Linear Volume

Linear Volume

Release type: Demo game
Release date: 1993 (original release)
Levels: 18
Author: Don'Pan Software
Related games: none

FULL ENTRY COMING SOON!

The Phantasy Star II influence here is blinding. One problem with Linear Volume, as with Cireneg's Rings and Explorer Jacko, is a lack of support in RSD's engine for text overlays. The game never really compensates for the missing feature, which creates a sense of aimlessness in the play narrative; it is never clear where to go or what to do, and why.

There are two very similar versions of this game; one featuring an acquaintance from the developer's home town, with poofy Tom Baker curls and glasses, and an edited version for public consumption. The latter was eventually folded into the 3.0 CD release of Game-Maker.

Story

Roaming the overworld in Linear Volume

Chapter I

After getting through the daily hell called high school, Marty headed home. After stepping into the nearest bus, he sat down in the prized position of Farthest Seat in the Back.

"Strange," he thought. "Usually everyone is surging for this seat, but there's no one in here. What's goin' on? Are the cheerleaders putting on a game of strip poker in the gym, or what?"

World map from Linear Volume

All of a sudden, the world turned into a big yellow blur. Once everything seemed stable again, Marty climbed out from under the seat. "Hey, this isn't OZ!" Peeking out of the window, Marty learned that this was not the 90's.

He deduced this by observing a large metal earlobe casually flap by.

"Well, well, a time warp... time warp? Wait a second."

Once he finished pondering this subject, Marty noticed that it had gotten pitch black outside. Lighting a match on the back of his hand, he stood up. "Whet's el de screamin' 'bout bak thar," Marty heard from the blackness at the front of the vehicle.

The bus driver, who had blue hair and eyes as big as grapefruits jumped out the window, howling something. Not wishing to be devoured by whatever it was, although he never actually saw it back there, Marty, too rushed away.

Town 4 from Linear Volume

Chapter II

Soon later, Marty came upon another native. The person turned around, and Marty noticed his purple hair. "Why does everyone here look like he's from a Japaneese cartoon," he asked.

"You must go to the town of Ishmaiel immidiately! World the fate of the known is in your hands," the native responded.

"Hmm... all right. But how do I get back to the past? And how did I get here?"

"You must defeat the evil lord to reopen the time port that brought," he said.

"What language are you speaking," pondered Marty.

"English translated from Japanese."

"Oh. Of course."

So here your jouney begins. You must decide Marty's fate. As for me, I'll go play A-J's Quest (c).

GOOD LUCK!

Instructions

New World map from Linear Volume

UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT:

Walk in those directions

SPACE BAR:

Use bladed weapon

2-5:

Use various other weapons

1:

Throw eggplants (if any)

Q-T ON QWERTY ROW:

Use magic spells

Suggestions from the Elder

At the outset, you should first drop all of the items you're carrying, as most do nothing at all.

Next, go to the weapon shop and get a knife. The armor doesn't really do anything, so don't waste your money.

Your first task is to find the first cave. Upon finding it, get up enough strength to brave the terrors inside before entering. If you cannot find it, go to the main menu and don't touch any keys for about 30 seconds. A demo will run which brings the character through these first steps.

Once it (I'm not telling what IT is) is found in the cave, you must enter all the others (once you find IT, you will be able to circumvent the yellow barrier), trying to find a way off the planet.

GOOD LUCK!!

Credits

Storyline: Eric-Jon Waugh

Sound: Eric-Jon Waugh

Graphics: Eric-Jon Waugh

Menus: Gregory Stone

Downloads

• Linear Volume (622.6 kB)
• Bus Ride Map (63.0 kB)
• World Map (477.8 kB)
  • Town 1 Map (134.2 kB) Town 2 Map (67.9 kB) Town 3 Map (96.8 kB) Town 4 Map (83.3 kB)
  • Cave 1 Map (173.2 kB) Cave 2 Map (148.8 kB) Cave 3 Map (164.0 kB) Cave 4 Map (291.0 kB)
• Space Map (20.3 kB)
• New World Map (282.0 kB)
  • Town 5 Map (187.4 kB)
  • Transport Map (186.0 kB)
  • Final Level Map (12.9 kB)