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Introduction to  SHER project 

How is this project born?
This project began in secrecy in 2004. For a year, he germinated on paper. The goal was great: a video game based on the universe of games Genso Suikoden ... No more, no less.
But I had to face a big problem.

I mustn't  destroy a single element of this saga and develop some points neglected in official games. So I did some research on various specialized websites, Suikosource and Suikox mainly, to find things to exploit. I also replayed the album that I had at this time: Suikoden 1, Suikoden 2, the two Suikogaiden and Suikoden 3.In Suikoden 3, I could find the point to exploit.


The HighEast Rebellion.
Then I had to do some research on this war. The Shinsho Genso volume 12 speaks about the characters who participated in this war, and a brief description (very incomplete). So I had  almost complete freedom to create.
Knowing that HighEast Rebellion took place in Dunan, the geography of Dunan should be respected. But, by the scale of the conflict, I decided  to expand into neighboring countries. That is why you can see part of the Republic of Toran, Grasslands of the Federation or the Republic of Zexen Tinto. Nevertheless, the two main countries will be the  Dunan Republic and the theocracy of Harmonia.
Some characters come from official opus. Others had to be created for this game by myself.

After a very brief sketch of scenario, it must seek software to do RPG like Suikoden. I first tried RPG Maker 2003. But seeing that the software does not fill my expectations, I turned to RPG Maker XP. With its ability to RGSS (Ruby Game Scripting System), and its graphical prowess, he responded well to my expectations. For two years, we come almost beyond all limits of this engine, without being annoying.
I  started creating with the graphics core of RPG Maker XP. This was not enough, because no atmosphere emanated. To make the atmosphere of a Suikoden, we need resources of Suikoden. So I contacted Bombeck, a member of the Francophone community to help me rip. This part took almost a year to complete.
While ripping resources Suikoden 2, I also started drawing the first sketches of the main characters. Seeing my limited imagination and my drawing style (which does not fully satisfy me), I asked to help me Canelle for artworks.

The main frame of the scenario was basically set. I had the beginning and the end. The environment took shape. I left voluntarily holes not to be limited in my imagination when some scenes will appear. However, after th release of the demo, many have pointed out, and rightly, that the dialogues were very clumsy. Since that time, Canelle serves as a screenwriter and screenwriting consultant.

One of the biggest problems was finding a programmer for all systems. I contacted Avygeil and he has agreed to help me. In addition, with the release of the demo, he is also in charge of Game Design. Since recently, I'm also programming with him.

About music, some music are coming from Suikoden. However,  I'm not satisfied with all of them. That is why you find, for now, music from other sources. An amateur composer MetalRenard composed some tracks for SHER. In addition, Mr. Bill Douglas, a professional composer of New Age music, has agreed to let us use his music. But we're always looking for a musician who is able to invest in the long term.

This project has changed a lot since the release of the demo:
  • On the one hand, we could recreate the hardest part of this project. Those who have played the demo had the sensation of playing a REAL Suikoden!
  • On the other hand, the early release could show design flaws that we had not seen before. The strange pace,  bugs or systems wobbly ...  for the next demo, the player will REALLY play from the start.
  • Finally, this release has also allowed us to see organizational problems between team members. Now, we're using a system like SVN-development.

  • We also needed to participate to contest of amateur video game produced by RM. Thanks to divergeances opinions with the organizers, we chose to abstain. In addition, to propose a buggy  and incomplete demo  was also a lack of respect.
    While I am in charge of this project, I won't abandonn. I give you my word.

    Miktlov / Rutsuku Fushin / Cantarelle