Hey! I've just released a party based graphical roguelike for OSX and iOS. What does that mean? Kind of like a cross between nethack, Ultima 6, and Final Fantasy Tactics. It's available for free on OSX and "support indie games" ware on the App Store. The game is only in it's first stages and will improve significantly in the next few months, but I think it's really fun right now. You can download the game or watch the trailer at http://www.mysteriouscastle.com Here's a screenshot from the Mac OSX version. Mysterious Castle Jeremy Jurksztowicz A minimal touch interface controls a party in a turn-based adventure set in a procedurally generated open world filled w… $9.99 Buy Now Watch Media DetailsA minimal touch interface controls a party in a turn-based adventure set in a procedurally generated open world filled with monsters and treasure. Play in your browser at https://www.mysterious-castle.com - Control 1-4 characters as they explore and engage in tactical turn based combat with enemy parties of monsters in a labyrinthine open world. - Procedurally generated world plus varied monsters and items makes for endless playability. - Use combat techniques, spells, bows, wands, staffs, potions, sneak-attacks, and more to dispatch monsters and make your way to the bottom of the network of dungeons that dot the forest. Information Seller:Jeremy Jurksztowicz Genre:Role Playing, Strategy Release:Sep 21, 2011 Updated:Jul 11, 2024 Version:1.62.1 Size:169.3 MB TouchArcade Rating:Unrated User Rating: (8) Your Rating:unrated Compatibility:HD Universal magihiro Well-Known Member Mar 26, 2009 824 0 0 #2 magihiro, Sep 22, 2011 just tried the OSX version, and adore it. Purchasing. Can't go wrong with a roguelike, especially a clever one like this. eclectocrat Active Member Mar 13, 2011 35 0 6 #3 eclectocrat, Sep 22, 2011 Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it! I don't know if the App Store version has cleared yet, but it should be done within a few hours. I'd also like to point out that the game you're buying now is going to be much better in a few months, because I'm committed to improving and growing it! Please feel free to comment or make suggestions at the homepage. DaviddesJ Well-Known Member Patreon Bronze May 19, 2010 2,493 14 38 Burlingame CA #4 DaviddesJ, Sep 22, 2011 Can you briefly summarize the differences between MacOS and iOS versions? Is the gameplay exactly the same, the only difference is the interface? Can you view a larger area of the map in MacOS, using a larger window? eclectocrat Active Member Mar 13, 2011 35 0 6 #5 eclectocrat, Sep 22, 2011 Yeah, sure. The Mac version lets you select the level size from 130x130 - 250x250, while the iOS version is always at 150x150. I found that 150x150 is a pretty good size as you get just enough treasure to face the boss in an epic confrontation. Nevertheless, this will likely change as I improve the memory usage. The Mac version is at 720x480 widescreen while the iOS version is 320x480 QVGA. Not much I can do about that without making the graphics too small to recognize. You can use a two finger drag to scroll the view and see more of the world (two finger tap to center on party leader). Other than that, the game is exactly the same. Thanks for your interest. jonnycache Well-Known Member May 14, 2011 154 0 0 #6 jonnycache, Sep 22, 2011 Any chance of an iPad version in the future? strivemind Well-Known Member Aug 11, 2010 2,784 2 38 Designer Ottawa, Canada http://www.strivemind.com/ #7 strivemind, Sep 22, 2011 Last edited: Sep 22, 2011 Video from the PC/Mac/Linux version. What I'm wondering, is that the official site says the iPhone version is for 4th gen... any news whether it works on any previous generations? drelbs Well-Known Member Jun 25, 2009 11,201 7 38 #8 drelbs, Sep 22, 2011 OUCH! I hit the Buy App button so hard I hurt my finger. Anotherkellydown likes this. eclectocrat Active Member Mar 13, 2011 35 0 6 #9 eclectocrat, Sep 22, 2011 YES! I don't recommend this version for iPads because the resolution is kind of absurd for such a big screen. I'll find someone with an iPad to let me test on it and then it's game ON. I can't honestly say. I don't think it would play well on older systems because of it's pretty high memory usage. If you would be willing to test it out for me and give me feedback I could give you a promo code for a free copy. PM me your details. Thanks! Ravenblack Well-Known Member Feb 24, 2009 1,755 0 0 Singapore #10 Ravenblack, Sep 22, 2011 Last edited: Sep 22, 2011 It's very promising but it seems unfinished. I played around with it for the past hour or so. One is taken straight to making a new game after the front screen loads. It's pretty easy to figure out how to move around, just tap on the spot you want to move to and the party follows. When there's an enemy encounter, each party member takes turns on making moves. There's a nice variety of options depending on the character. Dead enemies yield a good load of loot. I picked up the items but I'm not sure if they are auto-equiped? Where's the inventory screen? Were the characters picking mushrooms and fruits as they were walking? It's a bit too fast to see what that was. And I'm not sure what happens to the things they pick up. Because again, I'm wondering about the inventory. At this point, I wish there was a tutorial. I don't know how to access the characters stats or inventory screens if there is one. Then I came here watched the video Strive posted and finally figured out you are supposed to slide your finger across the screen left or right to access additional screens (inventory, slide from right to left) OH! In fact, the playing screen is as is, with no way to exit to front screen and start a new game if you want. (Not that I can see?) There are three save slots -- but when I quit the game entirely (close it off the task tray and all) and restart, my game in progress is gone, it's not saved and the only thing I see is three slots for "New Game" So I'm really puzzled -- shouldn't there be a way to save the game, if it doesn't autosave, so I can continue? Or do I have start a new game whenever I quit the game entirely and restart it? The map grid -- no problems when moving around, but when it comes to battles, I really wish I could zoom in, as monster and party are all bunched up together it made selecting them somewhat frustrating. Graphics -- classic rogue-likes' pixel graphics; it is like Ultima and I like that very much. Sound -- basic but pretty good, after all some of these type of games usually don't feature much sound. Random map generated very time -- love that. I think the map is beautiful. But then again, I love this sort of graphics, so I'm bias. Gameplay -- it looks like it could be fun and challenging, with varied tactical options but the interface is frustrating to figure out. @Eclectocrat: I really want to enjoy this, but there's a lot of things with regards to interface that is missing. You need to give new players clues as to where the different screens are and how to access them. So I think you need a FAQ or a intro help screen ("How to Play"). JCat Well-Known Member Mar 11, 2009 515 0 0 CEO E-Commerce NY #11 JCat, Sep 22, 2011 Just saw this on appshopper and came here, figuring there'd be a topic already as there are a lot of rogue-like fans here. Going to be picking this up, but man, how is there not an iPad version for this type of game?? Ravenblack Well-Known Member Feb 24, 2009 1,755 0 0 Singapore #12 Ravenblack, Sep 23, 2011 Last edited: Sep 23, 2011 This is not too bad at all on the iPad in 2X screen mode. With the grids and everything enlarged, the text becomes easier on the eyes and easier to select objects on the screen as well. I would for the moment recommend playing this on the ipad rather that iphone because of this. Have to add: I really appreciate the background sounds, playing it loud on the ipad -- crickets, owls and the music is awesome too. The inventory screen : reveals various character stats and also the things in your inventory. Tapping on them, you get a text on what they are and what you can do with them. eclectocrat Active Member Mar 13, 2011 35 0 6 #13 eclectocrat, Sep 23, 2011 I'll be the first to admit that it is unfinished. The game is going to receive lots of love and attention from me and get better and better. Slide from top to bottom . I now realize that I desperately need a tutorial because the game interface is very non standard. All the peripheral screens are geometrically adjacent to the play screen, on the left, right, top or bottom, and are accessed by sliding them into/out of position. Zoom eh? I honestly never thought about that (I guess I have small fingers). I'll look into it. @Ravenblack: Thanks a lot for your feedback, it'll help me make the game better. In the meanwhile you might find some more (too much?) info at www.mysteriouscastle.com/playerguide. Ravenblack Well-Known Member Feb 24, 2009 1,755 0 0 Singapore #14 Ravenblack, Sep 23, 2011 Thanks for the link, Eclectocrat. That does help some. Very glad to hear you will continue to improve the game. All the best! Ravenblack Well-Known Member Feb 24, 2009 1,755 0 0 Singapore #15 Ravenblack, Sep 23, 2011 Last edited: Sep 23, 2011 Moving too quickly can be lethal in this game. With the knowledge of where the windows/menus are, and how the game plays, this game seems truly awesome in tactical depth. Love the concept of collecting mushrooms and being able to set what spells to cast. Here's a short account of how one of my first battles went: A party of three -- a Half Ogre, a Dwarf Warrior and an Elf Ranger set out into the forest. It was pleasant night to go hiking (apparently not too dark), mushrooms and berries (HP healing) were picked. Just as one was about to wonder about how the day would go, we came upon a clearing and were set upon by kobolds. Elf Ranger let fly a hail of arrows, while the Half Ogre hacked away and the Dwarf warrior made a spun attack, yet dealing little damage it seems. (Everyone's a newbie still afterall) Elf Ranger casts Flash to blind the bandits, and the warriors were finally landing some blows. Out of sight, a nimble Kobold was snipping at the Half Ogre Hero and so he had to retreat. Elf Ranger cast bolt killing one of the kobolds. They thought they had better retreat, as another kobold appears -- who knows how many are beyond the line of sight? Half Ogre hides and eats some berries to recover a little HP. He had an apple in his pack but was unable to have that (option to eat unavailable; I guess one has no time to eat apples when in battle. ) Elf Ranger found high ground and bravely casts more bolts, and then started shooting arrows. Dwarf held them off while he retreated. It seemed that the Elf was the greater hero of them that night, hitting them with arrows as they backed away from the clearing. A nimble kobold was still sniping from the shadows. Elf Ranger spots him with Vision, and they decided to go after him. No more other kobolds were coming it seems. Nimble Kobold was finally surrounded and the exhausted warriors finished him off. Finally, they were able to sit down and have their apples. They had picked up some loot off the dead kobolds, and are overall feeling confident that they are now better equipped too. MunkieSuthorn Well-Known Member Jun 11, 2009 364 3 18 IT Manager Connecticut, USA #16 MunkieSuthorn, Sep 23, 2011 Can you level up your characters? Is it one map at a time, or a campaign? Can you pick Class/Race, or are they prefab characters? Can I name my characters? I feel a lot of those questions above get you in to buying in to your characters and the game. Thanks, Munkie! eclectocrat Active Member Mar 13, 2011 35 0 6 #17 eclectocrat, Sep 23, 2011 Not in the traditional sense. You find books throughout the game and can study them to increase your strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, attack and magic power. One map is generated and that's the whole world right now. At this point in time the game is basically "kill things and get more powerful" with a tiny bit of dialog/story thrown in. Basic roguelike fare. As I continue to work on the game it will gain more and more of a true RPG feel. You can make your own characters. The game starts with 5 prefab characters, just double tap the X in the top right corner of their icon to delete them and create a new character. Not yet Like I mentioned above, I'm not advertising this as a true RPG, because it's basically a tactical combat game with exploration elements at this time. It'll become more well rounded as development progresses. Thanks for your interest! @Ravenblack: Nice battle! Early on in the game, proper use of magic is really important. As you find books and weapons, your fighters will become more self sufficient. Also, don't get discouraged! The game is pretty darn hard and you're likely to die, but as you play along you'll figure out some reliable tactics. PS. If you see a demon, RUN. djflippy Well-Known Member Mar 9, 2009 4,441 0 36 #18 djflippy, Sep 23, 2011 Last edited: Sep 23, 2011 Game Impressions This is quickly becoming one of my favorite Roguelikes. The interface is excellent, although as has been noted, discoverability is an issue. Everything is quickly accessible using the UI blades; very clever. The varied terrain height adds a nice dose of tactical thinking, which is where the comparison to FF Tactics originates. Love the inside jokes. The graphics are one of the high points, playing pixel-doubled on an iPad 2. Fog of war is perfect. I was so thrilled when I found the village and obtain some quests! There is one extremely innovative element of this game, which I won't spoil for others, but let's just say I look fabulous in my rainbow robe... This is really a top-notch effort and the fact that it is getting continued support bodes very well for its future. I'm blown away. Excellent work, eclectocrat! strivemind Well-Known Member Aug 11, 2010 2,784 2 38 Designer Ottawa, Canada http://www.strivemind.com/ #19 strivemind, Sep 23, 2011 Last edited: Sep 23, 2011 Playing it on a 3GS. So far so good. I'm not very far yet, but so far the game is running smoothly, and has yet to crash. The random level generation takes some time, but went through without error. I've found the controls to be a little frustrating, mainly when it comes to the accuracy selecting tiles. Your finger is also directly on top of the selection, making for easy mistakes. I don't have any solid gameplay impressions yet. Haven't played it enough. Edit: Putting your device to sleep results in a crash and loss of save data. GameOver Active Member Jul 28, 2011 43 0 0 #20 GameOver, Sep 23, 2011 downloading, the only thing left is a MAC, (You must log in or sign up to post here.) Show Ignored Content Page 1 of 9 1 ← 2 3 4 5 6 → 9 Next > Share This Page Tweet Your name or email address: Password: Forgot your password? Stay logged in
just tried the OSX version, and adore it. Purchasing. Can't go wrong with a roguelike, especially a clever one like this.
Thanks a lot! I really appreciate it! I don't know if the App Store version has cleared yet, but it should be done within a few hours. I'd also like to point out that the game you're buying now is going to be much better in a few months, because I'm committed to improving and growing it! Please feel free to comment or make suggestions at the homepage.
Can you briefly summarize the differences between MacOS and iOS versions? Is the gameplay exactly the same, the only difference is the interface? Can you view a larger area of the map in MacOS, using a larger window?
Yeah, sure. The Mac version lets you select the level size from 130x130 - 250x250, while the iOS version is always at 150x150. I found that 150x150 is a pretty good size as you get just enough treasure to face the boss in an epic confrontation. Nevertheless, this will likely change as I improve the memory usage. The Mac version is at 720x480 widescreen while the iOS version is 320x480 QVGA. Not much I can do about that without making the graphics too small to recognize. You can use a two finger drag to scroll the view and see more of the world (two finger tap to center on party leader). Other than that, the game is exactly the same. Thanks for your interest.
Video from the PC/Mac/Linux version. What I'm wondering, is that the official site says the iPhone version is for 4th gen... any news whether it works on any previous generations?
YES! I don't recommend this version for iPads because the resolution is kind of absurd for such a big screen. I'll find someone with an iPad to let me test on it and then it's game ON. I can't honestly say. I don't think it would play well on older systems because of it's pretty high memory usage. If you would be willing to test it out for me and give me feedback I could give you a promo code for a free copy. PM me your details. Thanks!
It's very promising but it seems unfinished. I played around with it for the past hour or so. One is taken straight to making a new game after the front screen loads. It's pretty easy to figure out how to move around, just tap on the spot you want to move to and the party follows. When there's an enemy encounter, each party member takes turns on making moves. There's a nice variety of options depending on the character. Dead enemies yield a good load of loot. I picked up the items but I'm not sure if they are auto-equiped? Where's the inventory screen? Were the characters picking mushrooms and fruits as they were walking? It's a bit too fast to see what that was. And I'm not sure what happens to the things they pick up. Because again, I'm wondering about the inventory. At this point, I wish there was a tutorial. I don't know how to access the characters stats or inventory screens if there is one. Then I came here watched the video Strive posted and finally figured out you are supposed to slide your finger across the screen left or right to access additional screens (inventory, slide from right to left) OH! In fact, the playing screen is as is, with no way to exit to front screen and start a new game if you want. (Not that I can see?) There are three save slots -- but when I quit the game entirely (close it off the task tray and all) and restart, my game in progress is gone, it's not saved and the only thing I see is three slots for "New Game" So I'm really puzzled -- shouldn't there be a way to save the game, if it doesn't autosave, so I can continue? Or do I have start a new game whenever I quit the game entirely and restart it? The map grid -- no problems when moving around, but when it comes to battles, I really wish I could zoom in, as monster and party are all bunched up together it made selecting them somewhat frustrating. Graphics -- classic rogue-likes' pixel graphics; it is like Ultima and I like that very much. Sound -- basic but pretty good, after all some of these type of games usually don't feature much sound. Random map generated very time -- love that. I think the map is beautiful. But then again, I love this sort of graphics, so I'm bias. Gameplay -- it looks like it could be fun and challenging, with varied tactical options but the interface is frustrating to figure out. @Eclectocrat: I really want to enjoy this, but there's a lot of things with regards to interface that is missing. You need to give new players clues as to where the different screens are and how to access them. So I think you need a FAQ or a intro help screen ("How to Play").
Just saw this on appshopper and came here, figuring there'd be a topic already as there are a lot of rogue-like fans here. Going to be picking this up, but man, how is there not an iPad version for this type of game??
This is not too bad at all on the iPad in 2X screen mode. With the grids and everything enlarged, the text becomes easier on the eyes and easier to select objects on the screen as well. I would for the moment recommend playing this on the ipad rather that iphone because of this. Have to add: I really appreciate the background sounds, playing it loud on the ipad -- crickets, owls and the music is awesome too. The inventory screen : reveals various character stats and also the things in your inventory. Tapping on them, you get a text on what they are and what you can do with them.
I'll be the first to admit that it is unfinished. The game is going to receive lots of love and attention from me and get better and better. Slide from top to bottom . I now realize that I desperately need a tutorial because the game interface is very non standard. All the peripheral screens are geometrically adjacent to the play screen, on the left, right, top or bottom, and are accessed by sliding them into/out of position. Zoom eh? I honestly never thought about that (I guess I have small fingers). I'll look into it. @Ravenblack: Thanks a lot for your feedback, it'll help me make the game better. In the meanwhile you might find some more (too much?) info at www.mysteriouscastle.com/playerguide.
Thanks for the link, Eclectocrat. That does help some. Very glad to hear you will continue to improve the game. All the best!
Moving too quickly can be lethal in this game. With the knowledge of where the windows/menus are, and how the game plays, this game seems truly awesome in tactical depth. Love the concept of collecting mushrooms and being able to set what spells to cast. Here's a short account of how one of my first battles went: A party of three -- a Half Ogre, a Dwarf Warrior and an Elf Ranger set out into the forest. It was pleasant night to go hiking (apparently not too dark), mushrooms and berries (HP healing) were picked. Just as one was about to wonder about how the day would go, we came upon a clearing and were set upon by kobolds. Elf Ranger let fly a hail of arrows, while the Half Ogre hacked away and the Dwarf warrior made a spun attack, yet dealing little damage it seems. (Everyone's a newbie still afterall) Elf Ranger casts Flash to blind the bandits, and the warriors were finally landing some blows. Out of sight, a nimble Kobold was snipping at the Half Ogre Hero and so he had to retreat. Elf Ranger cast bolt killing one of the kobolds. They thought they had better retreat, as another kobold appears -- who knows how many are beyond the line of sight? Half Ogre hides and eats some berries to recover a little HP. He had an apple in his pack but was unable to have that (option to eat unavailable; I guess one has no time to eat apples when in battle. ) Elf Ranger found high ground and bravely casts more bolts, and then started shooting arrows. Dwarf held them off while he retreated. It seemed that the Elf was the greater hero of them that night, hitting them with arrows as they backed away from the clearing. A nimble kobold was still sniping from the shadows. Elf Ranger spots him with Vision, and they decided to go after him. No more other kobolds were coming it seems. Nimble Kobold was finally surrounded and the exhausted warriors finished him off. Finally, they were able to sit down and have their apples. They had picked up some loot off the dead kobolds, and are overall feeling confident that they are now better equipped too.
Can you level up your characters? Is it one map at a time, or a campaign? Can you pick Class/Race, or are they prefab characters? Can I name my characters? I feel a lot of those questions above get you in to buying in to your characters and the game. Thanks, Munkie!
Not in the traditional sense. You find books throughout the game and can study them to increase your strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, attack and magic power. One map is generated and that's the whole world right now. At this point in time the game is basically "kill things and get more powerful" with a tiny bit of dialog/story thrown in. Basic roguelike fare. As I continue to work on the game it will gain more and more of a true RPG feel. You can make your own characters. The game starts with 5 prefab characters, just double tap the X in the top right corner of their icon to delete them and create a new character. Not yet Like I mentioned above, I'm not advertising this as a true RPG, because it's basically a tactical combat game with exploration elements at this time. It'll become more well rounded as development progresses. Thanks for your interest! @Ravenblack: Nice battle! Early on in the game, proper use of magic is really important. As you find books and weapons, your fighters will become more self sufficient. Also, don't get discouraged! The game is pretty darn hard and you're likely to die, but as you play along you'll figure out some reliable tactics. PS. If you see a demon, RUN.
Game Impressions This is quickly becoming one of my favorite Roguelikes. The interface is excellent, although as has been noted, discoverability is an issue. Everything is quickly accessible using the UI blades; very clever. The varied terrain height adds a nice dose of tactical thinking, which is where the comparison to FF Tactics originates. Love the inside jokes. The graphics are one of the high points, playing pixel-doubled on an iPad 2. Fog of war is perfect. I was so thrilled when I found the village and obtain some quests! There is one extremely innovative element of this game, which I won't spoil for others, but let's just say I look fabulous in my rainbow robe... This is really a top-notch effort and the fact that it is getting continued support bodes very well for its future. I'm blown away. Excellent work, eclectocrat!
Playing it on a 3GS. So far so good. I'm not very far yet, but so far the game is running smoothly, and has yet to crash. The random level generation takes some time, but went through without error. I've found the controls to be a little frustrating, mainly when it comes to the accuracy selecting tiles. Your finger is also directly on top of the selection, making for easy mistakes. I don't have any solid gameplay impressions yet. Haven't played it enough. Edit: Putting your device to sleep results in a crash and loss of save data.
