• Add Review
  • Subscribe
  • Nominate
  • Submit Media
  • RSS
What we have here is a game made within the "magical girl" sub-genre of anime. What does that mean? To me, it's about female protagonists that have some manner of transformation process to battle the forces of evil. It's about the drama of falling in love for the first time. It's about the true meaning of friendship. Sometimes, it's about being off-the-wall silly.

Okay, so this game might not have all of this, and my definition may be totally off-base, but I will do what I can to provide as much of this as I can.


Basic story: Momotami Ruri is a 16-year-old girl. She has recently transferred to Iwayama High, and is ready and willing to make as many friends as inhumanly possible. She comes across a strange pendant, and inevitably gets herself involved in a mystic battle. Who are her adversaries? What do they want? Can Ruri balance her normal life and her super-heroine life?


Personal background: The term "uchioniko" was made by lumping a few Japanese words together. However, because I didn't do research on this term, it might not actually have any meaning, or is otherwise completely gibberish. For full disclosure, I was looking for something that would translate to mean "demon within the girl". However, no matter what Google translator, or any translator, would tell me, I can't bring myself change the name of this game. What can I say? The name has attached itself to me, and I really like how it sounds.


Other links of interest:
This game's game-thread on RPG Maker Web.

Latest Blog

An early present

If one recalls the last blog I wrote for this game, I was musing about doing a Christmas release. By all accounts, I certainly thought I would have this release ready after the holiday, rather than before. Then again, I found myself working on this game with the goal of getting this out by Christmas in mind. It wasn't the smoothest ride (December is always a weird month), but, I guess I can say that it more-or-less happened!

This particular release should not not require Ace's run-time package (RTP) on one's computer at all. This is mostly because I just want to call this game "done", but, I'll hold off on the "Complete" flag for a while just in case. Though, I'm not actively working on it either, so, "Hiatus" would be the logical flag.

Note that if one should want to play the "Nugget Crash Curse" version of the game (Yes, this is still up!), Ace's RTP would still be required for that. If one doesn't have the RTP, and wants to perform some kind of comparison between the two versions, one should be able to get it from this page, using the VX Ace tab.
  • Completed
  • Marrend
  • RPG Maker VX Ace
  • RPG
  • 03/17/2012 01:47 PM
  • 07/14/2021 07:57 PM
  • 12/23/2012
  • 160174
  • 26
  • 1763

Tags

Posts

Pages: first 123 next last
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
This game does not relate directly to Matsumori Days. There is a certain preference for the IPs to be separate. However, for what it's worth, there is a small reference to Matsumori Days in my write-up. Though, as Matsumori Days concerns itself with alternate realities, one can postulate that there can be a reality where both the events of Uchioniko and Matsumori Days could occur. XD
author=Marrend
If you are/were a fan of this game, this game should be of interest to you. XD


Thanks! Cool! I forget if this relates to Matsumori Days or not... Or if I playeed this. Hmm. Well, remake is a great reason to play!
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
If you are/were a fan of this game, this game should be of interest to you. XD
author=Marrend
author=RukasuWYZ
How many characters did you make? (And what are their respective games?)
Let's see. From the Matsumori series (that's these three games) came Mitsuya Masako and Umehara Joruri (For full disclosure, the first game has both, the third game has just one. The second game's a prequel, and has neither). There's the four from this game. Kwuabara Emiko makes references to this game as well as this one and one of the aforementioned Matsumori series games. If you include the defunct/cancelled Yume Francesca (A passing reference to the protagonist of this game. I can't really recommend you playing that one), the total would be eight.

author=RukasuWYZ
(Also, on a different note, how do you change your profile picture?)


You should be able to do it from your profile when logged in. One of the icons reads "Account". You click on that, and one of the first editable fields is your avatar.


Thank you, Marrend.
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
author=RukasuWYZ
How many characters did you make? (And what are their respective games?)

Let's see. From the Matsumori series (that's these three games) came Mitsuya Masako and Umehara Joruri (For full disclosure, the first game has both, the third game has just one. The second game's a prequel, and has neither). There's the four from this game. Kwuabara Emiko makes references to this game as well as this one and one of the aforementioned Matsumori series games. If you include the defunct/cancelled Yume Francesca (A passing reference to the protagonist of this game. I can't really recommend you playing that one), the total would be eight.

author=RukasuWYZ
(Also, on a different note, how do you change your profile picture?)

You should be able to do it from your profile when logged in. One of the icons reads "Account". You click on that, and one of the first editable fields is your avatar.
(Also, on a different note, how do you change your profile picture?)
author=Marrend
Yes! I still exist, and coming up on 6 years of being on RMN! I've got absolutely nothing planned for that occasion (I don't recall having anything planned last year either), but, I intend to stay. Thanks for playing this, and the custom content!

As a side-note, pretty much all my custom content in Heartache 101 are characters from my various games. Though, Kuabara Emiko might be a weird exception, though she more blatantly promotes stuff.


How many characters did you make? (And what are their respective games?)
Because I might play them after I finish Uchioniko, :D
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
Yes! I still exist, and coming up on 6 years of being on RMN! I've got absolutely nothing planned for that occasion (I don't recall having anything planned last year either), but, I intend to stay. Thanks for playing this, and the custom content!

As a side-note, pretty much all my custom content in Heartache 101 are characters from my various games. Though, Kuabara Emiko might be a weird exception, though she more blatantly promotes stuff.
Marrend! You still exist! Anyway, this is a great game! Now I know where Izumi and Shoko are from, considering I got their endings in Heartache101!
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
Thanks for playing! I'd also welcome the review!
Notoh
*Deeply Thinking*
1928
I played this game a long time ago and I really liked this game a lot. The characters were so sweet and diverse! I plan to write a review for this game soon.
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
A few responses!

author=Red_Nova
If I may suggest a way to take it a step further? What if there was a way to trigger certain events that REQUIRES Ruri to be moving fast? What if NPCs had a certain reaction if Ruri accidentally crashes into them? If you can plan the game around Ruri's speed, it would work wonders for immersion!

This seems like a pretty interesting idea, actually! I mean, there is that one teacher that says "No running in the halls!" (To which Ruri vehemently denies doing), but creating events that are triggered "on hero touch" and "A button is pressed"? Hrmmmm!

author=Red_Nova
I thought at first that she was a shy girl, with absolutely no energy at all. Plus, her magical girl form is a HUGE contradiction with her character. I know it's supposed to be a wind spirit, but I look at that graphic and the LAST thing I think of is, "an energetic girl."

Well, okay, the first impression failed. I can live with that. However, I'm not really sure my editing skills are up to snuff in regards to Ruri's transformed face. I mean, I would need a base, and my preference would probably be the water spirit, but going from there? I dunno.

author=Red_Nova
Despite my praising of how good it feels to play as Ruri, there were lots of eyebrow-raising design choices as well. When I examine my party before they transform, I already have spells, weapons, and techniques. I think it would have been best to hide those until you transform for the first time. That way, I feel a lot more like I TRANSFORMED and awakened to the powers of the magical girl. Seeing those techniques already, I had assumed that they were just as natural to the world as school was.

I'll totally admit that giving skills right off the bat was a lazy move on my part, as was the decision on equipment. With skills, I didn't want to mess with the complications of giving skills at the exact moment characters were able to transform, then taking them away after the transformation subsides. Maybe, as you suggest, I could just give them skills after they are able to transform, and then leave that alone. Same with equipment. Ruri was the only character that had her equipment given to her in stages. As a programmer, I absolutely hated doing that. Particularly since equipment did not effect the game-state in the slightest! They are "flavor text!" Though, on the other hand, I guess I didn't stop to think what that "flavor text" did for character development. Which kinda leads into...

author=Red_Nova
Also what really kills the immersion is the lack of creativity in the equipment. Marrend, dude, you made a game about magical girls. Why, by all that is good and holy, do you have the most boring equipment names imaginable!? "Evildoers! Behold the wrath of my... sword."

I KNOW you can come up with more appropriate sounding names for the weapons of magical girls than, "sword," or , "spear,"

...this. Well, okay, you have a point! How effective is "flavor text" when it isn't even that flavorful? Hrm. I could certainly see Ruri's spear being called "Spear of Justice" because of one of her pre-battle quotes. I could also see Mayu's sword being called "Sword of Vengeance". "World Cleaver" sounds pretty awesome to me for an axe. I'm trying to come up with something elemental-related for Izumi's bow, but I'm either being really dumb, or it's just not coming to me right now.

Aside: Maybe moving that intro with Jun and Michi elsewhere would be more effective? There is a place later on in the game that makes a reference to it, so...

*Edit:
author=Red_Nova
EDIT: Is this battle not supposed to have a battleback? Because it really needs a battleback.

I probably skipped over that (or totally forgot about it) because players only fight the one battle there, and I was not paying any attention to the lack of battleback!


*Edit2: You know, the more I think about it, the more I think this game totally fails in the "show, don't tell" department. Particularly in the case of Shoko.
Red_Nova
Sir Redd of Novus: He who made Prayer of the Faithless that one time, and that was pretty dang rad! :D
9192
Hard mode activated: I'm going to talk about this game WITHOUT a single mention of Okiku. <--That one doesn't count.

I've played about 20 minutes, and I have a good deal to say. But considering this game is two years old, is feedback even welcome? Hm...

Well, whatever.

I have a hard time hating this game. I mean, it does just enough for it to not be classified as as bad game. The characterization is definitely a step above many of your other projects. 20 minutes in and Ruri, Mayu, and Izumi all left an impression on me. Ruri is an interesting character to describe. I'll just say it: Despite other people's complaints, I find Ruri's naturally fast movement speed to be not just a point in the game's favor, but one of my favorite aspects so far! There's not much that separates Ruri from other game protagonists character-wise, personally, so increasing her movement speed was a great choice! I felt like I was playing as Ruri, and that's not a feeling that many other games can successfully manifest. The fact that all the other characters react to her naturally fast speed is another BIG plus in my eyes.

It's amazing how much increasing the walk speed can really help you step into the main character's shoes.

If I may suggest a way to take it a step further? What if there was a way to trigger certain events that REQUIRES Ruri to be moving fast? What if NPCs had a certain reaction if Ruri accidentally crashes into them? If you can plan the game around Ruri's speed, it would work wonders for immersion!


That being said, I also have a hard time recommending this game, too. Despite my glowing praise of playing as her, Ruri herself left quite a bit to be desired. Especially her intro to the class. I thought at first that she was a shy girl, with absolutely no energy at all. Plus, her magical girl form is a HUGE contradiction with her character. I know it's supposed to be a wind spirit, but I look at that graphic and the LAST thing I think of is, "an energetic girl."

I would make a comment about how the intro had nothing to do with the game again, but I can't do that this time, as I haven't played long enough to see the connection. I can say that it was very jarring to start off playing as Jun and Michi because I have almost no context on their characters, only that they have to fight someone because he's evil. Yeah, I need more than that, especially if you're gonna switch over to Ruri and the others without even HINTING at who they are.

Also, I have to ask: Is being a magical girl common in this world? Ruri's transformation is understandable (if not a little jarring the first time I saw it), but suddenly Mayu transforms? I mean, not even three textboxes ago, Mayu and Izumi were trying to figure out how Ruri transforms, and suddenly Mayu's all like, "Oh, Shoko's in danger! Let's go" And immediately transforms!


Despite my praising of how good it feels to play as Ruri, there were lots of eyebrow-raising design choices as well. When I examine my party before they transform, I already have spells, weapons, and techniques. I think it would have been best to hide those until you transform for the first time. That way, I feel a lot more like I TRANSFORMED and awakened to the powers of the magical girl. Seeing those techniques already, I had assumed that they were just as natural to the world as school was.

Also what really kills the immersion is the lack of creativity in the equipment. Marrend, dude, you made a game about magical girls. Why, by all that is good and holy, do you have the most boring equipment names imaginable!? "Evildoers! Behold the wrath of my... sword."

I KNOW you can come up with more appropriate sounding names for the weapons of magical girls than, "sword," or , "spear,"


Despite my complaints, I find myself genuinely interested in continuing this game. I feel like I SHOULD hate it, but... I don't. Honestly, I think it's mostly because of how it really feels like I'm playing as Ruri. The fact that I have such an easy time stepping into her shoes really does a lot to immerse me as a player. Yes, it does seem like I'm harping on one design decision for so long, but I'll be damned if I don't say how much I liked it.

This one is going on my list of games to play after the event is over.

EDIT: Is this battle not supposed to have a battleback? Because it really needs a battleback.
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
Now that I want to spread my influence into RMW, I'm finding that I only really like two of these images. Replaying this to get a feel for how long this game takes is on my docket anyway, so, maybe, if I find something cool to snap...
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
author=shayoko
...sir marrend...


When was I knighted?

Er, anyway, a few actual responses. I guess I didn't relay the nature of these spirits that they fight well enough for you. Or the cyclical history that this game is supposed to have. I doubt such information would make this game more fun to play, but, I wanted the game to have a certain impact, and it apparently fell flat on you.
shayoko
We do not condone harassing other members by PM.
515
random thoughts

LMAO start off at lvl 50(why do i have a sinking feeling this isnt gonna last?)
but you have basic gear!? how did they get that strong and not get epic gear!?

to easily expected : (

even expected becoming a highschool student(well apparently the starting 2 were they had uniforms on)
but not that all the classmates would be such dicks....terrible start to a game :/

lmao the guy at the locker my exact thoughts just with anime!

this plots fucking retarded seriously
none of the npcs have anything significant to say
you leave school a quick scene your back in school just to essentially leave again
save a girl
rather then respect you....she goes and runs her mouth...
then some girl who should mind her own business starts asking questions...
dam already rdy to drop this!

see said eastern part not west!

dialog gets real bad after beating the final villain them forcing love on Ruri
"why do you care about his injuries so much?"
come on...what kind of question is that!? its normal for a healthy minded human to care about others just because!


Overall
honestly this is the 1st game of the engine in a while that i really did not like]
9last was some survival game with a flashlight)
the mapping outside was horrendous
there was not a real reason nor explanation for the random demons being outside that noone noticed
people stronger then you forced the responsibility of saving the world/country on you(high school students)
too many skills per character(and seemingly copied from the other titles)

and to make matters worse all the games sir marrend has made that ive tried so far not only have the same exact move sets
but characters getting a elemental spirit in them XD

in any case this title was horrid dont recommend : 3
have a good day :D
Well Im tearing apart the southern park. Ah the life of a school girl/ herione. Just how do I do it all.
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
author=Marrend
I should get back to this at some point...

So. Much. This.


*Edit: Well, finishing Chapter 2 didn't take as long as I thought! Then again, I only put in what was necessary for the game to move, and nothing else. Is that really such a bad thing, though? I don't think so!
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
Hrm. I'm wondering how much this whole thing with TP even matters. The only reason I wanted to to ensure that I was rounding up is so that a Level 99 character would have 25 TP at the beginning of a fight rather than 24. Who's going to grind hard enough to get to level 99? I might be revamping rewards for fights, but I seriously doubt there will be enough EXP to merit all this fuss.

On a side-note, I have managed to work in a bit more story into the game. I'm aiming for the next demo release to be as far as the first boss fight. I cannot give any approximations as to when this release will be, but I don't think it's a huge stretch to say "sometime next month".
Marrend
Guardian of the Description Thread
21781
I'll try that, but let me tell you a small story about the TP regeneration code I'm running. An example of how it looks now:

$game_variables[1] = $game_actors[1].tp * $game_actors[1].mhp / 100
$game_variables[1] = $game_variables[1].truncate
Change HP: [Ruri], + Variable [0001:num]
$game_variables[1] = $game_actors[1].tp * $game_actors[1].mmp / 100
$game_variables[1] = $game_variables[1].truncate
Change MP: [Ruri], + Variable [0001:num]


Without the "truncate" line, I was getting a floating decimal with three places! I didn't expect to see such a result, so I put in the "truncate".
Pages: first 123 next last