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| 12 SEP 2009 at 2:45am |
MrLipidPrivate Detective
Posts : 666
Joined: 10 OCT 2002
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By LenG (12 SEP 2009 12:08am)
[size=16][font=Times New Roman]It appears that this game had no proper beta testers --- and the mistakes you mentioned (and there are maybe more) give the impression that the game was maybe developed cheaply in some other language and badly translated & edited.
It leaves me with the impression that either no one took a second look OR that no one who took a second look knew what to look for. (Terrific choice: Do you want a game put together by lazy people or do you want a game put together by ignorant people?)
And it's not just the game website. Here's a snippet referring to the mission of developer Genesis Works: "to create interactive games that stimualte Christian spiritual growth."
All of which leads me to agree with your conclusions and want some answers to the questions they raise. Where does this piece of electronic entertainment come from and what sort of impression do those offering it believe it will make on a secular audience?
Just curious....
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| 12 SEP 2009 at 4:51pm |
Jenny100Guild Master
Posts : 3510
Joined: 12 OCT 2002
Status : Offline | I think these are people who should learn to use basic html instead of Flash so their typos (like stimualte) can be easily changed.
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| 12 SEP 2009 at 5:28pm |
IviniaGuild Master
Posts : 4459
Joined: 7 JUN 2003
Location: US
Status : Offline | I agree Jen.
From what little seems to be coming out about this game from those who play it (other than "Wow, looks gorgeous!" has me taking serious pause.
I like GB and appreciate the work they do there with running a clean site, but I don't expect to see any critical posts there on this game. It's either positive or nothing. Since we seem to be hearing a lot of nothing from those who completed it, I can only assume this game is a MAJOR disappointment. In this case, the silence is deafening.
I wish Thomas would come back and post his findings. :-/
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| 12 SEP 2009 at 8:00pm |
MrLipidPrivate Detective
Posts : 666
Joined: 10 OCT 2002
Status : Offline | Originally Posted By Jenny100 (12 SEP 2009 4:50pm)
I think these are people who should learn to use basic html instead of Flash so their typos (like stimualte) can be easily changed.
Perhaps their apparent lack of interest in working with a platform that makes it easy to correct mistakes in favor of a platform that's "exciting" and "filled with impactfulnessitude" tells us all we need to know.
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| 12 SEP 2009 at 11:43pm |
CarolineJA+ Overseer
Posts : 16540
Joined: 28 JAN 2007
Location: AU
Status : Offline | I have had more fun reading these two threads about this game than I ever could have actually playing it.
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| 13 SEP 2009 at 3:13am |
MrLipidPrivate Detective
Posts : 666
Joined: 10 OCT 2002
Status : Offline | Glad you're enjoying it.
Here's a review from The Christian Developers Network Forum:
http://talk.christiandevs.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2330
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| 13 SEP 2009 at 4:57am |
CarolineJA+ Overseer
Posts : 16540
Joined: 28 JAN 2007
Location: AU
Status : Offline | That was an interesting and thorough review. It seems though that despite its flaws, the reviewer's sympathy to the game's core message is what provided him with the ability to enjoy the game.
Definitely one for the faithful. :-X Or the undemanding. :-/
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| 13 SEP 2009 at 9:24am |
| Deleted User | You know, we've joked and commented about this aspect before, and conjectured on the developers of the game's rationalization for dressing up Axis as a bimbo. I couldn't help wondering what serious Christians would think of this. Now I find it interesting to see this reviewers view of this aspect:
Also I really have to say that the whole porn-like outfit really kind of disappears to the senses after awhile. It was kind of like dealing with Ohura from the classic Star Trek series, low cut tops, short skirts, and all. I really stopped paying attention to it. However, I still wouldn’t recommend this game to children or adults suffering under or recovering from porn addiction at all! The way she was designed is still uncalled for. Whoever they got to voice the part of Axis however was really good. She made for a great loving helpful believer type. Unfortunately the artists formed the wrong skin for the part. The 3d model really takes away from what would have been a great performance.
..and as regards to the other "coercion" aspect that certain of the posters have been concerned about:
Axis, who is dressed like a spiritual temptress, is a very calm and capable character who you at first really like but soon begins to get on your nerves. She constantly repeats stuff over and over and over again. Don’t get me wrong. As a believer in Christ I love everything she utters and says about Jesus in the game. It’s really great stuff. It’s just that you end up hearing it again and again like they ran out of recorded dialogue for the game. In many ways I thought, “If I was a non-believer I’d swear that this almost seemed like brainwashing to me.”
Btw: um.... -a "spiritual" temptress? :-? :-? I'm afraid I'm not quite acquainted with that term. Can anybody enlighten me on that one?
Interesting to note, that the reviewer seemed extremely impressed with the game's engine, hint hint to all you devs out there..
Maybe, if the game flops, they could make some cash out of selling the engine... :
Anyway, if you are a graphics and sound junkie like myself, this game (apart from the negatives) seems to be the game for you!
Their individual skills sets are excellent and literally speak for themselves; terrific art, great direction, beautiful vistas, wonderful sound, an interesting concept, the reading of the word of God in a game, and impressive programming. Unfortunately I have to say that this game seems incomplete. If I was a publisher, and I’m not, I would have slid the game back across the table to these guys and said, “I like it. Finish it and we’ll talk. Oh and by the way ditch the bimbo look.”
As for the time concerns, this reviewer said it took him roughly 3 hours to complete... oops, that doesn't sound like a lot of bang for your buck...
I'm curious, but I'm definitely not paying the odd $35 for this. I'll wait and see for a used or very sharply reduced in price copy perhaps....
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| 13 SEP 2009 at 9:53am |
| Deleted User | [size=16][font=Times New Roman]Thanks for the link.
Jesblood, the author (or authoress) is a very VERY true believer. Nevertheless, despite GREAT praise for the graphics, sfx, sounds, game engine, (and of course Jesus) he minces no words and strongly damns (may I use that word in such a religious context ?) pretty well everything else !
However he concludes with a heartfelt & sincere prayer :-
To Genesis Works: may the good Lord be with you all and may his favor shine on your product. Amen. I'm afraid that the not so devout will want a bit more than a Lord's prayer for their US$35 :exclamation [smiley=angel.gif] Numbers 6:24
[IMG]http://i32.tinypic.com/22kimf.jpg[/IMG]
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 12:22am |
HelenGuild Master
Posts : 3436
Joined: 12 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | Yeah, dont think Ill be getting this one after all. :-/
Not all boomers are giving it a great review either.
http://www.gameboomers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/545953/gonew/1/Finished%20Heaven.html#UNREAD
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 1:33am |
CarolineJA+ Overseer
Posts : 16540
Joined: 28 JAN 2007
Location: AU
Status : Offline | Perhaps that's why the same is so expensive - because when word gets out how short it is and how disappointing it was, sales will plummet?
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 1:49am |
| Deleted User | Originally Posted By Gamer (14 SEP 2009 12:22am)
Yeah, dont think Ill be getting this one after all. :-/
Not all boomers are giving it a great review either.
http://www.gameboomers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/545953/gonew/1/Finished%20Heaven.html#UNREAD
I happened to have bookmarked this link from a previous post a few days ago and have been keeping a watchful eye on it.
Originally Posted By Caroline (14 SEP 2009 1:33am)
Perhaps that's why the same is so expensive - because when word gets out how short it is and how disappointing it was, sales will plummet?
Exactly. I see that nobody at GB has added any further posts in the last 48+ hours.
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 3:12am |
MrLipidPrivate Detective
Posts : 666
Joined: 10 OCT 2002
Status : Offline | There is now a walkthrough for Heaven.
http://www.gameboomers.com/wtcheats/pcHh/Heaven/heaven.htm
It's a relatively brief (six pages) document.
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 4:05am |
| Deleted User | Definitely now that I appear to have full disclosure on this one, I have to take a pass. Sorry but my money is best invested on other future hopefuls. :-/
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 4:29am |
CarolineJA+ Overseer
Posts : 16540
Joined: 28 JAN 2007
Location: AU
Status : Offline | Perhaps the reason good AGs are becoming so rare is they're not easy to make?
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 6:52am |
AnnacatIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 97
Joined: 23 JAN 2005
Status : Offline | I'm curious, but I'm definitely not paying the odd $35 for this. I'll wait and see for a used or very sharply reduced in price copy perhaps....
That.
I'm interested just because the premise is different from the standard adventure fare, and I really enjoy Stephan Martiniere's work, but I just can't justify the purchase at that price based on those reviews.
I'm going to have to pass on this title, at least for now.
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 9:23am |
| Deleted User | [size=16][font=Times New Roman]The main, or almost only, redeeming feature of this game, as mentioned by many on various forums etc., is its glorious graphics.
I am no techie and do not know if screenies from the game when transferred to a walkthrough cause severe degradation ???
I am also no artist (my wife is) and in general I'm not over impressed by gorgeous eye-candy. So long as the graphics are pretty good, that's good enough for me --- other aspects of game take precedence.
Of course, if the game is very good, lovely graphics only add to it and considerably --- but they are not a sine qua non !
There are many graphics in the walkthrough. I see nothing fabulous about them --- to my amateur eyes they seem like rather washed our water colours.
But as I said above this may be due to the cut & paste from the game itself.
If not however, and the graphics are its main virtue ----- then ........
:question [smiley=shaking_head.gif] [smiley=thumbsdown.gif] [smiley=sorry.gif]
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 12:18pm |
CarolineJA+ Overseer
Posts : 16540
Joined: 28 JAN 2007
Location: AU
Status : Offline | Well, given that the scenery is pretty but there's only 5 locations and the game lasts less than 2 hours what price would be appropriate to tempt people?
For me to play this game it would have be free.
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 6:45pm |
AnnacatIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 97
Joined: 23 JAN 2005
Status : Offline | For me, it wouldn't have to be free, but I would say $15 or less, with no shipping charge (having it available as a legal digital download to save postage costs would be fine.)
I realize there's no way such a new game would be offered so cheaply, which is why I'm happy to wait. Indefinitely, if needed.
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 7:54pm |
| Deleted User | [size=16][font=Times New Roman]Not for me at any price. Even if I were given it free I have more important & better things to do than to waste my time playing it.
Sorry --- but that's a purely personal (but honest) opinion !!
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 8:00pm |
AnneGIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 2
Joined: 17 AUG 2009
Status : Offline | I'm so glad for these boards. I can honestly say that what little interest I may have had in the game initially has certainly waned. I'll be taking a pass on this one and feeling pretty damn safe about it.
If you're happy and you know it, think again.
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| 14 SEP 2009 at 11:20pm |
SirDaveGuild Master
Posts : 4940
Joined: 17 OCT 2002
Location: US
Status : Offline | It seems to me that a Christianity-based adventure game would have a fairly limited audience from the get-go, especially when one considers the limited audience of AGs these days anyway. While I made a light-hearted suggestion for a broader audience in an earlier post, speaking more seriously, I think that if the aim was to have promotion of religion as part of the subject, it would actually make more sense -from the point of view of a broader audience and more likely success- to have the game include aspects of all the main religions. But I understand that for obvious reasons, the developers of this game had a more restricted objective...unfortunately.
The future ain't what it used to be!
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| 15 SEP 2009 at 12:46am |
AnnacatIntergalactic Janitor
Posts : 97
Joined: 23 JAN 2005
Status : Offline | I actually think an adventure game would be a fun way to learn about a different religion. It would be a very painless method of education to open my mind to how other people lived and believed. Not to change my own beliefs, but to become more aware and have a greater understanding of other people. It could be edutainment, just like any other type of educational game.
But then, I'm interested in that sort of thing.
You're right, probably a limited audience.
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| 15 SEP 2009 at 1:02am |
| Deleted User | [size=16][font=Times New Roman]It seems to me that a Christianity-based adventure game would have a fairly limited audience from the get-go,
I certainly wouldn't dream of arguing with your opinion on this Dave !
But my guess was exactly the opposite.
I believe there are somewhere around 2 BILLION Christians in the world --- including all the denominations & of course Roman Catholics etc.
I have no idea of course how many are 'devout'
But if only say one thousandth of one percent were to buy the game they would sell two hundred thousand copies wich would bring in seven million dollars --- which would be wonderful fot any Co.
I have no idea, but maybe 0.001% of Christians buying the game,might not be impossible due to some who would like to support a Christian undertaking &/or Co. and spreading the word of the Gospels... even maybe merely as a form of religious charity --- and why not ??
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