The video was so aesthetically pleasing - although I couldn't quite relate how it integrates into the game as yet - I would honestly buy it "as is" and watch as it metamorphosed for hours on end. It's simply gorgeous.
Cripes - didn't think people would be posting about this so soon! For the record, obviously, the main aim is to get demonology into the hands of the under-fives. I'm seeing it as a mash up of 'Hello Kitty' and 'The Exorcist'*. As such, presentation is everything. Just for clarity, the video above isn't mine, nor specifically linked with my game - apart from the palette and use of light and shade... and the... um... movement of tentacles. I like to keep a record of what inspired me during development, and this is just one example. 'The Advisory Circle' and 'Space Alone' were my guidance for Incoboto. Bemuse's main muses haven't arisen quite yet. It is also a while away (even the core look is still being worked on) so don't expect too much too soon. In the meantime, I welcome visitors to the Fluttermind forums. My plan is to offer access to a free web-based version to everyone who comes and says 'Hi' during development. Thanks for the support, folks! *Maybe I'm joking about that mash-up. Maybe.
If enough people show interest, I'll put up a larger version. I'm trying not to have too many spoilers at this critical stage, but I also think you guys have been waiting ages for news. It's a hard balance.
BeMuse is looking much better now, and the control scheme is fairly locked down. But things are going sloooowly. I have a tendency to agonise over everything in my games, so it's been a hard couple of months. At the moment, I'm trying to balance the mystery and complexity of ritual behaviour with the expectations of elegance one associates with touch-devices. This necessitates shuffling things back and forward from the main interface and into sub-menu systems and the like. I *think* it's all pretty solid now, and hope to test the systems on friends and family over the next few days. I'm hoping its the last time I shall have to do this nonsense. Ghosts just went in, and they are quite unpleasant, which is perfect. Again, as ever, mood is at the forefront of my mind, so - for those who missed it - along with the Moomins, this is the (other) inspiration behind BeMuse (in the same way as Space Alone was the inspiration for Incoboto). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDXOioU_OKM If anyone is going to the big Double-Fine Indie meet thing in SF next Saturday I shall be there, and will be showing off an early version of the game to anyone who is interested. I'll be the one dressed in black with the outrageously silly waxed moustache.