Emerald City Confidential

[Shaay]

Dave-

I'm so glad we've finally found out what the "Mysterious Playfirst Game" is after all these months.  I really look foward to playing it.

(I think its kinda funny that it has 'Confidential' in the title and that its been confidential for such a long time.  )

[sierramindy]

Reply? How can I when I'm totally speechless! After looking at those great screenshots all I can think is: Awesome! Terrific! and Wow!

[JohnnyW]

This looks very cool! I didn't get the Oz connection straight away, but then, of course, it hit me. I really like the idea! I've always thought that Baum's novel had a darker side and that his mythology could be exploited.

Have you seen Wicked? I don't think there's anything that would clash here, but it's an excellent extension of the story.

Not sure if you've ever read the original "novel", but I always thought it was strange that everyone had to wear goggles before they entered the city... as if the city wasn't REALLY emerald afterall. (Although I see you've ditched the goggles in your version.)

Very interested! Ramp up the "darker side of Oz" angle in your marketing!

[DaveGilbert]

(I think its kinda funny that it has 'Confidential' in the title and that its been confidential for such a long time.  Smiley )

HAH.  Good call, Shaay!  I didn't even make that connection.

Yep, I've read Wicked (and seen the b'way show).  I'm basing the story of the game more on the original L. Frank Baum books than the films (if only because the books are in public domain while the films are not!)  Baum book regulars like Trot, Captain Bill, Scraps, Jack Pumpkinhead, Mombi, et all will all make an appearance.  It's been fun to write!  I loved the Oz books as a kid.

[allysonc]

DAVE OMIGOSH. I LOVE LOVE THIS GAME.. The minute I saw it was made by wadjeteyegames..you. I KNEW IT WOULD BE FANTASTIC. I got my dave gilbert game fix right now.. Still waiting on the new blackwell. Great job with this. Can't wait till it is out!

[DaveGilbert]

Hehe.  I assume you're one of the firstpeek testers, allysonc?

[Xayla]

Oh man, oh man.  Dave.  Wow.  I'm not a firstpeek tester, but I can't wait to get my hands on this one.  January will be slow in coming.  Love Oz, love your games.  You've put them together, and even included my favorite characters.  (have you been in my head??)

Regardless, the game screenshots look gorgeous, and the character stories are great.  Thanks Dave.

[allysonc]

Yes Sir! I sure am. LOVED IT.  I love your game style though.   Wish I didn't have to wait sooo long for the blackwell or confidential game.. but understand you have to work on it all and it takes time! I hope your doing well lately Dave.

Ally

[Shany]

New game sounds great. I can't wait!

[allysonc]

YAY JANUARY 9TH! WOOHOO.  I will  be counting down the DAYS.   Now..if we just had a estimated date..for the 3rd blackwell game  lol.

[DaveGilbert]

Oops.  By Jan, 09 I meant January of 2009.  Sorry!  I'm not sure what day PF will be releasing the game, but I know it'll be in January. 

[Gurok]

Given the absolutely beautiful artwork of the Blackwell series, I have to say, I'm pretty disappointed in the look of Emerald City Confidential so far. Don't get me wrong, the concept sounds great. The setting is great. I like the idea of mixing magic with mystery. It's just, this is such a departure from your previous games' art styles. For the backgrounds, it looks great, but I can't say I'm a big fan of that style for the character views/sprites. I don't know. It might just take a bit of getting used to. I just hope (possibly in vain) that Petra finds some shading, expression and better facial proportions before the final release.

[mcchin]

I have bought all the games so far (Except for sound tracks), I like all the games especially the Blackwell series. I have been waiting for Convergence to come out, is a bit disappointing that most focus has been on Emerald City lately.

I understand is hard to turn down the chance to work with big publisher. Although i will buy Emerald, and also Convergence once it is out, but if I only have enough money to buy one game, I will choose Convergence anytime.

[DaveGilbert]

Believe me, I know the feeling. I seriously miss working on Blackwell.  Whenever I work on it now I feel like I'm playing hooky.  Funny how Blackwell used to be my full time job and now I work on it for fun.

Anyway, while I'm going to be trapped in the land of Oz for a few more months, there is some good news as far as Blackwell goes.  I've recently brought someone on board who will take on project management duties and help the game get developed much faster.  More news on that when it's official.