WEEKLY UPDATE!! 2/5/23


My goal this week was to check the biggest task off my Steam storefront's page. A trailer for the game is one of the requirements Steam demands. So, this week I buckled down, downloaded some editing software, looked up tutorials, and got down to editing.

I just finished a little while ago and I'd like to hear what you think of it. Trying to summarize the game in about a minute is pretty tough, but I think I was able to show what makes the game appealing in that timeframe.  Next week I'll share with you some new art, but for now I hope you'll appreciate the effort I put into this brief trailer.

Until next week everyone!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VAv70rqBy4Dn1WNooxhhXd2qvCVg1pqc/view?usp=share...

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(2 edits) (+1)

Greetings! Hmm, I had a quick look over the trailer: It is hard to summarize the entire game in less than 120 seconds. And it's "okay" for a trailer, but super nice for your "first" trailer - if you know what I mean ^-^

I would suggest you also include some visual context to the breadth of the game - cuz this was the surprising aspect for me. Yes, I came for the artwork and the overall flair (pun intended XP), but I stayed for the story and the gameplay depth.

On to constructive feedback: I would absolutely include a short section where we see the 13+ side-quests, for example Mila entering the Hallway and picking one of the first Quests. I would also mention the included guide (which is a frakkin' 100+ pages long EPIC and is absolutely essential if you're low on time and just want to see stuff... erm... pictures *fumbles with imaginary tie*). 

And you should also show the first vampire story chapter logo - as some mysterious hint that there are TWO campaigns, it's visual "proof" you know - and it intrigues.

Lastly, we never really see the actual game. Battle-sequences, yes, dialog, sure - but not really what players will be doing arguably 50% of their time. This doesn't vibe with me personally, cuz this was my primary surprise when I first saw CV. Maybe include (short, precise) footage of what happens when the player equips one of the cursed garnets? Reveal a bit more in the trailer, it's not counter-productive in my opinion.

Granted - it is, on first glance, like any other RPGM game out there. But fairly quickly into the game you realize this ain't the case here, it's not representative of what you actually achieved: Rewiring my brain to associate all RPGM sounds, fx, sprites and tiles with Crimson Veil - and not some soulless run-of-the-mill game. Just because CV gives them meaning, makes them worthwhile. You created so many atmospheric scenes, like the forest maps (which come to mind), where everything comes together - try to incorporate some actual gameplay footage into this and proudly call it a real game with substance. This is not just a titty show, even for the superficial players. 

Another possible avenue you could explore, if you are willing to depart a bit from the vanilla trailer format, would be a character/story highlight trailer of sorts. Less is more here, because I still think you get players on steam more with substance and gameplay than JUST your portraits and YOUR hard work, y'know? You could just set up a premise, show some story aspects, maybe even introduce mystery characters (like Ashe) or focus on "we are Noctorna HQ" - character shots - "this is the legacy of this and that character - Will you be able to resist Milas dark desire?" ... something along those lines. Ok, maybe not that specific line ^-^ but this is what would be a more "complete" trailer in my book.

Last thing - I'm not bashing on your work! I love the game, haven't bought it yet (I know I know...), but I truly think CV is different than so many games in this genre. It CAN stand on its own - it has content far deeper than most games. Cuz this Is not just a gallery game, it actually requires you to play and have some fun, evoking a (literal) Link to the Past for many =)

Thx for coming to my TED talk. Have a great week & Bis demnächst ^-^'

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Thank you! Its pretty hard to convey what makes the game unique in such a short timeframe. The trailer itself is essentially a pitch to a potential player. You can’t exactly advertise how enticing your story is without coming off as pretentious, plus everyone’s tastes are different. While I would love to add in more of the overworld exploration (I originally added a scene of getting the first contract), it didn’t flow well and felt out of place with the rest of the trailer. I’m also not sure if I would mention the fact that there’s a walkthrough in the trailer, however, there is a link to a pdf of it on the page.

However, you have given me an idea of making other trailers that focus on other aspects of the game. Now that I’ve gotten my feet wet with editing, it would be refreshing to work on a project for the game outside drawing, writing, and scripting scenes. I’d like to make another trailer which focuses more on the RPG gameplay side of it.

It’s crazy to me that you associate RPG Maker default sounds with my game! I often feel the same when I see gameplay from other games, but that’s only because I have spent hundreds of hours listening to the sounds over and over again. Still, that’s high praise, so I’m glad I was able to achieve that!

I'm glad you could use some feedback from the post!
Maybe your audio design just clicked with me specifically - I like to hear "repetitive" sounds in games for things that "fit" that sound. Most Indy game devs are just learning where to put certain fx and/or music - but more often than not (from my experience) it varies from scene to scene or it doesn't really vibe with the sound in that particular use case. Your areas are distinct, spells have certain fx - and actions as well. It creates a consistent atmosphere, animations/sounds/whatever don't just change without cause. For me It just works, it fits and all these sounds combined make up a more or less unique soundscape of CV - within the limits of using royalty-free material ofc. But yeah, maybe it is just me, if it sounds so outlandish to you =)

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No, its not outlandish at all. It was very much taken as a compliment.

Yes good trailer. One thing is that perhaps you need more than the one music track when it's showing the combat. Doesn't really match the action if you see what I mean

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I get it. I was going for more of a “creeping darkness” vibe than an action packed one.

(1 edit) (+1)

Hi! Good work with the trailer. <3

Maybe I felt like it was a little bit quick beacuse you tried to put a lot of scenes on it to reflect the whole game (except the climax obviously xD)

You can maybe think the main features of the game and put a little text with a quick example in-game.

Like: "Face the creatures of the night" (picture fighting a vampire)

"Or turn yourself into one" (bad ending picture)

"Help Mila to discover the secrets of her past" (picture of a malisphere or some character hidden)

And then fill the rest with effects, pictures and fireworks xD

Also I would like to hear The Apex song in the trailer or maybe the Castle Entrance, that one are the best of the game soundtrack.

Hope the ideas be helpful and again great work n.n