So I have a working prototype for my entry in the 5^th YoYo Games competition. I also have graphics for it on the way. So I may as well share a brief overview.

The game is called Monster Arena, and going by the name it’s just that, an arena where monsters fight. You pick a monster after the game starts and you can get it to fight against other monsters ( All PC controlled ). I have the basis for fights working, and it kinda plays like an older RPG ( well for battling anyway ). Of course you gain experience from victories, which gets you new levels and skills. The current idea is to have a level cap of 50, will include up to about 50 different monster challenges to complete ( including bosses ).

If all goes to plan, screenshots will be available sometime soon.

So there have been no updates on here for quite awhile, so I guess I should add one then!

Shadow’s Flame is pretty much on hold for now, but I’m currently working on an entry for YoYo Games fifth game maker competition.

Hoping it will prove to be an interesting entry, core engine elements are complete with just a few more things required before it’s in a playable condition.

I’m not ready to release any actual details about it yet, but hopefully a few people will like it =)

Development on the next version is underway and will include -

World Map –

Player Movement - The player can now move all relative spaces at once.
Enemy Movement - Enemy movement has also been improved.
Camera - The camera will now follow the mouse at a better rate.
User Interface - Several improvements are planned for the user interface, including a new look.

Inventory –

User Interface - This includes a new layout and being able to use a scroll bar to go through your items.

Other –

Additional spells
Additional items
Improved platform mechanics

These are to name just a few, as development continues updates will be posted.

The latest version of Shadow’s Flame has been released.

To check it out visit the GMC topic - Shadow’s Flame GMC Topic

Download -
Mirror One
Mirror Two
YoYo Games

List of Changes - Version 0.3c:-

* The game will now freeze when it losses focus.
* When in a menu, the game will now warn you before it exits when you press Escape.
* Fixed an error with showing damage you deal to multiple enemies.
* Several graphic improvements have been made.
* You can now move up to 6 spaces in a turn instead of 3 movement phases.
* Enemies that move more than one space can no longer sometimes move over mountains.
* You can no longer access and use items in the inventory while in battle.
* Added the new Combat Inventory which allows you to use up to 4 items in a battle.
* Added a new Main Menu.
* Added variable jumping, holding down the jump key for longer will allow you to jump higher.
* Added a basic world map tutorial.
* Adjusted the gold cost of multiple items.
* Added more items.
* Ice shards has had its mechanics changed.
* The player now has animated movement.
* Added Enhancement items known as Charms which you equip to boost stats and damage.
* Added a new spell - Lightning Orb
* Added a new spell - Flame Wave
* When you kill an enemy text will appear above the player showing how many experience points were earned.
* You can now set the players name when starting a new game - the name can be randomized.
* You can now save and load games.
* Added Mana Shrines on longer levels that can restore up to 40% of your maximum mana over time.
* Added the basis for Arena Challenges
* Added the Tower of Hu.
* While in combat, when you press escape the pause menu will appear instead of a quit game confirmation.

A list of upcoming and already implemented changes has been added to the site and can be viewed from the following link -

Shadow’s Flame Changes Log

Development for the next version of Shadow’s Flame is still in the works and is getting close to release.

New stuff includes -

Player naming and save/load functions
Additional items and spells
The combat inventory
Enhancement items - Charms
Several graphic improvements
World map tutorial
Other various changes

A list of all changes will be posted with the new version.

New Screenshot -

Below is a quick screenshot of the new world map.

As per the previous post, the next version includes some new graphics as well as other general improvements.

Some other improvements include -

Animated Player movement and variable jumping

World Map tutorial - When you first open the game and appear on the world map you can run though a quick tutorial on how to move around on the world map.

Enhancement Slots - Improve your character with small charms that can boost stats and damage, you can have up to 3 being used at any one time.

The new version is well under way and will include -

Combat Inventory - Allows you to set up to 4 items which can be used at any time during combat, each item can be used once per battle.

Improved Player Movement - Instead of there being movement phases, it has been changed to number of spaces, currently you can move up to 6 spaces in a single turn. You can also no longer jump over enemies blocking a path.

Error fixes - This includes enemy movement, damage numbers displaying correctly, all changes will be listed in the latest version notes once they’re available.

Graphic Improvements - Details and screenshots to come soon.

A new version of Shadow’s Flame has been released, changes include -

* Added a more traditional inventory system, with the progressive one as a secondary overview.
* Items important to the story or those that are required as keys can no longer be sold and appear in yellow text in the inventory.
* Some items now have descriptions.
* Some items now have use effects.
* When you find an item after defeating an enemy and have the maximum of 99 already, you will recieve gold equal to half its sell price.
* Item tool tips can now be now shown, by placing your cursor over item icons after a battle, or when viewing items in the shop.
* Added a new “Buff” system. These are temporary boosts that increase your health, mana, damage or defense for a certain number of battles.
* Added a second spell called “Ice Shards”, which can be purchased from the Desert Town for 5,000 gold.
* You can now use W,A and D to move as well as the arrow keys.
* Spells now show cooldown timers when used in battle ( See spells for cooldown times ).
* You can now access the inventory while in combat by pressing the i key.

Download Details -
YoYo Games Page
GMC Topic

New Screenshots -

A new version of Shadow’s Flame has been released.

Link - http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?showtopic=429127

Changes include -

* Improved Player and Enemy movement (you can no longer lead enemies into the water).
* Damage done to the player and monsters is now shown.
* Improved World Map - Graphically.
* An additional town has been added to the desert area.
* More land is now accessible.
* Improved Shop system overall.

You can view all these and more by pressing F1 in game.

New Screenshot –