11 June 1985
Palm Studios Ceo announces
That Project X is nearing it’s completion and thus release the following information.
Demon Heart - A Cold Tale
Genre: Fantasy Rpg
Platform: Gamewagon
Price: 48$
Rick Palm Studios
Release Date: 8th July 1985.
He is also proud to say that in honoring the first game And they came! Will be ported in the coming months. And will be released along side Demon Hearts in an Palm studio bundle nearing christmas.
Price is not set yet for the bundle or the port.
18 June 1985
Palm Studios announces that they are working on the Porting of And They Came!.
Other News is that they are looking for new offices and that in a short time they will want to hire.
New Projects is also being planned, what they are and what type of game they are they cannot say since they are so far only scrabbles on paper as of now.
23 June 1985
Mark Reese
Company: RolePlains
A new company called Roleplain has came to the industry.
First game is Mirrors which is a puzzler/platformer where all you have to do is get your self to the end or mirror self to the end and the game will be 60 $ and the game can seriously get tricky but hints can be handed in some situations and it keeps it self new and introduces new elements every couple of levels. It is 2D and uses basic sounds.
Mirrors
Genre: Puzzle/Platformer
Platform: Gamewagon
Price: 60$
Roleplains
Release Date: 8th July 1985.
June 25, 1985
Horse-Drawn Games
Scottsdale, Vermont, USA
Horse-Drawn’s new fantasy RPG, Tale of the Wayfarer has been released in the United States. It features advanced 8-bit graphics and an isometric viewpoint, lending more detail and realism to the artwork than Horse-Drawn’s previous titles without greater technical requirement.
The protagonist has no default name, and can be male or female. Players take the role of a young, but gifted, goblin on a noble quest. There is a wide variety of weapons and skills available, allowing players to tailor the protagonist’s skill set to their play style.
Tale of the Wayfarer is priced at $50. It includes a guidebook (instructions, lore, tips and tricks, and artwork), and a two-sided poster. One side is a print of a watercolor painting by Irene Stevenson and depicts a goblin in heavy armor and a cape, standing on a cliffside. The other side is a world map. The game is advertised with both a short tv ad and a full-page magazine ad.
June 31, 1985
Pixel Studios
Evan “Pixel” Havvid
The Pixel Cube, a recent console was released earlier today by a company known as Pixel Studios. If you are looking for any stats, or specs, please look at the following information from a Pixel Power magazine.
Description
The PCO is announced to be released sometime next year, says Evan. He hopes this will compete highly with other companies’ consoles, such as the GameWagon or the GamerCon. Although prices might be high, there is technical innovation in these consoles.
Pricing
PixelCube
$490 USD
Black painted
2 controllers
1 power adapter
1 RF cable 1 DIN cable
Free copy of Bio-hazard
PixelCube Exclusive
$590 USD
Silver painted
2 Controllers, + a port to add more controllers
1 power adapter
2 RF cables
2 DIN cables
1 free copy of Bio-hazard, with never before seen content.
PixelCube Premium Elite 9000 Gold VIP
$750 USD
Gold Painted
4 controllers
2 extra controller ports
1 Power adapter
2 RF cables
2 DIN cables
Signed by all of the Pixel Studios staff
Two free copies of Bio-hazard, one signed by Pixel Studios, and Evan Havvid himself. Comes with signed copies of the next 4 games released on the Pixel Cube.
!! LIMITED, ONLY 500 OF THESE WERE MADE! 10 ARE BEING GIVEN AWAY IN A RAFFLE !!
Stats
3kB RAM
13kB Video RAM
396x314 resolution
64 sprites
32 colors
4 channel mono sound
2 sound generators with 6 octaves each
1 white noise generator
Output: RF coaxial, or din composite
2 controller ports
1 keyboard port
no printer port
no cartridge port
1 CD drive/port
no floppy drives
1 built in mouse
This is the first time a CD drive has been seen in a console. Will this spark new technical innovation, or will it fail?
July 2,1985
Dark Entertainment
Presents:
Cover:
Topic: Horror
Genre: Survival-Adventure
Release: USA
Platform: PC Only
Price: $7.82 ($17 dollars today)+Taxes
Marketing: Small Magazine Ad
The Story: You and your family drive into a deserted village, what happens? Play the game to find out! And I promise, you won’t have a smile on your face when you’re done.
Includes:
•Customizing yourself!
•Animated Blood!
•Save Files!
•Multiple Weapons!
•Cutscenes!
•Time-Based Gameplay!
•Pick up items in the game!
•Different Difficulty Options!
•And More!
Today we are going to talk about the current gaming industry.
Jim: Well not so long ago, the console industry was considered to be dead. Thanks to Horse-Drawn games and the Gamewagon, however, the industry is on the rise.
Ned: Yeah, its marketing worked wonders. Customer awareness was increased and the gimmicks and innovative games made it past that “game console fad” barrier that retailers had before now. The use of a printer and a keyboard made it seem like a PC, and the creative use of these peripherals meant retailers could market it easy as something new, not at all associated with the gaming crash of 1983.
Jim: What about its competitor, the Gamercon? I hear that Congames is bailing out of the console business and is in need of some cash. What made it fail in comparison to the Gamewagon? It seemed to do well at the start, cheaper price tag and 3rd party publishers seemed to be signing up quickly.
Ned: Marketing. Gamewagon’s aggressive marketing made it difficult for the Gamercon to sell.
Jim: I reckon it was the library. It had a poor launch selection and then after the initial poor sales, the 3rd parties left for Gamewagon. Things never picked up from there.
Ned: Is there anything that can knock Gamewagon off its perch?
Jim: The upcoming Pixelcube looks promising.
Ned: Do you think its worth the price?
Jim: We’ll have to wait and see. The new format they’re using has potential. It’ll make the games cheaper so the extra price might save you in the long run and it has extra memory. It also seems to have 3rd party studios to rival Gamewagon.
Ned: Yeah, BM Games is known for making expansive games on the PC. It’d be great to see how they use that extra memory on their Pixelcube titles.
Jim: I don’t know much about Bamboo Cane Inc yet, but rumour has it that they’re developing a space RPG. It seems more mature than Horse-Drawn’s RPGs and appears to appeal to a different audience, which will help in differing the games.
Ned: The 1st party titles aren’t too shabby themselves, Bio-hazard looks to be an interesting game. I like the zombie theme, it’s different. Though its exact genre is unknown, it’s probably going to be action-based. Which is wise, since Gamewagon is dominating the console RPG market at the moment.
Jim: Don’t forget about the Gamewagon itself. I doubt Horse-Drawn will stand around and watch. I hear there’s a bundle of 1st party titles planned.
Ned: Yup, fan-favourite Astrid’s Pony Tales is receiving a sequel, hopefully it’ll live up to the hype. It’s still a while in the making, though.
Jim: Not like Way of The Wayfarer, Horse-Drawn’s newest release. You can clearly see in the game how Horse-Drawn are becoming more experienced with their own console. The tech in the game is excellent, the graphics are probably the best on the Gamewagon so far and the system itself is brilliantly reactive. I hope huge gaps such as this can be seen in their future games.
Ned: Like Beyond Human? Little is known besides being a cyberpunk RPG, but nonetheless, it’s a Horse-Drawn game and should be good.
Jim: Horse-Drawn aren’t the only ones making brilliant RPGs at the moment. Palm Studios‘, of ‘And They Came!’ fame, recent RPG; Demon Heart-A Cold Tale is getting great reviews. It’s even claimed to be better than Astrid Pony Tale.
Ned: Pixel cube will find it hard to compete with that.
Jim: Yeah, also Gamewagon is expanding into other genres at the moment too. Lockness latest game, Valor has sparked a new adventure genre on consoles, future games from them should be interesting.
Ned: As should Mirrors, the upcoming game by a new company called Roleplains for the Gamewagon. It has plenty of innovative concepts around puzzles involving mirrors images and platforming. It should be interesting to see in motion and definitely is a new type of experience.
Jim: The PC market isn’t exactly stagnant either. Myrune was a top of the range RPG and its mana concept was interesting. Future titles from PlayGames should be interesting.
Ned: There’s a buzz in the PC market over something called Terror-Ville at the moment, isn’t there?
Jim: Yeah, it’s a horror survival game that appears to be very immersive and looks to be tense. Should be a thrilling experience and I’m interested to try it out.
Ned: Looks like that’s how we could fit in the time, sorry folks, hopefully in the future you can see us do more detailed analysis of some games, console and companies mentioned.
Jim: Yup, the future of gaming looks strong.
To Horse-Drawn Games
I have plans for a piece of hardware that makes development for the Gamewagon much easier. I am not revealing all the hardware specs yet, But does this sound good?
July 9th, 1985
Inverness,Scotland
Sorry, I was drunk on something when I wrote that
My best apologies,
Quinn King
July 16th, 1985
A new company called the Satyr Studios with HQ in Earth, North America, Canada, Redmond, Main Avenue 22 created by Bail Doors has just opened up.
They said that they will on strategy and simulation games.
On that same day they announced first game:
Car Shop
Genres : Simulation, Startegy
Price : 39,99$
Languages : English
Platform : Developers (Satyr Studio) didnt said on what platform their game will be released, but they will announce it soon.
Features :
-Manage your own automobile company
-Design, Build and Sell your cars
-Manage car dealerships
-Compete with other companies
-Full tutorials
-3 Difficulties
-Research new parts
-2D V.1
-Good competitors AI
-High Scores
-Long and fun Gameplay
-Animations
And Even More!
The Release Date isnt verified
July 20 1985
Satyr Studios
Details about Car Shop
Today we want to say about our game Car Shop which was announced 4 days ago.
The platform on which Car Shop will be released is PC. We think the Simulation games like ours are better to play at computer, than on an console.
The date game will be released is August, 12 This year.
(Is it too late to join?)
Of course not, but if you want to sign you need to PM the GameMaster,or post at Off-Topic.
1.1 Is In Effect From Here On Out
This is essentially a mini-reboot and game reviews/sales will be published monthly in-game from now onwards.
Read the off-topic OP for more info on marketing and reviews
Please send game features/marketing as described in the wikia links before releasing your game.
Game release dates are now in months and will be bundled together for sales/reviews.
Please make any complaints/comments/feedback in the Off-Topic thread, thanks.
August 10 1985
Satyr Studios
Car Shop Released!
Today the first 2D game by Satyr Studios has been released .
Car Shop
Genres : Simulation, Startegy
Price : 39,99$
Languages : English
Platform : PC
It Offers:
-2D V.1
-Good competitors AI
-High Scores
-Long and fun Gameplay
-Animations
-High Quality Sprites
“It was released 2 days before we planned. It didnt affect the quality, we just have better staff than I think.”
-Bail Doors CEO
August 11 1985
New Indie game company called Indie Pug Games with a HQ in Lexington,KY. Has started making games as part of there long term plan to rule the market. Before that they have been making game console parts. Even Calling The company Indie Console Parts. They have started production on there first game Computer Maker Tycoon. Where you enter the Computer market in 1986 and you start off in a office in your house and make laptops with parts off the internet. They Can be Small Desktops,gaming Desktop or Small Gaming Desktop…
Here is the Game Parts:
2D Graphics V1
Basic Sound
Game Saving
Mini Games
Genre;Simulation,Startegy
Topic:Laptop Tycoon
Price:9.99$
Languages:English
Platform:Console not yet decided.
August 18th 1985
Mayhem Corp
Announcement of Peter The Penguin!
A snow/ice based platformer based on the journey of an adventurous penguin as he overcomes the obstacles of the tundra!
Release date: TBA
Platform: TBA
Price: TBA
We here at Mayhem Corp, apologize for the lack of information at this moment but it is still early stages and we hope that our first game will be successful.
August 23rd, 1985
A new small game developer called Gadgeteer Games has entered the market. Based in Vancouver, Canada, their new action platformer has been in production for some time and is almost ready.
Topic: Toys
Genre: Action Platformer
Price: $10.00 CAD ($7.39 USD as of August 23, 1985)
Languages: English, French
Platform: PC
Demographic: Young (8-12)
The evil Homework Goblin King has kidnapped the Pretty Princess Fashion Doll™ and invaded Toyland! Who can save this nation of colored plastic and candy trees? Help would-be hero Buddy Bear navigate the treacherous path from Play Town to the Homework Goblin’s castle in Mediocritopolis!
Features:
Toyland needs you!
Release TBA
Note: When questioned about the mysterious ‘achievements’, Oliver Zehn only said “It’s a new feature we’re trying out. One of the other programmers came up with it and put it in without our prior knowledge. We don’t know if it’ll catch on, but we’re keeping it in because they seemed fun for the playtesters.”
August 30th, 1985
Gadgeteer Games
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
North American Marketing Plans
With little money to spare, Gadgeteer Games is opting for two small and cheap advertisement methods.
Unfortunately, without the contacts that big studios like Horse-Drawn Games, this may be a pipe-dream.
(Edited to properly fit the timeframe.)
September 3rd, 1985
Horse-Drawn Games
Scottsdale, Vermont, USA
A remake of Horse-Drawn’s classic interactive fiction title, Beyond Human, was released today. Beyond Human is a cyberpunk RPG set in the distant future. This game is intended for mature players, and may not be suitable for children.
Players take on the role of a new recruit in the Special Police Force. The protagonist can be male or female, and can be named anything of the player’s choosing (within a six-letter limit). SPF officers are all cyborgs to some degree, and are free to upgrade as they like. The protagonist begins with augmented vision (displays enemy level and HP), but may purchase many other augments as the game progresses.
Defeated enemies award money and skill points. Skill points are used to enhance the protagonist’s abilities (weapon accuracy, for example). Money can be used to purchase new weapons and armor, or to buy more augments. It is possible to systematically replace every part of the protagonist’s body, turning him or her fully into a machine.
Beyond Human is the first Gamewagon game to depict blood. Human and cyborg enemies bleed when shot, and collapse in a puddle of blood when killed. Machines either explode, or collapse and emit sparks. Enemies fought include criminals, terrorists, rogue factory robots, and evil robot cultists.
Beyond Human is priced at $50. It includes a guidebook (instructions, history, tips and tricks, and artwork), and a two-sided poster. One side is a print of a watercolor painting by Irene Stevenson and depicts the default protagonist (a heavily augmented female cyborg) on a rooftop, with a rifle, wearing a trench coat over her SPF uniform. The other side is a weapons and armor chart. The game is advertised with both a short tv ad and a full-page magazine ad.