Ruben (and others),
Thanks for the nice compliments about my writing. I'm really glad that folks have enjoyed the previous novels and I'm very excited to write this new one(s) - in part because I'll finally get to tell the stories I've been sitting on for 13 years now, but also in hopes that we can adapt the stories into game designs & scripts.
As for the Interactive Radio Theater, the idea is to offer the rich audio experience of the original TMRT, but add some simple graphics and an interface that allows you to choose actions and dialogue. For example, imagine a view from inside Tex's speeder looking out at a city street. After an audio clip ends, choices such as: SIT TIGHT, FOLLOW THE SUSPECT, or LOOK IN THE ALLEY might appear. You would then click one of these and a new audio clip would play (along with, perhaps, a new scene or visual overlay). All conversations will be interactive in the style of the older games (3 choices, Response Attitudes, etc.) and the character you're talking to will appear visually.
The game structure will be like a choose your adventure where there are dozens of paths through the story, however, there is only one perfect resolution. All other resolutions are less than ideal...including death. And, of course, Chris will provide Tex's voice and episode narration. For now, there won't be any puzzles, but that might change down the road.
I anticipate that the game will take 2-3 hours to complete. If you are THAT good, and happen to find the perfect path the first time through - it would be maybe 45-50 minutes long.
Now to answer specific questions:
Jen
After reading your fan fiction, you shouldn't waste your time proofreading my stuff. You're an awesome writer. I should be proofreading YOUR stuff!
Ruben
You're right: I did say that the novel might be a last resort, but that's not what we're thinking right now. And when you read the first few chapters of the novel, you'll see what we have in mind.
The reason for the IRT game is to offer a new Tex story - with gameplay - because I'm (and you are) tired of waiting! This is a simple enough concept that I can get it done with minimal resources. And if everyone loves it, I'll make more! Of course the ultimate goal is still to make a more complex game in which to tell the Trance story.
The novel is the first part of a trilogy, but I promise it won't end with a cliffhanger!!! I'm writing it so it can stand alone - you won't need to know anything about Tex Murphy to enjoy it, but those of you who know him will enjoy it even more.
Bjyman
The "steakhouse stakeout" reference wasn't a fully developed story piece while we were doing Overseer, but I had an idea in mind from the beginning, and it ended up being a good fit for this project. It does, in fact, have something to do with a client in a bad marriage and, while Crazy Gary's name does come up in the narration, he doesn't appear in this story.
Regarding the Access logo in a future Tex game, we could probably use it, but as an easter egg inside the game (like the Mean Streets arcade game in Overseer).
Hammerhead
Let me know if there's anything I didn't cover in the description of the Interactive Radio Theater above.
The content of the original Radio Theater is still totally relevant, but its context won't become crystal clear until you read the novel.
The story in the IRT happens before Tex and Chelsee are shot, so there's no real connection with the original Radio Theater (which takes place after the abduction).
I hope to have the Interactive Radio Theater ready to release in April. The novel should be done in June (though I'll try to get it done sooner!). There's a chance we might do an abridged audio version of the book as well. We'll see!
I'm guessing we'll sell the IRT game for $5 or less. I'd love to have the novel published by a real publisher, but I'll self-publish if all else fails. Either way, the novel would cost whatever the going rate is ($7.99?). An audio version would cost more - not sure how much.
Thanks for asking about 3 Cards! I really enjoyed working on those stories and I would love to finish off the trilogy, but there is no timetable for that. Chris J. and Doug V. are working on a lite adventure game tentatively called "Thunder Island". I'm not involved with the project, but it will be available on the Big Finish site around the end of March (exact date TBD), and you'll be able to play a demo, see a trailer, buy the game, etc.
Sam
I will look into a reissue of my old books. It would be great to officially release e-versions of the novels!
Demonlawyer
Thanks for the support! As I hope everyone knows, this isn't about the money, but I do need to pay people to do the things I can't (art, programming, etc.), so I really appreciate your willingness to buy our creations.
Aaron
