Culpa Innata 2

[onitake]

I read somewhere that a sequel to this game was in the works, but no news since then. Is the developer still working in it?

Wikipedia has a a bit of info, but it's not much: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culpa_Innata_II:_Chaos_Rising

And even if they don't work on it any more, a more polished version of Culpa Innata would be quite entertaining to play. Many aspects of the game where really cool, but it seriously lacked in other areas. The character models should get a makeover, for example. Gamebryo can do better than than.

[JohannZA]

The writer/designer of the game, B. Barmanbek, wrote a book, Culpa Innata, which expands on the story and setting. That book is getting a sequel, namely Culpa Innata 2: Chaos Rising.

As far as I know, there is no game sequel in development, although one was announced back in 2008 (if I remember correctly). I believe development on the game sequel ceased although the project was never officially cancelled.

[onitake]

Thanks for the hint. I'll have a lookout for the books.

This is just speculation, but I guess they lost funding when 3D point&click adventures suddenly weren't all the rage any more, so they just froze the project indefinitely.

A comeback would be really nice. Just look all those successfully crowd-funded adventures lately. Heck, some are actually coming with only a year of delay or so... :)

[Arach]

A crowd funding effort would be really nice but CI is such a niche game even in the adventure genre that I don´t think it would fare very well,sadly.

[Revenger681]

I was and still am so sad to hear the second game was canceled... I did get the book Johann has mentioned, it's pretty good. I hope that someday they can get the funding and perhaps bring the game out after all. I know this is a nitche market.... But dang this was a great game!

[JohannZA]

The thing is, I don't believe adventure games constitute a niche market at all. Heck, I'd go so far as to say that the genre is healthier today than it was during the Sierra On-line/LucasArts heyday back in the late-80s to early-90s period.

The main problem for American and U.K. fans, who tend to speak only one language, is that the market is definitely centered on continental Europe, as are the developers who are supplying that market.

English localisations often appear to be an afterthought; the German language versions (which is what I play -- and I'm not German, i.e. nationalistic pride isn't an issue here) tend to be much better written, and are cast with much better voice actors.

During the last ten years I've played maybe one adventure game with a decent English localisation, and that was Perry Rhodan (ironically a game made in Germany). Even something like Gray Matter, written and designed by an American woman, has a dissappointing English script with poorly cast and poorly performed voice acting. But play that game in German and it SHINES.

Because of this language issue I believe many adventure games are underrated by American and U.K. audiences and/or reviewers.

All of the above is somewhat off-topic though.

Regarding this thread, is there any way of contacting B. Barmanbek? The submission form on the Culpa Innata website doesn't appear to work.

[JohannZA]

Confirmation that Chaos Rising will be the title of the second book:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6574865.B_Barmanbek

...multimedia producer, internet infrastructure designer, video game writer/developer, self-taught historian, world class caver and cave photographer, and now author, Diverse pursuits, but all are in service of a deeper truth...

Creator, writer, and producer of Culpa Innata, a video game released in 2007 and hailed as the “adventure game of the decade” by reviewers...the co-founder and chairman of Momentum, the company that developed the game....an electric & electronics engineer and an MBA graduate of Wright State University... member of the World Future Society, AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science), Academy of Political Science, and one of the founders of Turkish Speleological Federation... has explored over 100 caves.

Working on a sequel book to Culpa Innata, titled Chaos Rising.

[Ears14U]

I would be skeptical about just what wikipedia writes on the www. I don't think it's really that trustworthy at all. There's better and much more reliable sources to check out. Here's a short browse for info. http://www.ign.com/games/culpa/-innata-2/pc-14276476

[onitake]

A little sidenote on the (first) book: The story covers more or less what happens in the Culpa Innata game, in a little more detail. Phoenix has more background and is a more interesting chracter, but the story is essentially the same in book form.

It looks like the author is putting together his resources to get the franchise going again. Maybe we will indeed see a second game some day. Perhaps in collaboration with Phoenix Online Studios?

[FC Real SeaYote United SC]

Doubt it, I can't remember off-hand but I think I remember reading a couple years back Momentum never got paid by the publishers for the first game, which killed the second. If true, I agree it'd be great if they could try crowd funding, now that has become somewhat big. EDIT: Looked up and appears they are still developing, mostly apps though.

[Ears14U]

I'm seeing more and more of these type point and click genre games. Flashy graphics and sounds are alright, but I would think the ability to convey and tell a story in this type of game should really appeal to the people that enjoy reading books quite a bit. Or are older school like me. I think it's a lot easier to get your mind involved, and they get you thinking more so than using your reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Not slamming the action games though. I think we all still love them.

[JohannZA]

Originally posted by onitake:

A little sidenote on the (first) book: The story covers more or less what happens in the Culpa Innata game, in a little more detail. Phoenix has more background and is a more interesting chracter, but the story is essentially the same in book form.

I'm looking to buy the book in the near future.

Did you read the printed or the digital version?

I have a few books up on the Kindle store and being able to upload changes at any time is a great convenience. For that reason I'd expect the Kindle version to have received more attention with regards to editing. Although nothing beats curling up with a good, solid printed book. :-)

Originally posted by =PHX= ΨSatan's Karma Chameleon:

Doubt it, I can't remember off-hand but I think I remember reading a couple years back Momentum never got paid by the publishers for the first game, which killed the second. If true, I agree it'd be great if they could try crowd funding, now that has become somewhat big. EDIT: Looked up and appears they are still developing, mostly apps though.

Keep in mind that Momentum isn't primarily a game development company. They are a technology company, meaning they provide a variety of IT-related services to governmental departments, corporations, and game designers like Mr. Barmanbek. I'd think he'd be fully within his rights to shop the game around to other technology houses offering similar services (which is also what Jane Jensen has been doing with her recent games).

[onitake]

Originally posted by Johann:

I'm looking to buy the book in the near future.

Did you read the printed or the digital version?

I prefer books over ebooks, unless they are offered without DRM.
The Kindle edition is cheaper than the book though, so I recommend getting it if you own a Kindle.

[FKA I Criceti Gemelle]

Hi guys, I'm not sure if it's appropriate to necropost a nearly two year old thread, but I just wanted to get it out there that I somehow managed to reach the producer and writer of Culpa Innata, B. Barmanbek, regarding the series.

Thing is, he would like some feedback regarding a project related to the C.I. universe, but I don't think my perspective alone can provide constructive criticism regarding its future direction. I'd like him to know that this game has its fans and that we are still eager for its continuation. :D

I can forward our correspondence so far via PM/email if you're interested in sharing your thoughts. Not being cautious or anything, just thought it would be polite to not broadcast tentative plans on a public platform, and I just got really excited on receiving the reply that I had to let y'all know. :3

[Ears14U]

Duly noted. That's exactly what these developers need is feedback. If it's good or bad it really doesn't matter. Thanks for the upadate.

[FKA I Criceti Gemelle]

I just dropped him another email asking if I can share more details here. I'll update as soon as I get a response. 👌