CTHON is one of those games where it can be scary without any jumpscares and I love the design and soundscape. However, the Standard difficulty is too hard for most players and I find only the Beginner difficulty to be of the right balance
Funnily enough — no. I actually heard about the novel after I released Cthon, and have been meaning to read it ever since but haven’t gotten around to it. The concept of mines beneath a planet surface is eerily similar to the game though. The title Cthon was a reference to the Greek term of being “of or under the earth”, and fit well as the game uses a lot of concepts from an earlier unreleased rogue-like game I toyed with for a while about delving an ancient Greek necropolis, except Cthon sets things in the far future.
Thank you for the video game. It runs smoothly on Windows 10 x64bits. Shame it didn’t include the Steam key when I bought it. But honestly it doesn’t matter as I’m not a big fan of Steam. Thanks and happy new year!
There should be a "Claim Steam key" section beneath the download buttons on the game's download page. If that is not showing up, I would try contacting itch directly by emailing support@itch.io. This happened once to another user and they were able to get it solved.
Bought it on Steam, and I was wondering if it’s possible to have a SMG.
This is way better executed than One More Dungeon, the Unity-based Hexen-rogue on Switch/PC by Ratalaika and (forgot the dev name)
Hi! Thanks for buying it! By SMG I'm assuming you mean submachine gun? Otherwise it is a term I'm unfamiliar with. You can build the primary gun into a rapid fire weapon by activating several coolant pumps. I appreciate the kind words, and have not played One More Dungeon myself. As I'm working on a sequel to CTHON, I'd love to know what you felt was better executed here. Thanks again!
Cthon is smoother, less buggy, and and not trying to do the Diablo “hand” gimmick like 1MD.
I hope in the sequel the pumps and such won’t be weapon specific, and that you could spend coolant-mana in addition to ammo.
I’d like you to also publish a core data pack for GZDoom, which could be used with any level generators available for the engine.
Glad you like it! That's...interesting that the sound doesn't work on Wine. I have not tested CTHON on it myself though. It's possible that it's due to outdated sound drivers used by GM81, CTHON's engine. There are plans (eventually) to get the game ported up to the latest version of Game Maker which would hopefully resolve problems like that, but we've been heavily focused on a new project in the last couple years. Some day soon I hope!
GameMaker games in general seem to not have sound in Wine. I did get sound going by installing some native Windows components, but with really high latency, like 1-2 seconds.
Hello, thanks for purchasing! When you click the Download button on the game's page, it should take you to the "Download 'CTHON'" page. You should see two download buttons, one for the manual, one for the game. Then, underneath that should be a "Claim Steam Key" section with a button to get the key. Are you not seeing that?
That is quite strange indeed. Do you mind posting a screenshot of the page for me either here or send to gravity (dot) games (at) outlook (dot) com? It should look like this:
If you don't see that, I think you might need to contact itch.io support directly, as unfortunately I'm not sure if I can be of much help with this. You might also try a different web browser if you have not already. The support email for itch is support@itch.io.
Either way, please let me know if you aren't able to get this resolved after contacting them and I will see what I can do to resolve the problem.
Cool! I wish you luck in game development. Thanks for trying Pillage & Plunder, it’s not nearly as fleshed out as CTHON, but I hope you get some fun out of it!
I’d say you ought to still give it a try! Just because something similar already exists or is done well does not mean someone can’t do it better or differently, and there are certainly things about CTHON I could have done better on. CTHON was written in Game Maker as well, which is pretty easy to jump into and start using!
Hi there, saving has already been implemented. You can only save and exit in between levels, and you can continue a game by hitting Continue in the main menu. If you die or quit during a level, the save file is deleted.
Thanks for your interest! I'm migrating to the Studio version of Game Maker for my next project, and I have plans to also port CTHON to the new engine so that it can be compiled under Mac and Linux. No timeframe for that as yet, but sooner or later! On a semi-related note, I have not tested it in Wine but I'll see what I can find out.
Yeah I'm having the same problem the other nvidia user has, the game runs slow (like in the second video), but it used to run better before I don't know what happen.
EDIT: Whoops, I just now saw your previous comment in the other thread. Below is what I just wrote, but I'm guessing you have already tried this:
Hi, sorry the game isn't running well for you. Which version of Windows are you running?
One reason for the change could be that the game now uses some external files - config.ini (for control information and preferences) and a save file if you have a saved game. Both reside in the game's local directory. It seems as though admin rights are a major hurdle for the game, so if you haven't already you might try running the game as an administrator (right click -> run as administrator). I'm looking into ways to resolve this permanently, but I don't have a timeframe for it. Let me know if this helps.
The previous version was working when I initially got the game, but it started slowing down at some point for some reason (past 2 weeks), I don't know if some software I installed could've affected, but I can't quite figure out what could be the cause. I've tried running admin, SSD, even the nvidia control panel settings look to be fine.
Hmm. The only thing I can think of that might have affected it at that time was the game's use of external files, but I'll double check to see what I did at that time. I wouldn't think it was software you installed. What happens when you run the CTHON_NONFORCED.exe in the folder?
I've been running 1.10c "CTHON_NONFORCED" most of the time, but my first version 1.07 also doesn't work like it used to. I tried 1.11 just now, but it seems to be same performance wise. I noticed when playing with fraps (not recording) that frame rate was 26-27, and in some areas it dipped to 21-22 for a while before returning to 26. But since I didn't check what the frame rate was when the game worked normally, I don't know if these frame rates are normal or not.
The previous version also dropped in performance? That is super weird. Here's what I would try first: delete the version you've been working with, perform a restart, and then download the latest version and give it another try. If its impacting previous versions there is either something not right with your machine or there might be a memory leak somewhere that I need to hunt down. I have reached out to the Game Maker community as well to see if anyone can shed light on the issue.
Yes, 21-27 FPS is not normal. It should be running at close to 60, ideally. On lower end machines I normally see it run between 55-60 FPS.
Hi, I downloaded the newest version and for some reason whenever I move/interact in any way, the starting gun (can't remember its name but it sort of stabs out with a spike) 'fires'/makes a noise. I guess this could be down to remapping keys, since it didn't happen before when playing the vanilla release.
That's strange... Do you have a middle mouse button or mouse wheel? That is what the blade is mapped to by default, so if you don't have one it may be that it is retrieving a key code that is mapped to something else entirely, and its confusing the game. You may need to set it to something else in the control options, like Spacebar.
Yep, exactly. I would like to port Cthon to Studio down the road, but there's a lot of stuff that will break that will need to be fixed, so it will be a fairly major project.
← Return to game
Comments
Log in with itch.io to leave a comment.
CTHON is one of those games where it can be scary without any jumpscares and I love the design and soundscape. However, the Standard difficulty is too hard for most players and I find only the Beginner difficulty to be of the right balance
Here is my full playthrough:
Sounds a lot like the novel Chthon by Piers Anthony. Any influence there?
Funnily enough — no. I actually heard about the novel after I released Cthon, and have been meaning to read it ever since but haven’t gotten around to it. The concept of mines beneath a planet surface is eerily similar to the game though. The title Cthon was a reference to the Greek term of being “of or under the earth”, and fit well as the game uses a lot of concepts from an earlier unreleased rogue-like game I toyed with for a while about delving an ancient Greek necropolis, except Cthon sets things in the far future.
Oh of course! The book is weird, but kinda good haha. I'll have to check out your game.
Thank you for the video game. It runs smoothly on Windows 10 x64bits. Shame it didn’t include the Steam key when I bought it. But honestly it doesn’t matter as I’m not a big fan of Steam. Thanks and happy new year!
Hello! Thank you for purchasing CTHON!
There should be a "Claim Steam key" section beneath the download buttons on the game's download page. If that is not showing up, I would try contacting itch directly by emailing support@itch.io. This happened once to another user and they were able to get it solved.
And thanks, happy new year to you as well!
Bought it on Steam, and I was wondering if it’s possible to have a SMG. This is way better executed than One More Dungeon, the Unity-based Hexen-rogue on Switch/PC by Ratalaika and (forgot the dev name)
Hi! Thanks for buying it! By SMG I'm assuming you mean submachine gun? Otherwise it is a term I'm unfamiliar with. You can build the primary gun into a rapid fire weapon by activating several coolant pumps. I appreciate the kind words, and have not played One More Dungeon myself. As I'm working on a sequel to CTHON, I'd love to know what you felt was better executed here. Thanks again!
Cthon is smoother, less buggy, and and not trying to do the Diablo “hand” gimmick like 1MD. I hope in the sequel the pumps and such won’t be weapon specific, and that you could spend coolant-mana in addition to ammo. I’d like you to also publish a core data pack for GZDoom, which could be used with any level generators available for the engine.
Fun game, bought it on a whim. Would still love to see a Linux version - the game works in Wine but there's no sound.
Glad you like it! That's...interesting that the sound doesn't work on Wine. I have not tested CTHON on it myself though. It's possible that it's due to outdated sound drivers used by GM81, CTHON's engine. There are plans (eventually) to get the game ported up to the latest version of Game Maker which would hopefully resolve problems like that, but we've been heavily focused on a new project in the last couple years. Some day soon I hope!
No problem!
GameMaker games in general seem to not have sound in Wine. I did get sound going by installing some native Windows components, but with really high latency, like 1-2 seconds.
https://wiki.winehq.org/Sound#DirectMusic_support
Anyhow, I understand it's a pretty low priority. Best wishes on the new project!
Oho, just came back to this now that I noticed it's been recompiled with a newer GameMaker. Seems to work fine in Linux now!
This game kicks ass! Thanks for a fun throwback that's interesting and challenging!
Hey there, thank you very much for the kind words! I’m glad you seem to be enjoying it as much as I had fun making it!
Says purchase comes with a Steam key but I didn't get one?
Hello, thanks for purchasing! When you click the Download button on the game's page, it should take you to the "Download 'CTHON'" page. You should see two download buttons, one for the manual, one for the game. Then, underneath that should be a "Claim Steam Key" section with a button to get the key. Are you not seeing that?
No, after the downloads I only see the "get the (itchio) app" followed by the download and install instructions
That is quite strange indeed. Do you mind posting a screenshot of the page for me either here or send to gravity (dot) games (at) outlook (dot) com? It should look like this:
If you don't see that, I think you might need to contact itch.io support directly, as unfortunately I'm not sure if I can be of much help with this. You might also try a different web browser if you have not already. The support email for itch is support@itch.io.
Either way, please let me know if you aren't able to get this resolved after contacting them and I will see what I can do to resolve the problem.
sent via email
Thank you! I sent a response back.
Cool! I wish you luck in game development. Thanks for trying Pillage & Plunder, it’s not nearly as fleshed out as CTHON, but I hope you get some fun out of it!
I've always dreamed of doing this game :'( Nice work bro !
Hello, thanks! By doing, do you mean making a game like this?
Yes I was always dreaming of making a doom like with my own settings, and then CTHON showed off ( I wouldn't make a better game,and I love it)
I’d say you ought to still give it a try! Just because something similar already exists or is done well does not mean someone can’t do it better or differently, and there are certainly things about CTHON I could have done better on. CTHON was written in Game Maker as well, which is pretty easy to jump into and start using!
Sorry if I've missed the obvious, but is there a feature to save your game yet?
Edit: Ahh, I see that is a planned feature for the future (an important one in my eyes). Fair enough.
Hi there, saving has already been implemented. You can only save and exit in between levels, and you can continue a game by hitting Continue in the main menu. If you die or quit during a level, the save file is deleted.
Ok, thanks.
This looks interesting, would love a native Linux version!
Thanks for your interest! I'm migrating to the Studio version of Game Maker for my next project, and I have plans to also port CTHON to the new engine so that it can be compiled under Mac and Linux. No timeframe for that as yet, but sooner or later! On a semi-related note, I have not tested it in Wine but I'll see what I can find out.
Excellent! I shall try to keep track of your developments. Thank you for the reply!
Yeah I'm having the same problem the other nvidia user has, the game runs slow (like in the second video), but it used to run better before I don't know what happen.
EDIT: Whoops, I just now saw your previous comment in the other thread. Below is what I just wrote, but I'm guessing you have already tried this:
Hi, sorry the game isn't running well for you. Which version of Windows are you running?
One reason for the change could be that the game now uses some external files - config.ini (for control information and preferences) and a save file if you have a saved game. Both reside in the game's local directory. It seems as though admin rights are a major hurdle for the game, so if you haven't already you might try running the game as an administrator (right click -> run as administrator). I'm looking into ways to resolve this permanently, but I don't have a timeframe for it. Let me know if this helps.
The previous version was working when I initially got the game, but it started slowing down at some point for some reason (past 2 weeks), I don't know if some software I installed could've affected, but I can't quite figure out what could be the cause. I've tried running admin, SSD, even the nvidia control panel settings look to be fine.
Hmm. The only thing I can think of that might have affected it at that time was the game's use of external files, but I'll double check to see what I did at that time. I wouldn't think it was software you installed. What happens when you run the CTHON_NONFORCED.exe in the folder?
Which version are you running by the way? The latest is 1.11.
I've been running 1.10c "CTHON_NONFORCED" most of the time, but my first version 1.07 also doesn't work like it used to. I tried 1.11 just now, but it seems to be same performance wise. I noticed when playing with fraps (not recording) that frame rate was 26-27, and in some areas it dipped to 21-22 for a while before returning to 26. But since I didn't check what the frame rate was when the game worked normally, I don't know if these frame rates are normal or not.
The previous version also dropped in performance? That is super weird. Here's what I would try first: delete the version you've been working with, perform a restart, and then download the latest version and give it another try. If its impacting previous versions there is either something not right with your machine or there might be a memory leak somewhere that I need to hunt down. I have reached out to the Game Maker community as well to see if anyone can shed light on the issue.
Yes, 21-27 FPS is not normal. It should be running at close to 60, ideally. On lower end machines I normally see it run between 55-60 FPS.
Hi, I downloaded the newest version and for some reason whenever I move/interact in any way, the starting gun (can't remember its name but it sort of stabs out with a spike) 'fires'/makes a noise. I guess this could be down to remapping keys, since it didn't happen before when playing the vanilla release.
That's strange... Do you have a middle mouse button or mouse wheel? That is what the blade is mapped to by default, so if you don't have one it may be that it is retrieving a key code that is mapped to something else entirely, and its confusing the game. You may need to set it to something else in the control options, like Spacebar.
I'll try that later on today, thanks.
this looks really good! Do you have any plans to release on mac?
Thanks! I would like to port it to Mac in the future, but it will require moving it to a new engine, so it will be a while.
Ooof, I didn't realise Gamemaker can't export mac builds. If you do decide to port it, godspeed! In meantime I'll track down a PC :)
Old Game Maker versions can't, but GM: Studio can, however, you need a Mac computer, too.
Yep, exactly. I would like to port Cthon to Studio down the road, but there's a lot of stuff that will break that will need to be fixed, so it will be a fairly major project.