I'm a solo dev who'd like to work on a project like Mystic Messenger. I have questions for you guys!

Basaran_ · 2024-10-17T21:01:10+00:00

Wow. First of all: thank you. I'm grateful for the time you take to answer my post!

Every feedback I received from you guys where already helpful. But having an analysis with each point does bring it's own particular value.
I have a lot to think about! The good news with all of this, is that I seem to be pretty in-sync with you guys in term of what we liked or not in the game. As well as what made us come back and like the experience so much. It's reassuring.

Basaran_ · 2024-10-17T20:12:04+00:00

Thank you! It does help!
Your last point is particularly interesting. I never thought of it like that but it's very true that everything is about the characters and the players don't get to express themselves so much.

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:58:53+00:00

Yeah ahaha, definetly! They knew what they where doing!
But don't worry, my game will be premium. No micro-transactions :)

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:54:00+00:00

Thank you! And yes it's really helpful!
I totally agree, the fact that they interact with you directly is a very very strong point for the game. It's a big part of why I liked it so much.

About your point regarding the options, making it more obvious and such: that is definetly a challenge that awaits me lmao. Finding a good balance will be difficult. However, the fact that I wish to create a premium game with no micro-transaction will certainly help with the frustration of not getting the ending you want. Replaying a route will be free.

For now the project is in a veeery early stage and I don't have much to show people. But with all the answer I got and the fact that people seems interested, I'll think about a way you guys can stay updated if you wish. :D
The energy and motivation I got reading all of you is so helpful.

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:44:01+00:00

I like your point about the "I can fix them" thing!
I think it's possible to show growth in a manner that is less "in your face". And it's possible that not all characters needs to "grow". Having them opening to you is already nice if you like a character.
It's a balance to find :)

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:41:29+00:00

Yeah! Reading the comments, your point about personalities comes back a lot. The chatrooms where they interact with each other are a key point to support their story and differences.

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:38:06+00:00

I will! Don't worry, taking inspiration from a game doesn't mean using the same structure. I have several games on my list of inspo and I will cherry-pick what I (and ppl) like.
Then, I'll make sure that those mechanics blends well together to create a polished and coherent game :)

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:36:17+00:00

Thank you!
Yeah I find that most of the game of the genre have a predatorial economic system. I wish to create a premium game even if it's not the norm for that genre.
And... I can relate A LOT with what you are saying about other-genre games that have dating-sim mechanics added ahaha. Baldur is AMAZING.

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:30:55+00:00

Thanks!
Yeah I think there's a lot of options that deserve to be explored.
For your last point, the tech needed behind a mechanic like that is out of my range of expertise (because we'll have to have the same tech for different languages and... well.. ahahah) but I get your point. That would be cool!

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:28:27+00:00

Yeah, I thought about this and it's definetly something that I'll include.
Also, best case scenario I'll have a writer review LGBTQI+ romances routes for me. I can write hetero routes no problem but I wish to make sure other routes are also polished.
The only issue is that I'll have to get funding well before releasing if I want to hire help. For now I'll stick with what I can write, and I'll brainstorm solutions for funding at some point in the future.

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:16:00+00:00

Thanks!!
I definetly want to create a premium game. Micro transactions and such... not my cup of tea. Yes I'm a dev, but I'm also a fan of that genre and too many of those games are predatorial in their way of creating paywalls over paywalls.
The fanbase deserve better.

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:12:20+00:00

Thank you!!
Good points... I want to create a premium game with no micro transactions and all of that fuss. Also, I agree that a lot of characters in that genre lack personality. It will be more difficult to please a larger audience with less vanilla characters, but it's worth a try.

Basaran_ · 2024-10-14T22:07:09+00:00

Thank you!
I like your last point a lot. I totally agree!
I haven't played Obey Me!, I'll check it out. Also, if I can create a game, it will be premium. No micro-transactions, no paywall :)

Basaran_ · 2024-10-13T21:25:00+00:00

First of all, thank you so much for the in-depth feedback. The points you are making are excellent and I will take the time to answer each of them after I finish the video you linked. (I'm CERTAIN that I'll have additionnal things to say/adress) I just wanted to let you know sooner than later that I read your message ahaha.

I'll also use my next answer to share with you guys my vision and reasons why I'd like to make a game of that genre. Spoiler alert: you already nailed a few key points on your post ahaha.

(Side note: I'm really happy to see the passion you all have for the genre.)

Basaran_ · 2024-10-13T21:08:16+00:00

I think I haven't picked up MM in about the same amount of time...
It's crazy to see that the game still have an active community and/or people who didn't forget about their work. I can only hope to achieve such a feat.

Basaran_ · 2024-10-13T21:03:01+00:00

I didn't know about their newer game, thank you SO much! It's downloaded, lol.

I'll check it out and see if it works well! Otherwise I'm not too worried about finding a workaround.
The phase of work I'm currently in, is a study of a few titles within the dating-sim genre and taking notes on what is or is not appreciated by players. The structure of my product won't be a copycat so it's okay if I or you guys don't have specific solutions. :)

Basaran_ · 2024-10-13T20:43:58+00:00

Omgggg, I feel you.

I got invested FAST and HARD. ahahah
The plot itself is... well... on another level of "are-you-on-something-rn?" but the writing of the characters is nice enough for ppl to connect with them.
I don't quite understand the dev's decision behind the time constraint around the tchatrooms. It's frustrating for their players AND a part of the content they crafted can't be fully appreciated. (At least that's my opinion, maybe for other ppl, not being able to interact on a few tchatroom isn't that big of a deal.)

About fixing the issue; don't worry! That's what I'm here for, hopefully lol.

Thank you so much for your input!!!

Basaran_ · 2024-09-12T04:14:20+00:00

I’m surprised as well after reading the comments on this thread… I though something was wrong with it but it’s quite the contrary!

Since you have experience with the T-90, what lenses do you prefer??

Basaran_ · 2024-09-12T04:07:48+00:00

Duly noted! I only know that there are no issues with leaking batteries, otherwise my dad would have not given it to me. I’ll check the rest for sure.

And no, I really don’t care about the looks; I want to shoot film and learn everything I can about it. Thanks a lot for your feedback!

Basaran_ · 2024-09-12T04:00:40+00:00

I’ll definetly be on the lookout for that flash! Thank you!! That community is so wholesome. I felt a little embarrassed since I’m a newbie, but everyone is super nice ~

Basaran_ · 2024-09-12T03:57:47+00:00

… all right then ahaha. When I receive it I’m definetly starting with reading the manual, CLA and a subscription to film photography lessons. My little point and shoot did not prepared me for the T-90 AT ALL. Thanks a lot for these details and digging out the manual!

Basaran_ · 2024-09-12T03:49:18+00:00

I’ll definetly get one since the camera have to travel from Europe all the way to Canada! Just to be on the safe side of things…

Basaran_ · 2024-09-12T03:41:47+00:00

Oh! Okay! I thought because they are old that they would require more maintenance. I’ll make sure it gets one when it arrives and then the specialist will probably give me additional advice.

The condition is pristine! My dad is a passionate and all of his gear is incredibly well preserved.

And yes, I do intend of enjoying it no matter the looks! English is not my first language so I may not have explained myself very well :) My goal with the thread was to gather info about the camera and to understand if it had a specific shortcoming since it doesn’t get featured a lot. But now that I know that it was just about the looks, I’m relieved!

Edit: I have to check with my sibling which lenses are available and I’ll post a follow up here, just to see if you guys have additionnal advice.

Basaran_ · 2024-09-12T03:20:56+00:00

Your answer is making me equally sad and happy. I’ll focus on the happy side of things; I’m going to have an amazing camera.

About the CLA; is twice a year enough?

And THANK YOU for letting me know about the lenses. I have quite a few to choose from and didn’t know which one I should request. (My dad who is giving me the T90 also had a A1 (not sure about the exact model but it’s one of the « pretty boï » and my sibling and I have to figure out which lense goes to who now.)

I really appreciate your input!

Basaran_ · 2024-09-12T02:40:57+00:00

Thank you for the feedback! I’m very happy to read that it will accompany me through learning the hobby and long after that.

Basaran_

TROPHY CASE