The Crypt Terror and this are such effective short horror games. The pacing is great and it ends right when it should and its damn creepy, great stuff!
I really enjoyed this, your use of atmosphere and build up is fantastic, proof that you don't have to scatter tons of jumpscares into one game to make an impact the fact that everything built to that last scene worked really well! i do think it would of been more practical though to have to the keys in separate rooms just to prolong the game a little more and build up the game even more, but honestly you done fantastic, and your dialog skills are brilliant also, you know how to tell a story
Hello, my name is Bruno, I make indie game gameplays on YouTube, here in Brazil, I want to congratulate you for the great project, the game has a lot of potential.
Streamers have discouraged people discovering and playing games themselves, that discovery aspect is dead.
Opinions are formed, it discourages people from discovering what SHOULD be mostly unnoticed until the goal of attaining a playerbase and some... random chance of corporate "care" comes by and hands you a check for your hard work.
Not too sure why you picked this game for that topic. But I actually agree to a certain extent. There is an unnoticed problematic angle in the age of streamers and let's players that hurts experiences of games.
My main issue is usually the rampant spoilers and sensational/misleading commentary though.
We can't forget that not everyone can afford to play games themselves or run them on pcs. So the habit of tuning into one of your favorite content creators makes a lot of sense.
If anything I don't think the coverage has been widespread enough since the vast majority of indie games aren't getting the appreciation they likely deserve. This includes Daniel Buckley's works in my humble opinion.
Hi, I was wondering if you would consider expanding on some of your points. I play games on the internet and agree with your point about misleading commentary. I would find it valuable to get a developer's views on this.
Could you expand on what you mean by, or maybe give an example of, showing spoilers: do you mean things like showing the main bad guy / jumpscare in the thumbnail or showing the full game and ending meaning the viewers don't have an incentive to go play for themselves?
Also, do you think there's any distinction between videos that just walkthrough the game with no commentary and videos that do commentary over them? Do these two types of videos present different issues/problems for games and developers?
Any insights from you as someone who makes games would be very interesting for me in understanding and navigating this dabate
Generally speaking, I think people have gotten a bit... too excited with the making of videos online. That they do in fact get carried away with their thumbnail choices, video titles and so on. This has come with noticeable pros and cons.
The cons are obviously that it's become virtually impossible to follow games online now in the active sense without getting them ruined a tad before the first impressions can really develop. Sometimes without even seeking any out! I firmly think that we're witnessing a cultural shift in times where what used to be supplementary is now trying to replace personal gaming for a lot of people and I find it highly unfortunate.
The other issue I was describing outside of that was just misleading narratives and depictions of games. Because games are more popular than ever, people have started to inject them with various politics, takes, views etc that seriously affect how certain games are perceived and will ultimately discourage people from seeking them out.
"Also, do you think there's any distinction between videos that just walkthrough the game with no commentary and videos that do commentary over them? Do these two types of videos present different issues/problems for games and developers?"
They do not. (It is less to do with long-term presentation. The absence of commentary also has more to do with copyright/legality, which is not the main focus of the topic at hand.) With them it usually comes down to preferences and there is a market for both types of videos from what I've seen.
I been there and done that. I seen old 2011 horror tube and the humble beginnings of these videos. I been there to witness the change in the times and I suspect we yet to see some of the biggest within this decade.
Hope this was at least somewhat insightful. I had a really bad day and feeling a bit messy atm.
Thanks for your detailed response to my questions I appreacite you taking the time and giving me an insight from your side of the games industry, its really useful for me!
How come this shift towards streaming and watching over playing is happening alongside the increase in "cinematic" video game experiences? A coincidence? I think not. I believe this is an indication what's shaping the industry going forward.
This was fantastic! I didn't even realize till the end that it was related to The Crypt Terror which I enjoyed as well. Love the style and the fantastic creepy atmosphere! Can't wait to see what you make next! Great job!
Excellent little horror story. I love the PSX shader, and the use of sound really added to the atmosphere. A nice, solid story too-- good implementation of the 14th century setting. Is there just the one ending? Great work!
What started as a virtuous journey ended up with a massive, dark ending!
This game had me fully invested from the first minutes. Once I saw that it was connected to "The Crypt Terror" curiosity took over me. The game has beautiful scenery, which I did not expect from a horror game. It is an amazing experience, especially towards the end, when I literally had to pause and think about my life choices - yes! It was that good!
Mechanics, movement, sound design - perfection. The "final" confrontation - definitely the best ending of any horror game I've played since 2023. A true, legit banger!
Can't wait for more projects Daniel. You are an amazing artist and best of luck with the future developments. Cheers!
Why do people be telling the endings of their games if they want people to play them? I don't give a damn either way, but there's lot's of picky people out there.
Excuse me, but who are you exactly? The developer never mentions what the ending is, neither do I say anything "spoiler" worthy in the game, so frankly speaking I don't know what you are talking about. If you have enough time to troll, I would suggest reading a book or too, or just simply grow up. And, if you "don't give a damn", why do you write the comment? That's right, attention seeking, vulgar person.
You did, you exposed a "dark ending" when it could have been a different outcome, you go blurting out games endings with zero regard. I read plenty, tell your little "techie" friends here or elsewhere (Mr Indie dev) that books would be viable in an age that worships google, or other people, as many of these games are shameless carbon copy, change one thing slightly so it's "not" plagiarizing type ordeals, you're just salty because your cave game with the creature that kills you no matter what at the end to avoid having to develop a real ending is mid, kid mad because I called his game "alright" with zero issue but he translated it as hate speech. Touch some grass.
Give me specifics, go on mate. You can't. You are 100% wrong. Just me saying "dark ending" means nothing absolutely. You have no idea what "spoiler"even means and my comments are for the devs to read not for you. Maybe instead of being abtuse and writing vulgar comments you could grow up. And my game is just a short silly game. Why would I be salty? You think I care what a troll like you says? I've had big time developers give feedback, who have massive knowledge in gaming, sorry but you don't compare at all. Furthemore stop insulting other people. We are here to have fun and not be toxic like you.
Once again, I suggest you read a book or too, because your language skills are below the average and you can't even write a sentence, which makes sense. Best of luck.
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playthrough
This game scared the crap out of me the entire time I played it
Honestly- shook me. So impressed. I want MORE in this world. MORE LORE!!!! Thanks a million. Can't wait to see the next one.
It's an amazing game, well done!
The Crypt Terror and this are such effective short horror games. The pacing is great and it ends right when it should and its damn creepy, great stuff!
Full Play NO Commentary
I really enjoyed this, your use of atmosphere and build up is fantastic, proof that you don't have to scatter tons of jumpscares into one game to make an impact the fact that everything built to that last scene worked really well! i do think it would of been more practical though to have to the keys in separate rooms just to prolong the game a little more and build up the game even more, but honestly you done fantastic, and your dialog skills are brilliant also, you know how to tell a story
I absolutely LOVED The Crypt Terror, so I already knew this wouldn’t disappoint! Great game once again dev :)
I made a video on your game
Amazing game. I love the art style. Keep it up!
Great game!
Great atmosphere.
great game!
love it thank you :):):)
Nice horror game. Congrats!
Hello, my name is Bruno, I make indie game gameplays on YouTube, here in Brazil, I want to congratulate you for the great project, the game has a lot of potential.
Gameplay Link:
It has a nice pacing, atmosphere, and lore in it at once. Nice job on that. Keep it up.
Here's my channel for other games I have played. https://www.youtube.com/@Levont
Excellent game
This was really good! Definitely has vibes from The Crypt Terror. Made a video on it.
Trust Me That Jumpscare Got Me So Bad 4/5
Streamers have discouraged people discovering and playing games themselves, that discovery aspect is dead.
Opinions are formed, it discourages people from discovering what SHOULD be mostly unnoticed until the goal of attaining a playerbase and some... random chance of corporate "care" comes by and hands you a check for your hard work.
Not too sure why you picked this game for that topic. But I actually agree to a certain extent. There is an unnoticed problematic angle in the age of streamers and let's players that hurts experiences of games.
My main issue is usually the rampant spoilers and sensational/misleading commentary though.
We can't forget that not everyone can afford to play games themselves or run them on pcs. So the habit of tuning into one of your favorite content creators makes a lot of sense.
If anything I don't think the coverage has been widespread enough since the vast majority of indie games aren't getting the appreciation they likely deserve. This includes Daniel Buckley's works in my humble opinion.
Hi, I was wondering if you would consider expanding on some of your points. I play games on the internet and agree with your point about misleading commentary. I would find it valuable to get a developer's views on this.
Could you expand on what you mean by, or maybe give an example of, showing spoilers: do you mean things like showing the main bad guy / jumpscare in the thumbnail or showing the full game and ending meaning the viewers don't have an incentive to go play for themselves?
Also, do you think there's any distinction between videos that just walkthrough the game with no commentary and videos that do commentary over them? Do these two types of videos present different issues/problems for games and developers?
Any insights from you as someone who makes games would be very interesting for me in understanding and navigating this dabate
Thanks
Generally speaking, I think people have gotten a bit... too excited with the making of videos online. That they do in fact get carried away with their thumbnail choices, video titles and so on. This has come with noticeable pros and cons.
The cons are obviously that it's become virtually impossible to follow games online now in the active sense without getting them ruined a tad before the first impressions can really develop. Sometimes without even seeking any out! I firmly think that we're witnessing a cultural shift in times where what used to be supplementary is now trying to replace personal gaming for a lot of people and I find it highly unfortunate.
The other issue I was describing outside of that was just misleading narratives and depictions of games. Because games are more popular than ever, people have started to inject them with various politics, takes, views etc that seriously affect how certain games are perceived and will ultimately discourage people from seeking them out.
"Also, do you think there's any distinction between videos that just walkthrough the game with no commentary and videos that do commentary over them? Do these two types of videos present different issues/problems for games and developers?"
They do not. (It is less to do with long-term presentation. The absence of commentary also has more to do with copyright/legality, which is not the main focus of the topic at hand.) With them it usually comes down to preferences and there is a market for both types of videos from what I've seen.
I been there and done that. I seen old 2011 horror tube and the humble beginnings of these videos. I been there to witness the change in the times and I suspect we yet to see some of the biggest within this decade.
Hope this was at least somewhat insightful. I had a really bad day and feeling a bit messy atm.
Thanks for your detailed response to my questions I appreacite you taking the time and giving me an insight from your side of the games industry, its really useful for me!
My pleasure.
Something well worth considering too:
How come this shift towards streaming and watching over playing is happening alongside the increase in "cinematic" video game experiences? A coincidence? I think not. I believe this is an indication what's shaping the industry going forward.
This will be #1 on itchio soon. Mark my words!
This was fantastic! I didn't even realize till the end that it was related to The Crypt Terror which I enjoyed as well. Love the style and the fantastic creepy atmosphere! Can't wait to see what you make next! Great job!
Excellent little horror story. I love the PSX shader, and the use of sound really added to the atmosphere. A nice, solid story too-- good implementation of the 14th century setting. Is there just the one ending? Great work!
All I'm gonna say, don't have kids around when you drink from the punch bowl.
Best game, I like this
Very nice audio design...I liked the atmosphere!
great jobs creepy!
What started as a virtuous journey ended up with a massive, dark ending!
This game had me fully invested from the first minutes. Once I saw that it was connected to "The Crypt Terror" curiosity took over me. The game has beautiful scenery, which I did not expect from a horror game. It is an amazing experience, especially towards the end, when I literally had to pause and think about my life choices - yes! It was that good!
Mechanics, movement, sound design - perfection. The "final" confrontation - definitely the best ending of any horror game I've played since 2023. A true, legit banger!
Can't wait for more projects Daniel. You are an amazing artist and best of luck with the future developments. Cheers!
Thank you very much Niven!
Why do people be telling the endings of their games if they want people to play them? I don't give a damn either way, but there's lot's of picky people out there.
Excuse me, but who are you exactly?
The developer never mentions what the ending is, neither do I say anything "spoiler" worthy in the game, so frankly speaking I don't know what you are talking about. If you have enough time to troll, I would suggest reading a book or too, or just simply grow up.
And, if you "don't give a damn", why do you write the comment? That's right, attention seeking, vulgar person.
You did, you exposed a "dark ending" when it could have been a different outcome, you go blurting out games endings with zero regard. I read plenty, tell your little "techie" friends here or elsewhere (Mr Indie dev) that books would be viable in an age that worships google, or other people, as many of these games are shameless carbon copy, change one thing slightly so it's "not" plagiarizing type ordeals, you're just salty because your cave game with the creature that kills you no matter what at the end to avoid having to develop a real ending is mid, kid mad because I called his game "alright" with zero issue but he translated it as hate speech. Touch some grass.
Give me specifics, go on mate. You can't. You are 100% wrong. Just me saying "dark ending" means nothing absolutely. You have no idea what "spoiler"even means and my comments are for the devs to read not for you. Maybe instead of being abtuse and writing vulgar comments you could grow up. And my game is just a short silly game. Why would I be salty? You think I care what a troll like you says? I've had big time developers give feedback, who have massive knowledge in gaming, sorry but you don't compare at all. Furthemore stop insulting other people. We are here to have fun and not be toxic like you.
Once again, I suggest you read a book or too, because your language skills are below the average and you can't even write a sentence, which makes sense. Best of luck.
I'll be on this one in no time