This is what Zafehouse 2.5 looks like
Pretty different. Very different.
Welcome to the new-look Zafehouse 2, or Zafehouse 2.5 to help separate it from previous efforts. The game is based entirely around manipulation of a dynamic journal. Chapters keep locations, events, supplies and survivor information nicely contained. A special context-sensitive entry system allows you to configure events, lock them in, and then accelerate time. When something occurs, time will stop, allowing you to react however you see fit.
Survivors will report in as they return from their adventures, meaning you must rely entirely on them for information. Figure out who to trust, and you’ll do fine. Piss everyone off, and you’re all doomed.
Expect more shots and info in the coming weeks.
Very interesting and fresh approach. You know, the things like path finding, icons, map generation, sounds… its not really needed, a human mind is so powerful it can shape any situation to the last detail, all its need its the written word input.
kulik said this on January 23rd, 2011 at 1:33 pm
@kulik: My thinking exactly. There will be sound, though it’s more about ambience than effects.
Logan said this on January 23rd, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Interesting idea. That’s interesting too to see how you much you are searching and trying for your next game.
flap said this on January 24th, 2011 at 1:52 am
So wait, there will be no map or combat, etc, in this zafehouse?
murray said this on January 26th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
@murray: There’s no map, but there most certainly will be combat.
When you think about it, the map in Zafehouse 1 wasn’t really a map – the relationship between the buildings in terms of distance, size, etc wasn’t reflected in the gameplay. It was simply a slightly prettier way of selecting the buildings. The alternative was a list. :P
I should also point out the combat in Zafehouse wasn’t very visual either. It’s a style I can replicate and enhance with this new approach.
I already have a design planned for the combat, which I’ll share as soon as I have screenshots to accompany it.
Logan said this on January 26th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Can you release what you did have done so some talented members can complete it somehow?
bbad89 said this on January 27th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
@bbad89: I am contemplating the release of the old ZH2 code, so others can plug away at it to whatever ends they wish. Still undecided, but if I get enough interest then it’s very possible.
As for 2.5, development is leaps and bounds more progressive than what it’s been. You won’t be waiting centuries for it this time round. In fact, just last night I implemented the raiding code. That would have taken weeks using the old code base.
Logan said this on January 27th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Just played the zombie remake of Oregon trail, if you didn’t played it give it a go, you wont regret it! http://hatsproductions.com/organtrail.html
I’m posting this, cause as you know apart from the scavenging minigame one animation and picture artworks, it looks similar to where i think Zafehouse 2.5 is going.
kulik said this on January 31st, 2011 at 12:37 pm
And one more thing, if you want to make it more dramatic and immersive choose the names of your survivors to people you love and care about. …this may be a great thing for Zafehouse 2.5 to have as well.
kulik said this on January 31st, 2011 at 12:46 pm
He has said before that having custom names will always be a part of zafehouse
murray said this on February 10th, 2011 at 8:26 am
Hey Logan, do you think it would be possible to do weekly(or at least biweekly) updates? I do get saddened coming on here and noticing that nothing is new.
bbad89 said this on February 19th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Hey this looks cool! I’ll be eager for updates on the development, and for an eventual release (let’s hope soon!).
Keep it up! :)
Karel said this on February 28th, 2011 at 5:23 am
OH MY GOD IT’S BEEN OVER A MONTH, WE’RE ALL DEAD!
bbad89 said this on March 4th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Mate, you should port this to PSP too.
(I tried with Zafehouse source but noway, wasn’t straight C)
lukensteinz said this on March 5th, 2011 at 3:46 am
Where are you? We need news!!!
KONSERVATOR said this on March 6th, 2011 at 11:13 am
Updates are incoming! I’m expecting to put out an alpha for everyone to try soon, mainly for feedback on the interface. Hang tight!
PS. I should let everyone know I changed jobs in early Jan and just got back from San Fran for GDC, which threw a spanner in the works. Shifted everything on ZH2 back a month unfortunately.
Logan said this on March 7th, 2011 at 9:34 pm
ESTIMATES MAN, WE NEED ESTIMATES
bbad89 said this on March 12th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Dude, estimates are a hard thing to do. You never know what might happen when you’re developing. You’ll squash one bug but that might cause a couple more and so on and so fourth. Be patient, the best he can give us is soon until it’s actually finished.
Carl said this on March 17th, 2011 at 1:49 pm