A Perfect Ten - Cancelled

[Exer]

Introduction -
This project originally started when I noticed that there's no games based on the Batman the Animated Series, and/or Justice League Unlimited style of artwork, so I thought I'd make one. I also really liked the old school dating sims, and since there aren't many of those around anymore, I thought I'd make the game a dating sim. I wanted to focus more on the hentai content than older dating sims though. It always felt like they were way too much work for what little hentai was actually put in the game. Anyway, after a while, I finally put it together, and here we are. It changed from a straight up parody game, to a game with original characters, that just shares an art style with the DCAU.

Setting/Plot -
You're an average college student living in Neo New York. Working part-time and going to school. One day, a beautiful girl moves in next door. Her name is Angela, and you instantly fall in love. Throughout the game you'll be able to get closer to her, and will be able to dress her up in various outfits.

Gameplay -
It plays a lot like older dating sims (see: Sim Girl and Ganguro Girl). Except there's only one girl. However, you'll be able to buy various costumes, that give her the appearance of different characters. I'm doing it this way, because it always annoyed me in dating sims having to reset the game, or have to start from scratch, every time I wanted to see another character. This way, you won't have to do that, you'll just have to go and change her clothes. I'm planning on putting at least 25 costumes in the game, and I'll be having polls to decide 16 of the costumes that will be included in the game. I'll have the polls up here, and on [link=https://www.patreon.com/exerart]my Patreon[/link]. Patrons are able to get more votes than voting here though. Anyway, as long as people support the game, I will keep adding costumes too.

Like other dating sims, there will be a map for you to use to move around the city. You'll be able to upgrade your stats by, talking to/dating Angela, going to school, working out, and flirting with women at a bar. You'll earn money when you work (there will be different jobs that give more money depending on your stats), and you can spend that money on presents to help boost Melanie's affection, get new costumes, and also more significant stat boosts. I'll also be including some hidden areas and easter eggs for people to find.

The main difference between A Perfect Ten and other dating sims, is that I've decided to get rid of the day to day progression, the energy depletion elements, and the time limit. I always hated day to day time limit stuff, because it always sucked getting to the end of the game and either not unlocking everything and having to start over, or accidentally getting the wrong item and having to start over. Basically, it just sucked putting a bunch of work into a game, and then just having to start all over. I also decided to get rid of the energy depletion elements, because I've always found it tedious in other games having to go and "sleep" in order to do more. It just always felt like an unnecessary extra step. I want the game to feel more relaxed and less tedious than others.

Characters and Costumes -
The default character is named Angela. Like I said, I have 25 other costumes planned, and 16 of those will be decided using polls. So at the very least, when the game is complete, there will be a total of 26 costumes. Not all costumes will be from the DC Animated universe, but all of them will be drawn in a similar style. I'm not going to announce all of the costumes being put in, because I think it'll be fun for people to figure out for themselves, but I'll be announcing some of them as I develop the game, and of course I'll be announcing which character wins in each poll.

Costumes Currently in Game

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Name of in-game costume - Character it's based on
Classy Dress - Mary McGinnis
Rocket Skirt - Jessie/Musashi from Pokemon
It's A Secret - Felicia Hardy
Ghost Mom - Maddie Fenton

Costumes Coming in future versions

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Name of in-game costume - Character it's based on
Dat Comic Chick - Zatanna
????? - Black Canary

Engine -
The game is being built using Tyranno Builder. The developers of Tyranno are really good about continually updating with new features, and I'll be sure to use any that get put in in later versions.

Version 0.3 Download/Version Notes -
Version 0.3 is finally here! A lot has been updated and added in this version! Take a look below to check out the things changed and added in 0.3.

- Various Bug and Text Fixes

- Increased text scroll speed

- The first costume poll winner "It's A Secret" costume added with 1 scene

- "Rocket Skirt" costume added with 1 scene

- "Ghost Mom" costume added with 1 scene

- Added 2nd scene for "Classy Dress" costume

- Movie Date added

- 3rd scene added for Angela (has to be unlocked before you can do it whenever)

- Added a "Stats" button on the main map, so you can access your stats without having to go back to your apartment.

I'll be slowing down development a bit between 0.3 and 0.4. I've currently been working on it like a part-time job, at around 20-30 hours a week. Having to work full-time on top of that, and do commissions, is killing me. Since this project is getting the least amount of support, I'll be slowing down a bit. I'm definitely not going to be stopping, but I'll be working maybe 2-4 hours a week on it. If the game starts to get some support, I will ramp up the amount of time spent making the game though. In the meantime, I'll just be working on it in my free time. I hope everyone likes v0.3!

You can get the latest public build from my Patreon!
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/exerart

Current Poll Options - None
Here are the references I'll be using for each costume in the current costume poll if it wins. Make sure to check these before voting, to make sure it's the same costume you're thinking of! Also keep in mind that Patreon supporters get more than just one vote! You get more votes the higher tier you are.
Keep in mind, that if the game ends up being popular enough, and I end up putting in more than the initial 25 costumes, I'll be taking the runner up of every poll and be putting them back into a new poll at a later date. So if your favorite doesn't win, there's still a chance to get it in the game!

Currently no poll going on. Since I'm scaling back development time, I'll be starting the next poll, once I'm getting close to the 0.4 release.

Previous Winners
It's a Secret - Felcia Hardy
DC Heroines - Zatanna
Be My Valentine - ????????
Royalty - ????????
????????

Let me know what you think!

[VintageBass]

... You're missing a picture.

[powuivnpeb]

Love the sample artwork! /s

[Felicity]

The image is not appearing

[Exer]

So, some people can see the picture, and some can't? That's pretty weird. I'll try switching the host.

[Rezzbin]

I could not previously see the image in the original post, but Now I can. Just thought i'd post that to let you know there has been some change for the appearance.

[porne]

I could not see it before but now I can (the rain is gone).

[x3Darkie]

Engine -
I've only started working on the art assets, so I haven't decided on an engine yet. I know most games like this are done in Flash, but I'm horrible with Flash, so I won't be doing it there. Right now, I plan on doing it in either TyrannoBuilder or Ren'Py. I've also considered doing it in RPG Maker, because that's what I'm best with, but I really hate the window size limitations. If anyone has a suggestion on an engine, feel free to let me know.

The latest incarnation of RPG Maker, MV, doesn't have a resolution limit. That said, if you did change the resolution size, you would have to work around other problems like tile size, sprite size and such.

[Exer]

Engine -
I've only started working on the art assets, so I haven't decided on an engine yet. I know most games like this are done in Flash, but I'm horrible with Flash, so I won't be doing it there. Right now, I plan on doing it in either TyrannoBuilder or Ren'Py. I've also considered doing it in RPG Maker, because that's what I'm best with, but I really hate the window size limitations. If anyone has a suggestion on an engine, feel free to let me know.

The latest incarnation of RPG Maker, MV, doesn't have a resolution limit. That said, if you did change the resolution size, you would have to work around other problems like tile size, sprite size and such.

Ironically, I chose to use a different engine anyway. I literally just updated the first post. I'm going to be using Tyranno Builder. I've looked into MV though, and I may pick it up and use it for another project later on. I'm just not sure how similar it is to VX, which is what I know how to use, and I don't want to have to completely learn a new engine. It's great to hear that they finally got rid of the resolution limit though. I like to make my own sprites anyway, so that shouldn't be an issue if I pick it up. It'll just be really nice to be able to have artwork not getting stretched and blurred if someone wants to go full screen. That's always bugged me when playing RPG Maker games.

I've also added what is (at least for now) the title screen for the game to the first post. I made it smaller than the game's actual resolution, so that it would fit better here on the boards.

I've actually started making the game now too. I'm working on getting the base game set up first and foremost, then I'll move on to the events, and then lastly the artwork. Once I get all of the variables, events, and artwork for Melanie done, I'll start adding in other outfits. Which won't be too difficult, or take very long for each one. I've got 8 planned outfits, and the rest I want to be decided by polls. Once I start adding in outfits, that's when the polls will start.

[x3Darkie]

Ironically, I chose to use a different engine anyway. I literally just updated the first post. I'm going to be using Tyranno Builder. I've looked into MV though, and I may pick it up and use it for another project later on. I'm just not sure how similar it is to VX, which is what I know how to use, and I don't want to have to completely learn a new engine. It's great to hear that they finally got rid of the resolution limit though. I like to make my own sprites anyway, so that shouldn't be an issue if I pick it up. It'll just be really nice to be able to have artwork not getting stretched and blurred if someone wants to go full screen. That's always bugged me when playing RPG Maker games.

I've also added what is (at least for now) the title screen for the game to the first post. I made it smaller than the game's actual resolution, so that it would fit better here on the boards.

I've actually started making the game now too. I'm working on getting the base game set up first and foremost, then I'll move on to the events, and then lastly the artwork. Once I get all of the variables, events, and artwork for Melanie done, I'll start adding in other outfits. Which won't be too difficult, or take very long for each one. I've got 8 planned outfits, and the rest I want to be decided by polls. Once I start adding in outfits, that's when the polls will start.

It's still very similar to the previous versions. If you know how to use VX/VX ace you'd know how to use MV. MV however, has quite a few improvements made to it, like instead of using RGSS3/Ruby it's now in JavaScript and that no external RTP is needed to run the game. That does mean that the RTP will be included in deployment every time though. But since you've already decided on an engine, I'll just leave it here and stay on topic.

Now as for the artwork, I'm going to give a little critique if you don't mind. As far as aesthetics/style goes, it looks pretty spot on! Looks very much like the DC cartoon shows I watched as a kid. But I find her shoulder to be much too wide compared to her hips. It looks somewhat odd to me. Maybe widen the hips or shorten the shoulders?

[Exer]

Thanks for all the info on MV. I'm definitely going to be using it in the future, and if I can't get Tyranno builder to do what I want, I'll be using that instead.

I definitely don't mind, real critique is always good. I know what you mean, but the broad shoulders are part of the DCAU style, and was intentional. These are the main references I used. The pose itself was modeled after Star Sapphire's. I've got a lot more references on my computer of designwork for various characters, and they're all shaped the same way.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irwp9NQi-Ns/T ... SCHELL.png
http://confused-kitty.com/wp-content/up ... e_ref1.jpg

A lot of people change style's a bit, to make it easier, or because they want it to look better, but I don't want to do that. I'd rather it be as authentic as possible. It's a little late to change though. I've already got a few outfits done, and changing it slightly would mean me going back through and redoing a lot of work.

[x3Darkie]

I see. I didn't realize they always looked they way. I'm more of an anime style guy, so you'll have to forgive me for giving an ill-informed critique. But I'm all for authenticity and staying true to the original, so keep it up!

Is there an estimated date for your first release (prototype or whatever)? It's hard to know what your game is gonna be like without first playing it. And I'm having mixed feelings about this "outfit system." I understand where you're coming from with this mechanic but at the same time, it essentially means that there will only be one character in game. It implies that it only changes her appearance but not her personality and dialogue.

Now I don't wanna sound like a pretentious asshole, but if you ever need any help with MV you can pm me. I'm developing a game in MV and I'm somewhat if not quite proficient at it. Shameless self-advertisement. Go check out my thread.

[Ayeka]

Descryption sounds good, I hope game will be interesting. Goood luck!

[Borkenone]

Nice recreation of the good old B.T art style,
looking forward for the game.

[Exer]

I see. I didn't realize they always looked they way. I'm more of an anime style guy, so you'll have to forgive me for giving an ill-informed critique. But I'm all for authenticity and staying true to the original, so keep it up!

Is there an estimated date for your first release (prototype or whatever)? It's hard to know what your game is gonna be like without first playing it. And I'm having mixed feelings about this "outfit system." I understand where you're coming from with this mechanic but at the same time, it essentially means that there will only be one character in game. It implies that it only changes her appearance but not her personality and dialogue.

Now I don't wanna sound like a pretentious asshole, but if you ever need any help with MV you can pm me. I'm developing a game in MV and I'm somewhat if not quite proficient at it. Shameless self-advertisement. Go check out my thread.

There's no estimated date for a prototype. Since I'm just developing it when I have the time, I don't have a set schedule for when I'm working on it, so I just can't really say. I've only created the prologue so far, and am still working on setting up the basic system. Once the basic system is working, and I have at least one scene done, that's when I'll put it up. I could just put up what I've got, but unless the game at least feels a little bit complete, I feel that it will just be wasting people's time. And also I feel that it would turn people off of the game to play it when it's such an incomplete mess.

The outfits will only change the appearance. That's why I specified them as outfits, instead of entirely new characters. There's going to be more emphasis on the sex scenes, instead of the dating aspect. Because, at least for me, eventually the dialogue in games like this get so repetitive, that it just gets largely ignored anyway. And I'd rather have more variety of appearance, than only have a couple of characters with slightly different dialogue. Since the time spent changing the dialogue for every character would make the game take way longer to make.

Thanks! I'll definitely let you know if I need any help once I pick it up.

[BlueBody]

I loved the Batman Beyond universe! Pity they canceled it.... I will look forward to seeing what you make!

[Exer]

It only took a year and a half, but the prototype build is ready!

The game has changed a lot since it's initial concept, and there's still a lot I'm considering changing. The biggest thing, is that I'm considering changing the art style slightly. It will still look like the DCAU style when it comes to the faces and exaggerated body types, but the bodies will have slightly more realistic curves. The sharp curves are really hard to translate into the scenes without them looking really weird, or making the scenes look way more detailed than the character art. It's also driving me insane only working with two colors. I'm just afraid it wont look anything like the original style if I start messing with it. x_x

Anyway, I hope you guys will check out the prototype, and let me know what you think of the concept. I'm working on a more complete version of a sample build now, and have set aside time specifically for development for at least the next couple of months to help get it out there sooner. The goal is to get the core mechanics done quickly, so that I can put in the costumes and story more quickly.

[ThunderOne]

Cool concept, I'll be checking the progress.

[Firefall]

Heh, recognized the art style before I even scrolled down to read the post, great work there. Looking forward to trying this out.

[Exer]

Just released the first "official" build of the game. Added a lot of stuff and made a chunk of the base mechanics a bit more complete. Still a lot to be added, and I'm planning on the next release having mostly complete base mechanics. So that all that it will really be is adding more and more actual content. Like costumes, scenes, and story.

I'll be updating the first post as soon as I can, but for now, you can get the latest build on my Patreon or through Mega below.
Mega - https://mega.nz/#!Fb5lBTjS!0eJ_IOnR1z_T ... Tm8ofP3ALQ
Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/perfect-ten-v0-1-14035333