Nifflas' Support Forum

Level Editing Support => Knytt Stories Level Previews => Topic started by: Purple Ink on December 27, 2012, 17:57:05

Title: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on December 27, 2012, 17:57:05
This level will be designed for egomassive's KS+ mod (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=4175.0). You will need the mod to play it!

Advena: Explore A New World

The story

Juni is travelling by sea to return home from an adventure when a storm hits. She gets stuck on a mysterious land and has to work out how to return home. Will she quickly figure out how to return home or will she explore this new land before leaving?

The features

Custom art: This level will feature 100% original tilesets and some original gradients.

Pseudo 3d environment: There will be foreground objects aplenty, giving a sense of depth to the level.

Custom sound: All custom music and some custom ambiance.

Massive world: Exploration is a major theme in this level. You're in a strange new land, remember? Of course you want to explore. ;)

Secrets: Oh my, yes! There will be many, many secrets to find. Secrets within secrets even!

Multiple paths: Nearly every power-up will have multiple (some 3 or even 4) locations. There are many paths to take once you start exploring! You'll be able to play it a little different each time (until you exhaust all possibilities that is).

KS+ features that will be utilised

Golden creatures: All 50 golden creatures will be hidden in the level. Explore and find them all!
Artefacts: Three different artefact sets can be found in the level.
Advanced signs: Signs will not automatically pop-up thanks to advanced signs. Meaning less clutter on the screen.
Foreground tiles: An important function of the KS+ mod. This will allow for a sense of depth to the level.
Coins: Finding a secret area will allow you to collect all 100 coins.

Screenshots

I'll be updating as frequently as I can and posting a lot of screenshots. With the exception of a few special or secret areas, I'll try to post at least one screenshot from every area of the level.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc] Advena
Post by: Polana on December 27, 2012, 19:06:03
Oh my Knytt!
That would be awesome. I love your first screenshot, it looks like interesting improvement of tileset 29.
Looking forward to it...
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc] Advena
Post by: ixMarcel on December 27, 2012, 20:24:29
I didn't like "The Tree of Life" that much, but this looks fantastic! I like first and second screen. Lookin' foward  :^^:.
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc] Advena
Post by: CWolvie on December 29, 2012, 17:07:15
Shipwrecked is fine.  :) I like to hear your level will be little based on this.

And the last screenshot is cool. <3
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on December 31, 2012, 16:30:53
First screen shot is cool.  *thumbs up* 

The clouds and neon green bug me about the third.

Second is ok, but seems too plain, ya know?  Is there some background stuff you could have happening there?

Don't let that discourage you, I'm picky.  XD  I'm glad you are going the ambitious route of custom tilesets.
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on January 13, 2013, 06:07:43
Glad to see people interested! <3

Oh my Knytt!
That would be awesome. I love your first screenshot, it looks like interesting improvement of tileset 29.
Looking forward to it...

As a matter of fact, I took inspiration from that exact tileset. I liked the way it felt but it wasn't cave-y enough for me. So I decided to make my own. :)

First screen shot is cool.  *thumbs up* 

The clouds and neon green bug me about the third.

Second is ok, but seems too plain, ya know?  Is there some background stuff you could have happening there?

Anything specific about the clouds and green? Also, the second screen is a beach scene and that look is intentional.

Now for a little update! We've got 11 tilesets, with several more planned. I usually add or edit some things once I actually use the tileset and see how it looks in the game environment so I wouldn't call them all finished yet. The screen count is up to roughly 60. I haven't done much world building because I've been working on tilesets, COs for foreground objects, and shoring up the story elements.

There will be some new screenshots in the next update. :)
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on January 14, 2013, 00:54:41
It is fine to have little happening on a beach I suppose, but beaches often have large sand dunes which can spruce up the screen a lot.  Try google image searching Sand Dunes National Park.  That one might not be near a body of water, but they are still similar.

The clouds are too uniform and squarish.  If you can make it so that the pattern is less symmetrical or variable it would do a lot to help.  The trees in the background are a little too close to the foreground colors which flattens things out, and most of all the green and blue are too green and blue.  They look plastic where as if you added a little more black or white, or add a little contrasting color to the mix (red to the green) it will dull that plastic quality down.
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on January 18, 2013, 16:45:32
Important announcement! Unfortunately, the regular KS editor won't really be able to do what I have in mind for this level. After much consideration, this level is now being designed with egomassive's KS+ mod (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=4175.0). You will need the mod to play it! I've updated the opening post with some more info about the mod features that will be used.

The clouds are too uniform and squarish.  If you can make it so that the pattern is less symmetrical or variable it would do a lot to help.  The trees in the background are a little too close to the foreground colors which flattens things out, and most of all the green and blue are too green and blue.  They look plastic where as if you added a little more black or white, or add a little contrasting color to the mix (red to the green) it will dull that plastic quality down.

Ah yes, the background trees were the wrong colour. I forgot to adjust them but that problem has been corrected. After some careful consideration, I re-coloured the ground tiles to a darker shade of green so that "neon" feel should no longer be present. In addition, I've redesigned some level elements so there's now a different background in that area. Also, I made the clouds a little fluffier but they will remain unchanged. Thanks for the feedback. :)

Finally, as promised, a couple more screenshots. These are both from the same area.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Widget on January 18, 2013, 17:44:00
I've not put in the time to properly adjust this (just a quick select by colour and flood fill to give you an idea) but I'd say there's room for a lot more variation between foreground and background.

Obviously the trunks in the background would want the same treatment aswell. As a general rule of thumb; the more distant an object, the less vibrant the colour. We can see shades of light and dark (i.e. black and white) over a greater distance than we can perceive colours accurately; the effect of that is that as an object gets more distant from a viewer it appears to "wash out" into gray shades.
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Polana on January 18, 2013, 20:52:07
They're both very nice, but the second one would be even better with some clouds or something like that.
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Fubaka on January 19, 2013, 01:19:18
Just so you know, I'm still here to help if you want me to.

Also, looking forward to this!
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on January 19, 2013, 16:12:04
I don't mean to harp on this.  I think it is looking better, but your colors are still a little similar, as Widget has said.  Here is a fantastic tool:

https://kuler.adobe.com/#create/fromacolor

This is a great tool for choosing various types of complementary colors so that you end up with a nice, natural look rather than a kids toy look.  Which is fine, if that is what your going for, don't get me wrong.  If you choose just the right complementary colors, however, you can end up with something really nice looking.  You can choose what the program suggests, or tweek it a little to fit the mood your trying to set.

Edit: and just to be clear, it is looking really good.  I like the tileset for the bottom screenshot.
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on January 20, 2013, 18:30:43
I've not put in the time to properly adjust this (just a quick select by colour and flood fill to give you an idea) but I'd say there's room for a lot more variation between foreground and background.

Obviously the trunks in the background would want the same treatment aswell. As a general rule of thumb; the more distant an object, the less vibrant the colour. We can see shades of light and dark (i.e. black and white) over a greater distance than we can perceive colours accurately; the effect of that is that as an object gets more distant from a viewer it appears to "wash out" into gray shades.

Honestly, I had not even thought about that! I'm still very new to making tilesets and basically have zero skill or talent. C)

As per your suggestion, I added a few more tiles, re-shaded for the background trees. Also, the background trunks are already re-shaded from the foreground trunks.

They're both very nice, but the second one would be even better with some clouds or something like that.

This screen is supposed to be a little open but I'll consider adding some clouds or something to the tileset. Thanks for the suggestion.

I don't mean to harp on this.  I think it is looking better, but your colors are still a little similar, as Widget has said.  Here is a fantastic tool:

https://kuler.adobe.com/#create/fromacolor

This is a great tool for choosing various types of complementary colors so that you end up with a nice, natural look rather than a kids toy look.  Which is fine, if that is what your going for, don't get me wrong.  If you choose just the right complementary colors, however, you can end up with something really nice looking.  You can choose what the program suggests, or tweek it a little to fit the mood your trying to set.

Edit: and just to be clear, it is looking really good.  I like the tileset for the bottom screenshot.

Not at all! Like I said before, I really have no idea what I'm doing so all this feedback is really nice! :) Plus, I am technically colour-blind. I'm sure there will be plenty of things that look great to me but horrible to "normal" people. And the latest two screenshots are the same tileset. ;)

At any rate, thanks for the feedback, everyone!

Also, the first post has been edited with the newer versions of the two screens that have been adjusted but I'll post them here as well.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on February 04, 2013, 12:53:24
Sorry for double post but it's time for an update!

Work has been a little slow over the past week or so because I was busy but I'm back to actively working on this. Progress has been made with a couple new tilesets and several more screens have been added to the level. So far the screen count is up to 80 or so. To give you an idea of the scope of things: there are 80 screens and only the climb power-up (at one of three locations). Run doesn't count because it's so close to the start. :P I'm looking to start work on a few more tilesets this week as well so things are definitely moving along.

Here's two new screenshots for you. Please enjoy.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Polana on February 04, 2013, 14:07:54
The first one is lovely, I would not change anything.
However, I think, that hats of the mushrooms on the second does not fit the rest, maybe if they are lighter, it would look better. But this is just minor exception, both are nice.
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on February 04, 2013, 23:19:46
Yeah, both are nice.  Mushroom caps are just too plastic colored again.  :oops:  I would at least add a dash of white to the tip, and a dash of contrasting color to the shadow (add orange into the blue shadow, and red into the green shadow).  Otherwise, I like what your doing.  Very ambitions size!
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on February 05, 2013, 01:16:37
Thanks for the advice, guys. I already did have plans to tweak the mushroom tileset. It was one of the first ones I did and now that I have some more experience and a better idea of what I'm doing, I can definitely improve it, especially with your suggestions. :)
Title: Re: [Challenge/Normal/Misc][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on February 23, 2013, 13:57:19
Sorry for another double post but it's update time!

First off, here's the reworked mushroom tileset.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Not sure if I'm happy with it yet so it may be changing some more. Otherwise, we're up to 15 tilesets but, like I said before, I wouldn't call them all complete yet. Still lots of work for several of them but it's a start! Haven't made too many more screens because I've been focusing on tilesets and things so the screen count is about the same. Also, some exciting news, Fubaka is going to be making a few custom tilesets for the level as well! 8)

And some major news! I've made some important design decisions. I'm going a different route with this level now. I've decided to not include most of the challenges I had in mind. This level will now definitely be focused on exploration (which will open the story up as you go). There will still be enemies and some challenges so it doesn't fall into the "Environmental" category but there shouldn't be much beyond the skill of the "average" KS player. I'll post some new screenshots in the next update.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: lilmanjs16 on February 28, 2013, 07:48:40
levels like this keep pulling me back into ks. will keep track of this level.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on February 28, 2013, 11:03:14
I like that the small blue capped mushrooms have grey stalks.  The big ones might look good that way too.  Looking very good btw.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: ixMarcel on February 28, 2013, 15:08:47
Good work!
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: bulbapuck on February 28, 2013, 19:16:23
That blue cave tileset looks really cool ^^
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on March 03, 2013, 12:00:55
Wow I'm glad to see people are liking this and looking forward to it! I'll do my best to get this finished as soon as possible, though I suspect it will still be a few months.

I like that the small blue capped mushrooms have grey stalks.  The big ones might look good that way too.  Looking very good btw.

As a matter of fact, that was my original intent. However, the layout of the tileset prevented this so I just used the same colour for both. When I edited and improved the tileset I also re-arranged it so now there's room! So yes, the blue cap mushrooms will grey stems. I'll update the screenshot later. :)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on March 20, 2013, 17:22:11
Oh my another double post. :/

Here's some new screenshots!

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Nothing much new to report, progress continues. Screen count is up to about 100.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Healy on March 21, 2013, 02:24:57
The vines that go over Juni in the second screen are a nice touch. I think in the third one the background blends in too much with the foreground, though. Maybe lower the contrast on the background tiles?
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on April 21, 2013, 11:39:36
Due to some circumstances this project is on hiatus. I hope to return to it soon.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on April 21, 2013, 14:34:45
That is always sad, but always understandable.  Hope you get back on it soon.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Polana on April 21, 2013, 15:21:11
Thats pity. I hope you will return to this soon, because it is really promising.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on June 12, 2013, 09:06:43
Long time no see! C) Consider this still on semi-haitus. However, I have added about a dozen new screens and done some more tileset work.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Alan on June 17, 2013, 05:28:25
Considering how neat it seems this is going to be, and how I've been itching to do a playthrough of some Knytt Stories levels, I'd say there's a pretty good chance I'll be enjoying this and speaking over it when it's finally done!
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on June 17, 2013, 12:55:01
Well I'll star you for that anyway, which should bring you up to 10... a very important number of stars around here, so take a look around.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on June 24, 2013, 03:06:40
Hello friends. It's time for an update! :D

Screen count is up to ~285 unique screens. Just started work on the 24th tileset for the level. Also, this level will not be as story-heavy as I initially planned/wanted. It's just not going to be feasible. What this means is that the main story (Juni finding her way home) will remain intact but there won't be as many secret, story-type endings. There will be still be multiple endings to find and multiple paths to explore, just not the same as originally intended. One last note, still semi-hiatus status on this. I don't often have time to work on this project but when I do I usually can for an hour or two. So progress continues, just slowly. Thanks for all the support, everyone. I'll do my best to finish this (eventually). :)

Oh, almost forgot! New screenshots! Please enjoy.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on June 24, 2013, 03:38:01
3rd one is nice
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Polana on June 24, 2013, 13:05:49
Second and third ones are amazing. However, the first screenshot misses something, maybe some more plants in the background if it's meant to be forest.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on July 13, 2013, 07:33:10
Quick little update/teaser thing here. ;) This is what I've been working on most recently.

Note: this is not an actual SS from the level. 'Tis merely a test room.

(http://oi40.tinypic.com/33bpgeb.jpg)

Even before I switched to using KS+ I wanted to have some places where you could explore through water (or even underwater maybe  :shifty:). It was just hella hard before KS+. Even with KS+ it took some work but I've finally got it sorted! Got my mechanics worked out the way I want including a neat little splash sound thanks to triggers. :)

Progress continues. Will have some new screenies on the next update.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: egomassive on July 13, 2013, 15:08:42
I'm interested to see how you used Triggers to make a splash sound. Looking forward to the level.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on July 13, 2013, 22:05:56
Looking very forward to this.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on July 24, 2013, 06:50:31
Okay, I suspect this will be the last update for a while. Who knows.

We're up to 381 unique screens and 31 tilesets. Progress continues, albeit slowly. At this rate it'll be a few months still. :/

Anyway here's a couple more screen shots. Oh and if you think I'm posting too many screenshots and ruining things, you're wrong. This level will be huge. Not to mention there are several areas that won't have SS. ;)

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Polana on July 24, 2013, 11:35:31
As I had written somewhere before, for me, there is nothing like too many screenshots. I am looking forward to it more and more, because these screenshots are more and more promising. Keep working on it !
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: MasterF on July 24, 2013, 14:49:04
First of all-seems beautiful,can't wait for updates.
My question is,how many screens do you plan on having?
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on August 11, 2013, 00:48:38
(Guess I was wrong about a delay in updates X))

There's no specific number of screens planned. I suspect it will be approximately 1000-1200 unique screens. It depends on a few things I won't know until the project is closer to completion (e.g. playable credits similar to my first level).

Since the last update I've added many new screens and have lost count. I estimate the current total to be about 500 so it may or may not be half finished as far as screen count goes. I don't think I'll be giving exact numbers for future updates. There are 33.5* unique tilesets so far with a few more planned. Most power-ups are placed (no keys yet) so we're definitely getting closer and closer. I try to do a little every day even if it's only adding or editing a screen or two. Still no estimation for a completion date but all your support and encouragement is really helping! C)

Expect some fresh screenshots and more progress on the next update (which may or may not be delayed).

*Fubaka made a set of wonderful tilesets for me but it's actually one theme over two tilesets so I don't count it as a full one.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: juhj on September 11, 2013, 14:23:37
Do you need beta testers?
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on September 15, 2013, 22:00:21
Hello! I'm pleased to report lots of progress! :D

I've gone back and edited/improved old screens, made some new tilesets, added many new screens (probably close to 600 unique screens now), and added the finishing touches on some important secrets. Also, there will now be 3 sets of artefacts to find in the level. They are "Juni trophies" modelled after our favourite heroine. ;) All power-ups are placed now. Just gotta work on finishing the map (including making more tilesets), adding secrets and more optional challenges, placing keys, etc. Lots and lots of work going on!I hope you guys are as excited as I am! Hard to believe it's been almost a year since I started this project. If I can keep up this great pace I suspect we may see a release before 2014. Time will tell.

Please enjoy these new screenshots.
Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Do you need beta testers?

We're still pretty far from that stage but I'll keep you in mind. :)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on September 21, 2013, 21:37:45
Like the orange and blue a lot.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Polana on September 21, 2013, 22:22:06
I like the 2nd screenshot more, but you have great trees on both ones.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: lilmanjs16 on September 26, 2013, 00:45:12
Still looking good and still looking forward to this. I'm sure this will get me back into Knytt Stories from the looks alone.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Sp33d on September 26, 2013, 03:24:39
Don't have much to add, just wanted to say that this looks really, really good so far.  Definitly looking forward to it!
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on November 02, 2013, 21:37:49
Hey! Still working on this, although progress has slowed for a number of reasons. Still thinking end of 2013 for the release.

Here's a new screenshot to enjoy. Yes those are lava flows and yes they kill you when touched. ;)

Spoiler: big image in spoiler (click to show/hide)


[mod]Placed big image in spoiler[/mod]
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: juhj on November 03, 2013, 07:06:26
It's nice how you made it that you die when you touch the falling lava, but the background is a bit bland. If you could maybe make the background a bit more interesting, then that would be great.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on December 04, 2013, 03:02:13
I have some unfortunate news, everyone. Due to circumstances, this project is going on an indefinite hiatus. I won't say it's completely 100% abandoned but it is very unlikely that I'll ever get a chance to return to this and continue work on it. I sincerely apologise to everyone, especially those who were really looking forward to the level's completion.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: sergiocornaga on December 04, 2013, 10:54:28
That's super sad, Purple Ink. Do these circumstances mean you'll be ceasing knytting entirely, or does it just relate to this level?
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Caveflower on December 04, 2013, 16:50:17
Could you upload what you have made so far of the level?

I hope it isn't because you're sick...
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: egomassive on December 05, 2013, 02:39:43
:ohnoes: The Tree of Life was such a promising first level, I had high hopes for this one. Oh well, these things happen. I wish you the best of luck in future endeavors.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Polana on December 05, 2013, 08:33:59
That's too bad. After so much work on tilesets and so on... 
Won't you release at least some β version ?
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Headgrinder on December 07, 2013, 05:17:33
Always sad to see this happen.  You could just pull it out a few times a month for however long it takes to finish... but I can understand wanting to be free from a project too.  I've had to do it a few times.  But hey, I also haven't worked on my current projects in 4 months.  XD
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on February 14, 2014, 04:06:14
Good news, everyone! I'm technically still alive.

A lot has happened since my last post when I cancelled Advena (and all KS work). Things have changed and I'll now be able to continue work on Advena! \o/ In fact, I've already made some more progress, finishing up a couple areas, adding a new tileset, and completing another secret area. So Advena is back on, expect another update (with screenshots) in the near future! I suspect it'll still be another month or so before the level will be finished.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Polana on February 14, 2014, 12:37:55
This is the best thing I've heard today ! Good luck with finishing it.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: ixMarcel on February 14, 2014, 21:18:20
Look at this. It is best motivation for any KS Level maker:

I just can't wait to play this

 :^^:
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Fubaka on February 17, 2014, 10:07:12
Even if that month you say stretches like taffy into three months, I will still be looking forward to this release.  :^^:
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on February 21, 2014, 03:45:58
Stretching out into a couple months may actually happen. Still a lot to do before the level is finished. But I'm working on it every day. Already finished a couple more sections since my last post. New screen shots on the next update. :)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Caveflower on February 22, 2014, 11:06:00
Yay it's not cancelled anymore! The screenshots look great, probably because of the colours.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on March 14, 2014, 02:27:29
Progress report time. Things are going albeit slowly. Probably going to stretch to 3 months like Fubaka predicted lol. Anyway, finished another area today (30+ screens worth) which only leaves like 6 more to do. I have no idea what the total screen count is, at least 700 probably. Anyway, here's a couple of promised screenshots.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: SC on February 11, 2015, 09:05:55
This looks very nice! How's progress on this map since you last posted, anyway?
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on February 28, 2015, 03:06:23
Wow has it really been a year? To be honest I forgot about this project for some time. Not to mention life happenings getting in the way of things. But I am currently working on this again! :) At the moment I'm finishing up the big secret area (over 100 screens) which practically amounts to its own level. So yeah. This project definitely isn't dead. It's just going to take a little while to finish up. I guess Fubaka's prediction about three months should have been three years lol.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Fubaka on February 28, 2015, 07:41:14
Hey, as long as it happens at some point while my heart still beats I don't care how late it is. :P
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on August 05, 2015, 20:14:05
Progress continues! I've gone through and edited nearly 60 screens, improving visuals and ambiance. In addition, I've added several new screens and improved some tilesets. I've tried to reduce as much backtracking as possible but there are still some secrets and things that will require backtracking.

Here are a couple new screenshots for you guys.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

I've also updated the initial post to reflect some changes to the level overall. One major change is that there is now only one ending. I feel this better suits the level.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: pfrangip on August 06, 2015, 05:04:31
Progress continues! I've gone through and edited nearly 60 screens, improving visuals and ambiance. In addition, I've added several new screens and improved some tilesets. I've tried to reduce as much backtracking as possible but there are still some secrets and things that will require backtracking.

Great to see you're still working this! All your different tilesets and screenshots suggest a monumental undertaking.  :shocked:
Quote

Here are a couple new screenshots for you guys.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

I've also updated the initial post to reflect some changes to the level overall. One major change is that there is now only one ending. I feel this better suits the level.

Screenshots look great. I like the detail in the cave, and the simplicity in the Monochrome one.

(FYI the screenshots didn't show up for me in the forum. I had to copy-and-paste the URLs in my browser. You might double-check your forum code.)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: SC on August 06, 2015, 06:56:09
This looks GREAT! How close do you think you are to finishing the level?
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on September 08, 2015, 03:54:47
Ugh. Been lazy lately so I haven't done much. One big thing I did do is decide to use just one style of clouds throughout Advena (because I really like them). This could be stale but they'll be different shades on different backgrounds so they'll look different enough. I think.

Anyway, what this means is that I have to re-arrange 6 tilesets which means I'll have to re-draw all those screens again. This is fine because I have to redo them anyway to re-draw the new clouds in each area. There's at least 100 screens to redo. So yeah.

(FYI the screenshots didn't show up for me in the forum. I had to copy-and-paste the URLs in my browser. You might double-check your forum code.)

Oh. Well I looked and it checks out. So maybe it was just you? I don't know.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: lilmanjs16 on September 10, 2015, 23:38:42
Thanks for the update. Very much looking forward to this level and I know it will be nothing short of amazing.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on October 09, 2015, 03:13:05
Welp. Been working pretty steadily on this. Things accomplished since last update: improved a couple tilesets, finished some secrets, improved some secrets, added a couple new secrets, made level-wide improvements, finally implemented the swim tiles (which unfortunately means I've gotten rid of the splash sound when entering water because it was too awkward), almost finished updating all tilesets with clouds, and remade almost all screen with new cloud tiles. Just three more areas to finish and all trophies will be placed in the level too.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: seattalite on November 10, 2015, 07:27:52
really looking forward to this too.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on January 16, 2016, 00:15:08
Still working away, albeit slower than recently. I have managed to finish up a couple more areas and started work on a few more. At this rate I should finish this level sometime this decade. Here's some screenshots.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Fubaka on February 02, 2016, 20:43:01
Still working away, albeit slower than recently. I have managed to finish up a couple more areas and started work on a few more. At this rate I should finish this level sometime this decade.

No worries. You're still more likely to finish your level before I even get halfway through my next big one.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on February 10, 2016, 05:46:27
So I used Vegetal Gibber's utility and there are currently 1397 screens in Advena. More than I thought there were and a bit bigger than I originally intended the level to be. I guess having things like a secret area with over 100 screens will do that. X) There are 3 and a half sections to finish plus some connecting areas. Then it's just a matter of adding some finishing things and this level will finally be finished! Also work has slowed down because a lot of my KS focus has shifted to working on a level for the epic level competition. But I will continue to work on both and should be able to finish Advena soon. I'm going on a trip for 10 days so I won't be able to work on KS but it should only be a couple more weeks until this level is ready.
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: egomassive on February 10, 2016, 06:57:04
This is good news. With secrets areas over 100 screens large, I'm guessing you're drawing inspiration from Cosmic Meltdown. :P
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on March 09, 2016, 04:38:26
1435 screens with 2 and a quarter areas left to go in the level. Then it's just some finishing touches and this level will finally be done!

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on March 10, 2016, 14:48:18
Those cave screenshots look pretty neat. Looking forward to exploring this level :D
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on March 29, 2016, 03:41:25
Almost done! Just one section to finish but it'll take some time because it's kind of big.

Here are the last two screenshots I'll be posting.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: ixMarcel on March 29, 2016, 17:00:55
It must feel great to finally finish a level after 4 years of development. Can't wait to play it!
Title: Re: [Normal/Misc/Exploration][KS+] Advena
Post by: Purple Ink on April 01, 2016, 20:50:28
Okay never mind. It didn't take long at all. Level is now released!