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

Infinitron

I post news
Staff Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
97,228
Codex Year of the Donut Serpent in the Staglands Dead State Divinity: Original Sin Project: Eternity Torment: Tides of Numenera Wasteland 2 Shadorwun: Hong Kong Divinity: Original Sin 2 A Beautifully Desolate Campaign Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire Pathfinder: Kingmaker Pathfinder: Wrath I'm very into cock and ball torture I helped put crap in Monomyth
https://www.cavesoflore.com




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



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.

 
Last edited:

Roguey

Codex Staff
Staff Member
Sawyerite
Joined
May 29, 2010
Messages
35,653
It has a really nice style. The anti-Vogel when it comes to art and animation.
 

Fargus

Arcane
Joined
Apr 2, 2012
Messages
2,350
Location
Moscow
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.
 

LoreMaster

Red Plume
Developer
Joined
Nov 6, 2022
Messages
63
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

I post news
Staff Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2011
Messages
97,228
Codex Year of the Donut Serpent in the Staglands Dead State Divinity: Original Sin Project: Eternity Torment: Tides of Numenera Wasteland 2 Shadorwun: Hong Kong Divinity: Original Sin 2 A Beautifully Desolate Campaign Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire Pathfinder: Kingmaker Pathfinder: Wrath I'm very into cock and ball torture I helped put crap in Monomyth
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

Arcane
Developer
Joined
Oct 21, 2022
Messages
251
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

Red Plume
Developer
Joined
Nov 6, 2022
Messages
63
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

Red Plume
Developer
Joined
Nov 6, 2022
Messages
63
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.
 

quaesta

Educated
Joined
Oct 27, 2022
Messages
149
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
tumblr_o5oo0uD5Z81qd4q8ao1_500.gifv


Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)
123.jpg


Dragon Strike
hqdefault.jpg


Blaster Master 2

maxresdefault.jpg


Double Dragon NES
maxresdefault.jpg


Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)
ss_ed1a4384d6147067524507742b3a794d53856a7e.1920x1080.jpg


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
mqdefault.jpg


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

Red Plume
Developer
Joined
Nov 6, 2022
Messages
63
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
tumblr_o5oo0uD5Z81qd4q8ao1_500.gifv


Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)
123.jpg


Dragon Strike
hqdefault.jpg


Blaster Master 2

maxresdefault.jpg


Double Dragon NES
maxresdefault.jpg


Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)
ss_ed1a4384d6147067524507742b3a794d53856a7e.1920x1080.jpg


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
mqdefault.jpg


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!
 

LoreMaster

Red Plume
Developer
Joined
Nov 6, 2022
Messages
63
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

Educated
Joined
Oct 27, 2022
Messages
149
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
tumblr_o5oo0uD5Z81qd4q8ao1_500.gifv


Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)
123.jpg


Dragon Strike
hqdefault.jpg


Blaster Master 2

maxresdefault.jpg


Double Dragon NES
maxresdefault.jpg


Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)
ss_ed1a4384d6147067524507742b3a794d53856a7e.1920x1080.jpg


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
mqdefault.jpg


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

Red Plume
Developer
Joined
Nov 6, 2022
Messages
63
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
tumblr_o5oo0uD5Z81qd4q8ao1_500.gifv


Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)
123.jpg


Dragon Strike
hqdefault.jpg


Blaster Master 2

maxresdefault.jpg


Double Dragon NES
maxresdefault.jpg


Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)
ss_ed1a4384d6147067524507742b3a794d53856a7e.1920x1080.jpg


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
mqdefault.jpg


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

Red Plume
Developer
Joined
Nov 6, 2022
Messages
63
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!
 
Last edited:

Mortmal

Arcane
Joined
Jun 15, 2009
Messages
9,158
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

Arcane
Joined
Jun 8, 2018
Messages
5,687
Location
Perched on a tree
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

You're all shills
Vatnik
Joined
Jan 2, 2016
Messages
12,869
Location
Eastern block
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
tumblr_o5oo0uD5Z81qd4q8ao1_500.gifv


Mega Man 2 (fuck the turrets)
123.jpg


Dragon Strike
hqdefault.jpg


Blaster Master 2

maxresdefault.jpg


Double Dragon NES
maxresdefault.jpg


Wastland 1 (I sadly couldn't a good enough image of it without that shitty anti-aliasing filter, apologies)
ss_ed1a4384d6147067524507742b3a794d53856a7e.1920x1080.jpg


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
mqdefault.jpg


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

Arcane
Patron
Joined
Jan 4, 2005
Messages
24,793
Insert Title Here RPG Wokedex Codex Year of the Donut I'm very into cock and ball torture
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.
 

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