Sword of Moonlight Forum
Sword Of Moonlight Games => Complete Games => Taffer's Games => Topic started by: JC Bailey on October 16, 2013, 03:55:54 pm
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Fall of Verdite
Introduction: This is a short sample game that I made to familiarize myself with the Sword of Moonlight editor. It is also a fan-game of the King's Field series and serves as a prequel to King's Field 3, but is not story focused. Please offer any constructive feedback, as I intend to use experience gained from this to make a more advanced Sword of Moonlight game in the future. Have Fun!
Download Link (37mb):
http://www.mediafire.com/download/9hhn5hgg...+of+Verdite.rar (http://www.mediafire.com/download/9hhn5hggkhvhc8c/Fall+of+Verdite.rar")
Version History
Version 1.0
-Game released.
Version 1.1
-Added custom title screen.
-Added lighting effects.
-Fixed a few minor bugs.
Gameplay Length
Short (1-3 hours)
Story/Setting
This game takes place in the Castle of Verdite from the end of King's Field 3, the areas you'll be exploring are structural recreations of the castle's three floors (as seen in King's Field 3). You play as Alexander (from King's Field 2) as he makes his way to the throne room on the second floor of the castle to confront his old friend, the possessed King Alfred.
Screenshots
(http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t568/mastertaffer/Screenshot2_zpsfe3d7717.png)
(http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t568/mastertaffer/Screenshot1_zps4f2e7c9f.png)
(http://i1314.photobucket.com/albums/t568/mastertaffer/Screenshot3_zpsf835e671.png)
Credits
-From Software, for developing the engine and it's resources, also for making King's Field.
-HwitVlf, for translating the SOM software.
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Very cool!
I think it was a good idea to make a short complete game to get familiar with things. I'm downloading it now and will tell you what I think.
Congratulations and welcome to the site. :beerchug:
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Wow, that was a really neat area from KF history to cover in a short game. It actually took me about two and a half hours to complete. Here's some feedback:
Bottom line is I quite enjoyed it. Enemy power, turn rates etc seemed balanced nicely. I was really impressed with map layout and the items I found while exploring were useful and well placed. Savepoint placement was good- far enough apart to make make you a little worried, but no so sparse that you lose tons of progress if you die. The end video made me miss KF2-it's been awhile since I've had time to play it. I liked the music and it suited the gamplay well.
As far as where there might be room for improvement. I think that including an opening story sequence would have been nice and helped to set the mood. A bug (maybe), the Verdite item was consumed, but there was no message "Magic Up" and it didn't seem to change my stat. The iron gloves seemed to be inferior to the leather gloves-maybe a typo? The spells could use descriptions; it was easy to figure out what they did by their names, but descriptions could add a little immersion. There were a couple times when I felt a little lost. It's amazing how easy it is to become disoriented when fighting enemies and then it's hard to reorient yourself without distinctive landmarks like signs on the walls or unique object placements. Plus, wal-signs are an easy way to add some lore and immersion.
One other tip you might already know, items will be in the same order in the player's inventory as they are on the list in the Parameter Editor. It's a good idea to put items that the payer will use often (keys) at the top of the list. You can leave empty spaces between item classes (keys, healing,swords etc) in the Parameter editor so you'll have room to add more if you want to.
I though the map's ambient lighting was turned up a bit high (too bright). You probably know, but if you turn the ambient light down low, then set your Lamp objects to give off light, you can make some real neat mood lighting.
I enjoyed your game (me went on a Moonlight Sword rampage drooool :biggrin: ) and I hope to see more creations from you.
Some of the regulars here seem to be on vacation right now so if you'd like feedback from a larger audience, you might try the forums at rpgrevolution.com (http://rpgrevolution.com). Since they cover more general game making engines, they tend to have a larger crowd.
:rainbow:
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Thanks for your feedback! I'm going to update the game using some of your suggestions. (Edit: Updated the game to version 1.1)
About the Verdite issue, in my game I made it restore MP because I wasn't able to figure out how to make it increase magic power, perhaps you know? Also, thanks for the lighting tip, I actually didn't know about that and will have to try it out. :biggrin:
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Posting anything related to the game making hobby is totally welcome here- that goes double for King's Field game projects. I saw the screen shot before your edit and it looked awesome so I hope you do post info or a link. Is it going to have turn based battles or live-action?
I'm going to try the 1.1 version to see how the lighting looks.
As far as how to make an event to boost MAG stat:
In the Parameter Editor, set the Verdite item to Usable=Able, and Consume=Yes
You'll have to add this event to each map:
Event trigger = "Use Item (Anywhere)" Item = Verdite
Page1
Change Player Parameter, Increase by #, Value = 1 (or whatever the boost is)
Display Message (Standard) Message "Magic Increased"
EDIT: There's an extra "http" in your link to v1.1 so it isn't working. :tongue:
Is it OK if I move this topic to it's own section since it is a complete?
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Yeah, if you'd like to move my game to it's own section that'd be great, link is fixed too.
I noticed that light sources will reveal hidden doors, is there any way to fix that? I tried unchecking and checking the "affect placed objects" option, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.
Also, I'll make a topic on these forums explaining the KF2 remake in more depth when I'm ready, dont worry. :biggrin:
(Edit: Fixed the Verdite issue, I'll update my game again after I receive more feedback on RPG Revolution.)
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Woot ! new game to try out :biggrin: Thanks in advance man for the upcoming entertainment later tonight :coffee:
Being a KF fan I'll probably be biased in it's favor already though lol. I'll try n get myself in here more often and give ya some feedback later on :)
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I like the new lighting- seems more somber like the KF games were.
I noticed that light sources will reveal hidden doors, is there any way to fix that? I tried unchecking and checking the "affect placed objects" option, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.
That's one of the quirks of SoM. Because hidden doors are a different type of model from map Pieces, they respond to lighting differently. When you use a secret door on a map, you'll want to leave "Affect placed Object" checked or the door Object will be darker than the wall, and don't place lamps close to the door. You can lower the lamp's "intensity" setting if you want to put one closer to the door just for looks. Also, it's a good idea to keep the ambient light setting at around 100+.
Smittiox, Like the avatar :biggrin: ...and so all Verdite was saved by the mysterious hero wearing a Groucho nose. As he rode into the sunset and left Verdite behind forever, he looked back one last time saying "I'd never join any country that'd have me as its hero."
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Hello ! Just finished a bit ago. Really enjoyed playing through man :smile:. Guess my only real complaint was it was so short but I was expecting that from the description.
It ended kind of abruptly for me the first time. I had my face to the wall in the final room lookin' for secrets and it went to the ending cut scene before I saw the king or knew what was goin' on lol. Reloaded from my last save and took a screenshot of me shooting him with a light arrow before I got too close to get some proper closure. :tongue: Kindof reminded of an old NES game. Karnov lol .. days of struggling through crazy levels and hard bosses just to get literally just a black screen with " Congratulations !! The End " We were upset for weeks !
Lemme see, constructive criticism ... well, I'd work on lighting (still working on this myself btw) and making the environments less plain. I got a lil lost too around the barracks and prison. More and varied enemies, more things and Npc's to interact with. Not that ya did anything wrong since this was a mini prequel game though. Guess theres only so much room for NPC's without goin overboard. The item assesment texts from the old piemaker were broken up. They look fine in the editor but in game the words don't 'wrap'. Hmm ...what else.. Oh, I liked all the secret doors and things to unlock. Mabey a little overkill for some but I like that kind of thing. Secret walls in rooms reached by a secret wall .. unlocked by a special key gotten from a secret room opened by a ... etc etc :smile:
Lookin forward to the next installment. need to fire up the emulator and play the old ST games
Lol Thanks Hwitvlf :tongue: Don't forget, I'd be sitting on my mule backwards pointing towards Verdite while yelling" Forward !!" what'd be a good name for the mighty steed .. Trigger, Silver, Shadowfax .. been done .. hrmm .. Misfire, Molly B Denim ... PaperFax?
edit : think he needs a cigar ?
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Yeah I know, couldn't figure out what to do with the ending because there aren't exactly any enemies that look like King Alfred XD. I do intend to add a final boss in a future update, just don't know how I'm going to go about it yet. Thanks for playing though, and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
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While I cant play this on my machine right now I intend to try it out on my laptop when I have time - all I can say for now is... It looks really good, and HwtVlf is a very honest guy about games - so any good words from him are gold. :smile:
Nice to see you around too, makes me feel less lonely - one more on the SOM wagon!
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Awesome, I will play this tonight!
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Wow, this is really nicely made!
I hadnt read all of your description before starting to play, and immediately I said to myself...this REALLY feels like the castle verdite....and of course it is! I love how the first guy you meet mentions Endt...nicely recreated. I haven't quite finished yet, but I must say this is a fitting and very well made transition from KF2 to KF3. I love this! Well done.
Who did your music? I really like it alot, the very first tune reminds me alot of Gauntlet 4 for the genesis...quality stuff!
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Man playing your game makes me realize how terribly done my Verdite castle is in DD lol. I tried to get relatively close, but yours is spot on...I have to admit, Im quite embarrassed to see how easily you constructed that double layer room with the dragons on the first floor, the one with the balcony areas. I never had a clue how to use those pieces properly ( I think Tom did it in DOM also properly) but man i would have made my life in some maps so much easier.
This is really a great game. I have explored all of 1f and B1f, now its time to go face off with the king I suppose ;)
Love it! Thank you so much for making this. When I redo the main page of the site, would you mind if I added a section highlighting your game?
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Thanks for playing - Sorry to disappoint, but there unfortunately isn't a final boss :sadani:. I'd need a custom made King Alexander enemy for that. If you or anybody else would like to make me one, I'll gladly add it in the next update.
When I made the maps, I actually counted the tiles in King's Field 2 to get the scale just right, that's why it looks so spot-on. I plan on using a simular method for the Shadow Tower remake that I'm now working on.
The music is from the sample game folder, they are unused tracks from the King's Field remake I think.
You can feature my game if you'd like. It doesn't have a logo or anything yet though, so let me know if you need one.
Lastly, I'm currently working on DOM right now and was going to play your game afterwards, looking forward to it. :biggrin:
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I would donate to the cause if an avid model maker would be willing to make the horsehead enemy, the floor demon (the head and hands guy) and a Jean Alfred model for this project. Honestly a model rip from the games could be possible, they would likely only need a texture upgrade and a reboning/animating to get them in the game.
I hate to throw my hands up and say 'not me' but I really am quite sucky at the modelling stuff, I would hate to try to make something and have it fall utterly short of what is required to make it look spot on as everything else is. If Ben had free time though, I would be willing to pay him to do that for you :P
Id like to add this game to my KF collection I have building up, IMO its damn good even if it is short. I love canon stuff, and the spirit of this game is spot on. Anything I could do to help you get it 100% complete to your vision just ask!
With that said, I am off to traverse the final area!
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There is actually an NPC I used that kinda resembles King Alfred, King (2), maybe he could be given a shiny new Dark Slayer sword and attack animations. :biggrin:
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Finished.
Thank you very much for this, I hate to admit it, but it brought me sort of water eyed to finish the game, Alexander is my favorite game hero of all time (even got my wife to agree to name our first born alexander or a female equivalent), it saddens me a great deal to know From Software abandoned this series...I guess SOM is a wonderful going away present as it allows the true fans to still relive the old games with the proper feel and gameplay.
Your attention to detail is remarkable, I literally felt like I was playing the end of KF3 as I walked down those last few hallways to certain doom. A long time ago HolyDiver had said he would love to see a full KF3 remake, block for block, using the som tool, I think you proved it could be done. I hope he gives this a try.
I am sorry if I sound fruity getting so dramatic about it, but KF and SOM have changed my life...making my first game with the toolset inspired me to change my life and go out on my own to make video games for a living. Unfortunately at my current situation, I am stuck working on games that cater to the average buyer, rather than games that inspire me and that I would love to play...but I am a far way along to my ultimate goal of being able to work on only things I love and have passion for someday.
Your game, as all SOM made games do, inspires me. Please take my sincere thanks for finishing a full and complete, well made game. It brought joy to me more than any AAA title has in the past 2 decades.
I look forward to any other works you plan to make :)
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You're welcome. :smile:
I hope you'll be glad to hear that I have been strongly considering doing a full remake of King's Field III in the SOM editor, but I'm not even going to think about it until I finish my current project with Verdite, which is a Shadow Tower remake. If you'd like to know more about it, we've been posting lots of stuff in this thread: http://www.swordofmoonlight.com/bbs/index.php?topic=730.msg9832#new
Just posted some of the games first few recreated maps too. :biggrin:
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SWEET!
Yep I have been following your ST thread, can't wait to see it :)
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Hey, would you have a problem with me eventually making a Let's Play to your game creation?
I'm gonna record and upload the entire king's field series as let's plays, and since you've said yours is a prequel, I'd like to add it to the list along with Dark Destiny...
I'd also be doing Pilot Style though... Would you say "Fall of Verdite" comes before or after that?
I'm currently doing Shadow Tower, but I'll be doing this after... It'd be nice if you wouldn't have a problem with me doing that. :3
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I'm pretty sure that it takes place before Pilot Style. You can let's play my game if you'd like, I find it really fun to watch other people play. :smile:
Still need to update it lots, have been wanting to make revisions to the almost nonexistent story and ending. I don't mind if you play the current version though. Could you link me to your Youtube page so I can subscribe to it?
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Sure, I don't have much uploaded there at the moment though, I need to finish my current sets before I start on the King's Field... At the moment it's Tomb Raider and Shadow Tower.
It's Shadow Tower which will be replaced by the King's Field set, and the other I don't know.
Channel is of the same name as my account here, here's a link for simplicity Youtube: TheStolenBattenberg (http://www.youtube.com/user/TheStolenBattenberg)
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Wow, I've been gone long enough for a new game to appear? I can't wait to play this. I recently bought a few games from a steam sale so it might be a while before I get to this one. I certainly look forward to playing it. Also congratulations on making a new SoM game! We haven't had a new full game in a long time. :beerchug:
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Are there any secret passages in this? Normally I'd figure it out on my own but there seems to be lots of long hallways (at least in the begining anyway).
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Yeah there are about a dozen or so secrets, you can find a 100% walkthrough here if you think you missed anything.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVC-8VNicvI