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Story Paths, Relationships, New Rewards, and More

Update #5 · Oct 28, 2012 · 10 comments

Story Paths and Relationships in Hero-U

There are a lot of "black and white" games out there. They give the players two paths – good or evil, etc. That's an improvement over making the player sit through a linear, non-branching story.

But we can do better. Yes/No, Either/Or, Binary pathing is so last century! It's also not the way life works.

Quest for Glory broke the mold of D&D-style games by eliminating experience levels. Instead, players gradually improved each of their skills through practice. In Hero-U, we are doing the same thing for character relationships. All of your actions during the game will affect how others see you, and how they react in turn.

No two players are likely to see the exact same story in Hero-U. Each player will forge their own relationships, and choose where to spend their time. The subtle connection between these decisions will affect many aspects of game play.

This won't as simple as "You're a Thief" or "You're a Rogue Hero." The game – like real life – will be much more complex and layered. Shades of grey mean something in Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption.

Let's say for instance you've been friendly to one of the other students. Maybe that student saw you in the hallway after curfew, but she'll keep quiet about it. Or maybe she'll mention a useful book in the library. If things work out, maybe you can develop a romantic relationship.

Of course, the opposite is true too. Maybe someone else is jealous of that budding relationship, and decides to make you look bad. There are a lot of ways for a Rogue to find revenge. Maybe one of your teachers will stand up for you, or maybe everyone will hang you out to dry. Everything you do in the game will affect someone's attitude towards you, positively, negatively, or sideways. That would be the case when a plot element hinges on your actions, and a character decides you might be useful to them... or not.

The people who write walkthroughs for games are going to have a hard time with Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption. The players, on the other hand, may find themselves playing the game over and over, trying to see what changes when they take a different attitude. The developers will need to develop some automated tests to check out all the options.

New Interviews - Talking It Up

Lori talked to Girl Gamer last week. Their interview is live at http://www.girlgamer.com/zine/article/2296/.

We did a "Matt Chat" with Matt Barton of www.ArmchairArcade.com. We hope to see it appear soon.

Pixels for Breakfast in Australia interviewed us. They plan to do a series of updates about the game as we develop it.

We're doing two phone interviews on Tuesday, and have three more email interviews in the pipeline.

If you see a media site that hasn't yet covered Hero-U, suggest they contact us.

Spooky New Support Options

Check out our new Halloween-special reward tiers:

  • $65 Beta Tau Initiate: Join the fraternity or sorority with access to the Beta and Combat Balance tests. Help us make Hero-U the way you want it.
  • $125 Frat Rat: A big enhancement to the $75 physical boxed game tier. You will get your very own Toy Meep to help you get into the game.
  • NOTE: Every physical tier above $125 will also get the toy meep. We know you want one, and we won't make you downgrade to get it! :-)
  • $175 Exchange Student: By popular request, an enhanced ALL-DIGITAL tier designed particularly for our international backers and anyone who just wants digital rewards. You get INSIDER ACCESS to the game development, plus digital keys to the entire Quest for Glory series, MacGuffin's Curse, and Jolly Rover. Watch, learn, and contribute to the game development.
  • $2,000 Art Lover: This is something totally special and unique. We've been offered access to a very small number of the original paintings used to create Quest for Glory 3 and 4. Because we have so few, and we have to pay for them, we have to make this a high-tier reward for very dedicated fans. This is your chance to own a piece of gaming history. You will also get all of the rewards associated with the $1,050 Doctor of Fine Arts tier.

Forward Progress

In other news, we are committing to the "Kick It Forward" program. Brian Fargo of InXile, developers of the Kickstarter-funded Wasteland 2 project, started this initiative to ensure the future of gaming on Kickstarter. We wholeheartedly support this initiative, and believe it is the responsibility of successfully-funded games to Kick It Forward.

Here's how the program works - ZERO of the funds you contribute to our Kickstarter campaign will be used - those are COMPLETELY allocating to funding Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption. When we complete and ship the game, we will regularly take 5% of the net revenues from game sales and commit them to other Kickstarter projects. Lori and I intend to pick projects that we believe promote heroism and/or quality games that are more about story and characters than violence. Again, this will NOT come out of your contributions - Kicking It Forward revenues are from new sales of the game after we launch it. Visit http://kickingitforward.org/ to learn more about the initiative and other projects that have committed to kick some of their profits forward.

More Testimonials

Thank you all for your kind words, support, and sharing the Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption project with your friends.  By all working together, we can turn this dream into an amazing reality.  Here are a few comments from our backers:

Ken Williams (founder and former CEO of Sierra On-Line): Corey and Lori, Congratulations!!!! It is awesome to see you back doing games. It feels almost like Sierra is somewhat living on; with you doing this, Scott and Mark doing a game, Jane Jensen working on a game, and even Al Lowe back working on a game. I'm still horrified by how Sierra died after the company was sold. This recent rebirth via Kickstart, and the fan support it has received, is amazing. I hope you get funded, and build something incredible!

Stefan Brauner: QFG was an eye opener to me on countless levels. First RPG ever, first taste of middle-eastern culture(which I grew to love!!!) and since I'm from Germany a terrific tool to improve one's English skills. I really hope this will succeed as the Coles had such a huge impact on my attitude towards other cultures giving me faith that other generations nowadays may benefit by the educational potential of a similar game even greater. The spirit of Sierra prevails and it is a good thing!

Brandon Klassen ("The Art of Sierra" book): Why Lori and Corey Cole's Hero-U Kickstarter deserves to succeed... I don't have any doubt that the Hero-U Kickstarter will be a success. It has so many things going for it. But at the center of it all are two wonderful, warm and creative people, two people who spent close to three hours video chatting with just a small number of fans late last night / early this morning. They had intended for this first of a number of planned chats to have a wider audience, but hadn't realized (and neither did anyone planning to attend, I guess) that Google+ Hangout only allows in 10 people per session (apparently). Live and learn, technical challenges overcome, onwards and upwards, and better things to come! Lori and Corey were simply a delight - I'm certain that those who were there felt like we were all just sitting in Lori and Corey's living room as close friends, laughing and talking and trying on Hangout's Silly Hats. So not only do I believe in the talent of the Hero-U team - that they will create a fun gaming experience worth supporting - I believe most in the two original heros at the heart of it all, who have already been schooling us in the ways of heroes for many years. You've graduated from the Famous Adventurer's Correspondance School... now attend Hero University - in person! There is much more to learn... there are more adventures around every corner... this story may have glory... I can't wait to embark on this brand new Hero's quest, told by two of the most interesting and dearest instructors one could be privileged to have.

Chris Brown: Thank you for doing this Kickstarter (and talking to people on here)! The Quest for Glory series was my favorite from Sierra's golden age. (Sierra had many great games, but QfG gives choices as well as memorable characters, locations, and its sense of humor. Also, the music.) Hero-U looks like it takes some of the themes from those games in a new direction. This is a great opportunity, and I'm excited not only for the game but for the team that's been assembled. Fund Hero-U!

James Vaughan: I just wanted to tell you that you guys are my literal heroes. I grew up with Hero's Quest and the rest of the Quest for Glory games (QFG2 is my favorite game of all time) and have played them all so much I can't even count the number of playthroughs I've had. Your humor and stories have helped shape me into the honest and hard-working person I am today and I just wanted to let you know how excited I am for you to be back in the fray of making games. Best of luck to you both, and thanks for being such inspirational people!

Will Jennings: I'm dropping a line to say just how much your games have affected me throughout my early computer gaming life. They were the pinnacle of excellence for the point and click genre and the Quest for Glory series remain my favorite games to date. I am 35 now and when I was 13 and 14 playing those games was a great escape and just plain some of the most fun I have ever had. I played through as a rogue/mage through every one of the games other than Dragon Fire, by then I was 17 or 18 and playing computer games was a distant memory to me as I found myself hanging out with friends more and 'partying'. But I have long since returned to the gaming scene and am looking forward to you next project.

Comments

    1. Demonwiz.small

      Creator SK on October 29, 2012

      Fantastic update!

      Btw, the Matt Chat interview Corey mentioned is now live: http://www.armchairarcade.com/neo/node/4963

    2. L.small

      Creator Amanda ☆ on October 29, 2012

      I agree with Zebulon: if anyone can pull off the tricky grey-area good-vs-evil dynamic described in this update, it's the Coles! I love all the updates we've had about gameplay so far.

    3. Gravatar_herocorey.small

      Creator Corey Cole on October 29, 2012

      Shane: Yes, the catacomb and school parts of this game are very closely integrated, and your character relationships will affect dungeon exploration. I would say they are even closer than in Persona, since in that game the combat action took place in a separate "imaginary" universe. Here, it's all one story.

    4. Images.small

      Creator bluemeep on October 29, 2012

      I just did a little fist pump for the meep toy. Stoked!

    5. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Shane Zeagman on October 29, 2012

      I noted Persona as one of your lists of influences for the game and had a suspicion that you'd be doing something with these kinds of character relationship variables. I think it's a great idea to take some story sensibilities from that franchise. This leads me to a Question: Like Persona, will social interactions and choices affect some form of combat perks in addition to story moments?

    6. Missing_small

      Creator Zebulon Green on October 29, 2012

      So many games have promised organicly grown stories based on character interactions, so far they've all been a disappointment. I have no doubts though that the Coles will deliver, they've already created the best roleplaying adventure game series before, and I am ready to see them do it again!

    7. Missing_small

      Creator Frederic Hamra on October 29, 2012

      Superb update ....i had a tear when i saw Ken Williams name coming up :)

    8. Ootg_avatar_armikrog3_-_final_copy.small

      Creator JuanitaD-ArmikrogArmyGoat @ AGL589+$4.96 on October 29, 2012

      I love the way the character interactions will affect the game play. I have a sneaking suspicion that I will have the same outcomes every time I play, but we'll see... (I just can't shake that goody two-shoes Paladin persona, even if I'm supposed to be playing a rogue.)

    9. Kiragoat.small

      Creator Serena Nelson - Hero of the AGRM on October 29, 2012

      Great update. I'm with Joseph. The more I learn about the game, I more stoked I get about it.

    10. 226897_10150178392293702_584193701_6910549_5253568_n.small

      Creator Joseph Austin on October 29, 2012

      the more i hear, the more i want this game!

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  • Pledge $5 or more

    69 backers

    Friend: Thank you for your support! Your name will be added to the Hero list on www.hero-u.net/leadersroll.php, a small first step towards immortality.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $20 or more

    3299 backers

    Freshman: You will receive a DRM-free digital game download, access to discussion forums to help us improve the game, and your name will appear on the Hero list.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
  • Pledge $35 or more

    893 backers

    Sophomore: Digital Reward 2: Receive everything from the Freshman level, the downloadable Hero-U Soundtrack, and the gorgeous Hero-U Art Book in PDF form. The art book contains production sketches, final art, and insider commentary on the making of Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
  • Pledge $50 or more

    599 backers

    Junior: Get a head start on your education by playing one of the development team's previous award-winning games. You will receive all of the Sophomore class benefits plus a digital key to your choice of MacGuffin's Curse, Jolly Rover, or the complete Quest for Glory collection.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
  • Pledge $65 or more

    156 backers

    Beta Tau Initiate: All-Digital reward. Everything in the Junior package, including your choice of one game key. PLUS you get early access to the Hero-U Beta and Combat-Balancing tests. Help us shape and tune the game the way YOU want it!

    Estimated delivery: Jan 2013
  • Pledge $75 or more

    284 backers

    Senior: Get physical with a high-quality boxed copy of Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption containing the game on DVD and a printed game manual. You will also receive all of the Sophomore benefits (including an additional digital copy of the game). While you wait for your box, enjoy a preview with early access to our Beta and Combat Balancing Tests. All Seniors may add any of the Junior-level previous games at $15 each.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
    Add $15 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $100 or more

    145 backers

    Big Man On Campus: (Super Digital Rewards) You're special, and everyone should know it. Your name (or your favorite character's name) will appear in the in-game DIGITAL YEARBOOK along with a brief statement of your/their accomplishments. We will also email you the Secret Thieves' Guild Password. (Other players will need to discover this in the game.) You will also receive everything from the Sophomore level as well as early access to our Beta and Combat Balance tests. (NOTE: This tier does not include any physical rewards. It's highly International-Supporter-friendly.)

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
  • Pledge $125 or more

    98 backers

    Frat Rat: Halloween Special – You love Meeps, and that's why you will get your very own Toy Meep along with your boxed copy of Hero-U: Rogue to Redemption. That's on top of all of the Senior-level physical and digital rewards and eligibility for add-ons. You will also receive your own entry in the in-game DIGITAL YEARBOOK. International Customers please add $15 for shipping costs.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
    Add $15 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $150 or more

    186 backers

    Graduate Edition: Unique Kickstarter-Graduate-only Collector’s Edition Box containing the game DVD, manual, a Music Soundtrack CD, your own Varsity Letter, Hero-U button, and everything in the Big Man On Campus digital reward tier including your very own entry in the in-game DIGITAL YEARBOOK.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
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  • Pledge $175 or more

    57 backers

    Exchange Student: The *ultimate* all-digital package, perfect for international backers. You will start with everything in the Big Man on Campus edition. Then you will have the chance to follow the development of Hero-U with insider access to developer discussions and Alpha tests. To give you more insight into our games, you will receive digital keys to ALL EIGHT of our currently available previous games (Quest for Glory 1: So You Want to Be a Hero EGA and VGA versions, Quest for Glory 2: Trial by Fire, Quest for Glory 3: Wages of War, Quest for Glory 4: Shadows of Darkness, Quest for Glory 5: Dragon Fire, MacGuffin's Curse, AND Jolly Rover). NOTE: The previous game keys are part of this tier only; we are not adding them to the higher physical tiers.

    Estimated delivery: Jan 2013
  • Pledge $200 or more

    39 backers

    Research Assistant: You're practically a team member, so you will receive a very-limited-edition Team Meep Hat plus insider access to developer discussions and Alpha tests. You will also receive everything in the Graduate Edition, and your chosen picture (subject to team approval) will appear in the in-game digital yearbook.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
    Add $15 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $250 or more

    126 backers Limited (674 of 800 left)

    Alumnus: As a proud Hero-U Alumnus, your chosen name, preferred photo (or other image of your choice, subject to team approval) will appear in the Very Limited Edition physical Hero-U Yearbook. Of course, alumni like to collect signatures from their University friends, so Lori and Corey Cole will autograph your yearbook and Graduate Edition premium game box. You will also receive Research Assistant privileges and a Team Meep hat.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
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  • Pledge $500 or more

    33 backers Limited (167 of 200 left)

    Master Rogue: The rewards of your advanced education include a limited-edition art print of the school on Canvas, everything in the Alumnus package including the autographed premium game box and autographed yearbook. You will also receive a Limited Edition Kickstarter Superfan T-Shirt, and digital keys to ALL THREE previous games – the Quest for Glory Collection, MacGuffin's Curse, and Jolly Rover.

    Estimated delivery: Dec 2012
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  • Pledge $1,000 or more

    6 backers All gone!

    PhD: You will be immortalized. Not only will you receive all of the benefits of a Master Rogue, your chosen name, hero biography, and picture will appear prominently in-game as well as in the yearbook. Your canvas art print will be supersized, and you will be one of the proud few to complete a graduate school education at Hero-U. We'll also provide you with the secret location and key to the Faculty Lounge. (Other players will be able to break in later in the game.)

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
    Add $40 to ship outside the US
  • Pledge $1,050 or more

    19 backers Limited (6 of 25 left)

    DFA (Doctor of Fine Arts): You will be featured on an in-game painting. When players click on it, they will see your chosen name, image (this could be you, a favorite character, pet, or other approved image, converted by our artists to look like other in-game portraits), and humorous description. You also receive all of the benefits of a Master Rogue, You will have a listing including your chosen image in the yearbook, and of course will receive an autographed copy of the physical edition. We will send you a canvas art print of your in-game "portrait" in addition to the school art print, and you will be one of the proud few to complete a graduate school education at Hero-U. We'll also provide you with the secret location and key to the Faculty Lounge. (Other players will be able to break in later in the game.)

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
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  • Pledge $2,000 or more

    5 backers All gone!

    Art Collector: In this extremely-limited reward tier, we will send you an original, one-of-a-kind production painting that was used to create a Quest for Glory game. We only have a few of these paintings available. You will also receive all DFA (Doctor of Fine Arts) benefits, including having your picture and biography immortalized in-game. The Quest for Glory artwork will be shipped separately in January or February.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
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    3 backers All gone!

    Benefactor: As one of the top alumni contributors to Hero-U, we will name one wing of the University after you or a loved one. The name you choose (with team approval) will be prominently displayed when any student enters your wing. We will send you a customized architectural drawing of your wing. If you send us a suitable video clip, it will appear in the launch video for your wing. You will also receive all benefits of the PhD reward tier. Free shipping worldwide!

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
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    3 backers Limited (7 of 10 left)

    Monster Lair: You are so diabolical, you are the master of a dungeon den. We will collaborate with you on designing your own custom monster lair, likely including a sculpted image of yourself or a friend. Your lair, complete with the monsters and traps you select, will be placed somewhere in the catacombs. You will also receive all benefits of the PhD reward tier. Free shipping worldwide!

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
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    0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)

    High-Roller: You're a serious role-player, or just really want to support our game at a high level. In addition to all of the PhD-level rewards, Corey and/or Lori will run a D&D game for you and friends at a convention anywhere in North America. Or add $1,000 for our additional travel expenses, and we'll join you anywhere in the world. Does not include the Benefactor reward – The school doesn’t have enough wings. Instead, you’ll have a large statue in the main wing celebrating your or your hero's accomplishments.

    Estimated delivery: Oct 2013
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    2 backers Limited (3 of 5 left)

    Philanthropist: You really care! And we care about you too! Spend a day visiting Yosemite Park and touring Sierra landmarks in Oakhurst with Lori and Corey Cole. We'll share a nice meal or two and discuss game design or anything else you want. You'll also receive all the rewards of the PhD level and we'll find a prominent place in-game to thank you for your awesome support. We will cover a one-night hotel stay, but you are responsible for transportation to and from Oakhurst, California.

    Estimated delivery: Apr 2013