“the making of: Sword of Fargoal 2” (book content installment #1)
Over the course of the next few days we will be sharing a series of updates from our “the making of: Sword of Fargoal 2” book — which is first available in hardbound edition at the $250 "MONSTER SLAYER" LEVEL.
This book will include images and artifacts from all of the versions of the game over its 30+ year history, including a reproduction of the original C64 box and book elements, screen shots, original Fargoal font, sprites, etc. It will also include behind-the-scenes images from the making of Sword of Fargoal 2. We will publish some of those images, and more, during the remaining days of our Kickstarter campaign.
In this first installment, I will talk a little about our art process for the main interface concept for Sword of Fargoal 2.
Below you will find the stages of our initial conceptual work on the main interface navigation for the game. Please keep in mind that this interface will evolve during the completion stages of the game, and there is a chance it may even look much different from these sketches.
In this concept, we have three layers of the art, and as you move your mouse (or finger) around on the screen, contextual menu items fade in and out from view. For example, as you move the image to the left, the ARMORY comes into view (where you outfit your character for your quest), and as you move up and to the right, the FARGOAL LORE, and other functions become more visible and the more distant ones fade out.
Fargoal 2 animator and illustrator Charlie Canfield has taken the look-and-feel of this innovative interface to a beautiful visual polish.
The cool thing is that these three layers scroll around in a 'parallax' view, so the front layer moves the most, middle the second-most, and bottom layer the least. It has a *very cool* dimensional affect, and makes for a unique interface. We will, of course, work with it for usability-testing, and many of you who have a reward level that includes a BETA will soon get to play around with it!
Here’s Charlie’s amazing early sketch art that he based all the parallax layers on.
This is the gray version of the art that will be colorized dynamically within the coding!
This is the top layer of the parallax art, and it will move the most rapidly as you scroll around.
This is the mid-layer of the parallax art, and it will move somewhere in-between.
This is the bottom-most layer of the parallax art, and it will move the least.
This is a cut-in example of how some of the contextual menu choices will fade in and out.
We also want to thank famed User Experience consultant (and friend), Eric Hope, for his support and guidance on this interface concept. Eric was formerly a User Experience Evangelist at Apple, and UX & Design specialist at Valve corporation (Steam). He also runs his own consulting firm called AxiomFactory, and has been a believer in and supporter of Sword of Fargoal since I met him in 2009 (and possibly earlier).
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Funding period
Sep 13, 2012 -
Oct 13, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 72 backed
- Jeff McCord 163 friends
- Website: fargoal.com
Pledge $1 or more
24 backers
“VILLAGER” LEVEL. Our sincerest thanks because every little bit helps. We’ll also send you an exclusive Fargoal 2 wallpaper designed by Emmy award-winning animator Charlie Canfield. Plus a pledge at this level unlocks access to the Fargoal T-shirt shop where you can get an exclusive Kickstarter-edition Fargoal 2 design. And you’ll get early notification about Sword of Fargoal 2’s availability and a special thanks at our website fargoal.com.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $8 or more
201 backers
“SQUIRE” LEVEL. Get the all-new Sword of Fargoal 2 mobile version for iOS (iPhone/iPad Universal). You also get a DRM-free version of the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack featuring a score by Daniel Pemberton (BBC, LittleBIGPlanet). We’ll also send you the exclusive Fargoal 2 wallpaper designed by animator Charlie Canfield, plus our great appreciation for your support!
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $15 or more
179 backers
“ADEPT” LEVEL. Get the all-new Sword of Fargoal 2 desktop version (Mac/PC/Linux). You also get a DRM-free version of the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack featuring a score by Daniel Pemberton (BBC, LittleBIGPlanet). We’ll also send you the exclusive Fargoal 2 wallpaper designed by animator Charlie Canfield. And our “Thank You” too!
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $19 or more
323 backers Limited (677 of 1000 left)
“VANGUARD” LEVEL. Get in early and save! The first 1,000 earlybirds get everything at the $25 JOURNEYMAN LEVEL for less. Wow! What a deal!!
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $25 or more
48 backers
“JOURNEYMAN” LEVEL. For those who want to provide input on the last 20% of the game, this level gives you access to a special backer-only forum so you can make suggestions and get behind-the-scenes peeks into our development process. Plus you also get the PDF version of our lush Sword of Fargoal 2 game book with design notes, lore, photos, history, developer bios, excerpts from the game’s script, deep dark secrets, and other cool “making of” goodies. Of course you’ll also get the Sword of Fargoal 2 game (you’ll specify either the iOS Universal version for iPad and iPhone OR the desktop version for Mac/PC/Linux), the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack, and the exclusive Fargoal 2 wallpaper.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $29 or more
201 backers
“RANGER” LEVEL. By popular demand, we've added a way to target ALL of our game versions listed here in Ranger level! Now you can supersize the JOURNEYMAN level for just $4 more and get *both* versions of the game: iOS Universal (for iPad/iPhone) AND Desktop (Mac/PC/Linux). Plus if we hit our $110K stretch-goal and make an Android version, we'll throw that it as well (only included if we reach that level). Of course you also get everything else in the JOURNEYMAN LEVEL: Backer-only forum access, a PDF version of our "making of" game book, the soundtrack, and the exclusive wallpaper. That's a great range of rewards, Ranger!
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $35 or more
16 backers
“FUZZY WEREBEAR” LEVEL. Stretch-goal only. This is for people who want plushies and nothing but plushies (you know who you are!). And this level is only valid if we exceed our funding and make it to the stretch goal of $87K. If we do, we’re making plushies! And you’re getting the very first ones! Plus (as a group) you’ll decide which character will make it to plushihood. Will it be the Hero? The Werebear? The Dwarf? The All-Star Linebacker? (no, not that one). If we don’t achieve enough funding to make this stretch goal, we’ll automatically bump you up to the $50 level, so it’s a win-win situation. Note: international addresses please add $15 for shipping.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $50 or more
61 backers
“ROGUE” LEVEL. Wear your love for Fargoal on your sleeve — or at least on your chest with an exclusive backer-only T-shirt design by Charlie Canfield. You’ll get the T-shirt sent to your US address free (or to international addresses for $15 more). Plus you’ll get BETA ACCESS to the desktop game as we develop it. And of course you’ll get all the other goodies: the Sword of Fargoal 2 game (both the iOS Universal version for iPad and iPhone AND the desktop version for Mac/PC/Linux), the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack, the Fargoal 2 wallpaper, a PDF version of the game book, and access to the backer-only forum.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $75 or more
29 backers
“DARK WARRIOR” LEVEL. Stretch-goal only. SUPER SECRET FARGOAL PROJECT “X” shall be yours! This level is only valid if we exceed our funding and make it to the stretch goal of $140K. If we don’t achieve enough funding to make this stretch goal, we’ll automatically bump you up to the $100 level (even if that level is sold out). Plus, you will be “first in line” on the list to pre-order SUPER SECRET FARGOAL PROJECT “X” if it gets funded separately at a future date (separate purchase will be required since your current support will apply to the $100 reward level). Note: international addresses please add $15 for shipping.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $100 or more
44 backers Limited (206 of 250 left)
“ADVENTURER” LEVEL. Only 250 backers can get in on this level. And those lucky few like you will get a limited collector’s edition 8x10 archival ink print of the Fargoal 2 game artwork (suitable for framing), signed by Charlie Canfield and Jeff McCord, plus you will be immortalized in the credits of all versions of the game. This is an amazing way to show the world that you helped Sword of Fargoal 2 happen. Plus you’ll get BETA ACCESS to the desktop game as we develop it. And of course you’ll get all the other goodies: the Sword of Fargoal 2 game (both the iOS Universal version for iPad and iPhone AND the desktop version for Mac/PC/Linux), the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack, the Fargoal 2 wallpaper, a PDF version of the game book, a SoF2 T-shirt, and access to the backer-only forum.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $250 or more
20 backers Limited (30 of 50 left)
“MONSTER SLAYER” LEVEL. Want to be an Associate Producer of Sword of Fargoal 2? Only 50 backers can get in on this level. Why? Because those 50 will get a printed 24x36 super limited-edition retro-style Sword of Fargoal poster, as well as a limited collector’s edition 8x10 archival ink print of the game artwork, signed by Charlie Canfield and Jeff McCord. That’s not all. There’s more printed deliciousness with a lavishly-bound print version of the Sword of Fargoal game book. Plus you’ll get immortalized as an Associate Producer in the credits for all versions of the game, beta access, the Sword of Fargoal 2 game (both the iOS Universal version for iPad and iPhone AND the desktop version for Mac/PC/Linux), the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack, the Fargoal 2 wallpaper, a SoF2 T-shirt, and access to the backer-only forum.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $500 or more
5 backers All gone!
“HERO” LEVEL. We’re looking for five (and only five!) heroes to help out at this level. You’ll work directly with Sword of Fargoal founder Jeff McCord and co-creator Paul Pridham to come up with a name and description of a new monster, treasure, or weapon in the game. You’ll also get a rare mini Sword of Fargoal letter opener made just for this campaign. And of course you’ll get all the Associate Producer perks: a printed retro-style Sword of Fargoal poster, a limited-edition print of the game artwork, a lavishly-bound print version of the Sword of Fargoal game book. Plus you’ll get immortalized as an Associate Producer in the credits for all versions of the game, beta access, the Sword of Fargoal 2 game (both the iOS Universal version for iPad and iPhone AND the desktop version for Mac/PC/Linux), the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack, the exclusive Fargoal 2 wallpaper, a SoF2 T-shirt, and access to the backer-only forum.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
2 backers Limited (8 of 10 left)
“RETRO” LEVEL. Are you a RETRO Commodore 64 game lover? Always keeping your eye out for your own C64 system to play all the old games on? We have managed to do what is seemingly *impossible*: We've put together ten (10) original Commodore 64 systems, complete with the C64 computer and the 1541 floppy disk drive, PLUS a copy of the original C64 version of "Sword of Fargoal" on a new floppy disk. It will be packed professionally and shipped to you in the US at no additional cost (International shipping extra). This system *does not* include the original monitor, but we will provide you with a resource where you can purchase a cable suitable for viewing on your television set. In addition to this reward, you’ll be immortalized as an Associate Producer in the credits for all versions of the game, receiving the following perks: a printed retro-style Sword of Fargoal poster, a limited-edition print of the game artwork, a lavishly-bound print version of the Sword of Fargoal game book, beta access, the Sword of Fargoal 2 game (both the iOS Universal version for iPad and iPhone AND the desktop version for Mac/PC/Linux), the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack, the exclusive Fargoal 2 wallpaper, a SoF2 T-shirt, and access to the backer-only forum.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $2,500 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
“LEGEND” LEVEL. Jeff and Paul want to speak with five people directly and you could be one of them. Backers at this amazing “Legend” level will spend 30 minutes on a Skype call with Jeff and Paul to talk about the game (or anything else you want to discuss). You’ll also get a custom portrait of YOU as a hero drawn by Charlie Canfield. And one of the songs in the official Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack will be named after you. You’ll also work directly with Sword of Fargoal founder Jeff McCord and co-creator Paul Pridham to come up with a name and description of a new monster, treasure, or weapon in the game. You’ll get the rare mini Sword of Fargoal letter opener. And of course you’ll get all the Associate Producer perks: a printed retro-style Sword of Fargoal poster, a limited-edition print of the game artwork, a lavishly-bound print version of the Sword of Fargoal game book. Plus you’ll get immortalized as an Associate Producer in the credits for all versions of the game, beta access, the Sword of Fargoal 2 game (both the iOS Universal version for iPad and iPhone AND the desktop version for Mac/PC/Linux), the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack, the exclusive Fargoal 2 wallpaper, a SoF2 T-shirt, and access to the backer-only forum.
Estimated delivery: May 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
“EPIC HERO” LEVEL. There can be only one Epic Hero backer — just like there can be only one Sword of Fargoal. And if you pledge at this level, the real-life Sword will be yours. That’s right, an actual broadsword with semi-precious stones in the hilt, designed just for this campaign, will be bestowed upon you by Jeff McCord himself in person. Jeff will also make a personal appearance at dinner, a convention, or other event of your choosing in the USA (travel extra). In addition to the one-and-only true Sword of Fargoal, you’ll receive Producer credit in all versions of the game, the orginal artwork of the Fargoal poster, an extremely rare autographed boxed version of the original C64 Sword of Fargoal game. Plus an actual vintage Commodore 64 (C64) computer, 1541 disk drive, and monitor! If you’re our Epic Hero backer, you will also get a 30 minute Skype call with Jeff and Paul, a custom portrait of YOU as a hero drawn by Charlie Canfield, and one of the songs in the official Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack will be named after you. You’ll also work directly with Jeff & Paul to come up with a name and description of a new monster, treasure, or weapon in the game. You’ll get the rare mini Sword of Fargoal letter opener. And of course you’ll get all the Associate Producer perks: a printed retro-style Sword of Fargoal poster, a limited-edition print of the game artwork, a lavishly-bound print version of the Sword of Fargoal game book. Plus you’ll get beta access, the Sword of Fargoal 2 game (both the iOS Universal version for iPad and iPhone AND the desktop version for Mac/PC/Linux), the Sword of Fargoal 2 soundtrack, the exclusive Fargoal 2 wallpaper, a SoF2 T-shirt, and access to the backer-only forum. You basically get it all. Plus our undying gratitude.
Estimated delivery: May 2013
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