The Frozen World

By: Terry

On: September 29th, 2007

Heya, TIGSource! My name’s Terry Cavanagh, and this is my first post here. (Grand so, that’s the introduction out of the way.) Today I’m going to talk about The Frozen World:

Released after three months of development in 2003, it’s one of four major titles by the RPG Maker developer Lysander. I thought it would be a nice one to highlight since the game (and its developer) are often overlooked. Lysander pretty much focused entirely on plot with his games, and like a lot of RPG Maker developers, he used ripped graphics and music (and relied quite a bit on the “RTP”, a default set of resources that’s bundled with RPG Maker). Naturally, this is something that really bugs some people – but if you can get past that (and you should try, at least), there’s a real gem of a game underneath…

The basic idea is that the amnesiac heroine “Lutine” wakes up in a world where time has stopped, and she’s one of only a handful of people able to move around. She quickly learns that it’s the doing of the ominous “Dark Wizard”, and sets off on a quest to kill him and restore the world to its unfrozen state.

While it’s mostly a plot driven game, the most noted thing about “The Frozen World” is that it features both a CMS and a CBS, to use the RM2K lingo; that is, a Custom Menu System and a Custom Battle System. With careful use of scripts and variables, it’s possible to totally bypass the standard RPG Maker menus and battle systems – resulting in something that plays and feels completely different from the average RPG Maker game. When Lysander credits himself as the programmer in the game’s opening sequence, this is what he’s talking about.

Specifically, Lysander came up with the “plate” system. The jist of it is that you equip five commands per character at different energy levels – higher up commands are more effective, but take longer to charge up. It’s something you really need to see in action for yourself – it’s a little slow at first, but as the game gears up it gets very tactical.

While most of the game plays pretty well, it’s got one serious flaw – it’s poorly balanced, especially at the beginning. As a result, most people don’t stick around long enough to see how good it eventually gets. In fact, to get anywhere, you’ll need to fight through as many battles as you can early on (even though it’s supposed to be designed so that you can avoid most of them).

If you’ve the patience for it, though, it’s worth sticking with. Trust me. Once the game gets going, things quickly become quite interesting – the battles get more strategic, the concept of having a world where time has stopped is explored in more detail, and in particular, the plot really picks up.

On the whole, it’s one of the best indie games I’ve ever played.

If you’re up for it, you can download it here! You’ll also probably need the RPG Maker 2000 RTP, which you can get here. Finally, there’s a good chance you need the font patch, which you can find on the same page as the RTP. Best of luck with it – and feel free to let me know how you’re getting on in the comments. Sorry if I rambled on a bit, heh.

Posted in Freeware, Highly Recommended, RPG, Windows | Tags: Lysander

Advenith

Congratulations on your first post!
konjak

Looks a whole lot like Mystic Quest.
Naught

That video makes the game look retarded. I haven’t played it, but the intro video makes me want to avoid it at all costs. Here are some reasons why:

1. the game uses default graphics/sound libraries. Lazy, but is excusable if the game has a good story…

2. The plot setup sounds like some amateur highschool rpg plot crap. Dark Wizard is bad and does bad things! Hero must stop him! Yeah that’s incredibly not cliche…

3. The writing is really unimpressive and reads like a 6th graders idea of the most awesome story ever. Let me just transcribe some choice bits here so you can read it without all the distracting graphics and sound.

Dark Wizard: I have been given the power to destroy! Your towns will fall beneath the might of my sorcery! (Who the hell talks like this?)

Villager: Please show mercy on my children (ON my children??)

Stranger: I am looking for the wizard.

Villager: The wizard will find you on his own time, just as he’s found all those who have died. (ugh.)

Stranger: My name is Lutine. I am here to kill him. (yeah this is a perfectly realistic conversation. Here’s an analogous conversation: I am looking for the milk. The milk is in the aisle, where it is for people to buy. My name is john. I am here to buy it. DURRRR)

4. Amnesiac main characters have never been done before!

5. This game is poorly balanced according to you.

6. This game is slow according to you.

7. The whole game world being frozen smacks of laziness on the programmers part. Why did the dark wizard freeze the entire world and how did he do it? With maaaagic? Why not burn the entire world?

9. It was only in development for 3 months and it was finished in 2003? Come on.

In summation, I won’t be playing this game for the above reasons. Also worrying is the fact that the stilted awkward writing didn’t seem to be a concern of yours at all. Nor were the glaring rpg cliches mentioned. I would’ve liked to hear more about HOW the plot picks up and HOW the concept of time stopping is explored in more detail.
Naught

I just realized I restarted counting halfway through my post. In the words of that most wise and fresh Bel-Airian prince, “My bad.”
Lega

Mayhap you should play the game before making such judgements, although *some* of your points are fairly valid. I for one can vouch for this game, and it is worth (at the very least) a bit of your time. And as to your HOW questions… well, maybe Terry didn’t want to SPOIL the plot. Everything is written and done in such a way for a very specific reason. Play it before you knock it, I would say.
iEnraged

i cant run it it says i need rtp.exe or something like that o_0 anyone can help me?
Derek

I think that’s the longest treatise I’ve ever read on why someone won’t play a free RPG. :|
Zaphos

iEnraged — you need the RTP thingy mentioned at the end of the post, next to the download link.

Also: The writing does look rather trite.
Naught

I said I never played it. I also said I was listing reasons why I wouldn’t based on the write up and trailer. I think my points are valid. If someone has an argument against one of them other than “the game is free” or “you should play the game” I’d like to hear them. I would also like to hear actual reasons TO play the game. That’s another way in which I was disappointed with the write up. It’s an rpg that’s focused heavily on plot and the only real discussion of the overall plot is essentially “trust me it gets better.” Not exactly convincing. There are simply too many other unique, innovative, or well written games to play.
X_Sheep

I have played A Blurred Line before, which is by the same guy I think. I quite liked that. So I might give this a try.
Derek

@Naught: And you’re entitled to that opinion. It’s just odd that you’d get so worked up about it…

But to address your beef, the things that interest *me*, at least, about this game are 1. the idea that time has frozen for everyone except for a handful of people and 2. the tactical battle system. These are both things that Terry explains become more developed as the game goes on, and I’d be willing to read some trite RPG dialogue to find out how it all works.
Naught

@Derek: My real issue is with Terry’s write up. He is a first-time poster, with an unknown track record for recommendations, so I am reluctant to just try it on faith, and the fact that, unlike you, he failed to mention the glaring lack of quality in the writing/plot setup doesn’t help. I have read all the reviews I could find on the game, and the words “masterpiece” and “brilliant” were used, but these were a handful of no-name sites. The reason I was “worked up” was because, you have to admit, the game’s plot and dialogue come off as very amateurish in the trailer, which is a big problem for a game “focused entirely on plot.” I was concerned that a sub-par game might sully the good name of tigsource! Or something. Seriously though, have you played it?
Derek

No, but I will once I have some time!

To be honest, I don’t find the dialogue from the intro to be as bad as you’re making it out to be. No worse than your average JRPG. It’s not Tolkien or anything, but it’s pretty serviceable.

(By the way, “show mercy *on* them” is correct.)

I just think you’re being overly hard on Terry, and I’m still not sure why, exactly. TIGSource has never been known for its in-depth reviews, and this one’s more in-depth than most! I also happen to think it’s pretty skillfully written.
http://gnomeslair.blogspot.com/ gnome

Hey Terry, great post, fine game!
Naught

@Derek: I’m pretty sure “Have mercy on us” is the correct phrasing. You don’t show something on someone, you show something to someone. Right? Also, yes, I’m being an ass to Terry, but his track record IS unknown and I guess I expect games on this site to be more than just “average.” I myself put a lot more stock in an rpg’s story and writing than I do in the gameplay. The battle systems are usually a means to an end for me. Like reading a book that requires you to do a math problem to turn a page. So, even though the battle system seems unique, I was disappointed in the story/dialogue in the trailer, especially because the plot has been called the primary focus of Lysander’s development time. Anyway, Terry, my apologies, I just have high expectations for this site. I’m sure I’ll grow to love you as much as I love the other contributors (‘cept that Derek fella). In fact, to make up for my earlier scathing comments, I’m going to *shudder* play the game in question. I’ll let you know how much crow I end up eating.
Naught

How come using asterisks for emphasis worked for you and not me? Damn you, Yu!

_[I fixed it for you. ;) -Derek]_
Xander

I agree with Derek, besides the fact that writing for the first time is a real gonads-in-the-guillotine feeling. Seeing as this place has such a reputation now (and magically no merchandise! Weren’t we thinking about having a shirt/t-shirt waaay back?) it’s not the easiest place to start off. Especially when you have to try and balance out your own writing style and also trying to appeal to what people are used to reading when they visit here.

Though where the game is concerned, I never really thought of TIGSource as the place of Highly Recommended Gameness, basically because even a game that excels in some areas will appeal minimally to other readers. There’ll always be someone who appreciates them, and I’ll definitely try to play this later, but I’m leaving in about an hour to move to my new flat in Bristol, so not much time right now. I think the writing is fine the way it is, the layout especially works well, and inserting extra screen-shots in the extended to help break up the potential wall of text was very nice. I’ll be sure to let you know what I thought of the game later… but now back to packing. Grr!
http://www.planetfreeplay.com Mosh

I never saw Tigsource as a site just for above average stuff. I always got the impression as long as something was interesting, even if it failed in what it was trying to achieve, it could possibly be featered. The whole ‘let’s just feature the cream of the crop’ attitude is pretty boring if you ask me.
Derek

That’s the spirit! I’m not guaranteeing that you’ll enjoy the game, but there must be something about it if it’s so popular.

And I find that in a lot of RPGs, trite dialogue can give way to interesting themes and strong character development. Just as sprites that are only a few pixels tall can convey powerful emotions.

And I still assert that “showing mercy ON” is correct. ;)

“I will have compassion on whom I want to have compassion and I will show mercy on whom I want to show mercy.” -Exodus 33:19
Karsuman

This is one of Lysander’s better games. He’s made several, and pretty much all of them have an emphasis on story. The Frozen World is probably the most minimalist of his games in terms of plot, though.

If you think the plot is typical, you should probably play it anyway. You might be surprised. =)
http://www.distractionware.com Terry

Oh dear. I was worried about something like this…

I don’t really know where to start, so I’ll just address a few of your main points directly:

Amnesiac main characters have never been done before!

The whole game world being frozen smacks of laziness on the programmers part. Why did the dark wizard freeze the entire world and how did he do it? With maaaagic? Why not burn the entire world?

The plot setup sounds like some amateur highschool rpg plot crap. Dark Wizard is bad and does bad things! Hero must stop him! Yeah thatâ€™s incredibly not clicheâ€¦

This might be a little hard to believe, but that’s kinda the point. I’m aching to discuss the game’s **real** premise, but I’m afraid if I do I’ll spoil it on everyone else. I’ll simply say that all those concerns are addressed in the game, and leave it at that.

Dark Wizard: I have been given the power to destroy! Your towns will fall beneath the might of my sorcery! (Who the hell talks like this?)

Heh, actually, it’s interesting that you highlight that particular line. As it happens, I think that’s the absolute *perfect* line to open the game with.

… he failed to mention the glaring lack of quality in the writing/plot setup …

I actually made a point of not discussing the plot in detail – Lega hit the nail on the head with this : *Everything is written and done in such a way for a very specific reason.* I did my best to make the game sound interesting without spoiling anything – to even say that spoils it quite a bit, because now you’re expecting **something**. When I first played this game, it was on the back of “A Blurred Line”, and I was initially pretty disappointed with it. Frankly, I’m glad I wasn’t expecting too much from it – I think it helped me appreciate what’s good about it when it got going, despite its other flaws.

As for the quality of writing – I just don’t think it’s as bad as you think it is. I even love the idea of intentionally running away with a concrete clichÃ© like he does. To actually call the main bad guy “The Dark Wizard”, for example – I think that’s brilliant.

But I admit I cringed at some of the same places you did. In Lysander’s defence, he might not be the best writer out there, but he’s a damn good storyteller. Stick with it. Trust me.

In fact, to make up for my earlier scathing comments, Iâ€™m going to *shudder* play the game in question.

Well, this should be interesting. I hope you enjoy it, despite the bad taste the intro left you with!

Hmm. I don’t think I should say any more. If you’re really that angry about the whole thing, maybe you should just give this one a miss? Given your approach, I have a feeling you’ll come back after finishing the whole thing talking about how forced and clichÃ©d and whatever it was, totally missing the charm of this low key little RPG.

Heh, well, thanks Advenith, Gnome, Derek, Mosh and Xander for the encouragement. Sorry about this. Next time I’ll try to post something a bit less controversial. :)
http://www.strangesports.com/images/content/107077.jpg Balls Runner

I’m sorry, but this game sucks balls.
PHeMoX

Don’t worry about your future writings or about this particular article. It’s fine! I think Naught should play the game before judging it, but all that really happened was things heated up a little when people started to defend their opinions…

Anyways, even though there are some valid points he mentioned about it based on what you’ve said about the game (like the use of a lot resources you get with RPG Maker), it’s definitely worth trying out in my opinion.
PHeMoX

Ow by the way, if you can’t handle clichÃ©s in stories, then there aren’t many stories you’ll really like I guess. 80+% or so of the stories aren’t exactly original nor clichÃ© free.
John

Well, this little debate made me even more interested in trying it out. I think I’ll be checking it out later tonight :D
iEnraged

Thanks Zaphos i o u one
Melly

If you want to say a game is bad or good you should always play it, even if only until you feel you can’t take anymore, in which case the game basically failed to keep you interested. Then you can say “This game sucks, I couldn’t be bothered to play more than 10 minutes of it because of how it disgusted me.” and it would be a more valid opinion.

Not saying this game is good or bad, but having to download all the stuff to play it IS a bit annoying. I know RPGMaker has ways to create fully working executables or something, even if they are bigger.

Not sure I’ll be trying the game, but I’ll be sure to post my opinion IF I do play it.

Oh, and Terry did a very good job on his first post. And by all means, bring on the controversy! :P
IndieJoJo

Terry,

Congrats on your first post, and don’t take things too hard – TIGSource is one of my favorite sites, and Derek and company have consistently met high standards in writing and community building. Since you’re now writing for the site, readers will be expecting the same from you!

However, I think Naught was getting fired up about the fact that the game appears to be a bit on the ‘mediocre’ side, and rather than explaining what’s unique about the game (and hence worth playing) you’re actively **SELLING** it instead.

I don’t believes readers of TigSource want to be sold on games, per se. Your first post here reads as if you’re on GameFAQs, and you really, REALLY want people to play this game.

I think you’ve interjected to much of your own personal opinion in the article, i.e. *”If youâ€™ve the patience for it, though, itâ€™s worth sticking with. **Trust me.**”*

Or take this example:

*”Naturally, this is something that really bugs some people â€“ but if you can get past that **(and you should try, at least)**, thereâ€™s a real gem of a game underneathâ€¦”*

As the writer of the article, you shouldn’t really care if the readers ultimately play the game, and your language should reflect that.

When Derek writes, he’ll often put his own opinion and leave it at that.

In short, less editorializing, more kickass indie game reportering!

…………………..

P.S.

Naught is correct about the awkward use of “Have mercy on my children!” It should be “**the** children.”
Smithy

“the idea that time has frozen for everyone except for a handful of people”

Terranigma, dark cloud, etc etc.

LOL

I’m being a jerk.
http://www.distractionware.com Terry

Huh – thanks. I guess that’s good advice. :)
x_x

About the story being clichÃ© – well, I’ve just finished the game, and it has a very good explanation for that. And I mean not just the explanation for things being the way they are, but for them being clichÃ©. Explanation’s pretty cheesy, but perfectly valid. So, Naught, you probably shouldn’t touch this game. And don’t even try to beat it – you’ll just end up wishing to take back quite a lot of words.
Naught

@Terry: So I haven’t had time to play it yet, but I wanted to say that your response hinting that things are not what they appear to be has me sincerely intrigued. I feel bad I had to get pissy to get a quasi spoiler out of you. From now on I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. I do still stand by my assertion that the trailer does not make the game look very appealing though. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Naught

@Mosh et al: Oh, also. I don’t see what the problem is with me having high expectations for this site. I’ve played 90 percent of the games recommended here and they have all had something unique or innovative or refined and I was concerned that Terry was bucking the trend. Judging simply from the video and original article, as IndieJoJo mentioned, the game, which is presented as a game focused primarily on story/plot looks unimpressive imo. Anyway, that’s my final defense of my asshattedness. Back to the game.
ManHugger

Oh, get over here you.
IndieJoJo

If there’s […] plot twist to explain the cheesy dialogue, someone please elaborate so I don’t waste time on this one…
IndieJoJo

Wow @ edit – did I guess correctly?
http://www.distractionware.com Terry

Sorry, I edited your post.

Yes, that’s basically it. But it’s not really about the plot twist – it’s about how well that plot twist is handled. (That link contains some details, if you’re interested, but it’s quite a major spoiler.)

I dunno. I’m getting kinda sick of advocating this game. Maybe you shouldn’t play it. In fact, maybe none of you should bother playing it.
IndieJoJo

Awww, don’t be that way…

I actually think that sounds intriguing.

I know what you mean about advocating, but then again, I don’t think it’s your job to advocate.

I think expressing your own opinion is totally cool, but you want to try away from changing the opinions of others. :)
http://www.distractionware.com Terry

Hmm, sorry. Didn’t mean to get so testy.
Shih Tzu

40 comments! I’d say your first post is a smashing success.
http://www.distractionware.com Terry

Hah, yes! I guess that’s one way to look at it.
Observer

Congrats, you rooted out all the assholes.

Now we know which comments to ignore in the future.
PickleChips

It’s a good thing no one ever changes the name I use to post comments.
NotNaught

Yes… good thing… *whistles nonchalantly*
Lailoken

Lol, funny thread.

“Have Mercy on my children.” is fine grammatically.

I was gonna pass this up, but with all this debate I have to go play it now. ^_^
Lailoken

err Show*, and without the capital M in mercy.
Jad

“I dunno. Iâ€™m getting kinda sick of advocating this game. Maybe you shouldnâ€™t play it. In fact, maybe none of you should bother playing it.”

Don’t even say stuff like that, dangit, you’re HERE to talk about games, so DO it, and please give a damn about what people think of it, but give a damn in the right way! > O< I, for myself, just think that you should've skipped the movie, since it looked, um, well, incredibly clichÃ© and boring. But after reading the comments, I'm seriously interested. And no, I'm not expecting to get my mind blown, I'm just expecting to maybe discover some depth in this game, even if it's a bit shallow. The depth, that is. That is correct english. Now it is.
I Like Cake

I checked out what the plot twist was, since I certainly don’t have time to play this at the moment, and I must admit that it’s not what I was expecting, and it’s actually kind of a cute idea, although I’m pretty sure that kind of thing has been done before.

Seriously, though, without giving anything away, given the setup from the video above, they had to pull something pretty meta not to make me violently enraged as well.

You see, every time you write a game about wizards, the Pre-Raphaelites spin a little faster in their graves. One day their angular momentum will stop the earth from spinning, and we will all fly into the sun. Is that what you guys want?
http://www.oxeyegames.com jeb

Heya

I’m unable to download the game, does anybody have a working mirror?
Izaak

I just played it. I’m impressed. Certainly Naught’s going to be surprised once he plays through it, and will probably take back all his words. There are only several disapointments:

1. Towards the end the game becomes ridiculously easy. Maybe its just me, but towards the said conclusion, there was hardly any content left.

2. The Holy Plate could’ve come earlier when it was most needed.

In the special room where you meet the second character, what’s so special with that one door? I can’t open it.

Also, can’t I have 4 playable characters?

-Izaak, Lord of the Lotus Clan.