Shades of Gray Development Topic

Much like Rodpop's topic, I figured it'd be a good idea to do one for SoG. Now that I actually want to work on it, anyway. Today's entry mostly focuses on addressing issues that SC10 had.



Actually, first up is the Merchant. Now, for some inexplicable reason, the other three characters will be available here. I may even make it a switchable place, since it wouldn't make sense to, you know, not. The main thing is that you can talk to them for background info, jokes, etc. And it'll change as the plot progresses, of course. (and probably based on where the shop is located, too)




I've also fixed up the Merch some. Ignore the fact you can see this in the most recent demo. I also defaulted to using my voice set. >_>




This is just another shot of our blob buddy location system. Note that it's a different color for KoE.



I've also added various safety nets, like the one at the bottom of the screen here.



And this is why I hate Rodpop and his wall jump, and everything they stand for. (You'll note he's in Zephyr's area). I also changed the switches 'cause I actually found something that looked... Switchier.



And, finally, I fixed the Fairy of Instant Death. >_>

Dunno why that was like that.

Anyway, next on the list is making REDDAP's invisible maze less of a pain, and working on the first boss. Plus the cutscenes leading up to it.

Looking great. Love the Merchant map.

By the way, where's mah fast post.

Quick reply should be on by default. Stupid forums.

Also, the Merch map has been around since the dawn of time. <_<>_>

But yeah, hopefully I can manage to get a 'regular' top-down room done for every area without it looking stupid.

LAYT DUPPLE POST:

Didn't do much work yesterday 'cause I'm trying to force my sleep schedule back to something resembling normal. Apparently Lamar thinks it's a good idea to only offer calculus classes A) In the morning B) For only three hours when it's supposed to be a four hour course (needless to say, most people take that section) and C) Around noon, but with the worst professor ever. But I digress, that's a discussion for another topic. Today, some screens!



Yeah, this is the 'fix' for the invisible maze. (I've got Rodpop 'cause it was easier to backtrack from the last save with him - and I've actually added some new platforms in there to make that possible). You'll note that Rodpop's standing on invisible floor that basically makes it impossible for a player to stumble off and fall to the bottom. The upper maze was pretty much that way before. There are also dim markers for the walls that are probably a bit too apparent. I'll probably change the color scheme to match the BG better later.



I also threw in a couple of these to make it a viable 'coin grinding' spot in the event someone wants to get a bunch of coins en-masse without a whole lot of trouble. The health items have a carrying limit, so this is just for people willing to go the extra mile. That, and the fact that combined with another (impossible to reach at the moment area >_>;) it spells out - you guessed it - Rodpop.



There's also a handy area to Magnetic Star to (that you need to get it in the first place) so you can actually get them all.



And finally, the new Merchant cutscene map that viewing allows you to move past the current demo. And yes, it's leading up to a boss.

Ooh, bosses. We like bosses.

Yay for my name being spelled out in coins. Looking good as always.

Today's first shot has actually been in the game since, well, a long time. It's just a nice lead up and probably lets you guys know that the first boss is KoE's.

This was intended to be semi-ironic thing in that KoE was utterly useless for traversing the forest. Now he's at least on par with REDDAP, minus the unable to shrink thing. The shells ability also makes a nice, easy way to block off passages for the early part of the game, and open them up as soon as you get it.



And yes, he gets it from an actual Koopa who races him. The non-grassy platform is, as you might have guessed, knock-downable. This particular one (if I can get the code right) only works if you knock it down as the Koopa is crossing it, and slows him considerably. Or you can bypass it and just jump on up, hoping your previous delaying efforts are enough.

Anyway, as a MINOR SPOILER, the speed at which you complete the trial doesn't affect whether you win or lose (there's something new and exciting for that, so don't worry about it being an auto-win as long as you complete it), but whether you get a KoE Coin. Basically, as per an idea of Zephyr's, you can get character-related coins that can unlock random special things, ranging from health powerups to special features.

There will also be a 'boss replay' feature that'll let you try time and again for these coins, so no worries there.

Like the boss idea, and it also adds in some replay value. Well done.

I don't think the coding should be hard at all, but if you need a hand then let me know plx lol.

Koopa the Quick makes a return! Hip hip hooray!

Really the hard part is getting the timing right. The Koopa event is basically a !@#$ton of switch pages for when it finishes a certain length of the course and whether or not the player has knocked down any platforms. But meh, it really shouldn't be that hard.

Although it is mildly inconvenient that the engine explodes if you try to use regular Move Event commands. <_<>_>

Didn't update yesterday because I forgot. Didn't update (earlier) today because I got interrupted in the middle of doing it. And forgot again.

Anyway, the only work that's been done was yesterday's 'cause I'm being forced into a normal person's sleep schedule and feel like crap warmed over.

But, we have some pictures of Zeph's obstacle course.



If you can't figure out the gimmick, go /wrist plz.



No, DC, it doesn't rise.

Well, it looks like you kept my gimmick idea, so at least I contributed SOMETHING.

Poor Zeph, going into the fire pit losing his little health.

Nice screenie, and I can't say I can figure out the gimmick at a glance besides invisible walls maybe.

The invisible walls is half of it. >_>

Also, the fire-pit isn't what made him lose his health. That's just 'cause I grabbed the power-up (which doesn't heal you, just adds to your max) and then realized I hadn't gotten a screen of that.

I see the gimmick. And it looks awesome.