Graphics..

[Nokturnal88]

One thing I noticed with Sryth, and the only thing from a professional view that holds it back, is the lack of graphics amongst the world. Even if it is just for locations and items (and a revamped map!) it would greatly add to the richness of the content.

As a Web Developer by profession... I would offer my services for a small price ..and year of AG Membership!

I can even code/design a Create a Character Graphic addition so players have an actual character to view, along with the ability to outfit that character with the equipment selected, (Again, I can do all of this as I've done it before for a Mafia Game)

Any other art for items, locations, etc. I can do as well... if not me, then I suggest these things regardless. I just want to see them in the game! If I make a little money and a membership, why not? lol.

Maybe we should petition? :cool: I posted my introduction if anyone is wandering "Who's this guy??" lol.

~Joe "Nokturnal" Rollins

[solitu]

I believe you can execute it very well, but personally I still prefer the game to be completely text-based. The main reason is that I don'y have much time to play and my internet connection is very slow. Since the game progresses with page-load after page-load, any additional image will cut down the speed significantly.

But it's really nice to see a professional new player!:)

[Doolipalally]

Hi Nokturnal, and welcome to the game.

It's interesting that you say that 'from a professional point of view' you think the lack of graphics holds the game back. From my non-professional point of view I like the fact that there's room on the web for both graphical games and text-based games. As a player I much prefer a text-based game, partly because (and please don't take this personally) I've never seen graphics which I really liked. I much prefer the images I can create in my own head.

It's also great that as a text-based game Sryth is accessible to blind and visually-impaired players (you'll find a few here in this community).

I wouldn't have a problem with there being an option for players to be able to generate an image of their character, but I have to say that I wouldn't take it up. I know what my characters look like, so any image created by someone else would look 'wrong' to me.

No offence intended, and I hope you continue to enjoy the game!

[Badstench]

What she said!

Like Dooli, I prefer to let my own imagination conjure the people and places of Sryth to life. It's the same as preferring to read the book rather than see the movie.

Still, what we think is not the same as what the creator of the game thinks. It may pay to drop him an email (gamemaster@sryth.com). You never know, your approach might happen at an opportune moment.

And welcome to the game.

[Dinkem]

An avatar might not be a bad idea, but revamping the game to make it graphic intensive seems a tad off. Especially when it's sold as a text based game, ala without the graphics. Though I'm not against so pretty colors and sparkles and such, those are always fun. The main reason I started playing this game was because it was low key, I didn't have to wait for pages to load constantly, and the story sucked me in and let me create my own vision of what Sryth and the ecompassing characters look like. I'm not trying to sound like a total $%%& on this, and I'm glad you like the game and are having a fun time with it.

[thingirl]

With respect to all, and sory if I sound mean:

The game of Sryth is text based and that means that there aren't very meny graphics. There are maps of Tysa and Saarngard Isle (myabe the GM will let you re-vamp the maps), but that's pretty much it. The Idea of OPTIONAL avatars sounds nice, and it could be an AG only thing, but they would make the game take up alot more bandwith. Other than that, I don't like the idea of images/ graphics in the game.

[Lightwielder]

Sorry, Nokturnal. If it was a different game, probably; but Sryth is built upon the imagination of the users, and that's what makes it fun. I don't think it would be as accepted as most game communities. What is the game, if not imagination-stimulating? That is why it has almost the same qualities as a book, and I loved the choose-your-own Adventure books. Only problem was they never changed, but Sryth updates with newer and better options, newer adventures, and newer wonder around every corner.

Regardless, I respect your talent, and your desire to improve the game. Thanks for that.

[Oldschool]

There is actually a more graphical map of Sryth on the wiki - courtesy of the GM. I wonder if it has roots in his DnD campaign that he mentioned in his interview by Badstench.


http://www.sryth.com/ci.php?f_c=map.inc&f_game=1

[Nokturnal88]

First I'll address the responses...

@Lightwielder:
I understand what you are saying. If Sryth was the same gamestyle but not Sryth, then the Graphics idea would work. I suggested it based on the game I am building because Sryth is everything I had in mind for my game, minus a few things (and that was before I ever played Sryth, thats why the irony is fascinating). Thanks for your comment.

@Oldschool:
Thanks for the graphical map, its interesting. The in-game map looks really under par and I could do it a world of justice. I plan on becoming more active here to help get more players, increase community activity, and the overall fun of the game. I am a true gamer (whether I play or build). Like I mentioned, I am not here to steal players I am here for the joy of the game. :)

@Doolipalally:
I also understand what you are saying Dooli. (If I may call you that lol) I do like the game, and I didn't mean the lack of graphics was holding it back, but I think SOME graphics (like another member said) would do it justice. Even just an avatar to give players who lack imagination characters to look at would be cool.

@Everyone Else:
I didn't suggest to completely revamp the game for graphics (unless it was a completely different game.. a graphical version and a non-graphical version) because it is a text-based game. But even text-based games have some sort of graphical nature. As I mention later in this reply, I haven't seen much promotion for Sryth and it needs to get the credit that the game, and gamemaster deserves. I've said it before, Sryth is a 1 of a kind online game (which is why I was going to make a game like this.. BEFORE I knew about it!). I just believe it needs more of a visual touch :P


I know everyone will have their opinion. I think it is a great game the way it is, and that graphics could be added as an option for the gamer who would prefer more visual references... of course keep the option open for a traditional text-based only for the gamer who does not have a fast connection.

I stumbled across Sryth when I was googling open ended online RPGs. As far as top sites, promotion, etc. I have never heard of it. Of course, I have promoted it to everyone I know. I figured a game of this caliber would have a lot more members ..

But nevertheless...

..I will continue to promote Sryth, but in order the game to get the credit it deserves (And the Game Master for that matter), more people NEED to promote and experience Sryth. I have no doubts they will like it... the game has a lot of potential. Being a great game already, Sryth should be one of the biggest/prestigious games online. That is the reason I offered my opinions and/or services. I hate to see good games die out after a while over something simple. (Im not saying it WILL, but based on statistics the lifespan of online games is 2-5 years)

I know some people are close-minded, some wouldn't believe I possess the skills I claim, and others are willing and optimistic like me. Regardless, I was just giving my opinion based on my experience. I still like the game, it is still great or I wouldn't take the time to make a suggestion or play it. lol. Have fun!

[smv1973]

Just so you know the game has been around for over 5 years already. What makes you think that the game does not have a lot of members? Only the GM can tell you the number of members and I am sure the number of members is a lot higher than you think it is.

[Lightwielder]

Nokturnal, you might also be able to start putting your skills to use on our wiki. Simply something to consider. Also, yeah, If the Gamemaster would let you work on the in-game map, that would be great. It needs a do-over, methinks.

[zmflavius]

Only a dozen or two players really actively use the forum but the Sryth population is much larger than that (Bounty Hunter springs to mind instantly). A lot of players don't post at all or only post once or twice. I didn't even discover the forum until a couple years after I started.

[Oldschool]

Sub-zero mentioned doing some work on the map in the old forum. If I'm not mistaken he had been in correspondence with the GM about it.

[thingirl]

You said something about "I'm gonna stimulate discussion of the forum." *Sarcasm* Don't even try to overtake me as the person with the most posts. This is my 875th post, and I'm not going to slow down. */Sarcasm*

[Doolipalally]

@Doolipalally:
I also understand what you are saying Dooli. (If I may call you that lol) I do like the game, and I didn't mean the lack of graphics was holding it back, but I think SOME graphics (like another member said) would do it justice. Even just an avatar to give players who lack imagination characters to look at would be cool.

@Everyone Else:
I didn't suggest to completely revamp the game for graphics (unless it was a completely different game.. a graphical version and a non-graphical version) because it is a text-based game. But even text-based games have some sort of graphical nature. As I mention later in this reply, I haven't seen much promotion for Sryth and it needs to get the credit that the game, and gamemaster deserves. I've said it before, Sryth is a 1 of a kind online game (which is why I was going to make a game like this.. BEFORE I knew about it!). I just believe it needs more of a visual touch :P


I know everyone will have their opinion. I think it is a great game the way it is, and that graphics could be added as an option for the gamer who would prefer more visual references... of course keep the option open for a traditional text-based only for the gamer who does not have a fast connection.

I stumbled across Sryth when I was googling open ended online RPGs. As far as top sites, promotion, etc. I have never heard of it. Of course, I have promoted it to everyone I know. I figured a game of this caliber would have a lot more members ..

But nevertheless...

..I will continue to promote Sryth, but in order the game to get the credit it deserves (And the Game Master for that matter), more people NEED to promote and experience Sryth. I have no doubts they will like it... the game has a lot of potential. Being a great game already, Sryth should be one of the biggest/prestigious games online. That is the reason I offered my opinions and/or services. I hate to see good games die out after a while over something simple. (Im not saying it WILL, but based on statistics the lifespan of online games is 2-5 years)

I know some people are close-minded, some wouldn't believe I possess the skills I claim, and others are willing and optimistic like me. Regardless, I was just giving my opinion based on my experience. I still like the game, it is still great or I wouldn't take the time to make a suggestion or play it. lol. Have fun!

('Dooli' is fine. Actually, I'm trying to encourage it!)

Just wanted to say that I agree with the general idea of promoting Sryth as much as we can. I'm an occasional presence in another online game which suffers from the fact that its creator never managed to bring in enough revenue to go full-time on it, so updates are few and far between and the community is currently dwindling.

I discovered Sryth through an ad on another game site, so I know googling isn't the only way, but those ads cost money. So yes, let's keep the word of mouth going.

[thingirl]

I try to promote it to people too. Except, nobody wan't gaming advice from a short, annoying girl.

[Dinkem]

I've told a few of my friends outside the net about it and... well, that doesn't go over too well most of the time lol

And a few DnD addicts I know from back in the game are looking into it, but I have no idea if they've signed on or not, as we don't keep in touch that much. Schedules/distance/etc.

[Oldschool]

Just a reminder for you folks that have/are plugging Sryth and an incentive for others.

Refer someone to Sryth and earn ATs.

After copying and pasting the mail/post subscription info in another thread I thought about the referral system.

I had some trouble finding it. Perhaps some of the new changes on the homepage (i.e. Cafe Press) is why.

Either way a little necrothreading :D on the old forum done the trick.

So here's the link.

http://www.sryth.com/ci.php?f_c=refer.inc

[Badstench]

Nokturnal gave us an excellent post as answer to our queries/ concerns, but I especially zeroed in on this sentence...
more people NEED to promote and experience Sryth.
... which means nothing by itself, but when taken in context with his whole reply, deserves him due consideration and respect.

[Choson One]

But it's cooler to use your imagination! I love thinking about my battle with a Giant Spider. It's kinda like Dungeons and Dragons where you use your Imagination. I wouldn't change a thing.

[Daffanka]

I'd be all for a revamped map, but I really wouldn't support graphics. This is gonna be a very nerdy post, but just bear with me here.

Oftentimes when I've played an online game with some sort of role playing element, I find the graphics very lacking. What compels me to Sryth is its ability to really paint up a vivid scene. I was so stoked during Proving Grounds V for example, because that particular story was told so well. I always read the entire thing on the screen, and then I take a few seconds to imagine what my character sees. Always when fighting some sort of monster, or when exploring a new area, the descriptions to me become more like guidelines as opposed to strict telling of what it is. If you asked everyone here what they imagine the Sryth world looks like I think you'd get some very different answers, and that's probably what made me return to Sryth. I won't go into detail about how I see the world, but I'm pretty sure no artist could make everyone happy. Add to it that I'm sure the update schedule would suffer and from a personal viewpoint I can't support this.

And one last thing. Animated characters with interactive equipment often look pretty ugly and unlifelike. Just putting that out there.~

[Joddelle]

Very well said, and I completely agree.

[Lightwielder]

Yeah. I noticed when playing Everquest, some of the best armor sometimes turns out to look absolutely horrible and ugly. Interactive graphics is really only suited to 3-D, methinks. Also, if you make interactive or customizable appearance features, there would be no way to provide infinite variations and options. It would be limited to a few options for each particular feature. In most cases, players would think that their character looks "off," strange, missing something, etc.

I DO support an updated map, however. Nothing wrong with that.

[thingirl]

I support a map. And as for what your character looks like, I drew a picture of Alanne a few weeks ago and have it on my comp desk.

[Young Ned]

I'm in favor of an updated map, too.

And as for what your character looks like, I drew a picture of Alanne a few weeks ago and have it on my comp desk.

I'd be interested to see that, if you wouldn't mind posting it. :)

[thingirl]

There's not scanner on this comp, sorry. If I get the chance, I'll post it in Fan Art.

[Zera]

Sorry, but I think that graphics make it less RPG. I like it as it is....much like the D&D and AD&D games I used to play when I was younger. if you want graphics there are plenty of games like that on the web....but this is the best text-based online game that I have found and would like it to stay that way.

[riksaga]

My, "If i had a coder with a graphic artists soul in my back pocket..." suggestion for a vidual addition would be "THE SOUL CREST". A horrifying or magnificent reflection ala 'Picture of Dorian Grey" unique to every player.

An AI monitoring quest/event completion builds an icon collage from a selection of base icons, their transformations, and color palettes all nested together or optionally with some player choice.

The story telling is very enjoyable, but when grinding, it would be nice to have more than gp/xp incriments to warm oneself by.

[Girriwer]

I for one would love at to see some links to places I can create avatars for my characters and myself, as all of my characters may be women but we are all very different. That's why I roleplay afterall.

I am all for a game with a minimal graphics option so we can all play together, but have our individual needs and desires met in one place, what an awesome idea!

I play Castle Age on Facebook (Lady Viviana) and I find myself wanting more story. I stumbled on Sryth in an ad and tried the free version. I am now an AG member for all of the reasons everyone posted above.

There may only be 388 members in the forum but I know many people will read forums but not register because they are uncomfortable with it. This comes from a computer professional that has friends, co-workers, etc request I post things for them, some even on thing/forums I don't use.

[racey]

Hello and welcome to the game and the forum Girriwer! I hope that you enjoy both.

[Oldschool]

Welcome to the forum Girriwer.

[scout1idf]

Welcome Girriwer!

[zmflavius]

I for one would love at to see some links to places I can create avatars for my characters and myself, as all of my characters may be women but we are all very different. That's why I roleplay afterall.

I am all for a game with a minimal graphics option so we can all play together, but have our individual needs and desires met in one place, what an awesome idea!

I play Castle Age on Facebook (Lady Viviana) and I find myself wanting more story. I stumbled on Sryth in an ad and tried the free version. I am now an AG member for all of the reasons everyone posted above.

There may only be 388 members in the forum but I know many people will read forums but not register because they are uncomfortable with it. This comes from a computer professional that has friends, co-workers, etc request I post things for them, some even on thing/forums I don't use.

Welcome Girriwer, and I personally wouldn't mind myself, so long as it didn't slow down the GM on other, more important things.

[thingirl]

Welcome Girriwer, and I personally wouldn't mind myself, so long as it didn't slow down the GM on other, more important things.

Ditto. And even more so if we could upload our own art for them. I've got several pictures of Alanne around here. Somewhere...

I know of another game where you can submit a request for a custom avatar any time during the first week of the month, and the owner/main developer goes through all the requests and approves or denies them, or suggests changes.

[Oldschool]

Well in the meantime we have pictures & albums that you can post in as well as a forum section devoted to art. Under "community" on topbar or from the members profile for the member sections. Fan Art under Fan Section for the forum section.

I've noticed several members have nice artwork and photos. Unfortunately the forum seems inconsistent when it shows updates/new stuff when you check under community. I've actually stumbled upon most members albums when viewing their profile.

Advance apologies to anyone I leave out but Scout, SMV, ZM, Chareos and Wetheril all have nice albums.

[thingirl]

I'm to lazy to scan and post them. :) Although, I think I scanned one. I MIGHT be able to find it again.

[texlaw1992]

Nice to see another adopted Texan, although we're at opposite ends of the state and you're closer to San Diego than to Houston (lol).

[Dariel]

Sorry to revive an old thread (again) but I just HAD to say this... He said he'd be more active, but he never showed up again... (http://www.srythforum.com/member.php?u=162)

[zmflavius]

Sorry to revive an old thread (again) but I just HAD to say this... He said he'd be more active, but he never showed up again... (http://www.srythforum.com/member.php?u=162)

And his character doesn't show up in the HoC...you know, I think he showed up just to market himself.

[Dariel]

Yeah, that was probably the case. I was wondering if he really did stay active, but apparently not... I also laughed a little.

[scout1idf]

Sorry to revive an old thread (again) but I just HAD to say this... He said he'd be more active, but he never showed up again... (http://www.srythforum.com/member.php?u=162)
Sometimes reviving old threads sparks new interest and new conversations with different points of view than the first time around, so don't worry about it....