Prismal Software Board

[Ascended Mermaid]

The title is tentative. Our first order of business will be deciding a name for ourselves. An official board / mailing list will come with time. I've been set on Prismal Software as a personal name for my business; although I'd rather that we all went with something that we could agree on. Perhaps we could all come up with our own brands for our games, like my personal projects will be under "Prismal Software", Wyrd's under his own name, and Muta's under his name as well. However, for purposes of credibility, we should also file our collective works under a team name. Kindof like how there's Sega and Sonic Team; I haven't come up with any ideas just yet, so I'd like to hear yours. This shall be our first unanimous decision.

// I would also like to hear your thoughts on this idea. I would be just as happy having only one collective name, as opposed to each of us including our own brand names.

[Ascended Mermaid]

*nods* I believe I understand the gist of it, so it's not a problem. As long as we're aware of your restrictions (on a need-to-know basis, barring sensitive information).

[AllenSmithee]

So, I'll draw something today, is it okay if it is in blue ink? I got a new pencil, but I'm not quite used to it yet... And this pen pours its ink beautifull across the pages.

I specialize mostly in design sketches and the like, and am working hard on getting better at drawing girls, hahaha.

I actively seek to expand my ability, as a matter of fact I will be going to a specialty shop for medieval weapons and armor to have a real feel for how it looks in real life in a short while.

Just one thing, what exactly am I trying out for? A spot to help with cosmetic aspects (because I can also do nifty computer drawings, although I'll need to invest in software for you guys)?

I'd like to help y'all however, even though I understand it does not mean a spot on the board of course. I'd just like to have some practice doing somebody else's thing before I go and do my own.

Keep in mind too that, like Mutagene, I'm still learning a lot.

Should I ever get the chance to be part of this board, and eventually be a project head, I would like to say now that I would put that on hold at least until I create my own game that I am satisfied with, by myself.

But for the most part, I'm just interested in helping you guys out, doing drawings, designs, ideas for you. Part of this is due to many things I have talked about with my brother and would like to do with his friends, himself, and myself. Oddly enough I always thought a similar approach would work well for that: eg taking turns leading a project, although this would be a purely local endeavour unlike this.

Rambling aside, if my artwork impresses, may a get a spot to assist whatever tasks I can?

[Mutagene]

I'm pretty much okay with whatever names you guys could come up with, as long as it's not offensive toward anyone. I do, however, think that using a different group title for each project would be irksome, at least on my end--I'd much rather it be universal for our projects, though I can certainly make exceptions such as in the case of Wyrd. However, just a mention in credits would be enough differentiation for me.

And on the case of group members, may I possibly enlist my good friend Abbot as a co-composer and designer? He has more experience than I do with arranging, at the very least, and is much more of a musician than I. He's also a fairly decent artist, though his style might not be your forte.

I have a knack for often being unreliable, but if I have a real framework to work with and enough inspiration, I can create things. Maybe not the greatest things possible, but things nonetheless!

[Ascended Mermaid]

Smithee: I can't make any personal guarantees, without first understanding the legalities of the situation. Though a lot of companies use the policy that "anything you send or post becomes property of blah blah inc." -- I'm thinking we can use that policy here as well, just until we figure out the legal tape. As far as drawing utensils go, anything will work for the sample artwork.

Muta: Alright, motion for multiple group-titles denied. A singular title shall be used. As for Abbot, I'd say go for it. I would like to hear samples, though.

All in favor of Prismal Software?

[Mutagene]

That name's fine with me, though I don't really have any alternate names to suggest.

I have a question. How will we keep in closer contact with eachother once things start rolling?

Also, I'll be working on putting my ideas on paper now.

[Abbot]

If I give samples, all of them will be in midi. Aside from one/two that were converted from midi using an online midi-to-mp3 converter. (not the greatest sounds, but, eh.)

And why ever would I draw, Muta? >_>

Midi samples: (all guitar-heavy songs. mostly metal)

Death, a Desperate Birth

^ A little MIDI timpani in this one. A heavier song overall.

With Little Consideration

^ Synth is apparent in this song. From this song on, I've grown to love synth/sequencers. I love the sounds.

Ethereal Repose

^ The ending in this song, is one I love.

"MP3" examples: (traditional instruments, and more 'game'-y)

The Rose's Thorn

^ My first attempt at traditional instruments (sans brass). Was inspired from a playthrough of Eternal Sonata.

Their Lifeless Struggle

^ My second attempt at traditional instruments. You'll find that the piano can be seen as the primary instrument at parts, only to be overtaken by the violin.

(these two songs introduced me to the viola, which I am currently learning how to play. :D)


So. There you go. ._.
Also, as for names, I'd like to suggest one (not that PSB isn't good). Dream Intelligence. Actually, that's kind of dismal. xD I'll suggest it anyways. >:

[Ascended Mermaid]

Alright, sorry I'm late!

Staff: Prismal Software, approved!

Muta: We'll presumably keep in contact via e-mail (and a private e-mail list, to keep everyone updated during 'Board Meetings'), or if you wish/prefer, AIM/YIM.

Sounds great, I'll be looking forward to what you have to offer!

Abbot: I haven't gotten around to your samples as of yet; too late at night for that. It'll have to wait. As for Dream Intelligence, not a bad idea!

I'll get back to this tomorrow. I need sleep! Goodnight, all!

[Ascended Mermaid]

Their Lifeless Struggle:
The first midi I managed to open successfully on here. And certainly a surprise, it has one of the sounds I'm looking for!

The Rose's Thorn:
A remarkable piece. I can certainly hear the inspiration! I feel this piece as a desperate struggle; to be used in dire circumstances. Perhaps that's not the true intention of the piece, but it works well. Bravo.

...I've attempted to listen to the midis but Windows 7 doesn't like me. I'll have a hard drive soon enough though, so not to worry!

You are hereby approved and appointed as co-composer and designer, Abbot.

[Mutagene]

I'll be whipping up some new midis myself, but as an untrained non-musician, it's much harder for me to transcribe my ideas. My main strength is my melodymaking ability, and I'm rather good with drum writing as well--but I am awful at arranging and transcription, which are some of Abbot's strengths. Most of my riffs are mediocre, as well.

I probably have 3GB of recordings of me humming ideas that were never transcribed to midi. :/

[Skeletore has a boner]

I read this thread, and feel like I'm missing some piece of the puzzle, cause I don't understand what is going on. Which means it's probably not meant for me!

[Abbot]

So I'm officially apart of this team now? Awesome. :D

Also, I'm fine with Prismal Software Board. But, I do have a question. Me and Muta are on the same development team, right? That being music. Are we allowed to name our team? :P

[Ascended Mermaid]

Abbot: Go for it; if Falcom can have JDK Band/Sound Team/etc., then I don't see why not!

For DarusGrey and all who are curious: The beginning

[Mutagene]

Heh. I was trying to come up with a name that wasn't too cheesy, but the best I had was 'Spherical Sounds'.

Although, we could always use 'Prismal Sound Team KEL' if we're stumped. :v

[Skeletore has a boner]

Well, now that I read the other thread and have an idea what's going on...

If you guys are taking it serious here's things I can contribute:

Semantic/Metaphor consultant, not really applicable, very very useful on a *team* of writers, not when there's only one.

I'm a professional hobby video editor, more relevant is probably that I own tens of thousands of dollars of video(and to a lesser extent sound) editing equipment, including legal versions of Final Cut Pro, Logic Studio, and Photoshop/Aperture.

I have a lot of experience working with embedded systems...again not really applicable unless you're planning on an arcade release...

Localization, I have a lot of experience porting to different languages(even ones I don't know, without it sounding like crap).

Limited voice acting experience.

Redundant skills based on what I've read:

Writing
Coding- Despite technically having a doctoral in a computer science field(comp ling), practically my experience is almost 100% in LISP and almost entirely related to language parsing, LISP skills do not translate well into C++, JAVA, Ruby, or whatever our intended language is.

[SkyeWelse]

Well, this sounds like you all are off to a great start so far. Not sure how frequent I could be with Prismal Software, but Unsavory and I have entertained the idea of creating a game before, so I'd surely help out when I could. I still do want to get a finished game under my belt one of these days! Most teams I've worked with tend to move on to something else before projects can get completed unfortunately.

Anyhow, here are some skills I can offer to the table if needed:

1. 2D/3D design, modeling and animation and illustration.
2. Film editing (Though not as adapt as DarusGrey)
3. Graphic Design
4. Web Design
5. Voice Acting
6. Plot - Consistency - Believability - Fun/Gameplay solutions. : )

I'd certainly be interested in learning more about your future projects or whatever you all had/have in mind.

-Thomas

[Mutagene]

I'm still considering going 3D with my project, so in that case, you'd definitely be of help--I'm going to be practicing modeling myself, and I have some prior experience with animating for game mods using 3DS Max.

I'm definitely going to need some opinions on my plot once I get the summary typed out, and I'm working on a gameplay thesis now. I've had a TON of ideas for my plot the past few months, but I'm having a very hard time deciding what works, and still need to work on many things, so some advice from experienced writers would be of much help.

I don't know if I could do coding, but I'm going to at least attempt it. Chances are I'll be using C++; as much as I love Ruby, it's not exactly a powerful language.

Aaaand I still don't know how much I'd be able to compose for other projects. I've been having a bit of a composing high as well, though, and have been recording many ideas suited for town themes and such, which isn't my forte. I'll also be saving up for a Yamaha MM8 synthesizer, which will help IMMENSELY with transcription and melodymaking; and hell, if you ever need a keyboard solo, I am above-average at improvisation and would be glad to serve you up a mound of magnificent melodic masturbation. (alliteration is fun!)

Random thought: we have too many Thomases. :/

EDIT: Forgot to mention, I have many years experience with Photoshop and could do a fair amount of graphic design, specifically UI design. I love designing me some HUDs.

[Ascended Mermaid]

All in favor of 'Spherical Sounds'?
All in favor of 'Prismal Sound Team KEL'?
All in favor of 'The Prismatic Hearts'? (Strangely, I already have an ideal cover design, although originally not intended for a Sound Team.

Considering both Muta and Abbot are in charge of music, I believe that decision is between you two; but should there be a tie, I'll gladly cast a third vote. Both names appeal to me, with 'Spherical Sounds' being the most relaxing name to roll off the tongue.

Darus and SkyeWelse: Very appealing talents! I'll have to break it down as follows --

- Linguistics, Semantics, etc.; I may honestly be the only writer for my project, due to the fact that I've written up a large portion of the storyboard on my own. Due to possible obligations, I am not entirely sure if/when/how wyrdwad may contribute on an editorial front. The objective on the written end is to make sure that my characters sound as human as possible, have their own personalities, and to act and react as appropriately as possible to certain situations. I believe Darus has the skills necessary here.

- Video. I know that SkyeWelse is very capable for abstract sequences, I haven't honestly seen what Darus can do just yet; but I trust SkyeWelse's praise. The intro for my project will be a somewhat abstract 2D animation. I've already drawn a storyboard for it, panning and fading from area to area. It can be somewhat complex. I don't expect it to be flashy, more to express what to expect without giving away the whole experience. In my mind, it may be somewhat similar to the intro of Ys VI; not in terms of artwork, but more in terms of the template, how it was animated.

I'm feeling slightly mentally congested, lol. We'll resume this topic at a later time.

[ausdoerrt]

Strangely, I already have an ideal cover design, although originally not intended for a Sound Team.

I bet I know what it is. "MOON PRISM POWER...." Ahem.

Anyhow, g'luck with the project guys, looking forward to see what comes out of it.

[Ascended Mermaid]

...and now I'm physically congested, not just mentally. Well, I ordered an HDD, just to get my computer working for the time being. Will get an SSD at a later date. We'll resume at a later date.