Pokemon Desolation Episode 5

[Elios]

Hey Caz, does version 4 have revamped maps/story/mechanics from the ones seen in version 3? I ask because I have to finish the current version, but if that is the case, I would wait for version 4 and restart. In summary, would you say it is recomendable to start over when version 4 is out?

[Caz]

39 minutes ago, Elios said:

Hey Caz, does version 4 have revamped maps/story/mechanics from the ones seen in version 3? I ask because I have to finish the current version, but if that is the case, I would wait for version 4 and restart. In summary, would you say it is recomendable to start over when version 4 is out?

 

Nope. I felt there wasn't much to change really except some minor things that irked me. There will be no benefits of restarting, unless you simply want to play it again.

[Elios]

53 minutes ago, Caz said:

 

Nope. I felt there wasn't much to change really except some minor things that irked me. There will be no benefits of restarting, unless you simply want to play it again.

I see. It is good to know it 

Edited January 15, 2017 by Elios

[Caz]

Big announcement should be coming up tomorrow guys. I was gonna put it up tonight but I realized I wanted to record some stuff to show too. There's a heap to talk about with you guys - especially regarding the obscure future of Desolation - and I intend on answering pretty much all of your questions after the announcement.

[sandy]

awesome caz cant wait but what do you mean by obscure future?

[Lord C]

I have three theories on what that announcement can be:

 

1- Gen 7 pokemon being put in the game

2- A release date for next episode

3- Desolation getting its own separate section like Rejuvenation in the fangame exposé.

 

Also, can't wait for the new ep.

[sandy]

1 hour ago, Lord C said:

I have three theories on what that announcement can be:

 

1- Gen 7 pokemon being put in the game

2- A release date for next episode

3- Desolation getting its own separate section like Rejuvenation in the fangame exposé.

 

Also, can't wait for the new ep.

why not all of the above?

[superbutt199]

Hi i got a question.

Where is Staryu?

Edited January 16, 2017 by superbutt199

[sandy]

darkview city near the harbor if i remember correct you need a pokesnax

[superbutt199]

44 minutes ago, sandy said:

darkview city near the harbor if i remember correct you need a pokesnax

Is gourmet treat the same as pokesnax? Long since i played this getting ready for EP4

[sandy]

yes it is its been a while since i played desiolation also reticently played reborn

Edited January 16, 2017 by sandy

[superbutt199]

Got another question

Is there a way to change your nature?

[DemICE]

1 minute ago, superbutt199 said:

Got another question

Is there a way to change your nature?

not yet

[Caz]

Pokemon Desolation Episode 4 Announcement

 

Hello there, Caz here. It's been a long time coming for Episode 4, especially considering the last time I released content was back in May. I've been busy doing this, that and the other, but when it comes down to it I simply lost the direction and focus a solo developer must maintain. Oh well, what matters now is that Episode 4 is extremely close to completion! Finally

 

Two notes to begin with: The release date is about 2 weeks, depending on Beta Testing. Will Desolation get its own separate sub-forum? Don't ask me, I don't make those decisions.

 

I want to use this announcement to talk about quite a few things of importance. This will include Episode 4 features and news for the future Episodes.

 

Features

I don't want to reveal too much about what's in Episode 4 - I like surprising the audience, as many would have guessed. The more new features I considered adding in to Desolation, the more I took out. I've realized since that I never intended for Desolation to be a super crazy innovative experience - rather, I want it to be almost entirely story driven. Thus, I added features that I believe contribute to the story and feel of the game.

 

Cellia Manor

As the player makes their way through the story of Episode 4 they will eventually be given yes, given the Cellia Manor - the players homestead for the entirety of the game. I made certain to make sure that this homestead would be equipped well enough to suit the trainers needs.

 

 

Meet Mana, the Cellia Manor's housekeeper. Mana will help you in all tasks to do with the homestead, in particular, its renovations. Using Credits, the Manor can be upgraded to accommodate all trainer needs, including the following:

 

- EV Training grounds underneath the homestead.

- An upgraded Jinx Guild.

- Various vendors that can be placed within your home, which will sell most items and berries.

 

These vendors are especially important to your manor. Not only do they sell ultra rare items, but they contribute to your Manor's business. Yes, business.

In Episode 4 of Desolation, your manor also acts as a business for other trainers to visit. The more items your Manor has to sell, the more business will come in and thus, the more profit your business will make. However, to add some incentive, your business does not make money as profit, rather, it makes Credits. I was originally going to operate the Manor on a timer, then I realized how easy that is to exploit using your PC clock. Instead, you can return to your Manor to collect your income after defeating each Gym Leader.

 

Mana, upon moving into your Manor, was also kind enough to create the "Battle Logger", which acts as a battle simulator. This allows you to simulate battles with iconic in game characters. If you're curious, here it is, in action.

 

 

 

There is slightly more to the Manor, but I'd rather players find that out for themselves.

 

Cellia Fight Club

Due to high demand, the Fight Club will return in Episode 4. This provides players with a way of grinding unlimited Credits. There are some surprises down the road depending on how many battles the player has won, but I won't spoil that. Every now and then, an Elite Trainer will pop up to battle you. These trainers offer many more Credits upon defeat. Here is one such trainer.

 

 

The player should be careful though - other trainers don't like being robbed of their Credits in this gambling restaurant. If you win too often, you will certainly bump into people outside.

 

Other Minor Features

Gang Wars - a second story depicting the rivalry within Cellia. In this story, you will join Garret and his gang.

Cellia Trainer Emporium - A store which sells ALL Pokemon Evolution items, at a price, of course.

A Pokemon Nature Changer - This one is self explanatory - deals in Credits.

 

The Future of Desolation

This will include my thoughts and ideas on the future of the game, if you only care about the new Episode and its features, this will bore you.

 

Abandoned Pokemon Logo

I'm sure many of you have noticed the disappearance of the Pokemon Logo from Desolation's main screen. The explanation for this is rather simple. I believe that Desolation has begun to deviate greatly from the ideal Pokemon game. It in fact has very little focus on Pokemon themselves apart from the fun game play they provide. The story of Desolation is only becoming darker, and I feel that the Pokemon logo detriments from the message I want to convey. The word "Pokemon" itself will still be present as the .exe's name and as the title of this thread.

 

 

Romance, Choices, Reputation

Everyone knew when I first announced the reputation system that this discussion would have to happen eventually. Before I discuss romance, I will discuss the system in general. Reputation in Desolation is not working as well as I would've liked. To me, it seems incredibly strange that a nice remark on someone's hair could be the difference between their life and death. Thus, I propose a new change.

Times in which the player can gain reputation with a character will still be present, albeit few and far between. Instead, the most intense of situations will be decided by ingame choices and the choices you make. Real choices that truly affect people, not just who you prefer blah blah blah.

So then, you might be asking yourself, what the heck is the point of reputation then? Sigh. The answer is simple, romance. After a long, long time of thinking, I decided that if I am careful enough (very careful), romance could indeed help deliver the message of Desolation. This means that yes, in the future, some characters WILL be able to be romanced. I understand the concerns surrounding such a thing and I share these concerns - however - I believe that I will be able to make this work to benefit the story. If it had no benefit, I simply wouldn't add it. (In other words, I refused to add romance for the sake of romance itself)

 

What Next?

Indeed, all these plans look well and good. However, I'm afraid the future of Desolation is quite obscure. This year, in a months time, I will simply no longer have any time to work on the game. I love Desolation and I would refuse to pump out half completed content, which is the problem. I will be in uni, but also working two jobs just to have a place to live and food to put on my plate (people living in NZ know living costs are) and this just leaves me no time to put in the effort required for the game. I don't ask for pity (nor do I want it), only understanding. I've shown that as a solo dev, it can take me absolutely ages to finish content when there's just no time available. I don't know if I'll be able to work on the game in the future, and if I can, I don't know how long it'll take to complete an Episode. I would especially appreciate the help of spriters, as this is the primary time spender that I can avoid.

 

The Community

Once again, a huge thanks to the community. I was absent from this site for over six months and in that time, the members of this community kept the project alive, full well knowing I might not come back. I can't thank people enough for that. Over time the community has also helped out with bits and pieces for Desolation (a fair few sprites) and I feel that some members should get a special pat on the back, namely Alilatias (who has been writing an excellent sidequest) and Dypatome (for his high quality overworld spriting).

All this aside, I have to call on the community once again for aid. It's come that time again when I need Beta Testers to make sure that the future release is as steady and high quality as possible. Here's what this job entails:

 

- Finishing the Episode and as much content as you can within one week.

- Offering feedback, thoughts and suggestions constructively.

 

If you think this is you, please PM me. (Don't post here) I would really appreciate your help. Those who have tested in the past and done a good job doing so, I would especially appreciate your help.

 

Thanks for the journey so far, Reborn. Caz out. o/

 

Side note: I intend on posting more update stuff on Youtube in the future, it's a great way to showcase stuff. Subscribing would be pretty cool of you, y'know.

Edited January 17, 2017 by Caz

[Dypatome]

What? The new title music doesn't scare me. Why would you think that?

But anyway; thanks for the update in regards to everything. I'm really excited to see what you've come up with this time.

It's hard to hear that you won't be here in a year, but we'll support your decision, right guys? I feel like I should say more about this, but I don't have anything else to say as of now. Best of luck with everything!

[Jmanultrax1]

Glad to see the development coming along greatly. Also don't sweat about the absence thing, a lot of people will understand it. We will be sure to keep this thread alive and well for the year. So don't worry about it. I look forward to episode 4  

[Alilatias]

*salutes*

 

As I had mentioned before, I am still in this ride until the end!

[DemICE]

This... is too much. In a good way. I really look forward for this. 

Good luck with your studies, I hope they go smoothly (unlike mine).

About YouTube...  I really think you should be very humble about it. Maybe even  do not put a pokemon tag on the video... so that you avoid too much attention. 

Edited January 17, 2017 by DemICE

[zeckopacho]

Hahahaha  Using the theme of Master Mirror himself. Hearts of Stone and especially Gaunter O'Dimm were great. I wonder whether we will see a character in game like him

 

Now that I think about it we get a house in Blood and Wine too. Majordomo tends to the wineyard etc. I wonder you got the idea from Witcher series. Obviously players getting a house isn't a Witcher specific thing but just asking

Edited January 17, 2017 by zeckopacho

[Caz]

34 minutes ago, zeckopacho said:

Hahahaha  Using the theme of Master Mirror himself. Hearts of Stone and especially Gaunter O'Dimm were great. I wonder whether we will see a character in game like him

 

Now that I think about it we get a house in Blood and Wine too. Majordomo tends to the wineyard etc. I wonder you got the idea from Witcher series. Obviously players getting a house isn't a Witcher specific thing but just asking

 

O'dimm was a huge inspiration of mine, yes. The fact you can get a house in blood and wine though is entirely coincidental. I've wanted to give the player a homestead for a long time.

 

EDIT: I was super tired when I made the announcement so I forgot something so important. Huge props must go to Njab, who has been helping tremendously and really makes me feel like I have a weight off my shoulders when it comes to fixing saves.

Edited January 17, 2017 by Caz

[sandy]

don't worry about a thing caz just take your time and make this game awesome this community has patience as we just waited a year for the latest version of reborn, the absence thing happens no sweat it happens and cant be helped, cant wait fro it.

 

 

tho i do have one question, will gnen 7 be comming wiht one of the nexxt 2 episodes or did you manage to sneak it iin this one?

[Ice Cream Sand Witch]

Just now, sandy said:

don't worry about a thing caz just take your time and make this game awesome this community has patience as we just waited a year for the latest version of reborn, the absence thing happens no sweat it happens and cant be helped, cant wait fro it.

 

 

tho i do have one question, will gnen 7 be comming wiht one of the nexxt 2 episodes or did you manage to sneak it iin this one?

Caz once said that Gen 7 won't be coming in episode 4, but will be in the episode after it.

[Sara1404]

Can't wait for episode 4!

Quick question....... how can I access Shiv's diary (abandoned home) since there are plants blocking the way upstairs

[Sapphire Mahala]

So i have just beaten desolation and want to know how long the outro is suppose to last and how to end it its been going for about 5 minutes now 

[Ice Cream Sand Witch]

Just now, Sapphire Mahala said:

So i have just beaten desolation and want to know how long the outro is suppose to last and how to end it its been going for about 5 minutes now 

If you mean where you go to the ship but then decide to check out Tristan's house, the game mentions before doing the scene that you should save before doing it since you won't be able to do so after as the scene doesn't end.