Interactive Fantasies

Hercules:

Merlin will be a MegaZeux RPG. What will it be like?

Jeff Conroy:

I'm hoping to have Merlin be a Megazeux game like no other. Not only am I taking different approaches to writing the plot than other MZX games have, I'm designing the game in 2 different ways of gameplay: inside the shops and buildings, it's a large char sidescroller. Outside, it's a normal MZX game (except with spectacular graphics ;).Also, there will be new types of first-player gaming, such as the Horse-Racing/Chasing game. If you're wondering what that's all about, it'll be in the upcoming Preview v2.0.

Hercules:

Could you tell me about the plot or how the plot will be like?

Jeff Conroy:

Like I said, I'm taking different approaches to writing it. Many MZX games now (along with most ZZT games) start off with the person waking up at their homes, discovering the world's in great peril, and they're off to save it. Merlin will be much different than that; for instance, Sir Woolsworth has no clue that Anthrax (the bad guy) is running around, kidnapping wizards/witches and stealing their magical powers. As theplot goes along, however, he discovers many things about Anthrax; the biggest surprise is who he really is. And I'm hoping to add real "true" elements about Merlin into the plot; for example, the famous sword Excalibur will play a part in this game, although what that part is will be surprising when revealed as well.

Hercules:

Is Merlin mainly focused on graphics, the plot or whatsoever or is it focused on all aspects?

Jeff Conroy:

At first, when this game was just being made up as it went along, the plot was horrible, and the main aspects were the programming and graphics. However, with the release of the first Preview and the many flames/suggestions to follow, I realized the problem; so now the game is being focused on the plot, with the graphics and programming after that. I'm really enjoying this change, since the production of Merlin is coming along more quickly and better than ever, and therefore the production is more fun for me.

Hercules:

Why did you actually redo Merlin? I mean, you released a demo of it some time ago.

Jeff Conroy:

Like I said, the preview may have had great graphics and programming, but it was horrible. Really, truly horrible due to the plot, dialogue, and numerous other things. So the redo isn't only voluntarily, it's also necessary for the game itself.

Hercules:

Is there anything else you want to tell the readers about Merlin?

Jeff Conroy:

Yes; visit the Merlin homepage (http://jconroy.dragonfire.net/games/merlin.html) for any updates on the game. All screenshots, demos, and whatever else for the game will be posted here. Oh yeah, e-mail me with any suggestions or comments you have on the game, any at all will be truly helpful.

Hercules:

See ya around.

Jeff Conroy:

Peace out, Hercules. ;)