"Vastar" by Exodus Studios - NOW AVAILABLE!

[Exodus]

"Vastar" is a nostalgic RPG game for the PC, so if you like NES/SNES-style games like FF6, Breath of Fire, Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana and Dragon Quest, then this game will probably be up your alley :)

All of the game's character artwork has been done solely by me, including some of the interfaces.

Music is done by award-winning film and television composer Gregory Tripi.

GET THE GAME!!
http://www.exodus-studio.com/modules/oledrion/product.php?product_id=31

More info and screenshots for the game can be found here at the official website: http://www.exodus-studio.com and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Exodus-Studios-LLC/113617436685

[Ramza]

I like the music samples on the site.

Reasonably, for someone who has played dozens of the "old-timey" NES/SNES RPGs; what would a standard playthrough look like in terms of hours?

[Dincrest]

I liked the music too.  The sonic aesthetics scream "American style film score" which is different from what I normally hear in Japanese/Japanese style RPG music.  I decided to mess around a bit with the freeware games on the site.  I like the atmosphere in Myth Xaran so far.  That volcanic overland the tiger-man first walks into feels a bit like the underworld in Terranigma.  Awakening's first impression is that it's refined, especially considering it's a speedgame. 

[Exodus]

Ramza: Estimated playtime would be around 8-10 hours, however, this of course varies by player. If you are the type of player that likes to get a 'perfect game' and get all of the sidequests and secrets, then it will, of course take considerably longer.

Dincrest: Yes, Greg is an American film and television composer, and Vastar was his first videogame he's composed, so it was something different for him :) As much as I love the feel of JRPG music, I think Greg's music seemed more appropriate for the atmosphere in Vastar.
Yes, much of Myth Xaran has been inspired by Terranigma, Breath of Fire and Dragon Quest, which are just three of my most favorite old school RPGs of all time :)

I appreciate the c&c, guys! :)

[Ryos]

A professional composing for an independent game?  I'm intrigued.  Although the estimated playing time's a bit on the short end for my tastes (though I'm guessing the "4" adventures mean that would be 32 hours or so right there), since I don't have gobs of free time anymore, that isn't really a bad thing in my book.

[Exodus]

The music was the hardest to do. It was tough trying to find the right composer. As a developer, I think the music is among the most important aspects of a roleplaying game, as it is what really brings out the immersion and atmosphere of the story you're trying to tell.

Again, I'm only estimating the playtime (I'm really bad when it comes to stuff like this). I'm the type of person who likes getting a perfect game. I've played through the game a few times already and I've been averaging out about 8-10 hours. This may be a bit longer for other players, since they would not be familiar with the structure of the game itself. This game isn't something that one can just rush to the finish line, however. The difficulty level of enemies increases as the game progresses, which encourages players to explore, hunt and upgrade their equipment to prepare for the battles ahead.

[Dios GX]

Remember that all people play games differently, though we inevitably complete the same thing. Since I'm sure you wouldn't want to release the whole game for free, is it possible for you to make a demo with maybe two or three different quick scenarios people could play through? Something like how they did with the Granstream Saga demo ages ago. One dungeon and one boss fight accessible from the demo menu.

[Exodus]

I just finished working on a demo tonight, actually. The game is scheduled to be released 3/31! :)

[blackthirteen]

Hey good luck Exodus!