-What did you most like/dislike about the jam?
By far my favorite part of the jam was finding a new creative outlet. Not only does it let me express myself as a storyteller, but all 15 years of being a hobbyist composer are finally coming to a good use. (I mean they did when I joined the Axial team, but still.) Writing more music for Stuck In The Past alone than I have in the last few years was amazing since I love writing music and don't compose nearly enough.
What I also really loved was that Stuck In The Past doubled as the best RPG Maker tutorial I could ask for. I have a godawful work ethic and only work well under deadlines, so having that hanging over my head kept me going. Having every lesson turn into a full-fledged game instead of little bits and bobs here and there made it feel a lot more rewarding. When all said and done, Stuck In The Past is one of my favorite personal achievements even if it's just a half-hour jam game with default RPG Maker characters. Imagine what I can do if I make an IP!
My least favorite part was the near constant anxiety. Is this game too ambitious? Am I not nailing the theme enough? Why won't this script work? Can I finish in time? Trust me, I wish crediting myself as Anxiety Haver and Deadline Pusher in the Stuck In The Past credits was a joke.
- Where did you hear about the jam?
I only got into RPG Maker because I found out through a Twitter post 2003 was $2 on Steam. I was part of the Axial team for a few years and knew that used RPG Maker, so I decided to give it a shot. I later stumbled upon this jam somehow, but I kinda blew it off. After buying VX Ace for $10 and posting some screenshots of a goofy test game on Twitter, Violet Spinel brought up the Haroldverse jam and told me he'd make me any assets I needed for an entry. I decided to one him up with a completely original soundtrack and Stuck In The Past was born.
- What inspired you to join/submit?
Violet being awesome. I'd probably still be scratching my head over what a label is if I didn't enter this jam.
- Future theme suggestions?
Slimes. Visual novels. Harold vs. Alex from RPG Maker 2000. BOULDERS.
- Do you have any assets you'd like to make available to the community for next year?
I would love to pitch my 8-bit Theme6 remix from Stuck In The Past into the ring for anyone who would like to use it. Additionally, I'd like to reply to Violet by saying I am more than happy with 8-bit Reid joining next year's jam as well.
- Any other thoughts or suggestions?
I agree with you not posting the themes until the jam begins; Stuck In The Past did indeed begin development before jam time, but I scrapped it when I found out I had to wait and started from scratch once jam time began. I also really love Berry's suggestion for different awards.
This was an incredible jam. It really helped me get my feet wet with RPG Maker, gave me a new creative outlet I really enjoy, and made me really, really love Harold. He's so beautiful and goofy and kind-hearted and I will protect him with my life. 100% entering the next Harold jam, even if it's a five minute game where Harold folds his clothes or something.