Nifflas' Support Forum

Level Editing Support => Knytt Stories Level Previews => Topic started by: Xia on November 17, 2009, 05:50:17

Title: [Hard, puzzle, Challenge]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 17, 2009, 05:50:17
[Name]
The Quest of Unknown Length (This name may change)

[Name ideas]
Here's some ideas for a level title. Tell me which one is better:

[Beta Testers]
Pick Yer Poison
Exp HP
Emeraldfire7
Purple Pineapple
any other people in real life who agree to play it for me

~New testers~

~Hergberg~
fred052

[Contains]
-Large expanses of land
-detailed scenery
-bosses as well as sub-bosses
-zelda based game play
-hidden areas
-a code to collect and enter at the end of the game (best to write it down as you go)
-the code will also get you the secret ending

[Difficulty]
It will be a hard level, some parts more challenging than others. I'm trying to make it less insane than previous levels.

[Info]
Dunno how close this will get to 1000 screens but I want it to be bigger than my last level. I'm shooting for at least 400-500. The idea behind it is that you start in a small tower and are simply told to go left or right. You collect powers along the path and at the end you are warped back to the beginning to finish the game. This may sound simple but when I say "walk along the path" I don't mean an afternoon stroll. This will be a long level.

This is somewhat of a collab with my friend because he is giving me critique as I go along.
Finish/upload dates aren?t very clear at this point.


[Music]

-the band: God is an Astronaut
song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEDhsDoqXns

-ambient stuff from:
http://sphericlounge.blogspot.com/

-more to come...

[Screen Shots]
Spoiler: beginning (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: rocks (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: mountain cave (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: prairie (click to show/hide)


[Updates]

~12/12~
Working on a custom tileset for one of the bosses. Much progress has been made since last update.

~11/29~
New screenshot from one of the newer areas added to the level.

~11/18~
Beta testers are in! I will be sending a first draft of the level around as soon as possible. Probably tomorrow.

~11/18~
THINGS TO GET PERMISSION FOR:
God is an Astronaut: DONE

~11/17~
At this point I'd say I'm nearing the half way point in terms of the amount of areas I need to make.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: StaticRomantic on November 17, 2009, 08:39:28
to put screens, upload them to somewhere like Fileshack or Photobucket.
then, when editing a post, press the picture button, and paste the link to the pic in between the "[img]" things.
read over this (http://nifflas.ni2.se/forum/index.php?action=help) when you have questions like this.

level sounds interesting. i'd beta test, but i'm currently busy with college apps and think i'd just slow the process  :/

hint: just make sure quantity doesn't replace quality, as is the case with most extra-big levels
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Pumpkinbot on November 17, 2009, 16:01:54
Love the title. Keep it. :nuts:
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Pick Yer Poison on November 17, 2009, 18:13:54
Looks good. Can I beta test? :D
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: fred052 on November 17, 2009, 22:11:01
I want to beta test too. Also, the level sounds interesting...
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 18, 2009, 00:45:11
Quote from: StaticRomantic on November 17, 2009, 08:39:28
hint: just make sure quantity doesn't replace quality, as is the case with most extra-big levels

No need to worry about this. I'm paying close attention to detail and making sure every screen is full of things to look at.

Quote from: Pick Yer Poison on November 17, 2009, 18:13:54
Looks good. Can I beta test? :D
Quote from: fred052 on November 17, 2009, 22:11:01
I want to beta test too. Also, the level sounds interesting...

Sounds good, thanks. Once I get 3 more I'll send a link to all of you that will give you the level.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Boxtop on November 18, 2009, 03:41:31
Are you sure you're allowed to use that music?
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Exp HP on November 18, 2009, 04:05:21
This level sounds like quite the undertaking. Can't wait, and, um, godspeed.

Actually, maybe I should beta test...
You know what, I will!
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 18, 2009, 04:06:31
Quote from: Boxtop on November 18, 2009, 03:41:31
Are you sure you're allowed to use that music?

I don't really care. Besides, I'm giving credit to them. It's not like I'm stealing it and trying to sell it back to people.

Quote from: Exp HP on November 18, 2009, 04:05:21
This level sounds like quite the undertaking. Can't wait, and, um, godspeed.

Actually, maybe I should beta test...
You know what, I will!

Great! I'll add you to the list.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: StaticRomantic on November 18, 2009, 04:12:26
Quote from: Xia on November 18, 2009, 04:06:31
Quote from: Boxtop on November 18, 2009, 03:41:31
Are you sure you're allowed to use that music?

I don't really care. Besides, I'm giving credit to them. It's not like I'm stealing it and trying to sell it back to people.

might wanna be careful there. your level might get removed or somethin. it's never a bad idea to take a few extra minutes and email the creator of the song.

Quote from: Miss Paula on February 18, 2009, 01:25:45

Using copyrighted material, including music and graphics or even characters, is not legal, as per United States laws. (These laws MUST be followed by the forum, as the server is in the USA), so in order to protect everyone, such things will be removed.

Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Exp HP on November 18, 2009, 04:12:59
Quote from: Xia on November 18, 2009, 04:06:31
Quote from: Boxtop on November 18, 2009, 03:41:31
Are you sure you're allowed to use that music?

I don't really care. Besides, I'm giving credit to them. It's not like I'm stealing it and trying to sell it back to people.
That's one way to look at it, but you should at least ask. (http://nifflas.ni2.se/forum/index.php?topic=32.60)  Try your best to contact each of the parties in question and secure permission. The administrators will be legally obligated to attend to concerns over copyright infringement should any arise.

Well, okay, you might have a difficult time contacting tri-Crescendo (Baten Kaitos) (http://www.tri-crescendo.co.jp/) unless you speak Japanese, but I can confirm the others have contact methods easily found with a google search.
Boards of Canada is active on myspace, (http://www.myspace.com/abeautifulplace)
So is God is an Astronaut. (http://www.myspace.com/godisanastronaut) (they have a site but it lacks contact info)
Explosions in the sky has contacts on their website. (http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/)

EDIT: Myspace is no good for you? Hah, and I thought I was the only person in the world who didn't have a Myspace account (then again, I have no presence on any of that sort of social networking, including Facebook and Twitter and even AIM).
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: BloxMaster on November 18, 2009, 04:20:24
As I remember finished levels that have copyrighted materials without proper permission are deleted from the forum once noticed. (I don't remember this actually happening, but I'm fairly sure that is the policy now) So while you are free to talk about the content, you won't be able to post your level here when it is done unless you 1: get permission or 2: remove the content. Surely you can get some music that would work that wouldn't cause this type of problem. I would really hate to see the level not be posted here when done just because of copyright issues.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 18, 2009, 04:30:28
Quote from: Exp HP on November 18, 2009, 04:12:59
That's one way to look at it, but you should at least ask. (http://nifflas.ni2.se/forum/index.php?topic=32.60)  Try your best to contact each of the parties in question and secure permission. The administrators will be legally obligated to attend to concerns over copyright infringement should any arise.

Well, okay, you might have a difficult time contacting tri-Crescendo (Baten Kaitos) (http://www.tri-crescendo.co.jp/) unless you speak Japanese, and I can't find a contact for Boards of Canada, but I can confirm the others have contact methods easily found with a google search.

Yeah I just went looking for baten kaitos and found nothing. Boards of Canada has a myspace account but I don't have one because I have a thing against the existence of myspace so that's kind of difficult. =P

So I guess I'll work on getting permissions for the music. Blah.

EDIT: found a place for god is an astronaut: http://www.superadmusic.com/god/divinecommunication.html
Would I email the one that has to do with "Business Enquiries and Bookings"?

edit: i don't care how underground some bands are. GET YOUR OWN SITE! DX
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Exp HP on November 18, 2009, 04:46:14
Quote from: Xia on November 18, 2009, 04:30:28
EDIT: found a place for god is an astronaut: http://www.superadmusic.com/god/divinecommunication.html
Would I email the one that has to do with "Business Enquiries and Bookings"?
If I were you, that's what I'd do.  He's the best visible choice for a mediator between you and the band.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 18, 2009, 05:23:27
Quote from: Exp HP on November 18, 2009, 04:46:14
Quote from: Xia on November 18, 2009, 04:30:28
EDIT: found a place for god is an astronaut: http://www.superadmusic.com/god/divinecommunication.html
Would I email the one that has to do with "Business Enquiries and Bookings"?
If I were you, that's what I'd do.  He's the best visible choice for a mediator between you and the band.

Also for: http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/contacts.html
Would I be contacting the licensing section, the band itself, or general inquiries? They have a lot of links.
Also, just got done sending an email to GiaA, we'll see what they have to say hopefully soon.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Exp HP on November 18, 2009, 05:53:59
General Inquiries is the safest one to ask, as they'll probably forward you to the appropriate person.
If you want to go the direct route, though, Licensing does seem to be the one that deals with your request (judging from the Film Festival Request Form)...
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: StaticRomantic on November 18, 2009, 06:55:57
oh i didn't even realize it was Explosions. good choice  :^^: they're an incredible band.
try either "Band" or "General Inquiries"
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Widget on November 18, 2009, 13:53:20
If it's appropriately defined as a hard level I'd be more than happy to beta test for you, though if it's pushing the upper limits of that or creeping into VH then I'm simply not good enough to be any use to you. I'd hate to take a beta slot and then be unable to finish the level  :P

I'd also understand if you'd rather have someone with more of a presence around here  :^^:
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: StaticRomantic on November 18, 2009, 20:54:58
also, i believe that you don't have to have a myspace to view myspace music pages. and the bands usually have an email on their 'space.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 19, 2009, 02:53:27
Quote from: Exp HP on November 18, 2009, 05:53:59
General Inquiries is the safest one to ask, as they'll probably forward you to the appropriate person.
If you want to go the direct route, though, Licensing does seem to be the one that deals with your request (judging from the Film Festival Request Form)...

okay I'll try that.

Quote from: Widget on November 18, 2009, 13:53:20
If it's appropriately defined as a hard level I'd be more than happy to beta test for you, though if it's pushing the upper limits of that or creeping into VH then I'm simply not good enough to be any use to you. I'd hate to take a beta slot and then be unable to finish the level  :P

I'd also understand if you'd rather have someone with more of a presence around here  :^^:

Yeah you may want to pass this one up. Sorry. While the actual level isn't all that hard, the bosses are pretty tricky. But if you think you can handle it let me know and I'll add you to the list.

Quote from: StaticRomantic on November 18, 2009, 20:54:58
also, i believe that you don't have to have a myspace to view myspace music pages. and the bands usually have an email on their 'space.

Yes I can see the pages, I just can't post on them.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Emeraldfire7 on November 19, 2009, 03:36:39
also if you dont get a reply im positive you can find some really good music here http://www.incompetech.com/ (http://www.incompetech.com/) I get all my music from there, you don't need to contact anyone just credit the author (being kevin macleod) alot easier than sending emails all over the place,

also if theres room i'd like to beta test :3

oh and those screenies are really cool :P2
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 19, 2009, 03:40:14
Quote from: Emeraldfire7 on November 19, 2009, 03:36:39
also if you dont get a reply im positive you can find some really good music here http://www.incompetech.com/ (http://www.incompetech.com/) I get all my music from there, you don't need to contact anyone just credit the author (being kevin macleod) alot easier than sending emails all over the place,

also if theres room i'd like to beta test :3

oh and those screenies are really cool :P2

Cool, I'll add you to the list. Thanks the music, I'll check it out and see if it works.

edit: lol only found one song so far.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Purple Pineapple on November 19, 2009, 04:14:47
I would like to beta test.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Emeraldfire7 on November 19, 2009, 05:31:10
I just realised my post was really off topic-ish yeah you can convert the music files to .ogg using audacity, im sure its explained somewhere ont he forums if its not then i guess i have a tutorial i can write :D lol

yeah, thanks for adding me i'll be waiting for the preview thingy :P2
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 19, 2009, 06:50:33
Quote from: Purple Pineapple on November 19, 2009, 04:14:47
I would like to beta test.

Awesome. Number five is in!

Quote from: Emeraldfire7 on November 19, 2009, 05:31:10
I just realised my post was really off topic-ish yeah you can convert the music files to .ogg using audacity, im sure its explained somewhere ont he forums if its not then i guess i have a tutorial i can write :D lol

Yeah I know how to do all that. My last level had a lot of music that had to be turned .ogg so I'm well acquainted with the process. Plus I do it for some other games. Thanks though.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Widget on November 19, 2009, 11:22:06
Quote from: Xia on November 19, 2009, 02:53:27
Yeah you may want to pass this one up. Sorry. While the actual level isn't all that hard, the bosses are pretty tricky. But if you think you can handle it let me know and I'll add you to the list.

No apology required  :^^: Last thing I wasnt to do is waste one of your tester slots  :P2
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Boxtop on November 26, 2009, 05:15:53
Quote from: Emeraldfire7 on November 19, 2009, 03:36:39
also if you dont get a reply im positive you can find some really good music here http://www.incompetech.com/ (http://www.incompetech.com/) I get all my music from there, you don't need to contact anyone just credit the author (being kevin macleod) alot easier than sending emails all over the place,

You can also try Newgrounds's Audio Portal (http://www.newgrounds.com/audio) or Spheric Lounge's website (http://sphericlounge.de/) for music under a creative commons licence.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 26, 2009, 17:51:54
Quote from: Boxtop on November 26, 2009, 05:15:53
Quote from: Emeraldfire7 on November 19, 2009, 03:36:39
also if you dont get a reply im positive you can find some really good music here http://www.incompetech.com/ (http://www.incompetech.com/) I get all my music from there, you don't need to contact anyone just credit the author (being kevin macleod) alot easier than sending emails all over the place,

You can also try Newgrounds's Audio Portal (http://www.newgrounds.com/audio) or Spheric Lounge's website (http://sphericlounge.de/) for music under a creative commons licence.

Cool thanks, I totally forgot about newgrounds. XD With spheric Lounge how do I download their music?
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Razzorman on November 26, 2009, 19:20:19
Quote from: Xia on November 26, 2009, 17:51:54
With spheric Lounge how do I download their music?
Click the black arrow right next to the songs in their player.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, something else]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on November 26, 2009, 20:24:30
Quote from: Razzorman on November 26, 2009, 19:20:19
Quote from: Xia on November 26, 2009, 17:51:54
With spheric Lounge how do I download their music?
Click the black arrow right next to the songs in their player.

Well I already knew about that button but it gave me an idea for how to get it working and now I can get music from them.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, Challenge]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Comhon on November 30, 2009, 09:51:15
1000 scenes? New big level. Looking forward it!
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, Challenge]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on December 08, 2009, 01:59:01
So I've only gotten messages from 3 of my testers so far. So I'm opening the slots back up. If you want to test, say so.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, Challenge]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Exp HP on December 10, 2009, 08:16:43
Sorry I haven't been doing much testing recently.  I was actively testing the first day, but somehow I knew that as soon as I went to sleep, the next day I'd put it in the back of my mind and not come back to it.

Unless enough new testers don't sign up, you can free my slot if you want to.

If you don't, then hopefully I'll be active again for a while.
Title: Re: [Hard, puzzle, Challenge]The Quest of Unknown Length (Working Title)
Post by: Xia on December 11, 2009, 01:51:49
Quote from: Exp HP on December 10, 2009, 08:16:43
Sorry I haven't been doing much testing recently.  I was actively testing the first day, but somehow I knew that as soon as I went to sleep, the next day I'd put it in the back of my mind and not come back to it.

Unless enough new testers don't sign up, you can free my slot if you want to.

If you don't, then hopefully I'll be active again for a while.

Well, I'm not taking anyone off the list, just adding to it. If by the time I finish the level, anyone who signed up for beta tester hasn't done anything to help make progress on the level, then I'm not putting them in the credits.