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Regarding 01E and 121.

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I should have something witty to put here (even if it's just to update dated info), shouldn't I?

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Despite these levels being accepted/inserted into the base ROM months ago, there has been some notable issues taken with the ones I've been meaning to bring up in its own thread as to not get drowned out again in other topics. Those two levels being 01E (Barathrum Baritis) and 121 (Stormy Stronghold). In Barathrum Baritis' case, SNN back during his Alpha test said that "the level as a whole is a broken mess and untestable in its current state" and that a time before that that it was "one of the weakest levels in the entire hack."

Stormy Stronghold's case, again quoting SNN, was "is [was also] one of the weakest levels in the hack anyway and should probably be edited somewhat. I've never really enjoyed it to begin with, but I can't exactly put my finger on why;" and that "most of it could be salvaged [and] I think we were too quick to put that one into the base ROM - either that, or the feedback he got on it wasn't exactly good enough. I've just never really thought it had enough substance or anything interesting going for it compared to the other castles. "
Of course, I just called it a polished mess that I've took issue with since the start.

So... what to do about these levels? Leave alone? Tinker? Retool? Something else completely?

They're both fine conceptually, but they definitely need some revision in terms of execution. Barathrum Baritis, aside from the obvious map 16 tile debugging, mainly suffers from occasional sub-optimal to somewhat unfair sprite placement (especially as regards Thwomps), could introduce the diggable sand a bit better than it does, and maybe could afford to have another powerup in the first section, but I think a bit of moderate tweaking could potentially be all it needs to be an acceptable level.

Stormy Stronghold is another matter entirely though, especially since, as a castle, it's a more "important" stage. The theme and central idea of both sections (old weather-worn castle besieged by bombers in the first section, followed by Mario fighting off Norveg's fleet of jets and Jeptaks in an attempt to board Hindenbird's flagship in the second half) are rock-solid; however, the execution of both of these is...really not good at all. The first section mostly consists of a defenseless Mario rushing back and forth through narrow corridors filled with ever-bombing jets, which is more frustrating than fun, and the jet-riding the ON/OFF block gate section just doesn't work at all as it's supposed to, to the point where it's essentially impossible with out a cape. As for the second section, it's blocked out in such a way that it essentially requires the player to already know what sort of obstacles are coming beforehand, as in numerous spots, if you can see object you need to jump to, it's already too late to make the jump. Also, at least one jet formation is set up in such a way that if a Jeptak swipes past when you're standing between them (and it probably will), it's utterly impossible to dodge. And the final coin is just evil.

My suggestion for this one? Keep the overall structure and æsthetics for the level and retain the central gameplay ideas for both sections, but otherwise completely redesign them. Make the castle section less about simply dodging bombs in narrow corridors, and instead give Mario a means of occasionally fighting back against the attackers, recasting it as more of an exciting air battle to provide a climactic end to World 6, rather than just a matter of surviving a harrowing onslaught. If we want to include an ON/OFF switch jet ride section at the end of the first half, make sure it actually works. And revamp the blimp half so as not to require mind-reading and sometimes force the player into unavoidable hits. Also, the transition between castle and blimp deserves something a bit smoother and more interesting than Mario simply entering a pipe in one environment and emerging from a pipe in a completely different one, no? Why not start the second section with a bit of the weathered, castle tileset, made to look like the highest tower of the structure? Or have the jet ride continue through some empty skyspace from the castle to the larger fleet waiting nearby? Or have Mario be shot of a cannon onto the blimp? The castles are meant to be something special, so why not pull out all the stops?

If you can, send a PM to Zero-X and flareblade26 and point them in this direction. All the threads have been reopened so if they want to work on it again, go for it. If they don't want too, we can see if someone else wants to take up the task and edit it a bit.
Layout by LDA during C3.

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I should have something witty to put here (even if it's just to update dated info), shouldn't I?

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Getting in touch with Zero-X should not be difficult since his forum activity seems active enough that he'll respond in a timely manner. Flareblade, on the other hand...



Edit pending.

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I should have something witty to put here (even if it's just to update dated info), shouldn't I?

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Aaannnnd finally sent those PMs off like I said I was going to, though the PMs just consist of a link to this topic.

Hey, everyone!

I'd be more than happy to work on my level again if you guys want. SNN asked me about other people working on it before his resignation (to which I said it was fine), but I guess that didn't carry through.

The only thing is, I'll probably not do much good without tons of feedback. I never was one for designing levels, sadly, but if anyone's up for helping me out (and by that I mean something to the equivalent of talking to me on MSN/IRC or maybe PM and playing the level regularly), I bet I could patch it up.

Granted, what SNN said about it being one of the weakest levels in the hack is true, so I almost want to redo it completely. If you guys want, I won't be offended if you want to just take the level out completely.

So yeah, I'll see what everyone here thinks.
Well, over a month after I got the PM, I decided to check on good ol SMWcentral. Yeah... I haven't done any SMW hacking in... well over a year. I was just checking up to see if this thing was released yet. I think Rameau's critiques are spot on and would be glad if someone made my level better. As long as I'm still in the credits I guess.
Your layout has been removed.