Messages

1

Gameplay / Re: Creator #5 problem - can't pull the eye out *spoiler*

« on: March 31, 2008, 10:43:27 pm »

What I meant was that once I took it off it fell to the floor. I thought I was supposed to keep it bound, but apparently you can't do that. I know it because I've died at least 3 times and so had to do the whole thing all over again.

So, my next question:
After you get rid of his eye, what next? Do you just shoot at him in energy form? If so, where? That mouth seems invulnerable, even when it opens. Dual form doesn't seem to do much, plus you don't get any creatures to charge it on. There's no surface to plant spikes, you certainly can't devour the monster, and I doubt light, fish or spirit could be of any use (unless spirit can regenerate on the blue crystal, which it doesn't seem to do).

So, do I just need patience or is there a trick? Any particular spot I should be aiming at?


And something else: why do people say Creator #5?
There's the original form that talks to you and looks like a white statue, then the one-eyed cockroach-looking crawlie in the maze, then that singing voodoo doll and finally the huge one with the eye. So it's 4.

2

General / Re: I have found a word describing Aquaria's ending

« on: March 31, 2008, 10:27:30 pm »

Sorry, but I'm with Zixinus on this one guys.
I also found certain aspects of the game frustrating. And I also hated Li. And I could probably add to Alec's list of "things to do to keep everybody happy". But I think you guys missed the point.

It would take at least 100 of the world's top computer programmers to create a game that would make me happy, and even then I'd probably find flaws. Similarly, they'd have to repeat the process for each of the thousands of fans worldwide. There are people who love the very aspects I hate. There are people who find the game too hard, and others who find it too easy. I'm sure there's even some who might even like Li! And there are even some who don't like Aquaria at all.

So what can you do? The simple answer is: nothing. Alec, my friend, you have made a wonderful game. You know that, and so do those that have bought it. You did your best. And all of us here liked most of what you did, otherwise we wouldn't even bother registering for this forum. Zixinus is one such person. There's nothing you can or should do about this. When someone gives this game 9/10, stop worrying about what you could do to make it 10/10. Instead, be proud of your job at getting the 9.

I am a creator myself, and have overcome the urge to please them all. (I am a songwriter, even though I have also been involved in making board and video games too). When people don't like my songs, I don't change them. I write what I write. What I feel and what I think. And if I think it's good enough, I sing it. And some people will like it, and others will not. It's all subjective. It's as simple as that. And there's people who don't even like that style of music (just like there's people who like racing games, strategy, or beat-em-ups). And some who like my music, but not particular songs.

There's no way to please them all. So do your best and give it to the world. And your best has certainly been amazing

3

Gameplay / Re: Kid-friendly? *SPOILERS*

« on: March 31, 2008, 09:50:45 pm »

As a father, I'd like to put in my 2 cents if I may.

This is a really interesting discussion, because while certain aspects of Aquaria (or should I say some of Naija's forms) are fit for 5-y-olds, others could even be considered X-rated by some. There is not much gore or visual violence, but the game is in fact dark and has parts that need to be explained. I'd say that the key word here is "supervision".

I play the game with my 3-year-old daughter on my lap. She's too young to actually control Naija, so she tells me where to go and I do it. She calls the 1st form "Good" and the 2nd "Bad" and she wants me to keep swapping, telling me to "be good" or "be bad". To be honest, I thought the Energy Form was pretty evil myself after swimming around singing for the first couple of hours of gameplay. So that's one thing. Plus of course there's the 3rd and 7th forms too.

The darker parts of the game (the Abyss, the Cathedral, the Body) and many creepy areas are certainly things I wouldn't like her to see alone, mainly because she might be scared. But then again she's 3. I don't know what I'd be like if she was 13. What worries me most though is the whole role of the Creator. ..
*****SPOILER FOLLOWS****
.
.
.
.
.
...once you start deciphering the Aquascript there's plenty of pretty gloomy (to say the least) messages scrawled all over the place, as well as some bleak images of the Creator. The whole idea that your God is evil and must be destroyed is a questionable one, and certainly one that many parents would object to, especially if they are religious. I can imagine several who'd rather not let their kids have that sort of influence.

So, to sum up, even though the game does not really have any extreme images, and even though on average it mostly involves swimming about in pretty waters, there are elements that certain parents could find disturbing. My advice would be to finish it on your own first and then decide whether you want your kids to play it. Personally, I play certain areas with my daughter and others on my own when she's away. And I certainly don't want her in the final battle (mainly out of fear she might accidentally press some key).

4

Gameplay / Re: Creator #5 problem - can't pull the eye out *spoiler*

« on: March 25, 2008, 02:39:00 am »

good idea....only problem being...where did I drop that eye? lol

5

Gameplay / Re: Ice Area (I need help) (SPOILERS)

« on: March 21, 2008, 09:09:21 pm »

I figured out what I had to do straightaway. The problem was I didn't have the patience to actually do it. I thought it would take 100 shots or something, but when I actually tried it, it only took 3. So it's not hard at all, if you know what you're doing (or maybe I was just lucky).
Note: I did however take heavy damage and had to heal after each shot.

6

Gameplay / Re: help in the whale

« on: March 20, 2008, 02:35:22 am »

I was wondering why the octopus was singing out of tune. I tried singing the sounds as well as the colours but neither matched...should try this instead

7

Gameplay / Re: Bubble cave help and questions

« on: March 19, 2008, 08:30:27 am »

Anyone tried Nature form? I just finished that boss. Took just a couple of minutes

8

Gameplay / Re: Is there a Manual anywhere? (got some questions)

« on: March 13, 2008, 11:14:41 pm »

Thank you Xiagan, you have been most helpful
I found the Nature form and am on my way to beating that disgusting monster in the bowels (been there several times already but I have a new strategy this time).

9

Gameplay / Is there a Manual anywhere? (got some questions)

« on: March 12, 2008, 10:54:19 pm »

First of all, great job guys. This is a really interesting game.

I am new to these forums, so forgive me if any of my questions have already been answered elsewhere, but I really tried to follow the threads and got lost.

1. Is there a manual to the game that I could download, explaining controls and so on? ie other than binding things or shooting them, are there other ways of interacting with them?
Sometimes it seems to me that I'm doing something wrong.
2. Do you know those big red closed flowers that look a bit like tulips? Is there a way of opening them? There is an area in the energy temple that can only be opened using one of those white marbles, but the only thing near there is such a flower. I tried singing to it and shooting it, but nothing happens. I somehow have a hunch the marble could be inside.
3. I understand there is a thing called "Nature form". Where can someone get that? I already have Energy and Fish (plus of course the normal form).
4. How can you see in the dark? Is the ice cream the only way? And if so, where can you find ice? I have found a thing that looks like a lamp, I have it in my home, it just sits there. I can't take it with me, use it or anything.
5. Is there a way to swim against the current?
6. What does the helmet do? I put it on and off, but if it gives extra defence, I have not noticed.

Sorry to be such a newbie. Thanks in advance for any answers you may give