HI there
I'm one of the makers of Tortured Hearts.

Thank you for your interest, if you have any questions, please go ahead.

The game was made in the Aurora toolset for 4 years. All the quests are
playable (hundreds of skill checks, choices with consequences), it has a custom skill/ability training system, henchman relation system,
crafting and many more that can be scripted. Thousands of hours of work
altogether.

The game data is ready to be converted to xml so that we can
use it in Unity 3D.

We wanted to upload a new video today that presents all the areas (as an "evidence"
that we actually have something done), but we had technical difficulties with the net provider, so it has to wait until tomorrow.

Please keep the conversation as polite as possible even if you don't like the graphics or you think the goal is too high or anything.

Thank you
ZG

The story of TH is loosely based on these 2 mods, but it's a stand-alone game with its own storyline.

Hi there. Thank you for answering our questions.

What gave you the idea to use Kickstarter to fund your game? Was is the recent success of Tim Schafer and Brian Fargo's projects?

How would you have funded your game without Kickstarter? What are you going to do if you don't meet your goal of $300,000?

Actually we were thinking about it more than one year ago, but KS didn't seem to be attracting those we deem potential players.
Since WL is my all time favorite (that actually inspired my first game Newcomer), Mr. Fargo's project really got my imagination started.
How could I fund my game without KS? Probably in no way. Sometimes I buy lottery tickets. :)
This is niche game, not a billion dollar franchise (see WL video). TH is meant for those who like non-linearity, deep story, meaningful stuff and memorable gameplay.

If we don't meet our goal, we'll try again.

Do you know what puts me off of it?
a) The fact that it is a satirical game. These things usually get boring after 20 minutes for me.
b) It just looks like a highly modded, cel-shaded Oblivion. I just don't like the art style of it at all.

So sorry, I'll pass on this one. I've yet to do a Kickstarter. :p

EdgeZombie

a) Ofc, it's not incessantly satirical. :) We know it could be tiresome and this is a long game indeed.

b) It's no problem mate. The basic principle of niche game making: don't try to please everyone. :)

Anyhow, I suggest you to select REMIND ME and check out the next update. Who knows, maybe you'll get to like it. :)

I'm kind of getting tired of the Kickstarter a well. I think it's the same thing as with indie bundles, there's just too many. At first people just liked the idea so it was easier to get the funds, now you need to show something really good to get people interested.

This time I'd like to see more, a little bit of gameplay with some story.

1. I do like the graphics, I really do. But the tech demo is not enough.
2. It's really hard to make a good satirical game. I need to know I won't get bored after a while or annoyed by the 'humour'.

Unfortunately they lose with the more known projects and reputation of the people behind them. But I'm going to monitor it, it might be something nice.

I think showing some kind of gameplay footage would be absolutely crucial if you want to convince people that your project is worth backing. Is that something we can expect in one of the next updates?

spindown


"Is that something we can expect in one of the next updates?"

Unfortunately not.
To make a worthwhile demo we need to pay a couple of people for a couple of months and we can't afford that at the moment. A recurring issue.
We're going to provide a video about all the areas, we'll add conversation samples.
This project is counting on very talented freelancers but they won't do anything for free.

So they're just lancers then?

Good one :)

I'm a total hoot.

Thank you.

This stand-alone game utilizes all the experience I gained from TH1 and TH2.

I never played TH1 or TH2, never even heard of them until now. If they are relevant, you should describe them.

After reading the kickstarter, I still have no idea what this game is about. I recommend looking at the Americana Dawn kickstarter page. That I understood immediately.

Gameplay. Can you describe what its going to be like? Is there a game out there that you think is similar?

Why isn't there any concept art or mock-up screenshots?

Nice engine, but I really feel that what is happening now with Kickstarter is like a pendulum. First no "big" guys wanted to use it. Than after Double Fine everyone ran to it like crazy and it's like having 1000 new "big" projects overnight. That is also not that great - I think it would be better for everyone, if the flood of expensive projects would halt for a while and have a more stable, but also smaller rate of new openings.