Pokemon Protectors

[darkerarceus]

That's awesome, I'm also hoping to get accepted to College for Game Development, though I'm going to have to wait about a year before I start applying, but kudos to you!

And, Neo I can't wait to see more of your work!
Same here and i also wanna be a mathamatician (i can do year 9 maths)
But im in year 4 :(

[goldenpalkia]

When will it be complete with my best friend darkerarceus?

[Atomic Reactor]

What? What about your friend?

The game wont be completed for a while still.
So just be patient.

[darkerarceus]

When will it be complete with my best friend darkerarceus?
What ae you talking about golden after all i know your my borther
but what do ya mean?

[uzeep]

Yo Dude i like your creation and the progress. If u need anything specific ask me or PM me including for anyone who needs help. I will try since i got too much pokemon stuff and creation.

[darkerarceus]

No-one has posted here a long time now (same on calis projects)
why?
and plus are you still there Neo?
or are you preparing the RC

[Neo-Dragon]

I haven't been posting because I'm in college now and just haven't had time to work on my game.
I also am working part time, so when I finish college (around 4- or earlier depending on my timetable), I'm in work at 6. I don't really be home until around 10/10.30 at night.

I'm having a great time in college (studying game development as I said before) and it's so sweet. I'll be using this to help improve Protectors.

I'm always on Calis Projects, so if you ask anything there, you will get a faster reply. Heck, I wrote a blog on my forum about how development will slow down.

But, I am looking to get some help from some guys in college. I'm hoping they can apply what we are learning about in programing (which is mostly variables and conditional branches) into the point and click style of Rm2k3. So, if someone I trust jumps on board, things may move at normal pace.

[Blitzballer]

I haven't been posting because I'm in college now and just haven't had time to work on my game.
I also am working part time, so when I finish college (around 4- or earlier depending on my timetable), I'm in work at 6. I don't really be home until around 10/10.30 at night.

I'm having a great time in college (studying game development as I said before) and it's so sweet. I'll be using this to help improve Protectors.

It's understandable that development slows down. The good news is that all the good stuff you'll learn, you'll be able to apply to Protectors!

By the way, which college are you going to? I've always wanted to go college for video game development. =)

[Kyoshiro]

soo when is the demo coming out

[Atomic Reactor]

dont ask that.
it irritates everybody. especially the creator of the game.
He'll release it when he thinks it's ready.

[Neo-Dragon]

Yeah, please don't ask when a demo is coming out. I'm not going to rush it. I want to add as much detail and reply-ability as possible to it, so I'm always going over old code, and adding in ways to interact with newer features.

Since a lot of people have been thinking this game is dead and what not, I decided to post a screenshot of some stuff I've added.
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/2294/newlookseabudjo4.png
I have been messing around with character sets and tilesets (notice some platinum> Protectors style palm trees, new ground tiles too.
Since Pokemon Platinum is only out, this kinda shows that this is something I've only worked on.
So like, it aint a screenshot from awhile ago or what-not.
Again, just to show work is going on in the game lol.

[Neo-Dragon]

Sorry to the mods for double posting, I know I shouldn't, but no one replied, and I got a small update.

Got 2 more screenshots for you showing off the new look to Lamos City. This is one of the biggest cities in the Altar Region. This town features a lot of custom or edited tiles (some from Pokemon Platinum), so hopefully you'll find it appealing.
It (the city) has the usual marts,centers and gyms, but also has another building that is pretty special (which is the purple building in the screenshots). What is in this building? Well, I'm not finished coding it yet, so you will have to wait and see, but for now, here is 2 teaser screenshots.

Please note: The city has NO NPCs in it yet, so it does look a little empty, but in terms of tile work- it's not really.
Also, credit to Don Patch (alistar) for the roofs of some houses.
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7828/newlamos1fv1.pnghttp://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7879/newlamos2hm8.png

[Youji]

Neo, the images can only be viewed by entering the details for the cPanel of that host or site or whatever. Maybe you can upload it somewhere else or fix that. Everytime a member/guest/staff views this thread, an authentification screen appears.

[Neo-Dragon]

Sorry. Fixed that. Had them up on my hosting, but in the wrong place.
Anyways- I've edited the post and replaced the images with imageshack links.

[PokemonOI]

Those screens look great man just real nice looking lol...amd thanks again for those tiles.

[Atomic Reactor]

are those white buildings the ones i edited?
just curious. lol. i dont remember if they are or not.

need any more maps?

[Xemphos]

This game looks amazing i really want to see it finished

[darkerarceus]

I haven't been posting because I'm in college now and just haven't had time to work on my game.
I also am working part time, so when I finish college (around 4- or earlier depending on my timetable), I'm in work at 6. I don't really be home until around 10/10.30 at night.

I'm having a great time in college (studying game development as I said before) and it's so sweet. I'll be using this to help improve Protectors.

I'm always on Calis Projects, so if you ask anything there, you will get a faster reply. Heck, I wrote a blog on my forum about how development will slow down.

But, I am looking to get some help from some guys in college. I'm hoping they can apply what we are learning about in programing (which is mostly variables and conditional branches) into the point and click style of Rm2k3. So, if someone I trust jumps on board, things may move at normal pace.
Well i could help you if you wanted just PM me!
PS. I am better at custom stuff than the usual stuff

[Neo-Dragon]

Hey.
Thanks for the comments.
@Atomic_Reactor:
The buildings with the green roofs? Maybe. I can't remember. It was on my tileset, but can't remember if you edited it or not.
The Buildings with Alistar's roofs? No.

Small Update
Hey everyone. I took some quick screenshots just to show some progress is still going on with this game. For those who haven't read my latest blog(do so at my forum), I've now found a way to work on Protectors in College when I get free time, so I'll always try and get something done each day.
Mostly coding stuff while in college.
At home though, it's mostly cosmetic updates (such as the last one- now this).

So I got two battle shots.
One is showing off the fact that I now have added "moving" backsprites from Platinum, the second shows off new colors to the battle commands.
Enjoy.
http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/1152/backsprites1il1.pnghttp://img355.imageshack.us/img355/7782/newbattle1hn6.png

[Atomic Reactor]

it looks greAT ^_^
keep up the great work.
ill go check out the blog :P

[Vampire://Krimm]

Yey I'm glad to see you aren't dead :D ... or maybe I haven't been watching the thread close enough. Lamos City looks fantastic, and as always, I really like your Graphics for the Battle System.

-> Insert overused 'keep it up' comment here <-

[SignZ]

That looks great :D Keep it up dude

[iBlade]

Nice new system .. luv this game ..

[GAK]

The game is progressing in a really cool way neo. keep it up

[darkerarceus]

There have been no releases yet. Although end of August/early September is a window.

LOL its october now! you should change that message:D

[Neo-Dragon]

I would like to announce, that after about a month of debating with myself, I've decided to revamp Protectors. The reason behind this is I want to simply make Protectors even better. I remember posting before saying how much I enjoyed playing Protectors, with all the systems starting to click together. But I want to refine some stuff and really get into the design of the game as a whole. I've been in college doing game development now since the start of September and already I want to put what I've learned so far into Protectors.

Now, features won't change per say- but the code work behind them will be revamped- or more refined then anything at least.

At this point, everything is up in the air. I plan on doing a lot of post-production - even more then what I had done at the start of the project back in 2006. So this way, goals will all be outlined and hopefully- with what I know as opposed to back in 2006- I'll have a more streamlined process of the gaming making in general right from the start.

So I want some input of how you would like Protectors. From the graphic style, like tilesets (keep the same? Use Kyledoves DP? FR/LG stuff? Other?), character sets (use D/P? Or FR/LG) - to how you want the story to go (The same? more traditional? More fantasy or fairytale?) anything!
Please write back and tell me as soon as you can.
I really need your input.
You will be credited if I use what you suggest even.
Thanks.

*Or PM me if you wish.

[ryushin5]

hmm I would love to see some kyledove tilesets in your game but thats just me. :D

[bugbite250]

This Game is gonna b great! Keep it up! ;)

[Vampire://Krimm]

hmm I would love to see some kyledove tilesets in your game but thats just me. :D

Like everyone else? D:

It's good to hear that you're still working on Protectors and that you want to revamp it ^^ I personally think that your current graphic style is fine the way it is, considering Kyledove is becoming the usual. I think the story is quite good as well.... I'm not sure what you should change, but I wish you the best of luck with it :3

[Neo-Dragon]

Yeah I like it there way it is now too. I mostly want to revise the code work mainly. I'm keeping a back-up of the game the way it is now incase I want to go back to the way it is. Because, nothing is wrong with it. Again- I mainly want to tighten up the code.
Anyone got any links of how the code works in the official games? Like how the battle system works stuff out and puts all the commands together? I had a look around in the rom hacking section from some help here.
Anybody even got a text version of the script in the RMXP starterkit? I just want to see how that went about coding the battle stuff.
Could someone PM me this stuff?

[Yuoaman]

Well you should probably ask Poccil about script stuff...

But I wouldn't change a thing about this project, it's simply amazing, and nothing could possibly make it worse. Just concentrate on making what you already have rock solid.

[Neo-Dragon]

Revamp Part 1: Main menu
I introduce a new way to play and interact with Pokemon Protectors. *note- screenshots on my new test map*

Mouse Control
This is a really exciting thing for me, after seeing this, I knew I had to add it into Protectors.
After finding a patch online to allow mouse support in RPG MAKER 2003, I just knew I had to add it into my game, and have DS-touch like controls for the game.
It took me around 2 days to get to grips with. Like, in order to have the pic of the mouse cursor moving, I couldn't pause the code of the game- which made little bugs like the player could move around in menus. So this kinda wrecked my brain, but after solving it (with a move event command, and making the player "wait") - I had to figure out how to make this work right.

Well, as I said, after two days of fixing and coding it, it now works and I'm ready to show it off.
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/MenuControl_onTestMap.png

Mouse control works just like you expect it to.
Moving your mouse will move the cursor on screen to where it should be. Left clicking is like a decision key.
Here are 2 more screenshots:
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/MenuControl_onTestMap2.pnghttp://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/MenuControl_onTestMap3.png

- - - -
So there you have first part of the revamp. The new menu.
Let me go into detail for the fans on the difference of the old one.

-So you will notice that the time system is no longer displayed on the main menu. This is just to reduce any lag (since the mouse cursor is a pic, and the always refreshing). The time worked fine in testing it, but I have a "modern" computer- with new-ish specs, so for people with slower PCs, I took it off. The time system is still in the game, and will be displayed elsewhere.

-"Pokedex" and "Pokemon Options are now there. That explains itself.

-The Quick Pokemon Bar (QPB) is gone. Yup, this one is gone from the main menu. This was to get rid of clutter. Since the new menu has choices for "Pokemon" - which will bring up that menu screen, I decided to get rid of the QPB.
- - - -

So remember, this is only part one of the update. Which focused on the main menu. But I really can't wait to show you what else I'm doing with this mouse control.
Just wait awhile until everything is sorted.
Remember, this is Protectors, where you will find the coolest features (like conscious choice) - so I have some nice stuff up my sleeve to code for this mouse support.

I would leave to read any comments people have, so please post them.
Again, I always read my PMs, so if you feel you want to ask me something in private (want help even?) - PM me. :)

Cheers!

[Patjuh09]

Wow!
When i saw that there finally was an update i really didn't except this!
It is so amazing, and i must be honest, the menu looks better and easier to see.
And also, i can't wait to see more of the mouse and other new and upgraded things.

[Shun]

Very good this is one off the best Games i have seen since i have been on here

[Atomic Reactor]

now i see why you wanted mer to check the update out D
it looks pretty sweet man!
i can jsut imagine what youll be doing with this now XD

email me that info, i figured i would have had it by the time i got home -_-
lol.

[Blitzballer]

http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/MenuControl_onTestMap.png
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/MenuControl_onTestMap2.pnghttp://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/MenuControl_onTestMap3.png

Ohhh goodness! Can you say UBER EXCITED!!?! This is definitely more revolutionary then evolutionary. I wouldn't even know how you'd manage to make this work. The revamp sounds like a great idea so far! Can't wait for more! =)

[scienceboy]

i like it - but what i would do is for people who have the newish computers, to put it in the options if they want the clock or the quick bar thing. that way, if people want it, they can have it

[darkerarceus]

Hey Neo,
Could you tell me where you found it?

[Yuoaman]

So you cut stuff out... *shocked*

Anyways the new mouse support stuff looks awesome man, I can't wait to try it out for myself.!

[GAK]

Super awesome work neo! It is so changing. cool! can't wait for another update!!!

[Hypergaming]

You should get a different sprite for options than the DS. Make a gray sprite of the pokecyber

[GAK]

it is sad to see that such an awesome game gets to the 2nd page. really sad

[Neo-Dragon]

Thanks for the comments, keep 'em coming.
I'll answer any questions asked, then I'll post the new update I posted on my forum earlier.

So let's see.
@scienceboy: That question was asked by someone on my forum. I think that's what I might do. Have an option to display time on the menu, but not even 100% sure about the time feature in general. I have some nice ideas concerning it, but have to wait until I know the right way to run with it without making the idea seem gimmicky.... But I've said to much already lol.
@darkerarceus: Found....? The mouse patch? I found it by chance on a german RPG Maker forum. Can't link ya (it's against the rules- but i also don't know the link). But a quick search, like I did, and you'll find it.
@Hypergaming: I think I should too lol.
- - - -
A new update for you today.
This time, part 2 of the revamp.
- - - -

Mouse Control - Bag system.
From the screenshots below, you can tell I've decided to keep the look of the bag that was in the old version of Protectors.
I think this style fits perfect for this "touch screen" control/ Mouse control.
It has big buttons and slots that go perfect with the interaction of the system.
"Under the hood"- code wise -since this(revamp) is done from a blank slate, you can probably guess that the code work is from scratch, again, to suit the new controls.
So gone is the arrow key movement from the old Protectors with this system.
There is no option to control it with arrows, although in the future, it may be done...

I have six screenshots just showing the navigation- how it looks/works.
Move the mouse over the bag slot - it will highlight the item and tell you how many you have. Click to use the item.
To change the pocket, move the mouse over the pocket you want to switch to. A box will then highlight the pocket to help you identify your selection more clearly. Click to change the pocket.
Keep the mouse off anything, no option will be highlighted.
Very simple.
Hope you like the screens.
As usual, PM me if you have a private question or suggestion for me, other wise, please post comments and give me feedback!
Thanks.
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/BagControl_1.pnghttp://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/BagControl_2.png
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/BagControl_3.pnghttp://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/BagControl_4.png
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/BagControl_5.pnghttp://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/BagControl_6.png

*EDIT- Only noticed now, that the pocket name itself never changes in the screenshots. Just Fixed it in the game just there. Looking at scienceboy's post, maybe that would be a good place for the item name maybe?

[scienceboy]

nice screenies
my only problem is twofold - one, that after a while, the 'use the mouse to navigate' would be very annoying, and two - the name of the item is nowhere when you hover over it. that would be annoying if you picked somethng up and you don't know what it is, or if you just don't know what the item looks like [remember, we didn't know hwat most things looked like before emerald, andi 'm sure that there will be new items and such in this game]

[DamianLeonhart]

I agree with scienceboy, but would like to offer a different suggestion. Shouldn't the pockets name be where "Items" is? Maybe you can put the item name under the picture and move the amount to the top right corner? The bags picture never changed when switching pockets either, I don't know if that is intentional, forgotten or what. Lastly, I noticed that the Exit button covered up some of the description on some of the items.

As always Neo, you have outdone yourself. Congratulations with the fantastic update.

[Neo-Dragon]

@Scienceboy and @DamianLeonhart: The pocket name is where the word "Items" is. I kinda edited the post of the update about it. I had an error where that and the bag pic never changed. But fixed it when I noticed. Thanks for pointing it out. I think I should put the item name there, where the word "Items" is, when it is highlighted. But that's why I love getting feedback, so I'm going to think it through and see what I should do.
I agree that the mouse cursor and exit signs are in the way. They are the "universal" pics I'm using in the menus (the "use mouse cursor to navigate" is the same pic from the main menu, and the exit pic is from another menu), I will customize them to suit the look of the bag.

Also, @ scienceboy: was it that pic there, or in general that annoys you? The "Use Mouse Cursor to Navigate" pic. Like even in the main menu? Or how I placed it where I placed it?

The use of that pic is a design choice. As in game design choice...
I want the game, and menus to feel consistent, and steady. I don't want the player stuck at any time navigating through menus (since any RPGs have a lot of menu screens- this too). So in ALL menu screens, I want to indicate to the player the right method of control for the menu. So if arrow keys are needed, or mouse keys- it will say it on screen.
Maybe if I have an icon- rather then words to show it, it might make you feel better?
What ya think?
Let me know.

[scienceboy]

hm ... i think that it was mainly the fact that it, items, and exit are the only words in the menu, and that it takes up the most amount of space out of any of them. it kinda just draws your eyes to them. maybe it would be better if it was only a pic, and not text, kinda like how in dp there was a little icon to show that you needed to use the touch screen.

and thanks for taking what i said in regard to the game seriously :)

[GAK]

good job neo. cant wait for more of it

[Hypergaming]

Are you using d/p music, some other music, or your own music?

[darkerarceus]

Neo Are you using my idea i sent to you in the PM you haven't replyed
but anyway this game is looking good again!
talk about new reputation

[Neo-Dragon]

@Darkerarceus: I might be using the idea. The game has gone back to the drawing board, so it is possible.

@scienceboy: Of course I take your opinion seriously. I'm making this game for you and this community aint I lol! ;)
Keep reading this update and get back to me lol.

@Hypergaming: So far, I'm only using the D/P/P music.
- - - - -
Small-ish update.
I've taken what people have said about the bag to heart.
So here is a quick look at it:
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2474/newbagshot1mu1.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/newbagshot1mu1.png/1/w330.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img151/newbagshot1mu1.png/1/)

What's different is. The new mouse control icon is in place.
It will be explained at the start of the game, but when you see that icon (the one at the bottom left) - it means use the mouse to navigate the menu.
I've also made the exit icon smaller, it no longer says "exit".
As for the bag- in general- it's been moved up around 20 pixels, and it now displays the name of the item highlighted in the box above the item strip.

Tell me what you think.

Also, Atomic_Reactor, if you see this first, could you head over to CPforums. I have a question for the staff members I need help with.

[Atomic Reactor]

if i were you, id put the amount you have up by the name.
jsut a thought though. its coming along great ;)

[Neo-Dragon]

@AtomicR:
Done :):
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/7379/doneza5.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/doneza5.png/1/w330.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img376/doneza5.png/1/)
For people only seeing this post- scroll up to see the earlier update and Atomic's comment.

[Vampire://Krimm]

Ooh, pretty :D

I'm loving the menu system, as always, it's very innovative. I suppose that word could be used to label this game lol. Keep it up Neo~! BRING US MOAR :D

[scienceboy]

i like the new one. theres no more constant text throughout it that would annoy me :)
the only other things that i would say about the bag are to make the exit icon bigger [so that its easier to click on][like, to where the word exit was, but still graphics], and
i feel like there should be three different colors for the bag - one color for when your mouse hovers over it, one color for when you have that item, and one color for when you don't. i say this because you have the amount of super potions at 00 yet theres no way to tell that at a glance. i feel like if they were color coded by those three things, it woul dbe easier to tell what you need to stock up on.

again, thanks for listening :)

[GAK]

also, if you could, to make the colours of the bag different depending on which pocket u are, like in the original games, u know, where you go to items pocket and it highlighted or so.

[GAK]

BUMP!

why is this getting dead?

[amarj3]

use d and p graphics and make sure pokemon have d and p moves to make it better

[Patjuh09]

It isn't dead, neo is still working on the game and he will let us know when there is another update. It looks like we just have to wait a little longer. And by the way, a thread is not dead when there is no post for 1 week or something.

[scienceboy]

he just gave us 2 big updates. no need to declare this 'dead' yet, it just means that he doesn't have anything as big to show

and don't bump threads, please

[Yuoaman]

Yes, a few days of inactivity does not make it dead, he just gave us a plethora of amazing updates, so be content with that.

[darkerarceus]

Yes Be Grateful for what you've got

[txro]

Does anyone know how to make the window of the game different? if so plz tell me.

[scienceboy]

window as in size or how it looks?

[GAK]

Yes Be Grateful for what you've got

Yes, a few days of inactivity does not make it dead, he just gave us a plethora of amazing updates, so be content with that.

he just gave us 2 big updates. no need to declare this 'dead' yet, it just means that he doesn't have anything as big to show

and don't bump threads, please

:)

ok sorry guys. i just thought that it started to become ignored by people. sorry again. and sorry neo for the pressure

[Neo-Dragon]

Yo gak, you didn't put pressure on me.
Anyways, all the suggestions are being taught about at least. So I'm glad your posting your opinion. As I've said before your input matters.

Just a little teaser on the next update.
I've made A LOT of changes to the game.
Most of the systems are still intact and some have even gotten better.
Atomic_reator(who is also one of my "staff" members at CPF too) has been also helping me, giving me ideas. He has seen much of the stuff that is planed or in the works. He seems to like what's coming and hopefully you all will too.
Just hang tight, I'm waiting on a few things off him then I will have the update to showcase :)

[scienceboy]

great. now i'm even more eagerly awaiting it. i dont think i can survive ... *strangled gurgle*

[Atomic Reactor]

Just hang tight, I'm waiting on a few things off him then I will have the update to showcase :)

AHHH! What!
lol i feel pressured now :O
lol... is it the frames i have to complete?
is that what your talking about?

[Shmue]

That looks awsome!!!!!!!!!!

[GAK]

indeed! go and amaze us!

[EJames2100]

Woah nice looking game, I've been skipping through some random pages of your thread and loved the screenshots :)

I have some times this weekend I hope and I'll get round to look at your whole thread :)

I read a few pages back that you was re-doing everything, have you finished this yet ? and have you started on more of the story ?

Good Luck :)

[EJames2100]

Warning Big Post ahead, I'm gonnna put in spoliers :)
@ Neo-Dragon, I'm sure you read all posts and etc and it would be nice if you read this with a bit of attention, sorry about it been long but I've thrown a few suggestions in there and I have read all your thread lol and become a very loyal supporter just from doing that :P
From Post #17

I like that you aren't having load times on this game, if that's still valid ? I hate it when you have to wait for it too load :(

I also like the text box you have put there, the transparency works really well :)

From Post #22

I would play the game 6 times over if the game is different each time you choose a different team, maybe have something like New Game+ or something :)

From Post #29

I can't see the screenshot of the backpack :(

From Post #31

Nice Quick Item list :)

From Post #39

Is that Auto HMing ?
If you stand in front of a bush it auto cuts ?
Or is it like Crystal and FR and others that just ask do you want to cut ?

From Post #49

Ooo those graphics are quite good, much more of a feel to them for some reason :)

From Post #55

I think the rep system should be much larger than 6 thinged scale lol, maybe a 50 one and some events change somethings and etc..

From Post #61

I was never really that bothered about Secret Bases to be honest, I hope their is something new available for them, instead of just filling with Teddy's and tiles and etc...

You could make a few events that need you to have a Secret Base, or you could make it a safe place to hide from the police if they want ?

This thought just came to my head but you did you have play the Pokémon Trading Card Game for Gameboy, how about after certain events and stuff you get an email, you can check it anywhere where there's a pc or the laptop in your base, it could be from anyone, Mum, Professor, Gang Admins recruiting you or just the local news ?

From Post #68

I've always liked the Night and Day system :)

Maybe doing some quests will give you reputation with certain gangs or Town people and etc... ?

It would be nice if there was some really long quests besides the one to be the best :)

From Post #79

Nice menu :)
I like that little Pokémon thing too :)

From Post #88

Ahh an option for transparency, I quite like it too be honest, something new, I'll definitly see how it goes for me :)

The message box seems a little small for me tho :?

From Post #117

I see the 1st screen shot and I like it :)
I don't see the 2nd however

Just a thought but I'd suggest updating your 1st post, put a few screenshots in, more info about the game and etc... :)

From Post #124

Ahh I hope this is your final bag system because it is better than the other 1 I've seen, very nice :)

From Post #133

Minerals seem a little confusing but as long as it's explained in game and as soon as I start playing it, I should catch on.

Do random battles drop more than 1 ? Same with Trainers ? Bosses/Admins/Gyms could give you more than 1 or special ones ?

Also will there be a way to prevent people farming them from lvl 5mobs at the start of the game to get really high lvld ?
Also collecting 100 tablest would/could be very hard and boring to be honest, fun at 1st be after a while very very boring :? escpecially if you catch a lvl 10 Dratini and want to lvl it to a Dragonite quickly :(

From Post #138

Ahh anwser's one of my Mineral questions :)

I dunno if I like that attack menu, I liked it when it was small so you could still see the Pokémon, just my thoughts, I could grow to like it, Maybe make it an option of how you want it ?

From Post #146

Nice Mart idea, will there be special Promo items ? Such as Buy One Get One Free or Buy 3 for the price of two, special 20% reduction sales and etc.. ?

From Post #182

Nice, I like having quite a lot of options, I like having the freedom of been able to customize a lot of things at once :)

Just another one of my thoughts, in all Pokémon games I've played, you're only allowed one game save, any chance this could be changed here or am I stuck with one ?

From Post #193

Nice, I always love reading the story bits, best parts about the game to me generally :)
It makes me wonder if Team Rocket is against Magma and Aqua or if there all against each other or there meeting up to form into one team, so many things could happen :)

From Post #202

The Rep System is nice :)
Make it so for every Pokéball that gets filled you need to have 100reputation points for the 1st one and so on for the rest :)

From Post #212

Nice, a diary is always a cool thing to look at when you've achieved a lot :)

The update for the Pokémon choosing thing is good and seems to be handy :)

From Post #216

Conscious Thoughts are always a good thing :)
An easy tutorial in the screenies and I like that small options like this affect your rep :)
If a team disrespects you quite a bit, you could have a grunt approach you to say leave them alone or else and could have an event for that, also how about a team take over. Get in a team and take over it, it would take quite a while but it's not meant to be an overnight thing :)

From Post #223

Will you be able to get unbanned from the store ?

From Post #249

New Graphics there, any chance of some more Story Screens ? This is directed at that post, haven't read any further yet :P

From Post #263 - Wow long time between post O.o anyways :P

The new effects sound good for time and day :)
I can't see the 1st screenshot :(
2nd and 3rd are very nice though :)

From Post #271

I can't see the Bulbasaur starter picture, I guessed they'd be the starters :P
Does the game only have the 1st 151 Pokémon in it ? and Is Mew involved in the Mewtwo story ?

From Post #283

haha nice, NPC's finally have a life :D

From Post #310

Does this mean you can withdraw Pokémon from storage anywhere ?

I like the old standard go to a Poké centre and withdraw but I guess I'll like this too :)

From Post #315

Nice, a phone system and a very stylish one :)
Can you ring random #'s and see who it is lol and will the Police by 911 or 999 ? :D

From Post #326

I like that is has the time and date up there :)
Question, will Day Light Saving time be implemented or will there be an option to change it in game ?

From Post #328

A scene skipper, I will like this after my 1st few goes through the game :)

From Post #332

It's nice to see that the time will affect how the battle scene looks :)

From Post #352

Very nice system :D

From Post #378

Very nice, good way of getting your rep up or down :)

Thought, maybe have certain quests the need a required amount of rep with a certain team to be able to do the quest ?

Feom Post #409

Very nice, I'm sure all will love this feature, I assume they are obtainable before you get the HM ? and if not it saves me carrying around a useless Pokémon just for the Cut HM :)

From Post 424

I like that look for the battle screen :)

From Post #434

Nice way of showing them and what they do, So we won't be able to use Fly outside of battle ?

From Post #459

Nice update, do you get to choose whether your rival is male or female and do you get to choose their names, cause that'd be good if so :)

From Post #466

Just loading the video up now :)

And it's had a meant to have a release by now, I'll see on future posts of this thread :? :)

LOve the video, it is quite nice :) Does anyone else that the feeling like the Main Hero Sprite/OW or whatever it's called doesn't fit in with the surroundings or is that just me ?
I like the way you battle and all the menu's and etc.. Very good.
Although the option menu seems very plain, no colour in it at all there ?

From Post #479

Seems very usefull :D
Like a little tutor in-game, whenever you are lost or stuck on what to do, your there to help with some tips and I don't even have to come to the forums to find out :)

From Post #481

Ahh cheats, nice, always a nice addition to the game, I will most likely not use them though as it takes away the fun :)

From Post #497

Congratz on getting in :D and I'm sure they did like it, did they get to play it ? If so I'm so jealous :(

From Post #533

Frigging sweet, mouse control wow :)

You could have it as an option to display the clock and date where it used to be ?
I guess that this is it for now :)

Good Luck with this and Good Luck with college :)

[~Undefined~]

EJames2100, isn't it against the rules to double post? :o

[scienceboy]

theres close to a day's time between them, in most forums thats fine.

[Neo-Dragon]

OH MY GOD! I wrote a massive post writing comments on the questions asked by EJames2100, and it never posted because I got a server error. I AM NOT writing it again... Ha sorry.

Short version is this.
The game is being revamped from the ground up. As in, new project in Rm2k3. So most of the old stuff is gone. Let me explain that though. Code... Gone....
Graphics... Gone....
Ideas... STILL THERE.

I want to make this really clear
THIS REVAMP WILL BLOW YOUR MIND ha.
It is expanding everything as well as introducing some new concepts... A lot of ideas that are new to Pokemon in general.
So please please please.....
Give me time.
I'm coding everything... EVERYTHING.... in event coding from SCRATCH!
So, continue your support guys and I promise I won't disappoint.
Remember, I am in college and most of my assignments are due before christmas, so again, give me extra time lol.

I want to give a big shout out to Atomic Reactor, who is doing me my overworld sprites for the game. With his help, I'll be able to add some interesting features.... which he only knows about for now lol....

EDIT: A lot of people have been asking me to update the first post. I will when I reveal the new revamped game. Like so far, I've only shown the concept of mouse control. So bare with me again.

[Mitchman]

Oh god im scared. Really scared. Everybody is slowly redoing there work and making mind blowing sutff. Yeah besides that i hope that its better then your previous product(which by the way was mind blowing already)so yeah bol!

[punkforlife93]

Mind blowing sounds awesome. But will it turn my anus inside out?

(would have to be pretty dang mind-blowing)

[~Undefined~]

theres close to a day's time between them, in most forums thats fine.
Ok, thanks for clearing that up. ^^



Er... punkforlife93, what does mind blowing have to do with your arse? O_____o

Does sound mind blowing, cant wait! ^^

[Neo-Dragon]

Here it is. The reveal of the revamp.
Pokemon Protectors

Introduction
I'm Neo-Dragon. I've been running Calis Projects for awhile now. Officially have had my hosting and domain name since 2006.
Protectors has been in the works since Nov. 2006. A quick search on youtube will show you the concept video I done around that time.
The game still had firered graphics back then- and a "wild" Charizard. People complained, but those who did, must not understand what a "concept" is lol.
Then the game got a revamp. Kyledoves graphics were added in. Now after getting a patch for RM2k3 to allow mouse control, I've began a new revamp.
This revamp has been in the works since October- when I got the patch. Because of certain conditions of using the patch, I was forced to begin a new project in Rm2k3. I tried importing as much as I could from the current build of Protectors at the time. Resources were easy to import- maps were a bit harder, but code wise- it was really hard to copy and paste the code into the new project. Mainly because of the variables needed to run the mouse patch (it also allows full keyboard support)- these variables were used for menus in the old build. So I had to revamp code. All this time, I was just about a month(?) in college doing Game development. I wanted to apply what this newbie was learning lol.
So I spent all of November doing Pre production work. I think I'm on 4 A4 pages in notepad now lol. All this time, trying to code the foundation for the ideas I had.
Now- in the first week of December, I'm pretty much ready to begin showing off the development of Pokemon Protectors again.
Enjoy.

Being made with: RPG MAKER 2003

Game Location
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/1153/caladanstatexq8.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/caladanstatexq8.png/1/w320.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img115/caladanstatexq8.png/1/)
The game doesn't take place in a full "Region" but rather a "State" or "County." This State is called The Caladan State. The Caladan State is part of the Altar Region as a whole. The plan is to have more States added after release of the game, which will then make up a the full region (there are four states in total in Altar.)
This State is broken up into smaller areas called "Districts." Each District is has a theme. For example. There is the Urban District. The main activity center of the Caladan State. The Trainers District, an area for all the trainer's of the State to live in and focus their time at.
There are also smaller areas worth noting in Caladan, such as the farm, which is located on the coast.
Also note that this Region is my own creation in my own "universe" with it's own lore. So stories on legends will be different to official games as well as no official regions appearing in Protectors.

Okay, so let me explain that map. That is a "zoomed" in version of the Caladan State.
The main red square in the centre is the Urban District. This is the main place of activity for the state.
The red rectangle up in the top left is the Trainers' District of Caladan. This map so far is the only map nearly completed- It is 148 tiles by 120 tiles.
The Blue markers are Sub-Urban Districts.
The purple markers are farming locations.
And the yellow Maker is the Pokemon theme park.

You will also notice the regions routes have more branching paths. This is to make it feel more like a State, then a full region with just up or down paths- or left and right.

Storyline:
*note: this is wrote in a kind of rough state, but is bang on to the storyline in game lol. *

The game kicks off with a bang.
The hero is at a speech being held by Mark Hogan, the CEO of the Pokemon Protectors, in the City Square in the Urban District. The hero is only young (8 years old) and is with his father.
The speech by Hogan is about the branching of the Protectors to form a sub organisation- the Pokemon Rangers, who will handle all the Pokemon related issues (and allow the Protectors to focus on enforcing the law in general).
Suddenly, mid way through the speech, a few members from the cult like Team Arceusian blow up a Protectors owned building right behind Hogan.
Everyone flees.
It is then announced on the TV that a new system is being put in place by the Protectors to help stop terrorist acts. This system is where everyone must declare their role in society (their jobs mainly) to the Protectors and carry a special passport with them at all times holding information on them. Nobody is allowed to pass between States without the passport. Only adults are given the stamp on their passport to pass after clearing a test, while anyone under 18 is not allowed leave the State without an adult (with said stamp on their passport).
Once the background story is finished, the next scene is the hero in school at the age of 16. There will be a few tutorial style stuff to introduce players into the features of the game.
The game is then in the hands of the player. The player is given the freedom to grow up in this persistent world. A world where everyone has a role or job to fill.
The player is tasked with getting a job themselves.
Become a famous Pokemon Trainer and earn money from battles?
Become a Ranger and earn money for doing quests?
The choice is yours.

Features:
Other then the obvious (such as menus, and common stuff)
The Conscious Choice System- allows the player to make choices and have different outcomes depending on the choice made.
Alignment System- Who do you wish to align yourself with? Maybe work for the Pokemon Rangers but do quests for Team Arceusian. With the aid of the Conscious Choice feature, the player will be able to align themselves with a gang or company and make choices in that gang or company which will effect the gameplay.
Reputation System- The name says it all. With the aid of the Conscious Choice system- different actions will effect how the NPCs in the game react to you.
Job Specific Systems: Each job will have custom systems to suit that job. Being a Ranger will have the player able to use the Ranger Capture system. Becoming a trainer will enable standard (official game style)battles.
PokeCyber: Acting as a device as important as a computer in the real world, this device will come with various Operating Systems(OS's) which will determine it's features. Become a Trainer and the PokeCyber will be able to store your caught Pokemon for you, allowing you to switch between storage pokemon and Team pokemon anywhere on the map.
A living world. Since everyone in the region (not just Caladan) has to announce who they are to the Protectors, and their role, every NPC in the game will live it's life. An example would be a Mart worker who lives near his shop, would get up at a certain time (is time a feature still? I count it as common stuff lol) actually go to the shop and open it. Work there until night time, close the shop and head home.
Also every NPC will have a name, which will be visible when talking to them, and will make it easy for the player to track them in the game and see how they live their life.

Screenshots
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/79b235f2e3.pnghttp://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/77e314bfe1.png
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/e9e1643f74.pnghttp://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/4112bf1464.png
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/855392be18.pnghttp://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/d27b3ea3de.png
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/35bbb3c4bb.pnghttp://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/e94e3ad881.png

All screenshots were taken in the Trainers' District of Caladan.
Screenshot 1: Main Menu.
Screenshot 2: Bag screenshot.
Screenshot 3: The Trainers' PokeCyber Operating System Main Menu.
Screenshot 4: The Trainers' PokeCyber OS Phone Menu.
Screenshot 5: Showing the "living" NPC. Peter the Mart owner. The time is 7 AM.
Screenshot 6: Again- showing a "living" NPC. Peter the mart owner is going to open his shop in the morning.
Screenshot 7: Showing a place where the trainers live in the District. This is on the West side of the Trainers' District (unlike the last screenshots which were on the East.)
Screenshot 8: Showing the Local district Gym.

Big shout out to Atomic_reactor for the cool hero sprite. He nailed the look I asked him for. Thanks AR.

So there you have it. I would love to read your comments.
I'll be revealing more of the Trainers' standard features- including the new battle system with it's new concepts.
Other Jobs- such as being a Ranger (and un-announced jobs) and their custom systems will be revealed at a later date.

[O.G. Duke]

Whoa~
Impressive! I like the all revamp!
Well, if there's a screenshot on a Battle System ( Using Mouse )
That would be great!
Keep it up!

[ForeverRed]

wow very nice ^^
cool using kyledove tiles :P

[Vampire://Krimm]

Awesome, this is what I've been looking forward to for awhile now :D

It's amazing, Neo, I especially love the twist with states and the Trainer District~ It's sort of like Pokemon in our own world XD Looks great, Neo <3

Oh oh~ By the way, the maps look really well done especially only using Rm2k3 x.< But I wanted to ask if your game lagged for how much you have in it? o-o When I used Rm2k3, the game lagged like tomorrow was the end of the world D:

Anywho, can't wait to see more :D

[Mitchman]

Impressive and nice. Anyway i have the obvious questions:
The districts are how big? I meran no way you can fit 8 gyms into 5-6 regular sized areas. Or do we start off in this part and have only 2 badges and then later on we get more 2 for each area?
So if we have each district large and spacious would that mean every state gets 8 badges?

[Neo-Dragon]

Sorry guys. I was in college when I posted that. It was a copy and paste job from my forum.
I've since edited the first post with this info, since that's the main geist of things in the revamp.
I'm delighted you like the revamp. I was really worried my ideas might come across as a bit radical or ambitious, but I'm glad you all have faith in my to pull this off. Thanks.

I will be going into a lot more detail on the Districts when I have more done, so far only the trainer district. The size of these Districts are pretty big and will be made up of even smaller sections- but are linked together (I'm not talking about a full route or anything linking them together, just imagine cities in the pokemon games all put beside each other).
The screenshots shown so far are only from the Trainers' District. If you notice- there is nearly two completely different styles (look at the ground tiles for clues). One part is like a mini city and the other is a small place where they live if that makes sense. Think of one part as an industrial estate and the other as a road where people live (again- if that makes sense lol).
Don't worry about size, they are big places. The entire State will be about the same size (or slightly smaller) then an official region. Then of course, my region, Altar, is made up of many States. So that gives you a clue of the sheer scope (although only one state will be there from the start).

I should have something on the trainer's battle system soon.
Keep the comments coming guys. :)

Edit: Sorry Krimm, forgot to answer your question. The reason why I took so long revealing this is actually because of lag. I had to fine tune the mouse patch so much (since the cursor is a picture always refreshing). I've got that working fine with no lag so far, and will only continue if I play it smart with how I code things. I had to change my style a bit from Protectors' old build. Not that I was sloppy before, I just have to pre-plan EVERYTHING now. Rm2k3 can only do around 3000 lines of code a second (depending on your PC too)- so I have to make sure I do everything the way it should. Simple things like adding in "wait 0.0" commands help a lot. So you can guess the frustration I'm having with the battle system's code (since that has mouse support) lol

[Mitchman]

So alstar is composed of 4 states right? And each state has about 8 badges as im guessing. So then where would all the elite 4s be held?

[EJames2100]

Sorry for the double post, mod can merge them if anyone's that bothered lol

Thanks for reading and attempting to reply, that's good enough for me :)

Hmm an update, I've skimmed over it and it does seem good, I will like been able to use a mouse too, that should be fun :)

[Neo-Dragon]

So alstar is composed of 4 states right? And each state has about 8 badges as im guessing. So then where would all the elite 4s be held?

Not really.
I haven't revealed how many States make up Altar just yet. I think I used the word "many."

As for the whole gym thing. There will be 2 different leagues. There is the State-wide league and the National League. Kinda more like real life. So the State wide is a smaller competition and doesn't have an "elite 4" so to speak. The State-wide, or "local" league will be explored in Protectors, but the National League will be an extra download- an expansion- after the release of the game.

I'll go into more detail when more is actually coded in game, rather then on paper (since that way, I can give you actual details on the game, rather then "plans").

[Mitchman]

So then you kinda went against your word here:
(there are four states in total in Altar.)
I took that from your text about altar.

[Neo-Dragon]

Damn, that's my bad. I worded that sentence wrong.
There is 4 big States planned. There are smaller States (so far 3- which makes 7 States so far)- but since nothing is mapped.
I will now clear things up.
There is only 1 State in the game so far.

[scienceboy]

nice update. i'm glad that we finally get to see some of the story that is contained here.
the 'pokemon protectors' kinda seem like a dictatorist government, withe veryone having to check in with them.
sop far, i only have two things to say.
1 - you said that you start off when you are sixteen. however, you can't travel anywhere until you're 18. so what happens in the meantime? explore everything in your own state? how long will it be until you turn 18 and can travel to other states?

2 - while the map looks cool, it doesn't seem like there would be alot to explore in it. if you become a pokemon trainer, where would you go? you sai dhtat they all need to live in the trainer center, but that doesn't really allow for must diversity, for training or catchign pokemon because they're all in the same place.

ps. also, you said that you can join the 'evil' teams. if you do so, you'd basically be on run fromt he government. are you implementing what that woul dbe like? your entire 'official' life would be a lie.

[Mitchman]

Wow seeing as your an elected official's son i wouldnt be suprised to see you implimenting that someway as away to infiltrate the archives for the evil team. You know acting good when no one would suspect you but really your the head of the whole thing. Really adding depth is waht i like. And what i hope would be what happens.

[GAK]

HOLY COW!!!

THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!

excellent map, and the trainer sprite is really original too!
very innovative that instead of regions, put also smaller states.

anyway, keep up with the good work neo. cant wait for more!

[Atomic Reactor]

the trainer sprite is really original too!


Yay! A comment on my sprite :D
thanks :)

everythings lookin good Neo :P

[Anuhrima]

will the game have the same starters

[GAK]

yeah, nice question. which will the starters be?

[Neo-Dragon]

Hey everyone. I want to let you know the battle system update for the trainer class is still coming.
I was just reading over the first post and I noticed that a lot of new info is missing. A lot of the new feature stuff. But...
I will go into more detail when it's actually coded- and playable- in the game rather then on my wordpad file lol. I know it's a pain in the backside to read "crap" like this. But in my opinion, this type of info at this stage of the development aint "crap" lol. So bare with me as I get my head sorted. Remember, when I began Protectors, I started in Nov 2006 and didnt post until Jan 30th 07 with the info. So I reckon it will be around the same again this time around. I started the revamp in Nov. 08. I most likely will reveal more (such as the Class and Job systems) in late Jan 09.

I will really really push myself to get the trainer battle system ready to show off before the year is out.
Cross yo fingers! LOL
Okay, I'm starting to ramble, so....

Just a small update.
I've replaced most of the tiles in the game with the palette and tiles from some of Saurav's work.
I've retaken the 2 last screenshots in the first post just to show you.
I'm still updating them, so don't point out any colour errors please, or tile errors in general.
Here those screens are in this post to make it easier for you.
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/602ac09297.pnghttp://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/5254c185c9.png


EDIT: I'll answer any questions from my last post:
@Scienceboy:
1 - you said that you start off when you are sixteen. however, you can't travel anywhere until you're 18. so what happens in the meantime? explore everything in your own state? how long will it be until you turn 18 and can travel to other states?
The plan is, for the first story so to speak, you'll be 16. But since this game is about freedom and living, you'll have a job and stuff and you DON'T HAVE TO go along with the story. You can just work and do the quests the job gives. So to really answer your question, the first release will ONLY have the Caladan State. Don't worry- it's really big. But I will add updates, that you can download to expand the region.

2 - while the map looks cool, it doesn't seem like there would be alot to explore in it. if you become a pokemon trainer, where would you go? you sai dhtat they all need to live in the trainer center, but that doesn't really allow for must diversity, for training or catchign pokemon because they're all in the same place.
The map looks bare in terms of "towns" within the State of Caladan. But really this project has the biggest maps I've ever put into any of my games. The final turn out should hopefully be: 1 State= 1 Region (in the official games) in terms of tile size.
As for the Trainer Class, I haven't really gone into too much detail yet. I will soon as this is the main class I'm actually coding stuff for. That is not saying the other Classes will be crap, it's just everyone knows what a trainer does, so I want to show that off first. The Trainer District is just a small place where Trainers in the State "prefare" to live. Not all the Trainers do live there. Nor those the player have to. But as you could guess with the apartment screenshots, it will be an option.

ps. also, you said that you can join the 'evil' teams. if you do so, you'd basically be on run fromt he government. are you implementing what that woul dbe like? your entire 'official' life would be a lie.
This is something that has had a lot of pre planning work. I've wrote a lot about this type of idea in the "dev" wordpad file. It will be possible to join a Team and "work" for the other Teams in the game. So you can do an "inside job" type thing lol. Or not. It will be up to you how to do.

@ the 2 posters about me.
Starter's have not been decided. I would like to do something different. I just don't know how I'm pulling what I have in mind off in-game just yet.

[O.G. Duke]

I loved your screenshot! It always looks so nice for me!
Keep it up Neo~

[scienceboy]

neo:
allright, thanks for clearing those up. i'm glad that you're thinking through everything here, so that there are no holes

[Neo-Dragon]

Update time.
Pokemon Protectors will be featuring a Class system. The class will define your play style of the game. Each class will have it's own storyline that you can choose to get into or not.
You choose the Class you wish to be about 15-30 minutes into gameplay.
There will be 3 Classes, Trainer Class, Ranger Class, and Civil Service Class.
Each class also has 3 jobs that can be taken up.
Thanks to AtomicReactor, each class will have it's own srpite.
Today, I would like to introduce you to:

The Trainer Class
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/TDistrict_trainer1.png
The Trainer Class will play similar to the official Pokemon RPG games. The features to the Trainer Class are very standard (of course, with my own twists). You will have the menu as well as the PokeCyber already shown.
You will have a battle system (similar again to the official games, but with a Protectors Twist).
There is 3 jobs within this Class.
The Adventurer: You go around the land and battle other trainers. You earn no weekly wage, but your money comes from defeating other trainers.
The Gym Leader: The Gym leader must defend his gym against all challengers. You will earn a weekly wage.
The Champion: Your goal as a champion is to battle the local gym leaders of the Caladan State, then battle in the Pokemon League. You will earn a small wage from the Pokemon Protectors to help fund your goal.

Aside from standard features that will be in the game (such as the in-debt Reputation and Moral System with Conscious Choice)-
Let's have a look at the Trainer Class specific features.

Star Ranking System and Stat Altering:
Pokemon in Protectors no longer have "levels" as such. They have a Star Ranking System. This system is universal for Trainers (such as Trainers will have a Star Ranking, as well as Boosters- keep reading for info on Boosters). For Pokemon, the Star Ranking system works by calculating the Pokemon's Stats (which as HP, ATTACK, DEFENSE, and SPEED), and depending on the final number will be the Pokemon's ranking.
The Ranking is capped at 4 stars (meaning it goes from 1-4). This cap, can be lifted after release with updates. To give you an example, a 4 Star Ranking Pokemon would have similar stats to a Pokemon of Level 60.
But in order to increase Stat Points, you need "Skill Points." These skill points are like experience awarded after battle. You can use these skill points to learn new attacks, to gamble with in battle (keep reading), and to increase the Stats. For every 10 Skill Points- you can add 1 Stat point to the stat you choose. Have a look.
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/Stat_altering1.png
The stats in the pic are just for example. But it is to show you the idea of increasing you stats as well as your Star Ranking. Mouse control is in effect (although I forgot to display the icon for it)

So once you've done this, your ready to battle.

The Battle System
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/BattleShot_noboosters.png
The battle system has a lot of code behind it to make it really deep. And can be explored how deep by the player.
Here is some of it's features.
As you can see, the Star Ranking is displayed on the HP background image. This will give you an indication how strong the enemy is.
As you can see by the screenshot, mouse control is in effect (indicated by the icon in the top right).
When you select "Fight", you can choose to right click on an attack to gamble 10 Skill Points to do double damage. If you do, you will be given a little mini game of clicking on 4 boxes (which are randomly positioned) in the correct order in a short amount of time.

Boosters in battle:
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/BattleShot_WITHboosters.png
Sorry for the bland plate icons- they will change.
If you have boosters before entering battle, before the battle kicks off, you can select up to 4. Boosters have a Star Ranking (which is indicated by the number on the booster). There is 3 types of Boosters- Attack, Speed, and Defense. The Ranking indicated how strong they are. But you will have problems trying to use a 4 star booster, on a 1 star Pokemon (could confuse the Pokemon, or even LOWER the stat).
Boosters are what they name gives the clue of. They boost a certain stat while in battle. But withdrawing a Pokemon will also end the effect of the Booster.


And there you have it on the Class for the Trainers.
Tell me what ya think.
Merry Christmas.

[Tropical Sunlight]

One word: nice (you thought it would be better?:))
Keep it up, I like the revamp!

[Atomic Reactor]

OMG! It all looks so crisp.. and ugh beautiful!
I love it, simply love it. There is nothing i can say to... wait i know.
Skill points... they go up in incrimants of 10?
Why not just by 1? Idk, i would just rather spend 1 for gambling and raising stats. I just dont see a need for them to go up by 10.

(copy and paste from CPforums)

[Neo-Dragon]

I answered on my forums, but here is a copy and paste job.
The math work behind giving out Skill Points is the same as the Mineral workout of the last build.
If you remember it was 100 minerals for 1 level.
I toned it down.
Credit to Atomic_r for the HP background BTW.
Oh and AR, that's why it's a gamble at 10 points lol. Other wise it wouldn't be a gamble. It is up to you if you want to risk it.

For anyone who didn't see it:
http://www.pokecommunity.com/showpost.php?p=4221305&postcount=600

Any other comments. I see lots of people looking at the thread and no one replying.

[Mitchman]

Holy beep. I love it. Seriously if its not you im loving for uberness its wausby for wowness then back to you for uber epicness. Hoepfully this will get finished and i believe it will as restarting after a year of progress surely would make someone deidcated to rebuild it. Good job mate nad you deserve a virtual applause. *makes a virtual appluase come out of nowhere*

[Vampire://Krimm]

Ooh~ Didn't see the update.

Everything looks awesome, and I have to say the custom graphics look very genuine, like they popped right out from Nintendo :o Overall the whole thing looks pretty interesting :3 I look forward to seeing how the game plays out.

Merry Christmas~ :D

[scienceboy]

hm ... allright, time for my go at it :P
i like the idea of a gamble, however i feel like the cost should be lowered, to maybe 5 points per gamble. 10 does seem a bit high.
is it possible to gamble on special effect moves? like, growl would do twice the reduction, or something like that? if effects are worked into the gamble, if i use water pulse with gamble, would there be an increased chance for confusion?

i like the idea of the star system, but i think that you should add maybe another star or two to make it more accurate. as it is, i could have two star two pokemon, but one be on the cusp of 3 star and the other having just been 'promoted'. based on what you said with the lvl 60, its about 15 lvls or so with the stats, probably a bit more though. thats a big difference. [note - i reread the post, and you said that it could be lifted. please do, because of the aguments in thsi post]

because you're letting us so blatantly choose our stats, is there still any IV or EV or natures or such like that, so that some pokemon will auto be better than others ins ome aspects? because otherwise, i might as well train a ratata to become a special sweeper.

also, you said that they are awarded like experience. is there still exp points? because if there aren't, then i really could just take a pokemon that i just caught, spend alot of skill points on it, then have a star 4 pokemon wtih no effort ont he part of the pokemon.

finally, about the class system

i like the idea of the system. My question is will you be able to change jobs in the class? like, i start out a trainer, i become a champion, then i decide to become a gym leader, or something like that. additionally, if you become the champion, then do you face all elite-four newcomers? do you get another bonus for becoming one?

thanks for the update, can't wait for the next

[Neo-Dragon]

Thanks for the comment scienceboy. I'll add my responses in BOLD in your quote.

hm ... allright, time for my go at it :P
i like the idea of a gamble, however i feel like the cost should be lowered, to maybe 5 points per gamble. 10 does seem a bit high. (This has already been sort of answered.)
is it possible to gamble on special effect moves? like, growl would do twice the reduction, or something like that? if effects are worked into the gamble, if i use water pulse with gamble, would there be an increased chance for confusion? (Yup, Gamble works on any attack- I will add some screenshots when there is more detail in it. At the moment, you just click on the boxes. I would like to add some flare to it.)

i like the idea of the star system, but i think that you should add maybe another star or two to make it more accurate. as it is, i could have two star two pokemon, but one be on the cusp of 3 star and the other having just been 'promoted'. based on what you said with the lvl 60, its about 15 lvls or so with the stats, probably a bit more though. thats a big difference. [note - i reread the post, and you said that it could be lifted. please do, because of the aguments in thsi post] (The game is capped at four for mainly since items are also capped at four. The Trainer rank - which I didn't really talk about) will also be 4 stars, and effect different stuff in the game. Stats can keep going to 999.)

because you're letting us so blatantly choose our stats, is there still any IV or EV or natures or such like that, so that some pokemon will auto be better than others ins ome aspects? because otherwise, i might as well train a ratata to become a special sweeper.
(Stats will be randomised between the star rank rating, but if you want, you can have Ratata's attack at 999, and have his defense at 20 or something. That is the idea of freedom. Not a coding restriction, or anything, but this is a design choice. While stats can be increased, they can't be decreased.)
also, you said that they are awarded like experience. is there still exp points? because if there aren't, then i really could just take a pokemon that i just caught, spend alot of skill points on it, then have a star 4 pokemon wtih no effort ont he part of the pokemon.
(At the end of the battle, Skill Points will be given out kind of like experience. Skill Points are not general, but each Pokemon has it's own Skill Points, so catching a low Star-ed Pokemon will need to earn it's own. I make add something similar to a RareCandy to increase a Pokemon's Skill Points.)

finally, about the class system

i like the idea of the system. My question is will you be able to change jobs in the class? like, i start out a trainer, i become a champion, then i decide to become a gym leader, or something like that. additionally, if you become the champion, then do you face all elite-four newcomers? do you get another bonus for becoming one?
There will be a feature to allow you to change your job throughout play. As for different Job perks, this is still in the pre planning stage, so I can't say.
thanks for the update, can't wait for the next

[GAK]

woah! awesome! mind-blowing! keep up with the good work! i am getting anxious!!!!

[Neo-Dragon]

Thanks GAK.
I also would like to thank Wichu. He helped me understand how the starter kit for RMXP handles the pokemon battle system so I could try apply some of it to RM2k3 to fit with my battle system.
I would like to make it clear, you can catch more then one of the same Pokemon (unlike the old system of the old build of the game which used Rm2k3's database to store the pokemon making onle catching one of each pokemon.
So Thanks Wichu!

[Atomic Reactor]

can you go into more depth? I would like to know how you figured out how to do it :)

[Yuoaman]

Simply amazing, and the Trainer sprite is just fantastic. I cannot wait to actually play this!

[Hamako-chan]

this game looks convincing, i'll be keeping my eye on this thread, nice sprites by the way :D

[Neo-Dragon]

Credit for the awesome hero sprites you see in the game goes to Atomic Reactor. As for the tiles- credit goes to Saurav.

@AtomicR:
I wanted to answer this question when I first saw it posted, but because of Christmas being really busy, I only got a small amount of time to go around on the net lol.
So I'll answer it now.
Okay, with the old build of the Protector's battle system, so save space for variables, I had one set of variables tied to the pokemon (kind of like active pokemon variables) for battle anyways. To save space, I used the default database of RM2k3 to store data on the pokemon, for every user of RPG Maker series to understand- I used the hero database tab. With variables, I could check to see which one was active, then check the hero tab database for the stats. As you might guess, I had one slot for each pokemon.
When I announced that you could only use one of each Pokemon in battle in the old build, I said in a latter post I know how to fix it, but I've gone too deep (someone could quote me on it, I said it here, or on CPForums). I knew I would have to create separate variables for the pokemon data to be stored.
I contacted Wichu over PM to ask how the RMXP starter kit handles it. Because maybe I could adopt how it works in RPG MAKER 2003. Thanks to his help, I had confirmed what I had to do- which was do it then way mentioned above lol.

So that is how it is done in the game now. There is variables for each slot of team space, and storage. So now you can have a whole team of pidgeys lol.

Edit: Also, could someone sprite me a new banner for my sig?
It is out of date. Put some of the new stuff in the background, and use a Pichu or Raichu for the foreground.
Same size as the banner below please.
I would really love it.
Cheers.

[Theosage]

Yo.

Always been a fan of your work; loving the screenshots.

I like how you pay attention to detail and how you break things down to their significant components.

The idea about the classes is pretty cool; an interesting twist.

Anyway, keep up the great work. Wee. :P

[fireyboy345]

WOW so from what i read when the stats are high enough your pokemon will earn a star level. So you have to choose wisely with each pokemon which gives the game a more rpg-ish effect....kinda of like Oblivion where when you level up however many skills you get your main level up. I like where you are going with pokemon. You are really thinking outside of the box. BRAVO!!

[Darkraza]

wow, this is a great system,
i want to help this project now =D
i can do good sprites (not pokemon(i can but not so well), i can do well tiles and overworlds)
just PM

[monarc,]

wow, I can't believe I never read this thread before >.> this is officially my most anticipated game ^__^

[Neo-Dragon]

Thanks everyone for the kind words.
I don't see any questions since my last post, so if you got any please ask.
Also, if you wish to ask me for advice on anything, please PM me. I'm here to help.

If you haven't already noticed, thanks to VampireKrimm and Atomic Reactor for the new banners. Both of which are in the first post to showcase.

I don't think I said it here, but in case you didn't know, I had a computer crash. I bloody downloaded that leaked version of Windows 7 BETA- if you haven't seen the windows, google it, Windows 7 is a refined Vista. I know, I shouldn't off. Any ways, because it is in beta, it was very unstable (although so slick to look at, check out the new task bar for windows 7 lol). But for some reason, my RPG Maker Database was reset back to an older version. Don't ask me how. But it was weird. All of the coding of the latest update was gone (so all the trainer stuff from the last update), but yet, every file- every pic and panorama, character set, was still there in the project folder. So since I had all the resources, it was just a matter of re-coding stuff, and because I knew what I was doing, it took me from around the 28th of Dec. till yesterday to get everything back to where I left off. I even done more mapping.

So, to celebrate....
I took a screenshot yesterday that was meant to be only for my CPForums, but heck, I'll post it here.
It is of a route along the Trainers' District- heading to Farm District B. The map is now 400 by 220 tiles. My biggest map I've ever created in RM2k3. Because of limited chipset size in Rm2k3, I use the change chipset event command to help the map all blend together. Having bigger map sizes will cut out any lag from switching maps, and also make the NPCs "life" feature (where they go about doing their day to day stuff) a little easier on me to code lol.
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/TrainersD_route_1.png
Please note, there are no NPCs added to this route yet

[EJames2100]

Ouch unlucky ><

Nice map tho, I always like looking at your screenshots because I think the graphics are amazing on them :)

[PokemonOI]

Nice Update dude! It looks real good!

[Darkraza]

nice update, though nothing compared to the last one, its still good to see a screenshot from time to time
once you put the NPCs in the route it would be nice if you took another screenshot of the same place

bad luck with the windows 7 thing
i know its off topic, but is it better or worse than vista so far???

[scienceboy]

well, its good that you managed to redo everything.

might i suggest backing it up every week or so on an external hard drive? might help int he future

[GAK]

nice. bigger maps, bigger action. omg i cant damn wait

[Zamith]

Well... i might be overreacting a little... but you know that .. it's people like you who really inspires me? HAHA. I've just started to learn about programming... and the reason i started was actually for being able to try knew things. Obviously, my projects are still limited... so it's good to see people with bigger and bolder projects so it reminds me why i shouldn't give up this time. (you know, will power is not my most remarkable characteristic).

Anyway... the game looks great. Seriously. (well, maybe you've got that with all my cumpliments last paragraph.) Very creative and daring.... although i still have to go through some explanations to fully understand that.

I'll be back when I have something more useful to say.

[Soul.//Silver]

Hey Neo-Dragon, I was just looking at the screenshots and explanations for your new battle system and I noticed you had HP, Attack, Defense and Speed but what about Special Attack and Special Defense? About half the attacks in Pokemon are based on Special Attack and Special Defense (Special Defense for defensive purposes) (Flamethrower and Water Gun for example are Special Attacks).
Unless you already have something different planned for those two attributes, but you never know, your always full of surprises (like your wonderful mapping abilities that I wish I had).

Edit: although your mapping skills aren't a surprise, just a skill.

[KillaEstevez]

Dude I don't think I have to tell you how amazing this game looks...But I must, this game looks amazing! Great job man!

[Neo-Dragon]

Small Update: Final Look of the Trainer Class's Battle System

http://www.my-lifeonline.com/images/BattleSystem_trainer_finalLook.png

This is a bit of a random screenshot, but I wanted just to show you the final look to the Trainer Class's Battle system.
It has the same layout and style of before, but with visual tweaks and effects. Most of visual stuff is like the transition between the different commands and attack window or bag window. You would need to play the game to see them. I'll most likely capture some video footage and up it to my site.
The example used in the screenshot is that during which ever Pokemon's turn, the HP bar of the attacking Pokemon will highlight red, and the defending Pokemon will have a transparent effect. It is set around the 40% transparency mark.
So in that screenshot, it is my turn.
You will also notice that the HP bar stays normal. It's not a mistake. It's a design choice. It's just to keep the focus of the player. A way to keep the player aware of the remaining HP of the enemy Pokemon.

I might have something else to show off sometime soon. So keep checking. I'll at least post another random screenshot lol. Please comment.

- - - - - -
Questions to answer since my last update
@Destined:
In regards to SP. ATK and SP. DEF:
I've been wrestling with what I'm going to do with the whole stat thing since pre-production of the game.
What am I going to do.
I kept asking myself.
My goal with this game is to have something which can be played and enjoyed by anyone at any age for small bursts, or a long play-through.
I want everything in this game to appear accessible to new comers (little things like have the Boosters for battles of the Trainer Class just one click away - rather then going through the bag screen, the Star Ranking for Pokemon, Boosters and even Trainers[sub bracket- have I talked about Trainers have Star Rankings before? I hope not, I have some neat ideas, but nothing coded lol] ), but have deep gameplay for people who want to spend some time (like having a class, getting a job- all the different stats, the different story lines depending on the Class- all that).
Pokemon Stats in the official games have always been something for the long time players to invest time in working on. I'm well aware of that. But with the ability to spend skill points and edit stats on the fly in this game is something that would just make it hard for the short burst play through as the Stat Altering screen would like packed. If people want the stats broken up, let me know. It's just going to be a more confusing Stat Altering screen lol, but as I said above, now is the time when I can add it in with ease (coding terms).

[BlazingLink]

Wow Neo.

Everything looks amazing!

Keep it up, man!

[Atomic Reactor]

Lookin good Neo.
Sorry i havnt dont that sprite yet :[
i just got done with like... the stomach flu.
so bleh.
just got a laptop, so ill be able to work like, way more often :]

[monarc,]

wow, i gotta say, first up, i like your game a lo, haha ^^'

and now to not sound like a totally spammish noob, I really can't wait til' you announce the Ranger class ^__^ the trainer sounds like you have put HEAPS of work into it >.> i'd love to see what you have done on the others (or will do ;P)

anyway... good luck ^__^ i wishi could help : / but there you go...

[Ultimo Spriter]

ur game looks relly cool cant wait for more

bye
Ultimo Spriter

[GAK]

nice. though can u remind me what those numbers on the top left are?

[Atomic Reactor]

thats for gambling. you can gamble points to get a boost in an attack. you have to hit those numbers within a certain amount of time otherwise it wont work.

[Neo-Dragon]

Nope they are not for that man.
They are boosters (to increase different stats for one battle) which have a Star Ranking. "1" being a 1 Star Rank, and a 1 Star Ranked Pokemon will take well to it. It goes up to "4" Stars for all of the Star Ranking system- that includes Trainer, Pokemon, and everything else the system is used for. It will be increased in updates.
Boosters are at the side of the battle for easy access, rather then having to go into the bag menu. You can just click on them during your turn to use them on your active Pokemon.
Because it uses the Star Ranking system, try giving a 4 Star Booster to a 1 Star ranked Pokemon and it will have an adverse effect on him/her.

The "Skill Point" system is used for gambles. These numbers appear in the main window pane of the battle system when on the Attack/"Fight" menu.

If that sounds confusing, it's because it kinda is. It is eased onto the player in the game though at the start, and is deep for messing around with. I will have guides up when the game is being released.


Edit:
Did I miss any questions, I don't think so.
Ask away here if you have any more on any of the systems. Try not to ask much about the story since ALL of it is pen and paper stuff. Nothing is coded in terms of story just yet. I want to link all these systems up and finish them before the storyline is coded.

[GAK]

ok thanks for the answer. and wow, this system should've taken a hell lot of coding...

[SL1MSHADY]

wow the graphics rock for rpg maker 2003!!!!
great work! can't wait for more!

[goldenpalkia]

Hi there again everyone in a million years so hows it going neo dragon on pokemon Protectors?

[Neo-Dragon]

Screenshot Fix lol
Hey guys. How are you all?

I had to clean up my hosting during the week and I totally forgot that I deleted all the files, that included most, if not all of the screenshots I have posted in the past.
So to make up for it.
Here are some screen shot re-takes.
Most of them you have seen before, but because I'm always changing things, you may notice differences if you have a keen eye and a good memory of the old screenshots.
Off the top of my head, you can see the battle system is looking a bit better, with a lot of the graphic effects in, well, in effect. You'll also notice the PokeCyber is now part of the Trainer Class's main menu.
Well enjoy the eye candy.

http://www.my-lifeonline.com/protectorsscreens/CaladanState.png
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/protectorsscreens/Trainers_menu_and_bag.png
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/protectorsscreens/Battleshot1_wBoosters.png
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/protectorsscreens/Trainerdistrict1.png
All screenshots were taken from gameplay as the Trainer Class. The overworld screenshots were taken in the Trainers' District of the Caladan State (which it that red rectangle up north/west of the map). The menu, bag, and battle system are systems exclusive to the Trainer Class.


Tell me what you think. Leave a comment.

P.S. Just a side note, I'll be writing a guide on how the Classes and each of their systems work. There is 3 classes, The Trainers, The Rangers, and the Civil Service, but only the Trainer Class has been talked about. So the first guide will be on them.

Oh and I know since the screenshots were deleted that it messed up the first post, so I'll fix it soon okay? :)

[Blazers]

Looks awesome.
I love the gambling system.

So if the gamble doesn't work, will the pokemons attack miss entirely?

[darkerarceus]

Neo,will you post a video of all the mouse support features?

and can you PM me about some info of using
the Hero Database to store Pokemon caus i've
started using it for my game because if I use it
i can make a nicknsming system and make it
easiar for me to do stuff,but I know you'll
only be able to catch 1 of each pokemon
but I know how to get over that.

No need now im using variables

[Macle]

I love your game it is awesome and when is the ranger class stuff come out

[scienceboy]

the ranger class stuff will come out when he codes it and when he bloody well decides to release it.

DON'T ASK

[GAK]

you never cease to amaze us. i like how you put poke-cyber on the top of the menu...but... where's the pokedex?

[blueguy]

The project is continuing to look fantastic. This class system is intriguing.

[jefffan3]

Is their a beta yet and great idea with the ranger/trainer class thing then u can be a gym leader champion etc i always thought nitendo should put that in their game. is their anyway i can help?

[scienceboy]

no, there is not a beta yet. and i do not believe that there is a way to help, other than giving your support to neo

[Omn]

um have you already released the rc cause i don't see a link

[kricketunelullaby]

No he hasn't I don't think, though I really would like to play this game.
Keep up the good work!

[scienceboy]

there is no release candidate. if you'd read the post DIRECTLY ABOVE YOURS then you'll see i'd already answered that question

[Neo-Dragon]

Update time: Trainer Class_Battle system_Pokemon Switching

Keep reading to be informed about releases and beta releases and so on. It will be explained below

I've just finished coding the pokemon switching system for the Trainer Class' Battle system.
I taught I'd take some screenshots to show it off.
Have a look and tell me what you think.

http://www.my-lifeonline.com/protectorsscreens/Pkmnswitchingscreen1.png
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/protectorsscreens/Pkmnswitchingscreen2.png
Please note: This is only a test team to show off this feature- as such- all stats and conditions in this battle are from a battle system in progress

Explaining the screenshots:
Clicking on the "Pokemon" option in the main commands brings up the first screen. You can click on the pokemon to select it - or use the right click to go back to the main command. When you select a pokemon, a sub menu pops up. The slot you selected becomes highlighted in the upper panel, while the icon slot number, Star Ranking, Pokemon Icon,HP that of that pokemon and sub menu appear in the bottom panel.
Right clicking here will get rid of the sub menu while staying in the pokemon switching menu. Selecting the "Keep Battling" command will take the player back to the main battle commands. "Switch Pokemon" will swap the active pokemon for the pokemon selected.
Clicking on the selected pokemon icon in the bottom panel will bring up a text box with the stats of that Pokemon, so you can check. As you can see in the screen, although test, the pokemon is a very powerful and speedy 3 Star Ranked Pokemon.
I have to explain the textbox though.
I am pushing Rm2k3 to it's limits with the battle system. Rm2k3 can only handle 50 pics on screen at once, the battle system uses all 50 pics at different points in the code in order to achieve the nice transparent effects and all the rest, so just in case you taught it looked a bit mad in that last screen with the message box- that's why ha.


I've been adopting the build status terms that professional developers use. The game is currently at "Pre Alpha V.08". When the bag system is coded for the battles, that will go up to 0.9 and then when attacks are done, it will be a full V.1.0. Version 1 of the pre alpha will mean the battle system is fully coded. The Pre Alpha v1.0 build will keep going up .1 and 0.1 every time more of the Trainer Class features are coded fully. Then V.2.0 will be Ranger Class. V.3.0 will be the Civil Service Class. Once that is done, the game will begin Alpha testing, once that is done, the beta will be out. After that- the game will be release with the "Release Candidate V1.0"- and that will increase by full version numbers with "expansions"- or by .1 and by .01 with bug fixes and refinements.
Hopefully that keeps you all up to date, and informed.


On a side note. I still haven't had the spare time to update the first post with some nice details- and keep it up to date. I will be updating the official website too, so make sure you check it out my-lifeonline.com (http://www.my-lifeonline.com)- although only the index page is done ha.

Well tell me what ya think.

Edit- I'll answer any questions since my last update:
I hope any information about a release was cleared above. So I don't need to repeat myself.
As for the question on missing a gamble with attacks- that will be answered when the update on attacks is done :P I still have some secrets on my battle system (keep your mouth shut Atomic_Reactor :P).

A video? I will be taking one around Pre Alpha V.1.0 - in other words I'll be taking a video of the battle in action when it's done.

Did I miss any other questions?

[Waudby]

Nice update Neo, can't wait to see more. The system is looking very well put together.

I await the video :D

[rhevarhe_duh]

Wooow! Great update, Neo. Though the textbox looks weird.

I can't wait to see more. And the video would be great!
Keep up the good work.

[GAK]

nice update indeed
cant wait for more :P:P:P

[Snyser]

nice screens i like the poke syber thing looks cool

[Yuoaman]

Wow... that is so great Neo, I can hardly believe the amount of work you are putting into this project, great for you!

[dotFallen]

have you ever considered switching to rpg maker 2000? Sure its older but when you add the mods you can do exactly what your doing but even better (i believe all the parameters for the images are the same too). You can get rid of that 50 image thing and use a patch program to crank it up to 100. The mouse patch is even officially supported too. My only problem so far is the fonts. The second one is ok but the first one is the rpg styled one which i cant stand. I cant seem to get the font patcher to work right.

[scienceboy]

cool update. only thing that i could suggest is perhaps make it so that if you double click, then it'll auto-switch the pokemon, saving you the extra step.

[Omn]

This game is going to be amazing Nice update to it's looks better than the original game i have to say

[dotFallen]

cool update. only thing that i could suggest is perhaps make it so that if you double click, then it'll auto-switch the pokemon, saving you the extra step.

double click, with my experience so far with the patch, is very hard to do. You see I made a little demo game to test the accuracy and speed of the whole entire process. What I came to realize is I had to put in a lot of wait 0.0 to slow down the click speed.

[Atomic Reactor]

I still have some secrets on my battle system (keep your mouth shut Atomic_Reactor :P).

UGH! But theyr so awesome!
Update looks slick friend. Keep it up.

[darkerarceus]

This game is going good and why didn't you use
Irfanview for the colour of the message box?(weird)
When the website is fully going, it will include a guide on all the systems, so if it seems confusing you can check it out.
I only noticed how awful the text box in the last screen looks.
For those who have a keen eye- you will notice the color of the text box a bit washed out. That was my fault for not lowering the image down to 256 colors in Irfan View. I think I did that in paint so that's why the color is lost.
I'll fix that. Also, if you are asking yourself "why is the messagebox placed so high up, and not lower on the screen like normal"- is because battle messages appear in the white part of the lower panel of the battle screen (see where the "left click to select pokemon" text is). I had to have a boarder so the text would be viewable over the pokemon icon in the switching.

Oh and did you notice you can finally have more then one of the same pokemon. I know I told ya before, but it's a first from my games lol.
oh and Neo did you use Ineluki Key Patch v1.2 for the mouse? I downloaded it a few days ago but I'm not gonna use it yet.

[Darkraza]

wow, nice update, i love protector's battle system, like how i can make a poke with 999 on a certain stat, and 5 or another
By The way, would you like me to do like not only custom NPC's (woah, it makes some time since i last sent you one...) but also custom furniture???

[Neo-Dragon]

I'll post my news- then answer any questions asked.
So my news is:
I have re-launched the Calis Projects website. There site is still in development as such. Not all the pages are up, but I just posted a "Developer Blog" which I will be updating all the time. This blog- the first for the site- will give you a little bit of information on myself, as well as Protectors. Have a read:
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/devblog.php

Well that's my news. Now time for any questions asked:My reply in bold under the question.
Before I go on, to anybody that didn't see the last update, it's on page 26 of this thread- the last post on that page
.


Suggestion byrhevarhe_duh: "The battle system "textbox is weird"
This has been fixed. It was ment to be a nice blue ha. Damn Paint, and Rm2k3's 256 Color Limit. I fixed it up in Irfan view.

Question bydotFallen: "Have you ever considered switching to RM2k"
Lot's of times. When I got the mouse patch for Rm2k3, I saw all the crazy patches for Rm2k and was like "WOW." But I'm not going to switch now, this far into the project. As for the 50 pic limit and the patch for it, I seen it, but had trouble installing it. The mouse patch is not that key patch mentioned above, it is one that was posted by some Italian member- and has bugs with Rm2k3 (none that will effect this game though)

Suggestion byscienceboy: "only thing that i could suggest is perhaps make it so that if you double click, then it'll auto-switch the pokemon, saving you the extra step."
Unlike what is said above, I've messed around with the mouse patch to know how to do double click. I will consider it for pokemon switching- as it makes sense for that feature. Thanks for the suggestion.

Question byDarkeraceus: "Did you use Ineluki Key Patch v1.2"
Nope. I used some random one by an Italian poster on a German support forum lol. It seems to be an edit of that patch. If I remember right, it was shunned by the community for being an edit of the Ineluki Key Patch. I couldn't get that patch working with Rm2k3 v1.08 for some reason, but the patch I have now works fine. Good luck trying to use it. It took me 2 weeks to understand how to use it right. .

- - - -

Any more questions- or any comments on my blog? I would love to read them. Thanks guys. Next update will most likely be either on the Boosters for the Trainer Battle system, or the bag menu for the Trainer Battle system.

[O.G. Duke]

It was great. I have to say.
It's been a long time I post here.
But the game always impressed me.
The screenshots are epic everything you posted.
Keep it up. Can't wait for the Trainer Battle System.

[SL1MSHADY]

I still can't believe your doing all of this on RPGM2003
great job!!
once finished, i know this will be a model for other game-makers...it is for me! ^^
by the way, this is pretty obvious, but i thought i might ask anyway..
your not using the starter kit are you? if this is from scratch, WOW is all I can say!!!!

[Yuoaman]

I still can't believe your doing all of this on RPGM2003
great job!!
once finished, i know this will be a model for other game-makers...it is for me! ^^
by the way, this is pretty obvious, but i thought i might ask anyway..
your not using the starter kit are you? if this is from scratch, WOW is all I can say!!!!

What starter kit would he use, this is RM2k3... not RMXP.

And the blog is cool Neo, is that a picture of you? XD It's weird knowing what people look like... And I'll keep checking the site for updates.

[Shadow_Gengar]

Wow,thats the best RPG the ever I see *.*

lg.

[sherm]

Its amazing that you can make a game that good on RM2K3.

Wow that is seriously impressive. That ranks up there as EPIC!

[Crazyboy99]

OMG it looks great !!!
It's one of the best hacks i have ever seen!
keep it up:)

[DamianLeonhart]

OMG it looks great !!!
It's one of the best hacks i have ever seen!
keep it up:)

Sorry, this isn't the rom hacking section. This is Game Development, where each game is made tile by tile with a game maker program of some sort. I hope you have a fire suit.

Edit: But you are correct, this is beyond great.

[TheRexion]

This looks really cool, but i just wanna know. what are the stars for?

[Atomic Reactor]

go read the frikin update they were in..
it explains it. dont just stare at pictures, reading the description will explain things...

[GAK]

the stars are instead of the level of the pokemon

[TheRexion]

go read the frikin update they were in..
it explains it. dont just stare at pictures, reading the description will explain things...

Don't be a Jerk, i did not read every post in this darn forum!

[Atomic Reactor]

Sorry, I wasn't in a good mood when i posted that -.-

but seriously, the update that contained that picture also has an explanation about what the stars mean. Just look more thoroughly before asking questions.

[darkerarceus]

Angain no screenshots to show you. But this is a forum, so I want to keep you all "posted"- yes bad pun.

Anyways, I've been working on some random stuff just to take my mind off the battle system. As you all are sick of reading by now- I'm trying to get all of the battle system code out of the way. I want to get the systems in place before actual design on gameplay elements kicks in. Some fan game developers have the Starter Kit for RMXP to help them- I don't, and I'm using Rm2k3, so please be easy when "expecting" updates off me ha. I'm only one man trying to code a pokemon battle system using events lol.

The "random stuff" I mentioned I'd been working on was the clock/day and night system. Since Rm2k3 can't check your computer's clock, it is "GTA time"- meaning 1 second real time is 1 minute in Protectors. But the usual tint screen effect is in place for the different times- and the day is there, so when gameplay is being tailored, I'll make sure I take use of these variables for something rather then just displaying numbers lol.
I also coded in the variables for coding up to 10 NPCs "A.I" behaviour at any one time. That means that at any one time, there can be 10 NPCs on the map with goals- in other words- things to do with their lives and move around realistically along the map. The number can be increased, but it is very basic at the moment. Again, when gameplay design work begins, I can start really getting deep into the NPCs' moods and behaviours. The plan is to have each one with their own "life." Since the storyline of Protectors is that if the player wants to be "special" in this world they have to earn it, there will be "A.I" for other Trainer NPCs who will have goals of making it big and becoming special themselves. I really can't wait till I get to start coding this stuff.

Right- so I better go back and work on the battle system http://www.my-lifeonline.com/CPForums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif
Any comments or questions?

Nice to hear that!
Just got my own D/D/N/D System up but no A.I yet (will code soon)
so let me see each NPC can do basicaly anything they want
or have to do?

[Neo-Dragon]

I'll answer questions asked in reverse order of them being asked (starting with the post above and working upwards)
@darkerarceus: Yes, all NPCs will have their own lives to live. Sounds a bit ambitious, but the foundation code is there, it is just up to me to code what they do at each stage of their day.
@Yuoaman: I plan on updating my pic on the developer blog every blog, so keep checking it :)
Any questions on the Star Ranking can be found via a link in the first post about the Trainer Class. All of the features in Protectors will be explained in game to the player, but if there is still any doubt, guides will be put up on the official website when the game is released.

Minor Updated: Revamped Look for switching Pokemon in the Trainer Battle System
Finally got this small bit of code done. I've been promising I would show this for awhile, but I never got around to showing the stats.
As you can tell by the title of the update, I revamped the look for switching Pokemon for the Trainer Class' battle system.
It was a lot of copying and pasting to show the stats, but glad it is done.
It is more in tune of what I wanted this to look like from the start.

So how it works:
When selecting a Pokemon in the switching menu for battle, a summary screen pops up. The summary screen has 2 "pages." The first shows the selected Pokemon's HP, Status (if it is paralysed or poisoned and whatnot), and it's type(s). The second "page" shows the Pokemon's ATTACK, DEFENSE, and SPEED stat. You can view each page with a click of the mouse in the right section where it prompts you. And the commands at the bottom explain themselves. Well-
screenshots to show what I just talked about lol.

http://www.my-lifeonline.com/protectorsscreens/PKMN_switchingNEW1_testTEAM.png
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/protectorsscreens/PKMN_switchingNEW2_testTEAM.png
This is a test team, with test stats- what you see is functional in game, but stats have been added and randomised for debugging purposes
EDIT:For testing purposes- Pikachu is fainted- so that's why Pikachu icon is grey, because any fainted Pokemon have grey icons on the menu.

[blueguy]

Continues to look great! Just a dumb question: why do you only show Attack, Defense, and Speed?

[Neo-Dragon]

After a long debate at the start of the development (mainly on my forum), I decided to keep things simple only using those stats.
Since there is no levels and stats are "editable" , to make things easier for new/general players, these are the only factors to worry about (not including the HP stat). Again, to be real, I can't see people playing Protectors for nearly as long as the official games, so making complex systems is rather pointless. While things might look complex, the Star Ranking system makes things easy to understand. People just don't understand because you can only learn from what I type, not your own experience playing this game. The Star Ranking is in everything- Trainer Ranking, Pokemon Ranking, Booster Ranking and more, so when you see how it works in game, you'll see it is designed for ease of use, and quick playability.
IT was never an issue of coding not adding in the stats, just thinking about playtime. I have a very clear goal of what I want Protectors to achieve for both myself, the game itself and this community. That goal is something which represents something fresh, exciting, easy to play, feature rich/features which are easy to learn, hard to master and so on. This goal will really only be clear when you are playing this on your computer rather then dodgy info I type up or how people take in what I do type.

[Atomic Reactor]

things are looking great neo.
keep up the astounding work.

[blueguy]

After a long debate at the start of the development (mainly on my forum), I decided to keep things simple only using those stats.
Since there is no levels and stats are "editable" , to make things easier for new/general players, these are the only factors to worry about (not including the HP stat). Again, to be real, I can't see people playing Protectors for nearly as long as the official games, so making complex systems is rather pointless. While things might look complex, the Star Ranking system makes things easy to understand. People just don't understand because you can only learn from what I type, not your own experience playing this game. The Star Ranking is in everything- Trainer Ranking, Pokemon Ranking, Booster Ranking and more, so when you see how it works in game, you'll see it is designed for ease of use, and quick playability.
IT was never an issue of coding not adding in the stats, just thinking about playtime. I have a very clear goal of what I want Protectors to achieve for both myself, the game itself and this community. That goal is something which represents something fresh, exciting, easy to play, feature rich/features which are easy to learn, hard to master and so on. This goal will really only be clear when you are playing this on your computer rather then dodgy info I type up or how people take in what I do type.

Very cool! I must have missed the post where you talked about this more in-depth, but it's great that you're doing something original with the formula. I think in the first post it says there is a "trainer class" post. What page? I'd like to brush up on some of your new concepts. ^_^ I do remember reading about the gambling, which is pretty cool.

[pokemon rox]

hey im just posting to let you know i love your work neo-dragon. im guessing you have never heard of me(i know you havent heard of me) because im new to all of this. i wanted to just compliment your exempilary work. ur da best!!!

srry for double posting and srry for asking this question, but when do you think u will come out with a release candidate? if u don't want to answer because most people don't its fine with me

[Rabla]

I had an idea.

I take it you already have one NPC coded and all with his lifestyle (there was a guy who watched the swimmers in the lake and then he goes back to his house)

Maybe if you can get a vid of him doing what he does. So we can see your A.I system in work.

[GAK]

Nice update! But where is the Special Attack and Special Defense?

Btw, are there gonna be any new items or moves?

[Dawson]

Nice update! But where is the Special Attack and Special Defense?

Btw, are there gonna be any new items or moves?
He already answered that in his last post.

After a long debate at the start of the development (mainly on my forum), I decided to keep things simple only using those stats.
Since there is no levels and stats are "editable" , to make things easier for new/general players, these are the only factors to worry about (not including the HP stat). Again, to be real, I can't see people playing Protectors for nearly as long as the official games, so making complex systems is rather pointless. While things might look complex, the Star Ranking system makes things easy to understand. People just don't understand because you can only learn from what I type, not your own experience playing this game. The Star Ranking is in everything- Trainer Ranking, Pokemon Ranking, Booster Ranking and more, so when you see how it works in game, you'll see it is designed for ease of use, and quick playability.
IT was never an issue of coding not adding in the stats, just thinking about playtime. I have a very clear goal of what I want Protectors to achieve for both myself, the game itself and this community. That goal is something which represents something fresh, exciting, easy to play, feature rich/features which are easy to learn, hard to master and so on. This goal will really only be clear when you are playing this on your computer rather then dodgy info I type up or how people take in what I do type.

[GAK]

i saw it, but i didnt quite understood what neo meant... :(

[scienceboy]

i saw it, but i didnt quite understood what neo meant... :(

basically, for simplicity's sake, there will be no special attack or defense stats

although i wonder...
neo, if we want, could we "enable" special atk/def stats, for more advanced players? like, could you do that?

[goldenpalkia]

The mouse cursor was cool and the options awesome so make it better.:):):):):):):):):)

[GAK]

basically, for simplicity's sake, there will be no special attack or defense stats

although i wonder...
neo, if we want, could we "enable" special atk/def stats, for more advanced players? like, could you do that?

hm...
there could be a way that if pokemon went to a certain "star level" they could be able to use "special atk" moves and gain both the sp atk and def stat. that'd be cool i think

[scienceboy]

GAK: hm...
there could be a way that if pokemon went to a certain "star level" they could be able to use "special atk" moves and gain both the sp atk and def stat. that'd be cool i think


What? if i'm reading you correctly, what you said sounds very stupid. please reiterate ;}

[Neo-Dragon]

Not going to happen. The battle system a nearly complete. It's too late to be added now. But I'll make sure to take notes for Protectors 2 :p

Seriously though, while not hard to code, adding those stats at this stage would be really tidious. I don't want to deal with the stress.

Any more questions ? I'll answer any on the next update as it's becoming a tradition. Oh and on a side note, head over to the official site and read the latest developer blog. :)

[Trainer17]

Good evening Neo. I've seen your thread from the start till the end, and just finished it. I have to say, it's really something marvelous and just so amazing! This game of yours got me hooked and the screenies were very sweet to my eyes. I just have one question though, since I'm quite confused. Are you going to place the choice/decision making system? So that some bad teams look up/hate you(the bar raising), and the police part(chasing you and etc)? You did say there were going to be some major updates somewhere, and I'm wondering. Thanks for looking into my post ^^

Have a nice day.

Sam.

[Sandro™]

I've been around this thread along time but now i realize that i didn't make one post D:
Pokémon Protectors is not considered "another game" to me i've been around everywhere that is related to your game and it cause of your hard work really unique and that it doesn't stand for "another game". Pokémon Protectors is cool.. it has alot of awesome features that you want in a pokemon game. It makes you wanna do everything thats possible to get to play it already.. but i think it be better when its fully done.. Its an awesome work you do here Neo.. Any suggestion i have i will post it here and see what you think :]
Good luck!

[PokePhil101]

neo ive just read this thread from page 1 and i must say im very impressed and i hope you will continue on this great project! It simply looks fantastic! good luck to you.

[GAK]

Not going to happen. The battle system a nearly complete. It's too late to be added now. But I'll make sure to take notes for Protectors 2 :p

Seriously though, while not hard to code, adding those stats at this stage would be really tidious. I don't want to deal with the stress.

Any more questions ? I'll answer any on the next update as it's becoming a tradition. Oh and on a side note, head over to the official site and read the latest developer blog. :)

no objections. you are the gm so u make the decisions. oh well, this shall not change it either way so ok :P

[TheRexion]

I don't get it?
How can you do all this with RPG Maker 2003 or 2000

[Likewise]

With effort and work?
Anyways, this game really looks good Neo dragon!
I do have some criticism on you mapping though, the one tile wide paths look terrible, filling empty grass with different paths isn't good either.

[Neo-Dragon]

@.Phones: keep reading this post. You'll be happy to read this (I'm guessing based on your last comment).

@ everyone:
Small update but I show show things off yet.
I have decided to start using my own custom tiles (with a mix or some others)... and.... I'll be remapping all of the overworld. My goal of keeping the game easy to "pick up" and play was kinda missed with the map work. Everything had too much unnecessary clutter and the maps lacked focus.
I'm doing some stuff that I haven't shown off aswell with other stuff, but it's still too early to show off- as always, remember I am doing this with events in Rm2k3 (all the systems) so give me some time to build the foundation to some of the ideas ha.

I promise that the next update will have news regarding the battle system as well as one or two shots of the new maps/custom tiles.
So feel free to PM me, visitor comment me or leave a message here and give me your thoughts.

Remember, keep an eye on the official Calis Projects site at: www.my-lifeonline.com (http://www.my-lifeonline.com) and check out the official developer blog (which will be updated regularly started April).
Cheers guys.

[YellowPen]

hey i know this isn't in your latest update but....

So how it works:
When selecting a Pokemon in the switching menu for battle, a summary screen pops up. The summary screen has 2 "pages." The first shows the selected Pokemon's HP, Status (if it is paralysed or poisoned and whatnot), and it's type(s). The second "page" shows the Pokemon's ATTACK, DEFENSE, and SPEED stat. You can view each page with a click of the mouse in the right section where it prompts you. And the commands at the bottom explain themselves. Well-
screenshots to show what I just talked about lol.



This is a test team, with test stats- what you see is functional in game, but stats have been added and randomised for debugging purposes


will you be able to view your moveset in the switching?
because i believe most people will want to know their pokemon's moveset when switching them in

[23Q]

This hack looks cool,
are there anyscreen shots
of this new pokedex style?

[BlazingLink]

Its NOT a Hack.

@_@

Anyways, everything looks amazing Neo.

[Bao]

this is really amazing! can't wait until it is finished!!!!

[Speedy G32]

I've got a quick update for you all on the development of the game.
As most of you may have seen in the video I posted earlier, alot of the ground work for th systems are in place. So I decided to start laying out the basic mapping. When I say mapping, I'm putting all the town/routes in and linking them together. The game will be like my previous games, no load times, or fades between outside maps. The outside maps will be like the normal pokemon games - as if it is all one big map.
I am also adding in place names to the maps, for example:
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/8180/route101xp7.png

I've also made some slight changes to the message system. The message box backgound will be 30% transparent- and the boarder is not transparent
EG:
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/7499/transparentmessageboxshtc1.png
It is a small touch, but adds to the feel of the game, since most message boxs or menus in Pokemon Protectors are around 30-50% transparent.

Excuse me but how did you make all that stuff transparent can you help me with this Thanx sorry I put it in here but your game looks great

[darkerarceus]

Excuse me but how did you make all that stuff transparent can you help me with this Thanx sorry I put it in here but your game looks great

I'll show you

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7389/foraguy.png

[Blazers]

You could've just Pmed him..

[Neo-Dragon]

hey i know this isn't in your latest update but....

will you be able to view your moveset in the switching?
because i believe most people will want to know their pokemon's moveset when switching them in

Request listened to:
http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/6416/requestlistenedto.png

I've now added a 3rd page to the Pokémon switching summary. By clicking the area indicated, you can switch between them- as you can see, the 3rd now shows attacks (the first 2 were revealed in an earlier update).
Remember, I listen to all requests, so don't feel like a fool posting a suggestion for me, I'm no where near perfect and neither is this game, but with your comments, I can try get the game near there.


Excuse me but how did you make all that stuff transparent can you help me with this
Already shown in RM2k3, but I think it is different for RMXP. I'm not 100% sure (you would need to ask one of the developers who uses it) but I think it's the "opacity" level which is in the show pic event box.
And- WOW, they are old pics lol....

The custom tiles are still being added, but none of the new maps- have been mapped in rm2k3 yet. If you didn't read in an earlier post, I'm re mapping the Caladan State (my region in a bigger region for this game).
The overworld gameplay (everything except battling mainly lol) still has yet to be tailored to how I really want it because I am coding the battle system from scratch. I'll will be re thinking the storyline Class/Job system so it is more refined and rolls with gameplay rather then ideas I tacked on when I began the project- if that makes sense. It will hopefully feel more like a game then a feature demo...
As soon as the attacks are finished, I'll be fully done with the battle system...

Speaking of battle system.... You may have noticed something with the screenshot above.

I have removed the Booster feature.
Yup. I have removed the booster feature for the Trainer class' battle system.
The Boosters were the things in that bar that was on the left hand side of the battle main window. Boosters gave a stat a 15-30% increase.

As I develop the game, I am always play testing- making sure I can't break any of the systems. I had finished the Booster work behind the scene about a week a ago (or so) and was getting ready to show it off here. But the more I play tested Protectors the more I hated the feature.
With the Stat Altering feature (allowing you to add Skill points to increase your stat points- since there is no levelling up in the normal sense) overpowering the user was an issue. When I started the game that was my goal- well kinda. I am always saying how I want people to just click on the file and start playing and feel strong. The idea of adding only skill points to the attack stat was something I had in concept early on.. I mean the idea that you could have a 3 Star Ranked Pokémon with 120 Attack Stat, and only 30 speed is pretty crazy for a Pokémon game already- then the idea that Boosters could boost any stat by a random number between 15-30% just became to annoying to me lol.
The player was just too overpowered and I found it hard to tailor the gameplay experience for a more "hardcore" player.
There was also the issue of another feature I have (which is a secret - mainly because I don't talk about features that aint coded in Rm2k3 itself rather then something that is in notepad).
And heck, while I'm at it- the fact that you can gamble attacks to do double the damage (or effect if it's an attack like growl).


My solution was to remove the Boosters completely.
There is already some new concepts for the player to grasp with Skill Points, Star Ranking and everything else mentioned above- too much and it will be hard to understand.
The attack system also has Gambles (which I reckon I'll be talking about in the next- or next next update), so attacks were already really powerful, so hopefully Boosters won't be missed.

Any comments on this or the screen?
Any questions?
Post away guys.

[Speedy G32]

Hey which one is harder to use RM2K3 or Rpg XP

[scienceboy]

well, glad to know that you're thinking about stuff like this, and that you're actually willing to change features when needed.

can't wait for the next update, keep up the good work.

(and no, i really have no big questions this time :P)

---

well, because it was so dearly requested...
it probably would be easier to put the three pages in hotkeys - 1 for page 1, 2 for page 2, and 3 for page 3

thats it, i really can't think of something substantial here...

[mattwo]

I find it both good, and bad that you are still working on this game. Good because it might actually be finished (witch is VERY rare [for you or anyone else on PC]) and bad beacuse it's not done after what? a year?

[Hall Of Famer]

This game looks as unique and outstanding as usual. I don't know how to use RM2K3, and I have to bow down to the best RM2K3 game in this community. Please keep it up!

[scienceboy]

I find it both good, and bad that you are still working on this game. Good because it might actually be finished (witch is VERY rare [for you or anyone else on PC]) and bad beacuse it's not done after what? a year?

well, just a quick comment about that - a year is actually a VERY short time for any game to be made.

most games, made by professional companies, putting millions of dollars into production, take anywhere from 3-5 years to complete, usually with a staff of 60-80 programmers, graphics artist, concept designers, etc etc. neo's been working on this (mostly) alone.

just a bit of perspective ;}

[Neo-Dragon]

I find it both good, and bad that you are still working on this game. Good because it might actually be finished (witch is VERY rare [for you or anyone else on PC]) and bad beacuse it's not done after what? a year?

And let's not forget that everything is being coded from scratch with Rm2k3's event coding- so I am still coding the basics and the foundation of the systems...
And let's not forget I turned 21 last year and I decided to leave full time work and go back to college... So I think it's pretty crazy the energy I have put into this project so far considering my age, and how busy things have been for me for the last 2/3 years :)

And thanks scienceboy (in regards to your first post after mine)- I was the one who requested some feedback (in case anyone was wondering) :P

Thanks HOF for the kind words. Nice to have your support.
Speedy- I was chatting to ya over VM.

Any more comments, questions or suggestions (kinda has a rhyme if you say it fast).

[23Q]

Is this even playable on Virtual Boy Advance?
What program are the screenshots?

[scienceboy]

its an independent program, not a rom. you won't be able to run this in VBA, because it'll run by itself

[Rake]

Awesome. Keep it up, just dont abandon it, ok? :)
Just a thought, maybe you would convert it to DS or something too?

[Atomic Reactor]

It won't play on a DS cause it isn't a rom.
This is meant to be played on the computer only.

[GAK]

yeah, too bad though :(
if only this'd be possible it'd be awesome

[maaddogg]

great work neo im playin this 4 sure

[Neo-Dragon]

Thanks for the comments- didn't notice any questions (well other then what was answered by Atomic_reactor and scienceboy). Got any?

Anyways.

Update: Another Request From a Fan Listened To.

Requested and discussed over at Calis Projects forum- I have went implemented the second "fan" update in a week.
The feature is something a bit controversial in a Pokemon game but I went with it because it fits into Protectors...
Saving in battle.
http://www.my-lifeonline.com/protectorsscreens/save_in_battle.png

Fitting in with my goal to "download and dive in" style design for Protectors, a user friendly feature- saving in battle is what is says it is.
It works by pressing shift while on the battle commands menu (the menu letting you choose what to do in battle).
Move the mouse up and click on the Battle Window to open the save menu- right click or press shift again to hide the menu and return to the main commands.
It sounds like it's a bit hidden, but as you can guess from the concepts with this battle system, there will be a tutorial at the start of the game, and this will be explained in game, so don't worry.

I would love to hear what you think of this, because when this idea was first mentioned I kinda turned my nose up at it, but I think it fits well into my overall feel. Opinions or comments?

This update is also the second update that proves I really listen to you guys, so try give me some feedback.

[<~F.M.P~>]

Needed, Especially when you're playing a game on a computer. Saving during battles, a very bright Idea for whoever thought that up. Nice job on the look too.

[scienceboy]

I play all the pokemon games on my computer, so there were times when I did do stuff like that, save in the middle of a battle if it didn't go my way. but it kind of detracts from the experience of betting it all on whether luck is on your side.

But, you seem to want to put this feature in. In that case, I would impose a limit on it - make it so that a person can only do so once a battle. That way, there will be less chance for abusal. And the feature should be disabled for "boss" battles - such as, elite four, head of evil organization - and for legendary pokemon. Personally, I'd get rid of the feature altogether, but hey, its your game.

[spike6958]

Interesting feature, although not one i will be using myself in the final product, it seems to remove that element of "NOO I CAN'T LOOSE THIS ONE" and instead leaves you with "Oh it looks like i might lose this if i carry on, RELOAD", i personally wouldn't have it in the game, but at the end of the day it's your game, so your choice.

[monarc,]

Hmm, I must say, I am also unsure of this one.. i mean, obviously you can do what you want, it IS your game, and i'll play it nonetheless haha.

On one hand, it does take away a lot of the challenege of the pokemon battle system, but i suppose, it would be usueful at times, when you have to hurry off the computer, or something, and it does fit in with the overall "feel" of your game..

hmm just my two cents :)

[Manio]

I like the idea, but I don't fancy the idea of people using it as a "Get Out Of Jail Free Card". That means basically using it if their losing the battle I guess?

Anyways, I like the idea if you have to go somewhere you can save during a battle.

[EJames2100]

Nice update Neo, just something which I think would be best as pointed out by scienceboy;

I would impose a limit on it - make it so that a person can only do so once a battle. That way, there will be less chance for abusal. And the feature should be disabled for "boss" battles - such as, elite four, head of evil organization - and for legendary pokemon.

[Yuoaman]

Great stuff Neo. Great idea, especially for me. So now I don't have to finish those epic battles to get off the computer.

[Neo-Dragon]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Please keep it coming. I read every comment and again- just to say it again- those last 2 updates were to prove my point that I do in fact listen to every request and think it through for Protectors.

Listen guys, I know the whole saving in battle is rather controversial in the general Pokémon gaming sense. I debated about it for about 2 days before adding it in.
My advice to anyone who thinks the system will be abused would be- don't worry about how other players will play the game. This will be your experience and if you don't want to use the feature, ignore it. There is no button on screen on the main battle commands, you just press shift. So it aint in your face- ya get me? So it can be ignored. But- it is a handy feature for a game being played on a PC. I used quick saves on emulators during battle and sometimes you have to just leave in the middle of a battle, so as long as your remember the feature is there, it can be used.

Also, you want to abuse it, that's fine by me. It is the second system that has been intended by me to be abused (I can't mention the second, well first idea just yet :p). If you want to save in the middle of a battle with a legendary and keep trying to throw pokéballs, that's fine- again this is your experience. Just remember, if you want to load you will have to close the game then re-open it and load it lol.

And to both groups (the abusers and non abusers :P), remember, RM2k3 by default supports more then one save. So maybe you want to save it at each legendary battle and cool trainer battle to re-play it, you can- mid battle. So I guess that's a plus idea for both groups.

[ArthurMaker]

You have to estimate a beta or demo?
I am anxiously for playing this game *-*

[scienceboy]

its spam. thats why i didn't respond to it.

and arthurmaker, don't ask when a beta will be released.

[Martyr]

Hey guys,

My name is Jason, I'm head of community support over at calis projects. I just thought I'd introduce myself. :)
You'll be seeing me post on this thread hopefully a fair bit. If you have any question regarding anything to do with Calis Projects or Pokemon protectors, please feel free to drop me a pm, on Pokemon community, or the calis projects forums. (I use the same user name on cp) :)

Cheers and thanks for following this game for so long!
Martyr

[Pop_Goes_The_Weavile]

Dude... That looks even more awesome than actual Pokémon games! Great job dude!
I can't believe it will be free!!

Congratulations...

[darkerarceus]

Saving in battles is cool!
Now I don't need to say to my dad
when computer time is over "I just need to complete this battle!"

[Translator]

Hey there.! Nice game. Keep it up.

[MasterOfOz]

This game look really good cant wait to see more :)

[qw]

Nice game looks realy good.

[Kyuubi12]

Wow I thoguht you couldn't do that in Rpgmaker 2003 but wrong.

[aquakip]

WOAH!! DO you need any help? I'd love to help out! If you need an help that is...
(IM SO EXCITED, IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR AN AWESOME GAME LIKE THIS)
This looks excellent, the format, the tiles, the story, EVERYTHING!

[Neo-Dragon]

Thanks guys.
The tiles have been changed, so I hope you don't miss the ones in the screens. I'll post some screens of the tiles when I have some maps done (I'll be revamping the overworld- just to remind you in case you didn't see the post on it).
The battle system is still the focus. As I am always saying, once I finish the battle system code, that's it- I won't have to worry about it any more.

The About Us page has been added to the Official Site (http://www.my-lifeonline.com/) of the game. You should check it out to get to know us a little better ha. And don't forget the Developer Blog will be updated on the 13th, so mark it into your calender ha.

On a side note, I said this on my own forums awhile back, I'm currently finishing up college for the summer. Another 10 days left or so and I'm done until September. As you could guess, everything is getting crammed in the last 2 weeks and we are making 4 small educational games for our end of year project. Our aim is to get these games used in Primary school around the local area and the team I'm on are coding a English game aimed at 7-10 year olds. We are coding it in Java and when I say "we" I mean me ha. I'm the only coder on the team, so as you can imagine, I'm pretty stressed out over the sheer amount of work I have, so just a heads up on the lack- a.k.a- no work on Protectors for the past 2 weeks and future 2 weeks or there abouts.

Thanks for al lthe support so far, and I hope it grows strong in the future. As always, feel free to post a comment here, VM me, or PM me.
Cheers.

[Marin52]

I think your game is great, but I would like to know how did you make that mouse system. Can I get to it somehow? That is like the best thing in whole game system. If you can get a working one. Once again, really great game.

[Wichu]

Doesn't it use a hacked version of RM2K3?

[~JV~]

Doesn't it use a hacked version of RM2K3?

I think it's something like that, more like a patch (It's name is Power patch isn't it =x?). If you google it you will find out.

[Neo-Dragon]

I didn't use the hyper patch or Power patch or key patch- which were done by the German community, but I used some weird patch I found by the Italian community. A google search will provide some positive results. I should know as that is what I did ha.

[Jαcκςση]

I'm lovin' this so far. The class thing is brilliant! I've always wished for something like that in pokemon. Seriously, this looks like it could be awesome.

[AJUST]

Looks great! I hope you it gets finished :)

Oh, and i dont know if this has been suggested, but a feature I've always wanted is to be able to use custom sprite sheets. Is that hard to implement?

[dragonoid]

hmmm looks good do not give up

[Ashje]

Hi, I'm Ashje.
This game looks and sounds amazing! I can't wait for a release. I'd like to help support the game. I own an adoptables site, kinda like PokePlushies but not as good. So, if you want to, I can make a promo adoptable for your staff. Just let me know. And Good Luck XD

[HeavyOctillery]

After looking at the updates, I'm even more impressed by this than I was before - already being impressed by using a program that makes PKMN battle systems a giant pain-in-the-ass. :P Being able to play it in either regular or Ranger format sounds quite appealing; replay value is the main attraction to most games, and this would definitely nail it.

[GAK]

Hi, I'm Ashje.
This game looks and sounds amazing! I can't wait for a release. I'd like to help support the game. I own an adoptables site, kinda like PokePlushies but not as good. So, if you want to, I can make a promo adoptable for your staff. Just let me know. And Good Luck XD
Omg ashje my friend? Remember me from YCM? Whats up man?

And btw, neo, long time no update, whats wrong?

[scienceboy]

if you want to "rave" about whats been going on between the two of you, then use the PM system, its there for a reason

Earlier, he said that he was working heavily on his college finals, which required him to do alot of work. They were finished 3 days ago. He's probably a bit burnt out, so give him time to get himself back together.

Don't. Ask. For. Updates.

[Ashje]

^
Sorry.

But my offer still stands:
Hi, I'm Ashje.
This game looks and sounds amazing! I can't wait for a release. I'd like to help support the game. I own an adoptables site, kinda like PokePlushies but not as good. So, if you want to, I can make a promo adoptable for your staff. Just let me know. And Good Luck XD

[GAK]

Soz, as well...anyway, the game is gonna be a blast once he comes back and finishes it