Caves of Lore - turn-based pixel art RPG inspired by classics

[Infinitron]

https://www.cavesoflore.com




https://af.gog.com/game/caves_of_lore?as=1649904300

Spoiler

Caves of Lore is a turn based, pixel art CRPG in the classic style. 6 character party, 65+ spells, 65+ abilities, 65+ traits, 50+ monsters, dozens of quests, dozens of characters and a plenty of dungeons to explore.

COMING SOON: Early 2023

In a rare subversion, it doesn't seem to have a Steam page yet.

 

[Daedalos]

Another pixel-game... can this era please die out?
Pixelgames genrally makes me want to stab both my eyes out

 

[Faldron]

Looks like the good shit to me

 

[Roguey]

It has a really nice style. The anti-Vogel when it comes to art and animation.

 

[Fargus]

I dislike how one character represents your entire party during exploration. At the very least i'd prefer if the rest of the party were dragged behind you like it's a snake game (Avernum, Antharion etc), not jerking off somewhere off screen. Also not a fan of pixel visuals, but not allergic either.

Bonus points for being a party rpg and turn-based. Might try.

 

[V_K]

Pixelgames genrally makes me want to stab both my eyes out

Go on, we're not gonna stop you.

 

[just]

would play caves of gore
but lore idk
sounds like reading

 

[LoreMaster]

Hi, author here.
For those that dislike pixel-art games, I wish you all the best enjoying games that make you feel good.
Pixel Art is close to me heart and brings me joy. For those that like Pixel Art games, I hope you enjoy it at much as I enjoyed making it.

I also have a Facebook, and Twitter in addition to the Youtube channel. Website coming soon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CavesOfLore
Discord: https://discord.gg/g7wZp35v
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087661622808

 

[Infinitron]

Hi, author here.
For those that dislike pixel-art games, I wish you all the best enjoying games that make you feel good.
Pixel Art is close to me heart and brings me joy. For those that like Pixel Art games, I hope you enjoy it at much as I enjoyed making it.

I also have a Facebook, and Twitter in addition to the Youtube channel. Website coming soon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CavesOfLore
Discord: https://discord.gg/g7wZp35v
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087661622808

How about the Steam page?

 

[Justinian]

why are characters placed with their feet on the lower border of a tile? if it was goldbox graphics I'd understand but it has shadows/lighting and it just looks odd, esp on roads.

 

[LoreMaster]

Hi, author here.
For those that dislike pixel-art games, I wish you all the best enjoying games that make you feel good.
Pixel Art is close to me heart and brings me joy. For those that like Pixel Art games, I hope you enjoy it at much as I enjoyed making it.

I also have a Facebook, and Twitter in addition to the Youtube channel. Website coming soon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CavesOfLore
Discord: https://discord.gg/g7wZp35v
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087661622808

How about the Steam page?

In process currently. Waiting on Steam.

 

[LoreMaster]

why are characters placed with their feet on the lower border of a tile? if it was goldbox graphics I'd understand but it has shadows/lighting and it just looks odd, esp on roads.

You can move freely off of the grid if you like. There are a few of inputs for controlling the characters. Roads are actually offset to prevent exactly what you describe. If I could go back to square one, I might change some things like that. It's my first project and I had to make design decisions early on that I have a better understanding of now.

 

[LoreMaster]

It has a really nice style. The anti-Vogel when it comes to art and animation.

Thanks, I'm glad you like it.

 

[quaesta]

Another pixel-game... can this era please die out?
Pixelgames genrally makes me want to stab both my eyes out

It's not that pixel art by itself is bad, it's that nu-pixel art often has bland/generic looking art that look like they can belong in any other game. Some pixel art from games I recently played are

Cyber Knight 2

Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)

Dragon Strike

Blaster Master 2

Double Dragon NES

Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)

You can say some of them are ugly but they have a striking art style that makes the game stand out. I can look at these screenshots and get an idea of the tone, mood and how the game stands out.

In Caves of Lore, the environment and game looks bland and generic. The characters in particular, look like this tutorial. Obviously they have more depth in the game, but it still in the same, general vein. Some of the lighting/shadows/shaders actually bring the atmosphere down, since it contributes to that bland, samy feel

Hi, author here.
For those that dislike pixel-art games, I wish you all the best enjoying games that make you feel good.
Pixel Art is close to me heart and brings me joy. For those that like Pixel Art games, I hope you enjoy it at much as I enjoyed making it.

I also have a Facebook, and Twitter in addition to the Youtube channel. Website coming soon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CavesOfLore
Discord: https://discord.gg/g7wZp35v
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087661622808

It's just the general art style, not necessary that it is pixel art. I think a more striking/unique style could help out in the art department. Look into some late 80s/early 90s RPGs for some idea. Also, if you haven't, try doing studies in pixel art. I heard that can really help solidified an art style, since instead of learning how someone else draws an object, you come up with your own unique style of drawing it.
Still since you're one of us I will give it a shot: that's what family is for

 

[LoreMaster]

Another pixel-game... can this era please die out?
Pixelgames genrally makes me want to stab both my eyes out

It's not that pixel art by itself is bad, it's that nu-pixel art often has bland/generic looking art that look like they can belong in any other game. Some pixel art from games I recently played are

Cyber Knight 2

Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)

Dragon Strike

Blaster Master 2

Double Dragon NES

Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)

You can say some of them are ugly but they have a striking art style that makes the game stand out. I can look at these screenshots and get an idea of the tone, mood and how the game stands out.

In Caves of Lore, the environment and game looks bland and generic. The characters in particular, look like this tutorial. Obviously they have more depth in the game, but it still in the same, general vein. Some of the lighting/shadows/shaders actually bring the atmosphere down, since it contributes to that bland, samy feel

Hi, author here.
For those that dislike pixel-art games, I wish you all the best enjoying games that make you feel good.
Pixel Art is close to me heart and brings me joy. For those that like Pixel Art games, I hope you enjoy it at much as I enjoyed making it.

I also have a Facebook, and Twitter in addition to the Youtube channel. Website coming soon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CavesOfLore
Discord: https://discord.gg/g7wZp35v
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087661622808

It's just the general art style, not necessary that it is pixel art. I think a more striking/unique style could help out in the art department. Look into some late 80s/early 90s RPGs for some idea. Also, if you haven't, try doing studies in pixel art. I heard that can really help solidified an art style, since instead of learning how someone else draws an object, you come up with your own unique style of drawing it.
Still since you're one of us I will give it a shot: that's what family is for

I am sure that I will learn a lot from making this game. It's my first. I'm a solo-dev with a full time job/family, so it's been interesting learning to program, draw, etc. I plan to keep learning and growing. I enjoy the criticisms. Thanks!

 

[Dorateen]

Does character creation include player races, specifically Dwarves?

And is it possible to switch between which character represents the party while exploring?

 

[LoreMaster]

Does character creation include player races, specifically Dwarves?

And is it possible to switch between which character represents the party while exploring?

There are other races but you find characters along the way that join your party.

 

[quaesta]

Another pixel-game... can this era please die out?
Pixelgames genrally makes me want to stab both my eyes out

It's not that pixel art by itself is bad, it's that nu-pixel art often has bland/generic looking art that look like they can belong in any other game. Some pixel art from games I recently played are

Cyber Knight 2

Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)

Dragon Strike

Blaster Master 2

Double Dragon NES

Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)

You can say some of them are ugly but they have a striking art style that makes the game stand out. I can look at these screenshots and get an idea of the tone, mood and how the game stands out.

In Caves of Lore, the environment and game looks bland and generic. The characters in particular, look like this tutorial. Obviously they have more depth in the game, but it still in the same, general vein. Some of the lighting/shadows/shaders actually bring the atmosphere down, since it contributes to that bland, samy feel

Hi, author here.
For those that dislike pixel-art games, I wish you all the best enjoying games that make you feel good.
Pixel Art is close to me heart and brings me joy. For those that like Pixel Art games, I hope you enjoy it at much as I enjoyed making it.

I also have a Facebook, and Twitter in addition to the Youtube channel. Website coming soon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CavesOfLore
Discord: https://discord.gg/g7wZp35v
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087661622808

It's just the general art style, not necessary that it is pixel art. I think a more striking/unique style could help out in the art department. Look into some late 80s/early 90s RPGs for some idea. Also, if you haven't, try doing studies in pixel art. I heard that can really help solidified an art style, since instead of learning how someone else draws an object, you come up with your own unique style of drawing it.
Still since you're one of us I will give it a shot: that's what family is for

I am sure that I will learn a lot from making this game. It's my first. I'm a solo-dev with a full time job/family, so it's been interesting learning to program, draw, etc. I plan to keep learning and growing. I enjoy the criticisms. Thanks!

If you're a one man project, than for what I saw it's good work. A first game all by yourself, that's impressive indeed. I don't mean to be rude/demoralize you.

 

[LoreMaster]

Another pixel-game... can this era please die out?
Pixelgames genrally makes me want to stab both my eyes out

It's not that pixel art by itself is bad, it's that nu-pixel art often has bland/generic looking art that look like they can belong in any other game. Some pixel art from games I recently played are

Cyber Knight 2

Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)

Dragon Strike

Blaster Master 2

Double Dragon NES

Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)

You can say some of them are ugly but they have a striking art style that makes the game stand out. I can look at these screenshots and get an idea of the tone, mood and how the game stands out.

In Caves of Lore, the environment and game looks bland and generic. The characters in particular, look like this tutorial. Obviously they have more depth in the game, but it still in the same, general vein. Some of the lighting/shadows/shaders actually bring the atmosphere down, since it contributes to that bland, samy feel

Hi, author here.
For those that dislike pixel-art games, I wish you all the best enjoying games that make you feel good.
Pixel Art is close to me heart and brings me joy. For those that like Pixel Art games, I hope you enjoy it at much as I enjoyed making it.

I also have a Facebook, and Twitter in addition to the Youtube channel. Website coming soon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CavesOfLore
Discord: https://discord.gg/g7wZp35v
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087661622808

It's just the general art style, not necessary that it is pixel art. I think a more striking/unique style could help out in the art department. Look into some late 80s/early 90s RPGs for some idea. Also, if you haven't, try doing studies in pixel art. I heard that can really help solidified an art style, since instead of learning how someone else draws an object, you come up with your own unique style of drawing it.
Still since you're one of us I will give it a shot: that's what family is for

I am sure that I will learn a lot from making this game. It's my first. I'm a solo-dev with a full time job/family, so it's been interesting learning to program, draw, etc. I plan to keep learning and growing. I enjoy the criticisms. Thanks!

If you're a one man project, than for what I saw it's good work. A first game all by yourself, that's impressive indeed. I don't mean to be rude/demoralize you.

Yep, it's my first project. And no offense taken. I like your criticisms, and they'll definitely help me going forward.

 

[LoreMaster]

That torch in the logo looks more than a Y than O. I've legit thought the game is named Caves of Lyre after looking at it.

Great feedback. I'd have to re-upload the trailer, but for the moment I did lower the torch and darkened the parts of it that gave that look. I think it's more obviously an O now, and I updated places that had it as an image, like Facebook, Twitter, and others that are under construction. Thanks!

 

[Mortmal]

Dont take it personally, I am not much fan of pixel art either cause its trying to cash on nostalgy with its faux retro style. The old games never look like that, so pixelated, on CRT monitors thanks to their scanlines. That wont prevent me to play , it doesnt look too bad still, and gameplay seems to be ok .

 

[Darth Canoli]

It's promising, particularly for the gameplay and 2D is a plus in my book.

2 questions:
- I didn't get your answer to Dorateen's question about character creation, is there one? (only for the main character?) Do we roll attribute? Is there some skills points? Different races (during character creation)?
- Do you plan an option to disable the Parkinson's mode? (aka idle sprites animations)

 

[luj1]

Another pixel-game... can this era please die out?
Pixelgames genrally makes me want to stab both my eyes out

It's not that pixel art by itself is bad, it's that nu-pixel art often has bland/generic looking art that look like they can belong in any other game. Some pixel art from games I recently played are

Cyber Knight 2

Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)

Dragon Strike

Blaster Master 2

Double Dragon NES

Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)

You can say some of them are ugly but they have a striking art style that makes the game stand out. I can look at these screenshots and get an idea of the tone, mood and how the game stands out.

In Caves of Lore, the environment and game looks bland and generic. The characters in particular, look like this tutorial. Obviously they have more depth in the game, but it still in the same, general vein. Some of the lighting/shadows/shaders actually bring the atmosphere down, since it contributes to that bland, samy feel

Hi, author here.
For those that dislike pixel-art games, I wish you all the best enjoying games that make you feel good.
Pixel Art is close to me heart and brings me joy. For those that like Pixel Art games, I hope you enjoy it at much as I enjoyed making it.

I also have a Facebook, and Twitter in addition to the Youtube channel. Website coming soon.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CavesOfLore
Discord: https://discord.gg/g7wZp35v
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087661622808

It's just the general art style, not necessary that it is pixel art. I think a more striking/unique style could help out in the art department. Look into some late 80s/early 90s RPGs for some idea. Also, if you haven't, try doing studies in pixel art. I heard that can really help solidified an art style, since instead of learning how someone else draws an object, you come up with your own unique style of drawing it.
Still since you're one of us I will give it a shot: that's what family is for

pixel art then and now is whole lotta different

that much is for sure

 

[Jasede]

Agreed on the bland/poor art (pixels are hard work) - but that's fine. If the game is great it doesn't matter too much. Maybe for your next game you can afford someone who draws them, or will have gotten better at it.

Best of luck! I will try this out eventually, ugly (IMO) or not.

 

[ERYFKRAD]

Barbarians
Y/N?