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Do you remember that dumb meme game you made back in high school? The one about your favorite YouTuber, fighting to save the world from some generic edgelord? The one you can’t help but look back on and groan?

I made a game like that too, once upon a time. This is not it.

Let’s start with a little background. In early 2009, a vlogger named Boxxy went viral. I joined her fan forum, and ended up making a gag RPG for its users. “BoxxyQuest: The Shifted Spires” was my first experience with game creation – and believe me, it showed.

But for whatever reason, the idea stuck with me. The world and its characters just kept clinging to my heart. So a few years later, I thought, “What if I went back to that story, but actually did it justice this time?” So I gathered up a few friends, including Catie “Boxxy” Wayne herself, and together we set out to make something truly special.

This is a game that defies appearances and expectations. A game that sounds so bad, it shouldn’t possibly be good. And yet, if you take the plunge, you may find yourself swept away by a thrilling tale unlike any you’ve seen before. A tale of hope and self-discovery that will stay with you forever, (whether you want it to or not).

*This game contains swearing and very brief (sprite) nudity. It may not be suitable for players under the age of thirteen.*

*No extra Run Time Packages are required. Simply download, extract to a safe location, and play!*




Sign on to the Internet – a vast, full-immersion virtual world. Here, users live their ideal lives, willfully blind to the fragile structure of their reality…

Catie's days are carefree, spent leading a small forum in a quiet corner of the Web. But when a mysterious firewall begins consuming the northern wilderness, the Internet's leaders are called together to assess the threat. Soon, Catie will find herself plunged into the thick of a wild adventure, alongside a group of unlikely new allies. Together, they must reassemble the code of an ancient hacking tool, while being pursued by a mysterious new enemy, and the unrelenting shadows of the past...

You don't need to play the first game to enjoy this one. But just in case, I'll be including a brief plot summary in the files.





Please visit the "Characters" tab for information about the cast!




A vast, virtual land to explore - See the Internet in a way you've never imagined it before – as an immersive fantasy world! Each town and dungeon is based on a site you may be familiar with, and they’re all just bursting with their own unique flavor!

A rich, 30+ hour story - Meet vibrant new characters, and join them on a quest filled with both humor and heart. Who knows, maybe you'll even find a few unexpected plot twists along the way? And when you’re done, there’s a very extensive postgame to explore, too!

Tons of customization – Style up your party members with unique accessories! These baubles are hidden everywhere, and they all have unique and unpredictable effects. From a tiny ghost that turns you intangible, to a compass that seeks out hidden treasure. There’s something fun to wear for just about everyone!

So many Paper Mario references - Maybe even too many? The Paper Mario series, and especially TTYD, was a huge inspiration to us. How many shout-outs can YOU find?

Plenty of replayability - This game is jam-packed with secrets; you’ll never be able to find them all during your first trip through! Luckily, a certain postgame area can give you hints to find the things you missed.

Exclusive Boxxy content – If you’re a fan of Catie’s classic videos, then you may be in luck, because this game has a very special Easter Egg for you to find!

The perfect pie recipe? - Will you learn how to make a truly fabulous dessert? Maybe not, but you'll never know for sure unless you play!




Q. Is this a lame, cringeworthy meme game?
A. It isn’t, I swear! Despite being set in the Internet, I tried very hard to keep the humor fresh, without relying on memes. You’ll see a few, but they’re mainly just there to help establish the setting.

Q. Do I need to play BoxxyQuest 1 before playing this?
A. Nope! In fact, I’d prefer you didn’t play it. That game was my first, and while it has a special place in my heart, it hasn’t aged well. Instead, use the plot synopsis I’ve included in this folder.

Q. What is The Sphere, and who are the NPCs there?
A. The BoxxySphere, or just The Sphere, is a name given to Catie’s fandom. In the game, it’s where our story begins. The villagers are named after users on Catie’s forum, as a way to give them fun little cameos.

Q. Was Catie herself involved with development?
A. Yes, she helped out in a few small ways. Catie helped pitch ideas for the plot, and she provided narration for the intro scenes. She’s very busy, though, so asking more of her would’ve been rude. Very rude indeed.

Q. How long is the game?
A. It’s about 30-ish hours to beat the main story, plus more if you take your time with the sidequests and postgame. There are plenty of secrets to uncover!

Q. My art is in the game, but I don’t want it there. Can it be removed?
A. Sure thing! Just send me an email and we’ll talk it out. Please note that I meant no offense, I just used the best songs and art that I could find.

Q. I found a bug! What should I do?
A. Tell me, please! BQ2 has been tested, but I’m sure plenty of glitches snuck past us. I’ll try my best to patch any that you find.




There are currently two minor bugs that I can’t fix. (They’re both the result of custom scripts, and my knowledge of Ruby is patchy at best). If you can help me out, please feel free to send me an email!

- In the “flying ship” stages, the blue flames’ hitboxes are inaccurate. It’s safest to think of each flame as a vertical line running down the whole screen.

- If you switch team members in battle, then using “Esc” to undo any further action will cause them to switch back, even on later turns. (This one can be exploited, but you didn’t hear it from me).




The Shrimp – Concept, writing, map design, sprite artwork, programming
Catie Wayne – Concept, writing, narration voiceover
Sightshade – Writing, editing, map design, “special secret flair”
SeltiSnow – Sprite artwork, testing
Intangibility Drive – Misc. artwork
Tang – Writing, positivity enforcement
Shai – Testing and debug
Polish Vodka – Testing and debug
KK20 - Debug

Custom scripts by: Blizzard, Tigerseye, ForeverZer0, Kelessdee, Ccoa, DerVVulfman, Lambchops, RM-RF, Moghunter, Modern Algebra, Leon, MGCaladtogel, Corbaque, XRXS, Gameface, Gabriel Winchester, Trickster, Cogwheel, KK20, Nathmatt, Xelias, Seriel, Uncle Lanzer, Gerkat, Game_Guy, Chaucer, Heretic, Zecomeia, Kotfire, Asfz Kakarotto, Mad.Array, Koen Lemmen, and A-Moonless-Night.

Full art and music credits can be found in the game itself!




If you have feedback or questions of any kind, feel free to email me at shrimpses@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Also visit the official Discord server! - https://discord.gg/BcfyDSV

Latest Blog

BoxxyQuest - "Project GG" DLC Launch!

Surprise, everyone!

It's been a very long time since I've updated BoxxyQuest in any way, but I've spent the past several months working on an update so huge, that I've decided to release it as a full, separate DLC. You can find the files in the main page's download tab, or by clicking the link below, and installation instructions further in this post.

https://www.mediafire.com/file/v4zlb45kiprzekn/DLC.7z/file

If you're eager for a new adventure with Catie and her friends, I hope you'll enjoy what I've made!

---

WHAT IT'S ABOUT:

This BoxxyQuest expansion offers at least 4-5 hours of new content, set in a previously unseen part of the Internet. After beating the game's main story, (and reaching the "Epilogue" section), you'll be able to travel the full length of Artistry Highway, all the way from Tumblr to DeviantART.

There are two major new sites to visit, Etsy and Newgrounds, along with a few smaller enclaves, and plenty of secrets to find off the beaten path...

Newgrounds was once a joyous and bustling site, but is now a quiet shell of its former self. There, you can experience the DLC's main storyline as you cross paths with a group of old enemies, and try to uncover their sinister new plan. Just how deep does their rabbit hole go... and just who, or what, is pulling the strings behind it all?

Etsy is a cozy village nestled amidst mountains and waterfalls. There, you'll find a new exploration-focused sidequest with an unexpected reward. You'll also be able to purchase your own home, decorate it with furniture from around the Internet, and chat with your party members as roommates, (they have a lot to say)!

Fight against new enemies and bosses, each with their own unique gimmicks and mechanics to figure out... including one fated battle that's drastically unlike anything else in the game.

Find many new items to use, along with new weapons, armors, and even accessories to equip, all with their own unique effects!

Click here to see a gallery of what you can expect from the DLC:
https://imgur.com/a/OryOeCx


HOW TO INSTALL:

If you've installed a patch for this game before, it works the exact same way. If not, here are the basic steps to follow:

1. Extract the DLC.zip file into a safe location.

2. Merge the extracted BQ2 folder with the game's existing BQ2 folder. (Or simply copy and paste the contents of the new BQ2 folder into the older one).

3. Say yes when asked if you’d like to overwrite or replace some of the older files.

That’s it, you’re good to go! If you still need help or think something went wrong, please ask me.


F.A.Q.

Q. How do I access the new DLC content?
A. First, you need to beat the game’s main story, and reach the “Epilogue” section. Then, simply head south from Tumblr, or follow the Artistry Highway northeast from DeviantART. When you start seeing large fields of sunflowers, then you'll know that you've made it into the new areas.

Q. Will there be any more DLC after this?
A. It’s very unlikely, for a few reasons. Not only have I used up all my remaining ideas, but I’ve also hit an engine limitation. RMXP games can have up to 999 map files, and this DLC puts BoxxyQuest at 997. I couldn’t squeeze in much more, even if I wanted to!

Q. My game crashes immediately, with a “Transitions Module” script error!
A. If this happens, then you didn’t install the files in the right places. Make sure that the "rgss_addon.dll" file is located in the main BQ2 folder – the same place as "game.exe" and the other .dll files.

Q. I have more questions, or need help with something in the DLC!
A. As always, feel free to email me at shrimpses@gmail.com. Or join the BoxxyQuest Discord server to chat with other players at https://discord.gg/BcfyDSV.
  • Completed
  • SpherianGames
  • RPG Maker XP
  • RPG
  • 09/13/2018 10:00 PM
  • 09/23/2022 03:44 PM
  • 09/13/2018
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Posts

Pages: first 12 next last
I wanted to play a completely different game, but then I stumbled upon BoxxyQuest. Good humor, interesting designs, extraordinary setting (this time the internet itself instead of a MMORPG setting) - I'm confident the game will deliver a great JRPG experience. While the intro is a bit "doughy", after completing the first dungeon I'm fully invested now.
How embarrassing! I could already use some help, because either I don't understand how a certain room in the game works or there's a (potentially game-breaking) bug.

The room I mean is situated at Lake of Fanfiction, it's the library where the player is sent through the entire room to activate new triggers. My problem seems to be the second bookshelf from the right side in the upper row. Every time the next trigger wanders to the left side of said bookshelf, I can't continue, since the trigger won't activate (also, the books here don't glow as usual when this side is activated as the next trigger). This left side doesn't seem to work at all, because I can't even use it (like any other bookshelf side) to start the whole trigger sequence. Am I missing something or is this really a bug?
author=KyleLascar
How embarrassing! I could already use some help, because either I don't understand how a certain room in the game works or there's a (potentially game-breaking) bug.

Oh yeah, there is something up with that bookshelf. It's not game-breaking, but it does seem to be a bug. Good catch!

(To clear that room, just check the right side of the top-left shelf. All the others are meant to lead you there in a sort of roundabout chain).

Since this is the first public build, I'm sure there will be a few more bugs in random areas like this. If you find any, or have any general questions, feel free to send an email! I get phone notifications, so I'll see it pretty much instantly. :P

Anyway, I'm glad you seem to be having fun so far!

Thanks, that worked. I didn't check every bookshelf because I thought the triggers had to be activated in order (that's definitely a neglect on my part), though it seems the player doesn't need to trigger anything if (s)he knows where to look. :P

While I intend to note every bug I encounter, I won't bother you until I find a (potentially) game-breaking one. It's already bad enough that you get a phone notification for this totally irrelevant post of mine. :D
author=KyleLascar
It's already bad enough that you get a phone notification for this totally irrelevant post of mine. :D


Believe me, after working on this game for a few years, no feedback is considered irrelevant. :D
That's perfectly understandable. Although instead of feedback, I would like to report the game having crashed for the first time.

Lake of Fanfiction: If the player revisits the "fairy light guiding room" and walks around the outer edges of the left-hand side pillars, the game will crash, displaying the following error message:

Script 'Game_Map' line 305: NoMethodError occurred.

undefined method `>' for nil:NilClass

I don't know if this crash also occurs when the player hasn't completed the room once. In the best case this issue is limited to players like me who try out stupid things on purpose.

Could you please give me a hint with regard to how Fanfiction Volume III can be obtained? At least it would be good to know if it can also be found at the Lake of Fanfiction or not until later (at another location), since I already searched the Lake dungeon high and low. Also, I found
the secret portal in DeviantArt
. It seems the fun has just begun. :)
author=KyleLascar
That's perfectly understandable. Although instead of feedback, I would like to report the game having crashed for the first time.


Oh. OH! I know what caused that. It can happen when you change a map's tileset. I thought I'd been careful enough to avoid it, but it seems I missed one tile.

author=KyleLascar
Could you please give me a hint with regard to how Fanfiction Volume III can be obtained? At least it would be good to know if it can also be found at the Lake of Fanfiction or not until later (at another location), since I already searched the Lake dungeon high and low.


I believe Volume III is from the little room with the crab and the turnip. On the lower level, inner-right side. :D

author=KyleLascar
Also, I found
the secret portal in DeviantArt
. It seems the fun has just begun. :)


Oh, yes. Let's just say, well, there's plenty more where that came from.
I'm glad you will be able to deliver this unfortunate tile from its pitiful existence. =)

I just checked again to be sure, but I already got the treasure from the crab/turnip room. Although I don't remember what the treasure chest in this room contained. So either Fanfiction Volume III is elsewhere or it wasn't added to my inventory. Normally, I check every item I get immediately, but since I thought I had to collect 15 Fanfiction Volumes, I was a bit negligent. Now I really want to find out if there's some kind of reward for finding all Fanfiction Volumes.

By the way: Fanfiction Volume IX can be pulled out of the treasure chest an indefinite number of times (though the item number in the key items section remains at 1, but the player can get another copy after putting Volume IX on the table in the reading room). The same probably applies to when the player repeatedly completes Volume VIII's trial. Just mentioning this now in case it's somehow related to the "missing" (?) Volume III.
author=KyleLascar
I just checked again to be sure, but I already got the treasure from the crab/turnip room. Although I don't remember what the treasure chest in this room contained. So either Fanfiction Volume III is elsewhere or it wasn't added to my inventory. Normally, I check every item I get immediately, but since I thought I had to collect 15 Fanfiction Volumes, I was a bit negligent. Now I really want to find out if there's some kind of reward for finding all Fanfiction Volumes.


Hmm, that's a bit of a weird one. I just went back and tested - the crab did give the book, in exchange for the fully grown turnip. Check and see, do you still have the turnip or the seeds in your inventory? Try talking to the crab again, maybe?

Also, there's no big reward for getting them all. There's fifteen in total, because the three you need are randomized at the start of each playthrough. :P
My mistake. I thought you meant the treasure chest in that room. Somehow I thought the turnip seeds were part of a (long-term) side quest. (Edit) Obviously, I didn't even consider that this task has to be completed in the very same room. (/Edit) Thanks for your explanation. The Lake of Fanfiction is really an excellent dungeon, all the more so as it's "only" the game's second dungeon.
Just like my totally justified double posts, one bug seldom comes alone.

author=KyleLascar
Script 'Game_Map' line 305: NoMethodError occurred.

undefined method `>' for nil:NilClass


Unfortunately - or fortunately from your perspective, SpherianGames ;) -, I encountered another "crash site" that leads to the error message mentioned above. This time the chef's room in Wikipedia (in the building adjacent to the weapon store) is affected. There are several tiles/areas on the right side (top and bottom) that crash the game. Being the save-scummer that I am, I didn't lose any significant progress. A few more save statues here and there won't hurt, though. :P
author=KyleLascar
encountered another "crash site" that leads to the error message mentioned above.


...Aaand, fixed. Thanks again, as always.

Truth be told, I'm still tweaking this part of the game a bit, like the next dungeon's design, which I'm not terribly impressed with yet.
I think it's a decent mountain climb, but I might have run into a (potentially) game-breaking bug. How many switches/gates are on Mount Dramatica's second map? More than three? While I might have missed the switch for the second gate, I'm afraid me being unable to open the second gate is a result of my stupidity. When a switch can be activated more than once, then I activate it more than once. Thus, I activated each of the three switches I found three times (in case each switch switches between open and close). Alas, the second gate is and remains closed now, and I doubt this is one of these switch puzzles that require the player not to activate all switches.

In case I didn't miss a switch and this isn't just an elaborate switch puzzle: Could you please fix my save file that I uploaded to my profile/locker? I really don't want to lose the (grinding) progress I made while desperately searching for a solution. Of course, there's no rush, and thank you in advance. :)
author=KyleLascar
I think it's a decent mountain climb, but I might have run into a (potentially) game-breaking bug.


It's kind of an obtuse buzzle, I guess...

You need to hit the far left switch, then the far right one, while ignoring the middle one.

See what I mean, about it maybe needing a bit of work?
Thanks, it worked. I will give you the benefit of the doubt from now on when I'm stuck. While I was aware there could be more than meets the eye to this switch mechanic, I was really anxious after at least two hours without saving, especially because of the Script 'Game_Map' line 305 error. It would help if the player could see that there are only two gates, and it would also be great if the switches took two different positions after activating them twice (so that the player knows that the second activation sets the switch back to its original position and thus actually does something), but I completely take the blame this time. Of course, you can always improve your game, but I have to up my game, too. ;)
author=KyleLascar
I was really anxious after at least two hours without saving, especially because of the Script 'Game_Map' line 305 error.


If it makes you feel any better, I think we're done with the 305 Errors, as this is around the point in development when I switched from "let's use one gigantic tileset for every map," to "let's maybe not do that."
Of course that makes me feel better. :)

I'm having so much fun with your fantastic game, but sometimes I simply feel overwhelmed. For example (spoiler for everyone who wants to find this on his/her own in The Sphere):

There's a really hard to find locked gully cover upon which I stumbled accidentally instead of actively discovering it. Since then, I kept a lookout for when the sewers could be entered, and I was surprised to see that the only time window seems to be during the party side quest right before triggering the boss fight/after putting the NPC to sleep. Unfortunately, I didn't know the five-digit code and didn't want to try out up to one hundred thousand different combinations (Edit: seems to be a one-time-only attempt anyway), so I would like to know: Can this area still be accessed later or is the time window during the party side quest the only chance? If this is the only chance, I would try to obtain the code before starting the side quest - or maybe I missed a hint while tackling the side quest.


Even though I want to find everything during my first playthrough, I'm afraid I will miss some things, since some crafty developer even claims that the player won't discover everything during the first playthrough. ;) On the other hand, if it can be avoided somehow for now, let's postpone missing out on stuff to later.
author=KyleLascar
Even though I want to find everything during my first playthrough, I'm afraid I will miss some things, since some crafty developer even claims that the player won't discover everything during the first playthrough. ;) On the other hand, if it can be avoided somehow for now, let's postpone missing out on stuff to later.


First of all, thank you so much for the kind words! I did add a few things to actively encourage repeat playthroughs, but if you’re interested, then I can send you a message with some hints. :P
Your help is always very much appreciated. :)

I just discovered a game-breaking bug, i.e. I got stuck while trying to
leave the concert in the YouTube Subscription Stadium Theatre
and had to reload a previous save file (edit: I think this can only happen while rushing with the Speedy Shoes equipped). That's my punishment for always checking if there's still an opportunity to leave the area. :D

Edit: The same can happen when
trying to leave Buzzfeed prematurely during Katy's flashback
. The sprite somehow slips through the triggered turnaround and then can't return.
author=KyleLascar
I just discovered a game-breaking bug, i.e. I got stuck while trying to leave the area.

Agh, why am I not surprised?

When I switched from the standard tile-based movement system to the free-movement one, it broke most of the area transfers. (The events would play twice, since you were technically touching two event tiles). I went through and fixed them all, but I always had a sneaking suspicion that I’d missed one or two.

New patch incoming soon. :P
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