Still alive!

I thought I'd write a little status update on what's going on with Herwood. I've been writing a new engine for vol. 2 in C++, so compiling for different platforms will be a lot smoother. Juha has already confirmed that it runs on Linux. There's still some coding to be done before we can start making content for vol. 2.

Some code stats.

The latest digital loitering technology.

Vol. 1 still needs to be updated, but I now have some pretty solid information from Erkka on how to reproduce the crash. I'll try to get the fix done at some point.

Windows version update

Some people have had crashing issues with Herwood, so I (finally) took a look at the code and added some safety measures. Hopefully the bugs are fixed now. The download links have now been updated with the latest files. If the game still keeps crashing, post a comment about it here.

Mac release

Herwood is now also available for the shinier side of computing! There are a few differences compared to the Windows version:

• No controller support. This is an open issue in OpenTK, which might be fixed at some point.
• Full screen mode only. Windowed mode had a few issues, which seemed to be related to OpenTK.

You will also need to install Mono for Mac OS X, since I'm too cheap to pay for Xamarin.Mac. Sorry about that.

File size is ~15 MB.
Download zip file

Testing has only been done on OS X 10.10, but the game might run on versions as old as 10.7.

Windows release

It's done! If things go well, a Mac version will also be available some time in the near future. A package for Linux is also a possibility. Feel free to post a comment on this post if you encounter any bugs or other problems.

Both files are ~100 MB.
Download zip file (updated 20.7.2015)
Download installer (updated 20.7.2015)

Works best with the latest version of .NET Framework, which is probably already installed, an Xbox 360 controller (keyboard also supported) and beer. Go forth and loiter!

Almost there!

The Windows release of Herwood will happen in 2-3 weeks and download links will be available on this page. Here's a few screenshots of recent developments:

Now with 100% more cats.

Trio shopping centre, featuring DILD, ALCO and KS market.

Vario Bar. Try the special sauce!

Some game details

What's it about?

It's about adventuring and surviving as an unemployed person in a suburb called Herwood, which is loosely based on the (legendary) real life suburb Hervanta located in Tampere, Finland. The plot, events and people are fictional.

A map of Herwood with some location names hidden.

What's the game like?

It looks and plays like a 90s DOS game. You loiter around Herwood, talk to people, recycle bottles and cans for money, gather quest items, eat, sleep and do whatever it takes to keep yourself sane. There are multiple endings to the game and several charming people to meet.

Herwood's unique HRW/4GW Protected Mode Run-Time technology.

The game features a 24 hour day/night cycle and a 30 day month cycle. The day cycle mostly affects which places, like stores and bars, are open. At the start of each month cycle the player receives his/her social security benefits.

24 hours fast forwarded.

What's tactical survival-loitering all about?

It's basically about keeping your character's stats, hunger, fatigue and sanity, at tolerable levels.

Hunger is surprisingly dealt with by eating regularly. The game offers a variety of meat and vegetarian food, such as kebab with fries or different pizzas, to keep you going. Obviously food isn't free, so you'll need to bag a lot of recyclables to feed yourself.

A lack of sleep will eventually make you pass out, but luckily there are park benches all around Herwood to sleep on. If you feel like your back can't handle another night of park bench napping, then you can always go home or to a friend's place to sleep in a proper bed.

Taking a nap on a park bench and sleeping in your own bed. Which do you prefer?

Sanity is also handled in a realistic manner. By taking mood-enhancing pills, drinking beer or consuming other pleasurable substances you can keep your character marching on, no matter how boring or horrible his/her life is. If the character's sanity gets low enough, you'll have trouble understanding anything you're doing and get the spiral of madness to circle your vision.

A wild beta appears!

The game code is 99% done and we're now making the rest of the game content. Here's a few screenshots of random stuff:

Loitering around Perch Lake.

Low on sanity.

Checking the map.

Visiting Kaaleppi at Bowel Lake.

Teaser