I can probably start adding a 'Gamer over' screen now that I have added working death pit falls.
Yep, Gameover Screen is the next logical step. It can also be a hold over for the "End of Stage" Screen too, once you beat a boss. I guess its here we also need to decide if this engine will have passwords or a save system.
Anyway, I was working on the boss doors (They work really excellent, BTW) in Shadow Man stage, and I noticed something really odd in the actual GB game. Not sure if this applies to all the stages, but the stage 'shrinks' by 1 pixel when you get to the final section at the first boss door. I can't explain it otherwise. I ripped the first section of the final stage to get the background behind the doors, then got the second section after the first door, entered the last door before Shadow Man, and the pixels don't match up. It's so weird o_O
That is weird, you'll have to show me sometime soon whats happening. I think the only thing we can do is what we've been doing with the engine as a whole, improving on any original errors or setbacks that were in the original games. (i.e. Crappy Mega Man II platform physics, Air Man cut-off clouds, inconvenient and out of place boss door in MM1 levels, Air Man stage music pitch lowered, size of the slide collision box compared with MMII and MMIII onwards.)
Some more questions about the game.
In the first post you state you want an upgrade system akin to one of Megaman X. Now by I assume you mean just the idea of getting stronger as your progress in general. My question for that is will it all be in the shop or will you also find upgrades throughout stages? Another question (which may seem like another dumb one) will Megaman get any armor upgrades like Megaman X with abilities? If so would you have his appearance in game change to reflect it? I mainly ask because I'm about to start doing the final clean quality pic of Rigel (who I'm still not certain of who she exactly is in story) and I was wondering if you'd need armor designs fo Mega.
Its not entirely clear yet how Mega Man will progress in power. I don't think we'd get the same sense of achievement and satisfaction if his greatest strengths and improvements are purchased at a shop. (Although there can still be room for some small enhancements there.) I think they should be incorporated into the plot, they'll definately be mandatory upgrades that allow you to progress as well, reach new areas that move the story along.
Thats partly why I made this thread too, to get your ideas about what exactly could be done and what should be done. NMario has raised concerns that it could turn out too much like an RPG, with all these upgrades, mazes, puzzles, etc. But I will definately not go overboard, I still want to keep the essence of a Mega Man game in there but with a new added challenge and replayability and longer lasting adventure, particularly for a handheld game.
As for any change in Mega Man's appearance? Thats a toughie. Armour upgrades. This is something I've been pondering. Does our favourite Blue Bomber really have to change who he is in appearance to truly improve himself? Do we dare make any alterations to that classic 8-bit sprite that screams cuteness? The upgrades could just be on the inside and not physically change how his armour looks... But.... I'm not totally against the decision either.
I guess this is the magic of designing. Try anyway, show me some designs and who knows? Maybe you'll sway me and the fans into considering Armour Upgrades to Mega Man's classic space suit. Thats one more thing to consider, another inspiration for this entire game was Mega Man's actual appearance! He always looked like a space ranger of sorts, with his space suit and helmet. Whatever you decide to try and design as an upgrade, try and keep his look as space ranger-ish as possible. One thing that has entered my mind is the image of Mega Man turning into a comet like Duo and able to shoot through space as he does. That could mean at some point a possible armour upgrade could grant him the Duo-like wings he has on his back.
I also wanted to say N-Mario I'm very impressed with the engine work you have done so far and I would like to thank you for all your work you are doing on this fan game! And Star I just want to say thank you for letting me help with what little I can. I really like how this game is moving along and will help with what I can.
Your welcome! The help is truly apreciated. I'm loving your contributions, keep them coming! The sketches are truly inspiring for me also and gives me faith to continue with my project. I knew that by my imagination alone this game could not be achieved. You and everyones help is whats also important to me. Lets truly make this a great team project! Lets do it for Mega Man's 25th Anniversary, show what the fans can trully do! I should thank NMario myself too, without his engine this game would not be possible and things are looking ultra sweet with the engine thusfar. Looks like my fangame is in good hands. A nice template to start from.
I just had an idea, perhaps another silly one. Going off of the idea that Rigel/Duet could be a double agent working secretly to help the good guys, I was thinking. Perhaps at some point Mega gets captured and you play as Rigel who has to break him out thus her finally revealing her agenda and blowing her cover? Like I said it is just an idea. I doubt N-Mario wants to think about programming another character! XDD
I had a similar idea. I think thankfully, due to the structure of how Mega Man games work, we could make tons of last minute alterations to the plot but still continue with the project as a whole without any major changes to graphics, structure and so on, remember throughout this whole thing, its still a Gameboy Mega Man Game. So it'll still have the First 4 Bosses, then some plot change and then the last 4 Bosses, then the final showdown. What goes on inbetween can be changed until we're completely satisfied with the story.
I like your suggestion, we'll see what direction it leads us in. Making Duet playable is... tempting too. Which brings me onto the last question....
Um, Mr. Starsims... After you've finished both Megaman Unlimited and this game, do you have any plans for another project?
I am optimistic about the outcome of this current fangame. I'm very tempted to leave it on a cliffhanger or open-ended for a sequel. The idea of my fangame is to expand the Mega Man Universe and get the fans wanting more from this universe once its over. So depending on how successful this project is... I may infact do a sequel
A sequel that may expand on things that were introduced and add even more new unique features to the Mega Man structure. Perhaps more playable characters with different playstyles, like stealth, melee, etc, something that can push the rules Capcom have laid down in Mega Man's platform physics, to the very limit. Remember, Duo is a member of an intergalactic police force of sorts, you could say a party of galactic space rangers, that would be an awesome concept for a sequel, Mega Man and his team of space rangers, all playable, including Duet. But lets not distract ourselves.. lets focus on this game first