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Temporary => Knytt Stories Level Releases => Topic started by: Vegetal Gibber on January 07, 2017, 22:16:27

Title: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on January 07, 2017, 22:16:27

UPDATE (11/02/2017): Environmental DLC pack released! Click here (https://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=6826.msg72214#msg72214) or check the contents of the "Additional Content" spoiler box for more info.

(http://vegetal.eb-creativos.com/ksstuff/sshot/NGK_banner.png)

"A more modern approach to Knytt Stories"

[ Download Next Gen Knytt (http://vegetal.eb-creativos.com/ksstuff/levels/Vegetal Gibber - Next Gen Knytt.knytt.bin) (~34MB) ]

[ Mirror (KnyttLevels.com) (http://knyttlevels.com/levels/Vegetal%20Gibber%20-%20Next%20Gen%20Knytt.knytt.bin) ]

Spoiler: ADDITIONAL CONTENT (best opened after beating the original level) (click to show/hide)

[ Environmental DLC pack for Next Gen Knytt (https://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=6826.msg72214#msg72214) ]
(file size: ~6MB)

The latest version of KS+ (1.2.9) is recommended for this add-on, as it contains a lot of KS+ exclusive stuff. It's still playable in regular KS, though.

Vanilla KS is supported, although ego's Knytt Stories + is heavily recommended. KS+ greatly reduces flickering issues during certain animated sequences, providing a much better experience. Also, some additional sound effects and bonus features will only be available when playing on KS+.

---

Greetings, fellow Nifforumites! It's been a while since my last KS release. This here is a very short level that started both as an experiment on textured tilesets and a simple joke, but later grew into something more complex than I first imagined, despite the small size of the map. As a direct result, and just as it happened with Escape from Knyttstein, I got tired of working on it and ended up leaving the incomplete level collecting dust for almost an entire year after my initial enthusiasm died out. Fortunately, I recently resolved to give closure to this project, even if that meant discarding some of my original (maybe too ambitious, especially for a lazy person such as myself) ideas so the finished product can finally see the light of day.

Next Gen Knytt is also my first "Misc" type level (with a small side of Challenge). It's of a rather gimmicky nature, so I prefer to not explain it in detail in order to avoid spoiling the surprise as much as I can. Just grab the level using the download link above and discover all the horrible secrets for yourself 8)

Spoiler: Single promotional screenshot - You might have already seen it, though (click to show/hide)

(http://vegetal.eb-creativos.com/ksstuff/sshot/NGK_screenshot_1.jpg)

Hope you guys enjoy it! As always, all feedback and bug reports are more than welcome.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Ultigonio on January 07, 2017, 23:05:55

Hmm, how can this truly be a next-gen experience without forced walking-and-talking to allow important storytelling to take place and cliffs breaking as Juni climbs up them to let the player know that they should feel tense?

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Very cute.  Lots of good CO and sound effect work here.  The loading screen and uh, "boss fight" had me laughing out loud.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Purple Ink on January 08, 2017, 00:13:24

11/10 game indeed. I'm constantly surprised at how creative and unique KS levels can be! Good job with this one, VG. :)

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: ixMarcel on January 08, 2017, 11:16:37

This seems like a fun level!
Too bad I didn't get to actually play it because as soon as the game loaded my graphics card started heating up (the fans were going crazy :shocked:). I got a bit worried since, as you may know, I store all the Saving Thalanill data files in my GPU's VRAM... Seems like it's too "low-end" for this next-gen experience.

I'll give it a try as soon as nVidia releases new drivers to fix this issue  ;).

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on January 08, 2017, 15:18:37

Quote from: Ultigonio on January 07, 2017, 23:05:55

Hmm, how can this truly be a next-gen experience without forced walking-and-talking to allow important storytelling to take place and cliffs breaking as Juni climbs up them to let the player know that they should feel tense?

@Ultigonio: That's only because...

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

...you haven't had a taste yet of the Epilogue DLC, complete with forced NPC dialogue and the obligatory "boss lair collapsing after battle", QTE-ridden final escape section. All for only for $14.99! 8)

Glad you liked the level and the custom stuff :) I had a few other ideas that I wanted to implement, but I had to discard them all so I could finally release this before I ran out of inspiration again. I still plan to put these unused ideas to good use sometime in the future, though :P2

@Purple Ink: Thank you for your words and your totally not hyperbolic review score :D  Glad you enjoyed the level!

@ixMarcel: The upcoming 10GB+ patch will hopefully fix all performance issues on nVidia cards. In the meantime, I suggest enabling triple overflowing and setting the anti-aliasing mode to 17x OMGWTFAA. The only downside is that all sprites will be corrupted and look like deformed squirrels... but you'll still be able to get all the achievements, which is all that matters! :D

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: egomassive on January 09, 2017, 05:56:36

I can't get this level to work with Steam. As a modern gamer I need to rub my virtual achievements in the faces of my virtual friends. They'll be so jealous.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: StraightFlame on January 09, 2017, 08:49:24

Quote from: egomassive on January 09, 2017, 05:56:36

I can't get this level to work with Steam.

The PC version is only available on Origin. I mean, come on, everyone knows that.

As a modern gamer, you shouldn't even be playing the PC version anyway. Don't you know that gaming PCs always cost at least $413612 and require you to buy at least $1025 worth of upgrades every 1.5 days if you want to keep up with the latest AAA titles? Also, you're forced to sit right in front of a ridiculously small screen on an insanely uncomfortable folding chair, and play with some kind of hideous elongated typewriter-y controller that has a button for every letter. And on top of all that, local multiplayer is physically impossible, and the online community for every PC game in existence is incredibly toxic, no exceptions.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: sergiocornaga on January 09, 2017, 14:06:52

That whole boss + ending sequence was amazing. I enjoyed the KS+ exclusive bonus features, glad you're not like all those other devs who dropped support the second KS++ was announced.

In terms of feedback, the level could use an autosave shortly before the first bit of water you have to jump over (I fell in and had to... ugh... replay some of the tutorial). Also, in the end credits, the images don't fade 100% to black, so they linger barely visible for a little longer than they should.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on January 09, 2017, 17:07:31

@ego, @SF: As a matter of fact, we're planning on adding cross-play and shared achievements/leaderboards between the Steam version (which doesn't exist) and all the available console ports! (i.e. none)

Spoiler: Dropped features (click to show/hide)

There was going to be a fake online leaderboard in the level, complete with all-caps immature names and hacked scores, and a pop-up error message at the very end that would say something along the lines of "Error: Couldn't sync profile with cloud. All achievement progress was lost." :P2

@sergio: Thanks! Those sequences were the main reason the level burned me out so quickly (especially the final battle, since it required so many COs to implement), but I'm proud I didn't give up on them :)  I'll address the issues you mentioned and a few other minor problems I spotted in the next (real) update.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

We couldn't reach an agreement with egomassive's representatives for the KS++ exclusivity deal, as one of the conditions was to include an EgoCola(tm) vending machine in the level... which conflicted with our existing product placement deal :/

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: SC on January 11, 2017, 01:02:51

HAHAHAHA!! Best level I've played in AGES!! Really nice work, Veggie!

(also i'm back on the forums now hi it's been a while hehe)

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on January 13, 2017, 16:37:13

@SC: Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. Good to have you back too :D

I've updated the level with a few minor fixes:

Spoiler: v1.1 Changelog (click to show/hide)

• Added a few extra auto-save checkpoints.
• Added a completely transparent frame at the end of each "vanishing credit picture" animation sequence.
• Edited the "true credits" screen so "KS" and "+" won't end up in separate lines (d'oh!).
• Added some almost-transparent pixels to some tiles to prevent Juni from sinking one pixel into the ground in some areas.
• Modified the New Game + menu screens a bit.
• Removed Junibrine.

Since it's only a minor update, it's probably not worth re-downloading the entire thing if you already played the original release. If you're interested in the update anyway (as you should, since it's mandatory for the non-existing Online Play function!), just grab the new .knytt.bin file using the link in the first post.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: pfrangip on January 15, 2017, 20:24:38

Great concept! I loved the loading screen... I didn't even realize what was happening at first, then I laughed out loud. And the boss "fight" was spectacular.

However, I'm only giving this 2/10 since it didn't include a Linux port or an ASCII mode for those of us still running 386 architecture.

Also, I'm not sure if this is against the forum rules, but if anyone is interested, I can get you a cracked warez of this which includes the Double Jump powerup for 0.008BTC. Just PM me.

 

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on January 16, 2017, 23:30:35

@pfrangip: Thank you for playing! Unfortunately, our current agreement with Microsoft for Windows 10 / DirectX 12 support prevents us from releasing a Linux version at this moment :(  As for 386 support...

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

...you can try the "Retro" display mode that's available on the "New Game +" menu for a more nostalgic experience. It kinda reminds me of those old EGA games :P2

Also, please note that distributing unauthorized Double-Jump enabled copies of this level may result in getting all your current achievements revoked in your NGK online profile... and then getting the "Losing all your achievements at once" achievement.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on January 29, 2017, 14:43:52

I'm pleased to announce that the Environmental DLC pack* for Next Gen Knytt is now in the works!

(http://vegetal.eb-creativos.com/ksstuff/wip/NGK_DLC_promo_2.jpg)

• Unlocks "Environmental mode"(tm), which revolutionizes the gaming experience by allowing free (mostly) exploration!
• Adds a completely new area to explore.
• Includes bonuses for KS+.
• Recycles a ton of existing assets, as any bonafide DLC should do! (some new stuff will be featured, though)
• Only for $14.99! However, if you're a cheapskate, you can always download the trial version and keep resetting your system clock every 30 days :P2

The estimated release date is late February, although this is (very) subject to change.

(*) Yes, this is actually a thing, and you will be able to download and install it. The original level will be required, though.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Ultigonio on January 30, 2017, 06:33:49

Quote from: Vegetal Gibber on January 29, 2017, 14:43:52

The estimated release date is late February, although this is (very) subject to change.

Well, it wouldn't be a Next Gen game if it wasn't announced way too far ahead of time and then delayed once or twice, eh? :P

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on February 01, 2017, 15:34:40

Indeed. I can always rename the project "Knytt Forever" and spend a few years changing engines, only to release the final product a decade later, exclusively for the console version of Knytt Underground (somehow) :P2

I'm optimistic on this one, though. I'm about halfway done at this moment.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on February 11, 2017, 00:33:55

It's ready, folks! Totally not madly rushed into completion and released in pre-alpha stage at all :P2

---

(http://vegetal.eb-creativos.com/ksstuff/sshot/NGK_DLC1_banner.jpg)

[ Download the Environmental DLC pack for Next Gen Knytt (http://vegetal.eb-creativos.com/ksstuff/levels/Vegetal Gibber - Next Gen Knytt DLC1.knytt.bin) ]
(file size: ~6MB)

The latest version of KS+ (1.2.9) is recommended.

VERY IMPORTANT: This add-on requires the main level (which you can download using the link in the first post of this thread). Installing it as a standalone level will result in a warning screen (KS+) or a game crash (regular KS) when trying to play.

---

HOW TO INSTALL & PLAY: Install the .knytt.bin file linked above and answer "OK" when the game asks you if you want to overwrite the existing folder. Then, beat the "main campaign" and backtrack all the way to the left in New Game+ mode. You may use a previous save file from the original level if you have one, although you'll still need to see the ending credits again in order to properly unlock the add-on.

This little expansion features:

• A new small, very relaxing area to freely explore and enjoy.
• Custom ambient music by Fubaka.
• Lots of running water. And I mean A LOT. Hmpf would probably approve.
• Two secret areas (one for all KS versions and a KS+ exclusive one).
• A new achievement and even more pointless loading screens :P2
• [KS+ only] Ability to select between all three display modes during the game.
• [KS+ only] Special lighting/graphical effects and extended dialogue.
• [KS+ only] Golden creatures! There are 10 of them scattered through the area, and some of them are tricky to find/get. Keep an eye open for them!
• [KS+ only] An additional bonus area featuring more custom stuff, unlocked by completing 100% of the first area (all powers/items & golden creatures)

---

Hope you guys enjoy it. Comments and feedback are welcome, as usual.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: sergiocornaga on February 11, 2017, 11:18:27

Great work. The additional bonus area is exceptional.

Spoiler: Feedback (click to show/hide)

I don't think x1010y991 looks quite how it should due to the extra water objects on row 9, which overlap the lilypads. This style of object placement looks a little odd to me anyway, but I'm pretty sure it's intentional and the edges of the lilypads being covered up is the only real error.

Also, the leftmost nacho at x1003y992 is... incorrectly positioned... and should be adjusted.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on February 11, 2017, 15:01:42

Thanks for the feedback! Glad you liked the DLC and tracked down the exclusive bonus area :D

Spoiler: Fixes (click to show/hide)

Quote from: sergiocornaga on February 11, 2017, 11:18:27

I don't think x1010y991 looks quite how it should due to the extra water objects on row 9, which overlap the lilypads. This style of object placement looks a little odd to me anyway, but I'm pretty sure it's intentional and the edges of the lilypads being covered up is the only real error.

The part about the extra water objects is indeed intentional (I do like the "pseudo-perspective" effect it gives off, although I admit this clashes a bit with the normal 2D side view). The lilypad sprites being cut off, however, is just me screwing up the layering royally :oops:  I've updated the .knytt.bin file with a quick fix for this. Thanks for telling me!

Quote from: sergiocornaga on February 11, 2017, 11:18:27

Also, the leftmost nacho at x1003y992 is... incorrectly positioned... and should be adjusted.

Man, I swear, that guy is *never* happy! He spent the entire pre-alpha development stage constantly complaining about being placed right under a sunray CO, which apparently made him too dry and flaky. Maybe I should move him to x1022y995 instead...

I should probably add the 10th golden creature at some point, though :shifty:

Also, I forgot to mention that an "Additional Content" section has been added to the first post in this thread, which contains a link to the Environmental DLC pack and will list any other future add-on I might release for this level.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: ixMarcel on February 11, 2017, 15:40:45

It's a great DLC. The aesthetics are exceptional (as to be expected from Vegetal Gibber's levels :P2) and the exploration is fun!
Overall, I'd rate it a solid 10/10!

This user received a free Next Gen Knytt Season Pass in exchange for this positive review.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: SC on February 12, 2017, 07:12:50

This was REALLY GOOD DLC, even though this still precedes the Epilogue DLC that was promise. D'oh. Loved the straightforward puzzle platforming exploration levels, t'was a nice callback to the old-school KS game. I still feel $15 is a bit too much for the DLC, though... I knew I should have gotten the season pass instead. D'OH!

Overall, solid 9.5/10. Excellent work. The secret area (areas?) was/were great as well. Great little cherry on top there.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Talps on February 13, 2017, 00:23:51

Man, I hate you! All that work and now you tell me there are seven nachos?! What the heck, man!

I didn't comment on the original release since I gave you my feedback when I tested. Actually I wanted to just say that I hated the DLC man! There was no guidance or direction so I had no idea what I was supposed to do! There were no new achievements so this was a complete waste of time. The areas were so pretty that they made the rest of us look bad; you're ruining KS for everyone with your selfish excellence! There were no proper enemies, none of the combat patches we were promised and the PvP content is still absent! I wanted another boss fight which you totally failed to deliver! Worst of all I paid out £45 for the official strategy guide to the original game because it promised to contain a complete guide to the Environment DLC but it didn't explain how to find any of the golden creatures or secret rooms! This is totally lame! 0/5 stars, complete waste of money!

---

(Please note, the above post is a joke. This was lovely!)

Spoiler: PS (click to show/hide)

Seventh nacho? Totally worth it!

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on February 13, 2017, 20:38:41

Thanks for the kind words, everyone :D

@ixMarcel: The season pass and the NGK+ subscription code should arrive to your mail account soon :shifty:

@SC: I regret to inform you that the Epilogue DLC will be delayed indefinitely, until we can come up with an epilogue that is vague and disappointing enough to justify the release of an "Alternate Ending" paid DLC we're sure we can meet the high expectations of our fans.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

It'd be more accurate to say there's one small secret area (that requires collecting a somewhat hidden power-up) and a bonus area with a visible entrance (if you're playing in KS+). Accessing the latter requires the player to find the former, though.

@Talps: I'm deeply sorry for all the inconveniences caused by our latest release, especially the issue regarding the strategy guide. It seems both the "Vanilla KS" and the "KS+" editions of the guide were released with the same front cover, so you may have got the wrong book. We'll make sure to issue a fake public apology, blame it all on some poor sap who will be promptly fired and reimburse you with 1000 NGK points you can spend on any NGK merch you like (as long as it is not a shirt, a poster, an action figure, the OST nor the official artbook).

It should be noted, however, that the PvP content IS present in this release, although it is only available in local multiplayer form: you first have to find another player who likes the game as much as you do, then you two can wrestle to the death to decide which one of you is going to be the first to play the new content. This way you can experience a new level of combat realism (force feedback included) that puts all modern FPSs to shame! :D

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Additional nachos are always worth it. Except when they're soggy :P2

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Talps on February 14, 2017, 00:06:35

Raining cheese would have solved all your problems.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on February 15, 2017, 13:06:04

Quote from: Talps on February 14, 2017, 00:06:35

Raining cheese would have solved all your problems.

Brilliant!

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

(http://vegetal.eb-creativos.com/ksstuff/other/raining_cheese.gif)

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: GrayFace on September 27, 2017, 10:25:42

First, I can't believe your level isn't in 4K resolution. It's 2017, come on! Second, I was very disappointed I can't customize my character. I can't even buy a hat! But that's not even the worst part... WHERE ARE ALL THE WAPONS?! HOW MA SUPPOSED TO KILL ENEMIS WITHOUT THEM?!

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Nice level :) Very impressive visuals and clever tricks!
Your level has also proven that there's no such thing as "minor" difference in mechanics. When I made KS Ex use single pass rendering I didn't make it fully similar mechanics-wise by removing a 1-frame pause during screen transition. In your level this caused a shift not to be triggered. Next KS Ex version will work fine with it.

Title: Re: [Misc/Challenge] [Easy] [Small] Next Gen Knytt
Post by: Vegetal Gibber on September 27, 2017, 14:45:46

4K resolution is only supported when using KS++ and KSEx² on a Windows 10 system that has the upcoming "Almost-Pointless-but-Absolutely-Mandatory Creators Update" (~10GB) installed. The Weapon Pack DLC is not quite ready yet, though. The deadly Cheese Gun(tm) is being tested as we speak, but we're rapidly running out of spinning nachos to experiment on.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :D  Be sure to give the DLC pack (https://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=6826.msg72214#msg72214) a try if you haven't yet. The added content is mostly environmental and not as over-the-top as the main scenario, but it features some secrets and a new collectible-based challenge (two more if you run the level on KS+).

I'm still trying to decide if I should make a new DLC pack for this, though. If I do, I'll use the "Mod=" config line you implemented to ensure compatibility with future releases of KSEx.