Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

[YesterdaysMoose]

I've been working on this game on and off since before RM2 was even released. Yup, I had one or two test things working on the Japanese version.

Anywho, it's really bothered me that I've not completed this. So far I've asked a few people if they could assist me with level design, but no one has followed through. So things are entirely in my hands, which is the same as before.

When I made the first one, I just made levels and abilities up as I went along. When I decided to make a sequel, I wanted more thought put into it. This is probably one reason things have gone so slowly. Not to mention that when I try to work on stuff my tolerance is almost zero.

I was so obsessive about this series and now I have a mental block about getting anything done. Worst thing about it is that I currently have all the time in the world to work on it; have for quite some time, actually. So the fact that I've had all this time and accomplished almost nothing feels pretty bad.

Nevertheless, I'm trying to see if I can have something put together by the next contest due date in August. I am not that confident it will happen and am making no promises.

Sometimes I wonder if my ambition for this project is too big. Plus, RM2 takes so much effort to make things happen. And, deciding on abilities for each character in this game seems to be holding me up.

Is it so wrong to want to make a game that seems professional? One that I enjoy playing and that others would like to play?

Wish me luck and send me some motivation. At the very least I would like to finish what I started.

After that, all I have to complete is my Shawnopoly game.... *sigh* Although, trading properties feels to me like it would be the only major issue. Everything else works.

[Jeremy]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

I've been working on this game on and off since before RM2 was even released. Yup, I had one or two test things working on the Japanese version.

Anywho, it's really bothered me that I've not completed this. So far I've asked a few people if they could assist me with level design, but no one has followed through. So things are entirely in my hands, which is the same as before.

When I made the first one, I just made levels and abilities up as I went along. When I decided to make a sequel, I wanted more thought put into it. This is probably one reason things have gone so slowly. Not to mention that when I try to work on stuff my tolerance is almost zero.

I was so obsessive about this series and now I have a mental block about getting anything done. Worst thing about it is that I currently have all the time in the world to work on it; have for quite some time, actually. So the fact that I've had all this time and accomplished almost nothing feels pretty bad.

Nevertheless, I'm trying to see if I can have something put together by the next contest due date in August. I am not that confident it will happen and am making no promises.

Sometimes I wonder if my ambition for this project is too big. Plus, RM2 takes so much effort to make things happen. And, deciding on abilities for each character in this game seems to be holding me up.

Is it so wrong to want to make a game that seems professional? One that I enjoy playing and that others would like to play?

Wish me luck and send me some motivation. At the very least I would like to finish what I started.

After that, all I have to complete is my Shawnopoly game.... *sigh* Although, trading properties feels to me like it would be the only major issue. Everything else works.

I can definitely relate to this. I've been working for what seems like forever on mine and it's still not done. When I was a kid I remember wondering why it took so many people to make a video game when I looked at the credits. Needless to say, I don't anymore.

[Wavelength]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

At any rate, I'm sure you'll make a great game.

Figure out a way to keep yourself motivated. Sometimes, posting your progress and getting other people involved can be a great motivator for this kind of thing.

What kind of help were you looking for with Level Design, exactly?

[YesterdaysMoose]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

I've decided that this game would use world maps and dungeons. Each character will be able to learn two abilities each: one for world maps and the other for dungeons.

In the original PS1 game I made it so that it's fairly open-ended, and I wanted the same for this game. Levels would allow some exploration, but would require you to revisit with new abilities to get 100%.

My trouble is making 12 detailed levels. Each level would have a different theme without repeating level types from the first game, if possible. I would also like to incorporate things that can only be done in RPGM2, such as buildings, etc. Abilities would also utilize RPGM2's capabilities: size changes, vehicles, etc.

I have some levels sketched out on my computer and am putting them in the game. This makes planning them easier for me, but I just felt I needed some help making them awesome. Plus, making sure they all work with each other for open-endedness.

I should be doing this myself to ensure the game is all my creation. As I said, it's just my motivation issue. I'll just have to force myself to keep at it if I intend to complete this game. After all, even if someone did help me with level design, I would still have to actually make them in RPGM2. Oh, and the rest of the game too.

[Ωbright]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

Good luck, Shawn!

I don't have enough motivation to send you, though...

I have trouble with that, myself. Sometimes I try to reward myself with something that I really want, but won't let myself have until after I've completed an assignment. I also find that checklists are VERY motivational. If you see exactly what you have to do, and approach it one small piece at a time, which is a sound way to work, it's not so intimidating. Checking off the items is more satisfying and fulfilling than you might think! It's evidence proving how much you have done at a glance, and a planning tool for what you have left to do. Try it out! Make a list of several things that need to be done, and see if that doesn't help motivate you to just knock them out!

[1ce]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

Expanding on what Obright aid, I enjoy planning out when I want something done. It helps keep me on track. I don't punish myself if I don't make it, I just set a new goal. It gives you small finish lines to cross, so you feel like you've succeeded in small doses which eventually fills to a full game.

If you can, get a friend in on the game. That was an incredible help for me. At first I was like you, letting nobody have any input whatsoever. But getting people into your project can really boost your motivation and keep you going when you're down. My friend helped a lot with feedback and playtesting, which worked great; he was able to help me make a better game and I still had creative control.

[YesterdaysMoose]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

Honestly, I think the only way to involve anyone I know would be to offer them money. Even then I would be skeptical that results would be forthcoming. I'd be broke and even more frustrated. Once I'm ready for people to play test it might be better.

I like the idea of a check list. I've been just haphazardly working on this and that, so having goals could work.

Relatives are visiting me soon, so after that I was going to dedicate my time to RM2. I'll set out a certain amount of time each day for just working on my game; this way I hope not to get distracted by playing other games or watching TV/movies. Either that or do nothing else but work on my game. Although, I could drive myself crazy if I do that.

[YesterdaysMoose]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

I have been doing pretty well with working on things more consistently. I'll post more details at a later date, when there's more worked on.

I thought about documenting the process of making the game on video. Not all of it from start to end, but segments. This would include material on filming paper, such as notes, character sketches and level concepts.

Either I would create a video blog containing these video segments. Or I could have it included as part of the release version of the game. This would give people who download the game an extra bonus: making of documentaries and commentary.

Seem like a good idea?

[Jeremy]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

I have been doing pretty well with working on things more consistently. I'll post more details at a later date, when there's more worked on.

I thought about documenting the process of making the game on video. Not all of it from start to end, but segments. This would include material on filming paper, such as notes, character sketches and level concepts.

Either I would create a video blog containing these video segments. Or I could have it included as part of the release version of the game. This would give people who download the game an extra bonus: making of documentaries and commentary.

Seem like a good idea?

I would like to see some screen shots of the game itself. That would be cool. I plan on adding some fresh ones of my game pretty soon as well. I always favor pictures or videos of the gameplay itself over concepts - because that is always where the real meat of a game is.

[YesterdaysMoose]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds

There are some demos available here at Pavilion:

Old Demo

DoL 2011 Demo

I'm also currently working on videos of me playing my game. I've created a new YouTube account which will have many of my RPG Maker creations on video.

The first game is "The Seinfeldinator" for RPG Maker 1. While playing through the game/movie I voice the characters and make some commentary.

More will be uploaded as time goes on. Nothing is uploaded or available just yet. Fist I'm going to finish editing the videos, so they're not too long and more refined.

[Jeremy]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds

There are some demos available here at Pavilion:

Old Demo

DoL 2011 Demo

I'm also currently working on videos of me playing my game. I've created a new YouTube account which will have many of my RPG Maker creations on video.

The first game is "The Seinfeldinator" for RPG Maker 1. While playing through the game/movie I voice the characters and make some commentary.

More will be uploaded as time goes on. Nothing is uploaded or available just yet. Fist I'm going to finish editing the videos, so they're not too long and more refined.

Sounds cool Bluedragon. I look forward to watching them on UTube when you got them up. I've always been curious to take a look at other RPG Maker2 creations and see what others have been able to put together. I have enjoyed watching those Let's Play with Draygon vidoes as an example, so maybe when you are done you can get him to sample your game and record it while he does.

[YesterdaysMoose]

Re: Defenders Of Light: The Three Worlds 3/18/13

CHECK THIS PAVILION POST FOR YouTube INFO

Done.