Nifflas' Support Forum

Level Editing Support => Knytt Stories Level Previews => Topic started by: Aptequar on March 08, 2009, 20:01:07

Title: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: Aptequar on March 08, 2009, 20:01:07
Juni is an astral cartographer. She maps out parts of the universe that have not yet been explored. One day, whilst doing her job, the spacecraft gets pulled into the planet's geomagnetic field and crashes into the planet. Ever the optimistic one, however, she walks off into the desert to carry on with her job.

This level is going to be somewhat of a return to the original ideas of Knytt. No powerups, key collecting or anything else, it's a simple exploration game. Needless to say it will be 99% custom, with all creatures, tilesets, gradients, music and ambience being made by yours truly.

And to comply with the rules, here is a concept screenshot.

(http://i44.tinypic.com/1673zfc.jpg)

...Not exactly sure whether the guitar pick, 1 pence piece and piano about to fall on Juni's head will make it to the final release, however.
Title: Re: "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Pumpkinbot on March 08, 2009, 20:04:48
Keep the piano! XD

Now, seriously, this sounds good.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Saturneo on March 08, 2009, 21:15:40
Story sounds good ! I always wanted to make a level similar to Knytt's style.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Razzorman on March 08, 2009, 21:48:39
Another knytt inspired levle? I seem to have started a trend. X)
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: CPW on March 08, 2009, 22:09:19
Quote from: Razzorman on March 08, 2009, 21:48:39
Another knytt inspired levle? I seem to have started a trend. X)
Or maybe Knytt did?
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Razzorman on March 08, 2009, 22:15:16
Its just that everyone was more interested in making murderous challenge levels or at least put 4 different powerups in their environmental levels until I made Lost in the storm, which was just like this level, heavily inspired by knytt.
But its just the way I see it. It may just as well be my ego speaking here. :P
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: 4a on March 12, 2009, 17:38:43
Quote from: Razzorman on March 08, 2009, 22:15:16
Its just that everyone was more interested in making murderous challenge levels or at least put 4 different powerups in their environmental levels until I made Lost in the storm, which was just like this level, heavily inspired by knytt.
But its just the way I see it. It may just as well be my ego speaking here. :P

I never even played Lost in the Storm.  :P

Regarding the level, I think it'd be cool if you actually had the guitar pick and coin in the level (via scanner). No idea what they would be for but still.
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Aptequar on April 16, 2009, 11:58:28
Hello everyone once again,

just checking in to let you know neither I nor this project are dead. :P

Here's a screenshot of the portion of the level I call the "Angels' Maw", a massive, dark underground cavern. It will have it's own tileset (as will everything), but that's not made yet so you'll have to suffice with this one for the moment.

What do you think?
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Teper on April 16, 2009, 15:13:27
The background is very nice. What is it? A photograph?
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Aptequar on April 16, 2009, 16:46:23
Thanks. It's a digital painting, I bought a tablet so I thought I'd do most of my backgrounds with it, the ones that are more detailed at least.
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: 4a on April 16, 2009, 18:53:38
D:
Where's the guitar pick!? :(
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: utherdoul on April 17, 2009, 14:06:32
The screenshot is very nice... Angel's Maw is a very China Mieville-esque name. I like it! I hope you post regular screenshots!

Anyway, nice to see a fellow Brit making levels (I miss Si!)
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Saturneo on April 17, 2009, 17:09:58
Nice screenie, I love the background ,  you choose it very well   :D  <3
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Strange Darkness on April 26, 2009, 05:36:26
Quote from: Aptequar on March 08, 2009, 20:01:07
Juni is an astral cartographer. She maps out parts of the universe that have not yet been explored. One day, whilst doing her job, the spacecraft gets pulled into the planet's geomagnetic field and crashes into the planet. Ever the optimistic one, however, she walks off into the desert to carry on with her job.

This level is going to be somewhat of a return to the original ideas of Knytt. No powerups, key collecting or anything else, it's a simple exploration game. Needless to say it will be 99% custom, with all creatures, tilesets, gradients, music and ambience being made by yours truly.

And to comply with the rules, here is a concept screenshot.

(http://i44.tinypic.com/1673zfc.jpg)

...Not exactly sure whether the guitar pick, 1 pence piece and piano about to fall on Juni's head will make it to the final release, however.

This sounds cool.. 8D

but you say 99% whats the other 1%  :D
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Evil on April 26, 2009, 06:03:52
Quote from: Strange Darkness on April 26, 2009, 05:36:26
Quote from: Aptequar on March 08, 2009, 20:01:07
Spoiler: very long stuff (click to show/hide)
[/spoiler]

This sounds cool.. 8D

but you say 99% whats the other 1%  :D

Knytt Stories itself
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Aptequar on May 04, 2009, 21:20:26
Hello everyone, I'm still working on this. If you're wondering why there's so long between updates, I'm preparing for (and now taking) my uni exams. There should be more frequent updates after I'm finished at the end of June.

Anyway, here is a new area I've come up with. No name for it yet, suggestions? Any comments on the actual screenshot?
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Miss Paula on May 04, 2009, 21:29:09
hmmm. something like a cave...and with water....Watercave..nah, too common....Aquacavern! that's good. C)p
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: BlackM.1 on May 04, 2009, 21:31:58
What about Kelp Grotto?
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Kasran on May 04, 2009, 22:16:14
Whoa. This is looking seriously epic.

Simply "The Blue Place" might work here. You could have some wistful music to go with it- maybe I could help for that part? ;3
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Feline Monstrosity on May 07, 2009, 18:37:20
I like Knytt-likes, we haven't had a good one in a while, and this looks promising. Keep it up! C)
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: 4a on May 07, 2009, 18:40:37
Quote from: Feline Monstrosity on May 07, 2009, 18:37:20
I like Knytt-likes, we haven't had a good one in a while, and this looks promising. Keep it up! C)

Are Nifflas' levels Knytt-likes? :O
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: googoogjoob on May 07, 2009, 20:01:29
All of Nifflas's released KS levels are challenge-oriented to varying degrees, but there is, of course, a heavy focus on environment.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: lilmanjs16 on May 08, 2009, 00:52:59
this looks good
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Teper on May 08, 2009, 05:56:45
Wow, that's a really nice screen. Great work on the foreground/background contrast. I'de love to see more
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: utherdoul on May 08, 2009, 18:05:28
Purdy! This is looking more like my kind of level... environmental ftw!
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: farik on May 08, 2009, 20:26:27
this looks cool :)
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Aptequar on May 09, 2009, 00:18:49
Quote from: utherdoul on May 08, 2009, 18:05:28
Purdy! This is looking more like my kind of level... environmental ftw!

Well, exactly. I had plans for a challenging section of this level but I thought I wouldn't fit in with the concept. I shall still work on that idea, however. After this, sometime, I think.

And also, regarding your other post, it's great to know someone else knows China Mieville. His writing is incredible.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: utherdoul on May 09, 2009, 12:18:39
Hah! Excellent. I thought that Mieville comment was lost on everyone.
Title: Re: [Challenge] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Feline Monstrosity on May 09, 2009, 22:40:01
Quote from: utherdoul on April 17, 2009, 14:06:32
Anyway, nice to see a fellow Brit making levels (I miss Si!)

I'm planning one for when my exams are finished, I'll try and make it as British as possible! (Constant rain, cynicism, cups of tea and a very cockney policeman....)

Keep up the good work on this level by the way! :^^:
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Midnight Aurora on May 11, 2009, 10:34:09
Well, hello everyone, I guess this is my official introduction.

I'm one of Aptequar's friends, and I'll also be working on this level. Apt is still the main creator of everything, I'm doing some digital paintings for backgrounds. The idea is for most of the areas that Apt's pixel work will be in the foreground, and my backgrounds will be more realistic.

So hello, anyway, and that's happening.  :^^:
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: JC Grim the 'crete reaper on May 11, 2009, 13:41:21
It's a pleasure to meet you, Midnight Aurora.
Welcome to the forums.
:D
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Aptequar on May 12, 2009, 16:59:23
Yes that's right. It just so happens that MA is much better with a graphics tablet than me, whereas the pixel is my domain.  X)
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Kasran on May 12, 2009, 23:18:50
It's nice to meet you, MA. :3
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Aptequar on May 17, 2009, 19:31:40
Time for another update, folks! This time non-screenshot based. Progress is going well on the level, with about 16 out of 20 areas' tilesets done. Next comes the actual mapping, which I should mangage ot do alot quicker.

To keep you interested, I've uploaded a preview of 2 of the music tracks I've made for this level. My biggest influences are ambient artisits such as Stars of the Lid and Christian Fennesz. In my own music, I use alot of noisy elements. They are included here but are toned-down, becuase some people have argued they have a negative effect on the melodic aspect of the music, I've toned them down so the songs are more 'digestible'.

Here it is. Press play or download, depending on your preference. (http://www.box.net/shared/xyb1zuhkmn)
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Dandelion on May 17, 2009, 21:10:53
That's very pretty music. Just lovely to listen to. It's very quiet though. Even at max volume on my laptop it isn't as loud as I'd like it. This seems like it will be a great level, I can't wait to play It! C)p
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Purple Pineapple on May 17, 2009, 23:27:15
Starts of kinda creepy, then very pretty. Will be intresting to see how it fits in with an area.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Aptequar on May 18, 2009, 14:15:03
Like I said, that's 2 individual tracks. The bassy-drone section will be expanded to have horns in it, I'm recording them next week, really excited.  C)p

And about the volume, it's one of nifflas' requirements for a 'Really Custom' level that

Quote
* The music volume must match the normal Knytt Stories music volume, so it's not too loud like some KS levels.

I'm not actually sure of the overall volume of Niff's KS music, but I can always change that so it matches. No problem.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Dandelion on May 23, 2009, 03:04:17
Quote from: Aptequar on May 18, 2009, 14:15:03
about the volume, it's one of nifflas' requirements for a 'Really Custom' level that

Quote
* The music volume must match the normal Knytt Stories music volume, so it's not too loud like some KS levels.
That rule really doesn't make sense. Some levels, like DEtM, need loud music. However, loud music would not fit in here. It doesn't seem like the music is the volume of the defalt music though. I love environmentals! Keep up the great work with this level!
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Purple Pineapple on May 23, 2009, 20:05:15
I think that rule is mainly to keep level makers from blasting people's sound system.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Miss Paula on May 23, 2009, 20:13:58
Overall, the rule of course makes sense, like PP mentions. Levels like Don't Eat the Mushroom were never intended for the "Really Custom Levels", which is all the rule covers. 9_9
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Dandelion on May 24, 2009, 02:23:27
Quote from: Miss Paula on May 23, 2009, 20:13:58
Levels like Don't Eat the Mushroom were never intended for the "Really Custom Levels", which is all the rule covers. 9_9
But what if someone did make a "Really custom level" that needed loud music? would it really be less custom then levels with normal music volume? Besides, there's a difference between being so loud it can blast someone's sound system, and being louder then the normal KS volume.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Purple Pineapple on May 24, 2009, 08:35:00
But not neccesary for it to be so loud.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Dandelion on May 25, 2009, 06:02:03
Quote from: Purple Pineapple on May 24, 2009, 08:35:00
But not necessary for it to be so loud.
The point I'm trying to make is that some levels would be better with louder music then the standard volume, and that it doesn't make them less custom. But  levels like that are rare.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Purple Pineapple on May 25, 2009, 20:56:18
Quote from: Dandelion on May 25, 2009, 06:02:03
Quote from: Purple Pineapple on May 24, 2009, 08:35:00
But not necessary for it to be so loud.
The point I'm trying to make is that some levels would be better with louder music then the standard volume, and that it doesn't make them less custom. But  levels like that are rare.
And until one comes up, the rule is fine as is.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Aptequar on May 25, 2009, 21:06:17
Once more, an update. This is an area that is almost complete, but not quite. There will be trees, but I haven't decided what they should look like yet. Anyway. Enjoy.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Dandelion on May 25, 2009, 21:09:41
Nice. What's with the water though?
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Kasran on May 26, 2009, 16:00:14
Ew ew ew jpg. D:

Aside from that, cool!
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Feline Monstrosity on May 29, 2009, 16:22:58
This looks suh-weeeet! :crazy:
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Purple Pineapple on May 30, 2009, 04:58:01
Quote from: Dandelion on May 25, 2009, 21:09:41
Nice. What's with the water though?
CO?
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Dandelion on May 31, 2009, 21:04:58
Quote from: Purple Pineapple on May 30, 2009, 04:58:01
CO?
That's what I was thinking. It looks weird moving all in sync.
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Aptequar on September 04, 2009, 15:53:46
Hey everone.

Believe it or not I'm still working on this level. I've had lots of uni work mounting up though, it's been difficult to get time in on this.

What I'm saying is, I'd love to have someone to collaborate with on this level. I have plenty of ideas for tilesets and things, I just need to execute them.  So, perhaps, to start of with, we could share some screen designs or whatever? I don't know. Hit me up with the PM button, anyway.

- Apt
Title: Re: [Environmental] "The People We Never Met"
Post by: Hmpf on September 04, 2009, 16:36:04
Love the screenshots, especially the aquacavern. I don't know why I overlooked this thread so far! I hope you find someone to work with, because I think I really want to play this. :-)
Title: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: Aptequar on February 04, 2010, 16:38:26
Hello, all and sundry. Remember this? (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=220.msg1702#msg1702) Well, unfortunately, partially due to a computer crash, and partially due to me being a berk and not backing it up, it's gone. I'd had problems getting it done before, mostly just not having the time to get things done. And after this, I feel like I've lost the impetus to recreate every single bit of my work.

However, I am pressing on as best I can! If I require help I'll give a shout out in the topic.

With regards to a collaborative level, I /do/ have some ideas that I wouldn't be able to wrangle into a level by myself - an "Environmental Puzzle" I'll think about it, though, and post a topic anyway. (I'm torn between doing that for KS or Saira).
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II: I need your help!
Post by: Hmpf on February 04, 2010, 19:44:00
Oh no. :-(

This is making me so very sad. I *loved* the look of that level, from the screenshots I'd seen. You had such a beautiful look and atmosphere there.

I can't contribute to a collaborative effort, as I'm already more than busy with my own mammoth project, Falling Water - and also, I'm no good at tileset making. But IMO it will be hard/impossible to replace your work with somebody else's, anyway. You have your own style and vision, and I'd like to see *that*. :-(

This is a tragic loss.
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II: I need your help!
Post by: yohji on February 04, 2010, 19:50:12
This is heartbreaking  :sad: I wasn't around to comment on the older topic, but I've just looked at the screenshots... man. I wish I could help but I can't really make tilesets  :moody:
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II: I need your help!
Post by: Aptequar on February 06, 2010, 19:07:26
(http://i47.tinypic.com/axykw.png)

I think this shows which way I've decided to go!

Thanks so much for the comments. ^^

Mods, feel free to merge this topic with the other one, or whatever you like.

- Apte
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II: I need your help!
Post by: minmay on February 06, 2010, 19:52:13
Assuming I didn't completely miss the point or something (what's up with the strikeout tags?), I'll make some stuff, because the idea of a collaborative project will all-original content really appeals to me.
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II: I need your help!
Post by: RunMan on February 06, 2010, 20:00:43
I will try to help you too. Too bad I am currently totally out of ideas for tilesets.
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II: I need your help!
Post by: Sendy on February 06, 2010, 20:01:28
Nice screenshot... Recreating a lost project is a painful thing to do, from experience, so I'd just start again using the lost ideas as inspiration rather than trying to re-build. Nice looking screenshot, though how about some custom water? I can explain how you make it animate like proper water if you're new to CO's (it's not *that* complicated, but SO worth it).

And what's this strange cipher in the top right? ;)
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: Aptequar on February 06, 2010, 20:26:00
Thanks, Sendy. I completely agree. I spent a few hours recreating that tileset (because I really do like it) and that was enough of a horror. I'll be recreating ideas from my sketches rather than any of the screenshots I've posted up.

I'll add some more stuff about the level in this topic for the moment. The water was something I wasn't too worried about - I'm more interested in using my time creating critters and other custom objects, after all, water is pretty much water. Elixir of life, and all that, sure. :p But you can't really tell it apart even if I did make some myself.

I'm also planning on creating lighting maps for some areas, the pictured cave being one of them. Something to give these "discoveries" a little more interest.

Oh, and the cipher? Well. It's a human language, I'll start you off with that. :p

-Apte
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: Pumpkinbot on February 06, 2010, 23:16:57
Quote from: Aptequar on February 04, 2010, 16:38:26
Hello, all and sundry. Remember this? (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=220.msg1702#msg1702) Well, unfortunately, partially due to a computer crash, and partially due to me being a berk and not backing it up, it's gone.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w30/Hondo77_photos/Star%20Trek%20Wars/vader_no.jpg)
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: Sendy on February 06, 2010, 23:56:32
Quote from: Aptequar on February 06, 2010, 20:26:00
Oh, and the cipher? Well. It's a human language, I'll start you off with that. :p

-Apte

It's that language that someone invented where each word has it's own symbol? You know the one.... I forgot where I saw it but it's beautiful to look at.
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: RunMan on February 07, 2010, 15:15:02
Are we supposed to make tilesets only, or to design areas with them too?
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II: I need your help!
Post by: Hmpf on February 07, 2010, 16:37:11
Quote from: Aptequar on February 06, 2010, 19:07:26
<Screenshot of Awesomeness>

I think this shows which way I've decided to go!


Yay! :-)

The language looks like Arabic to me, btw.
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: AClockworkLemon on February 21, 2010, 07:15:50
This looks like It could be beautiful! Can't wait!
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: Feline Monstrosity on June 01, 2010, 17:38:56
Hi. Do you still intend to finish this? I was looking forward to it (even more than The Elevator Beneath The Valve!).
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: Aptequar on November 13, 2010, 21:37:04
Oh hello.

(http://oi55.tinypic.com/2nbc3g5.jpg)

note that the background is a placeholder and not indicative of quality. :p
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: sergiocornaga on November 14, 2010, 05:08:17
The background style looks decent to me! If it's a lot quicker to create that a 'real' background, I suggest you go for it.
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: yohji on November 15, 2010, 16:57:00
Actually, I like the background. And the plants. And the color scheme. And the fact that you haven't given up on this project  X)
Title: Re: the people we never met: Take II.
Post by: Feline Monstrosity on November 16, 2010, 13:32:43
OMG! :shocked: Does this mean you're still working on it? C)p