Ortus - a new free Multi-Ended Fantasy RPG

[Rilayen]

So myself and a team of guys have been working on this multi-ended RPG that's completely free, and since I frequent this forum I thought I'd post about it here. I'm not sure if it counts as advertising spam, but here goes anyway. :happy: I am not a BOT! (That's what allll the bots say)

 

We've been working on this game for a year now, about 12 hour days 7 days a week. Should be out March 2012, if you love games like Baldur's Gate, Diablo, Oblivion, Fallout etc you'll love this game (as long as you can deal with the fact we're four guys without a multi-million dollar budget, and just a lot of enthusiasm to make a great game. :wink: )

 

So here's the information dump on Ortus!

 

http://jazzastudios.com/ortus/Ortus.png

 

"It's like the best parts of all the classic RPGs in the last twenty years, put together into one game." - Commentary on the Ortus Exhibit at Avcon 2011

 

For all you RPG fanatics out there; ever feel like you're being railroaded into a storyline? Sick of video games that claim are 'all about choice' then end up giving you two decisions - both exactly the same? Or when you do find a game that gives you freedom, but the plot is about as deep as a puddle?

 

We share your pain! So instead of waiting for a multinational gaming giant to live up to their promises, we went about creating Ortus - a medieval fantasy RPG where you get to have your cake and eat it too. And we're almost done with it - we just need your help!

 

Everything in the world of Ortus is affected by your choices - your choices are your Reputation, Alignment, even Sanity, as well as the alliances you make, and eventually, the various combinations of endings you can get! And there's a lot of them.. players will be able to finish the game, go back to the start with a different approach, and experience the game in a completely new way.

 

Want to customize your character's abilities without being tied down to classes? You can do that too. Pick up new NPC companions; establish new friendships, romances and alliances or betray them! Our team like to think we're not just creating a game - we're creating a world for you to play in - full of as much backstory as there is good old hack-n-slash.We are essentially in the home stretch now, we are able to play-test through the vast story and put things together, but because of how ambitious the project is, funds dried up months ago, creating a difficult stress at times for the creators.

 

NOTEWORTHY FEATURES:

* 12 Main Endings and 80+ Ending Variations

* 12+ Companion NPCs to collect of different gender, race, alignments - romance or befriend them, each with a unique storyline!

* Different chain quests to complete

* Customize your character's look and skills how you want it!

 

FACEBOOK PAGE

http://www.facebook.com/ortus.game

 

=== ORTUS MECHANICS IN DETAIL ===

 

Ortus utilizes a unique cross-shaped alignment/reputation system that keeps track of your choices throughout the game. Ever wanted to steal from a house in a game or kill an annoying NPC, but the guards somehow always find out no matter how you did it? In Ortus, you can do as many evil deeds as you want; as long as you cover it up, the people will still worship you as their hero!

 

Likewise, doing the 'right thing' may not always be popular - saving that starving bandit may lower people's opinion of you. Ortus also keeps track of your quirky or logical answers to different predicaments, changing people's opinion of your character. In Ortus, you need to use your gut to choose what decisions might pay off or you might end up paying for.

 

A four-tiered leveling system (Strength, Speed, Skill and Spirit/Magic) allows you to choose whatever abilities you want as you meet the requirements - allowing you to mix-and-match your character's abilities to make your perfect build. Like talking, sneaking - then throwing fireballs when you get caught out? Unlock skill and spirit skills with your level points! More of a fighter who likes to be fast and strong? Unlock abilities under strength and speed. Ortus's leveling system is designed to be as simple as it is expansive.

 

Collect non-magical and magical components for your weapons called Scions! Scions add special effects and bonuses to your character and item. Swap them around between your weapons and collect them from stores and enemies - slay more powerful foes for more powerful components! Collect unique clothing with inherent bonuses, stylize your character and make them your own.

 

You can also avoid battles through your skill in words; persuade, lie and intimidate your way through the world of Ortus with a silver tongue! Though be wary, not all your foes can be persuaded lay down their arms!

 

 

=== ORTUS PLOT IN DETAIL ===

 

 

The game begins in the land of Candor, a fledgeling nation founded by refugees fleeing from the oppressive Therion Empire 150 years ago. Constantly at war with their former oppressors, Candor's struggles are multiplied as its leader - the Triarch Argus - passes away leaving nothing but political turmoil and backstabbing in his wake. But the Empire is the least of Candor's troubles; as strange creatures are suddenly appearing across the land from the Wailing Wastes to the Greypeak Mountains.

 

You, the player, have no knowledge of this - or anything - except a world of pain from which you narrowly escaped. Waking up in an old cottage in Southern Candor with no knowing how you got there, all you remember is the sneering face of your tormentor - and an eerie feeling that he is coming to get his escaped prisoner. With no clue where you are, you set out both looking for answers - and to evade your past. Stranger still, you are gifted with magic - a power unheard of in the history of Candor - save in the one man who helped shape it.

 

 

If you ask any questions on this thread I'm coming to check it every day or so, so this isn't a fire-and-forget post. :smile:

Edited December 4, 2011 by Rilayen

[Rilayen]

Some various picture samples - we use 3d backgrounds and 2d art, the isometric nature of the game is *very* similar to Baldur's Gate. All these pictures are pre-beta and subject to change, obviously.

 

 

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/Rilayen/299555_237574542950727_176135149094667_670222_1842418_n.jpg

 

 

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/Rilayen/305470_265146130193568_176135149094667_754767_106187100_n.jpg

 

This one below shows some of the dialogue in the game, the player is on the left side - this is our 'dummy' player, players of the game will be able to have a much more diverse appearance (and hair!)

 

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/Rilayen/Gerrod.jpg

 

 

http://i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g461/Rilayen/3houses_1.jpg

[Jakeo]

That looks darn neat. Will be keeping an eye on this one =)

[sedeslav]

WEll ! I like it so far! I think that your game have great potentials. If you need some concept arts or drawings i will be glad to do so. To see my works just go to

http://sedeslav.deviantart.com/ and brawse my gallery.