First things first: the build up of scares was absolutely fantastic. I got goosebumps! The music, visual effects, the graphics, everything was pitch perfect, up until the very end.
(Spoilers)
Maybe this is a little harsh, but in my mind there's nothing worse than a horror game that needs to throroughly explain itself. The dialogue with the developer at the end destroys the tone that was being built up the whole time, because it undermines all the creepiness with incredibly tired horror cliches. I feel like it's much scarier when you don't fully understand what's going on - like did we really need an explanation even for the record player of all things? That said, I totally understand that this is a game jam game and you didn't have the most time to work on it, so I don't want to judge too much; I just really like it when horror games take a more subtle approach.
If you input the code from the log generated, it plays a sound. 25467 That removed the blockage on that prevents you from falling off the map in the base game.
I got a little further to the next game from getting an email back etc. This is super cool! I did a vid on the first update and now here's the new stuff in a vid!
I downloaded version 2.0 of the game and when I start the game it crashes, the screen goes black and nothing happens, after some time appeared the cassette and makes the noises, but not out of it.
Hang on a minute... didn't someone post a new code here? I could have sworn they said "up, up up, down, down, down" or something like that. Where did it go?
Ehh... It was OK. The visual aesthetic, while a little cliche by this point in history, was done legitimately well. The CRT shader used was particularly impressive. I found myself actually kind of creeped out the first time I played, but the minute I discovered you could use the Konami Code to reset the game in order to play it dozens of times in the vain hope that you solve a particularly hard alternate reality puzzle to achieve the final ending, it kind of lost its luster for me.
The story was also really goofy. The minute the dev character started saying this game could "restore the souls of the dead", I immediately thought of "Commandment" whilst speaking fake Japanese over his lines. It fit a little too well.
Hopefully someone solves the remaining puzzles, because running your own ARG is no small feat, especially for a small game jam entry like this.
WARNING: enable tracking ----
re-establishing connection to server underscore deleting srh.ch resetting progress DUMP - end Exception: dead end (25467) <o>
This was so cool! Really gives off a vibe of ominous nostalgia. The story of the ghost, albeit very short lived, is cryptic enough to make me want more! I'd love to play a longer version of this or something similar! Here's my playthrough:
I found the game very interesting. Also props for using an "online" fps for the story. I kinda wish the "dev" would actively attempt to stop the player for a bit before delivering the last flag.
Not a bad little short story. I wish there was more to experiance but other wise I love the concept and style of No Players Online. Cant wait for more.
Whenever i do the first part [capture 3 times, close game, open,konami code) the next part doesnt happen where he should say "Why are you here again??" instead it just repeats.
That part happens if the first time you DO NOT deliver the third flag.
To get to that part, you have to exit the game when the dev asks you to do so, then restart it (you won't need to enter a konami code, because the servers will still be online).
Loved the game, the PS1 graphics they were pure goodness, the endings were not that bad, liked the way the game made me feel like I was in a lonely and creepy atmosphere overall this was pretty a impressive, unique and creepy game to play.
All in all, from the implied secrets to the feeling of nostalgia the game gives you ( it reminded me of games like Perfect dark) This is a brilliant gem! It's a bit unfortunate that (at least for now) it's so short
Very good game. I like the style it gives me nostalgia. very good game. I hope that we will get more from you :) Please let me know if you will make something new :)
I think the four "levels" might actually be the transition the level takes, when some of the objects switch around. I think the level quickly alternates whenever you pick up a flag to a separate level, where objects are switched around.
Yeeeah :/ it seems like the two first levels are associated with the tape you click in the beginning, another one is for the secret paper ending and only one of them is the actual map... but there appear to be emoji textures that don't seem to be used anywhere in the game...oh well, I downloaded Unity over nothing :P
So... what is with the second playthrough, and that short video clip at the end? I've tried figuring it out, and I got some kind of LOG text file, but the video clip is what really gets me? ^^^vv and enter? What am I supposed to be getting here?
Hi guys! I have read all of the comments below and I have some thoughts about dates:
1) We have three "old" dates: 03/20/86 (the inscription on the tape, you can find it above on this page); 4/5/1987 1:56am (from metadata of the savefile) and... 12/12/1987 - the log file with <o> tag has this date in it's name. I counted the number of days between these dates (without including the end date) and as a result I got the following: 381 days or 1 year, 0 months, 16 days (first and second dates), 251 days or 0 year, 8 months, 7 days (second and third dates), 632 days or 1 year, 8 months, 22 days (first and third dates).
Unfortunately there are no any visible sequences or coincidences in this numbers so I can't argue that these numbers make sense.
2) The one "modern" date: 11/15/19. The simplest assumption: something will happen on 15th of November. Update of the game? New hint from developers?
The wife's username seems to be #ù%Jhl&, though I can't tell exactly what is above the u or whether the second to last character is a lowercase L or a capital i. Interesting note, if the u is actually ù, then it can be called a u with a grave. (dead wife? grave?)
There are pillars, trees and crossbars that will disappear and reappear seemingly at random. It does not seem to be consistent across different playthroughs or game states. Also the two pillars in the room with the gramophone seem to have no collision, but there doesn't seem to be anything hidden in them. We haven't checked there at all points in the game, though.
One question I have: the game is supposed to be a capture the flag game with multiple servers that seem to include both public, developer run servers (the first three) and player run servers. Who made these player run servers? Did this game actually have an actual playerbase at one point? Is JOHN_DEV just really invested in making his dead wife resurrection game appear as though it had an acive playerbase at one point?
After shooting the eye, I tried a few codes (^v^v^vv^v^v^, or ^^^vvv)
as soon as I exited the game I got this note
<o> WARNING: enable tracking ---- re-establishing connection to server underscore_ deleting srh.ch resetting progress DUMP - end Exception: dead end (25467) <o>
So for those who have been playing the game with a keen eye and trying to delve deeper into its secrets, here's an unordered list:
Your pistol shoots a seemingly random amount of times each reload (2 - 5 rounds)
You lose all ammo when you have a locked encounter with the entity
There are 12 of 15 servers online, but the server browser only shows 6 of 9 servers online
Shooting the record player will stop the music and change some of the dialogue from the developer
Quitting the game when the developer pleads you and rejoining causes the developer to enter the game as a spectator; this causes a destructible object to appear in the sky near the center of the map
In either of the currently known endings, you can refresh the server list by using the Konami code (up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, b, a)
When using the Konami code after seeing the developer ending, a small (o) remains visible at the top of the server browser
The (Complete Save File) is actually an image; you can view this yourself by opening the file on any image editor. The image has a date embedded on the bottom left corner, 11/15/19
You can ignore the first locked encounter with the ghost by walking/running backwards and not looking at it, during the encounter
Objects vanish and reappear after each flag capture; this happens with the trees at the start flag which are three and I have seen reduce to two, with the supports/tombstones on the wall which appear and reappear in some of the areas in the arena, and the tree by the record player which appears/reappears
You can clip through a few distinct objects in the arena, most notable the two pillars/supports near the record player
There are some configs and files related to browsers (some of which are open source) in the game executable files. I have yet to see anywhere where the game actually uses a browser (the game runs in Unity, unless this is some kind of emulation of Unity Web) so there may be something there for someone who is more aware of development than I am
You can move using a and z; it has been speculated that this is for compatibility for azerty keyboard users
Noted by Lkok and other users, exiting the game after the Dev Ending event yields this log/error:
<o>
WARNING: enable tracking
---- re-establishing connection to server underscore_ deleting srh.ch resetting progress DUMP - end Exception: dead end (25467) <o>
Noted by Mothified that the image has a date property: Date Taken 4/5/1987 1:56am
For anyone who hasn't noticed. the "save file" they uploaded yesterday is actually a PNG image file. It has a hidden message when you change brightness/contrast. I show it here:
I noticed when you put in the Konami code and it brings up the list of servers there are only 9 servers listed. 6 online and 3 offline. in the top right hand corner it states 12/15 online.
15 total. 3 offline. Bringing it down to 12 online but only 6 of them are listed. Meaning 6 additional servers are not accounted for.
Don't know if this has already been discovered. Just wanted to point it out.
9 are listed (6 on, 3 off). This is, despite the wording, to simulate what happens when you filter by game type. Only 9 servers are capture the flag, the rest are some undetermined game style like Free for All or Team Deathmatch.
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First things first: the build up of scares was absolutely fantastic. I got goosebumps! The music, visual effects, the graphics, everything was pitch perfect, up until the very end.
(Spoilers)
Maybe this is a little harsh, but in my mind there's nothing worse than a horror game that needs to throroughly explain itself. The dialogue with the developer at the end destroys the tone that was being built up the whole time, because it undermines all the creepiness with incredibly tired horror cliches. I feel like it's much scarier when you don't fully understand what's going on - like did we really need an explanation even for the record player of all things? That said, I totally understand that this is a game jam game and you didn't have the most time to work on it, so I don't want to judge too much; I just really like it when horror games take a more subtle approach.
GUYS TYPE THE WORD "haunt" IN THE NEW BUILD OF NPO (v2.0)
If you input the code from the log generated, it plays a sound.
25467
That removed the blockage on that prevents you from falling off the map in the base game.and also emits a scream sound effect that made me shit myself
I got a little further to the next game from getting an email back etc. This is super cool! I did a vid on the first update and now here's the new stuff in a vid!
I downloaded version 2.0 of the game and when I start the game it crashes, the screen goes black and nothing happens, after some time appeared the cassette and makes the noises, but not out of it.
I created a Discord server to try and crack this game: https://discord.gg/vFwu6zC
Trying to solve this mystery through random comments seems really inefficient.
it says the invite is invalid
Are you sure? Have you tried this one? https://discord.gg/vFwu6zC
could everyone try to bump this post? the more people we have in the discord, the easier we can solve all this :)
Just played in version 2.0, but did not find anything new. Tell me?
Look Deeper
Deeper ... where?
I loved the style of this. I didn't listen to the dude but I wonder what would have happened.
Hang on a minute... didn't someone post a new code here? I could have sworn they said "up, up up, down, down, down" or something like that. Where did it go?
up up down down left right left right B A
There's a new one, we just don't know where to use it, it's:
up up up down down enter
Are you sure? I tried that after getting kicked from shooting John's eye in the second loop and nothing happened.
No, you use the konami code there, this is the new one from the pencil cutscene
Go to the Multiplayer Fix log and e-mail the yahoo address.
Ehh... It was OK. The visual aesthetic, while a little cliche by this point in history, was done legitimately well. The CRT shader used was particularly impressive. I found myself actually kind of creeped out the first time I played, but the minute I discovered you could use the Konami Code to reset the game in order to play it dozens of times in the vain hope that you solve a particularly hard alternate reality puzzle to achieve the final ending, it kind of lost its luster for me.
The story was also really goofy. The minute the dev character started saying this game could "restore the souls of the dead", I immediately thought of "Commandment" whilst speaking fake Japanese over his lines. It fit a little too well.
Hopefully someone solves the remaining puzzles, because running your own ARG is no small feat, especially for a small game jam entry like this.
2.0 IS HERE
creepy as hell
15/11/19 - still no new info beyond this:
---- re-establishing connection to server
underscore
deleting srh.ch
resetting progress
DUMP - end
Exception: dead end (25467)
<o>
New update
This was so cool! Really gives off a vibe of ominous nostalgia. The story of the ghost, albeit very short lived, is cryptic enough to make me want more! I'd love to play a longer version of this or something similar! Here's my playthrough:
I found the game very interesting. Also props for using an "online" fps for the story. I kinda wish the "dev" would actively attempt to stop the player for a bit before delivering the last flag.
Anywho, here's my channel for other games I have played http://www.youtube.com/c/Levont
Not a bad little short story. I wish there was more to experiance but other wise I love the concept and style of No Players Online. Cant wait for more.
Hey, this is a spoiler but i need help
Whenever i do the first part [capture 3 times, close game, open,konami code) the next part doesnt happen where he should say "Why are you here again??" instead it just repeats.
That part happens if the first time you DO NOT deliver the third flag.
To get to that part, you have to exit the game when the dev asks you to do so, then restart it (you won't need to enter a konami code, because the servers will still be online).
Yeah, I was going to say that.
Loved the game, the PS1 graphics they were pure goodness, the endings were not that bad, liked the way the game made me feel like I was in a lonely and creepy atmosphere overall this was pretty a impressive, unique and creepy game to play.
All in all, from the implied secrets to the feeling of nostalgia the game gives you ( it reminded me of games like Perfect dark) This is a brilliant gem! It's a bit unfortunate that (at least for now) it's so short
Very good game. I like the style it gives me nostalgia. very good game. I hope that we will get more from you :) Please let me know if you will make something new :)
btw here is my video:
I think the four "levels" might actually be the transition the level takes, when some of the objects switch around. I think the level quickly alternates whenever you pick up a flag to a separate level, where objects are switched around.
Yeeeah :/ it seems like the two first levels are associated with the tape you click in the beginning, another one is for the secret paper ending and only one of them is the actual map... but there appear to be emoji textures that don't seem to be used anywhere in the game...oh well, I downloaded Unity over nothing :P
So... what is with the second playthrough, and that short video clip at the end? I've tried figuring it out, and I got some kind of LOG text file, but the video clip is what really gets me? ^^^vv and enter? What am I supposed to be getting here?
11/15/19 is this Ftoday, and my theory is that maybe we'll be able to actually play multiplayer with other people.
the game works till i get to the blue screen but no server to pick
Use the Konami code
Hi guys! I have read all of the comments below and I have some thoughts about dates:
1) We have three "old" dates: 03/20/86 (the inscription on the tape, you can find it above on this page); 4/5/1987 1:56am (from metadata of the savefile) and... 12/12/1987 - the log file with <o> tag has this date in it's name. I counted the number of days between these dates (without including the end date) and as a result I got the following: 381 days or 1 year, 0 months, 16 days (first and second dates), 251 days or 0 year, 8 months, 7 days (second and third dates), 632 days or 1 year, 8 months, 22 days (first and third dates).
Unfortunately there are no any visible sequences or coincidences in this numbers so I can't argue that these numbers make sense.
2) The one "modern" date: 11/15/19. The simplest assumption: something will happen on 15th of November. Update of the game? New hint from developers?
Hmmm interesting
I checked the PNG's properties and in the Details it says Date Taken 4/5/1987 1:56am. could it be a clue to something?
Some more to add to the conversation.
The wife's username seems to be #ù%Jhl&, though I can't tell exactly what is above the u or whether the second to last character is a lowercase L or a capital i. Interesting note, if the u is actually ù, then it can be called a u with a grave. (dead wife? grave?)
There are pillars, trees and crossbars that will disappear and reappear seemingly at random. It does not seem to be consistent across different playthroughs or game states. Also the two pillars in the room with the gramophone seem to have no collision, but there doesn't seem to be anything hidden in them. We haven't checked there at all points in the game, though.
One question I have: the game is supposed to be a capture the flag game with multiple servers that seem to include both public, developer run servers (the first three) and player run servers. Who made these player run servers? Did this game actually have an actual playerbase at one point? Is JOHN_DEV just really invested in making his dead wife resurrection game appear as though it had an acive playerbase at one point?
this converted to octal is "43 303 271 45 112 150 154 46" but thats too long for the code we currently need.
After shooting the eye, I tried a few codes (^v^v^vv^v^v^, or ^^^vvv)
as soon as I exited the game I got this note
<o>
WARNING: enable tracking
----
re-establishing connection to server
underscore_
deleting srh.ch
resetting progress
DUMP - end
Exception: dead end (25467)
<o>
probably everyone got it but its worth posting it
When did you type in the code? During the drawing or once you got back to the menu?
i cant seem to get this to work. i had tried that up up up down down code. never got what you said
Oh, Im not really sure. I just know that once I shut off the game it was there.
Once you get the eye on the blank server screen, Konami code again, and it should appear on your desktop
You actually get that log when you get the eye on the server screen, it's not tied to a code.
So for those who have been playing the game with a keen eye and trying to delve deeper into its secrets, here's an unordered list:
<o>
WARNING: enable tracking
----
re-establishing connection to server
underscore_
deleting srh.ch
resetting progress
DUMP - end
Exception: dead end (25467)
<o>
I may edit this if I find anything more
For anyone who hasn't noticed. the "save file" they uploaded yesterday is actually a PNG image file. It has a hidden message when you change brightness/contrast. I show it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HzS-qtd5o4
so older comments say only 6 visible servers I booted for the first time and I get 9 three of which are offline. This is my first boot up.
I noticed when you put in the Konami code and it brings up the list of servers there are only 9 servers listed. 6 online and 3 offline. in the top right hand corner it states 12/15 online.
15 total. 3 offline. Bringing it down to 12 online but only 6 of them are listed. Meaning 6 additional servers are not accounted for.
Don't know if this has already been discovered. Just wanted to point it out.
9 are listed (6 on, 3 off). This is, despite the wording, to simulate what happens when you filter by game type. Only 9 servers are capture the flag, the rest are some undetermined game style like Free for All or Team Deathmatch.
played the game with another cause i thought i couldn't do anything else! till i markipliers vid. gonna play it again Very nice!
I played the basics of the game didn't know if there was more to it or not but I liked it for what I did play, make a full game about this I say!
love the style! Interesting game. Creepy atmosphere.