Literally thought about doing this one random afternoon on Sept. 13, 2015. I don't really see any "high" quality fan-made Pokémon visual novels or sims based around the game characters.
Went home. Did a little research. Downloaded Ren'Py for the first time (never heard of it before). Never used Python at any point in my life. Zero coding knowledge coming in (takes me forever just to format some custom HTML for emails). Anyway... just an idea. Diligently working on this daily.
Game made by a fan for existing fans.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR MORE WRITERS! - http://lemmasoft.renai.us/forums/viewto ... 58#p406258
Next update preview:
CURRENT DEMO v1.0.2c:
DOWNLOAD PAGE (Win/Mac/Linux).
***see updates***
NOTES:
Relatively big file, but it's mostly due to all the archived images.
IMPORTANT:
For those who have previous demo versions installed, you must start over from the beginning of the game in order to play this demo in full. Many internal variables were changed, added or removed, impacting many parts of the game. If you attempt to load an old save file, it is highly likely you will encounter bugs or your game will crash.
Plus, we rewrote some parts of the prologue section so you might as well take another ride through it!
There is no doubt that there will be some kind of bug or inconsistency somewhere in the game. If you spot anything, report it to pokemonvisualdev@gmail.com. Your assistance is much appreciated!
VERSION NOTES:
List of changes from 1.0.1c:
- Many prologue scenes were rewritten.
- One new scene added to the prologue.
- Several prologue scenes were overhauled or extended.
- Numerous animation transitions fixed; some may still exist.
- Various GUI elements streamlined.
New content in 1.0.2:
- New scenes that carry on through the first day of classes.
- New characters and CG art implemented.
- Huge number of alternate dialogue paths based on choices.
* Not all characters included in the image.
The protagonist is a player character based on a teenage Red and the game will predominantly be played and narrated from his perspective. At the start of the game, the player gets off the bus after a long journey from Pallet Town to the Kobukan region (pronounced koh-BU-khan). He faces the entrance of Relic Hall, one of the dormitories of Kobukan Academy.
Pokémon Academy Life is a fan-created visual novel currently in development by Pokémon Visual. It will feature numerous in-game characters from the core series Pokémon games in a high school setting.
Pokémon Academy Life is set in an alternate Pokémon universe where children are not expected to depart on unsupervised journeys with their Pokémon. Instead, they go through similar youthful days as modern-day people; they attend school, they sleep at home, they socialize with friends in their hometown, and so on.
After the prologue, the story revolves around the player living out the three years Red is enrolled in the academy, interacting with the numerous characters that can appear during this time.
Sample Screenshots:
Pokémon Academy Life is a social simulation game centered around slice of life concepts. As the setting is a school environment, the player will be able to participate in class events, extracurricular activities, as well as real-world activities. Throughout the game, outcomes are dictated by the player's choices, with some decision results unapparent until much later in the game.
The game also features a simple traits system: Expression, Intuition, Appeal and Talent. Players can increase or decrease each trait's level through conversations or events. Traits are designed to aid the player's ability to navigate conversations (such as choosing a response best suited for the situation) or assist in connecting with another character.
- 1. Expression - Expression gives you more choices under different situations, such as conversing with other people or making an important decision. You will also get along slightly better with all individuals you meet.
2. Intuition - Intuition helps guide you through challenges or tasks you take on, in addition to conversations with people you meet. You will also get along more with individuals who prefer wit, knowledge and logic.
3. Appeal - Appeal makes other people more forgiving of your mistakes and simultaneously makes it easier for you to impress them. You will also get along more with individuals who prefer looks, charm and personality.
4. Talent - Talent makes you efficient by reducing requirements for certain tasks and giving you a little bit of extra luck. You will also get along more with individuals who value skills and competence.
Production
toriko09
VisualJae
zygarde
Storyboard and development
VisualJae
Lead writer & character designer
dmjh93
Additional writing by
BluechanXD
VisualJae
Background artist
moonmachine
Additional art by
Gato Hayakawa
mark331
Saitoki
Calendar system template by Zetsubou
Programmed with Ren'Py
Music by Braxton Burks (Pokémon Reorchestrated)
Original music composed by Junichi Masuda & Go Ichinose
Always open to more help.
1. How many characters will be featured?
A lot. You can scroll up to the characters section that features a montage with the extensive cast (note: not all characters are featured).
2. Why is Blue not named Green?
Since this game is directed toward an English-speaking audience, we're going with his official English name (i.e. how he's represented in the English versions of Gold, Silver, Crystal, their remakes, and in Black 2 and White 2's Pokémon World Tournament). Fun fact: we originally had him as Green in our character outlines.
3. Then why is Leaf not Green?
Again, we're going with English names. Considering her character doesn't have an official name and her commonly accepted fan-name is "Leaf" (even in Japanese where her name is based off "Rifu" a.k.a. "Leaf"), that's what we went with. It also helps that Leaf is one of her default names in FireRed/LeafGreen.
4. Will there be a female playable character?
Not for now. Creating a female playable character effectively doubles all of our work. We'd have to do a female POV version of all the dialogue and scenes. Perhaps after the game is 100% complete, we can revisit this. And yes, doing so would basically turn this visual novel into an otome game.
5. How many endings will there be?
This one is a little more difficult to answer because we haven't finished writing all of them yet. But there will be at least two endings per main female character ("heroine"). There will be other closures for individual character arcs that will not end the game. For example, some character arcs may end in the first or second year, but the player can continue to play through the third year. We have a few non-romance related endings planned out as well, for the players who aren't interested in the romance aspects.
6. Will there be Pokémon catching and battling?
We intend to develop a simple battling system at the very least. Catching may be a different matter because the main setting is in a school environment. To incorporate the opportunities to go out and catch Pokémon may pose issues with scheduling. It's something we would like to keep in mind and try to implement if possible. If not, we'll find another method to diversify the Pokémon options.
7. Will I be able to visit the different regions (e.g. Kanto, Johto, etc.)?
Yes. Many character arcs will involve traveling at some point or another to the regions we know and love.
8. It seems the game is more focused on relationships with the female cast. Will there be platonic relationships?
We do fully intend on allowing the player to befriend other characters without pursuing romance. In addition, we do plan on allowing the player to shape relationships between the characters themselves. This would mostly be done through individual conversations or group activities with the characters in question.
9. What about male love interests?
Currently that is not in the works. At most the relationship levels will be geared toward "bromance." We're not ruling out the idea, but based on our current roadmap, it is not the priority.
10. When will this game be released?
We have no idea. Not anytime soon.
11. Can I help?
Yes, please. You can comment here, PM me, comment on any of the demo YouTube videos, email pokemonvisualdev@gmail.com, contact me on Twitter, you name it.
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YAOI?!?!?!1