[Developing] Pokémon Apex Version

[UltimateDillon]

Updates

Latest | 0.56a | 14/02/13: BREAKING NEWS! DESTRUCTION OF EARTH IMMINENT! That's what I WOULD say if the end of the world was near. But now that I have your attention, I would like to announce that the release of the first proper update IS FINALLY GONNA HAPPEN!(Wooo, party!)

It should be released within the next couple of weeks and you should expect lots of changes including the full, playable game up until the first gym or maybe further. After this, we expect to release updates more frequently, providing that we can find a more convenient way to distribute the game.

Happy Valentine's Day, and stay tuned for more news!

Previous | 0.56a | 28/01/13: First Video Upload! I have completely remade the Professor scene at the start of the game. A video of this has been uploaded on my personal YouTube and you can watch it here. The new version of the game will not be uploaded here yet as it is very buggy at the moment but you should check back every so often for news on a new release.

Also, I would like to ask that you please pass on news of this game as it isn't doing well in terms of publicity. Thanks in advance.

Older Updates:

Spoiler:

0.56a | 18/11/12: NEW MAPS! Harvey has been working hard on the game and the result so far is the big collection of new maps seen in the Maps section about half-way down the post" Go check them out!

0.56a | 11/11/12: Just a quick word to say that Harvey_Create has replaced kirby as my mapper. He has a lot of knowledge of the program and its features so the game should be moving slowly towards an official release soon. Thank you for your patience. The game hasn't been updated yet but you can, as always, download the pre-alpha here.

0.56a | 10/11/12: An apology: Sooo... I haven't been here in a while, but I'm back and I have good news and bad news. Well the good news is, the project isn't dead. In fact, it's very much alive... Sort of. This leads me to the bad news which comes in three parts. The first thing is that the files are currently on an External Hard Drive, waiting to be transferred over to my unfinished gaming computer. I was hoping to have the comp by now but since a few of the parts were DOA, I have had quite a bit of an unanticipated delay. The second part is that my mapper has disappeared, and by disappeared I mean he hasn't been online in over a month which means the mapper post is once again, available for the taking - not like anyone wanted to do it anyway. Finally, the third piece of bad news is that Call of Duty: Black Ops II comes out on Tuesday and... well you catch my drift. I will try to work on it as much as possible when - or if - I get my computer up and running.

That's it for this update and I would like to remind you the latest build is still available for testing below. Thank You.

0.56a | 11/10/12: Big Update! Well, here it is, the highly anticipated next update! Changelist:

• Fixed some badly tiled areas.
• Changed the player's room slightly.
• Finished the main events from the Patria Town.
• Fixed A LOT of bugs.
• Fixed some tiles which were passable.
• Inserted the first battle.

The game can be downloaded here.

0.56a | 02/10/12: Sorry I haven't been working on the game. I have a newly found serious addiction to a certain game and its been holding me back from work. I will try to get more work done soon. Version 0.31a can still be downloaded here.
P.S. - I uploaded this YouTube video on the 21st September and it nearly has 800 views already! Help me reach 1,000!

0.31a | 18/09/12:[/B] Fixed bugs that came with the 0.28a update. Also fixed the error about not being able to find RGSS104E.dll. The game can be downloaded from the same link as before.

0.28a | 18/09/12: I've updated the game to version 0.28a.

Quick explanation of version number:

• The "0" means its in Pre-Alpha.
• The ".28" is increased with every small change.
• The "a" stands for alpha.
• When the game is in beta the letter will change. (Example: 1.32b)

0.28a Changelist:

• Fixed the 'Invisible Oak' bug.
• Fixed getting stuck on the roof when exiting the Lab.
• Fixed the transfer events, making it possible to travel to Magnas City.
• Added Pokémon Center in Magnas City.
• Fixed some incorrect tiles.
• Fixed other small bugs.

You can download the game here.

Previous | 0.23a | 17/09/12: The installer is ready, but the game is not. During the past two days, I have been working so much on a way to distribute the alpha. Because of this, I haven't made any progress on the game and we're still looking at about another 1 or 2 weeks before the actual alpha release. If you REALLY want to try the current version, PM me and you can become some of the first beta testers. You will be able to get hold of each release before anyone else, but you will need to write a bug report for every release. So PM me and I will explain your tasks and give you a download link.

15/09/12: I think I have figured a way to make a standalone release (or at least what looks like a standalone). I have created a way to do it via Batch (.bat) I need to take it into further testing for security and fail-proof reasons but I think I'm on to something. I'll update again once I have tested this fully.

14/09/12: Alpha Release Announcement! Yep. You heard it. I have decided that I will release an alpha demo which will let you play up to the first gym. I have the basic maps ready so all I need to do is tweak the maps and put in the events. NOTICE: I will need someone to tell me how or if I can release the game as a standalone. If you can't do that, can someone tell me the best way to go about releasing it. Thanks in advance.

10/09/12: More maps! I've updated the screenshots section to include more maps made by my new mapper, kirby9412. So any comments regarding map design should be directed at him. Thank you.

04/09/12: So, I mentioned the other day that me and gimmepie have been working very hard together on each others games. As a result, it was quite inevitable that the games would somehow end up connected. I can now reveal that both the games will be connected some way or another. The most obvious references will come through character appearances and pieces of the story-line. So look out for Pokémon Opal Version. You can visit the thread by clicking his banner in my signature.

Also, I need to know the best way to export and distribute the game and/or betas. The sooner someone tells me, the sooner I can release a very, very early alpha to prove the game IS being developed.

Oldest: Since me and gimmepie have been working closely on my game recently, we decided it would be nice to have certain 'references' to each others games in our own. So you can look out for them when we come to release.

Details

Name: Pokémon Apex Version

Program Used: RPG Maker XP

Main Developer: UltimateDillon (Me)

Story

The game is set in the Apicem Region which is located somewhat close to Hoenn. Now, I don't have much in the region of a storyline yet. But for now, here's what happens at the very start: You wake up in your room on your 16th birthday and on the table is a package including a note from Mom and a Pokédex. You then go downstairs and your Mom gives you a Pokégear and a pair of Running Shoes. She tells you to go meet Professor Linden) and she will reveal that the last part of your birthday is getting a free Pokémon to start your journey with.

I have come up with names for most of the cities and towns but they could change at any time.

Here is the new world map by NikNaks, based on the original.

Maps

Spoiler:

Patria Town:


Magnas City:


Route 51:




Route 52:


Pokémon Center:


Pokémon Lab:


Player's House:

Here is the list of credits. Once the project is further down the line, I'll update this list to show details on what people have done to help. Meanwhile, I'll continue to add to the list the people who help me, along with a link to their profile.

Credits

• Me (UltimateDillon)
  
  
• Poccil, Maruno and Flameguru
  
  
• NikNaks
  
  
• CrazyNinjaGuy
  
  
• Thurpok
  
  
• TheMrQuit
  
  
• Saving Raven
  
  
• gimmepie
  
  
• kirby9412
  
  
• Harvey_Create

Testers

• Me (UltimateDillon)
  
• Saving Raven
  
• PokeCody
  
• gimmepie
  
• TheMrQuit
  
• Harvey_Create

Support Banner

If you guys could help spread the word a bit that would also be great. Thanks.

[URL="http://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?p=7298335#post7298335"][IMG]http://www.pokecommunity.com/signaturepics/sigpic340958_3.gif[/IMG][/URL]

[UltimateDillon]

hi can someone remove the poll completely off the page (if thats possible) and change the name to

"[RMXP] Pokémon Apex Version" instead of "[RMXP] Pokémon Apicem Version"?

I just decided on that name just now so if someone could do that, it would be great. Thanks.

[Cilerba]

Enjoy your new thread name! :D

[UltimateDillon]

Thank you very much. That will help to keep people from getting confused.

[UltimateDillon]

UPDATE: (For anyone who is actually looking at the thread)

• The Pokégear is now replaced by the 'Aurora Gear' (or another good name if anyone can help me think)
• The game is now called Pokémon Apex Version

[Nintendork15]

Originally Posted by UltimateDillon

UPDATE: (For anyone who is actually looking at the thread)

• The Pokégear is now replaced by the 'Aurora Gear' (or another good name if anyone can help me think)
• The game is now called Pokémon Apex Version

What bout Sticking with the Poké[NAME] theme?

• PokéBoy (refering GameBoy's?)
• PokéBuddy (Every Trainer's Helping buddy)
• PokéAurora? (sticking with your Aurora?)

[TheMrQuit]

I would like to help you giving some advices, even if i'm only a new user here. You asked why people are not interested in your project and i think it's because you have just uploaded yours. Also you should really think about a storyline and something that makes your game different and unique, because there are a ton of fangames (all in development, just one or two completed) about pokemon, so unless you have a good idea AND your game is far enough in development, you won't get much interest. I mean, look at the first games in the showcase: either they are completed or they looks graphically stunning or have unique concepts.

But don't give up! This can be a good way for you to start and you'll get better and better. "Practise makes perfect." They say.

So, good luck with your game!

[UltimateDillon]

Originally Posted by Nintendork15

What bout Sticking with the Poké[NAME] theme?

• PokéBoy (refering GameBoy's?)
• PokéBuddy (Every Trainer's Helping buddy)
• PokéAurora? (sticking with your Aurora?)

These are actually quite good. I don't want to do PokéBuddy because it's a bit too far for my liking. :D

PokéBoy sounds good but it could end up seeming out of place if I decide to change the game to a different style. (e.g. from Emerald tilesets to HG/SS tilesets)

PokéAurora is good though. that could work. I might make it something else shorter like PokéAura or something similar.

As for the tiles, do you think I should go double screen and do HG/SS or D/P style? I think if I went with one of these, I would have a bigger choice of tiles and features.

Originally Posted by TheMrQuit

I would like to help you giving some advices, even if i'm only a new user here. You asked why people are not interested in your project and i think it's because you have just uploaded yours. Also you should really think about a storyline and something that makes your game different and unique, because there are a ton of fangames (all in development, just one or two completed) about pokemon, so unless you have a good idea AND your game is far enough in development, you won't get much interest. I mean, look at the first games in the showcase: either they are completed or they looks graphically stunning or have unique concepts.

But don't give up! This can be a good way for you to start and you'll get better and better. "Practise makes perfect." They say.

So, good luck with your game!

Thanks for the support. I would just like to say that the reason it isn't graphically stunning or detailed is because I need people to help me. I'm sure Nintendo didn't hire one guy to sit at a desk and develop Black and White. So all i'm asking is for a few people who can maybe help me get this a little further. If you know anyone who can help, please tell them about this. Thanks.

UPDATE: I'm changing to HGSS style so I will reupload the screenshots in the new style soon. I will also redraw the map or get NikNaks to do it in a HGSS style.

[TheMrQuit]

Unfortunately i don't know someone who can really help you. :(
Changing sprites to HGSS is really a good idea: it will give the game a more professional look. I think you may want to discard the idea of fakemons unless you are (or you find) a really good spriter. Custom tilesets and pokemons are good only if they are well made, because thay have to fit with the Nintendo's ones, which is not an easy task, really! I'm sorry i can't be of better help, but i'm not good at anything because i haven't tried anything. Maybe i could be a mapper, but i'm not sure... :knockedou

P.S.:The banner of your game looks good an the title screen is good too!

[UltimateDillon]

Originally Posted by TheMrQuit

Unfortunately i don't know someone who can really help you.
Changing sprites to HGSS is really a good idea: it will give the game a more professional look. I think you may want to discard the idea of fakemons unless you are (or you find) a really good spriter. Custom tilesets and pokemons are good only if they are well made, because thay have to fit with the Nintendo's ones, which is not an easy task, really! I'm sorry i can't be of better help, but i'm not good at anything because i haven't tried anything. Maybe i could be a mapper, but i'm not sure...

I think you may be right. I should just use the Hoenn Pokémon for this since this region is supposed to be close to Hoenn.

P.S.:The banner of your game looks good an the title screen is good too!

Thanks! I have been slowly practising Photoshop for the past few months and I think I'm getting okay at it.

[TheMrQuit]

I found this really useful site which is the wikia for Pokemon essentials and there is a tutorial about a dual/touch screen here (Cannot post link because i haven't made enough post: just search pokemon essentials wikia and inside the site search for dual screen).

Anyway i think i can come with some decent ideas for a storyline, i'll tell you if i will.

Also, you are in my signature! Congrats! :D

[UltimateDillon]

Originally Posted by TheMrQuit

I found this really useful site which is the wikia for Pokemon essentials and there is a tutorial about a dual/touch screen here

Thanks. I think I saw that page at some point but I wasn't planning on using it then. I guess I'll have a look at it again. Also, yeah if you do have any ideas for some story events, PM me and we will talk.

Also, you are in my signature! Congrats!

Thanks! That will really help me.

[UltimateDillon]

UPDATE: The screenshots are now updated to use the HGSS tiles. I've also included a screenshot of (what will probably be) the first town.

[UltimateDillon]

Sorry for the lack of updates, I've been busy lately. I will try to get a preview of the PokéAura out soon. I'm also thinking about scrapping the Dual Screen idea. It's much harder than I expected and the ways I have tried that were slightly successful make the game look a bit crappy. Thoughts on this?

[Saving Raven]

Originally Posted by UltimateDillon

Sorry for the lack of updates, I've been busy lately. I will try to get a preview of the PokéAura out soon. I'm also thinking about scrapping the Dual Screen idea. It's much harder than I expected and the ways I have tried that were slightly successful make the game look a bit crappy. Thoughts on this?

um, I never personally liked the whole dual screen thing, its probably just me, as you can use it for various things, but to me, this is on a computer, so I honestly see no reason for a dual screen xDD
but anyway, good luck!

[UltimateDillon]

Originally Posted by Saving Raven

um, I never personally liked the whole dual screen thing, its probably just me, as you can use it for various things, but to me, this is on a computer, so I honestly see no reason for a dual screen xDD
but anyway, good luck!

i think you're probably right. i don't see the need. its just because i was thinking about the battle GUI. anyway, i've tried dual screen but its way too hard to script.

[gimmepie]

A dual screen is pointless for a computer.

I like that you have used a unique idea for the beginning of the players journey.

[voyager123456789]

Why not start it differently? why not make it so the character wakes up in forest some place, with a Pokédex? at that point you could choose the name and gender. Then you find you are not alone, and that there is a pokémon beside you. (then you could choose that too) and your story should be to find out who u really are find that pokemon? or something.. i dunno i dont really play the games or know much about the new pokémon. lol just an idea

[UltimateDillon]

Originally Posted by voyager123456789

Why not start it differently? why not make it so the character wakes up in forest some place, with a Pokédex? at that point you could choose the name and gender. Then you find you are not alone, and that there is a pokémon beside you. (then you could choose that too) and your story should be to find out who u really are find that pokemon? or something.. i dunno i dont really play the games or know much about the new pokémon. lol just an idea

Hey, voyager xD. Yeah that sounds quite good, although I think I have gotten far enough in my game to be at a loss if I changed the story-line. But if I ever make another game after Apex, this sounds like a good idea to use.

[PokemonSnakewood]

I like the way this seems to be coming along, hope this is completed !

Also, what format will this game be released inÉ

[UltimateDillon]

Originally Posted by PokemonSnakewood

I like the way this seems to be coming along, hope this is completed !

Also, what format will this game be released inÉ

Thanks for the kind words! At the minute, I'm not sure in which format it will be released as I don't know whether RMXP games can be exported as a standalone program. If anyone could help me with this, or give me some info, that would be great.

Updates!
I mention the other day that me and gimmepie have been working together on each others games. As a result, it was quite inevitable that the games would somehow end up connected. I can now reveal that both the games will be connected some way or another. The most obvious references will come through character appearances and pieces of the story-line. You can visit his thread by clicking the banner in my signature.

More updates will be explained tomorrow.

[Rick1234]

O_o I don't oftenley view the game development area but I noticed our names are almost the same XD I never seen this thread either.

[UltimateDillon]

Originally Posted by Rick1234

O_o I don't oftenley view the game development area but I noticed our names are almost the same XD I never seen this thread either.

I've never seen your thread either so, if its a copy thing your getting at I have 3 things to say.

• This is complete coincidence. I would never steal a name/idea.
• You can't copyright a name. You have to get a trademark for that, which costs around $300. You can only copyright materials/ideas.
• Google it. I'm sure many will back up what I'm saying.

I apologize if I'm getting you wrong.

More Updates! (Check the "Latest" section in the post)

[gimmepie]

I never really commented on it before but I'm loving the screenshots :D

A note though you should update the one containing the old regional map ASAP (imo).

Edit: I'm going to try and get that artwork to you very soon but I'm yet to have it myself.

[UltimateDillon]

Originally Posted by gimmepie

I never really commented on it before but I'm loving the screenshots :D

A note though you should update the one containing the old regional map ASAP (imo).

Hey, thanks! Yeah thanks for reminding me about that. I would update now but theres a problem with the size of the map and its not filling the PokéGear screen like it should. I'll need to look into that before I update things.

And you can take your time with your game and stuff too. I dont expect you to be super fast with working on stuff for me