Released Pokémon Ghosts of Knowledge: Kensho

This game was made for the Relic Castle Winter Jam # 3

The Jam version is currently one and half hours to two hours long in playtime.
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You've joined a group of explorers drilling their way down into the earth below when suddenly, their machines begin to fall through the air, eventually crash landing into a mysterious underground desert!

Separated from your crew, you begin to discover the elusive secrets and frightening origins behind the world lost beneath the sand...

Create paths, discover secrets, and capture new forms of Pokémon that only exist in the ancient world of sand!

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Game Download
Ghosts of Knowledge Kensho 1.3.2

Bug-Fix Download (Not eligible for voting and has a few new features but no extra story)

Spoiler: Ghosts of Knowledge Kensho 4.1

https://www.mediafire.com/file/qwaoyqd0jzu95se/Ghosts+of+Knowledge+Kensho+4.1.7z/file

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Features:

• Obtainable Regional Forms of various Pokémon
• A ton of partner trainers
• A unique take on the Pokémon formula with an emphasis on exploration
• Open-ended game where you can progress at your own pace
• New mechanics such as the Move Bank system and team-wide EXP gain (similar to PL: Arceus)
• An EXP boost across the board for defeating bosses and training new Pokémon
• A variety of unique boss fights and mechanics hidden throughout the desert
• Unique puzzles and riddles spread across the desert in the form of fortresses
• A world that opens up quickly as you unlock more jewels, items, and tools

Spoiler: Jam Themes

• Reunion
• Technical Difficulties
• Professor

Known Issues​

Major:

• Progression and enjoyment is currently very up to player taste. Some people do very fine in completing the game and some get stuck very easily. We've taken feedback and will try to implement features that will compliment and guide all types of players, old and new. If you're struggling, it's not your fault.
• Some key features are missing due to the time crunch, but the game is still very playable.

Minor:

• Currently, some moves have the text description of "Do not use this move etcetc". Ignore that, as most moves work fine. The text has been copied from Generation 8, but functionally the moves work. We will manually rewrite the descriptions at a later date, we simply do not have the time during jam.
• There's nothing in the game that explains that the Trainer Card is how you keep track of your Golden Diamonds. (FIXED IN 4.0 DOWNLOAD)
• Audio mixing is an issue due to time constraints.

Crucial Developer Notes
Please keep in mind we were working on a deadline, and therefore a lot of issues are probably present.

This includes things such as move animations, as animating 800 moves in one month is nearly impossible.
Thank you for consideration!

Spoiler: thoughts

This jam was an interesting experience, and it's definitely the most mechanically impressive game I've made yet, with a whole ton of custom scripts and special fights. Overall, the concept itself has a ton of promise, and we're looking forward ironing out the gameplay loop and get as much feedback as we can.

This game was pretty fun to make, but there was definitely a lot more I wish I could've done.
We'll be working on post-jam for a full experience, but for now, it has a sizeable amount of content for a demo.

Please let us know anything you feel while playing the game! Even with the constant sleepless nights, it's a lot of ideas and experimenting attempting to work together. Feedback is the most important thing. We want to make sure everyone's thoughts are accounted for, so please don't be shy to say if you liked or DIDN'T like something.

Riddle Solutions and Progression Guide

This game is open ended and designed to let you move around the map at your own pace without forcing cutscene after cutscene on the player, while hinting at the location hidden areas, unlockable doors, and other crucial progression information.

If you feel stuck, here are some tips to move on in as least spoilerey way possible!


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Spoiler: PROGRESSION

Blasted Ruins:

• Fortress North of Blasted Ruins: The Explorer's already said it, but if you don't feel like reading it, stand on the red panel and just turn 360 degrees in either direction.​
• The end goal of Blasted Ruins is getting 3 diamonds. One from the place up north (the place with the red panel and boulders), one south (Yamask), and one behind the door that requires 1 Diamond (Boss). Afterwards, there's a door that can be opened in Sandpit Hill.​
• If you're having trouble with the bosses, try using debuff moves such as Screech, Growl, and Sand-Attack. There are 6 of your Pokémon versus their single Pokémon so utilizing moves that permanently lower their stats will make it easier to win! The partner trainers are designed to help people and make grinding not mandatory, but they aren't foolproof and making a strategy of your own will help significantly.​

Tangled Treetops:

• This area features a volcano and a crystal cavern. Both these areas hold special items, evolution items, and a Golden Diamond each. You can get these any time you want and you don't have to explore them, but that's the significant part of each of the areas. Clearing these will make clearing the bosses much easier.
• The boss of Tangled Treetops is a tough Double Battle. To make this fight much easier, just evolve Sneasel and hit level 30 (the Keystone Boss is rematchable for a ton of XP).

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Made Using:

PSDK

Jam Team:​

• Ranko​
• Ned​
• Gray​
• Brysoon​

Resource Pack
Please Credit!

Credits
​

Spoiler: Thank you!

TILES
=============================================================================================

Mew's Gen 4 Interior Tiles: https://eeveeexpo.com/resources/626/
- Used the chair for the escape pod inside

Base Tileset for Oasis/Jungle/Caves: https://www.deviantart.com/flurmimon/art/Flurmimons-Tileset-Nature-580160241

• Flurmimon
• Kyle-Dove some beach tiles, the mushroom, the grass nearby the mushroom, lilypads and bigger mangrove tree
• WesleyFG the smaller swamp trees are from Light Platinum
• TheDeadHeroAlistar one of his trees, which I made it smaller
• Pokémon Procyon & Deneb a japanese hack, it's one of my main inspirations, hence the first trees and the small palm trees
• TheWolfGalaxy for his amazing shield tiles, so I've tried to make my one in his style
• Gaia Project inspiration for the HGSS!grass tiles, bridge, river and HGSS!way tiles
• Pokémon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire Whirlpool tile
• Evolina base for high mountains
• Advance Tileset bridge shape, way tiles and berry field base

Volcano Tiles: https://www.deviantart.com/hek-el-grande/art/Volcanic-tiles-274737022
- Hek

GRAPHICS
=============================================================================================

Gym Leader, E4, and Champs PSS Icons: https://www.deviantart.com/watertrainer/art/Gym-Leader-E4-and-Champs-PSS-icons-901185095
- Referenced for portraits

Pokemon Oras: Buzznav People: https://www.deviantart.com/midnitez-remix/art/Pokemon-ORAS-BuzzNav-People-494296975
- Edited for portraits

Trainer Mugshots: https://www.deviantart.com/emeiry/art/Trainer-Mugshots-873706238
- Edited for portraits

Battle Backgrounds v.2: https://www.deviantart.com/kwharever/art/Battle-Backgrounds-v-2-FREE-TO-USE-768031287
- Edited the sand background to fit PSDK.

Maractus Overworld Sprite: https://www.deviantart.com/fr101/art/Maractus-Overworld-305176635
- Used in the overworld of Blasted Ruins

Overworld Collection: https://www.deviantart.com/townlain03/art/Overworld-Collection-179589067
- Used as a reference for Vivienne.

SpriteMight Fog Resources and Tutorial: https://www.deviantart.com/spritemight/art/Sprite-Might-RPG-Maker-XP-Fog-Set-and-Guide-01-594073819
- Used resource

Cerulean Cave Location Preview: https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Location_preview
- Used in intro, from Heart Gold/Soul Silver

Tower of Hats Resource Pack: https://www.eeveeexpo.com/resources/785/
- Used Battle UI Assets

Generation 8 Project: needs citation

Heliolisk Back Sprites: https://www.deviantart.com/dreadwing93/art/Heliolisk-Tyrantrum-Back-Sprites-689098217
- Obtainable Pokemon

Gen 7 Back Sprites (DS-Style): https://eeveeexpo.com/resources/601/

• leparagon
• Z-nogyroP
• zlolxd
• elazulmax
• mangamanga
• VanillaSunshine

A Beach Background: https://www.deviantart.com/princess-phoenix/art/A-Beach-Background-812487302
- Edited for Oasis battle background

Public Gen 4 Tileset: https://eeveeexpo.com/resources/208/

• Magiscarf
• WesleyFG
• SailorVicious (Formerly known as Heavy-Metal-Lover)
• Shawn Frost
• NSora-96
• PeekyChew
• Kyle-Dove
• Claisprojects.com
• Minorthreat0987
• The-Red-Ex
• UltimoSpriter
• TyranitarDark
• DarkDragonn
• rafa-cac
• Phyromatical
• Alucus
• Newtiteuf
• ChaoticCherryCake
• moca

CONCEPTS ART
=============================================================================================
Gaia Sneasel + Weavile: https://www.deviantart.com/malandra-parodias/art/Pokemon-Variante-029-Sneasel-Weavile-634123257
- Created sprites, graphics, and metadata off the concept art (Sprites by https://twitter.com/_blackburn789)

Ancient Hippopotas + Hippowdon: https://www.deviantart.com/malandra-parodias/art/Pokemon-Variante-011-Hippopotas-Hippowdon-627431335
- Created sprites, graphics, and metadata off the concept art (Sprites by https://twitter.com/_blackburn789)

Ancient Skorupi + Drapion: https://www.deviantart.com/malandra-parodias/art/Pokemon-Variante-027-Skorupi-Drapion-634122125
- Created sprites, graphics, and metadata off the concept art (Sprites by https://twitter.com/_blackburn789)

Ancient Toxel + Toxtricity: https://www.deviantart.com/skallhati/art/Crossbreed-Toxtricity-873193665
- Created sprites, graphics, and metadata off the concept art (Sprites by https://twitter.com/_blackburn789)

Ancient Zubat + Golbat + Crobat: https://www.deviantart.com/malandra-parodias/art/Pokemon-Variante-003-Zubat-Golpat-Crobat-625818401
- Created sprites, graphics, and metadata off the concept art (Sprites by https://twitter.com/_blackburn789)

Ancient Terrakion: https://www.deviantart.com/skallhati/art/Galarian-Terrakion-867318995
- Created sprites, graphics, and metadata off the concept art (Sprites by https://twitter.com/_blackburn789)

Ancient Virizion: https://www.deviantart.com/skallhati/art/Galarian-Virizion-867123868
- Created sprites, graphics, and metadata off the concept art (Sprites by https://twitter.com/_blackburn789)

Ancient Cobalion: https://www.deviantart.com/skallhati/art/Galarian-Cobalion-866821878
- Created sprites, graphics, and metadata off the concept art (Sprites by https://twitter.com/_blackburn789)

Ancient Chansey: https://www.deviantart.com/skallhati/art/Galarian-Blissey-858402288
- Created sprites and graphics off the concept art (Battle Sprite by https://twitter.com/_blackburn789)

MUSIC
=============================================================================================

Pokémon Legends Arceus:

• Obsidian Fieldlands
• Dangerous Pokémon Alert

Ghost Trick:
- Chicken Paradise

I Am Setsuna:
- Victory Theme

Battle! Wild Pokémon (Legends Arceus Arrange): https://www.youtube.com/c/ZameJack
- Used as the wild encounter theme

Sealed Chamber: Remastered - https://www.youtube.com/c/ZameJack
- Used as the Fortress theme

Shin Megami Tensei IV:
- Battle A1

Shin Megami Tensei V:

• Magatsuka Battle
• Amanozako Theme
• Bethel
• Fairy Village slowed by Dark Samurai

Pokemon Colosseum/Gale of Darkness - Relic Forest Remix: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUem8ytyhczNMEsuHTv2M5A
- Used as Azure Oasis theme

​

​

 

[ranko]

Ghosts of Knowledge Kensho 1.1 is released. Unless someone shows me something gamebreaking, this is the final patch before it gets put on the shelf for post-jam.

- Fixed Sneasel evolution method being broken
- Added Keybindings reminder and a disclaimer because it's not played with Essentials (I always forget that matters sigh)
- Fixed softlock in Volcano + Jungle with map transfers not working
- Fixed major softlock in Splendid Ravine
- Cleaned up priority and tile errors.

 

[GubGar]

Seeing another Ghosts of Knowledge game absolutely made my day! The original one was one of my favorite Fangames, so I'm stoked to play this one.

 

[ranko]

Okay, so there were maybe 1-2 things getting people stuck so here's Ghosts of Knowledge Kensho 1.2:

• Fixed the Unown Signs readability (by technicality)
• Fixed conditional branches if you lose to certain boss fights
• Tile errors fixed
• Spinning event wasn't detecting certain movement patterns, so fixed

Hopefully that's the last of 'em, it wasn't that much

 

[Tomix9tomix]

Gonna quickly write something up, I had an amazing time, ranko already knows my thoughts but just for the other devs and anyone wanting to play here we go!

Amazing game, the rush didn't really show all that much. The first desert area was really nice and I think the explorer vibe really came through, I was going through old ruins looking for secret gems, only using my impulse to explore! I had tons of fun. The game became a bit more focused as it went into the other environments (not necessarily a bad thing) however there was a side path to a whole optional area which was very cool. And the final cutscene for the demo felt very cool, even though it didn't get me as much as it should've, it felt like a cool moment.

Something that really shines are how many like custom mechanics are in the game. It all feels so new and refreshing, lots of new interesting battles, and lots of new types of puzzles. It was really cool! And of course all the new forms were amazing! I loved their designs! And the backsprites were super well done!]

Just a great time, and I recommend any and all people to give it a go. It took me 2 hours but I was really taking my time having a good time <3

 

[GubGar]

Just played through the whole thing, and (to my knowledge) explored everything there was to explore. Game is awesome, areas are really beautiful and have the exact qualities that make me want to explore them. Visually my favorite was probably the mountain, but the desert was the most fun to explore. I'll probably play through a second time just to try and see if there was anything I missed and to use some of the Pokemon I didn't get to the first time around.

All in all: this rules, and just like the first Ghosts of Knowledge I'd say this is a must-play

Oh, and also, all of the regional Pokemon I encountered looked awesome, especially Weavile.

 

[Raybies]

I downloaded this and I'm having a lot of fun with it, but I got stuck on the Hippowdon bossfight - the Aqua Ring text played over and over, and I wasn't able to proceed.

 

[ranko]

I downloaded this and I'm having a lot of fun with it, but I got stuck on the Hippowdon bossfight - the Aqua Ring text played over and over, and I wasn't able to proceed.

Thanks for that, I'll try to fix it right away. It'll be an hour or two.

 

[ranko]

Just like the original Ghosts of Knowledge, version 1.3 is hopefully the winner! We cleaned up a lot of bugs in this one that should let everyone clear the game.

• Fixed the fight vs Hippowdon. This one has been pretty troublesome for awhile, so please let me know if this fight refuses to work as intended.
• Fixed a huge error that occurs if you enter the Jungle from a different direction
• Fixed an issue where certain graphics would not show up due to mishandling of metadata
• Fixed an issue where certain graphics would show up in places not intended, making the screen be covered and unplayable

 

[ranko]

Hello, the Resource Pack for Ghosts of Knowledge Kensho has been posted. Please read the .txt for each folder (if applicable) so you can credit properly.

We've also added the credits for every single contribution made by people outside the Jam Time with links to as many applicable people as possible. If you see something in this project that is yours and is uncredited or privated, please let us know. We crunched extremely hard for this Jam, so we may have missed a few people we should've credited during the rush. We'll remove the resource if necessary.

We will also be releasing the scripts used to make some of the complicated boss battles (mid-battle dialogues) as a separate resource.

 

[Foxowl]

Hi ranko!

Congrats on finishing the jam and releasing a game! I know this was very stressful for you towards the end especially, and I would urge you to get the rest you need, as well as one other important thing. Don't beat yourself up about this game! I know there are things you would have liked to included and finished and fixed, but such is the nature of busy lives, motivation, efficiency, and the game jam.

Regardless, you should be proud of yourself, because this game is just amazing. I streamed some of this for you so you know how it went but I want to reiterate how much fun and how much in awe I was playing through GoK: Kenshi. Yeah, some parts are rough, but a lot of the game feels so incredibly polished and I love it. Not only that, but I can see how you've improved your skills in level design, puzzle design, and cutscenes, among other things, and I already thought you were great at it in your previous few jams. It's clear you care a lot about player experience, and I love that.

Here's my messy list of things I like:

• My favorite puzzle was probably the lava one, just because of how well-put-together I thought it was. You presented all the mechanics simply and then iterated on them in interesting ways.
• I only got stuck in the game once, because I was stupid, but other than that I really enjoyed figuring out where to go-- I thought the levels of wild pokemon were an effective way to kind of signal to the player a suggested "order."
• I also liked how it was unclear where to go at the start of the game, but suddenly everything starts coming together-- you get the dusting kit, the first jewel, etc etc. The desert was really well laid out for this purpose of exploring.
• The environments are also very pretty and quite varied-- I'm excited to see what new ideas you'll bring if you continue this demo.
• The music is well-chosen, and I liked the use of Legends Arceus stuff as well as the classic Ranko stuff (ONBS, Chicken Kitchen)
• The story and characters also set up an interesting premise that I'm anticipating to see where it's taken.
• Some of the battles you created are super clever and fun, and I love how you really push the limits of what you can do with the same old pokemon formula. The text pop-ups are a very nice touch, and there are two battles in particular I found really cool as experiences.
• I'm glad you added the QOL stuff from Legends Arceus, like with move replacement.
• The regional forms are also neat to find and use.

Alright, now some of my issues-- they're mostly stuff I've already told you and are related to quality of life (obviously you didn't have the time to put them in, but I'll suggest anyway):

• Wild encounter rate is really high-- patches of grass are usually somewhat small but it can still be frustrating, especially when...
• Due to a bug (I assume) the battle flee rate is quite low, which is a pain in the ass
• I wish there was a map to all the locations you go to because it can be quite the maze to navigate sometimes
• I wish you could fast travel between the heal spots
• I know the PC is connected to that one character, but it would be nice to have earlier access
• Screen size not working was a bit unfortunate, but I was at least able to read everything
• No shuppet yet :( (soon)

My playtime for getting all 7 jewels was exactly 2 hours.

Charizard -- He's So Cool!

 

[ranko]

Hey, y'all. Post-jam with the finished version is currently in development with a ton of suggested QoL changes taken from your feedback.

This version will be released after the Jam Comminity Judging for fairness.

Please let us know if there are any concerns that need to be addressed in the final version. Thank you for playing!

 

[KennyCatches]

Hey Ranko! I spent ~2 hours on your game, and I enjoyed it! Here are my thoughts:

Spoiler: Thoughts

First off, what a great intro! I know you spent a lot of time on it, and it shows! I love the drilling animation, the screen animations and the nice PLA music! You put a lot of detail in these cutscenes, like the Chansey zooming across the desert!

I absolutely loved the desert area. It felt open, but there were a lot of things to do. I enjoyed reading the explorer notes, solving puzzles and watching the cute overworld pokemon! I liked the puzzle designs, they weren't too tricky, but I still had to think for a while. I'm also in love with the music you chose, especially the slowed-down version of fairy village - it is very dreamy and mysterious.

I loved the pokemon selection right off the bat, and I spent a few minutes in that first patch of grass lol. The regional forms are very cool! My favourite is probably the Sneasel!

The boss battles were super fun. I loved fighting with a wild Rockruff and answering the Keystone's questions.

I have some suggestions for the full version (I know most of these have been said already by other people, so I won't elaborate too much) -

• Some areas are a bit empty, especially the oasis area and some interiors (I know you were rushing sorry haha).
• A map, and maybe a teleport function like in the first GOK.
• Earlier access to the PC.
• Even though the Chansey is super cute and funny, I do wish healing Pokémon took less time.

Overall, a very good demo. I'm excited to play the full version. And as Tomix said, the rush didn't show that much, and please take a break! You deserve it!

Team:

Don't ask me how I beat the last boss, I'm surprised too.

Spoiler: Bugs

I can see the void here

The top ledge tile doesn't work

Tree passability

Missing back sprite for Amaura

 

[ranko]

Hey there! We received a few playthroughs that may help people who get stuck or are looking for some gameplay of the game. Support the content creators as well!

 

[Aurora]

This looks amazing!I'm waiting the final version.

 

[ranko]

Hallo, we have opened a recruitment post to help us with the post-jam release

At highest priority are overworld sprites for large landmarks and such, but overall the screening will be lenient as we want the project to be as good as possible.

https://eeveeexpo.com/threads/4899/

If you'd love to see the project possibly flourish, check out the recruitment thread!

 

[Themaster33]

Its possible to get chansey in this beta

 

[Noct]

The demo has a good pace to it and is generally quite nice.
If there was something I could critique, it would be the Quiz-Fight: Quiver Dance also does not raise 2 stats, but 3.
Also, (since I like catching most of what I see) it'd be convenient to be able to access the PC and more Pokéballs earlier, as my team was made up of Sneasel, 4 Skorupi, and a Trapinch... and I almost ran out of throwing ammo. Maybe it's just me though.
One last thing, does the diamond defending Drapion have set IVs?

 

[Themaster33]

Spoiler: Final team for the beta

[

]

The demo has a good pace to it and is generally quite nice.
If there was something I could critique, it would be the Quiz-Fight: Quiver Dance also does not raise 2 stats, but 3.
Also, (since I like catching most of what I see) it'd be convenient to be able to access the PC and more Pokéballs earlier, as my team was made up of Sneasel, 4 Skorupi, and a Trapinch... and I almost ran out of throwing ammo. Maybe it's just me though.
One last thing, does the diamond defending Drapion have set IVs?

I dont know if Im more lucky mine drapion has intimidate like his ability instead of sniper

 

[ranko]

Its possible to get chansey in this beta

Nope, but in the future, we plan on it. The sprites are already ready.

The demo has a good pace to it and is generally quite nice.
If there was something I could critique, it would be the Quiz-Fight: Quiver Dance also does not raise 2 stats, but 3.
Also, (since I like catching most of what I see) it'd be convenient to be able to access the PC and more Pokéballs earlier, as my team was made up of Sneasel, 4 Skorupi, and a Trapinch... and I almost ran out of throwing ammo. Maybe it's just me though.
One last thing, does the diamond defending Drapion have set IVs?

Thanks for playing! We're glad you enjoyed it!

Spoiler

Re Quiz: Apologies lol, that was meant to be a trick question. Technically, it does change at least 2 stats (If you raise 3 stats, you are also raising 2), but since Curse also change 3, I kinda intended the player to tie it on those, acknowledge the effect where it doesn't raise any stats if they're a Ghost-type, and determine that the best answer.

Re PC: 100% agreed. We've come up with a way to include it early in our current post-jam build, as the limited PC+Regional mons people usually want to catch is an issue.

Yep! The fortress Pokemon that are catchable all have perfect IVs.