The Rise of Magus is an original platformer built in Game Maker 7 and inspired by the character Magus from Chrono Trigger.
The most recent version of the game can be downloaded here.
The game is a .exe file, and so can only be played on Windows machines currently. No installation is required - the entire game exists within that single file.
If you have any questions or comments, let me know via e-mail. I also recommend you read some of the information below (or quickly look over the tutorial in-game) before you start playing.
Gameplay
The game is a 2D platformer. Below are the basic controls:
Left/Right - Move left and right
Up - Jump
Shift - Hold to "glide" while moving
A - Basic attack
Z - Throw a fireball
Esc - Pause
Spacebar - Progress Dialogue
Enter - Accept Selection/Skip Story
Gliding allows Magus to move more quickly, and can allow him to remain airborne for a short period of time. It's an important part of movement, so try to get in the habit of jumping and holding shift while moving.
The fireball is a projectile, and your first spell. When it is available to be used, a red orb will appear next to Magus' health in the upper left corner of the screen. When the spell is cast, the orb will become grey and the spell will be unavailable until it has recharged. Each spell has its own recharge time.
Magus will gain new abilities as the game progresses, the use of which is explained when they are acquired. As Magus acquires new spells, new orbs will appear around the health box representing these spells.
As you explore, you'll encounter small, glimmering, red objects. These are red stones, which Magus can collect and later trade to an NPC in exchange for new spells and improved abilities. These items are hidden throughout the game in a variety of places, so keep an eye out and be suspicious of anything that looks out of the ordinary.
Development
The Rise of Magus is not a ROM-hack, mod, or remake of Chrono Trigger. It is an original game with new mechanics, levels, and writing. The game does use sprites that were originally used in Chrono Trigger, and make references to the story of Chrono Trigger, so it qualifies as a collection of sprites and as fanfiction. For more on the legal aspects of the game, click here.
The Rise of Magus was created using Game Maker 7 Pro, a versatiles tool for creating 2D games of all kinds. It includes both a graphical interface and its own markup language.
The game's story is based on the story and character of Magus from the game Chrono Trigger, but covers a time period not appearing in the game, and includes original plot elements and dialogue. The story of the game is consistent with the story of Chrono Trigger, and represents my interpretation of the background story surrounding events in the game.
The majority of sprites, tilesets, and sound effects used in the game are also originally from Chrono Trigger. I culled these resources together from various online sources, including the Chrono Compendium and VideoGameSprites.net. The music of the game is MIDI-adaptations of music from Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana. Full credits for those who posted resources I used will be made available soon.
Other assets, as well as all aspects of design, writing, scripting, and implementing the game concept were done by Silent Ellipsis. A group of trusted associates contributed to the QA process, and ekblack drew the nifty-looking Health box.
Download
The game is a simple executable file that contains all the assets it needs to run. Save games will be added to the same directory that the game is running from.
You can also find the game here: YoYoGames, where it can be downloaded or played online using a plugin available on the site.
I've tested the file (and it's been vetted by several other sites now), and it shouldn't cause any kind of problem, but I do not claim responsibility if it does cause a problem for you. That said, if you run into some sort of technical issue while trying to run the game, please let me know.
The game is an .exe file, which only runs on Windows (2000/XP/Vista). I don't know whether or not Mac and Linux users can play the game using the Game Maker plugin on Firefox, but if you try it, let me know what you find.
Reviews and Alternate Downloads
These are links to pages that include reviews, information, or alternative download sources for The Rise of Magus. I submitted the game to CNET and YoYoGames myself, and from there it seems to have spread on its own.
Also note that any download that doesn't link back to this site hasn't been tested by me, so its reliability depends on the site:
YoYo Games - Hosts game (as mentioned above). Average user rating of 4.2/5, and one very flattering review. CNET - Hosts the download. Not yet rated on this site. Completely FREE Software - Gave The Rise of Magus a 5/5 review. Softpedia.com - Hosts a download of the game. Average user rating 5/5. ZDNET - Hosting a download of the game. Brothersoft - Hosting a download of the game. Softsea - A 5/5 review, but the text seems to be auto-generated. VersionTracker - Hosting a download of the game. WareSeeker - Hosting a download of the game. Average user rating 10/10. TechRepublic - Hosting a download of the game.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to e-mail me. Also be aware that this site is still a work in progress, and more will be added to it with time.
