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Djawed

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Posts posted by Djawed

  3. Sonic ATS - Released

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    I wanna give deeper feedback of this game whenever I have time to finish it, but this is what i got so far.

    @Lake:

    I will agree with one of the criticisms upfront -- the levels do indeed seem to drag on too long. I was never a fan of Sonic CD or its 3-Act level format for the same reasons. I think these levels would benefit immensely from having the overall design of the 3 acts condensed into 2, or at least chopped up into 3 much smaller maps.

    It seems like most of the acts focus primarily on one type of interaction, and as a result the stages tend to feel more like gimmick showcases instead of organic levels. By extension, going into a new act, i find myself going into autopilot very shortly after getting the "catch" of the level theme. When this drags on it compounds the issue. But most importantly, it removes the sense of suspense/surprise from the level, and turns the act into a routine rather than an experience. This really became noticeable to me with the act that introduced the invisible platforms with the lightning rods, which quickly went from "wow awesome" to just somewhat aggravating. The stage with the filling water was the exact same way. The Kirby powerup too.

    IMO this is really where Sonic 2's charm and Sonic 3&K's strongest points were. The stages were shorter and fewer than Sonic 1's stages, but doing that, they were able to increase the amount of diversity in the levels making them feel alot more fluid and fleshed out regardless of actual size. Water stages suddenly weren't so infuriating, and spaced out gimmick placement naturally created "landmarks", making the stages more memorable. I think everyone would agree that the worst stage in sonic 2 was probably Metropolis Zone. Could be any number of reasons why, but i'd wager that 3rd act is what really drives it over the edge.

    I haven't finished yet, but that's probably the most apparent downside for me. On the other hand, the graphics and attention to detail is awesome, as are your overall ideas and concepts for the level. It really feels as if you work from your imagination, and I honestly wonder how you get so much stuff into the levels you do. I'm also very happy you keep the bosses interesting and creative without making them difficult or annoying, something fangames really seem to be fond of for some reason.

    I am aware of how long this game has been finished. I...can't really remember having the same issue with BTS though. But those are my initial thoughts anyway.

    And I guess walking into this topic was asinine if i expected to actually be surprised by any easter eggs or secrets in the game.

    i really disagree with this. the levels are well built enough to keep things interesting most of the time. personally my only gripe with this game is that there isn't an increase of challenge in progression. the ending hence feels not too demanding. especially the bosses

    i havent played the release version yet so i dont know if theres any difference in the bosses

    anyway other than that, i thought the level design was brilliant tbh. when u think about it, most of sonic 2 is actually really plain by comparison. very simple in that most stages exist mostly of a structure, and hazards. apart from aesthetics, stages feel the same often. save for the "gimmicky" zones like casino night. which shows why lake's use of gimmicks to make a zone, or even act, feel unique.

    suger splash is just pure brilliance through and through.

  4. Sonic ATS - Released

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    Lovely mr lange

    Oh, if you guys like snow levels, you'll just love Chrono Adventure.

    Anyway, might be because i've never seen snow in my life or something or it's because it's easy to make good graphics for it.

    @FLAMEWAR.

    About putting pressure into people: it was falk's idea. =P

    Also, this doesn't really aplies to maxie's RRZ, as far as i know, he has been working in those tracks for quite a while. The reason they are the way they are right now is probably the same why FFZ's boss sounds like something out of Metro Madness Zone which is basically because of this image.

    [qimg]https://dl.dropbox.com/u/19357938/ATSshape.png[/qimg]

    It's the pacing falk wanted for the music in both BTS and ATS.

    Oh and here is a quick list of the placeholder tracks i was using before:

    FFZ Act 3: Splash canyon, Sonic Riders

    FFZ's Boss:

    RRZ Act 1: Hot Head Bop, Donkey Kong Country 2

    RRZ Act 3:

    Both the placeholders and the original tracks are fitting, they are just different.

    As I said many times, and i'll repeat again and again. Those placeholder songs are excellent choices and really show your great sense of taste. I think they are good in the sense to draw inspiration from for the guys who compose the replacers. I really like how they give a sense of direction for them so that many times, the direction and feel is kept

  6. Sonic ATS - Released

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    we could have re-arranged it, much like FFZ Act 1 and other acts, but we wanted to focus on keeping the main quest's soundtrack as original as possible. Yes there are little nods to songs here and there (mainly with Parhelion Peak's material) but Mr. Lange's Act 2 was a straight up remix of Lava Powerhouse and most people could identify that in a heartbeat. Having that bang in the middle of the soundtrack just wouldn't have worked, not to mention that it was done in a 16-bit style which is a stark contrast to everything else on the main quest.

    I don't care if people dislike Smokey Bear (though I think it's pretty bitchin' tbh and my soundcloud statistics would agree) but you need to understand why these creative decisions have been made. Lava Powerhouse is still there and it's nestled quite nicely with some other tunes in a similar vein, but to keep it where it was just wouldn't have worked.

    Hey don't get me wrong. I don't dislike smokey bear. Your points are very reasonable and I understand. The original indeed feels out of place compared to the other (acts and) zones where each track takes elements from the others. I get that. But going through act 2 with mr lange's arrangement just added to the act for me. This is just a personal thing. I am really sorry if my post/message came through the wrong way

    @Mr lange, I know they are part of the special acts now. I edited the first post on this page clarifying about the maingame. Well if what you said was directed to me. Kudos to you all for doing a great job with the OST. It's unbelievably fantastic

  8. Sonic ATS - Released

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    Um, the original Foliage Furnace Zone tracks are the special acts now. Foliage Furnace has 2 special acts.

    Yeah I wish they'd revert them back to their originals honestly. I loved and still love mr lange's original. It caught everyone's attention in my household. But that's just us. Maybe others will prefer the new ones by andy.

    Edit: Revert back to the maingame

  10. Sonic ATS - Released

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    So, who wants to do some in-depth final beta testing?

    Just send me a PM but since it's ATS i'll be a bit selective and if you recive no response... i'm sorry bro.

    And if you get to beta test and don't come back to me, i'll shame your name in public.

    Sorry, i've to do this.

    Beta testhing is NOT like playing the game before everyone else.

    Hey i'd love to. I think I have a good grasp of what makes a game good even though(sadly) I have no skills in making what you guys make. I have a lot of free time so I can go through the game and toy around with it . Anyway i'm all up for it if you need me

  11. Post your screenshots thread

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    [qimg]http://i.imgur.com/a7Kr52J.png[/qimg]

    Not sure how I feel about the title screen.. The background is kinda a placeholder for the demo. Any suggestions?..

    It doesn't look very good right now. And I can say this is defenitly because of sonic on the right side. Either try to adjust and make it better(can't give you any specific advice on this) or remove him completely. I think the latter wouldn't be very bad since the bg looks pretty nice, but I understand that you wanna have a sonic reference somewhere.

    Good luck if you decide to adjust it

  13. Sonic Before the Sequel Aftermath

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    Even though short lake, I loved it.

    Both powerups executed so brilliantly imo. Giving them their pros and cons. I was surprised to find that the speed charging powerup actually slowed you down.

    You're good music taste still doesn't seize to surprise me heh. Holoska night has always been my favourite music in sonic unleashed.

    My interpretation of this experiment is: Everything can work in a sonic game when executed the right way. Excellent lake, excellent. I think i'd actually love a sonic spin off like this. I salute you good sir.

  14. Freedom Planet (v. 1.4)

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    Hi

    I really just came here to share a bit of feedback and give my 2 cents since all of your succes strife. First and foremost, again congratulations and good luck in achieving your goals. You went from simply practicing your hobby to something serious your getting paid for. I think many game lovers would dream of such a thing and you have definitely become an inspiration to me

    Anyway strife, I think mechanics, lvl design and bossbattle wise you got things all figured out taking from the demo. I mean yea executing things may not be that easy but i'm sure you will be figuring it out with help. And I think this would have been doable without kickstarters as well.

    I think where the money part could really help is in the game's presentation. But as you said keep it within the "possibilities". If it isn't possible than i'll perfecly understand. But if it is possible strife, and i believe you would love to see your game look even more apealing, than i would love to see some visual upgrade.

    Good luck again strife, im vouching for ya

  22. Sonic ATS - Released

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    The music for those stages will either be remade as non-megadrive versions, or new songs that are similar. If so, the original songs will probably be moved to the alternate stages Lake mentioned.

    I think the former would be the best way to do it. It's just pure perfection. Great job mr lange. Im a big fan of the genesis SF and you just nailed that SEGA sound

  23. Sonic ATS - Released

    in Game Project Showcase

    Posted

    I think I heard that before. Just wanted to make sure. They are the most high level quality sonic music i have ever heard in a sonic game.

    I really hope that after the sequel's improvements are gonna make it get some major recognition. Gotta be honest lake but i'd gladly wish for you to be rewarded for your game design. You don't only have alot of creativity, but also lots of good taste as well.

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