This was such a great write up on Max. an Autistic Journey's DLC that I wanted to share bits of it with everyone here. Link to the full review is at the bottom. Note, it does describe the DLC in detail so if you haven't played it yet, wait to read the full review after you've completed the Max's Birthday DLC to avoid any spoilers.
// REVIEWS // 2ND MAY 2017 // BY ANNA DUNCAN
"I reviewed Max, an Autistic Journey shortly after it released, and liked it so much that I put it forward for Game of the Year. It didn’t win, but I still think it should have. Also since release, developer Stéphane Cantin and his son Max (the hero of the game) have been working on some DLC - which I’m reviewing right here!
In Max’s Birthday, you spend a day with Max as he excitedly wakes up eager to celebrate his birthday! When loading up the game you get a choice whether to play the original game or the DLC, so you can play either one without spoilers."
...
"I enjoyed playing the DLC, with new locations and enemies it was more than just fun a new story. It was something I looked forward to once I heard about it, and discovering how Max reacted knowing it was his birthday was just how my eldest boy reacts, it ran well and I definitely think people will enjoy this DLC also."
FULL REVIEW:
https://www.gamegrin.com/reviews/max-an-autistic-journey-maxs-birthday-dlc-review/
MAX'S BIRTHDAY DLC, An Update
We fought the clock and the clock won. The Max, Autistic Journey - Max's Birthday DLC was planned to be launched in time to celebrate Autism Awareness Day, April 2nd. However, the "publish" button litterally vanished before our eyes when we went to launch it on Friday.
You can get the stand-alone DLC on Itchio right now until the magical publish button reappears on Monday.
Since Max, an Autistic Journey came out the developer has donated a portion of proceeds from game sales to the Miriam Foundation, a charitable organization that helps people with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities lead fulfilling lives. For Autism Awareness Day, Professional Imagination will donate all sales from April 2nd of Max’s Birthday to the Miriam Foundation. To learn more about the amazing work they do please check out their website at: miriamfoundation.ca.
Now, since the Steam version won't be available til Monday, anyone who buys the DLC on Itch.io today will get a Steam key if they'd like. Also, Steam sales from Monday will be donated to the Miriam Foundation, since, obviously it is not available today.
“First off, a big thank you to everyone who has played Max, an Autistic Journey and sent through their thanks and personal stories. Since the game came out I have come up with a few ideas for DLC I wanted to make with my son. When I sat down with him to begin work I asked him what he would like to see and he just lit up and rambled off his ideas. It was so inspiring that all my original ideas were out the window and now we have the Max’s Birthday DLC!”
World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognised day on the 2nd of April every year, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about people with autism throughout the world. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution "62/139.
UPDATE 1.3
Greetings players new, old and soon to be. Just wanted to let everyone know that v1.3 has been uploaded. If you're not seeing the new version in your library please verify the integrity of your game cache.
This update fixes some progression stopper issues a few players expereinced towards the second half of the game.
If anyone continues to expereince any issues please be sure to let us know! Happy gaming!
UPDATE 1.2
UPDATE 1.2
A major fix to the game engine's memory leak has been made so this new build should alleviate the remainder of lag issues. If you are still experiencing problems please let us know in the comments below.
New memory leak fix that helps better manage memory usage
Due to some confusion about the intent of the Mini-game Vaccination, new game dialog has been added so that it does not come off as an "anti-vaccer" statement.
MAX UPDATE v1.1
UPDATE 1.1 (9/1/16)
Thank you to everyone for your patience as we have been busy addressing a number of the issues you have been reporting; seeking out and squishing all the pesky bugs we could find. Below is a list detailing all that has been fixed/updated in this build. If you find that you are still experiencing issues with the game please let us know with detailed comments below.
Optimized code to help prevent large memory spikes
Balanced the HP of some of the lower/earlier enemies
Added new code to enable/disable jump ability on certain maps due to some issues it was causing (maps the require jumping, such as in the sewers, jumping is enabled)
Updated graphics in a number of locations to help address memory issues reported
Added an image preloader script with « Now Loading... » screens to help with memory management
Please note that there is a known memory leakage issue in RPG Maker that is beyond the developer's control. However, the man behind Professional Imagination has reworked the game as much as he could to address this. A future update is planned as soon as it has been announced the issue if fixed on RPG Maker's end.
If your build is not auto-updating, please Verify the Integrity of your Game Cache:
Right Click on the game title in your Steam Library
Welcome everyone to Max, an Autistic Journey on Steam! We are extremely excited to be launching today for two reasons. For one, we're launching on Steam! That in of itself is a pretty exciting thing. Secondly, we worked towards releasing on today specifically as it is Max's birthday! So, if you feel so inclined please wish him a happy birthday in the comments!
While we understand there is a wide spectrum of autism, this game focuses on Max, where he falls in that spectrum and how he experiences and deals with daily life. It is not intended to speak for all people diagnosed with an ASD.
Given the very personal nature and theme of the game please be respectful in the discussion forums. However, if you have comments about the gameplay, feel free to speak your mind! Logical well-spoken criticism helps everyone develop and grow to make better games.
We wish you all a great day! If you pick up and are enjoying the game do share with your friends and family. All the support helps and is appreciated.
And last, but far from least, a big
THANK YOU
to all who joined in and supported 'Max' on Steam Greenlight. We wouldn't be here without you!
A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Max, an Autistic Journey are going to the Miriam Foundation, a charitable organization that helps people with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities lead fulfilling lives. To learn more about the amazing work they do please check out their website at: miriamfoundation.ca
