Fall 2009 Design Contest

[manikus]

Originally Posted by Budzo Also I realize as part of the deal I owe another tutorial. It is about half done. I have had many distractions with the holidays. Soon.

Actually, I think it's worded so that the entrant has the option to do tutorials for traps and/or secret passages. Both would be great though.

[manikus]

Originally Posted by Budzo I also had trouble with the combat system in Friedrich's quest and died many, many times. After a while though I seemed to get better results. I am not sure if I just got lucky, but there seemed to be a correlation between the color of the screen after an attack and the correct method of attack. I have no idea if this is the solution or not as I said it just seemed to work for me.

I did notice the different colors right off, and I believe it has to do with whether or not Friedrich is taking damage. I fully intend to try some more, just not today. The proof that I haven't given up, is that I still haven't peeked at the art or read the tutorial (I don't want any spoilers).

Originally Posted by Budzo I strongly recommend playing this module through to the end. The ending is extremely interesting, in fact in playing these types of games for 30 years I can safely say I have never seen anything quite like it.

I plan on finishing it, even if I have to go to extreme measures. Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha...I mean keep trying and trying. I've been waiting for Helmetlands too long to miss this opportunity.

Originally Posted by Budzo Also, manikus, I have not been able to get your module to work (probably because I have not spent enough time on it). I would be happy to take a look if you want to send me the location of the module. Thanks, Bud

I sent you a PM with the link and the password.

[olivier_leroux]

@manikus: Thanks for the link!

Originally Posted by manikus Now, I'm trying to play Friedrich's Quest...I've died five times. I die on my first combat with anything other than a Deinonykus (combat where I fight, that is). Any hints so a fella can do a proper playing of this? I've read the included readme file...

I had similar issues at first until I found out repeatedly retrying is not the solution to this problem. Have you considered that you may be too weak or ill-equipped to fight these opponents yet? The key is thorough exploration of each dungeon as well as trial and error. If you get stuck, try something else. If you can't beat a strong opponent, find a weaker one to gain XP. And one thing I only noticed halfway through the design is that DC doesn't automatically equip your starting gear for you (not sure if UA does, but I think so). I've found that gathering XP/levels and gearing up is essential to beating the game. Once I realized that I found it great fun.

Originally Posted by Budzo I also had trouble with the combat system in Friedrich's quest and died many, many times. After a while though I seemed to get better results. I am not sure if I just got lucky, but there seemed to be a correlation between the color of the screen after an attack and the correct method of attack. I have no idea if this is the solution or not as I said it just seemed to work for me.

Whoops, I completely missed the thing about the colors. Maybe it's time to visit the oculist...

[manikus]

Without spoiling anything, let me say that not counting the first attempt, I'm fully equipped before I take my first step. I also am either missing a secret door or I've investigated everything that can be investigated without going through an opponent that I can negotiate with...I am about to start my first attempt of the day though.

Oh, and not only are the colors different, but the text, while the same 'action' word, is at different angles. Perhaps I should be focused a little less on this and a little mroe on succeeding.

[Dinonykos]

The combat system of Friedrich's quest definitely needs improvement, and it should be explained better. I try to give some help:

A green "gadush!" means that Friedrich hit his opponent. He may still suffer some damage, though, if not the defensive style was chosen. The red "gadush!" means that the oponent hit Friedrich, while Friedrich did not land a hit.
Some opponents flee/are defeated after 2 "green gadushs", most need 3, sometimes you have to land 4 hits.

However, Olivier is right: Look for items, find a place to rest, use the potions, try to negotiate (at least 2 oponents can be bribed, and others give up after you landed two "green gadushs" when you negotiate), train. I managed to play through the design with dying only twice or thrice, which, I think, is quite fair.

I think I already know how the system can be improved, and in Helmetlands, you won't die that often - losing will rather result in losing fame, become captive, lose items and so on...

Ah yes, there will also not only be one sprite for each opponent. You will e.g. be able to see reactions like the opponent falling to the floor or losing his weapon. There was no time to do such things for the contest...

[Dinonykos]

Originally Posted by Budzo I strongly recommend playing this module through to the end. The ending is extremely interesting, in fact in playing these types of games for 30 years I can safely say I have never seen anything quite like it.

There are even two (small) variations of the ending...

[manikus]

I got it all worked out. I've now finished and written my preliminary review.

I was able to figure out everything you mentioned, Dinonykos. It really came down to chance I suppose (let's for the moment pretend that I do not completely suck). Once I achieved the 2nd level of experience, the game progressed much as I imagine you envisioned it. It was all about defeating that first guard (not counting the one you can bribe).

I"ve played a fair number of net based games that are player vs. player and use a very similar style of combat. The only major difference was that there would be the equivalent of a yellow "gadush" where you and your opponent both miss, or atl least do not damage the other.

I still found the whole experience entertaining and worthwhile, regardless of my knack for dying.

[Dinonykos]

Manikus, does your demo have a kind of "preliminary" ending like Budzo's and Olivier's?

Olivier and Budzo, could you roughly calculate how much of the graphic design was done by yourself? I got the impression that you at least altered some walls.

Before writing a review, I want to make sure I did not miss something important...

[Dinonykos]

Originally Posted by manikus I guess Uatu and Rosestar are not turning in entries since they have both been M.I.A. from the forums for a couple of weeks now. But 4 entries is 2 more than I thought would get done.

I still hope for entries from Uatu, Rosestar and FinalSomnia!

[manikus]

Originally Posted by Dinonykos Manikus, does your demo have a kind of "preliminary" ending like Budzo's and Olivier's?

My entry is just a demo. It is level 1 of a 5 level design. Well, technically you can step onto two other levels, but are told that they are not available yet...

As my story arc requires all 5 levels, there is not a traditional end on one level - but you can learn enough that you know you need to visit another level to progress.