of how we could show the race of the character on the token (with a profile portrait). Doing the mover this way has its advantages: the main one being that it's still 'real' looking and fits with the style of the game quite well.

The last one is more of a character 'sculpt' version. There would be one per race. Problem with this one is that in order to get the whole character we sacrifice the perspective (depending on the map being used). You are actually looking down at the map so to have this perspective could be weird.

Which one do you like?

http://gildedskull.com/screens/movers_ideas.jpg

[PointOfLight]

I like the circle token with the race on it. I do think you should add the "sculpted" images as extras, though. The one in the picture looks really sweet.

[icepulse]

I like the circle token with the race on it. I do think you should add the "sculpted" images as extras, though. The one in the picture looks really sweet.

Agreed, but Those tokens look a little big for the map. I assume that zooming in will widen the rooms, leaving the tokens more to scale w/ real people in real rooms. I hope.

Also, are there parties, or is this a solo adventure? Sorry if this was already answered, but I'm on an iPhone, so it's tough to scour 13 pages of posts ;).

[Ethansdad]

That's funny, icepulse asked exactly what what I was going to ask - I'm wondering if the token represents just one member of your party (so are there multiple tokens, each one showing a different member of your party) - or is it just one token for the whole party.

I like the 'generic' token best - but it only makes sense to me if it's representing the whole party. If I have to remember which party member each generic token is representing, then I think it's much more important to add in the portrait.

And while the sculpt is my least favorite, one possibility to consider would be having the option of different token choices, giving players the ability to choose any one of these styles. Of course, I'm sure that adds to the development time, so don't add time on my account.

To sum up, I think the generic is best, with the portrait necessary if there's going to be a token representing each member of your party.

[drelbs]

I like the first one, with the symbol.

Maybe I've played too much Magic Realm (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/22). :rolleyes:

http://images.boardgamegeek.com/images/pic177128_md.jpg

[gildedskull]

We are planning to launch the game with single character missions, meaning that there's no party (at least to start). The multiplayer will allow multiple players to link and play together, in this case the party will be represented as a token. The idea is that you pick your character (from characters you've unlocked etc.) and that's you. Missions are ballanced to accomidate one character on the map.

In multi, movement will be turn based (players take turns rolling to move). If there are decisions to be made, players vote and will roll if there's a tie. multi maps will be ballanced for the number of people in the party. Multiplayer (on the map) will be released as an update, FYI.

[Ethansdad]

Then I stand by my original suggestion - I prefer the generic tokens best.

When multiplayer comes along, we'll still be using that generic token, and I can see the characters in my party by looking at the card art.

[gildedskull]

I think that letting the player choose is probably the best idea :)

Having the option to decide whether you want the 'generic' token or the species token wouldn't be that difficult to implement. Like Ethansdad noted, the card with the character's portrait will be on-screen. Having a full character token is almost overkill.

The tokens are about to scale with the map, they are meant to look large as they're more of a 'representation' of the character. If there are multiple beings in a room, they would all sit against one another (if the room was small), they may break the wall and sit sort of half-in, half-out. It's supposed to feel kind of like a mover on a boardgame board (the example drelbs made, Magic Realm, illustrates well).

Funny, I hadn't thought of the Magic Realm token at all when designing this one! My thought was more "x marks the spot, you are HERE".

[BadSanta]

Umh the tokens looks good but the sculpt version doesn't fit with the game style,imo.

[Devilishly Good]

hmmm, I have to be the dissenting voice here and say I really like the idea of the sculpt...I am much more used to using miniatures in games...however, you are using a purely top down design...if only it was a 3/4 view

...so how about something like this...a sculpted coin...imo it looks more interesting than the sticker picture on a token...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/316cJHq528L._SL500_AA204_.jpg

...just in case that doesn't show, here's the link to amazon.com
amazon.com link (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QY14G8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000PAP3PC&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=04SJGZ6R47BRY118NQEX)

[gildedskull]

Looks good!

A 'relief' sculpted coin or mover could be cool. The best way to do one would be to actually sculpt the coin! I'm going to look into it.

[gildedskull]

Just finished working on a slew of new art, here's a sample:

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/haverlane_revised_concept.jpg

This is a 'HAVERLANE'. On its native planet it is a top-tier predator. It is favored as a pet and guard by some species and has been (unintentionally) re-introduced into the wild on some planets. Notable for it’s fierce demeanor and it’s ability to survive in highly toxic environments.

[Mudkipz223]

Galactic Keep is looking awesome, and I love you're creating in-game things based on some of the users here. Good luck and it's an instant buy from me!

[Devilishly Good]

yeah, that haverlane looks really awesome, reminds me of a bat

separated at birth...???

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/animals/images/primary/vampire-bat.jpg

[Remo]

Hi all. The tokens, in My opinion looks full. The figure with the shadow is more like standard boardgame pieces. Maybe you could use the same perspective and just use the shadow to give perspective?

[gildedskull]

Interesting idea: you mean keep it top-down and show the dimension and detail of the mover with the shadow? Could work, if you look at Alive4Ever (for example) there are a variety of characters and it's pretty clear who you're playing as. Drawing the character probably won't work with the style of the game, we may have to actually sculpt them for it to look right.

I think we're leaning toward the simplicity of the 'token' (at least to start) but we're going to experiment with creating a 'pewter' figurine and maybe a relief coin/token and show of the results here, stay tuned!

[gildedskull]

A little 'gift' for those following this thread. Here are some really large desktop wallpapers that feature some of the game key-art we've been working on. We've distributed smaller versions via Twitter but this is a first look at some of the species in detail. Enjoy!

Click on the 'small' images below to go to the larger (1680x1050) versions.

http://gildedskull.com/screens/wallpapers/GK_DB_human_vs_pakall_thumb.jpg (http://gildedskull.com/screens/wallpapers/GK_DB_human_vs_pakall_1680x1050.jpg)
A Human Time Master vs. A Pakall Warrior

http://gildedskull.com/screens/wallpapers/GK_DB_robot_vs_reouge_thumb.jpg (http://gildedskull.com/screens/wallpapers/GK_DB_robot_vs_reouge_1680x1050.jpg)
A Robot Hunter vs. A Reouge Warrior

Let us know if there are combo's of species you'd like to see.

[drelbs]

Let us know if there are combo's of species you'd like to see.

Awesome artwork!

I want to see more of this lady here:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/31632687.png?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1253910406&Signature=hxgk3KbpCsPejlId1r2UKD591j8%3D

[gildedskull]

Awesome artwork!

I want to see more of this lady



So, yes. Here's a PG version of 'Larine Brane' vs. a Balthwot. Click it to go to the 1680x1050 version. We're going to do a bit more research and talk to a few people before taking some of the characters in a more 'Heavy Metal' direction.

Thoughts?

http://gildedskull.com/screens/wallpapers/GK_DB_human_vs_balthwot_pg_thumb.jpg (http://gildedskull.com/screens/wallpapers/GK_DB_human_vs_balthwot_pg_1680x1050.jpg)

She may be a main character in one of the stories (unlockable). Originally we had her as a 'Coalition' but that may change.

http://gildedskull.com/screens/larine_brane_card.JPG

(The card art is an earlier drawing of her, but I like it better. Note that she is dead in the card art...)

[sconethief]

Galactic keep looks awesome! can't wait for it!
How many pictures of the imps and oafs are there? A Large number I hope!

[gildedskull]

How many pictures of the imps and oafs are there? A Large number I hope!

Right now there are (roughly) 60 or so, a few more than that. We're going to update periodically, adding more. We're also thinking of adding another 'special guest' into the mix with an update.

[gildedskull]

As we continue to develop Galactic Keep: Dice Battles we'll post images and descriptions of the characters, places, species and technologies to be found in the game here, in this thread. Here's another of the playable species found in the game. The Pakall species was the first we created at the genesis of the idea of the game. The first painting I created for the game was of a Pakall. Here's a little more info on them:

MEET THE PAKALL

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_DB_polaroid_pakall.jpg

The first human to observe a Pakall described it as resembling a combination of animals that could include a buffalo, a bear and an octopus. Almost twice the size of a human, these daunting and intimidating creatures are as agile and elegant as they are physically powerful.

Many Pakall have focused on the study of time travel and time science but few have managed to advance it in a very meaningful way. Many of their species have, however, become adept at using time-altering technology and are known to be somewhat caviler when using it.

Humans have become very close to the Pakall. The planet considered the new human home-world, Aarath, shares a solar system with Torlern, the planet with the largest Pakall population outside of their home-world.

Their trade, security and land pacts with the humans intertwine the two races in codependence. The Pakall were the first race to discover the humans in this galaxy and may have been the first to have seen humanity on Earth, with the help of a now almost mythical piece of technology, several hundred years ago.

The Pakall will be one of seven playable species in 'Galactic Keep: Dice Battles' for iPhone.

[gildedskull]

As with the 'Pakall' description above, here's another description of one of the playable species found in 'Galactic Keep: Dice Battles' with some new information about them. Enjoy!

MEET THE ORTHODON

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_DB_polaroid_orthadon.jpg

Physically, the orthodon body is an amorphous bundle of gelatinous organs and tensile tissues connected to a bony, armored body-core that has five or more flowing external ‘appendages’. Orthodon appendages are malleable and have the ability to change shape somewhat and to ‘flex’, becoming more solid.

As a species, the orthodon are the furthest along in the known universe in their study of time travel and related time science. They keep their technology very close to the vest and do anything in their power to keep their technology or information on their study of time science out of the hands of other species.

It seems that their advanced knowledge of time science has given them an advantage in all aspects of their culture. Many think it has also helped them gain high ranking within the ‘United Coalition of Bodies’, a governing organization used to maintain a semblance of order in the galaxy. Slightly less than half of the governing board are orthodon, a figure that they hope to revise in the coming election scheduled to take place in about a months time.

It is thought by most orthodon that being part of (and helping to advance the directives of) the Coalition is the most valuable contribution they can give to their people. Many divisions and fleets within the Coalition are comprised wholly of orthodon. It could seem that they are passively attempting to take over the galaxy by filling out the ranks of the Coalition completely! Luckily, the orthodon are a very peaceful and seemingly docile species.

Since contact with other species, the orthodon have reconstructed their language to work on multiple levels. It has a discernable and intelligible ‘core text’ that can be easily interpreted by other species and a very abstract ‘subtext’ that is very difficult for species other than the orthodon themselves to understand. It is thought by some, because of this, that they are telepathic but that is not the case.

The Orthodon will be one of seven playable species in 'Galactic Keep: Dice Battles' for iPhone.

[K7A7O7S]

Wow. I cant stress enough how much I love the art style. You seem to be putting quite a bit of work into every peice. Keep it up man, Im starting to get anxious :D

[hazmat95]

when is this due agian?

[gildedskull]

We're a pretty small team, and there's lots to do. We're slated to finish and submit (the initial core) of the game in the first part of 2010.

We're going to start beta testing it well before then, so PM me with your info if you're interested in getting a look at the game early and helping beta test before the release.

[mattll]

this will be my first beta =)

[sic]

this will be my first beta =)

So gildedskull confirmed you?

[mattll]

So gildedskull confirmed you?

That would be fine. Like I said, it's going to be a little while but we'll set you up as a tester now and let you know when we're ready.

Send along you UDID and the model/type of device you would be testing on.

thanks!
Rob
______

[Devilishly Good]

I've been beta testing Imp or Oaf and if they bring the same level of art and polish to Galactic Keep, it will definitely be awesome!

[Mikebot]

I signed up just to say that Imp or Oaf and Galactic Keep are two of my most anticipated games for the iPod Touch. Absolutely love the art style, I'd buy them just for that! I've sent my details off to be a beta tester too, hope I get picked!

[BatOutofEarth]

I want to beta test this too!

[gildedskull]

As we continue to develop Galactic Keep: Dice Battles we'll post images and descriptions of the characters, places, species and technologies to be found in the game here, in this thread. Here's another of the playable species found in the game.

The Gharsos were the second species that we considered (the Pakall were the first) when designing the game. We thought it would be interesting to play an RPG with a ghostly character that was a little more 'amorphus' and mysterious. We are considering giving the species the unique ability to unlock most (if not all) doors while on a map. Keys? Who needs keys when your an ephemeral cluster of spectral cells?

MEET THE GHARSOS

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_DB_polaroid_gharsos.jpg

A ghost-like being that consists of a series of millions of individual sentient particles held together in a smoke-like cloud. Each cloud-colony acts as an individually sentient ‘hive mind’. It is said that there have been Gharsos colonies that exceed four hundred years in age.

The particles of their bodies can wrap solid objects and lift them into their cloud. When working together, colonies can lift tremendous weight for their comparative size.

Soon after contact with other sentient species, the Gharsos began to adapt their clouds to resemble the other species using objects and relics. They can have a very dark and sometimes appalling appearance, favoring skulls and body parts as adornments to their clouds along with the apparel from a variety of species and creatures. These items help to give them ‘form’ and to communicate with other species in a more comfortable and familiar way (in most cases).

Many do not consider them a sentient species...but many have not actually met a Gharsos. They have, however, proven themselves ‘civilized’ in the eyes of the Coalition. Indeed, they have what they consider (and have proven to the Coalition) a ‘home-world’ in the planet Etsonsos, a gas giant, which houses their senate, capitol city and several billion distinct ‘colony-clouds’ floating several miles above the planet core.

The Gharsos will be one of seven playable species in 'Galactic Keep: Dice Battles' for iPhone.

[gildedskull]

As we continue to develop Galactic Keep: Dice Battles we'll post images and descriptions of the characters, places, species and technologies to be found in the game here, in this thread. Here's another of the playable species found in the game.

In the game, we wanted to have humans as the core plot-driver but we didn't want to have a 'future earth' or some sort of cataclysmic event or 'alien first contact' that brought earth into the fray. We wanted the action to happen unknown and at a distance from the 'true' home of the humans. That said, we opted for the set-up below.

RE-MEET THE HUMANS

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_DB_polaroid_human.jpg

Almost five hundred years ago, mass numbers of humans were mysteriously transported from Earth and deposited into scientific facilities and factories on a ‘colony’ planet light years away by a very advanced race of beings.

As the story is told, the humans rallied and revolted against their captors, escaped their penal complexes and soon took control of several key military institutions on the detention planet. Over the course of the next several years, they had gained a foothold against their captors for domination of the planet.

Their mysterious captors eventually abandoned the planet to the humans, but this was a somewhat hollow victory. The planet they had fought so hard for was in ruins, a destroyed husk. It wasn't long before human leaders had sorted through the scant technology left to them and discovered that they were very far away from their home. In fact, they were in another galaxy altogether that was possibly millions of light years away from Earth.

Three hundred years later, after several generations of humans have lived in this new galaxy, they have integrated themselves well into the space-faring culture that had been forced upon them.

Humans have spread out across a handful of planets in the galaxy but most have clustered onto a new home world: Aarath, the second Earth. They have built alliances with many races and have also developed several neighboring enemies.

Many humans, with the help of their allies, have attempted to track the species and technology that brought them to this galaxy but the trail inevitably ends in mystery. It is known, however, that another species appeared in a system neighboring Aarath as recent as thirty years before the arrival of the humans.

There is also the mystery of the abundance of ‘future’ human artifacts that have appeared since their arrival, no doubt transported to this galaxy by similar technology to that used by the race of beings that ferried the humans here in the first place.

The Humans will be one of seven playable species in 'Galactic Keep: Dice Battles' for iPhone.

Please, take a second and VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER (http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=27934) out of the four we’ve selected (created by toucharcade.com users!) to appear as a playable character in the game!

[acidshaman]

thought id just say I really like the look of Galactic Dice, ive always been interested in D&D games but I could never go to a comic shop and play them (im not that much of a nerd :p)

edit: I just read this whole thread and I think i jizzed, Gharsos FTW... i love all these contests you guys are doing, some of those weapons/abilties were badass!!

[gildedskull]

A new piece of creature 'concept art' finished minutes ago...

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_keyart_creature026.jpg

[kingkong120]

That's awesome!

[farnsworthiness]

I think that guy is going to need a bigger set of knives to play with your bug.

What is the creature called? It looks cuddly and German. Is that a carapace for a shell or are the strong lines representative of musculature?

[gildedskull]

We haven't got a name for it yet.

It has a lot of parts...some are bone-like carapace layers, some are tendons, some billow out and help it to breathe. It flies with a gigantic 'gliding' wing. They're pretty rare.

We're considering making it sentient...maybe not this species, but there will be enormous, 'beast-like' sentient species in the game.

[mattll]

wow i hope i can soon test it )

btw i love your artworks and the grafic styles

[eggzbacon]

Man, I didn't see the beta testing for this. :(

[gildedskull]

Don't worry, we haven't started the beta yet.

We'll put out an 'all call' when we do. If you want to pass along your info now, we'll hold onto it.

PM me the following:

- A working email address
- Full name (not 100% necessary, but helpful)
- Device UDID
- Device model/type

We're looking into the possibility of multiplayer for GK. What are your thoughts on an 'arena' mode where you'd face off on a small map (possibly various arena maps, with a matchmaking system) against another player, a few AI combatants and some creatures via wifi? You'd start with no weapons, they'd be scattered around the map. You'd have to grab one or use your fists.

The 'arena' could be the first step toward being able to update with adventuring on maps with other people over wifi...

What are your thoughts on having a 'quick battle' feature where you'd be able to fight someone over bluetooth on the spot (1 character vs. 1 character, no map). Are achievements, leaderboards/rankings, social networking, messaging, chat valuable to you?

We're exploring 'premium' ways of adding these things to GK but we won't if they're not really necessary/wanted ;)

[walsh06]

This just a quick idea for an online mode. Have an objective, such as kill a certain guy. And two people compete to see who can do it first. Theyd either start in different areas or would do the level parallel (not seeing the other though).

[farnsworthiness]

I think that an arena mode would be a lot of fun. Having a cooperative aspect to it would be good. Similar to what Walsh06 mentioned above, you could have a combined objective be a more powerful character. That character could be AI controlled or another player. Work with the other players to topple the other guy...

Other options on top of the traditional 1v1, 2v1, 1v2, nvn deathmatches could be simple card or dice games you could play against other players online. Really, what I'm seeing is something akin to the Mos Eisley cantina where players get together to fart around, relax, spar against each other or have a drink prior to entering back into the game proper.

[gildedskull]

We really like the idea of having multiple players sharing a common goal...and working co-operatively to complete it. Fighting through a flow of weird creatures and combatants to get to a gigantic building-sized creature...we're working on designing some epic creatures and gladiator-style combatants right now.

A cantina style 'lobby', filled with AI and actual players could be pretty interesting. A jerk could come in and start a bar fight...and everyone would have to stop what they're doing, join in the fray, kick his ass then get back to whatever they were doing.

We want to have a 'point system' where you gain points through multiplayer and buy special items and characters to use in the main game.

[Comassion]

We really like the idea of having multiple players sharing a common goal...and working co-operatively to complete it. Fighting through a flow of weird creatures and combatants to get to a gigantic building-sized creature...we're working on designing some epic creatures and gladiator-style combatants right now.

A cantina style 'lobby', filled with AI and actual players could be pretty interesting. A jerk could come in and start a bar fight...and everyone would have to stop what they're doing, join in the fray, kick his ass then get back to whatever they were doing.

We want to have a 'point system' where you gain points through multiplayer and buy special items and characters to use in the main game.

I think that some form of co-op multiplayer would be an awesome addition. I'm not that interested in RPG-style vs. multiplayer for most games.

If you want to make it really great, allow multiplayer in the main campaigns (a-la Baldur's gate). You can do it by either letting people bring their own characters in to help someone else's campaign game, or you could have people essentially 'jump in' to control NPC's that are currently in the character's party.

Or do something that nobody has done yet - let people jump in and control the NPC enemies in someone else's campaign. That should shake things up.

For me though, the real draw is a great single-player game. As long as that's there, I'm a happy guy, multiplayer or no.

[Devilishly Good]

I think that some form of co-op multiplayer would be an awesome addition. I'm not that interested in RPG-style vs. multiplayer for most games.

For me though, the real draw is a great single-player game. As long as that's there, I'm a happy guy, multiplayer or no.

+1 a strong single player component will make me super happy :)

I really love the idea of co-op play as well...even tho right now I have no one to co-op with...I'm much more interested in PvE vs PvP.

The cantina style setting sounds really, really neat though.

[gildedskull]

Here's the corner of an arena (map design) I've been working on.

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_arena1_corner_map.jpg

[gildedskull]

http://gildedskull.com/screens/GK_keyart_tarnaklese_bune.jpg

[gildedskull]

As we continue to develop Galactic Keep: Dice Battles we'll post images and descriptions of the characters, places, species and technologies to be found in the game here, in this thread. Here's another of the playable species found in the game.

The Reouge were created originally to be the core enemy in the mission ‘The Black Handle’ wherein your character stealth-raids a reouge laboratory compound that is a skyscraper-sized freighter sunk partway into a gaseous bog on an uncharted planetoid. They were such interesting characters that we decided to make them playable in the game.

MEET THE REOUGE

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_DB_polaroid_reouge.jpg

The reouge civilization puts a cultural focus on scientific and technological development, primarily in the fields of biomechanical and microorganism engineering. They consider themselves above the law and aren't at all afraid to experiment in using compounds and technologies in their science that are considered contraband throughout most of the galaxy.

The Reouge government have scattered veiled laboratory colonies across the galaxy that engage in illegal research on genetic manipulation, microbial warfare, nanotech viruses and full-scale organism creations (among other things) that have been banned throughout the galaxy by the Coalition. Historically, over the past century, the Coalition has charged their government with at least a thousand major crimes.

The most severe of their convicted crimes involved the complete destruction of the ecology on the planet Hanfron-Dukk. The reouge were accused of releasing a virus that mutated the genetic components of millions of species on the planet, throwing their ecosystem into chaos. The remnants of the two sentient species on the planet, the Ghrenn and the Baldane, were eventually relocated to nearby moons as their home planet became completely inhabitable. The Baldane have taken up arms against the Reouge in recent years and are presently engaging the reouge home planet of Heull in a terrorist war.

Although the reouge were charged with this crime, and many others, arrests have never been made out of fear of retribution. Coalition time masters have publicly stated that the detainment of top reouge government officials would most certainly have disastrous consequences for the rest of the galaxy.

The Reouge will be one of seven playable species in 'Galactic Keep: Dice Battles' for iPhone.

We just began a twitter account for Galactic Keep, follow it HERE (http://twitter.com/GalacticKeep/). It will relay communications taken from the game mythos and will detail and fill out some of the backstory.

[gildedskull]

I realized that we hadn't posted the winner of our 'Character Creation Contest' in this post. The winner was VegantTNT.
In case you havn't seen it, here's the winning entry in card form:
http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_iphone_character_card_trent_TA.jpg

This is the 'rolled' version of Trent, after his stat rolls have been added to his base scores. All playable characters have 'base stats'. When a player chooses to play a new character, they must roll 4d10 and then set each of the die to a stat (you can AUTO STAT too). With each race, except humans, there are modifiers that the player can add to particular stats. Here's the character roll screen:


http://toucharcade.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/GK_character_roll_screen1.jpg

The player shakes the device to send the dice rolling. When they stop moving they are 'locked' on their numbers. The player can then drag them with their finger into the 'bin' corresponding to the stat they'd like the roll to be added to. If the player were to tap 'AUTO' the dice would roll and would automatically be placed into the bins for them. The scores are permanently added to the character only after the player selects 'APPLY'.

Note that if the player was to select 'BACK' from this screen and then return to rolling the character later, they would be presented with dice of the exact same values to use...once the dice are cast, those are your numbers (unless we decide to have a 're-roll' token).

[Comassion]

Very cool. Keep going guys! I'm really looking forward to playing this when its done.

[gildedskull]

The image of 'Tarnklese Bune' a Ghrenn (one of the species that the Reouge displaced). I threw the human in there for scale. It is said that most of what the Orthadon know about time travel, they learned from the Ghrenn.

http://gildedskull.com/screens/gk_mhalwhot_tarnaklese_bune_1.jpg

[Devilishly Good]

wow, now that's cool looking

[squarezero]

wow, now that's cool looking
I think the word you're looking for is "gorgeous." I'm extremely impressed by your sense of color, gildedskull. You have at least five different shades of red in that drawing, and the image still holds together. Just blows me away.

[vetie]

WOW...That artwork is beautiful...

I am really looking forward to this game!

[eatmosushi]

hey will this game have imps and oafs in it and a mini game where we can try to tellt he two apart?


no but seriously where's this game?

[RankoSao]

hey will this game have imps and oafs in it and a mini game where we can try to tellt he two apart?


no but seriously where's this game?

Im guessing you didn't read the part where they said "early 2010", right? >_>

[TheFunkOfDoom]

I can't wait for this one. Love the art style you guys are doing.

[gildedskull]

Working on some new characters and art. Who'd win in a fight?

This guy, a boss who'll appear in a 'secret' side mission':

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_iphone_enemy_card_front_RAM.jpg

…or this guy, one of the core characters:

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/GK_iphone_enemy_card_front_gharsos2.jpg

Probably the boss, but with a few (a lot) of lucky rolls it could be Barton.

[rein]

Looks great. "Early 2010" can't get here fast enough. :)

[Theocracy]

I'm so excited about this - it also looks awesome! Best of luck with the development.

[jackiemac]

Yes, yes, definitely looking foward to this game!

Gilded Skull, are you looking for testers? :)

[lolymoli]

This is a must have.. the Ram Man looks awesome :D
Great game!

[vicente.ramirezch]

This looks good!

[aricall]

wow really not sure how i missed this thread

the game looks amazeing.....cant wait to try it out
also love the art.....reminds me so much of some old heavy metal stuff
love it looks like alot of fun

i think it might be cool to have the "pewter" game tokens as maybe unlockables for "winning" thus u could sort of show off your skill by having said unlocked cool pieces.....

[mattll]

i cant wate this looks so epic
btw just found this on twitter
we've said 'early 2010'...not jan/feb. We're deep in production. We want this to be amazing....and amazing takes time. from gildedskull

[gildedskull]

http://gildedskull.com/screens/arena1_map_screen_test_v2.jpg

[aricall]

Nice can't wait to see more on this. Looks like alot of fun indeed.

[LordGek]

http://gildedskull.com/screens/arena1_map_screen_test_v2.jpg

This is nearly T-Shirt/Mug worthy...I mean let's face it, this is the source of all of your trouble in any turn based game (things would go a lot easier if you could just skip this phase)! :D

[iball]

This title looks promising....it's almost kind of like Talisman, an RPG board game.

Note: I have the original Talisman set and all expansions from the 80s...I do wish it would get "ported" to the iPhone.

[PFL]

This title looks promising....it's almost kind of like Talisman, an RPG board game.

Note: I have the original Talisman set and all expansions from the 80s...I do wish it would get "ported" to the iPhone.

Talisman would be great on the iPhone! Don't see if happening though... :)

[mrdasman]

When is this supposed to come out? It feels like I've been waiting forever!

[VeganTnT]

When is this supposed to come out? It feels like I've been waiting forever!

You HAVE been waiting forever just like all of us ;)

The devs have said "early 2010" which it seems they are on track for.

[gildedskull]

Yep, we've said 'early 2010'. 'Early' might be a bit optimistic. It's been forever since we announced this title but I can assure you it'll be worth the wait.

There are countless things we've had to add to the game over the past months and every new component we add fills out the padding we've built into the schedule a bit more! We want the production quality to be pretty high.

Instead of doing things in updates as we originally planned we're baking a lot more into the game when it first launches. There will be more playable characters, longer missions, more enemies and a lot more things to do and find on the maps. We're working on more animation to add 'motion' to the game wherever possible. Lots of special effects.

More news in the coming weeks...

[Pitta]

Yep, we've said 'early 2010'. 'Early' might be a bit optimistic. It's been forever since we announced this title but I can assure you it'll be worth the wait.

There are countless things we've had to add to the game over the past months and every new component we add fills out the padding we've built into the schedule a bit more! We want the production quality to be pretty high.

Instead of doing things in updates as we originally planned we're baking a lot more into the game when it first launches. There will be more playable characters, longer missions, more enemies and a lot more things to do and find on the maps. We're working on more animation to add 'motion' to the game wherever possible. Lots of special effects.

More news in the coming weeks...

Sounds great.
I'm really hoping to see more of the game in the near future, if not the full game.

It's one of my most awaited game, but I avoided to read all the thread on pourpose (I do not want to spoil myself or grow false expectations)...for some reason it reminds me a 'next gen' version of Talisman, maybe I'm wrong, but I'm thrilled.

I DID made the error and read the first post of the thread, and I'm starving to read/see more (I really liked the exploration/dialogues parts...the tabletop graphics is really awesome).

Just to support this title I bought Imp or Oaf, even if I wasn't really interested in it...I have to say it's really cute and polished, and it does really keep my expectation high for Galactic Keep.

Hope to see more soon (maybe a video)?

[acidshaman]

I highly reccomend reading the whole thread, so much awesomness is within.. these guys are cool and u know this game is gonna be cool

[Pitta]

I highly reccomend reading the whole thread, so much awesomness is within.. these guys are cool and u know this game is gonna be cool

Eh...I ruined myself too many games reading comments and 'hype', and I really want this game to be (for myself) awesome as it seems.
If I do not read anything aside from some vague description, I'll hope to be blown away from the game itself.

Well...that was the plan....because I'm weak and I've already read the whole thread, and now I wish I had the game on my iPhone NOW.

[acidshaman]

It isnt hype that Im talking about.. they did awesome things, like create your own character contest, and they made a badass game card for the guy who won, as well as submit your own items/abilities.. which also got their own game card with awesome gfx.. like carrot bombs and time-travelling parent kill cards etc.. zero hype in these pages

[Pitta]

It isnt hype that Im talking about.. they did awesome things, like create your own character contest, and they made a badass game card for the guy who won, as well as submit your own items/abilities.. which also got their own game card with awesome gfx.. like carrot bombs and time-travelling parent kill cards etc.. zero hype in these pages

I'll probably explained myself wrong (English in not my primary language).
I wasn't implying the game is just 'hype' (I think it's the contrary), I did say it's my most awaited game.
What I was trying to say is that I decided to skip on pourpose the thread (in reality that was the plan because I actually read it) because I wanted to play the game with the minimum infos possible.
I worked in the industry years ago, I accessed preliminary infos and betas of many games I was interested in....that ruined those for me because I already knew too much about the game I was about to play...no surprises.
It has been several years I adopted (or tried to adopt) a 'minimum news' policy....
Said that....i'm hoping to see more of GK soon!!!

[mrdasman]

I love how involved the developers are in this thread. It makes me have that much more faith in this game!

[djflippy]

/do want

[add to cart]

[gildedskull]

We're testing something...Dig out a pair of red-blue glasses.

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/3D_card_test_Mharnos.jpg

What do you think?

[Aegis]

as long as I have the option to turn it off....3d effects are annoying without the glasses, and who wants to lug around 3d glasses to play a mobile game?

[gildedskull]

We'd need to have the option to turn it on/off.

[drelbs]

All I have with me are the amber/purple ones... :(

I bet your artwork style would adapt itself well to Valiant Vision!

[VeganTnT]

I think the 3d effect is pretty cool but it would be more of a gimmick for me as the red and blue glasses hurt my eyes after a while.

The only glasses I have are the polarized lenses from imax 3d movies

[Somerandomdude]

I know I'm jumping in kinda late here, but I'm definetly interested in this game and I saw that 3D card idea and just wanted to comment on it.

It reminds me of Metal Gear Acid 2. The game was a card based TBS in the Metal Gear universe, but the second one came with a pair of "3D Glasses". This was actually just a cardboard box with a piece of thin cardboard in the middle, and 2 little magnifying glasses things where your eyes go. Here's an image of it

http://media.pgrevolution.com/images/hardware/solid-eye/solid-eye2.jpg

It doesn't have the middle piece there, but that's a good idea of what it looks like. It was a really cool concept and it made the game more fun for some reason. What the screen did, though, was split it in 2, one screen for each eye. They somehow overlap and create a 3D effect (I know it's some scientific thing, just can't tell how). The cool thing though was that it didn't affect the colors like red/blue glasses do. If you could implement something like that, it'd be great.

Keep up the good work though, I'm really anticipating this game.

[Mudkipz223]

It looks cool but it should have the option to toggle it.

[PointOfLight]

I'm with everyone else. I think it could be a cool feature, but it needs to be an option. Plus, I'd also like to state that I don't want it to even be a consideration if it will cause any delay in the release. I'd rather see it as a future enhancement if that's the case.

[gildedskull]

The idea is that they'd be like 'foil versions' of the standard cards. As you can see, they look more or less fine when they're viewed without glasses. The 3D versions of the cards would have slight enhancements to the character's attributes too. They would't be part of the core game (and won't be part of the initial timeline more than likely)...so don't worry, we've got our priorities straight ;)

[sconethief]

The idea is that they'd be like 'foil versions' of the standard cards. As you can see, they look more or less fine when they're viewed without glasses. The 3D versions of the cards would have slight enhancements to the character's attributes too. They would't be part of the core game (and won't be part of the initial timeline more than likely)...so don't worry, we've got our priorities straight ;)
Foil cards? Awesome Idea :) Cant wait for this game once I get another ipod touch.

[kingkong120]

The idea is that they'd be like 'foil versions' of the standard cards. As you can see, they look more or less fine when they're viewed without glasses. The 3D versions of the cards would have slight enhancements to the character's attributes too. They would't be part of the core game (and won't be part of the initial timeline more than likely)...so don't worry, we've got our priorities straight ;)

This is just getting better and better. High hopes just got higher.

[PointOfLight]

The idea is that they'd be like 'foil versions' of the standard cards. As you can see, they look more or less fine when they're viewed without glasses. The 3D versions of the cards would have slight enhancements to the character's attributes too. They would't be part of the core game (and won't be part of the initial timeline more than likely)...so don't worry, we've got our priorities straight ;)

Sorry, I wasn't trying to question your priorities :o Personally, I'm willing to wait as long as it takes (just as long as it doesn't take too long!) I can't believe I'm suggesting this, given my aversion to the whole concept, but maybe you could make the 3D cards in-app purchases. Do something like offering a pack of 5 specialty cards for .99 cents or something like that. It may not generate a ton of sales, but gamers that are coming from the CCG realm will certainly get a kick out of it.

[mattll]

i think the 3D effects are nice and look pretty good

[acidshaman]

where do u even get those glasses? lol only problem is it looks like all your awesome watercolor-style coloring is gone... I personally think its gimmicky

id never wear those dumb glasses, i remember saying id never use them again for some reason

[mattll]

where do u even get those glasses? lol only problem is it looks like all your awesome watercolor-style coloring is gone... I personally think its gimmicky

id play with it off prob 99.9%..

i got some very cheap ones
with a red and a green foil

[aricall]

i like the 3d cards and also like that there special and have better value
and i dont think the 3d effect makes them look to weird when not viewed with glasses personally....

[gildedskull]

So after thinking about it a bit, we think the best way to use the 3D will be (at least to start) as a 'foil card' kind of concept. You'll have a certain number of characters available for you to play as at the beginning of the game. As you play 'missions' you'll unlock a bunch of other characters but in some places you'll find/unlock the more 'rare' version of some of the characters in the game. These will be the '3D' versions of the character cards. Their stats may be augmented and they'll usually begin with some sort of special weapon or a different kind of special attack. So you might have the 'normal' version of a character and the 'special' 3D version...if you can find it.

[Maeks]

These sorts of games aren't really my thing (sorry), but I gotta say the art style is amazing, I love it!

I may pick it up because of the art alone.

[acidshaman]

Id like to request u dont put any special game advantage on 3d cards, becasue there is like 0% chance I will ever get 3d glasses .. ever.. im really lol'ing that 3d cards are in here

[Bahss]

I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to this game. Please, release soon, and worry about adding 3D cards later in a patch after more testing.

[gildedskull]

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/arena_bgnd_02_07.png

[Tommi654]

i just bought imp or oaf to support your work and actually really like it!

good luck on your next release!

PS:
is there a chance for a video preview of galactic keep?

[Pitta]

i just bought imp or oaf to support your work and actually really like it!

good luck on your next release!

PS:
is there a chance for a video preview of galactic keep?

Did the same and I second for a video preview of some sort....are we getting near release date?

[acidshaman]

Hey will your 3d cards work with the Real 3D glasses that they are handing out for avatar? cause those are badass; and now I'll definitely have a pair (2, pun not intended) for the cards

[dolly]

Cant't wait for Dice battles to come out. I have two questions though.

What type of save system will it have? Worrying about calls interrupting gameplay.

Will the game feature cool music that lives up to it's overall polish, or the possibility to hear your own music while playing?

[sebasterbator]

any news on the release date? Saw this back in december and was wonder how far along you guys where.

[gildedskull]

Cant't wait for Dice battles to come out. I have two questions though.

What type of save system will it have? Worrying about calls interrupting gameplay.

Will the game feature cool music that lives up to it's overall polish, or the possibility to hear your own music while playing?

Save is automatic (when you get a call or shut the app down) and anywhere. There will be an auto-save at key points in the game too.

The game certainly has music. We're working on that right now. Thematically, the idea is that the music syncs up with the premise of the game. The more organic 'human' instruments are being contrasted against the high-technology environment the humans in the game are living in.

About release date, we're currently cranking on the game. We had to do a major overhaul (and a rethinking of the core technology for the game) recently that will allow us to be able to develop some of the key game features 'the right way'. We aren't EA....it's going to take us a little longer to make something that's as high caliber as what we're envisioning ;)

[PointOfLight]

Save is automatic (when you get a call or shut the app down) and anywhere. There will be an auto-save at key points in the game too.

The game certainly has music. We're working on that right now. Thematically, the idea is that the music syncs up with the premise of the game. The more organic 'human' instruments are being contrasted against the high-technology environment the humans in the game are living in.

About release date, we're currently cranking on the game. We had to do a major overhaul (and a rethinking of the core technology for the game) recently that will allow us to be able to develop some of the key game features 'the right way'. We aren't EA....it's going to take us a little longer to make something that's as high caliber as what we're envisioning ;)

Take all the time you need. The impatient people will get over it. I'd rather have high quality than have it now.

[aricall]

really interested in hearing anything new about this one?

[azieser]

This looks like it will be an amazing game. I will look forward to your updates on how it is going!

Excellent concept!:)

[gildedskull]

Here's a quick update: Things are going really well, we're hammering away at developing the missions, adding an over-arching story and a solid purpose for entering the game. Lots of story and more gameplay, many new enemies. Some really great sound design has recently delivered! Considering posting tracks here soon.

We're so busy working all hours on the game it's hard to get onto TA to give you guys updates!!

We think we figured out how to get more of the user-created characters from our character contest into the game...you're going to have to fight them ;)

[aricall]

sounds awesome really cant wait for this one
looks like alot of fun and love the artwork
thanks for the update

[Comassion]

Keep cranking it out guys! I'm an insta-buyer when this gets done. :)

[aricall]

Keep cranking it out guys! I'm an insta-buyer when this gets done. :)

agreed

[gildedskull]

As we continue to develop Galactic Keep: Dice Battles we'll post images and descriptions of the characters, places, species and technologies to be found in the game here, in this thread. We thought we'd go into a little more detail on some of the creatures to be found in the game!

These are 'algabast'. They are pack animals that survive by absorbing various types of energy from their environment. They flock to stations/outposts in certain sectors of the galaxy and pose a huge annoyance, disabling small craft and sapping much needed energy stores. If ships with algabast stowaways are spotted (they are easily identified in scans) they are normally turned away and not afforded dock space.

http://gildedskull.com/screens/algabast_familyx.jpg

Algabast Broodling(v1,2)
The algabast are a hardy species of space-faring, energy absorbing creatures that feed on biological and electrical energy. They release energy in focused tones as a means of defense and communication.

Algabast Warrior (v3,4)
As the algabast age, they become more proficient at absorbing energy. They also become more precise and effective with their attacks. The ones that survive past the broodling stage must be hearty.

Algabast Father (Special)
Within the algabast pack hierarchy, males are in a constant fight for supremacy but there is usually only one ‘father’ within a tribe. This individual is certain to be battle ready and supremely powerful.

[mattll]

they look nice
is the blue "thing" their head?

[gildedskull]

I think their heads are further back, the blue thing is almost like their 'nose', their defense and a warning. A 'zapper' and a lantern for them. I think they sense with the fronts of their heads, they don't have eyes. Their 'mouths' are below, underneath.

[gildedskull]

Some not-so-standard weapons. The 'time orbis' is based on a weapon that was in drawing I did almost 6 years ago where a creature was chasing a 'man-beast' through time and space and ended up on Earth during the American civil war. I guess it's sort of the inspiration for the game!

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/handheld_time_orbis.jpg

The other weapon is based on a turducken. Look it up.

http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/gausian_grey_ring_2.jpg

[aricall]

love the updates
cant wait for the game
love the turducken reference too lol

[Prab]

love the comic art style :)

[specter800]

Keep cranking it out guys! I'm an insta-buyer when this gets done. :)

count me in too. this looks great

[gildedskull]

Working on some of the voices and creature sounds for the game and I thought I'd give you a preview. The aliens are sounding pretty amazing...and weird. Here's a track containing some 'conversational' Pakall. 'Conversational' as opposed to 'angry' or 'attacked'...the mad Pakall sounds terrifying.

Conversational Pakall (http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/pakall_conversational_2.mp3)

(If someone could embed this it would be much appreciated!)

[PointOfLight]

Working on some of the voices and creature sounds for the game and I thought I'd give you a preview. The aliens are sounding pretty amazing...and weird. Here's a track containing some 'conversational' Pakall. 'Conversational' as opposed to 'angry' or 'attacked'...the mad Pakall sounds terrifying.

Conversational Pakall (http://www.gildedskull.com/screens/pakall_conversational_2.mp3)

(If someone could embed this it would be much appreciated!)

I knew you guys would go all out for this game, but voices??? If this doesn't win game of the year somewhere than we know that all the mobile awards competitions are rigged.

(By the way, the voice sounded awesome!)

[gildedskull]

The voices are going to be used during battle when you attack another creature/opponent (the sound of your weapon first, based on the type of weapon you're using, then a 'grunt' or a curse yelled by your opponent as they get hit).

This track was a test to get the sound of the voice and the 'accent' right. I actually wrote alien translations of key phrases for each species! We may use clips of characters speaking (conversationally) at the beginning of dialog game sections.

[Tommi654]

This track was a test to get the sound of the voice and the 'accent' right. I actually wrote alien translations of key phrases for each species!

This is so awesome!
You could use the klingon dictionary for one of the alienraces!

[Pitta]

The voices are going to be used during battle when you attack another creature/opponent (the sound of your weapon first, based on the type of weapon you're using, then a 'grunt' or a curse yelled by your opponent as they get hit).

This track was a test to get the sound of the voice and the 'accent' right. I actually wrote alien translations of key phrases for each species! We may use clips of characters speaking (conversationally) at the beginning of dialog game sections.

The wait for this game is every news harder....
Any timeframe?

[Batman1v]

This game looks so awesome! I want it now... any tentative release dates to announce?

[AppCourt]

Looks like it might be a keeper! Can't wait.

[gildedskull]

No release date yet.

We are, however, going to have a demo of the game to show at PAX East this year (in a couple weeks)...so you'll be able to see something in motion with guns and swords and sounds and stuff around then ;)

We're going as attendees, so if you're going you'll have to track us down...

[Pitta]

No release date yet.

We are, however, going to have a demo of the game to show at PAX East this year (in a couple weeks)...so you'll be able to see something in motion with guns and swords and sounds and stuff around then ;)

We're going as attendees, so if you're going you'll have to track us down...

I really can't wait to see the game in motion, even if I perfectly know that after that the wait will be more painful.

I saw the cool 3D effect option in past pages, which require the use of anaglyph glasses.
It's cool and everything, a really nice touch, but I really do not see anyone using the anaglyph glasses playing the game, except maybe at home.
I know I wont, even if I think the idea is great.
Have you ever considered using anamorphic projection technology?
It achieves a 'similar' effect, but it doesn't require any glasses....could be something more used than the anaglygh glasses option.

You can see it in action here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvCHHUN8nnE&feature=player_embedded
(Watch the Planet Earth part)

What do you think?

[gildedskull]

That's really cool! The game itself isn't going to be in 'true' 3D (with actual 3D models) so doing something like that, at least for the first game, isn't going to be possible. I actually spoke with someone about accelerometer-based 3D...and about other ways of creating 3D look on the iPhone...about a month ago.

We decided that because of the nature of the game and the fact that the 3D in the game, at least from a game-play perspective, isn't that 'deep' we wouldn't make a full 3D mode (for the maps and tokens and all cards for example)...yet.

We're doing special versions of some of the characters that have pumped up attributes as the special 3D cards. You can 'collect' both versions of the character and choose which one you'd like to use...it's a way to emulate the feel/use of foil cards in 'real' collectible card games.

We aren't expecting people to have 3D glasses on while they play...but it's a perk so that when you unlock a card/character with 3D you can grab your glasses, take a look at the 3D coolness and then carry on.

[Pitta]

That's really cool! The game itself isn't going to be in 'true' 3D (with actual 3D models) so doing something like that, at least for the first game, isn't going to be possible. I actually spoke with someone about accelerometer-based 3D...and about other ways of creating 3D look on the iPhone...about a month ago.

We decided that because of the nature of the game and the fact that the 3D in the game, at least from a game-play perspective, isn't that 'deep' we wouldn't make a full 3D mode (for the maps and tokens and all cards for example)...yet.

We're doing special versions of some of the characters that have pumped up attributes as the special 3D cards. You can 'collect' both versions of the character and choose which one you'd like to use...it's a way to emulate the feel/use of foil cards in 'real' collectible card games.

We aren't expecting people to have 3D glasses on while they play...but it's a perk so that when you unlock a card/character with 3D you can grab your glasses, take a look at the 3D coolness and then carry on.

:)
I regret posting that because I fear you'll be tempted to try it nonetheless, thus delaying the game :P

I'm joking obviously, I really think it's a great classy touch for the game.
And I must add that I didn't thought about requiring a 3D model for the anamorphic projection to work in the first place or better, I thought you required already that for the anaglyph.

Cant' wait to see the game in motion to get a glimpse of how I'll wast so much time in the future...

[acidshaman]

Ok you were at PAX... time to release a video =)

[debtOFskittles]

Ok you were at PAX... time to release a video =)

yespleaseyespleaseyespleaseyesplease

[Tocarina]

I've just noticed this game (yeah, I'm late, I didn't know that it is by the imp or oaf guys). I'm really hyped now, especially for the awesome artstyle! Can you post wallpapers, and info?

[Pitta]

Ok you were at PAX... time to release a video =)

Really looking forward to see a video....(aside from the game, that is).

[gildedskull]

I've just noticed this game (yeah, I'm late, I didn't know that it is by the imp or oaf guys). I'm really hyped now, especially for the awesome artstyle! Can you post wallpapers, and info?

There are a few wallpapers (full computer size) earlier in the thread:

FIRST SET HERE (http://forums.toucharcade.com/showpost.php?p=521951&postcount=123)

ANOTHER ONE HERE (http://forums.toucharcade.com/showpost.php?p=522452&postcount=125)


We have iPhone/iPod wallpapers for each species, I'll dig them up and I'll post them here soon!

Video (teaser trailer) to be released soon...

;)

[VeganTnT]

I'm really excited about this game. I've been waiting for a long time and have no doubt it's going to be great.

Now I just need a little playtime!! ;)

[gildedskull]

...testing soon.

[Kaos999]

This looks exactly like the kind of game that will eat up my free time, and probably some of my not-so-free time as well.

[mattll]

...testing soon.

cant wate ;)

[Mudkipz223]

...testing soon.

Awesome! :D