Tip: Make sure that ALL exit-enabled pipes, doors, etc. have a screen exit defined, or they'll take you to Level 0, the "endless" bonus game. Unless Start+Select is enabled, the only way out of it is to reset the game.
Welcome to the third official contest of SMW Central. This contest will definitely be much more interesting to judge than the last two, and a lot more interesting for you to participate in. We will have four judges this time around: 2 moderators (myself and Kaeru), and 2 1 regular users who have shown they are capable of judging. (Onion and Crystal King)
What is an Auto-Play level.</b>
An auto-play level is just what it says: a level that beats itself - BY itself. You're probably thinking "but that is impossible!" You would be wrong. Using various methods, such as a slippery floor, pipes that shoot you diagonally, and note blocks that control where you move, you can make quite the level. I found a random YouTube video example here, if you want to see how one is basically designed. I have also made a version myself, which is about 40 seconds long, that you can download right here
What are the rules?</b>
There are very few restrictions for this contest. Here they are:
1. The deadline is June 7, 2008. Not a day later. Any submissions past midnight on this date will be ignored.
2. Each level must be at least 60 seconds in length. The longer the better, though please try not to go over a five minute level.
3. Each level must end by hitting the goal tape or a goal sphere, and the level MUST be accessed from the original Yoshi's Island 1, or it will not be judged.
4. As you may know, a lot of autoplay levels have cut-off corners on tiles, some glitchy GFX, etc. Cut-off tiles are ok, if they are something like rope tiles, but if there is a blatant graphics glitch or something that looks really ugly, points will be docked.
5. Please upload an IPS FILE when your level is complete
6. THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IS THAT THE LEVEL MUST BEAT ITSELF. If I, or any of the other judges, have to do any other actions in the level except for pressing A on the overworld, your entry will be disqualified.
Other than that, everything goes - and I mean everything. Use sprites, blocks, ExGFX, music, everything, to make your automatic level the most.
How will it be scored?</b>
Each entry will be marked out of 40, broken down into four categories:
Length: Does the level play out at a good length, without becoming repetitive? Appeal: Are different blocks/sprites/etc used to make the level look stylish? (If the level does not contain any of the above, this section will be judged on how graphically appealing the level is in general. Uniqueness: Does your whole level consist of bouncing on note blocks? If it does, you will probably not receive a good mark here. Mix it up, and add it various "automated puzzles" and neat quirks to get a full 10 here. Overall: Is the level good overall? This category is very general.
BONUS: You may have noticed that some autoplay levels sync to music. If you are good with addmusic, and you think you can sync the sound effects to the musics, feel free to insert any song you wish and give it a shot! This is totally optional though, but if it is done well, bonus marks will be given...
NOTE ABOUT BONUS: If you have a good recording tool, you can also sync the level to an external song NOT inserted with addmusic. This will require both a YouTube video AND an IPS, to prove you made it.
Tips:</b>
-Slippery levels are usually the best for more sliding motion.
-Boost blocks and fast movement blocks from Blocktool are really useful.
-Use teleport blocks if you want the level to switch environments
-Starting the level by shooting out of a diagonal pipe is usually the best way to start, but if you can make it work a different way, great!
Closing Notes:</b>
You have plenty of time, so go ahead and give it a shot! Auto-play levels are very fun to make, and can turn out very cool if they are done right! Again, three trophies are up for grabs, so good luck, and if you have any questions, post them here.
This looks like an interesting and fun contest, especially considering the amount of gimmicks you can use to move Mario by himself. I'll get to work on my level.
I guess I can't use the one I posted on Youtube that one time. It doesn't work properly... :o
Also, will bonus points be given if the boost blocks in Blocktool are not used (or will points be docked if they are overused)? I get tired of all the "automatic" levels that are just Mario running into boost blocks, because those get boring. ._.
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Ooh I actually already made one. Though its not too good, it works. I'm not gonna submit it yet cause after reading the rules, I noticed I put way too many note blocks and there are a lot of graphical glitches. Either way I'm going to enter, even if I don't win.
SNN, what if the level works right only sometimes? Then what will happen?
It won't work right "sometimes", it'll either work or it doesn't. If you find a spot that doesn't work properly, remake it. Worst case scenario, if we see that your level apparently doesn't work, we'll try it a few times, just in case.
Bored and Pieguy are right, mine only has about a 60:40 working ratio :/
Well, since this will probably happen to everyone, how about you just try it a few times?
I'll join. Mine's up to screen 02 now.
And here's another tip: Use the 'bounce on all sides' note block if you need a horizontal speed boost. There's not many other ways to do it.
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<-- this is the dope on dope 
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