Retro Fighter Call of the Dragon Xen the Alien The hexNGINE NeoEarth Concepts & Tutorials Thermal TPM Online Journal About hexGEAR
The 5th Scroll Retro Fighter II Vehicle Simulator Website Links Columbus

Game Information
The first kinda serious game i started making. In case you haven't yet noticed i'm a martial arts freak, and when you think martial arts what part of the world springs to mind? Asia! Now Kung-Fu is good 'n' all but at the time i was more interested in Japan, or more specifically, Ninjitsu and the Ninja. That was my core, that was all i needed and i started forming a game around the Ninja.

The Story
I'm even having problems recalling the storyline 'cus it changed so much. I think it went something like this, you control Kato, a member of the Dragon clan of Ninja's during a time of hostility between the several clans of feudal Japan. Some sinister force is behind the whole thing and is trying to find a way to materialize on earth. He makes an alliance with one of the clans and hatches a pretty elaborate scheme that would not only result in the betrayal of his allies later on down the road but also him ruling the entire planet. Well not if you have anything to say about it that is.

The Gameplay
Being a Ninja game, gameplay was focussed on stealth and quick confrontations. You had a multitude of items and weapons to aid your physical abilities like smoke bombs, KO gas, grappling hook, climbing claws and the infamous Ninja Katana (did my research!). I didn't actually complete any missions, just a couple of stage designs and the enemy AI routines. I also completed a pretty basic fighting system allowing you to choose from and play against the various game characters.

Screenshots
Just a couple of screenshots showing off the game. The first is from the RPG element of the game, you get sent on missions into enemy territory to spy and gather information. The second is from the combat element of the game, similar to your basic fighting game but with a lot less functionality.

Concept Art
Some pretty ancient concept art for the game. I created these after deciding to rename the game from Ninja Scroll to The 5th Scroll. I had a proper storyline all setup and started thinking about the characters, clothes, weapons etc.

Gameplay Videos

Adventure
Find out what it's like being a Ninja in feudal Japan. Having to master the arts of stealth as well as a range of deadly weapons like the katana, as well as useful utilities grappling hook.

Action
The rules of the arena are simple, two combatants enter, only one emerges and is subsequently crowned the victor. Witness the warriors of the 5th scroll engage in mortal combat.

The Verdict
This game is a perfect example of rushing head strong into making a game with no prior design or planning and as a result the game was ultimately scrapped. It was a descent attempt though, i learnt a lot from the entire process.

The game didn't really have many faults that i could diss. The camera was quirky and would have been adjusted if i continued the game. The fighting system pretty much sucked in comparison with what i can do now. I'm still pretty proud of the enemy AI, it formed a foundation for ideas i may look into in the near future. Stage designs were flawed as a result of not planning before executing. But all 'n' all i'd say it was a pretty descent attempt at making a game. You can download some game material below.

Downloads
Although the game was never completed i've made available specific sections of the game like gameplay demos, source code and the latest design document. For a little demo showcasing the enemy AI used in the game, refer to the tutorial on enemy AI.


Name: Ninja Scroll 3rd Person Demo + Source (.exe)
Author: Dienye Boham
Version: v1.0
Size: 4.82MB
Date uploaded: 18/12/05
Download link: Download here

Name: Ninja Scroll 1st Person Demo + Source (.exe)
Author: Dienye Boham
Version: v1.0
Size: 2.60MB
Date uploaded: 18/12/05
Download link: Download here

Name: Ninja Scroll Combat Demo + Source (.exe)
Author: Dienye Boham
Version: v1.0
Size: 4.80MB
Date uploaded: 18/12/05
Download link: Download here

Name: Ninja Scroll Script (.doc)
Author: Dienye Boham
Version: v1.0
Size: 34.3KB
Date uploaded: 18/12/05
Download link: Download here



updated 13.10.06