SAM'S PROFILE

=O Someone implied RPG Maker is not a "legitimate engine" and there's no flame wars in the comments!

Could it be? Have we finally evolved?!

I am truly sorry that you found my game to be offensive and in bad taste, however, I am grateful that you have noted any distaste was wholly unintentional. As you have said, it is a very delicate and sensitive subject manner, something I know you where concerned about during the game's initial development, as a direct result of that I removed any mention of the word "cancer" from the game's dialogue and description, making slight alterations so that, while it could be seen that Claire was suffering from a form of cancer, it is never explicitly stated, broadening the game's topic to terminal illness in general.

I feel that, where I fell down, mechanics wise, was in trying to convey a psychological battle in a system with physical attacks. You say you were half expecting status effects such as Denial, and, I have to be honest, some of the ones you mentioned were serious candidates during development. I also attempted to keep the player's strength and ability within controlled limits by setting the number of encounters per map and calculating how much EXP a player should have, and what level they would be at, when reaching each boss. My thought process was that smaller numbers would be easier to handle and in keeping with the game's overall tone, after all, it would be out of place to see giant attacks and effects with huge damage counts ala most RPGs.

Those small statistics meant that a player's best way to gain an edge was by buying stat boost items and weaponry as opposed to level grinding. Ultimately, the casting of Death as the merchant was a hastily made decision, and one that, in hindsight, does detract from the game. Working with small statistics and being outside my comfort zone also brought about balance issues and I agree that the battle system as a whole leaves a lot to be desired.

The plot and it's delivery have received mixed reactions, somewhat like Marmite. Calunio has said publically in his feedback that he loved the game, and felt it was very clever and well executed. Suzuri Heinze, wife of Tellahasa (both members that sadly don't post around here anymore but who speak to me on Skype) also enjoyed it, saying it made her ask herself serious questions about her life and what she would have been confronted with on Claire's journey. My partner, also my biggest critic, liked it too, stating she felt it was handled sensitively and responsibly.

I am now genuinely concerned that the game may have offended others, and I would encourage anyone who felt the subject matter was not treated properly to come forward so that I may, first off all, apologise to them, and second of all, ask them how they feel I could have handled it better. Please, do not stay quiet, if the game is upsetting people then I need to know and I need to act upon that.

I tried to do something different, something that would be thought provoking and I can certainly see how the game could be seen as being offensive in hindsight.

Max, I want to take this opportunity to tell you that I am deeply sorry for the way my work made you feel. You are one of the members and game creators around here that I hold the most respect for. It does mean a lot to me that you have stated you feel I conduct myself respectfully and that you did not feel I was out to hurt people.

Thank you so much! I'm really glad you liked Beyond the Gate as much as you did =D