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The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => Fan Stuff => Topic started by: theplottwist on March 07, 2015, 07:30:25 AM

Title: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 07, 2015, 07:30:25 AM
(https://dl.dropbox.com/s/vuxwkjuprvqrq8u/animtest3.gif?dl=0)

NOTE: THIS PROJECT IS NON-PROFIT AND NOT ENDORSED BY KONAMI. ALL CONTENT CREATED SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS FAN PROJECT IS NOT OPEN TO BE USED IN ANY OTHER FAN PROJECT UNLESS THEIR RESPECTIVE CREATORS GIVE YOU PERSONAL PERMISSION AND ARE PROPERLY CREDITED! "CONTENT" IS ARTWORK, MUSIC, VOICE WORK AND (POSSIBLY) PROGRAMMING. "CASTLEVANIA" IS PROPERTY OF KONAMI.

Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow is a fan project focused on developing a platonic interpretation of the Demon Castle War arc by researching, respecting and tying plot points left unresolved by Koji Igarashi's canon and other unresolved details scattered through the entire Castlevania storyline.

The goal of this project is to use 1999 as a stage to present creative solutions to these holes, with big emphasis on "connecting the dots", using all of the official Castlevania lore as the foundation.

This project has no pretention to be an ultimate answer or overwrite anyone's own headcanon, or even 100% accurarely depict canon -- we're only human, with access to limited information. Its only goal is to provide a believable, entertaining interpretation of the Demon Castle War.



Plot Summary:

After centuries of consistent defeat at the hands of vampire hunters, a prophecy foretold the resurrection of Count Dracula in the year of 1999, who will finally plunge the world in terror and agony.

Julius Belmont will reclaim the role of his ancestors, and will be the first Belmont to inherit the sacred Vampire Killer whip after 200 years since it was last wielded by someone of his bloodline.

Along with agents of the Church, Shinto priests and even a military force, Julius will be sent on a mission to thwart the revival of the Dark Lord before the prophecy can become reality. He is also destined to face a rival with ties to his family's past, and whose name arose from ancestral times to take down the Dark Lord by themselves using a special weapon thought to have vanished in the mists of time...



"Is this project still alive?"

Read this post (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php?topic=7852.msg214189#msg214189).

We are currently working on a downsized version of this project, called Seal of the Eclipse. Follow the thread (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php?topic=10015).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 07, 2015, 07:31:33 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FiEp3PXd.png&hash=4544b24807e457fe32a7e04e012fb6a0)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FXLYvoNp.png&hash=658445a1bdeac25fbf379b40bcfe10c2)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FbhQQ8pc.png&hash=e5db0042402fe5b585cc32c17119b899)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfwE6ZFV.png&hash=386a03cada40eb28b23017390b205dc3)

(https://dl.dropbox.com/s/s988y201gjmfoce/heroes.png?dl=0)

Supporting cast:

Jonathan Morris - 73 years old

(click to show/hide)

Eisuke Hakuba (白馬 栄祐) - 54 years old

(click to show/hide)

Father Ermingild: - 40 years old

(click to show/hide)

General Berthold - 45 years old

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 07, 2015, 07:31:52 AM
[RESERVED SPACE]

"There was a timeline here! What happened?"

I removed it since it was causing a bit of confusion. The timeline that was here was not fully corresponding to the one being used on the project, which is updated much more constantly. Some dates were reworked, and also some character backgrounds. Plus, it was spoiling certain stuff. So I decided to remove it.

If you remember something from that timeline and have any questions, message me.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 07, 2015, 07:40:12 AM
Looking at the scope you want if you could make it into a game, looks like that'd require quite the collaborative effort even from the programming side alone for it to be feasible.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 07, 2015, 07:41:33 AM
Looking at the scope you want if you could make it into a game, looks like that'd require quite the collaborative effort even from the programming side alone for it to be feasible.

Precisely why I'm aiming to just tell a story instead of making a game out of it. No one would sacrifice so much time and effort into a fan project, I think (unless they got paid, I guess, but still~). But I'm also inclined to consider something smaller. The requirements I put up there are my TOP requirements, not the smallest ones.

Who knows? I might end up making a classicvania with a bunch of levels just to tell the story :) (modified things up there to fit this).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 07, 2015, 07:55:56 AM
There's also the option of animations, if you want.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 07, 2015, 07:58:40 AM
There's also the option of animations, if you want.

Which I like very much. But I can't exactly do it alone too.

If it where an animation, I'd be able to have even crazier things than programming allows for, but something that I have in mind and I don't leave hand: It must look like a game. The animation would have to feel like someone is playing it (but of course, with all the flourishes that an animation entails) going as far as having HUDs and etc (but without all the complications that a game would require, like a pause menu and equipment screen, for instance.

And this would also be more fitting to the "multiple character" thing I mention on the main post.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 07, 2015, 08:56:17 AM
Sounds super nice. I'd love to see it as a game -- with all the people we have here, I think it's possible.

If you need music for your project (either as a game or for animations), I'd be happy to help. I know you want to use the OST from Pachislot games and The Arcade (very good choice), but as a lover of that idea, I cannot resist to ask. ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 07, 2015, 10:43:43 AM
Quote
Plus, in this game, you'd even get to control the rival during the main story doing his own thing!

This is where I see an issue here. Throughout all the mentioning of the 1999 game in other CV games there was absolutely no mentioning of a rival hunter or rival hunters. There was only Julius, Alucard a few soldiers for military escort and defense, and Yoko Belnades' (Father? Mother?). No offense of course but Julius has no time to be dealing with rivals. He's got a job to do and that's kill Dracula. Besides if the Military knows all all about the history of Dracula and the Belmonts then they won't let a cocksure rival with delusions of grandeur or a personal vendetta (either against Julius or Dracula) enter Castlevania. It would compromise the mission at hand which is something the entire world itself cannot afford.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theANdROId on March 07, 2015, 11:39:15 AM
Perhaps I was mistaken, but I thought that statement implied playing as Dracula.

On the whole it sounds awesome, and I think Chern makes a good point that there might be a decent crowd here to help put stuff together with you.  I wouldn't say I have much to offer, but I'd offer it nonetheless, if for no other reason than to see something awesome come to fruition!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 07, 2015, 03:03:43 PM
This is where I see an issue here. Throughout all the mentioning of the 1999 game in other CV games there was absolutely no mentioning of a rival hunter or rival hunters. There was only Julius, Alucard a few soldiers for military escort and defense, and Yoko Belnades' (Father? Mother?). No offense of course but Julius has no time to be dealing with rivals. He's got a job to do and that's kill Dracula. Besides if the Military knows all all about the history of Dracula and the Belmonts then they won't let a cocksure rival with delusions of grandeur or a personal vendetta (either against Julius or Dracula) enter Castlevania. It would compromise the mission at hand which is something the entire world itself cannot afford.

Nowhere is mentioned a number of things that must've happened in 1999 where we have to fill in, because the event is only spoken in a broader sense, never in detail. If I do not take liberties to create, and keep myself restricted SOLELY to what little information we have, we'll have quite a barebones thing that makes not much effort to explain stuff and provide an entertaining story to read; Something that made me enamored with the series is the "opponent" factor, for instance, introduced by IGA as Richter Belmont to Alucard, that became a thing: Richter to Alucard, Albus to Shanoa, the Candidates and Graham to Soma, the Sisters to Jonathan and Charlotte... There's always that "foe" who's under control by someone, or who's aspiring to reach the same goal as the protagonist. On my case is a rival who wishes to destroy Dracula before Julius does.

There are some details that I can only convey by having this rival be present, and fanfiction will be inevitable. My goal with the fanfiction part (which will be quite big to explain things that have zero clues, like Julius Belmont's origin, for instance) is to make it as plausible as possible by connecting the dots that this story creates. Julius will have quite the convoluted origin, btw.

About the conflict between Julius and this rival, It's not about "having time to deal with a rival", but about the rival entering the scene by himself and forcing Julius to it. This rival plays an important role in the "purpose" thing I proposed above. The rival doesn't carry weight by SIMPLY being a rival for being a rival's sake, but by having a story himself. His goal is NOT to face Julius (he's the "opponent", but he's still a rival. He's there to take Dracula, and not Julius), but facing Julius will become part of the grand-scheme of things and will help me construct the "conflict of purposes" idea I proposed above.

I'll admit that the rival's presence was firstly created to reflect IGA's ideas of the "opponent", but he evolved beyond "existing for IGA's sake" to actually respond a few questions on the plot. There's a lot of ways that a rival could circunvent the military's and the church's defenses. I believe that I managed to create a character that can explain some details, be a rival, and complement the overall plot, without it feeling too implausible.

X, if you want, I can send all the details about who is this rival, and his role. Of course it's spoiler and won't make much sense without context, but I'll provide you as much context as possible, and try to explain how the concept fits in the story.

EDIT: I had the whole thing here, but I decided to remove it as I'm not yet ready to present the idea in such spoileriffic fashion :P

On the whole it sounds awesome, and I think Chern makes a good point that there might be a decent crowd here to help put stuff together with you.  I wouldn't say I have much to offer, but I'd offer it nonetheless, if for no other reason than to see something awesome come to fruition!

It would be very nice to have help, since there's a LOT of talented people over here (including Chernabogue and his music) :D

Anyone can help, but I can't guarantee I'll listen to every single thing or add every single change people want, since this might disrupt the overall "architeture" I'm going for with this. Much of what I've written up there is kinda set in stone because they've become "beams" to support the story. I've been thinking about them for years (really) and imagining how they fit the story and how to make the story interesting. The rival thing above was one such thing. But of course, I'll be accepting all kind of criticism and feedback to improve on the story, and I'll try to be as malleable as possible, but I'll ask people to hold on their horses a little while I lay the main framework for everything, before they start poking holes at it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 07, 2015, 11:04:38 PM
Quote
X, if you want, I can send all the details about who is this rival, and his role. Of course it's spoiler and won't make much sense without context, but I'll provide you as much context as possible, and try to explain how the concept fits in the story.

You don't have to go that far. I was just thinking a few seconds ago there are ways to have a rival around without anyone knowing. You might have already considered this, however there could be a hunter and/or several other hunters whom fell under Dracula's subtle influences before the war broke out (hence the military not knowing about them), and have been acting as Dracula's top commanders (or something along those lines). This would force Julius to face these rivals as well as progress the story.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 08, 2015, 12:13:53 AM
You don't have to go that far. I was just thinking a few seconds ago there are ways to have a rival around without anyone knowing. You might have already considered this, however there could be a hunter and/or several other hunters whom fell under Dracula's subtle influences before the war broke out (hence the military not knowing about them), and have been acting as Dracula's top commanders (or something along those lines). This would force Julius to face these rivals as well as progress the story.
Plus when you have supernatural creatures such as Alucard or the Lecarde sisters, I'm pretty sure the military wouldn't notice them infiltrating the castle behind their backs ^^
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 08, 2015, 11:25:06 AM
Quote
Plus when you have supernatural creatures such as Alucard or the Lecarde sisters, I'm pretty sure the military wouldn't notice them infiltrating the castle behind their backs ^^

I doubt they would need to infiltrate Castlevania without the military knowing considering that Alucard is probably in command of said military or at least holding a rank high enough to allow him leeway. The reason why the DCW was so big a thing as it is, is because the world by now knows about the truth behind Dracula, Castlevania, the Belmont family and so-on. The military would cooperate with those fighting along-side Julius Belmont as they know that it is only he who can slay Dracula and end the war, but he would need assistance from other power users to aid him. We also have to remember that this is in the year 1999. We can't think of it as the Victorian era anymore. It's a modern world, with a modern military force as well as digitally advanced modern telecommunication systems interconnected via satellites and land lines. And not only would the military prevent the undead and demonic hords from leaving the set perimeter surrounding Castlevania as instructed to, they would also be preventing anyone from entering the perimeter. If someone manages to get past the perimeter the military would call it in and have a unit dispatched to pick them up and drag them back out; peacefully or otherwise. You can't outrun a Motorola, lol. All this must be taken into account when writing a story set in the modern world.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 08, 2015, 02:33:37 PM
And not only would the military prevent the undead and demonic hords from leaving the set perimeter surrounding Castlevania as instructed to, they would also be preventing anyone from entering the perimeter. If someone manages to get past the perimeter the military would call it in and have a unit dispatched to pick them up and drag them back out; peacefully or otherwise. You can't outrun a Motorola, lol. All this must be taken into account when writing a story set in the modern world.

This.

When writting the story, I told some people about one of the details. This was a main one: There's a perimeter formed around the Castle, with creatures trying to leak into the world at all costs. The military here has two purposes: Reconaissance and protection. They dispatch a special force inside the castle tasked with cleaning the way for Julius Belmont to reach Dracula faster, and the majority, along with the church, keep a perimeter outside facing the creatures that try to leave. Right outside the castle, also, there is a team formed by sorcerers that need to be as close to Dracula and the eclipse as possible, and they too must be protected by the military.

The military is equipped with special weapons (silver guns and rifles, for instance) and a special, experimental weapon to deal with monsters, since ordinary arms do not work against them. I'm using this to explain how some of these weapons are found inside the castle by Some Cruz in 2035, too.

People seem to think that just because there's "war" in the name of the event, it was really a fullscale war with monsters attacking the city and wreacking havok the such. I don't think that way, specially because these people have prepared a LOT to contain Dracula's forces before he appeared, and formed a perimeter around it to not let any information leak. The word "war" here is used loosely, I think, because of the number of people involved, and the military's presence.

One more detail: I'm planning to also show why the castle can't be attacked with missiles or bombs, or cannot have an helicopter simply fly Julius to the throne room through the outside :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theANdROId on March 08, 2015, 08:24:06 PM
The whole thing just sounds incredible so far!  Looking forward to hearing more!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on March 09, 2015, 01:58:20 PM
I... I can make it a game for you that'll fail within the first month
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 09, 2015, 03:36:43 PM
I... I can make it a game for you that'll fail within the first month

Care to elaborate?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on March 09, 2015, 08:18:46 PM
I've been learning Unity 2d for the past few months, and I've gotten pretty good at platforming physics. I'm planning on making a Raiden type shmup called Space: Pew Pew.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 09, 2015, 10:42:26 PM
Quote
Space: Pew Pew.

LOL! Now there's a title that says what the game's about.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 10, 2015, 01:03:40 AM
I've been learning Unity 2d for the past few months, and I've gotten pretty good at platforming physics. I'm planning on making a Raiden type shmup called Space: Pew Pew.

Well, who knows? If someone (including you) wished to try his hand at creating a game from what I'm doing, I'll gladly work with them (slowly, but surely). Also, I've expressed my preferences on the first post, but I'd be happy to work on something much more simple than a metroidvania. (Simple doesn't mean "bad", mind you!)

Also, dudes, I added some character information to my first post. It includes info for the main protagonists and some of the supporting cast, which two of them are original characters. I'll remind you, once again, that it might be changed as I write the story. I'll also say that many facts were omitted so to not spoil the whole thing before I have laid the complete framework of "factoids" to consider before reading the story.

I'll add cute little sprites to each of them in time ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 10, 2015, 01:12:15 AM
Hehe, I'm still holding to that idea that CVD people could make a cool game together. ^^

Very nice descriptions to characters. Your ideas are actually very close to what I expected the 1999 cast to be. Is the Hakuba priest Mina's father or grandfather? He seems to be a little old to be her father though.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 10, 2015, 01:19:42 AM
Hehe, I'm still holding to that idea that CVD people could make a cool game together. ^^

Very nice descriptions to characters. Your ideas are actually very close to what I expected the 1999 cast to be. Is the Hakuba priest Mina's father or grandfather? He seems to be a little old to be her father though.

The CV fanbase actually "developed its own canon", and that's for you to see that IGA left MANY clues about the event (and how people over here can really think outside the box).

What I'm posting here actually existed in my head (in a simpler form, of course) before I even started coming to the forums or visiting the wiki. I was surprised to know that many of the things I imagined (which I fancied myself so smart for "discovering alone") were already "discovered". Most of these things are actually very easy to figure out, as the people over here have proved time and time again. Others are quite complicated to make out, and again people over here have done it.

I've spent countless hours reading posts on this forum from waaaaaay back, and reading and re-reading the game scripts over and over to see if certain things actually made sense. I wanted to start this before on this Dungeon, but I was very inseccure. People here, even though thinking alike in a broader sense about the DCW, in the details they have sometimes WILDLY different perspectives. I felt that I would be swallowed whole for being a "castlevania scrub, shoo shoo!". But I grew to feel that this is a warm community.

I actually gave the characters quite a broad description before I start twisting the whole thing with my own logic here and there :p

The Hakuba Priest is her grandfather. I did a little research and found out that you have to be quite a respected priest to be able to conduct big ceremonies, and for one to earn such respect in Japan, it takes time. Thus I surmise that the priest would need to be quite old, and therefore, not Mina's father. If I'm not mistaken, the proper name for a ceremony-conducting priest is "Kannushi". Something like an experienced medium that can form contact with deities (which is, on this eclipse's case, Amaterasu)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 10, 2015, 02:08:51 AM
Well, that's a great thing you decided to show all the ideas you have in your head. I'm very impatient to see how things will develop. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 10, 2015, 10:13:54 AM
It's true that we all have a general idea of the DCW and that each of us has our of personal views about it at the same time. Take my idea for instance; I had always imagined that the start of the DCW game would be fast-paced with quite a bit of action going on. Numerous amounts of soldiers and monsters fighting it out, not just in the foreground but also in the background as well. Kinda like the first stage in Contra III where all hell is breaking lose and you have aircraft coming in and bombing the hell out of the place. And the gameplay would be in a classicvania style as that allows for a more fast-paced play-through. But once you get into Casltevania itself things slow down as the war itself is not present in the castle. And you'd have the Metroidvania segment take place here as well as that seems to be the best format for a deep, yet steadily progressing story.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 10, 2015, 01:42:34 PM
It's true that we all have a general idea of the DCW and that each of us has our of personal views about it at the same time. Take my idea for instance; I had always imagined that the start of the DCW game would be fast-paced with quite a bit of action going on. Numerous amounts of soldiers and monsters fighting it out, not just in the foreground but also in the background as well. Kinda like the first stage in Contra III where all hell is breaking lose and you have aircraft coming in and bombing the hell out of the place. And the gameplay would be in a classicvania style as that allows for a more fast-paced play-through. But once you get into Casltevania itself things slow down as the war itself is not present in the castle. And you'd have the Metroidvania segment take place here as well as that seems to be the best format for a deep, yet steadily progressing story.

Your idea is... SCARILY similar to mine, which I have discussed with Donoffrio a long time ago.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 10, 2015, 04:37:03 PM
Quote
Your idea is... SCARILY similar to mine, which I have discussed with Donoffrio a long time ago.

LOL! In my defense I've not heard your conversation between you and him. It's just how I've always imagined it  :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 12, 2015, 02:23:26 AM
Added character sprites to the protagonist's descriptionsand moved them to the second post for the sake of tidyness. The black background ruins the pose for some of them (like Julius) and these are conceptual sprites anyway. I'll be improving them, but for now that's it :)

Added one more credit, to Donoffrio.

You'll notice Alucard's drastic change from his classic or Genya look: This is because he can't use his classic armor, and can't be Genya yet, as he only turns into Genya Arikado AFTER 1999, when he joins the japanese national security agency to keep an eye on Japan. However, he already does use his Genya black hair.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 12, 2015, 03:02:49 AM
As always, very nice sprite work!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 12, 2015, 03:29:20 AM
Quick, declare them closed source before someone swoops in and steals themuses them without permission! :V

Also, feel free to not answer if this is too spoileriffic, but is ???? from a known bloodline?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 12, 2015, 03:35:17 AM
Quick, declare them closed source before someone swoops in and steals themuses them without permission! :V

Also, feel free to not answer if this is too spoileriffic, but is ???? from a known bloodline?

Proper investigation can wield the answer ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 12, 2015, 07:48:57 AM
Quick, declare them closed source before someone swoops in and steals themuses them without permission! :V

Also, feel free to not answer if this is too spoileriffic, but is ???? from a known bloodline?

I would water mark them as well for the previews. (Can't hurt.)

They all look great! The unknown sprite looks like he could be from the Danasty bloodline...hmmm
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on March 12, 2015, 02:53:45 PM
Oh god what's you do to my Alucard he needs armor not red but silver

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 12, 2015, 03:36:30 PM
I would water mark them as well for the previews. (Can't hurt.)

They all look great! The unknown sprite looks like he could be from the Danasty bloodline...hmmm

I marked on the post that they're not up for grabs, but I might heed your words.

Now, Danasty? Aren't the Danastys gone? I mean, we haven't heard of them in centuries. It's little probable, don't you think?


Oh god what's you do to my Alucard he needs armor not red but silver

He's not wearing any armor :p
It's a purple-ish noble clothing with a black vest and boots.

Of course it's unrealistic, it's Castlevania. They must look beautiful and classy BEFORE looking pratical xD

If I were to follow most people's demands on what the characters should look like, Julius would look exactly like old Julius and Alucard would be exactly like SotN's.

There is a story reason for why Alucard can't use his armor nor his white hair here. I had to find another cool clothing for him :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: KaZudra on March 12, 2015, 04:22:21 PM
Alucard should rock a Keanu Reeves Constantine look with the same palette, at least that's how I would imagine how he would look like in 1999 (since the whole Genya thing)
The Noble suit doesn't look bad at all, but reminds me alot of the Red Death scene from phantom of the Opera for some reason.
Lon Chaney Sr. Lost Clips 9 - (Masque of The Red Death) Color Sequence "Phantom of The Opera" (1925) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPr8ojt9qr4#)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 12, 2015, 04:26:37 PM
I marked on the post that they're not up for grabs, but I might heed your words.

Now, Danasty? Aren't the Danastys gone? I mean, we haven't heard of them in centuries. It's little probable, don't you think?


He's not wearing any armor :p
It's a purple-ish noble clothing with a black vest and boots.

Of course it's unrealistic, it's Castlevania. They must look beautiful and classy BEFORE looking pratical xD

If I were to follow most people's demands on what the characters should look like, Julius would look exactly like old Julius and Alucard would be exactly like SotN's.

There is a story reason for why Alucard can't use his armor nor his white hair here. I had to find another cool clothing for him :)
By the way, this is a fan-game W.I.P. right?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 12, 2015, 05:00:36 PM
By the way, this is a fan-game W.I.P. right?

Not exactly, because I do not know how to program. Without a programmer, a game is never coming out from this. So I'm focusing on writting the story.

I *already* have the entire framework for the story to work in a game format, but I need a programmer to do it. The nearest I can think of is ProjectDread's Dominus Engine to create Order of Ecclesia fangames, but since I do not know the specifics behind it, nor if he'd allow for it, it's hard for me to point out.

So it's a story WIP, instead of a fangame WIP.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 12, 2015, 08:34:45 PM
Not exactly, because I do not know how to program. Without a programmer, a game is never coming out from this. So I'm focusing on writting the story.

I *already* have the entire framework for the story to work in a game format, but I need a programmer to do it. The nearest I can think of is ProjectDread's Dominus Engine to create Order of Ecclesia fangames, but since I do not know the specifics behind it, nor if he'd allow for it, it's hard for me to point out.

So it's a story WIP, instead of a fangame WIP.

Why don't you just ask ProjectDread?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 12, 2015, 08:51:01 PM
Why don't you just ask ProjectDread?

Because apparently the engine is meant for his fangame and he's still building it. I don't want to come off as a jackass wanting to twist his project towards my wishes. For now I think it's best if I find someone willing to take on THIS project.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 13, 2015, 12:19:40 AM
Because apparently the engine is meant for his fangame and he's still building it. I don't want to come off as a jackass wanting to twist his project towards my wishes. For now I think it's best if I find someone willing to take on THIS project.
Not to take on, but you can find people willing to participate, especially developers. You already have a strong team of story writers/translators and a composer ^^
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 13, 2015, 02:37:39 AM
Not to take on, but you can find people willing to participate, especially developers. You already have a strong team of story writers/translators...

Well, to be fair, I don't think these translators have the time to spend translating the hundreds of lines of text this project will produce in japanese EVEN THOUGH their help was incredible. Koutei and Nagumo have helped me unwittingly by posting their knowledge online, but they also have helped me when I nagged them :P

Shiroi has pulled three or four tricks that, to be honest, were quite a feat and I though she'd have no time for that too. She named the game but did some things more that were very useful to me.

The problem here is that (I hope) the project will grow much yet. But time will tell.

Quote
...and a composer ^^

And then there's that. An awesome composer, not just "composer".

Since the cat's out the bag already, I have updated the first post to contain this composer's name, and his tracks :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 13, 2015, 04:04:45 AM
Since the cat's out the bag already, I have updated the first post to contain this composer's name, and his tracks :D
Epic shit right there. Don't wanna declare those closed source too? You might want to just put up a notice up top that all the contents of this project are not to be used without permission, to cover any new kinds of contribution or content.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 13, 2015, 04:19:21 AM
Epic shit right there. Don't wanna declare those closed source too? You might want to just put up a notice up top that all the contents of this project are not to be used without permission, to cover any new kinds of contribution or content.

You'd not believe how these tracks are fitting. I'm pitting these tracks against other tracks that will come before and after it, and that come from The Arcade, and the transition is seamless!

Annnnnnd done marking the content!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 13, 2015, 10:27:19 AM
Alucard should rock a Keanu Reeves Constantine look with the same palette, at least that's how I would imagine how he would look like in 1999 (since the whole Genya thing)
The Noble suit doesn't look bad at all, but reminds me alot of the Red Death scene from phantom of the Opera for some reason.
Lon Chaney Sr. Lost Clips 9 - (Masque of The Red Death) Color Sequence "Phantom of The Opera" (1925) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPr8ojt9qr4#)

Well they are base sprites anyway, so I'm still playing a bit with them. Changed Alucard to the alternate outfit I had for him. Still black hair, but more vampire-ish now.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 13, 2015, 11:20:57 AM
Added one more soundtrack by Chernabogue.

I'm telling you: this dude can read minds, and his tracks get the job done beyond measure.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 13, 2015, 02:15:56 PM
You should go ahead and sprites some maps for this basically treating this as a fan-game even though no actual programming has taken place yet.

That would be a good start.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 13, 2015, 08:24:57 PM
*coughs inconspicuously*

Just imagine. This becomes a game and we already know it'd be stellar.

Talk about one-upping Ericard in the best possible way.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 13, 2015, 09:11:36 PM
You should go ahead and sprites some maps for this basically treating this as a fan-game even though no actual programming has taken place yet.

That would be a good start.

The main narrative and feel was entirely designed with a game in mind, and how these things would work as a game. What I'm doing now is the Plan B. I'm rewritting everything in story format and adjusting all problems.

*coughs inconspicuously*

Just imagine. This becomes a game and we already know it'd be stellar.

Talk about one-upping Ericard in the best possible way.

I'm dying to fill you guys in many details, but I can't. You must know how incredibly frustrating it is to have an idea on your mind and not be able to transfer the "scenes" you envision into other people's heads.

If I get to make this into a full-fledged game, the best team I could ask for can only be found here.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 13, 2015, 10:09:53 PM
1. Find the correct CVD team
2. Create a small demo
3. Contact Konami and Kickstart the project
4. Create the game
5. ??
6. Profit

 ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on March 14, 2015, 07:45:19 AM
1. Find the correct CVD team
2. Create a small demo
3. Contact Konami and Kickstart the project
4. Create the game
5. ??
6. Profit

 ;D


Konami would probably shut it down, but it is weird how they will leave some projects alone and issue cease and desist orders for others. Kickstarter would most likely shut it down as it would be a copyright concern. Though, you never know. Capcom DID publish the fan made SF X MegaMan game.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 14, 2015, 09:45:04 AM
Quote
Capcom DID publish the fan made SF X MegaMan game

The game I'm still unable to play on my machine, lol.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 14, 2015, 10:33:00 AM
1. Find the correct CVD team
2. Create a small demo
3. Contact Konami and Kickstart the project
4. Create the game
5. ??
6. Profit

 ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 14, 2015, 10:49:23 AM
Capcom's much better at being cool to their fans than Konami.

>inb4 but what about legends 3 that means they hate us raaaaaaaaaaaaage
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 14, 2015, 11:18:23 AM
Capcom's much better at being cool to their fans than Konami.

>inb4 but what about legends 3 that means they hate us raaaaaaaaaaaaage

Let's not forget what they also did to Dante and Vergil for DMC. Yes, Capcom hates it's loyalists. They are too concerned with putting out whatever iteration of Street Fighter they are on or capitalizing on the mediocre success of the Resident Evil Movie franchise by releasing sub-par titles since Resident Evil 2.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 14, 2015, 06:43:11 PM

Konami would probably shut it down, but it is weird how they will leave some projects alone and issue cease and desist orders for others. Kickstarter would most likely shut it down as it would be a copyright concern. Though, you never know. Capcom DID publish the fan made SF X MegaMan game.

That's also what I think.

Even though I never saw Konami have an issue with a Castlevania project, I also think that they would never endorse it in any way. Would never publish or even recognize its existence. I have zero hopes for this even reaching Konami's ears.

Anyway, about the project itself: Right now, I'm building a timeline to make it easier for everyone to see where I'm going with the story. This timeline will show what interesting bits I'm taking out of the games/official media themselves to build the story of 1999, and I'm also adding things I have created/interpreted to fill in the holes of the plots. Soon I'll post it over here so you people can scrutinize and tell your minds about it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 14, 2015, 07:34:38 PM
Every RE movie sucked, let's not be generous.

It's very easy to blame the corporation as a whole, isn't it? Because, after all, the execs are the ones responsible for writing and designing DmC and every Capcom employee wakes up in the morning asking themselves how to best shaft their fanbase that day.

Oh, but let's not forget the time Capcom took a fan project and made it official. Street Fighter X Megaman isn't a solid and popular title, after all. Or the time they'd given their blessings to ACE_Spark for his Christmas Carol games. Or the time ACE and I made a PSA about three music labels working under Capcom illegally overstepping their bounds and issuing takedowns of Megaman content on Youtube, showed it to and got others to bring it to Capcom's attention, and appear to have gotten the labels to stop (flagged videos losing their flag status and becoming public again were mentioned many times). Or how they totally issue C&Ds on fan projects using their content like Square-Enix does. Boy, it sure is a good thing that piece of garbage Chrono Trigger: Resurrection got shut down, right? Who knows what would have happened if that trash got finished, right?

But as we all know, it doesn't matter whether or not you support your fans' endeavors if you don't cater to every single whim they have. If you don't give them exactly what they want exactly when they want it, take no risks whatsoever with reboots or reinventions out of fear of fan aggravation, and pay no heed whatsoever to economic conditions and the financial feasibility of what you put out, then you're a shit company who hates its fanbase, right?

Oh. Wait.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on March 14, 2015, 08:03:20 PM
Even though I never saw Konami have an issue with a Castlevania project

Shortly after I stopped working Cv Bloodletting Konami issued a cease and desist order. I had lost my files in a hard drive crash, and they didnt act terribly fast, but they issued the order nonetheless.

I always wondered if it was just because the name was based on one of their official titles.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 14, 2015, 08:17:51 PM
Shortly after I stopped working Cv Bloodletting Konami issued a cease and desist order. I had lost my files in a hard drive crash, and they didnt act terribly fast, but they issued the order nonetheless.

I always wondered if it was just because the name was based on one of their official titles.

That's... Useful to know... And kinda sad too. I wonder how far can I go with this before they kick the crap out of me :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 14, 2015, 08:28:12 PM
Every RE movie sucked, let's not be generous.

It's very easy to blame the corporation as a whole, isn't it? Because, after all, the execs are the ones responsible for writing and designing DmC and every Capcom employee wakes up in the morning asking themselves how to best shaft their fanbase that day.

Oh, but let's not forget the time Capcom took a fan project and made it official. Street Fighter X Megaman isn't a solid and popular title, after all. Or the time they'd given their blessings to ACE_Spark for his Christmas Carol games. Or the time ACE and I made a PSA about three music labels working under Capcom illegally overstepping their bounds and issuing takedowns of Megaman content on Youtube, showed it to and got others to bring it to Capcom's attention, and appear to have gotten the labels to stop (flagged videos losing their flag status and becoming public again were mentioned many times). Or how they totally issue C&Ds on fan projects using their content like Square-Enix does. Boy, it sure is a good thing that piece of garbage Chrono Trigger: Resurrection got shut down, right? Who knows what would have happened if that trash got finished, right?

But as we all know, it doesn't matter whether or not you support your fans' endeavors if you don't cater to every single whim they have. If you don't give them exactly what they want exactly when they want it, take no risks whatsoever with reboots or reinventions out of fear of fan aggravation, and pay no heed whatsoever to economic conditions and the financial feasibility of what you put out, then you're a shit company who hates its fanbase, right?

Oh. Wait.

I actually enjoyed the Resident Evil Apocalypse.

And of course the execs aren't the ones directly writing or directing any of the Capcom titles, but they sure are the ones issuing the orders from down top on these million dollar money making ideas that in reality are a crapfest and stiffing creativity as a whole.

And about reboots and reinventions let's not talk about Lords of Shadow shall we?

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on March 14, 2015, 08:30:33 PM
It took them about 2 years to issue the order for me. I guess it just depends on how far your project reaches the internet. I released 3 betas, and that's when it happened. I would say if you wish to pursue a game, don't get too giving with the downloadables until you are ready to distribute and they'll probably leave you alone.

It's a fine line to walk. They may leave you alone entirely. But based upon your sprites and their high quality, I'm sure the game would rival official material quality. I don't want to sound discouraging because I would love to see more of your work in action.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 14, 2015, 11:43:47 PM
Naw, let's. What's everyone's main issue with Lords? It uses the CV name and doesn't entirely fit the bill. Lords by itself is a good game. You're forgetting I'm one of the few here who actually very much enjoys Lords.

It's perfectly fine to have issue with what a company releases, but demonizing them for it isn't fair. You cannot treat hundreds of employees like conniving bastards because you didn't get your way. See previous comment about employees totally waking up wondering how to piss the fans off that day.

Yeah, the execs do make the major decisions. They make decisions like, "hey, let's make a Castlevania reboot!" and then hand it off to the studios, with progress checks being a given. By your logic, we should be blaming Satoshi Sakamoto for the flaws in Lords of Shadow, and let Alvarez off the hook.

Because, after all, the execs are the one who make all those decisions, right?

But I'll use Capcom examples for accuracy.

Why are they milking Street Fighter and various other fighters for everything they're worth? Simple, they know people will buy for the name alone, and it doesn't take much extra work when you have so many engines already good to go. It's a safe path to take, even though it is one of staleness and blandness. But it's certainly not out of hostility towards the fanbase. Do you seriously believe the guys in charge have the time to sit around a table in a dark room plotting and scheming the downfall of their fans? Be realistic. Only the Koch brothers and Dick Cheney do that.

There's also various extenuating circumstances and outside influences to consider. There was the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan back in 2011, which cannot have helped Capcom or their marketing and sales quota, to say nothing of employees who likely suffered varying degrees of misfortune from the disasters.

Am I saying what they're doing is sensible? No, but it's certainly nothing to condemn hundreds and thousands of employees worldwide over. I'm pretty sure the sales rep accountants and janitors don't give a shit, but they're included in your generalized bashing of the company at large (PUT THE LIST DOWN ARYA STARK). Obviously it would be great if they (meaning any gaming corporation who does this sort of thing, not just Capcom) banded together, bided their time, and made an outstanding project and drew the fanbase all back together again.

But that's unrealistic, because economic and social factors dictate a lot of this shit, and the fanbases never agree on fucking anything because everyone's right and everyone else is wrong. The companies are not at our beck and call, nice though that may be. They release, we buy, and unless a game completely fucking bombs and loses them a good chunk of money, they're gonna keep doing what they're doing.

Why? Because it's safe and low-cost to do. A lot of the shit the fanbases foam at the mouths over are labor-intensive as hell, and clearly the overarching companies don't feel the risk is worth it. It isn't like any of us can change their minds (because after all, it's not like we're total experts on the market, more so from their perspective, so why the hell we act like it is beyond me).

And I've disliked every Resident Evil movie. Even the first one, Milia Jovovich bath scene notwithstanding. ;)
The films spend way too much damn time cataloging the goddamn T-Virus and barely focus on anything else. I'd like to see a movie about RE4. Or an RE2 adaptation. Or an "Ada wrecking everyone else's shit as usual" film. Or anything that's not Milia and fucking Wesker that ends in yet another stalemate cliffhanger that obviously leads into another subpar sequel.

The movies don't even try and hit the horror note anymore, and IMO haven't done it well since the very first one (though to me, the horror elements of the first RE movie are more body-horror and medical-horror than the survival-horror and slower pacing seen throughout the games). They found out that HEY LET'S MAKE THIS JUST ANOTHER GENERIC ACTION SERIES WITH ZOMBIES AND HOT CHICKS sells better for exactly those reasons, and anyone who hasn't played the games won't know any better as far as how vastly different the two are goes. Not my cup of tea. My problem with the RE movies is the exact same problem people have with LoS; it uses an established name and, in my opinion, utterly fails to live up to that name's standard. Only difference, Lords (the first one at least) was actually pretty good on its own, where I still think the RE movies are shit.

But I played the games long before I saw the movies, and I'm a very avid supporter of good horror pacing and atmosphere, so I'm admittedly more than a little biased against the action flicks pretending to be horror flicks.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 15, 2015, 01:18:40 AM
Quote
That's... Useful to know... And kinda sad too. I wonder how far can I go with this before they kick the crap out of me :P

By Keeping it under the radar as much as possible you might be good for a while. However calling it Umbra of Sorrow just might get Konami's attention since the name itself implies a prequel to IGA's Sorrow games. But that's if and when they should see it. I wouldn't bother with releasing a beta, and if you decide to, make sure that it's only to a select few and through direct e-mail rather then on the forum. However that's if you decide on actually making the game and not just handing out a written story. No doubt the maker of 'Tears of Pain' will probable face a similar issue if and when Konami finds out. However whether or not they act upon it is all guesswork right now.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 15, 2015, 01:30:41 AM
If I can add my 2 cents to the discussion, and without derailing too much plot's thread, I think using more original material may help keeping safe from Konami. I mean, most, if not all, projects out here use sprites (Simon, Richter, Alucard for most of them -- or work on those sprites for small adaptations), tiles, and music from the CV games: with totally new sprites, tiles, and music, I think it'd be more easy to project such a project.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 15, 2015, 01:34:42 AM
A couple cents to that couple cents: Original materials are why doujin works can be a thing in Japan.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 03:21:49 AM
If worse came to worse, you could always just alter the copyrighted names slightly. Julius Belmont could become Julius Belmond, Dynasty becomes Dinasty, Belnades becomes Belenads, etc. etc.

Rosario + Vampire got away with a very blatant Castlevania reference with a whip named Belmond, so we know it works.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 03:37:42 AM
HEY GUYS!

You know what would be a better plan than  keeping your game hidden to avoid repercussions from Konami...

make it original.

Don't make a Castlevania game. Make your own original game inspired by it.

It's a no-brainer really, you have two choices:
1) Put in loads of hard work to make a game that uses somebody else's IP without their permission and try and keep it as low key as possible so you don't get given a cease and desist-  It IS their IP, You'd do the same afterall.

OR

2) Make your own original game in the spirit of Castlevania that belongs to YOU. If you make your own game you don't have to hide it and you can have the open support of Castlevania fans who are interested in a game that follows in the same spirit.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 03:55:45 AM
Then it's not the DCW, which is kind of the point.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 15, 2015, 04:16:21 AM
HEY GUYS!

You know what would be a better plan than  keeping your game hidden to avoid repercussions from Konami...

make it original.

Don't make a Castlevania game. Make your own original game inspired by it.

It's a no-brainer really, you have two choices:
1) Put in loads of hard work to make a game that uses somebody else's IP without their permission and try and keep it as low key as possible so you don't get given a cease and desist-  It IS their IP, You'd do the same afterall.

OR

2) Make your own original game in the spirit of Castlevania that belongs to YOU. If you make your own game you don't have to hide it and you can have the open support of Castlevania fans who are interested in a game that follows in the same spirit.

The whole point in making a Castlevania fan-game is exactly because I want to make a game that is a Castlevania.

It's not lack of originality, nor lack of imagination, as this opinion seems to imply. I have developed video games before, and I work in creating graphics and stories for other video games. None is Castlevania, which is why this is being made (and it's not even a game yet and there's little to no guarantee that this will be the case). If Konami ever lets I get my grubby hands on the franchise, you can be sure as all fucks in the universe that this is what I'm going to do. But this isn't the case now, and the chances are slim to inexistent.

What you just said is not a "better plan". It's something I do everyday (planning new games, I mean), and that crossed my head one billion times. It feels like a good idea, but it comes from the false premise that "this dude only wants to make a cool game". You're kinda placing yourself on the position of "I know better".

No, the premise is that I want to make a Castlevania (story/game/art/whatever), and not "a game that looks like Castlevania". Yes, I know the chances are very high that this is shot down if success is achieved. But I'm willing to take my chances. And as Vlad and Dracula9 put, I can always reuse the assets in something original.

I hope I'm not coming off as a jerkass. I'm sorry if this is what it looks like. I have heard this so much in my life that it kinda gets under my skin, and I had to express myself towards this instance of "Why not make something original?". This kind of a off-putting instance, y'know? Making an original game is a good idea in itself, but it misses the point entirely. And when I'm told "Why don't you make an original game?" I ask myself "Why hasn't this dude considered that I have thought of that?". This is like, the first thought that crosses the mind of someone who wants to make a game.

But, Dracula9 did put it better than me blowing steam:
Then it's not the DCW, which is kind of the point.

Dudes, keep on putting your cents in this.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 04:36:57 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mikebechtle.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2FPile-of-pennies.jpg&hash=7d1e8bb4c7420459db58992c60d329cf)

 :rollseyes:

But yeah, Aelfwine, that did come off rather condescending. Plot's not a fool, any game dev worth their salt - or any artist, for that matter - always considers the possibility of alterations for complete originality, and it's rather insulting to even insinuate otherwise.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 04:46:38 AM
any game dev worth their salt - or any artist, for that matter - always considers the possibility of alterations for complete originality, and it's rather insulting to even insinuate otherwise.

What rubbish!

Any game developer " worth their salt "  is going to make their own game!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 15, 2015, 04:58:38 AM
What rubbish!

Any game developer " worth their salt "  is going to make their own game!

What makes you think I don't have my own game? I work with this for a living, y'know.

I do have my own "Castlevania-tribute-thingie-that-looks-a-lot-but-is-not-castlevania" going. I will speak about it on this Dungeon someday too :) Thing is: It is not a Castlevania. Even though I love it, I also love Castlevania and want to create something worth its name, even though its fanmade. Piscesdreams and Dracula9 must know exactly what I mean.

You can dismiss my response you were being facetious here, but yeah.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 05:08:03 AM
Clearly the concept of artistic liberty and how the artistic mind works is beyond your grasp.

More frustrating than that, you seem to have the notion that it's your job to dictate these things. It's not. You don't get to have that power, nobody does. Artists do what they feel compelled to do, and for you to actually suggest they're somehow lesser beings or artists for not doing things your way is beyond arrogant.

So, what you're basically saying is, every sequel in every video game series past the first iteration doesn't mean anything, since they're not 100% original.

And you're calling things rubbish?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 05:14:54 AM
My response to Dracula9 wasn't meant as a personal  attack on you thePlottwist.

Please understand, I am not trying to say that you aren't capable of making original games. I am trying to tell you that the idea of making a fan game is bad. I view making an original game as a better plan because it means you will have ownership of the game. You don't have to worry about getting a cease and desist and you could even kickstart your project.  Realistically you cannot expect to use somebody else's IP without their permission.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 15, 2015, 05:37:02 AM
You're really missing the point here, Plot's doing this because he wants to do it, "this" being specifically telling his own version of what happened in 1999 in the IGA timeline. Fans do fan projects just to express their love for the franchise they're a fan of, simple as that.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 06:11:08 AM
You're really missing the point here, Plot's doing this because he wants to do it, "this" being specifically telling his own version of what happened in 1999 in the IGA timeline. Fans do fan projects just to express their love for the franchise they're a fan of, simple as that.

I understand and I'm offering my opinion that it's a bad idea to make fan games.
All the talk of keeping things under the radar  and only releasing it to a small few seems like a poor choice compared to the freedom afforded by making a game that isn't a fan game. An inspired game could draw on the support of a larger audience of people rather than hiding it under a coat and flashing it to a carefully picked few.

But that's just my opinion.


 
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on March 15, 2015, 07:08:39 AM
I left for a week and got back to this!
Awesome job theplottwist.
I'm so excited for this.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on March 15, 2015, 07:42:39 AM
For the sake of argument, I have never understood why fan games are so damning. If they are kept as not for profit, then its just like a super mega fan art. Which no company says "dont draw our characters".

But Chernabogue has a very excellent point. If it is mostly original assets, they may leave you alone.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 10:11:12 AM
My response to Dracula9 wasn't meant as a personal  attack on you thePlottwist.

Please understand, I am not trying to say that you aren't capable of making original games. I am trying to tell you that the idea of making a fan game is bad. I view making an original game as a better plan because it means you will have ownership of the game. You don't have to worry about getting a cease and desist and you could even kickstart your project.  Realistically you cannot expect to use somebody else's IP without their permission.

It's not always about ownership or money or kickstarters, you know. Some things are a labor of love.

Your original post calling your logic a "no-brainer," that your suggestion is "better" and that he shouldn't "make a Castlevania game" sure do come off as a personal attack. This is to say nothing of the heavily sarcastic tone used when you said
Quote
Put in loads of hard work to make a game that uses somebody else's IP without their permission and try and keep it as low key as possible so you don't get given a cease and desist-  It IS their IP, You'd do the same afterall.

and then shifted into a more respectful tone with
Quote
Make your own original game in the spirit of Castlevania that belongs to YOU. If you make your own game you don't have to hide it and you can have the open support of Castlevania fans who are interested in a game that follows in the same spirit.

So that entire post, whether intentional or not, does a pretty good job at tearing down plot's way of doing things while elevating your own as if they're superior.


A general rule of thumb, if you have to end anything you say with "but that's just my opinion" and mean it seriously, more often than not you're acting like a douchebag. We KNOW it's your opinion, but finding new ways to say "your game is bad because it's not original because I say so and the legal hoops to jump through are obviously so much worse than filing copyright and IP claim rights your original stuff" isn't gonna change anything.

You've said your peace and plot immediately shot it down. Obviously you're not changing his mind, so while you're more than free to disagree with his methods, pushing the envelope isn't necessary and honestly is a waste of time.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 15, 2015, 10:58:01 AM
Quote
All the talk of keeping things under the radar  and only releasing it to a small few seems like a poor choice compared to the freedom afforded by making a game that isn't a fan game.

No, there's a very good reason why I suggested this course of action. Many a fangames have been stopped during their beta stages because the game companies found out and saw that the games in question and the people who made them were doing a much better job then the company itself. Take a look at the Streets of Rage remake as a good example. Granted they managed to finish their game before receiving the C&D order from SEGA, but they still got it anyways. By theplottwist keeping his work under the radar, and only letting a small few he trusts beta test his game so that he can finish it will allow him to avoid (for the most part) a C&D during early development. When the game is finished then he will release it on public domain and then we'll find out whether or not Konami gives their two cents about it.

Quote
For the sake of argument, I have never understood why fan games are so damning. If they are kept as not for profit, then its just like a super mega fan art.

Yeah I don't get this either. A fan project is in tribute to the game and the company who made the product. It shows the company that their product means a lot to the fans and that their labor and time was not wasted in making the game. The only time a C&D order should ever be needed or nesissary is when the person or persons in question are selling their fanwork for profit and not giving the company any of the revenue made.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 15, 2015, 11:23:51 AM
Naw, let's. What's everyone's main issue with Lords? It uses the CV name and doesn't entirely fit the bill. Lords by itself is a good game. You're forgetting I'm one of the few here who actually very much enjoys Lords.

It's perfectly fine to have issue with what a company releases, but demonizing them for it isn't fair. You cannot treat hundreds of employees like conniving bastards because you didn't get your way. See previous comment about employees totally waking up wondering how to piss the fans off that day.

Yeah, the execs do make the major decisions. They make decisions like, "hey, let's make a Castlevania reboot!" and then hand it off to the studios, with progress checks being a given. By your logic, we should be blaming Satoshi Sakamoto for the flaws in Lords of Shadow, and let Alvarez off the hook.

Because, after all, the execs are the one who make all those decisions, right?

But I'll use Capcom examples for accuracy.

Why are they milking Street Fighter and various other fighters for everything they're worth? Simple, they know people will buy for the name alone, and it doesn't take much extra work when you have so many engines already good to go. It's a safe path to take, even though it is one of staleness and blandness. But it's certainly not out of hostility towards the fanbase. Do you seriously believe the guys in charge have the time to sit around a table in a dark room plotting and scheming the downfall of their fans? Be realistic. Only the Koch brothers and Dick Cheney do that.

There's also various extenuating circumstances and outside influences to consider. There was the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan back in 2011, which cannot have helped Capcom or their marketing and sales quota, to say nothing of employees who likely suffered varying degrees of misfortune from the disasters.

Am I saying what they're doing is sensible? No, but it's certainly nothing to condemn hundreds and thousands of employees worldwide over. I'm pretty sure the sales rep accountants and janitors don't give a shit, but they're included in your generalized bashing of the company at large (PUT THE LIST DOWN ARYA STARK). Obviously it would be great if they (meaning any gaming corporation who does this sort of thing, not just Capcom) banded together, bided their time, and made an outstanding project and drew the fanbase all back together again.

But that's unrealistic, because economic and social factors dictate a lot of this shit, and the fanbases never agree on fucking anything because everyone's right and everyone else is wrong. The companies are not at our beck and call, nice though that may be. They release, we buy, and unless a game completely fucking bombs and loses them a good chunk of money, they're gonna keep doing what they're doing.

Why? Because it's safe and low-cost to do. A lot of the shit the fanbases foam at the mouths over are labor-intensive as hell, and clearly the overarching companies don't feel the risk is worth it. It isn't like any of us can change their minds (because after all, it's not like we're total experts on the market, more so from their perspective, so why the hell we act like it is beyond me).

And I've disliked every Resident Evil movie. Even the first one, Milia Jovovich bath scene notwithstanding. ;)
The films spend way too much damn time cataloging the goddamn T-Virus and barely focus on anything else. I'd like to see a movie about RE4. Or an RE2 adaptation. Or an "Ada wrecking everyone else's shit as usual" film. Or anything that's not Milia and fucking Wesker that ends in yet another stalemate cliffhanger that obviously leads into another subpar sequel.

The movies don't even try and hit the horror note anymore, and IMO haven't done it well since the very first one (though to me, the horror elements of the first RE movie are more body-horror and medical-horror than the survival-horror and slower pacing seen throughout the games). They found out that HEY LET'S MAKE THIS JUST ANOTHER GENERIC ACTION SERIES WITH ZOMBIES AND HOT CHICKS sells better for exactly those reasons, and anyone who hasn't played the games won't know any better as far as how vastly different the two are goes. Not my cup of tea. My problem with the RE movies is the exact same problem people have with LoS; it uses an established name and, in my opinion, utterly fails to live up to that name's standard. Only difference, Lords (the first one at least) was actually pretty good on its own, where I still think the RE movies are shit.

But I played the games long before I saw the movies, and I'm a very avid supporter of good horror pacing and atmosphere, so I'm admittedly more than a little biased against the action flicks pretending to be horror flicks.

Thanks for the lesson about how business and economics work D9, I didn't know that. (Insert Sarcasm.) :rollseyes:

No one is mentioning about treating every employee from Capcom like conniving b@stards or anything like that. That's is why I mentioned the executives. It's not so black and white, but yes the executives have alot of influence on how a project shapes out. You mentioned it yourself .The executives periodically show up at a studio and usually the Producer and his associates show them how their milestones are shaping up among other things.


Why are they milking Street Fighter and various other fighters for everything they're worth? Simple, they know people will buy for the name alone, and it doesn't take much extra work when you have so many engines already good to go. It's a safe path to take, even though it is one of staleness and blandness.

One of the many things wrong in the game industry right now, but not for the execs. They are too busy getting their extra bonuses and buying homes and sh!t..everyone in the trenches, like the Artists,  are just getting the scraps.


But that's unrealistic, because economic and social factors dictate a lot of this shit, and the fanbases never agree on fucking anything because everyone's right and everyone else is wrong. The companies are not at our beck and call, nice though that may be. They release, we buy, and unless a game completely fucking bombs and loses them a good chunk of money, they're gonna keep doing what they're doing.

God, help you if you have an opinion on something you are invested in. You are right they release, we buy, and therefore I don't have to support whatever iteration of Street Fighter 2 they want to be on nor buy it.

And I liked Lords of Shadow as well but in the same token, I bought the special edition of those games and they've only gotten a once play-through.


Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on March 15, 2015, 11:38:56 AM
To move things back on topic, plottwist, I say go for it. Your art is great, you have a lot attention to detail. If you can form a good team and want to make a game, I think it could be a home run. Or if you can program the game yourself, it is more work but still rewarding.

I considered a DCW fangame myself, but I decided since Konami C&D'd me I would go original content but familiar in spirit with Anathema, so Konami could not feasibly threaten me. That was also part of the reason I never finished Bloodstorm.

If you want to make a game, or fiction or whatever you decide, make your vision fully realized and dont worry about an order to stop your project. If you do make a game, just dont make betas publicly available and keep it kind of under wraps and you should be fine.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 05:16:17 PM

No, there's a very good reason why I suggested this course of action. Many a fangames have been stopped during their beta stages

That's exactly why I said it's a bad idea and why the decision to make a fan game or a game inspired by a game you love is a no-brainer! That risk is entirely gone if you make your own game!

You know what the most ridiculous thing is?
this:

NOTE: ALL CONTENT CREATED FOR THIS PROJECT IS NOT OPEN TO BE USED IN ANY OTHER PROJECT UNLESS THEIR RESPECTIVE CREATORS GIVE YOU PERSONAL PERMISSION AND ARE CREDITED BACK ON YOUR PROJECT! THIS INCLUDES SPRITES, STORY, MUSIC, ARTWORK AND (POSSIBLY) PROGRAMMING.

You know where this comes from? It's opening lines of this thread.
Apparently thPlottwists work has the right to protection but Konami is free game.

Can you say "Double Standard"?

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 06:09:56 PM
Considering the assets and resources will be almost entirely original, he's more than entitled to make that claim. Especially since someone JUST stole and used his Dracula endboss sprite without permission, credit, or even acknowledgement of plot as the creator. The same goes for the music, since Chern's doing original works himself.

Even if he wound up using existing Konami resources, it's a very simple thing to put "Konami" under the appropriate areas in the credits, as well as a final "Credit and Special Thanks to Konami for the Castlevania series" at the end.

There is no double standard. Stop trying to salvage a moot point.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 06:25:00 PM
Considering the assets and resources will be almost entirely original, he's more than entitled to make that claim. Especially since someone JUST stole and used his Dracula endboss sprite without permission, credit, or even acknowledgement of plot as the creator. The same goes for the music, since Chern's doing original works himself.

Even if he wound up using existing Konami resources, it's a very simple thing to put "Konami" under the appropriate areas in the credits, as well as a final "Credit and Special Thanks to Konami for the Castlevania series" at the end.

There is no double standard. Stop trying to salvage a moot point.

So then thePlottwist has already obtained personal permission from the copyright holders of Castlevania then?
Last time I checked they were giving cease and desists to people using their intellectual property without their permission.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 07:08:10 PM
Man, you just can't wrap your head around the point, can you?

Surely you've heard of the Fair Use doctrine.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 07:25:06 PM
If it's all fine under fair use why did piscesdreams get a cease and desist?

I Know, Why don't you go ask Konami and let us all know what their response is.
I'm sure they'll agree with you, right?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 15, 2015, 07:32:09 PM
That's exactly why I said it's a bad idea and why the decision to make a fan game or a game inspired by a game you love is a no-brainer! That risk is entirely gone if you make your own game!

You know what the most ridiculous thing is?
this:

NOTE: ALL CONTENT CREATED FOR THIS PROJECT IS NOT OPEN TO BE USED IN ANY OTHER PROJECT UNLESS THEIR RESPECTIVE CREATORS GIVE YOU PERSONAL PERMISSION AND ARE CREDITED BACK ON YOUR PROJECT! THIS INCLUDES SPRITES, STORY, MUSIC, ARTWORK AND (POSSIBLY) PROGRAMMING.

You know where this comes from? It's opening lines of this thread.
Apparently thPlottwists work has the right to protection but Konami is free game.

Can you say "Double Standard"?


If it's all fine under fair use why did piscesdreams get a cease and desist?

I Know, Why don't you go ask Konami and let us all know what their response is.
I'm sure they'll agree with you, right?

I want to know you standpoint on fanart (including fanmusic and fanfiction). Above this, I want to know your standpoint on original artwork working as a parody of the originals. Care to elaborate?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 07:36:25 PM
It's up to them whether or not to claim copyright violation. Fair Use is fine and dandy but they can still make that call at their discretion.

That's not what I'm arguing. We cannot control what Konami says or does, but at the same time lurking in the dark and cowering at potential shutdowns isn't a good option either.

Some things are worth taking risks for, and for plot this is one of those things.

But it's clear you're either too dense or too stubborn to grasp the notion that some people are completely fine working against those risks for the sake of doing what they enjoy. THe line is drawn at trying to claim copyright where none exists or attempting to monetize, neither of which plot is doing.

Yes, he said THIS SHIT'S MINE PLEASE DON'T STEAL, but he's not actually suggesting he OWNS the copyright on the name or characters; rather, he's putting his foot down on the work that's been done. Even if the content isn't originally theirs, and artist can still say "hey, I made this, don't be a fucking asshole and steal it, alright?" and be within, to a degree, their legal right.

There's a world of difference between copyright claim and creative claim, and you don't seem to be understanding that.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 08:07:32 PM
Quote
We cannot control what Konami says or does, but at the same time lurking in the dark and cowering at potential shutdowns isn't a good option either

THIS is why I said creating an original game is a BETTER PLAN. No need to cower  in the darkness, you can express your love freely without fear.

Quote
Yes, he said THIS SHIT'S MINE PLEASE DON'T STEAL, but he's not actually suggesting he OWNS the copyright on the name or characters; rather, he's putting his foot down on the work that's been done. Even if the content isn't originally theirs, and artist can still say "hey, I made this, don't be a fucking asshole and steal it, alright?" and be within, to a degree, their legal right.

This is the double standard. Theplottwist expects other people to have the moral decency not to use his work without his permission. Yet that standard doesn't seem to apply to himself when it comes to Konami. If you bother to actually ask them they will likely respond in a similar way to thePlottwist:
This stuff is ours, please don't use it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 15, 2015, 08:28:19 PM
You're really starting to fall into argumentum ad nauseam here; why are you so desperately against this project in particular?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 08:37:30 PM
Ah, now I get it.

Yes, that is a bit of a double standard (keyword: a bit), however plot's work is not established on a large scale and lacks his own brand recognition the masses would know.

Konami's stuff does, and that's where the difference is. Konami's resources are famous in certain regards, and being a large-scale corporation acknowledging inevitable fanworks goes with that territory.

That being said, you seem to have overlooked my point about crediting Konami at the end of the game. Since I wasn't clear enough the first time, I'll give a more concrete example of what I meant.

Sprites
-theplottwist
-so and so
-Konami

Music
-Chernabogue
-so and so
-Konami

Special Thanks
-so and so
-Mr. Coffee and Mrs. Doughnut
-Konami

Castlevania(C) and all related entities are copyright of Konami(C).

Now you see how easy that was? That's how Fair Use works. As long as the original owners are properly recognized and monetary gain is not a factor, barring the owners shutting you down (which is again, completely within their right and discretion), what you do is pretty much within legality. It's obviously another case if you use those assets to slander or create libelous strikes against them, but that's clearly not happening here.

But yeah, as Vlad said, you're going in circle around a completely irrelevant and long since disproven point. Why not quit while you're ahead, so we can all get back on topic and help plot realize this wonderful idea? I don't expect this suggestion to sway you whatsoever, but I offer it anyway out of a desire to compromise. That's not to say I'm settling to your opinion, which I very clearly don't agree with, but this isn't my thread or your thread and it's been derailed long enough.

Quote from: darkmanx_429
Thanks for the lesson about how business and economics work D9, I didn't know that. (Insert Sarcasm.) :rollseyes:

No one is mentioning about treating every employee from Capcom like conniving b@stards or anything like that. That's is why I mentioned the executives. It's not so black and white, but yes the executives have alot of influence on how a project shapes out. You mentioned it yourself .The executives periodically show up at a studio and usually the Producer and his associates show them how their milestones are shaping up among other things.

Sorry, mate. You have to remember I'm very frequently active over on Sprites Inc., a Megaman board, and as such have to deal with people bitching about Capcom's business practices without knowing what they're talking about. That's not to say you don't, but that argument in general has become such an annoyance and I tend to react to it with a little more hostility than usual.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 08:45:39 PM
You're really starting to fall into argumentum ad nauseam here; why are you so desperately against this project in particular?

I am not against this project in particular. I Try to discourage fangames whenever I can because I feel that if a person is willing to put in the  effort to make a game it is better spent on something they can own and share rather than something that is going to be shut down eventually because they don't own the rights.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 08:48:43 PM
C&D shutdowns are by no means a guarantee because something is a fanwork.

Nor is it a guarantee just because a particular company's done so in the past. It just means the chance of it is a little higher, that's all.

If any company is able to be blamed for C&D infamy, it'd be Square-Enix, not Konami.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 15, 2015, 08:50:41 PM
THIS is why I said creating an original game is a BETTER PLAN. No need to cower  in the darkness, you can express your love freely without fear

But the true question here is this: Will I be able to tell about the 1999 Demon Castle War on this supposedly "better" scenario proposed by you? If not, it's not "better". It's not even worth my time to consider it as anything more than "Meh". Not even close.

I already have said that I have my own original things going. I don't think you understand that "better" is a matter of perspective, and that you're still trying to take the high-horse instance.

Quote
This is the double standard. Theplottwist expects other people to have the moral decency not to use his work without his permission. Yet that standard doesn't seem to apply to himself when it comes to Konami. If you bother to actually ask them they will likely respond in a similar way to thePlottwist:
This stuff is ours, please don't use it.

It would be a double standard if I were profiting from original things from Konami, which I'm not. In fact, I'm creating original content and saying that it's Konami's property, which is ironic because everything CREATED here is done by my own hand and imagination, and for free. Not even Alucard' sprite bears likeness to Konami's Alucard's sprite. Everything on this thread so far is original besides textual mentions to Konami's Castlevania canon. Have you seen anything ripped from the games besides text here? Text is protected under critique or commentary, so it doesn't even come close to being "ripped", in fact. Copyright laws protect my right to speak about it (be it through text or else). There's this interesting video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKBsTUjd910&t=2138) on the subject which I'd recommend you watching.

What I'm asking anyone wanting to use MY content is to have the common courtesy to ask for permission. That's it. And I can't even do anything solid about it if someone tries to steal my things beyond calling them "silly silly robber!"

I might be wrong, and I might get a cease and desist for that (purely because Konami is astronomically more powerful than I am), but if I worried about it the much that you think I should, I'd not have landed the job of my life, honestly.

By your logic, every single work of fanart, including music, graphics and text, should get cease-and-desist orders because "the owner won't allow for it".
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 15, 2015, 08:53:05 PM
I am not against this project in particular. I Try to discourage fangames whenever I can because I feel that if a person is willing to put in the  effort to make a game it is better spent on something they can own and share rather than something that is going to be shut down eventually because they don't own the rights.
Let me reiterate that he's doing this and specifically this out of love. If it's worth doing out of love alone then it's worth doing. Why do you feel the need to dictate how people should express their love? Let them express it their own way.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 15, 2015, 08:55:22 PM
I am not against this project in particular. I Try to discourage fangames whenever I can because I feel that if a person is willing to put in the  effort to make a game it is better spent on something they can own and share rather than something that is going to be shut down eventually because they don't own the rights.

Well, if that comes to this, then my answer is simple: I have read your opinion, and I recognize it. Yet, I'm not willing to listen because it comes from a lot of false premises (Who told you I want to make profit from it? Who told you I want to create something original? Who told you that this is a "better idea"?). I am doing this because I want to express my affection towards Konami's property by creating as much original content as I can as a tribute to it.

Plus, it DOES seem that you're against this project in particular because there are many other projects using much more ripped content than mine here, yet I don't see you there making a stand. But this is my opinion only.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Aelfwine on March 15, 2015, 09:05:26 PM
Let me reiterate that he's doing this and specifically this out of love. If it's worth doing out of love alone then it's worth doing. Why do you feel the need to dictate how people should express their love? Let them express it their own way.

As I said in an earlier post it is only my opinion that making a fangame is a bad idea and I've stated the reasons why I think that's the case. The plottwist can do whatever he likes.

Also I am equally unsupportive of all fangames. Just because I don't post in every one doesn't mean I am attacking your project in particular, theplottwist.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 15, 2015, 09:13:00 PM
Yeah, that's all fine, we get that's your opinion, and you're entitled to it.

However, there's been quite a few people iterating that the technicalities of it are largely irrelevant here, as well as plot himself saying he doesn't care and isn't being swayed by it. And yet you're still arguing in circles over a point that'd been basically defeated already.

You're fine to be unsupportive of and disagree with what's going on here, but the air of self-righteousness and holier-than-thou that's been in most of your posts so far (this is how it's been interpreted, you may not have meant it that way, just a thing to consider) is clearly very unwelcome. There's a difference between expressing one's opinions and trying to shove them down others' throats and force them to conform to those opinions.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on March 15, 2015, 09:17:03 PM
OK GUYS. STOP this fan games argument now.
This is derailing the thread more than it should.

Either show support or constructive criticism.
Otherwise, stay silent and move on to other things.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 16, 2015, 06:00:41 AM
Sorry, mate. You have to remember I'm very frequently active over on Sprites Inc., a Megaman board, and as such have to deal with people bitching about Capcom's business practices without knowing what they're talking about. That's not to say you don't, but that argument in general has become such an annoyance and I tend to react to it with a little more hostility than usual.

It's ok D9, I know you are a Capcom fan-boy.lol 8)

Remember, I don't know everything, but I am currently working in the gaming industry and I (and I am sure many others) have noticed things while working for corporate conglomerates that kind of rubbed me the wrong way. But I am sure you can say that about any particular company.

I still like Capcom as a brand, but their business practices of late in my opinion leave alot to be desired. Don't even get me started about Sony.

Things like what we were talking about it the reason I went back to school to get my Masters in Game Design and Development.

Give me some of that action!

BACK ON TOPIC:
Plot Twist when are you going to post some power up/items ideas?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on March 17, 2015, 03:24:40 AM
@darkmanx: Damn, that Masters degree is just so cool. Go get it!
It makes mine sound so common.... wait, it is kinda common. /sigh

Plot, post more info.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 17, 2015, 03:32:35 AM
BACK ON TOPIC:
Plot Twist when are you going to post some power up/items ideas?

Plot, post more info.

The next post will be an update: I'll post the timeline I created as the build-up background for this story. It'll reveal a grand scheme through history meant to take effect in 1999.

Right now, I'm struggling with a plot hole I can't seem to find an explanation yet, and will probably require me to invent a variable for quite a big plot point, something I'm trying to avoid like the plague. If worse comes to worst, this will be done. It's possible I'll have this ready yet today.

Darkman, I have powerup, equipment, combat system and subweapon ideas, but I can't lay these ones yet as I still don't have a solid foundation for a game. So I'm focusing on the plot first, and the background plot for this is quite convoluted. The timeline will ease things for me to explain it. Before focusing on a game adaptation, I want the plot to be nitpicked or accepted by the people here.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on March 17, 2015, 03:37:49 AM
@plot: Good point. Plot first before game gimmicks. I hope you find a way to fill in that plot hole.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 17, 2015, 05:41:42 AM
@darkmanx: Damn, that Masters degree is just so cool. Go get it!
It makes mine sound so common.... wait, it is kinda common. /sigh

Plot, post more info.

Well Shiroi, a degree is a degree, your work experience will always trump those, however without the degree people don't want to pay you what your worth.

It's all about that all mighty dollar when it comes down to it. Even with work experience and a Bachelor in Video Game Art and Design (Which I possess), people are still trying to short change you.

I am just checking this off my bucket list. But I tell you what once I get this Master's I am done!

@plot: Good point. Plot first before game gimmicks. I hope you find a way to fill in that plot hole.

I like gimmicks! lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 17, 2015, 06:08:17 AM
I like gimmicks! lol

Well, I'll be guilty and say that the main foundation for the story came from a gameplay gimmick I though it would be cool to have on a Castlevania.

Then I started analysing everything in retrospect, and the gimmick actually made a lot of sense for me. From it, many gimmicks spawned with retrospective story elements to explain them.

So if I do create a game from this story with the Dungeon's talents, you are sure to see LOTS of gimmicks in it lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 17, 2015, 06:33:22 AM
a degree is a degree, your work experience will always trump those, however without the degree people don't want to pay you what your worth.
Sadly, I'd like to welcome you in France. (Currently getting a Masters degree in Law, huhu.)

----

Back on topic: Establishing a timeline is a good idea -- I already told plot about it, and he has some neat ideas. Pre-production is always the most important part in the making of a project.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on March 17, 2015, 04:33:30 PM
@plot: haha! Now, you're telling me that... you sound like IGA. Gimmicks first then try to fit in the plot later.  :P

Well Shiroi, a degree is a degree, your work experience will always trump those, however without the degree people don't want to pay you what your worth.
Sad to say, in my job, I need a PhD to be permanent. (The academe is evil.... beware. haha. Economics... boohoohoo)

Sadly, I'd like to welcome you in France. (Currently getting a Masters degree in Law, huhu.)
I think that's a problem for most countries with unemployment problems.  :(
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 17, 2015, 11:19:44 PM
@plot: haha! Now, you're telling me that... you sound like IGA. Gimmicks first then try to fit in the plot later.  :P
What if... plot was IGA?  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 17, 2015, 11:23:53 PM
What if... plot was IGA?  ;D

Shhhhhh!

First update coming very soon.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on March 18, 2015, 05:18:55 AM
Mwahahahaha.

IGA should be a bonus monster or item.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 18, 2015, 06:20:27 AM
Mwahahahaha.

IGA should be a bonus monster or item.

LOL I'm never going to do it...

...NOT!

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F150319C%2Fezimba14497832957104.png&hash=aab0a31547f4aac3b51365bf1de0672f)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on March 18, 2015, 06:48:45 AM
Hell yeah!

Trivia tidbit: IGA's fave shirt color is black but his staff insist that he wear white on his US appearance.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 18, 2015, 07:31:40 AM
Hell yeah!

Trivia tidbit: IGA's fave shirt color is black but his staff insist that he wear white on his US appearance.

*Commence the spriting of IGA in SotN format in two versions: One for the fangame's western release, and one for the japanese one*

lol, anyway, the first timeline topic is up. Check the third post on this thread.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 18, 2015, 08:12:50 AM
Huh, whatever's in there I'm sure it won't- HOLY ACID TRIP!
...Well, good sir, you've certainly lived up to your name.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 18, 2015, 08:17:07 AM
Huh, whatever's in there I'm sure it won't- HOLY ACID TRIP!
...Well, good sir, you've certainly lived up to your name.

Woah man, thank you, really.

But this plot is nowhere near as trippy as some other things I planned for this. Wait and see :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on March 18, 2015, 01:57:23 PM
Woah man, thank you, really.

But this plot is nowhere near as trippy as some other things I planned for this. Wait and see :)

Since IGA was alive and making games during this time period, you should add him in there for some comical relief, maybe in newspapers and tv. You should probably have him lend you a helping hand as "the prophet". Lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 19, 2015, 12:09:00 AM
Just read the plot details and HOLY FUCKING SHIT PLOT YOU'RE A FUCKING GENIUS I LOVE YOU

I actually have two questions, plot.

Would the double-life thing be something that was told to descending Belmonts? Or would it have been kept a secret so that it didn't look like the Belmonts suffered the flaw they did and remained to appear strong?

And would that life-stealing be in effect as long as the person had the whip? Would it enact just by the Killer being in their possession, or only when it was wielded against a demonic foe?

Obviously neither of these are terribly vital to ahave answers to in regards to the storyline, I'm just curious.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2015, 07:17:22 AM
Just read the plot details and HOLY FUCKING SHIT PLOT YOU'RE A FUCKING GENIUS I LOVE YOU

I actually have two questions, plot.

Would the double-life thing be something that was told to descending Belmonts? Or would it have been kept a secret so that it didn't look like the Belmonts suffered the flaw they did and remained to appear strong?

And would that life-stealing be in effect as long as the person had the whip? Would it enact just by the Killer being in their possession, or only when it was wielded against a demonic foe?

Obviously neither of these are terribly vital to ahave answers to in regards to the storyline, I'm just curious.

Good questions:

1. Starting from Irina, no direct Belmont descendants know they are Belmonts. It's not terribly important for them to not know, but Annette was instructed to not tell Irina about her father so the plan could be carried out without her disruption at adult age. Dracula's legend, however, is a thing on Wygol village, and they are aware that the Belmonts existed in the past. Every direct Belmont would display a connection with the Belmont past at an early age, like Anna, that would fade as they got older (thanks to the crack on their soul that would grow with them, creating the amnesia effect, and explaining why Irina doesn't seem very connected like her daughter is).

2. The life-stealing effect happens whenever the person wields the unlocked whip. If he doesn't, it doesn't happen even if the person has unlocked it. John died because he wielded the whip too freaking long, while Jonathan escaped early death because he wielded only against Dracula and nothing more. (Even though the whip DID steal some of his life, something that is a small plot detail on my story).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 19, 2015, 08:15:33 AM
By the way, you specifically mentioned that Daniela was a Kischine descendant and the "secret arts" she learned was the Kischine secret arts. Does this mean that Omnia Vanitas was derived from Kischine secret arts (and that Julius could possibly have other techniques derived from Kischine secret arts)?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2015, 08:45:38 AM
By the way, you specifically mentioned that Daniela was a Kischine descendant and the "secret arts" she learned was the Kischine secret arts. Does this mean that Omnia Vanitas was derived from Kischine secret arts (and that Julius could possibly have other techniques derived from Kischine secret arts)?

So now you see where I'm going with this :P

But there are more variables to consider, which I can't explain clearly yet. But you're on the right track.

Just remember: Jonathan was the one to teach Julius everything he knows. Jonathan possesses a very special thing that allows him to do it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 19, 2015, 09:16:10 AM
Cream Pies, of course!

It all makes total sense now.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 19, 2015, 09:53:23 AM
you sure it's not the attack of the dreaded paper airplain?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2015, 10:22:39 AM
]
Cream Pies, of course!
It all makes total sense now.

you sure it's not the attack of the dreaded paper airplain?

On one side, we have the fearsome pie produced with dark power and able to best even a Belmont...
On the other, we have the weapon said to be able to put someone's eye out...

I wonder which one of these it is  :rollseyes:
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 19, 2015, 11:45:37 AM
Plot,

I would like to commend you regarding the plot and story elements for your tentative fan-game/story.

Makes for some really good reading!

Map some tentative levels out dude if this was a fan-game! 

So far everything about this is win!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2015, 05:11:14 PM
Plot,
I would like to commend you regarding the plot and story elements for your tentative fan-game/story.
Makes for some really good reading!

Map some tentative levels out dude if this was a fan-game! 
So far everything about this is win!

When you say "map", you mean spriting a level with tilesets and the such? If that's what you mean, then I'm not doing it anytime soon, man. Story first, gameplay mechanics second, enemy/equipment/stages/etc third, overall map fourth, and only after all this any graphics will be made for levels/characters/enemies.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 19, 2015, 05:26:24 PM
Though, in seriousness, what is this mystery thing Jonathan has? I can think of a bunch of things just off the top of my head.

On one hand, he has both the training and expertise of the Belmont AND Morris families.

He also has Charlotte's repertoire of knowledge and magic.

He has the insights and wisdoms of Wind, who being a ghost would of course know things ordinary humans wouldn't.

He has a far greater arsenal and knowledge of weaponry than the average Belmont or Morris; in fact, Jonathan's experience in combat variety rivals that of Alucard or Soma, even. This applies to conventional weapons as well as subweapons, as he goes far beyond the traditional knife-axe-cross-holy water routine.

He knows how to utilize the Dual Crush which, when studied and modified by more magically-inclined allies like the Belnades family, could likely be crafted for use by a single person while still retaining the immense power of the technique (Julius' Grand Cross, anyone?).

He knows how to execute his mission with a partner. While this isn't a huge thing on its own, one must remember that for a thousand years the Belmonts have done their jobs solo, with very few exceptions. That ability to cooperate with another with a different set of skills without hindering either of you is definitely something I feel noting, especially given that the DCW were won by more than just Julius' skills alone.

He has a motherfuckin' teddy bear that's serious fuckin' business.

So, given the half-dozen ways I just took it myself, any chance you could be persuaded to divulge that little bit of information, plot?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2015, 05:41:08 PM
Though, in seriousness, what is this mystery thing Jonathan has? I can think of a bunch of things just off the top of my head.
On one hand, he has both the training and expertise of the Belmont AND Morris families.
He also has Charlotte's repertoire of knowledge and magic.
He has the insights and wisdoms of Wind, who being a ghost would of course know things ordinary humans wouldn't.
He has a far greater arsenal and knowledge of weaponry than the average Belmont or Morris; in fact, Jonathan's experience in combat variety rivals that of Alucard or Soma, even. This applies to conventional weapons as well as subweapons, as he goes far beyond the traditional knife-axe-cross-holy water routine.
He knows how to utilize the Dual Crush which, when studied and modified by more magically-inclined allies like the Belnades family, could likely be crafted for use by a single person while still retaining the immense power of the technique (Julius' Grand Cross, anyone?).

He knows how to execute his mission with a partner. While this isn't a huge thing on its own, one must remember that for a thousand years the Belmonts have done their jobs solo, with very few exceptions. That ability to cooperate with another with a different set of skills without hindering either of you is definitely something I feel noting, especially given that the DCW were won by more than just Julius' skills alone.

He has a motherfuckin' teddy bear that's serious fuckin' business.

So, given the half-dozen ways I just took it myself, any chance you could be persuaded to divulge that little bit of information, plot?

You mentioned EVERYTHING, but forgot this one thing (even though it fits on one of the categories you mentioned):

Jonathan can teach Julius the Kischine's Secret Art because he owns the Stellar Sword, and presumably the knowledge from the Kischine family too.

Establishing that Daniela was a Kischine descendant was important to set up the link between Maxim, and Eric mysteriously owning the sword. He acquired it before he died, somehow, but having the Belmont-related families all in one place under Alucard's eye makes it much easier to see how the sword wound up with Eric.

Even though the sword allows Jonathan to execute the Kischine's Secret Art with a simple button input in gameplay terms, in-story, I believe Wind would have taught him the technique, just like he told he could do.

This is how Julius learns it. Jonathan is the reason why Julius is pretty much so powerful: Jonathan himself is a repository of extensive combat knowledge acquired through the ages by the many hunters related to the Belmonts.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 19, 2015, 05:43:51 PM
He's still a little bitch, though.   :rollseyes:
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2015, 05:46:21 PM
You won't quite like Jonathan's story planned for this, though. Nobody will lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2015, 05:53:48 PM
He knows how to utilize the Dual Crush which, when studied and modified by more magically-inclined allies like the Belnades family, could likely be crafted for use by a single person while still retaining the immense power of the technique (Julius' Grand Cross, anyone?).

Julius won't learn the Grand Cross that way. Julius' incredibly powerful Grand Cross comes from another source altogether that nobody is paying attention to. I can tell you through PM if you want.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 19, 2015, 05:56:46 PM
Please.

You amazing son of a bitch. I applaud you.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2Fpb5mTiL.jpg&hash=365168c3a5d47633d5d3f418ab589b83)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2015, 06:13:47 PM
Please.

You amazing son of a bitch. I applaud you.

"I'm PlotTwist. That's my job".
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 21, 2015, 02:34:11 PM
Edited one sprite, an added a hint of gameplay mechanics to it.

Next timeline post coming soon.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 21, 2015, 03:21:59 PM
Edited one sprite, an added a hint of gameplay mechanics to it.

Next timeline post coming soon.
Alucard Spear...nice touch!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Ericard on March 25, 2015, 04:23:43 AM
The 100years of development. All I see here is just a picture and words, but the game never even exist at all even until the future. This so called Demon Castle Wars Um'BRA of Sorrow probably just to show off and lure the info, but there's no such thing as the game will ever created until now. It is proofed that my DCW existence from early until someone starting to mimic my ideas. Off the boat now.  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 28, 2015, 12:34:56 AM
The new topic is up: Dracula's Remains.

Also, there is a fair bit of fanfiction in it this time, because a new element is introduced. This element is my invention, but can't be fully explained yet.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 28, 2015, 01:03:13 AM
It's good to see Drolta having plans other than "'sup?".
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 30, 2015, 05:31:20 PM
Soon, the next topic will be up. This one will be quite heavy on the fanfiction, but will start to connect things up. It'll deal with Nostradamus' prediction.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on March 31, 2015, 03:13:07 PM
Soon, the next topic will be up. This one will be quite heavy on the fanfiction, but will start to connect things up. It'll deal with Nostradamus' prediction.

You mean the Antichrist?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on April 01, 2015, 12:11:07 AM
Quote
You mean the Antichrist?

Nostradamus' predictions of the final Antichrist doesn't have anything to do with Dracula as far as I'm aware of. It is never mentioned in-game nor is any connection made. This is the prophecy for the antichrist. Just one of many;

"Out of the country of greater Arabia
Shall be born a strong master of Muhammad
He will enter Europe wearing a blue turban
He will be the terror of mankind..."


Dracula doesn't arise from the Middle East, nor does he wear a blue turban. Instead he arises from Romania; his homeland. Also Dracula doesn't bring about third world war as does the third antichrist. Instead Dracula ushers in the Demon Castle War. WW III involves the entire world and is fought globally with chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and lasts for 27 years straight. The DCW is relegated to Romania and Dracula's castle itself, and does not last for even a fraction of the time as does the antichrist's war.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 01, 2015, 11:29:28 AM
You mean the Antichrist?

Nope, the Great King of Terror prophecy. Also, what X said:

Nostradamus' predictions of the final Antichrist doesn't have anything to do with Dracula as far as I'm aware of. It is never mentioned in-game nor is any connection made. This is the prophecy for the antichrist. Just one of many;

"Out of the country of greater Arabia
Shall be born a strong master of Muhammad
He will enter Europe wearing a blue turban
He will be the terror of mankind..."


Dracula doesn't arise from the Middle East, nor does he wear a blue turban. Instead he arises from Romania; his homeland. Also Dracula doesn't bring about third world war as does the third antichrist. Instead Dracula ushers in the Demon Castle War. WW III involves the entire world and is fought globally with chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, and lasts for 27 years straight. The DCW is relegated to Romania and Dracula's castle itself, and does not last for even a fraction of the time as does the antichrist's war.

Just to make it clear, there IS a King of Terror prophecy, in case you dudes are not aware (which I'm fairly certain you ARE aware). I'm just giving the whole thing a shake-up before posting about it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 03, 2015, 07:00:52 PM
New topic is up, and it deals with Nostradamus' prediction and a lot more things.

This is HEAVY on the fanfiction, so you are warned. Also, if anyone wishes to PM me to know something I have not explained, feel free.

Some things may not make much sense yet, but I assure, again, that they all will play their role on the final story. What I'm building here is the grounds to write it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on April 05, 2015, 12:40:38 AM
Very interesting, as always. I like how you reconnected real characters within the CV timeline. Even if it's more fanfiction-heavy, it still makes perfect sense so far. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 05, 2015, 11:36:18 AM
Very interesting, as always. I like how you reconnected real characters within the CV timeline. Even if it's more fanfiction-heavy, it still makes perfect sense so far. :)

Thanks!

I imagine who'll be the first to figure out Nostradamus' secrets before I spill the beans :rollseyes:
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on April 05, 2015, 10:56:07 PM
You've got a lot done theplottwist  :)  Just don't let your Frankenstein monster get out of control as IGA allowed his to, lol. Now get to it  ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 05, 2015, 11:07:36 PM
You've got a lot done theplottwist  :)  Just don't let your Frankenstein monster get out of control as IGA allowed his to, lol. Now get to it  ;)

Gotcha, man :)

in fact, the story of the main event itself will be much smaller than the background I'm building. But I can't introduce certain elements in the story without building the background first. Nostradamus' mystery bit, for instance, will be quite short on the main event itself, but for it to make sense, I do need the wall-o-texts.

If it becomes a game, most of these wall of texts will be included in it in shortened formats as a "Library" for the story.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 06, 2015, 11:21:57 PM
For the next topic I have two subjects I can post in any order. What do you want to see?:

Mystery character's origins or Julius Belmont's origins?

The mystery character is the one called ? ? ? ? ?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on April 07, 2015, 01:55:27 AM
I'm voting for Julius.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on April 07, 2015, 02:35:06 AM
Voting for Julius too.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on April 07, 2015, 05:00:20 AM
Go for Julius! :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 07, 2015, 07:40:25 AM
OOooh boy, you're in for a trip lol

Soon I'll post about it ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on April 07, 2015, 07:57:25 AM
I need my brain for midterms, but fuck it. :V
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Ericard on April 10, 2015, 05:33:21 AM
Good luck with the project. Hope more fans get to know the storyline.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 12, 2015, 08:31:06 PM
Julius' origin coming soon. I'm fixing more plot-issues.

Julius origins requires me to also tell what Alucard has been doing for the past 200 years, how the Belmonts surpassed the defect in their spirit and some other things.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: AISTODIAOLO on May 07, 2015, 04:02:19 PM
i just read  the story.
i loved it.
good luck
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on May 07, 2015, 04:12:07 PM
This is turning out to be pretty great, keep it up! ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 23, 2015, 05:33:11 PM
This is turning out to be pretty great, keep it up! ;D

Thank you!

I'll ask you dudes for a little more patience. Just as I was about to speak about Julius, a quite huge project landed on my plate and I had to take care of it. In the mean time, I gave the story a little more mind and some things changed for the better. But I haven't forgotten.

Julius' story needs me to tell a little more than simply his origin, as this is the grand raison d'etre for everything that happens here. Just a little more patience, friends! But here goes a tiny preview-spoiler:

The one responsible for creating a very specific cure spell that plays a key role somewhere is Shanoa.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on May 26, 2015, 07:23:35 AM
Cure Spell? Like the Sanctuary spell from PoR? Interesting.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 26, 2015, 08:49:33 PM
Cure Spell? Like the Sanctuary spell from PoR? Interesting.

Bingo.

Since I'm unable to post the whole thing yet, I'll post this specific bit right here:

(click to show/hide)

And now you know how the Belmonts were cured from their spiritual mallady. I also tried to explain where Ecclesia's studies went: Shanoa recovered them, used them to fabricate Sanctuary, and destroyed them.

Wygol plays a last large role in the story I'm writting. I'm just trying to fit the pieces in.

Now... This spell is found inside one of Brauner's paintings. Can you guess how it wound up there (and ultimatelly in Charlotte's hands)?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on May 26, 2015, 11:20:32 PM
Well we all know how Charlotte finds the spell; Inside one of the paintings they were traversing. The Egyptian painting if memory serves. The only one who knew about the spell or at least heard of such a spell was Wind (Eric Lecarde). But he did not know where it could be located. Are you by chance having Charlotte be a relative of Shanoa's? Remember though, Charlotte doesn't have any of the Belmont's power within her or it would have been mentioned in her PoR backstory. That and she's not mentioned to be related to the Belnades family either. Shanoa does have the Belmont power, but it was an unnatural occurrence; a blessing in disguise from absorbing Dominious, and probably cannot be passed down to the next of kin as it does with the Belmont's natural-born power. It'll be interesting to see what you can come up with  :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 27, 2015, 12:39:46 AM
Well we all know how Charlotte finds the spell; Inside one of the paintings they were traversing. The Egyptian painting if memory serves. The only one who knew about the spell or at least heard of such a spell was Wind (Eric Lecarde). But he did not know where it could be located. Are you by chance having Charlotte be a relative of Shanoa's? Remember though, Charlotte doesn't have any of the Belmont's power within her or it would have been mentioned in her PoR backstory. That and she's not mentioned to be related to the Belnades family either. Shanoa does have the Belmont power, but it was an unnatural occurrence; a blessing in disguise from absorbing Dominious, and probably cannot be passed down to the next of kin as it does with the Belmont's natural-born power. It'll be interesting to see what you can come up with  :)

Charlotte does have a connection to the Belnades, but IGA never elabored on that, even though he did mention it in his interview about Portrait of Ruin. Charlotte will be the great-aunt of Lenora Belnades in this story, and have nothing to do with the Belmonts through blood. Her family is to the Belnades what the Morris are to the Belmonts, probably.

And no, Charlotte is not a relative of Shanoa. All Shanoa did was fabricate Sanctuary from the Belmont power she got from the villagers. As soon as she created the glyph, this power left her body to work as the glyph itself.

And Wind, apparently, didn't even know something like that was possible:

(click to show/hide)

Neither him, nor Charlotte... The most we can see here is that just maybe Wind thinks a purification spell could work but not even he knew how it could work...

...but Vincent Dorin did have a vague knowledge about how purification spells work, possibly because he's an insider from the Church. You can check that in the dialogue he gives while being vampirized. More on that later.

Here's somewhat of a hint about how this "spell" landed in Charlotte's hands:

You're right about it being hidden inside one of Brauner's paintings. Now, what are his paintings? Why would a vampirism-nullifying magic be inside one of his creations? Are the worlds inside the paintings real, or are they created from something else?

The answer to this involves a very vague line from Wind in Portrait of Ruin concerning Brauner's existence:

(click to show/hide)

Why would this be? What happened to Brauner that became a secret that not even the people hunting Dracula could know? And one more hint. Remember the Vincent dialogue I mentioned up there? This is the one:

(click to show/hide)

Now keep in mind: Charlotte finds this spell inside a painting made by a vampire, and the knowledge about it was vague to null even to her, who is a magical genius. But Vincent somehow heard about something like a "purification spell being effective against vampirism in early stages" from someone.

So, I think this might help you piece what I have in mind together ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on May 27, 2015, 10:01:28 AM
Being a member of the church, Vincent would have access to knowledge normally off-limits to the general public, so it goes without saying. However he's not all that up there in the church hierarchy so his access would also be limited. But a sanctuary spell for fending off vampirism he would definitely know about, as it would be required in order to fight off the effects of vampirism if someone had been victimized.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 28, 2015, 04:42:34 AM
Being a member of the church, Vincent would have access to knowledge normally off-limits to the general public, so it goes without saying. However he's not all that up there in the church hierarchy so his access would also be limited. But a sanctuary spell for fending off vampirism he would definitely know about, as it would be required in order to fight off the effects of vampirism if someone had been victimized.

OK, here is what happened. But since I still can't post about it due to reasons, this is subject to change as all pieces are still not in place:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on May 28, 2015, 05:27:51 AM
That last part with the Condemned Tower is soooooo cool. Man, you're a boss at reconnecting things.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on May 28, 2015, 10:23:17 AM
I see. Wygol village is the same village from Dawn of Sorrow.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 31, 2015, 11:47:07 PM
I see. Wygol village is the same village from Dawn of Sorrow.

You are correct. The Lost Village is Wygol, and I have one or two snippets of evidence to back it up ;) (of course, it's just "backwards justification", but you get my point).

Somewhere in time, Wygol became deserted as some sort of catastrophe ravaged its inhabitants. I believe that would be the appearance of monsters summoned by Celia, akin to LoS2's plot. There is some evidence that this catastrophe happened not very long before Dawn of Sorrow, and caused everyone to flee. The zombies turning up in the abandoned houses might be the result of casualities on the town. This all actually fits with Genya's assertion of this being a "rapidly growing cult."

Until now I hope I'm doing a good job with this all. If any of you dudes want to point something out, please do so!

That last part with the Condemned Tower is soooooo cool. Man, you're a boss at reconnecting things.

Thanks a lot man. I'm trying my best to lay a cool base for the main story.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on June 01, 2015, 10:10:18 AM
Quote
Until now I hope I'm doing a good job with this all. If any of you dudes want to point something out, please do so!

Well the only thing to keep your mind on is that the castle from DoS isn't Dracula's castle as it's still encompassed in the eclipse. That's about it  :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 02, 2015, 01:29:27 PM
Concept Art created by the artist Junki Sakuraba for Umbra of Sorrow based on the 1999 Alucard sprite I created:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F150603C%2Fezimba14048796642504.jpg&hash=41e52f3146e9e5d3d4632edabd7827d7)

Check out Junki's stuff!
Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Junki-Sakuraba/426819340736820)
Tumblr (http://junkisakuraba.tumblr.com/)
Deviant Art (http://junkisakuraba.deviantart.com)
SoundCloud (https://soundcloud.com/junki-sakuraba)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/junki_official)

Junki was already featured by Bloodstained (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/posts/1249275) too. This guy is a fantastic artist!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on June 02, 2015, 01:50:16 PM
Oh wow, it looks great!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on June 02, 2015, 11:44:09 PM
That is very nice! Although he looks tired with those bags under his eye  :-\  His outfit however doesn't speak to me of 1999 so much as it does of 1899. Might wanna suggest to Junki Sakuraba to bump the look up by at least a hundred years  ;D  other then that it's a good picture  :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 03, 2015, 02:10:42 AM
Oooooohhhhhh! ♫
I love that picture! ♥
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on June 07, 2015, 01:47:37 AM
It seems that Alucard only updated his wardrobe after the DCW xD
Even so, very cool looking design and fanart, some details remind me about Hector.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on June 07, 2015, 06:17:13 AM
Concept Art created by the artist Junki Sakuraba for Umbra of Sorrow based on the 1999 Alucard sprite I created:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F150603C%2Fezimba14048796642504.jpg&hash=41e52f3146e9e5d3d4632edabd7827d7)

Check out Junki's stuff!
Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Junki-Sakuraba/426819340736820)
Tumblr (http://junkisakuraba.tumblr.com/)
Deviant Art (http://junkisakuraba.deviantart.com)
SoundCloud (https://soundcloud.com/junki-sakuraba)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/junki_official)

Junki was already featured by Bloodstained (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iga/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/posts/1249275) too. This guy is a fantastic artist!

That looks fantastic!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on June 07, 2015, 10:06:21 AM
Wearing Joachin's armor?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 08, 2015, 11:23:37 AM
Wearing Joachin's armor?

Now that you mention it, it does look slightly like it. But Junki did base this on the sprite and my brief description.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BalancedHydra on June 10, 2015, 07:43:59 PM
Well. I just finished going over everything and... Wow!

This is really great stuff. So much so that I got nothing to add other than keep these coming.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 11, 2015, 07:06:49 PM
Well. I just finished going over everything and... Wow!

This is really great stuff. So much so that I got nothing to add other than keep these coming.

Thanks a lot, but keep tuned. There is a whole lot more to come.

Speaking of it, I got slightly lost in the Julius thing, but I'm almost there (Again).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 23, 2015, 03:28:37 PM
Okay dudes, a small-ish update:

The BIGGEST issue with Julius' origin is finally solved: The origin of the Lecarde family.

This doesn't exactly intersect with Julius himself and I could've explained his own birth alone, but it's important to set-up why did the Lecardes inherit the Alucard Spear, and the whole "Morris and Lecardes take the place of the Belmonts" shebang. Alucard is behind the method through which Julius' birth was possible, and both stories interwine with him.

I won't post it just yet, but here is a brief summary:
(click to show/hide)

And one more update: While trying to write this part of the background above, I made an artwork to illustrate part of the 1999 plot itself:
(click to show/hide)

That's it for now, dudes.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on June 24, 2015, 01:35:34 AM
Nifty castle  :)  I like the parchment touch to it as well. But didn't IGA say that the castle in AoS was in fact the very same incarnation that appeared in 1999? With that logic shouldn't the castle resemble the one from AoS?

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fchapelofresonance.com%2Fwiki%2Fimages%2F8%2F85%2FAria_of_Sorrow9.JPG&hash=9f27dcb40a675adf59a299a43b16774c)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on June 24, 2015, 02:05:39 AM
Neat castle! :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 24, 2015, 10:47:32 AM
Nifty castle  :)  I like the parchment touch to it as well. But didn't IGA say that the castle in AoS was in fact the very same incarnation that appeared in 1999? With that logic shouldn't the castle resemble the one from AoS?

You're correct, but I don't remember IGA saying it. I do remember some people (including myself) reaching the same conclusion: The castle in AoS should be the same because had it crumbled, there would be no castle to seal. Plus, Julius Belmont remembers where the whip is, something that'd be impossible to do had the castle changed too much.

However, there are some things we must take into account:
-Genya Arikado says that the castle currently inside the eclipse is a spiritual world.
-Graham says that Dracula's TRUE castle exists somewhere else (possibly in the mentioned "spiritual world").
-Alucard in SotN says that the castle "may take many incarnations."

This all lends some credibility to the idea that the spiritual castle rebuilds a different physical shape for itself everytime it reincarnates, so it can act on Earth. Therefore, when Dracula's Castle physical form is destroyed, its spiritual form is kept intact in the spiritual plane to reincarnate later. The spiritual form would be the one we see in AoS, and the physical forms would be the ones we see acting on Earth in the other games (this would include 1999). What the Hakuba Priest did was seal the spiritual form to prevent it from rebuilding new physical forms for itself.

As for Julius remembering the whip's location: Some places, regardless how many times the castle returns, never disappear from the it's general makeup. This makes it possible for Julius to remember where the whip is, even though the room/domain itself changed places. Specially if this place is of high importance, like the throne room, the giant clock or the entrance.

But, even on top of all this, the previous logic of being the same castle is most likely the one I will be (kinda) using in this story too. The castle must be kept intact to be sealed, but only after Dracula is destroyed and unable to prevent its sealing. However, I choose the route to create a new one due to creative freedom. The castle in Aria is too small for four characters to explore, and if this turns into a game, I believe people wouldn't be too happy to play Aria all over again. I'm using three bold-faced excuses to do that:

1. As the castle gets sucked into the eclipse, numerous towers crumble and fall off, forcing the castle to remake them or move entire places around to compensate and avoid total crumbling;
2. The paths they take inside the castle in AoS and in UoS are different. The castle isn't a perfect 2D plane;
3. The castle regenerates over time, filling in some places with new domains, but some scars are too deep to regenerate (see AoS entrance with all the destroyed walls);

The fact that the castle is alive and is fuelled by chaotic power helps alot  ;D

But still, regardless of what path I follow, many details/places/rooms from Aria will remain the same (specially the ones where you meet Julius Belmont). I'll even show how the Floating Garden came to be, as it's "not floating" by 1999, and how it's possible for Julius to remember where the whip is, even if the castle has changed.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Castle34hk on June 28, 2015, 01:59:35 AM
This looks so AWESOME;) ;D  Thnxs ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on July 15, 2015, 07:09:24 PM
Hey plot, I'm working on an open-source metroidvania style engine right now. When I have time to polish it, wanna check it out?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 15, 2015, 07:41:34 PM
Hey plot, I'm working on an open-source metroidvania style engine right now. When I have time to polish it, wanna check it out?

Of course, send it my way!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: NetSphereEngineer on July 16, 2015, 03:06:22 PM
Hi! I'm new here and I'm justing passing to tell this project looks great and I also loved the Alucard art made by Junki Sakuraba!!! This is what I wanted to see in Dawn of Sorrow!

Would be great to be able to hack the game and change all artworks by new ones made by Junki Sakuraba :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on July 19, 2015, 08:24:55 PM
My apolagies, plot. I lost the source code while reformatting. Luckily I have been able to get the basic physics down, but sliding, ladders, menus, and other stuff i had programmed is gonna take a while. Sorry.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 20, 2015, 04:29:10 AM
My apolagies, plot. I lost the source code while reformatting. Luckily I have been able to get the basic physics down, but sliding, ladders, menus, and other stuff i had programmed is gonna take a while. Sorry.


No problem, dude ;)
What you have here is already very nice! Once you have all there basic things done, please show it so we can discuss it.

I have some too-ambitious ideas for this in case we can work a game out of the idea, but we can make a relativelly simple classicvania out of it, too. I have no qualms about it at all.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on July 20, 2015, 08:22:43 AM
No problem, dude ;)
What you have here is already very nice! Once you have all there basic things done, please show it so we can discuss it.

I have some too-ambitious ideas for this in case we can work a game out of the idea, but we can make a relativelly simple classicvania out of it, too. I have no qualms about it at all.

Thank you! I plan on having the engine with options for classic style and metroidvania style.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on July 20, 2015, 01:40:39 PM
A Classicvania Filled with Deep-history can be cool indeed, and more easy  8)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on July 20, 2015, 03:32:37 PM
My apolagies, plot. I lost the source code while reformatting. Luckily I have been able to get the basic physics down, but sliding, ladders, menus, and other stuff i had programmed is gonna take a while. Sorry.


What engine are you building this in?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on July 20, 2015, 08:08:23 PM
What engine are you building this in?

I planned on using Unity with C++, but ultimately decided with gamemakerStudio.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: AuraTeam on July 20, 2015, 09:07:24 PM
I planned on using Unity with C++, but ultimately decided with gamemakerStudio.
Game Maker : Studio ! great decision Man ;) and i'm glad that people still use GM:S  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 23, 2015, 05:10:45 PM
Small update:

This has not stopped. In fact I'm discussing many different plot details with some few people here trying to coalesce everything before I post it. I know I promised Julius' origin to come soon, but I still can't show it yet. There are too many intrincate details surrounding Julius' rise as the last Belmont to face Dracula that will play important roles in the main storyline itself, and I'm trying to be extra careful with what I write, because people can get touchy lol.

Prediction for the Julius' origin reveal: Possibly before July 30. And I warn you beforehand: The thing is HUGE.

Now, for something I can already tell about:

While developing Julius, I've written more or less about how Dracula achieved his ranking as the Dark Lord amongst such powerful demons, how did he acquire the power of Dominance, and what exactly is the nature/origin of Chaos and its relationship with the Count. These are some key details in the 1999 plot itself, and if you wish to know about it, I can send it to you through PM. I can't post it yet due to spoilers, and due to the fact that things must be kept in an orderly fashion here, but I can still show it to you and explain how these things connect with 1999.

What I can make public for now is this: The Dark Lord title is not something only Dracula has owned. Before Dracula, there was another Dark Lord, and his name was Amatsu-Mikaboshi.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 28, 2015, 01:40:38 PM
While you wait for Julius, here is Umbra's explanation for how Dracula became the Dark Lord.

Dracula:

(click to show/hide)

Detail explanations:

(click to show/hide)

Any and all critique is welcome.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on July 29, 2015, 10:21:43 AM
Interesting  :)  Although I can't stress enough about Chaos as Chaos itself is not a demonic being but merely the opposite of Order. I feel that the final boss you face in AoS is not Chaos but a creature born out of Chaos itself. Also if you look at it the creature itself is also very orderly in nature as well, and there is no order in raw Chaos whatsoever. Amatsu-Mikaboshi (as you mentioned) is the primordial god of Chaos and the stars, but he is not Chaos itself. IGA never thought this one element through and I wish he had as it doesn't make sense that Chaos itself would be the main enemy when Chaos has no form to recognize, let alone be recognized. Yet we clearly see a uniform boss at the end of AoS. It contains Chaotic elements, but in the end it is far more orderly then chaotic.

Also about the demon castle. Liked the info you did for this one. However I think Dracula would have made Castlevania already before Trevor and Co. stormed the place. The Castle from CV III already contains the elements of an active creature of chaos so I do believe that everything you mentioned happened before Trevor arrives.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 29, 2015, 10:41:57 AM
Interesting  :)  Although I can't stress enough about Chaos as Chaos itself is not a demonic being but merely the opposite of Order. I feel that the final boss you face in AoS is not Chaos but a creature born out of Chaos itself. Also if you look at it the creature itself is also very orderly in nature as well, and there is no order in raw Chaos whatsoever. Amatsu-Mikaboshi (as you mentioned) is the primordial god of Chaos and the stars, but he is not Chaos itself.

In fact, in the texts I have researched, it seems that he's one and the same with chaos as the primordial force itself, formless and sometimes called "Amenokagaseo", while his personification as the "god with power over chaos" happens in the Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni-Heitei segment of the Nihon Shoki, and he's called "Amatsumikaboshi" there and is "physically" defeated by Takehazuchi no Mikoto. He's also explicitly referred to as "evil" and "rebel" in this segment, but when going by other names, he's not. I'm going with "Mikaboshi" to simplify things for everyone.

Just as you mentioned, Mikaboshi is the antithesis of order and life, and not exactly evil. When In and Yo came into existence, Mikaboshi's reign came to an end, and his chaos was shattered, but not erased. His influence would come to exist in humans, and would push them to give in to their chaotic desires.

These texts are not very clear, and Mikaboshi tends to be personified or not as convenience demands. He's both the primordial force that drives humanity's passion/instincts, and a stargod who rebels against the Shinto gods born from Izanagi. There is also the issue that, as time passed and interpretations were made, he was bundled together with a bunch of other entities, evil or not, changing names as it went. I'm sorry I failed to be more clear about this aspect. All I just said, btw, is not me inventing things for Castlevania, this is actually how the lore goes.

I'm going with two different interpretations of this that are not still set in stone, so you guys can debate which is more fitting. Either one is fine by me:

1. Chaos is the distorted, identity-less form of Mikaboshi after being subjugated by Dracula.
2. Chaos is the concept which Mikaboshi rules over. Mikaboshi, in turn, is the entity possessing the Demon Castle's walls. Dracula rules over him, and therefore chaos does what Dracula wants through Mikaboshi.

I slightly dislike the 2th option because it generates another entity in the scheme of things when the 1st option only requires one entity. But, as I said, I've no issues with using it if you guys agree.

As for Chaos having a "recognizable" form, I think it has more to do with a videogame's symbolic representation than with the philosophical ramifications and consequences of "chaos having no shape." His first form is orderly, but his second form is far more abstract and chaotic.

Quote
Also about the demon castle. Liked the info you did for this one. However I think Dracula would have made Castlevania already before Trevor and Co. stormed the place. The Castle from CV III already contains the elements of an active creature of chaos so I do believe that everything you mentioned happened before Trevor arrives.

This part is slightly complicated.

I'm aware that the castle already contained a great power by CVIII, because Curse of Darkness mentions it all over. Trevor Belmont is able to seal its power using his blood, but the seal is broken by Hector and the castle is resurrected.

What I did here, however, is say that before Dracula's death, the castle was already magical, but was not alive by being possessed and did not have the power to resurrect, therefore allowing a simple blood seal to banish it. Once the seal was broken, however, Dracula's spiritual castle brought the physical castle back into existence (the spiritual castle being the one already possessed by Mikaboshi). Now the castle was impossible to seal with a simple blood seal like Trevor's, because it had been possessed by an entity that would not allow for it.

HOWEVER, the game's name is "Legend of the Demon Castle" after all, so yes, I'm trying to fit the story above on a plot BEFORE Trevor arrives. I'll just have to change the pact's terms slightly for it to make sense. I propose the following fix:

-Dracula makes the pact. Mikaboshi comes to Earth and posseses his castle, morphing it into a chaotic deathtrap and connecting it to the Demon Realm as a way to allow Dracula to summon demons by proxy inside it. The castle therefore becomes the "Demon Castle."
-Dracula is defeated by Trevor Belmont. Mikaboshi imediatelly grabs the soul offered in the pact (Walter's) thinking it belongs to Dracula.
-Mikaboshi notices the ruse and unpossesses the castle causing it to crumble, returning to the Demon Realm seeking retribution against Dracula.
-Dracula subdues Mikaboshi and turns him into his spiritual castle. Now Mikaboshi is forever doomed to be the Demon Castle, resurrecting the physical castle when Dracula returns, and crumbling it when Dracula is gone.

This solves the issue and makes the castle into the "demon castle" before Trevor arrives, while still maintaining the overall story.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on July 29, 2015, 05:53:54 PM
Quote
I'm sorry I failed to be more clear about this aspect. All I just said, btw, is not me inventing things for Castlevania, this is actually how the lore goes.

Ah, no need to apologize dude  :)  You're doing your best to fill in the plotholes and pitfalls that IGA didn't deal with when he wrote the stories. Believe me what you're doing is a lot of work. I can clearly see that and I applaud you for your efforts. And yes there is a lot of lore you're digging up just to get things to make some form of semblance. As for options 1 or 2? 2 sounds more applicable to me at least as option 1 continues to follow IGA's inconsistency or lack of explanation (in-game) about whether or not you face Chaos or a Chaotic being in AoS. To have Chaos itself to be a being of some sort is limiting to Chaos itself, making it (in many ways) less then what it actually is. The only part of explanation 2 that doesn't fit with me is this; Mikaboshi, in turn, is the entity possessing the Demon Castle's walls. It seems a bit excessive. Not really necessary when you think about it. Castlevania being a creature of chaos makes good sense as it's always changing it's form after each defeat. Dracula can simply tap into the power of Mikaboshi and use that to bring about Castlevania without having Mikaboshi actually inhibit the castle itself.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 29, 2015, 10:47:23 PM
I just dug up another pearl.

Quote
[Mikaboshi] is a force of absolute domination that feeds off of human emotions that, if left unchecked, result in social, emotional, or physical destruction. For instance, a desire for success can lead to greed and lust for power, which is the result of the influence of the Mikaboshi's residue. Love for another can lead to obsession or jealousy, also result of these dark influences.

In later centuries, certain creatures that are by nature dark or demonic were said to be connected to the Mikaboshi in a sort of slave relationship to its power.

Souls that died with strong attachments and came back to hurt the living were said to have become physical agents to the Mikaboshi's force in a more direct way than simple greed or lust when living, and such creatures as oni (goblins), Ama-no-Jaku, and Demons were also results of certain natural elements falling prey to passions fed by the Mikaboshi's temptations. The ultimate goal, it is said, was to absoultely destroy everything by dissolving it back into chaos, whereby the static, controlling power of the Mikaboshi could return.

It's an excerpt from the book "Stellar Deities" by LLC Books, so the reliability is slightly dubious.

This part seems to be another interpretation of the Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni-Heitei, since in that story it appears that Mikaboshi is leading lower beings against the other gods, refusing to give up battle.

This "demonic slavery" interpretation sounds an awful lot like the Dominance.

Quote
The only part of explanation 2 that doesn't fit with me is this; Mikaboshi, in turn, is the entity possessing the Demon Castle's walls. It seems a bit excessive. Not really necessary when you think about it.

I'm starting to like the 2th option better now that you put it. Making Mikaboshi lose his identity just to explain what Chaos is might be trying too hard, after all. However, Mikaboshi needs to exist a main part of the castle structure itself somehow, since he's the plot mechanic allowing for the Hakubas to be introduced. In the 1999 plot, they'll have understood that the castle is possessed by a Shinto entity, therefore requiring a Shinto ceremony to deal with him.

What if Dracula subdued Mikaboshi, and used his "body parts" to build Castlevania, gaining control over chaos, instead of having Mikaboshi simply possess the structure? This would be akin to some myths about divine body parts giving shape or origin to objects like weapons, or landmarks like rivers and mountains (in Shinto itself, Izanagi's clothes become the two gods Amaterasu and Susanoo).

This would also explain how "chaos fuels the castle's existence" or how "the castle is a creature of chaos."  The castle is literally a creature fulled by chaos because it is Mikaboshi. Therefore, the explanation would go like this:

-Dracula defeats Mikaboshi and turns his body parts into his spiritual castle. As the master of this castle, Dracula becomes the new ruler over Chaos, which fuels the castle's (Mikaboshi himself) existence.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on July 30, 2015, 01:56:59 AM
Quote
I just dug up another pearl.

That's quite the pearl! It definitely helps to clarify things more.

Quote
What if Dracula subdued Mikaboshi, and used his "body parts" to build Castlevania, gaining control over chaos, instead of having Mikaboshi simply possess the structure? This would be akin to some myths about divine body parts giving shape or origin to objects like weapons, or landmarks like rivers and mountains (in Shinto itself, Izanagi's clothes become the two gods Amaterasu and Susanoo).

This would also explain how "chaos fuels the castle's existence" or how "the castle is a creature of chaos."  The castle is literally a creature fulled by chaos because it is Mikaboshi. Therefore, the explanation would go like this:

-Dracula defeats Mikaboshi and turns his body parts into his spiritual castle. As the master of this castle, Dracula becomes the new ruler over Chaos, which fuels the castle's (Mikaboshi himself) existence.

I'll admit with great interest that this idea is very intriguing  :)  Though for Dracula to be successful in this regard he would have to erase any form of conscious sentience from Mikaboshi so that only the body remains. Or else Mikaboshi would find some way of fighting back and reclaiming both his body and power.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 30, 2015, 05:22:09 AM
Okay, this is what it looks like now. Yellow enphasis on the changes:

(click to show/hide)

The last part, about making the throne room from Mikaboshi's head, was meant to reflect the nature of the throne room as the "command center" of the castle, and its recurring nature. Furthermore, the throne room seems to be extremelly important, as in Portrait, Brauner separates it from the rest of the castle, leaving "the body" without a "head" to control it. In Aria it also happens that the one to inherit the castle must reach the throne room. Graham does become the castle's temporary master, but Soma is recognized as the true Dark Lord when he gets there.

The part about the right arm becoming Clock Tower is supposed to reflect how the right arm is considered the most important one. It seemed fitting to turn it into the Clock Tower, as Death (Dracula's right-arm) is commonly associated with it.

The part about creating the Chaotic Realm from Mikaboshi's heart is also obvious, I suppose. The heart is (more symbolically than physiologically) the "source" of one's strength, pumping blood through the entire body. The body, in this case, being the castle itself.

I was going to add more things, but I think it's already too much as it is  :P

In retrospect, this idea makes much more harmonic sense than Mikaboshi being Chaos. I'll even be able to use the "demons are antibodies protecting Dracula's castle" comparison with more clarity now.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on July 30, 2015, 10:18:19 AM
Quote
I was going to add more things, but I think it's already too much as it is  :P

Haha, yeah take a bit of a break bro. Good job though.

Quote
The part about the right arm becoming Clock Tower is supposed to reflect how the right arm is considered the most important one. It seemed fitting to turn it into the Clock Tower, as Death (Dracula's right-arm) is commonly associated with it.

While death is Dracula's right hand man- er...corps..? The clock tower itself is more of a logical implementation. Logic is associated with the left side of the individual as that is where logic is represented, whereas emotion is associated with the right side. Just to clarify what I mean;

Male-left-logic

Female-right-emotion

You don't need to follow this if you don't want to, it's just food for thought   :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Inccubus on July 30, 2015, 05:17:45 PM
But isn't also true that the left brain controls the right side of the body and the right brain then the left?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on July 30, 2015, 05:40:44 PM
Yes that's absolutely true. As well as the left eye connecting to the right side of the brain, and the right eye connecting to the left side of the brain. However this,..

Male-left-logic

Female-right-emotion


was more of a spiritual representation rather then a biological one. But it works for both too.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 31, 2015, 01:38:22 PM
Haha, yeah take a bit of a break bro. Good job though.

While death is Dracula's right hand man- er...corps..? The clock tower itself is more of a logical implementation. Logic is associated with the left side of the individual as that is where logic is represented, whereas emotion is associated with the right side. Just to clarify what I mean;

Male-left-logic

Female-right-emotion

You don't need to follow this if you don't want to, it's just food for thought   :)

LOL sorry. What I meant is that, since Death is Dracula's right-hand man/general/guardian, making the Clock Tower from Mikaboshi's right-arm was symbolically fitting, since Death is generally associated with the Clock Tower. But this is largely irrelevant, really.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on July 31, 2015, 06:17:34 PM
No worries bro.  :)  Death is not always featured at the clock tower either as seen in some of the games. It must be a preference of his sometimes.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 13, 2015, 10:38:29 PM
Hey, it's me again. Julius has to wait a little more, since real life got in the way again. While he waits, I bring you the overlay of the map I posted here before. It had no overlay, but now it does as I built it while thinking of how the story should unfold in case it turned into a game.

The internals of the castle have been worked with both a story and a game in mind, so almost all rooms here have been thought carefully envisioning how the "game" should play out from it. This map has about 1600 rooms. It's big because it should fit the hypothetical campaign for four characters. There are also a lot of rules I followed to build it, like keeping in mind the distance between each Save Room and Teleport Room, or keeping the routes needed to find certain items as fresh as possible to avoid boring backtracking... If your eyes are sharp you can even spot some rooms of interest. Hell, if they're REALLY sharp you can even spot where "Don't Wait Until Night" would play :)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F150814C%2Fezimba15362461854204.png&hash=d696c5c7fbc3daeb95eeb3b4e46ecad9)

■ = Save Room
■ = Teleport Room
■ = Transition Room

And yeah, you may think "Holy shit, the Save Rooms are sparce here!" but there is a good reason for that: If this was a game, "Save Tickets" would be a thing that would allow the player to generate a Save Totem (provisional name) wherever he's at. Yet this Save Totem would not have all the capabilities of a Save Room.

One more thing that might be brought up: Why is the Clock Tower not connected to anywhere else? The answer is because the story demands so. The Clock Tower plays a fundamental role in the story and it's necessary that it remains disconnected from the rest of the castle. Futhermore, upon the player gains entry into the Clock Tower, the plot is pretty much straightfoward from there. The player is "pushed" into following through with the final stretch of the story, that will demand urgency from the hero, giving him no time to fool around with exploration shenanigans.

The following zones are in this map:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on August 14, 2015, 04:06:43 AM
Oooohhhh... nice layout!  ;D The clock tower portion looks scary.

Just a random question, will you include Alucard's room? I can see possible areas where it can be placed.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on August 14, 2015, 04:25:34 AM
Hoo boy, that looks like a doozy. Secret rooms not included, I assume?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 14, 2015, 10:30:49 AM
Oooohhhh... nice layout!  ;D The clock tower portion looks scary.

Just a random question, will you include Alucard's room? I can see possible areas where it can be placed.

Yes. Not only it will be included, but it does have a place in the story too! Speaking in game lingo, Alucard can get an item in this room that increases all of his stats, but it requires him to accomplish a side quest first. Also, among the 4 characters, only he would have access to it.

But I have not decided what room it will be in, even though I added some rooms to fit this specific purpose.

Hoo boy, that looks like a doozy. Secret rooms not included, I assume?

In fact they are included. Of course I could add 3~4 more according to necessity, but this is pretty much it. This castle also has 4 super secret bosses, and their rooms are included.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on August 14, 2015, 10:50:36 AM
That's big  :)

It looks like some of the segments are segregate by elevator shafts, kind like Metroid. That's something that IGA never did in his Metroidvanias. Looks interesting. Well given that it's 1999 I don't see why Castlevania would not have elevators in it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on August 14, 2015, 01:55:45 PM
That reminds me of SotN, but in a good way. :3
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 14, 2015, 03:30:29 PM
That's big  :)

It looks like some of the segments are segregate by elevator shafts, kind like Metroid. That's something that IGA never did in his Metroidvanias. Looks interesting. Well given that it's 1999 I don't see why Castlevania would not have elevators in it.

Those are elevators shafts indeed, and they also work as transition rooms. The elevators segregate the upper areas from the lower, submerged areas. Plus, some of them only work if activated by mechanisms that certain characters can reach and the others can't. ALSO, what would happen if an elevator were to be broken ;) ?

That reminds me of SotN, but in a good way. :3

I definitely took pages off of SotN's map, but it didn't satisfy me as a whole. So I tried to improve upon SotN's and DoS's maps. Also, here is a more or less accurate size comparison:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F150815C%2Fezimba15362484052704.png&hash=32940a7d5fc628701d7dfcc1af4948e4)

One thing to have in mind is that I did not create it to "surpass" SotN's. I made it as I was thinking of how an hypothetical game should play out, and it just happened to turn out bigger.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on August 14, 2015, 06:34:59 PM
SotN map looks so tiny it's cute  :)

I remember making a CV-esque map myself and compared it to SotN. God, it was a huge map!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: son_the_vampire on August 19, 2015, 11:05:24 AM
***Slow clap


Keep it up, looks real good
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 20, 2015, 12:58:10 PM
***Slow clap

Keep it up, looks real good

Thank you!

Now, dudes. I present you Umbra of Sorrow's version of Julius Belmont, done by artist Junki Sakuraba!

(https://dl.dropbox.com/s/24cs9wxty1op5yn/JULIUS_BY_JUNKI.png?dl=0)

Small rant ahead:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on August 20, 2015, 05:00:04 PM
I applaude your small rant. If you have a vision, go with it. Feedback is great and very important, but it is all too often people let others sway their vision just because it doesn't suit that persons taste.

I'll admit, it's a bit feminine but if that's the style you want, go with it. It isn't necessarily a bad thing anyway. It's more identifiable in a way.

Besides, the artist has talent!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on August 20, 2015, 05:36:00 PM
Give him a pair of breasts and a taco and I'll look the other way.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 20, 2015, 05:41:34 PM
You're joking, ya pesky X, but his face was even more feminine before. The artist was really kind to modify it for me, because I basically butchered his personal style for faces (which is indeed a breed of Kojima) asking him to do this (under peer pressure, no less). And he still managed to pull it off and keep most of his own vision intact.

If Kojima could get away with Juste and Alucard, I'll get away with Julius ò_ó

Also, thanks Dracula 9. He gave very specific input about how Julius' face was too feminine, and I fowarded his input to the artist, who fixed it to the most of his ability without sacrificing his own style.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on August 20, 2015, 06:28:23 PM
Thank you!

Now, dudes. I present you Umbra of Sorrow's version of Julius Belmont, done by artist Junki Sakuraba!

(https://dl.dropbox.com/s/24cs9wxty1op5yn/JULIUS_BY_JUNKI.png?dl=0)

Small rant ahead:
(click to show/hide)

So, pretty dude! That's some damn good art there! You should do a full Aluard profile too.

Dude when you are done with this, you do know you pretty much have a working game design document for a potential game right?

We need some awesome programmers to step up!  That is if you feel like doing tons of art! ROFL

Can we see the more feminine version?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 20, 2015, 06:51:45 PM
So, pretty dude! That's some damn good art there! You should do a full Aluard profile too.

Full Alucard profile is coming. The artist is eager to draw him, even.

I'll get a full-body art for all main characters (including Death, Dracula, and a character of my own creation).

The supporting characters will get busts :)

Quote
Dude when you are done with this, you do know you pretty much have a working game design document for a potential game right? We need some awesome programmers to step up!  That is if you feel like doing tons of art! ROFL

Yep, I know. In fact, I do have some very specific details already laid down for a *possible* fangame, but this will require an enormous joint effort. If I sit down to make it into a game, I won't take less than "looks hella official to me" as its quality.

There are also some talented programmers that have approached me wanting to turn this into a game, but I turned them down for now. I still don't have enough material to leave them building while I create more material.

Furthermore, I fear that the programmers could leave the project altogether for no reason, or take it hostage. While it's in my hands, I can manage, but once other variables enter the picture, I get really scared.

As for the more feminine version, it's more a change on the face than in the body. There isn't much to show, honestly. Unless you insist, of course.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: SabinFigaro on August 20, 2015, 08:32:33 PM
Whatever happened to 80's he-man Simon Belmont type of art  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on August 21, 2015, 01:49:32 AM
Oooohhhh... Julius is so pretty~! I like it. :)
I can't wait for Allie's full profile. I'm holding my drool at the moment.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: son_the_vampire on August 21, 2015, 07:59:05 AM
I'm looking forward to the now ancient Johnny and Charlotte pics too :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on August 21, 2015, 09:23:26 AM

There are also some talented programmers that have approached me wanting to turn this into a game, but I turned them down for now. I still don't have enough material to leave them building while I create more material.

Furthermore, I fear that the programmers could leave the project altogether for no reason, or take it hostage. While it's in my hands, I can manage, but once other variables enter the picture, I get really scared.

As for the more feminine version, it's more a change on the face than in the body. There isn't much to show, honestly. Unless you insist, of course.

Totally understood about the programming thing. You should really start looking at stuff like that yourself if you haven't already. With your art skills you already have a bit of a jump on the uninitiated when making fan-games.

Even with my fan-game I am pretty much doing everything myself, so it's more than convenient that I have art skills to not have to rely on someone else to basically program my game for me.

I don't know everything, but I am teachable and do know how to follow tutorials.

Please do share that other version of the art. I love early behind the scene stuff like that...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on August 21, 2015, 09:56:27 AM
Quote
Whatever happened to 80's he-man Simon Belmont type of art  ;D

I miss that style too. It should never have been abandoned as it spoke volumes about Castlevania :'(
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on August 22, 2015, 04:06:46 AM
Very nice artwork. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 23, 2015, 04:02:44 AM
Very nice artwork. :)

Thanks man. With the help of the community, including yours and others more, this project is shaping up to be precisely what I envisioned. I'm so happy :')

Please do share that other version of the art. I love early behind the scene stuff like that...

Okay so, like I said, there is not much difference but Julius' face. Here it is:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F150824C%2Fezimba15362494800104.png&hash=b64305f7e478efe3209e70ffa502d52d)

It went under three iterations - plus one edit by myself - to reach the final stage (the one to the right). You may not be able to see it since they're side-by-side like that, but when overlaid there is a HUGE difference.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on August 23, 2015, 06:07:50 PM
Huh, kind of reminds me of Eric's case in Bloodlines when I look at it, only yours isn't as extreme.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 24, 2015, 12:08:00 AM
Huh, kind of reminds me of Eric's case in Bloodlines when I look at it, only yours isn't as extreme.

Eric's face is total princess. YET he's still beautiful and I love it.

In this artwork I still like more the first face, man :( I'm still deciding which will be Julius' final face from the four options I have, but the first one will forever dwell in my heart.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on August 26, 2015, 12:06:27 AM
This needs to become a game.

Once I get back home after my internship in September, I'll do more music. Love it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on August 26, 2015, 02:10:53 PM
Would you mind if I did a classic barbaric version of this Julius for you?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 26, 2015, 02:55:59 PM
Would you mind if I did a classic barbaric version of this Julius for you?

Of course not. The only thing I ask is that you follow what you understand from the sprite's design (taking whatever design liberties you wish), and that you must digitalize it so we can see it very clearly :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on August 26, 2015, 03:38:54 PM
Of course not. The only thing I ask is that you follow what you understand from the sprite's design (taking whatever design liberties you wish), and that you must digitalize it so we can see it very clearly :)

That will not be a problem. ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 29, 2015, 03:20:04 AM
More 1999 Julius for you all:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F150830C%2Fezimba15362468975904.png&hash=4887d51a54892c733e51f4e56ee1c022)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Gunlord on August 29, 2015, 03:26:01 AM
Very cool! :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on August 29, 2015, 06:31:22 AM
*Applauds*  This is looking seriously amazing.  Well done!  The artwork for Julius is gorgeous, kudos to the artist as well.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on August 29, 2015, 09:33:10 AM
Well done! He doesn't look so feminine now as he does in the other images.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on August 29, 2015, 10:10:08 AM
That's a kick ass flavor of Julius!

MUCH better than the official design.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 29, 2015, 09:56:45 PM
Thank you, dudes!

Please do not forget to visit the artist's page (http://junkisakuraba.deviantart.com/). He's putting his soul in this project and also cannot wait to see what it'll turn out like :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on August 29, 2015, 10:37:07 PM
It is nice to how dedicated a few fans are. Can't wait to see more from this project.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on August 29, 2015, 10:37:51 PM
I like this new Julius more than the previous one.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 03, 2015, 04:09:26 AM
Just small update on what I'm doing now:

Lately, I've been trying to trace the origins of the Lecardes. I succeeded in the side of Eric, and most recently, I traced the side of Eric's second wife. This is important to tie up with how Jonathan acquired both the Stellar Sword and the Alucard Spear, and the knowledge to teach Julius the Omnia Vanitas technique, which is developed from Maxim's ancient technique. Here it goes:

(click to show/hide)

Now for the detailed explanations:

(click to show/hide)

Now, the only thing left is Eric's side and how the hell he got the Alucard Spear. It's already written and is being reviewed.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on September 03, 2015, 10:13:19 AM
Why the hell weren't you in charge of the Castlevania series?! All this is good stuff! You're really paying attention to every minor detail in order to make the best possible/logical connections however you can. It's unfortunate that IGA never did this or would would have a more fluid series with little to no contradictions and plotholes to patch up ourselves.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on September 03, 2015, 10:40:39 AM
The details, man, the details. Awesome.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 03, 2015, 08:50:47 PM
Thanks dudes :)

Unfortunatelly, the side of Eric of the family will require waaay more fanfiction, because there were little to no threads for me to pull.

Also, I added a bit about the sisters' eyes symbolism to the detailed explanation up there. Nothing major, just one more hint at how the sisters behave like a glyph union themselves.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on September 05, 2015, 03:29:42 AM
This is awesome plot! I can't wait to read about Eric's side.

Oh and the characters that made up the name "Stella" are called katakana and not Kanji. Kanji are the Chinese characters. Katakanas are characters used for foreign loan words like English, for instance.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Kirihara Akira on September 05, 2015, 07:59:33 AM
Good stuff, thank you for looking up all these. Actually, can I ask some questions?

Abut the eyes of the sisters.They only have the "red eye" when they were vampairized. After purified, their "red eye" disappeared. Do you noticed that?

Also, something about Shanoa. Well, this is nothing more than my own imagination. I just wonder that, why Shanoa can be the host of Glyph magic, while Albus could not even with the help of Belmont blood?

OK, here comes my imagination----Is Shanoa a Belmont? I just think that only the blood of Belmont can contain the power of Dracula without being consumed. It just my imagination thought. What do you think?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Inccubus on September 05, 2015, 08:51:16 AM
It was my understanding (could just be headcanon) that Albus could use regular glyph magic just fine albeit not nearly as well as Shanoa. It was specifically Dominus that he failed to control despite using Belmont blood to augment his abilities.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Kirihara Akira on September 05, 2015, 09:18:40 AM
Oh yeah, OK, I got it wrong. But do you understand what I meant? Why Shanoa was able to control Dominus but Albus can't? What is the different between them? Don't tell me Shanoa could control Dominus because she was a female. I will not take that. :-\
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on September 05, 2015, 10:46:51 AM
Quote
Don't tell me Shanoa could control Dominus because she was a female. I will not take that. :-\

You may have just answered your own question there Kirihara Akira. and with all due respect you just might have to accept that.

Throughout history in terms of the old religions, females have often been represented as of divinity and purity; the physical manifestation of the great goddess on earth. You'll find this all throughout the teachings of sprituality. It was only later on (through the advent of the male-dominant christian religion) that that representation was reversed and women were seen as harlots and prostitutes with unclean bodies associated with sin and lust (which is just not true on any level and is disrespectful of women in general).

As far as I'm aware of Shanoa isn't blood-related to the Belmonts and the game does not tell you otherwise either. I've done several play-throughs and found no evidence pertaining otherwise. But when she gets the first Dominius glyph which Albus had, it partially contained the magic of the Belmont blood so this could have also aided in preventing Shanoa from being corrupted. However Shanoa is not immune to the effects of the Glyphs. In other words if she uses Dominius she dies. There is no stopping that. Albus took her place as the blood sacrifice in order to prevent her death after using Dominius so she was spared.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 05, 2015, 12:49:38 PM
As far as I'm aware of Shanoa isn't blood-related to the Belmonts and the game does not tell you otherwise either. I've done several play-throughs and found no evidence pertaining otherwise. But when she gets the first Dominius glyph which Albus had, it partially contained the magic of the Belmont blood so this could have also aided in preventing Shanoa from being corrupted. However Shanoa is not immune to the effects of the Glyphs. In other words if she uses Dominius she dies. There is no stopping that. Albus took her place as the blood sacrifice in order to prevent her death after using Dominius so she was spared.

Pretty much what I was going to answer. The Belmont power contained in the villagers helped Shanoa withstand Dominus' corruption. By the time she gets Dominus' first piece, she already has the power of at least one villager. She never had to put up with Dominus before, like Barlowe and Albus did, and see where that took them both.

Quote
Also, something about Shanoa. Well, this is nothing more than my own imagination. I just wonder that, why Shanoa can be the host of Glyph magic, while Albus could not even with the help of Belmont blood?

That's the thing, the Belmont blood was useless without the Belmont power of the villagers. Albus never had it, while Shanoa did.

Shanoa could tap in the Belmont power because it was stored in the glyphs imprisoning the villagers, and according to the game, the glyphs contain "the power in all things, great and small".

Therefore, Albus couldn't tap in this Belmont power because he couldn't absorb glyphs like Shanoa can. He can only use them through Agartha. On my understanding, using a Glyph by proxy and actually absorbing it and the power contained within it to use it are different things.

Quote
As far as I'm aware of Shanoa isn't blood-related to the Belmonts and the game does not tell you otherwise either.

And I think IGA confirmed that, too, if I remember well. He said in his latest reddit AMA that he had not thought about making her blood-related to anyone at the time.

Quote
Oh and the characters that made up the name "Stella" are called katakana and not Kanji. Kanji are the Chinese characters. Katakanas are characters used for foreign loan words like English, for instance.

Thanks! I knew I had screwed up somewhere with the japanese -_-' Corrected it!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 06, 2015, 02:22:52 AM
While I write up more stuff for you to read, I'll post here some ideas for unique monsters I had for this project. I might even draw some sprites for them in the future!

Here they are, even followed by Castlevania-styled short descriptions:

[REDACTED]
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on September 06, 2015, 05:51:00 AM
Headless Mule (this one has a sprite to go with it lol):
Demonic mule said to once have been the daughter of a priest.
(click to show/hide)
(click to show/hide)

Mapinguari:
Brutal monster with a deadly glare in its eye, and a hungry mouth on its belly.[/spoiler]

That was a nice surprise to me, as a brazilian. Now about this interview, you've a link? I'm really interested in this now!  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 06, 2015, 06:46:57 AM
That was a nice surprise to me, as a brazilian. Now about this interview, you've a link? I'm really interested in this now!  ;D

It's really freaking short. I don't even think it qualifies as a proper interview:

http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/2015/08/05/ex-diretor-acha-que-mula-sem-cabeca-seria-bom-monstro-para-castlevania.htm (http://jogos.uol.com.br/ultimas-noticias/2015/08/05/ex-diretor-acha-que-mula-sem-cabeca-seria-bom-monstro-para-castlevania.htm)

English translation for the fellow dungeonites:
Quote
The "Castlevania" series made it's fame with monster-infested adventures inspired by the various legends from around the world - particularly European ones.

But does any creature from Brazilian folklore have a chance in Konami's classic franchise or some other game in the same style?

"The headless mule certainly would make a good enemy! Maybe even a boss" said the renowned producer Koji Igarashi to UOL Games shortly after the Microsoft pre-Gamescom presentation.

We've shown the Iga-san a drawing of the headless mule and also of the Saci, the elusive boy with one leg who is always accompanied by pipe and red cap.

"The Saci would concern me more about using him in a game, specially as an enemy," he said.

"A lot of people might misunderstand the idea and think it's prejudice against disabled people to place a character without one leg as an enemy that must be defeated."

There was no time to show other monsters from Brazilian folklore, but we also asked about a portuguese localization for "Bloodstained", the producer's new game in the style of "Castlevania" which is one of the latest crowdfunding hits on Kickstarter.

"What I can say is that we are thinking about it and if there are enough people interested, we will do everything possible to include it in the game," said Igarashi.

Funnily I was going to add the Saci to my list too (dude is too iconic, you have no idea), but decided against it due to his too-humanoid and not-so-menacing appearance.

There is one more monster from brazilian folklore I want to add, and this would be "Boitata." However, I find this name a bit silly for a freaking giant snake on fire, so I'd use it's original, tupi name "Mbae tata" that sounds more like something in the leagues of "Quetzalcoatl."
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Kirihara Akira on September 07, 2015, 07:17:26 AM
Too bad I only know Chinese and Japanese monster. It seems I can't help you here. However, if you need anything about Chinese and Japanese religion, I would happy to help.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 07, 2015, 07:59:55 AM
Too bad I only know Chinese and Japanese monster. It seems I can't help you here. However, if you need anything about Chinese and Japanese religion, I would happy to help.

Oh, but rest assured I'll have chinese folklore in this too. But it's still too early to try to fly so high.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on September 07, 2015, 10:07:07 AM
Include the Tarrasque from French folklore. :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on September 08, 2015, 03:17:12 AM
Philippine folklore has tons of creatures that are largely ignored.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_mythical_creatures (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_mythical_creatures)
http://www.filipiknow.net/top-10-terrifying-philippine-mythical-creatures/ (http://www.filipiknow.net/top-10-terrifying-philippine-mythical-creatures/)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 08, 2015, 03:20:21 AM
Phillipine and Malay cultures are also planned. And now French too lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on September 08, 2015, 01:50:45 PM
Include the Tarrasque from French folklore. :D

Wait... Tarrasque is from folklore?! I only know it from D&D and thought it was a original creation! Wow!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Inccubus on September 08, 2015, 01:53:44 PM
There are a ton of monsters in D&D that draw inspiration from folklore & literature. There are a tone of original creations, too.
The Displacer Beast for example is from an old sci-fi novel and a variation of it also exists in Final Fantasy as the Ceourl.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on September 08, 2015, 10:18:45 PM
Wait... Tarrasque is from folklore?! I only know it from D&D and thought it was a original creation! Wow!
Yep (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarasque) :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Kirihara Akira on September 09, 2015, 07:59:30 AM
Hey, I was playing Project Zero 3 and I think of a NPC for you.

(click to show/hide)

How about this: She is the store owner in your game and you can access to her store through mirror. But don't you dare skip her lines or it will result in a hitten boss fight.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 09, 2015, 10:14:35 AM
Hey, I was playing Project Zero 3 and I think of a NPC for you.

(click to show/hide)

How about this: She is the store owner in your game and you can access to her store through mirror. But don't you dare skip her lines or it will result in a hitten boss fight.

I think you'll want to wait until I unveil the main story before proposing characters like NPCs. Most NPCs are already decided on, including this incarnation of the shopkeeper. But since the story is still not completelly decided, I might open it up for proposals when the time comes.

Also, I must remind that NPCs such as shopkeepers will only come in handy if this turns into a game.

Also....... Isn't this character from Fatal Frame or something like that o.O ?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Inccubus on September 09, 2015, 10:54:53 AM
Yep (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarasque) :)

Until now I never noticed how much Bowser looks like a bipedal tarasque.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Kirihara Akira on September 09, 2015, 06:48:15 PM
I think you'll want to wait until I unveil the main story before proposing characters like NPCs. Most NPCs are already decided on, including this incarnation of the shopkeeper. But since the story is still not completely decided, I might open it up for proposals when the time comes.

Also, I must remind that NPCs such as shopkeepers will only come in handy if this turns into a game.

Also....... Isn't this character from Fatal Frame or something like that o.O ?

Yeah, Fatal Frame. In China its name is Project Zero.

Are you going to make it a game or something else? What are you going to make it into?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 09, 2015, 09:56:29 PM
Right now I'm writting a story. I'm trying to build the 1999 plot in a way that it feels as convincing as possible. So you can say this is a kind of fanfiction. However, I'll have many things more that will distance this project from the ordinary fanfiction effort.

This might become a fangame - there are some plans laid for that - but right now it is dangerous to make such promises.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 10, 2015, 10:20:54 AM
Remade the japanese logo. The first one never really satisfied me because it didn't feel like something the japanese designers would do. They love those overly complicated designs full of fancy shit. I still think this one is not fancy enough, but still~ :)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F150911C%2Fezimba15362415360604.png&hash=644c79b633e7f355c174f263bbdb1f13)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on September 10, 2015, 10:07:04 PM
Pretty! I like the choice of colors.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on September 11, 2015, 02:46:23 AM
@plot: You could remove the reading for the kanji of akumajou since the subtitle doesn't have a reading. I think the logo would look much better after.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 11, 2015, 04:32:27 AM
@plot: You could remove the reading for the kanji of akumajou since the subtitle doesn't have a reading. I think the logo would look much better after.

Hmmmm, you may be right. I added it because some logos also have this too, like the old CV logos or the Lords of Shadow ones. I wanted to add it to the subtitle, but I didn't know how to write it. It would be something like ほん かげ の エレジ wouldn't it?

But it may be better if I remove it indeed.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Donvermicelli on September 14, 2015, 10:16:58 AM
I agree with Shiroi Koumori on the reading part, it feels strange to have furigana there.

but I didn't know how to write it. It would be something like ほん かげ の エレジ wouldn't it?

Yep.

My added suggestion is to add some key concepts from your game to the logo art, the spear being a prime candidate.
Dracula's final form maybe? seeing as the viewer will only see the outlines they will only serve as a foreshadowing but still give that aha moment when they encounter things ingame.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 17, 2015, 06:16:09 PM
My added suggestion is to add some key concepts from your game to the logo art, the spear being a prime candidate.
Dracula's final form maybe? seeing as the viewer will only see the outlines they will only serve as a foreshadowing but still give that aha moment when they encounter things ingame.

I don't think it's a good idea to add too much foreshadowing. STILL adding one weapon might be a nice idea! But only if I find space to do it.

Right now I removed the furigana. I'll mess with it a little more before posting it again.

Now, for today, I bring you one GIANT plot point of my story - It deals with how to break Dracula's revival cycle and the importance of Dracula's remains in the equation. This piece of plot is what kickstarts all the chain of events in the story. Read at your own risk:

(click to show/hide)

And here is a piece of the story's background, that will act in tandem with the above details:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 25, 2015, 10:21:29 PM
Small update on the project:

Right now, and after ponderating a lot about it, I decided to open a secret Facebook group for this project. The group has a lot of advantages over the forum/thread format that pushed me on opening it. Let me explain:

-Secret conversations regarding the project are visible to anyone who wants to be more involved with it and wants/needs to be spoiled about it. This includes people who want to take part on knowing/add to the plot details, or want to contribute with media to enrich it, but doesn't want anyone to steal it WHILE allowing the people involved to see it.

-Anyone can post specific subjects and have it debated over in the comments. The thread format makes it easy to derail the topic at hand, and hard to find responses to the specific topic.

-The biggest reason I decided to do it: It allows me to create a glossary of all the terms and background-plot pieces that will fall together in place in the final story. This part was specially hard for me to keep up doing here, because there simply isn't enough space for everything (even though this space IS enormous) and the format won't allow me to organize things beyond post-formatting trickery.

So that's it.

And no, I won't stop posting about it over here. Every major decision about the project will be posted here just as it has always been and be discussed accordingly. HOWEVER, things here will obviously be slower than the things I decide to post over the group. I have numerous stand-alone ideas that I'd like to discuss or expose in a faster manner that the forum format simply won't allow me to do.

Lastly, the group exists, but no one is being added yet! I'm filling its "library" with contents about the story, so when people arrive, they have plenty to read and discuss. When I open the group for adding people, I'll warn you guys.

And again - anyone who doesn't want to take part in it will still lose nothing. i'll try to keep this thread up just like I've been doing :) The people added there will simply get early glimpses of how the project is unfolding before the major decisions are made and posted both there and here.

If NO ONE wants to enter, it's still not bad, because I'll be chronicling the project's progress for myself as I write it somewhere on the internet, safe from HD failures and etc.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 01, 2015, 12:16:23 PM
Story update:

In Aria of Sorrow we learn that Julius Belmont sealed the Vampire Killer inside Dracula's Castle to "weaken his magic and his spirit". However we never get to see where did he do it, or why the whip is needed to seal this magic or his spirit.

Now, for Umbra, I've selected a number of places where the whip could've been through logic. From featureless rooms to frachise staple rooms. And, through elimitation, I arrived at two choices.

As the story goes on Umbra, I'm deciding between these two places where Julius could've done it. The reason why the whip is needed is already decided for the two places (and they are different depending on what room it is), and now I'm thinking up only what will be the most fitting one for the tone of the story.

At the moment, the story is nudging me towards this one. And of course, spoiler alert:

(click to show/hide)

If you guys have more ideas where the VK could be sealed, tell me. The two places I'm thinking about are handpicked, BUT if you provide a reason to why the VK could be somewhere else, it can be considered :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 01, 2015, 11:45:04 PM
Nice catch plot! I might have an idea on who's grave that is, but I'll just stay silent until you write the entire thing.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 03, 2015, 06:09:28 PM
Nice catch plot! I might have an idea on who's grave that is, but I'll just stay silent until you write the entire thing.

You dudes are too fast to figure things out XD
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on October 03, 2015, 07:18:15 PM
Small update on the project:

Right now, and after ponderating a lot about it, I decided to open a secret Facebook group for this project. The group has a lot of advantages over the forum/thread format that pushed me on opening it. Let me explain:

-Secret conversations regarding the project are visible to anyone who wants to be more involved with it and wants/needs to be spoiled about it. This includes people who want to take part on knowing/add to the plot details, or want to contribute with media to enrich it, but doesn't want anyone to steal it WHILE allowing the people involved to see it.

-Anyone can post specific subjects and have it debated over in the comments. The thread format makes it easy to derail the topic at hand, and hard to find responses to the specific topic.

-The biggest reason I decided to do it: It allows me to create a glossary of all the terms and background-plot pieces that will fall together in place in the final story. This part was specially hard for me to keep up doing here, because there simply isn't enough space for everything (even though this space IS enormous) and the format won't allow me to organize things beyond post-formatting trickery.

So that's it.

And no, I won't stop posting about it over here. Every major decision about the project will be posted here just as it has always been and be discussed accordingly. HOWEVER, things here will obviously be slower than the things I decide to post over the group. I have numerous stand-alone ideas that I'd like to discuss or expose in a faster manner that the forum format simply won't allow me to do.

Lastly, the group exists, but no one is being added yet! I'm filling its "library" with contents about the story, so when people arrive, they have plenty to read and discuss. When I open the group for adding people, I'll warn you guys.

And again - anyone who doesn't want to take part in it will still lose nothing. i'll try to keep this thread up just like I've been doing :) The people added there will simply get early glimpses of how the project is unfolding before the major decisions are made and posted both there and here.

If NO ONE wants to enter, it's still not bad, because I'll be chronicling the project's progress for myself as I write it somewhere on the internet, safe from HD failures and etc.

That group sounds cool..sign me up!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 11, 2015, 02:21:41 AM
I have a question for you dungeonites:

On my story, there is space for one returning vampire to appear and have some plot relevance. However I can't decide who it'll be yet. All of these vampires have different plot details that they can enlighten that the others cannot, and these details have varying degrees of relevance depending on the person reading them. I'm thinking of the following options:

1. Carmilla - Can reveal her connection with Dracula and other detailed, personal info about the Count that only she could know as a potential "lover/bride/concubine" to Dracula.
2. Elizabeth Bartley - Can reveal more about Dracula's remains, more about her involvement with the first World War, and more about Dracula's first revival.
3. Olrox - Can reveal his connection with Dracula and more detailed information about the true nature of the castle itself, and even about the other vampires serving Dracula.

I can't have them all because that would be a vampire overload, and I'm not confident I can write that many vampires all at once without one overshadowing the other. Plus, I imagine these vampires would NOT cohexist harmoniously amongst themselves out of pure contention (a subplot about one trying to topple the other would be interesting, but let's forget this for now).

So, I'm personally leaning towards Carmilla and Olrox.

While Carmilla is the vampire who has appeared most from all of these, she's the only who has had zero plot relevancy yet, when Olrox already has the light novel, and Elizabeth already has Bloodlines. (plus, I already imagined a kickass Carmilla x Laura combo boss battle hohoho!)

With Olrox I could pull a theplottwist©-brand plot twist concerning his true intentions as Dracula's servant, and tie it with his actions in the light novel.

But I want your opinions. What vampire you'd like to watch making a return and why?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on October 11, 2015, 04:59:25 AM
I'm personally more interested in Olrox, as he carries information about the castle itself. Plus, his suit appears in Aria. :V
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on October 11, 2015, 07:21:02 AM
Olrox should be the one, as he appears as the main antagonist in the novel that follows DoS.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 11, 2015, 09:12:31 PM
I'm personally more interested in Olrox, as he carries information about the castle itself. Plus, his suit appears in Aria. :V

Olrox should be the one, as he appears as the main antagonist in the novel that follows DoS.

Pretty darn good reasons to have Olrox.

I might still insert another vampire, but only if I feel confident enough I can write them both. So, continue voting. Olrox has two points in his favor :P

Also, there is a big possibility of me adding an original vampire to the story. The character already exists (and so does the vampire legend where they'd come from), but if they are a vampire or not, is still up for decision.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 11, 2015, 09:58:24 PM
Quote
1. Carmilla - Can reveal her connection with Dracula and other detailed, personal info about the Count that only she could know as a potential "lover/bride/concubine" to Dracula.

Carmilla is always a classic CV villain as she was in the series as early as CV II though rarely seen since. However what you have here,

Quote
"lover/bride/concubine"

completely contradicts her character. There is a reason as to why Carmilla is called the lesbian vampire and that she only went after women to feed upon. She would not be Dracula's lover/bride/concubine because it's not in her nature. It's just not the nature of her character. If you do choose Carmilla then don't take the route you've suggested. Whip up something else that could work for her. You should be true to the characters as much as possible as it'll show respect for the character and the literature they're borrowed from. Sadly IGA didn't do that with Dracula when he decided to make his origin story.

PS. sorry for the info dump but I respect these characters too much to see such a drastic change. Even if it's for story-telling :-\
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 11, 2015, 10:15:24 PM
completely contradicts her character. There is a reason as to why Carmilla is called the lesbian vampire and that she only went after women to feed upon. She would not be Dracula's lover/bride/concubine because it's not in her nature. It's just not the nature of her character. If you do choose Carmilla then don't take the route you've suggested. Whip up something else that could work for her. You should be true to the characters as much as possible as it'll show respect for the character and the literature they're borrowed from. Sadly IGA didn't do that with Dracula when he decided to make his origin story.

Very fair point. Castlevania's Carmilla adores Dracula like a god, and not as a lover. It'd also be out of place for Dracula to have a lover, as I don't think he'd take anyone else for a bride or lover anymore after Lisa.

I must point out, though, that Castlevania's Carmilla does display some drastic differences from Le Fanu's Carmilla (even sexually, as seen in Judgment and her bissexual dominatrix behaviors). Even though she is a reference to the character in his work, she still is an original Castlevania character, much like Castlevania's Olrox references Murnau's Orlok without being the same character (just read that light novel and tell me Olrox is faithful to Orlok xD). So, it's hard to be faithful to the book's Carmilla when I'm trying to be faithful to the Castlevania counterpart of these characters.

But still, I'm willing to bend her back into a more Le Fanuesque shape from what Castlevania did to her anyway, because I honestly loathe her guts on Castlevania. Castlevania made a character full of potential into a total bitch in the only game she has any personality (Judgment) and into "another crazy worshipper" in the game that is not canon (Circle of the Moon). I respect her much more on Circle, but I still don't like it. So, while I'll give Carmilla much of her Castlevania iconography, I'll try to rewrite her personality into something less raunchy.

I intend to make her into a more refined, matter-of-factly noblewoman with small eccentricities that hides her face behind a ball mask and dresses like she's going to an extravagant masquerade. And, of course, her lesbian side will return aswell, although in a much more tasteful fashion than Judgment's horrid representation of her sexuality. She'll still maintain her role as the one who knows about Dracula's personal life anyway. She might be a vampire, but she's still an observant woman and knows what's up.

Also, something I'd like to add to Carmilla VERY MUCH is the power to control Black Panthers or turn into one, and make her be able to go through solid objects as if she were a ghost :D

So, one vote for Carmilla (and for Laura by proxy) and two for Olrox :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 12, 2015, 03:19:16 AM
I really want to see Olrox because I translated that novel.  ;)
Just answer "What's his beef with ye old Drac?"
And the plottwist-branded plottwist sounds really intriguing.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 12, 2015, 03:47:55 AM
I really want to see Olrox because I translated that novel.  ;)
Just answer "What's his beef with ye old Drac?"
And the plottwist-branded plottwist sounds really intriguing.

Hoo boy... This is one of the twists I'm trying put more care into writting, even though I still lack some evidence to back my plot up.

It'd explain a lot of things, including why Death is so pissed off at Olrox for trying to overtake the castle, calling him a "traitor", when he's not really "betraying" anybody...

But I must warn you that the twist is expected and some few people have written about it already. While I arrived at the idea alone, I found out later that it already existed. What I'll try to do is tie the loose ends with better evidence than it was done before.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 12, 2015, 10:32:49 AM
Quote
I intend to make her into a more refined, matter-of-factly noblewoman with small eccentricities that hides her face behind a ball mask and dresses like she's going to an extravagant masquerade. And, of course, her lesbian side will return aswell, although in a much more tasteful fashion than Judgment's horrid representation of her sexuality. She'll still maintain her role as the one who knows about Dracula's personal life anyway. She might be a vampire, but she's still an observant woman and knows what's up.

Sounds all good to me. In fact this actually works well for her as she was pretty much this in the novel.

Quote
Also, something I'd like to add to Carmilla VERY MUCH is the power to control Black Panthers or turn into one, and make her be able to go through solid objects as if she were a ghost :D

You don't have to as Carmilla already has this ability. It happened every time Laura went to sleep. A black panther would grab her by her neck and then she'd wake up. Although it's never mentioned that Carmilla does this in the waking world, it is something you could do for your story. It won't ruin the character to control panthers or turn into one, but it will make her more enticing for her CV counterpart. But don't forget that while Carmilla is moving about the castle her real body is residing in a blood-filled stone tomb.

I just thought of something. You could have the heroes take a breather (as in getting some rest before pressing onward to Dracula) and they are encountered by/ambushed by Carmilla in their sleep for the first time. Kinda like Alucard and the Succubus in SotN.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 13, 2015, 04:42:54 AM
I just thought of something. You could have the heroes take a breather (as in getting some rest before pressing onward to Dracula) and they are encountered by/ambushed by Carmilla in their sleep for the first time. Kinda like Alucard and the Succubus in SotN.

Why, she could appear specifically to Lenora, teasing her. I wanted Carmilla to oppose Lenora already, since Lenora is a descendant of Sypha, who had her family killed by Carmilla's machinations.

I have more to add to the idea, so please let me hear what you think:

Carmilla can be introduced as an apparition to Lenora. I might try to work a "sleep" scene for her alone to incorporate this, but I'm leaning more towards a "meditation" scene where Lenora is introspective, trying to sense something with her mind (the characters are in a rush to destroy Dracula before the eclipse, so a "breather" is kinda out of question here xD). Carmilla appears in her mind, blocking her abilities and teasing Lenora to go after her.

During the story, I'll have an entire tower ruled by Carmilla, a chapel tower, where a scene re-enacting Simon's marriage from Haunted Castle's intro will take place. Of course, this scene is nothing more than pure theatrics on Carmilla's part trying to distract the hero(es). Instead of Dracula kidnapping the bride, however, it is Carmilla, who "kidnaps" Laura, who is playing the "bride" role.

Later, the heroes gains access to the upper parts of the tower, where Carmilla resides with Laura. However, nobody is allowed to enter her room but Lenora.

Upon meeting Carmilla, plenty of banter is given, where Carmilla states that she's been waiting centuries to drink from the blood running on Lenora's veins for it belongs to someone who escaped her in the past (a reference to Sypha). So here Lenora fights both Carmilla and Laura and defeats them, gaining access to whatever was it that Carmilla was blocking. Laura is destroyed, BUT it's still not the last of Carmilla, who "disappears" as if she had been killed, lamenting Laura's death and cursing Lenora.

The REAL battle happens much later, near the end of the story, when one of the heroes happens upon her blood-filled coffin hidden deep in the castle's bowels. She rises enraged from inside it and assumes her true form. I have a specific hero in mind for this battle - which prompts Carmilla to banter some more, this time about the personal info concerning Dracula I mentioned up there - but this time she is finished once and for all.

Also, I want to say that this pretty much confirms that both Olrox and Carmilla are making it into the story... Oh well, the plots are too good for me to simply let go of :|

Carmilla will be ruling one tower, and Olrox will be ruling another. Olrox's part is slightly smaller than Carmilla's (by what I have already imagined), but it's needed to set up his twist. Smaller doesn't mean "less important".
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 13, 2015, 08:56:40 PM
It sounds solid. You've got what you need for Carmilla written down. Just one small segment in a much larger story yet to unfold. It also seems to be the case that the choices of who's going to be in the story and who's not is somewhat out the window now eh?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 13, 2015, 09:25:11 PM
It sounds solid. You've got what you need for Carmilla written down. Just one small segment in a much larger story yet to unfold. It also seems to be the case that the choices of who's going to be in the story and who's not is somewhat out the window now eh?

In fact, you guys DID show your preference. It's just that I was leaning more towards Carmilla than Olrox, and Shiroi, VladCT and Chernabogue displayed interest in the vampire, while you pushed for Carmilla. I guess you can say I cheated a little to get Carmilla into it anyway despite people voicing preference over Olrox :rollseyes:

I had something prepared for him, but I scrapped it early in favor of Carmilla, and Olrox's role became stagnant. But I know that he can also make it in and still uphold his role in the plot without getting on Carmilla's path. It's just that I'm not very confident about writting them both well without one trampling over the other.

But I've changed my mind and will give it a try. They're both good characters and Castlevania lacks in the vampire department. But if my try fails, I'll have to scrap someone, and well... Due to public demand, Olrox will be kept, and Carmilla will be axed.

(But there is no way in hell I can get Elizabeth there too lol So it basically became "I prefer this vampire so she'll probably enter the story. What other vampire do you want?"  ;D )
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on October 14, 2015, 07:01:56 AM
In fact, you guys DID show your preference. It's just that I was leaning more towards Carmilla than Olrox, and Shiroi, VladCT and Chernabogue displayed interest in the vampire, while you pushed for Carmilla. I guess you can say I cheated a little to get Carmilla into it anyway despite people voicing preference over Olrox :rollseyes:

I had something prepared for him, but I scrapped it early in favor of Carmilla, and Olrox's role became stagnant. But I know that he can also make it in and still uphold his role in the plot without getting on Carmilla's path. It's just that I'm not very confident about writting them both well without one trampling over the other.

But I've changed my mind and will give it a try. They're both good characters and Castlevania lacks in the vampire department. But if my try fails, I'll have to scrap someone, and well... Due to public demand, Olrox will be kept, and Carmilla will be axed.

(But there is no way in hell I can get Elizabeth there too lol So it basically became "I prefer this vampire so she'll probably enter the story. What other vampire do you want?"  ;D )
Honestly, I would rather see more development with Olrox. Carmilla gets overkill most of the time in fan-ism, games, etc.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on October 14, 2015, 07:48:09 AM
Honestly, I would rather see more development with Olrox. Carmilla gets overkill most of the time in fan-ism, games, etc.

Amen. Orlox should be the main antagonist of a game. He's way overlooked.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 19, 2015, 05:34:48 PM
Amen. Orlox should be the main antagonist of a game. He's way overlooked.

Olrox is the main antagonist in Ricordanza of the God Abyss. Now THAT would be one hell of a story to turn into a fangame!

Now, it's me again with one more of my questions.

In Umbra there will appear a city that will be the stage for the story's introduction. This city will be where the "war" will take place while the heroes face Dracula.

Initially I didn't want to introduce a city setting, since I already had an "war" aspect in the story with the involvement of the military. But recently, while writing it, I discovered/developed a reason for a city to appear and justify a myriad of things, including this one line from Graham Jones in the future:

(click to show/hide)

I had another device to justify Graham spilling this information, but I found that the city setting might work better to explain other points all at once.

What I want to know is this: Would you like to see a town that has already appeared in the series but now evolved into a modern city, or would you prefer to see a new setting? And if it's a previous town, would you want it to play a role in the plot as a device (as is my plan), or for it to simply work as a stage for the story to introduce itself, without further complications?

Also I should add: Wygol seems like the obvious choice, but is off the list. It ALREADY plays a significant role in the story's background and in a plot-point, thus, in a way, it's already added. I'm asking you to choose between having a returning town or a new town. If you choose for a returning town, I already have one up in my sleeve that is NOT Wygol.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on October 19, 2015, 11:38:12 PM
Maybe one of the towns from Simon's Quest? :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 20, 2015, 12:09:49 AM
Maybe one of the towns from Simon's Quest? :)

Those are preciselly what I'm going for - specifically Yomi Town - the one right before Vlad Graveyard with only one woman living in it, telling Simon to come and live with her. It also received the ridiculous name of "Ghulash" which I'm readily ignoring in favor of its other name "Yomi".

If you prefer for me to choose, it'll quite possibly be this one. If you choose for a new town, I'll create one from scratch.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 20, 2015, 02:12:04 AM
Olrox is the main antagonist in Ricordanza of the God Abyss. Now THAT would be one hell of a story to turn into a fangame!

What I want to know is this: Would you like to see a town that has already appeared in the series but now evolved into a modern city, or would you prefer to see a new setting? And if it's a previous town, would you want it to play a role in the plot as a device (as is my plan), or for it to simply work as a stage for the story to introduce itself, without further complications?

Also I should add: Wygol seems like the obvious choice, but is off the list. It ALREADY plays a significant role in the story's background and in a plot-point, thus, in a way, it's already added. I'm asking you to choose between having a returning town or a new town. If you choose for a returning town, I already have one up in my sleeve that is NOT Wygol.

Someone turn that novel into a game already......

I am thinking of a new town so that you can give it a name.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on October 20, 2015, 04:12:05 AM
Those are preciselly what I'm going for - specifically Yomi Town - the one right before Vlad Graveyard with only one woman living in it, telling Simon to come and live with her. It also received the ridiculous name of "Ghulash" which I'm readily ignoring in favor of its other name "Yomi".

Yomi is both a Demon (in Yu Yu Hakusho) and a Concept:

Yomi is a Japanese term meaning "Knowing the mind of the opponent". It's the ability to know what your opponent is going to do, and act appropriately. Whether you achieve this by "conditioning" the opponent to act one way, and then acting in another way, or simply work your way into the head of your opponent, yomi is just that: the ability to know what your opponent is going to do.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 20, 2015, 04:47:45 AM
Yomi is both a Demon (in Yu Yu Hakusho) and a Concept:

Yomi is a Japanese term meaning "Knowing the mind of the opponent". It's the ability to know what your opponent is going to do, and act appropriately. Whether you achieve this by "conditioning" the opponent to act one way, and then acting in another way, or simply work your way into the head of your opponent, yomi is just that: the ability to know what your opponent is going to do.

Mighty Jorge noticed me *-*

I didn't know about it being an "state of mind"   :)

I discovered Yomi (黄泉) as a word for "Underworld" (more in the "Hades" sense than in the "Tartarus/Hell" sense, which can be used to refer to the greek god too). However, the name of the town is worded "ヨミの町" in the japanese manual for Simon's Quest, which using the Google-fu says that it means "Town of Reading".

The first word strikes me as strange to be a name for a Romanian village, but I kind of understand seeing as the town named after it is quite gloomy and lifeless (possibly to reflect evil's influence on the land). Many japanese sources name the town using the first word. However, since the second is how it is written in the manual - an official source - it probably wasn't the intention of the developers to have the town be associated with "darkness" or "underworld".

I've choosen this specific town for some reasons that can be found on Simon's Quest, and some that can be found on Dracula's Curse. It has an "historical" connection with Dracula's Castle.

You see, it is my belief that Yomi is both the final town in CVII AND the first stage's last part in CVIII. Both towns have a graveyard beyond their limits, and both towns have a bridge connecting with Dracula's Castle right beyond this graveyard. I know that the first level in CVIII is called "Warakiya" but it's stupidly obvious that "Warakiya" is a mistranslation of "Wallachia", and Wallachia isn't a single town. The name could be referring to the collective of towns forming Simon's Quest, with Yomi being the last segment.

If I create an original town, as Shiroi voted for, it'll be one built on top of Yomi's past location, but with an original name, and an original story to it. The location itself is important, and not exactly the town - it doesn't need to be the same town. Thus why I asked if you guys prefer something new so it doesn't become too "reference-y".
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on October 20, 2015, 05:24:36 AM
Refresh my memory. What town is the openin stage in rondo?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 20, 2015, 05:28:31 AM
Refresh my memory. What town is the openin stage in rondo?

Aljiba. Its presence cements the fact that the Castle can resurrect anywhere in Wallachia, as it's shown that the entrance to the castle's domains is right beyond the town's limits, when in Simon's Quest, Aljiba is really far away from the castle.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 20, 2015, 10:16:04 AM
Why not research a town that actually exists right near one of Vlad III's castles? It would have a more authentic feel in my mind.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on October 20, 2015, 10:25:13 AM
I thought about suggesting that.

But then I got to thinking...

Seems to me that vampires (the undead) do not need air to breath.

If Dracula really wanted to keep people out of his castle he would have it materialize at the bottom of a deep lake.

The castle could easily have sealed and dry areas inside. But simply getting inside of it would pose a much bigger challenge. Not to mention how well hidden it would be.

The bottom of the deepest, darkest lake in Wallachia. That's where a keen vampire lord would hide his fortress.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on October 20, 2015, 07:09:27 PM
A keen one, yes. But the rules are different if the lord is egotistical with a superiority complex over humans. Such a being would not hide beneath the waves, out of sight; such a being would put his fortress in a place where he can strike fear into those he subjugates, and sit atop the highest tower and look down upon them.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 20, 2015, 07:35:57 PM
A keen one, yes. But the rules are different if the lord is egotistical with a superiority complex over humans. Such a being would not hide beneath the waves, out of sight; such a being would put his fortress in a place where he can strike fear into those he subjugates, and sit atop the highest tower and look down upon them.

I couldn't have put it better than this. Dracula was a brilliant strategist before, but he let his pride take the best of him. As such, the castle follows suit. It exists purely to instill terror on mankind with its appearance alone.

The castle in itself is a cynical invitation from Dracula - "Are you badass enough to face me, maggot? Then here, this is my castle. Let me see if you have the balls to come here and fight me."

He doesn't want to keep people out of his castle. He wants them to come in and die an humiliating death.

I'm also using this info as an exposition device. Here is a dialogue excerpt:

(click to show/hide)

Why not research a town that actually exists right near one of Vlad III's castles? It would have a more authentic feel in my mind.

This was the first idea. The choosen town was going to be Ocnele Mari - a truly romanian town, where the eclipse reached its peak.

I discarded the idea because Castlevania is not very keen on pointing specific real places. We know it happens in Wallachia, but that is still too general of a place. I can tell you that the story happens on that small town in the middle of nowhere on Wallachia and it still won't sound strange to you.

Once I start using well-known real locations, dissonance with the real world becomes apparent. An obvious example: do you know about any Romanian town that suferred a strange ocurrence in 1999 that could be explained by the presence of demons attacking it? My research brought nothing that could allow me to squeeze in this story.

While Castlevania refers to real world events while not referring to real world locations, then you can still feel like the story happened but is kept under wraps - keeping up with the theme of a secret battle of good and evil that permeates the series. Events are much easier to adapt than locations, because locations are things you can physically check anytime. If I tell you that Ocnele Mari was attacked by demons, you could check the town and discover that not only the town is the same as it was in 1999, but no one remembers anything strange happening there. But if I tell you that a town called "Yomi" or "Aljiba" or "Jova" got wiped out, then where will you look? You could say "Ah, but the town never existed! I could check the registers!" but then I'd say "The Church erased all records of it because they must keep Dracula's menace a secret!".

With an invented location, the author is also free to do whatever he pleases with it without risking the reader/player having their suspension of disbelief broken.

This would work if the real location/events taking place in it existed far in the past (and this is why CVIII's "Dracula almost conquered Europe" plot works, as the Church could've had plenty of time to manipulate history to hide this event), but 1999 is too recent, and these real towns still exist.

I might be wrong here, but that's how I perceive it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on October 20, 2015, 10:50:15 PM
Good point plot.

And the cv Dracula is rather cocky. Simply waiting in his throne room for the vampire hunter to come to him.

The real Dracula used guerrilla tactics, night strikes, and secret escape routes. All but unheard of tactics in his time. In fact Poenari was renovated because of how remote and difficult it was to get to. Not as much to show off.

By that logic, a real Vlad the impaler turned vampire might do the underwater sealed Castle thing if he could.

The CV Dracula would want his castle in your face while he sits on his ass waiting for you to bring it.

You're spot on about that Dracula 9!

As far as town names go you could go with something like New Veros.


Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 21, 2015, 02:11:36 AM
Invented town name coming up...
Noapte Town.
And that just means Night in Romanian (thank you google)
Plus this was also used in Pokemon Shuffle with Noapte Castle. http://www.serebii.net/shuffle/location/castlenoapte.shtml (http://www.serebii.net/shuffle/location/castlenoapte.shtml)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 21, 2015, 05:37:32 PM
If you intend going with a fictional town Plot then by all means use Romanian names. Having a town called 'Yomi' for instance is more a kin to Japan then Romania. It doesn't fit with the country in which CV takes place.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 21, 2015, 06:05:31 PM
If you intend going with a fictional town Plot then by all means use Romanian names. Having a town called 'Yomi' for instance is more a kin to Japan then Romania. It doesn't fit with the country in which CV takes place.

Ah this is for sure! Yomi sounds nothing like something out of Romania. Which, again, sounds freaking weird considering that most other town names fit perfectly, like Aljiba or Jova.

Invented town name coming up...
Noapte Town.
And that just means Night in Romanian (thank you google)
Plus this was also used in Pokemon Shuffle with Noapte Castle. http://www.serebii.net/shuffle/location/castlenoapte.shtml (http://www.serebii.net/shuffle/location/castlenoapte.shtml)

Interesting. The town is nameless for now, so I'll add this name to the list. I have two names by now: Noapte, and one of my own Lectură which is just "Yomi" translated to Romanian.

Feel free to add more names to the list, dudes! At the end you can vote the name!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 23, 2015, 12:38:19 PM
Today I introduce you to Julius Belmont's rival - Timothy Danasty!

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on October 23, 2015, 02:40:42 PM
Is that Agartha I see there?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on October 23, 2015, 03:49:03 PM
Today I introduce you to Julius Belmont's rival - Timothy Danasty!

(click to show/hide)

First of all. I am digging all the art. Who did you mention was your artist again, because he has mad skills!
Also, didn't mention anything of inheriting that wall sticking gene. That makes some very interesting gameplay ideas being that he has guns and all. I also would retrofit Timothy with some weapons that accent that ability (if he has it.) you know like magnetic sticky bombs. stuff like that..
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 23, 2015, 06:43:50 PM
Is that Agartha I see there?

 ;)

But you already knew that!

First of all. I am digging all the art. Who did you mention was your artist again, because he has mad skills!
Also, didn't mention anything of inheriting that wall sticking gene. That makes some very interesting gameplay ideas being that he has guns and all. I also would retrofit Timothy with some weapons that accent that ability (if he has it.) you know like magnetic sticky bombs. stuff like that..

The artist is one Junki Sakuraba (http://junkisakuraba.deviantart.com/)!

I didn't mention it, but yes - Tim has inherited his ancestors' ability for wall-climbing. He can also move real fast and has mad reflexes. Remember how Grant could move fast? Well, Tim can straight up RUN up walls. Though it is not a supernatural ability, Tim makes it looks like one as a skill perfected by his family. He was trained to be the Belmonts' replacement, and he is a total beast at doing it.

He has a knife, but different from Grant, his specialty are ranged weapons (which, in a way, is also a throwback to Grant, as he had skills with knife-throwing too). He has a standard Silver Gun that every military soldier carries, but ALSO an assortment of other belic tricks, like a "grenade" that explodes into a holy water rain produced by technology alone. His highest trump card, though, is his special weapon - the Agartha. Yes THAT Agartha.

The Agartha has been modified to fire bullets as strong as the wielders' willpower. Being trained under heavy stress and being extremelly determined, each bullet from Tim's hand hits like a cannon ball. Ultimatelly, it has one special bullet that has been designed to kill Dracula himself. Only Timothy has enough willpower to allow Agartha to fire such a powerful bullet, explaining why he's the only one able to use the weapon at all.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 23, 2015, 08:07:25 PM
Timothy Danasty looks bad ass! Seriously! And he looks like a man should. Now I'm probably going to get smacked around a bit for saying this but...why can't Julius look that manly too?!?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 23, 2015, 08:34:35 PM
Timothy Danasty looks bad ass! Seriously! And he looks like a man should. Now I'm probably going to get smacked around a bit for saying this but...why can't Julius look that manly too?!?

Interestingly I thought people were going to hate Timothy. I guess I was blatantly wrong o_O

Timothy looking much manlier than Julius was one of the design contrasts I wanted. You can even notice how the artist is intentionally avoiding too much Kojima-y references on his design.

Timothy is older, colder and Da-nastier (giddit??) than Julius. This might explain somewhat what the artist and me were going for. Julius is much softer than Tim is. Even though he has received vampire-hunting training, his was much more lenient. Timothy is the result of hardcore beating - he basically had to learn whatever Julius did AND more in a much shorter period of time, under a much stricter rule.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 23, 2015, 10:09:02 PM
I'm loving the art for Tim!  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 24, 2015, 12:03:31 AM
Quote
I'm loving the art for Tim!  ;D

Huh. Even Shiroi loves it, so I guess it's okay for a more manlier Julius to appear ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 24, 2015, 12:37:38 AM
Huh. Even Shiroi loves it, so I guess it's okay for a more manlier Julius to appear ;D

Don't push yer luck, scallywag.

Julius is good. These artworks are not free, too.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 24, 2015, 10:19:34 AM
Quote
Don't push yer luck, scallywag.

I'll let this slide as I'm sure it was meant as a friendly jab (kinda difficult to tell on a forum site). But there is a big difference in making a man look youthful, and making a man look feminine. And I have no doubt that you are paying the artist for the work he's willing to do for you. That is not in question nor would I question it. So ease up a little bit bro, okay?  :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 24, 2015, 10:49:37 AM
I'll let this slide as I'm sure it was meant as a friendly jab (kinda difficult to tell on a forum site). But there is a big difference in making a man look youthful, and making a man look feminine. And I have no doubt that you are paying the artist for the work he's willing to do for you. That is not in question nor would I question it. So ease up a little bit bro, okay?  :)

Yeah, it surely was a joke. I'll add more pirate lingo next time :)

No need to take it seriously. If I have anything personal against anyone here, I'll settle matters through PM instead of attacking people publicitly. Sorry if you took offense, it was not my intention.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Donoffrio on October 24, 2015, 11:02:05 AM
Yikes, I'm pretty sure everybody's a pirate here, if you know what I mean :rollseyes:
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on October 24, 2015, 11:25:13 AM
Diggin' it :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on October 24, 2015, 03:31:42 PM
Don't push yer luck, scallywag.

Julius is good. These artworks are not free, too.

Can I ask how much you are paying for commisson? You don't have to answer if you don't want to.

I mean the quality really shows!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 24, 2015, 05:33:14 PM
Quote
Yikes, I'm pretty sure everybody's a pirate here, if you know what I mean :rollseyes:

If we really were pirates, we'd rob Konami of all their IPs before they are permanently ruined by a company that doesn't care anymore.

Quote
Yeah, it surely was a joke. I'll add more pirate lingo next time :)

I might need a pirate dictionary or something since I'm way out of the lingo loop  ???
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 24, 2015, 09:38:40 PM
Huh. Even Shiroi loves it, so I guess it's okay for a more manlier Julius to appear ;D

Why can't I love it? The illustration fits his character bio and stuff *spoilers spoilers*.
I'm fine with Julius as it is. I love my hearty dose of pretty boys too, you know. haha.  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 27, 2015, 04:47:27 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F151028C%2Fezimba15362446103404.png&hash=504e573ae3d09feda955ef471e10b991)

He's badass, I agree.

And BTW, here's him in sprite form:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F151028C%2Fezimba15362445478004.png&hash=5b2aa55682add7e9a1e760520643fa7e)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 27, 2015, 11:24:56 PM
Awesome sprite! By the way, is that a sawed-off shotgun? Cause nobody in 1999 would be using a primitive flint lock when they've got access to accurate, better, and far more advanced firepower.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on October 27, 2015, 11:44:54 PM
Bruh, did you even look at his profile? :V
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 28, 2015, 09:42:44 AM
Quote
Bruh, did you even look at his profile? :V

I did, but 'Agartha' doesn't tell me anything so I had to look it up. And the only things I've found so-far have nothing to do with weapons. It's either about the hollow earth theory or some other things  :-\
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on October 28, 2015, 09:49:42 AM
Bruh, either you don't know Order of Ecclesia or IGA games just plain don't exist to you. :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 28, 2015, 10:10:07 AM
I did, but 'Agartha' doesn't tell me anything so I had to look it up. And the only things I've found so-far have nothing to do with weapons. It's either about the hollow earth theory or some other things  :-\

lol I laughed for real XD Sorry man  :-[

"Agartha" is the name of Albus' flintlock. The weapon even has a series number (which I forgot right now). Timothy's gun looks old as shit because it is actually 200 years old, and was last used by Albus.

And, just to make sure people don't flip out: Timothy ALSO has modern weapons, too. Agartha is his main weapon, but there are others.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on October 28, 2015, 10:19:35 AM
So is he Michelle dynasty's brother or something?

Michelle is a vampire hunter as well at the same time. So I've read.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 28, 2015, 10:40:16 AM
So is he Michelle dynasty's brother or something?

Michelle is a vampire hunter as well at the same time. So I've read.

Michelle appears in 2037, when the events of Ricordanza take place. Both she and Curtis Lang are youths by then.

Tim will be Michelle's father. No age is given for both Curtis and Michelle, but being realistic, Tim would have her by 2019, making her age 18 by 2037.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 29, 2015, 02:22:53 AM
@Belmontoya: Thanks for reading Ricordanza.  :D

@Plot: Yup. I have no objections with Tim being Michelle's dad.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 16, 2015, 11:24:54 AM
A quick heads-up:

The project is not dead. Soon I'll be unveiling a new Alucard and posting it here, along with some more graphic surprises for this project.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on December 17, 2015, 12:42:38 AM
A quick heads-up:

The project is not dead. Soon I'll be unveiling a new Alucard and posting it here, along with some more graphic surprises for this project.
New Allie? Wait? New portrait?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on December 17, 2015, 02:32:32 PM
Y'all are in for a treat, if he's posting what I think he's posting.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 17, 2015, 10:51:18 PM
New Allie? Wait? New portrait?

The Alucard artwork for this project is good, but it's not up to par with the other artworks (Julius and Timothy), quality-speaking.

So, I decided to have another artwork (both portrait and full body), but this time I decided to let the artist do his thing instead of forcing him to reverse engineer my current Alucard sprite.

So this effectivelly means Alucard will change, and so will his sprite. And by what I have already seen, I can tell it's stuff dreams are made of :) (And X will have a field day with this lol).

Y'all are in for a treat, if he's posting what I think he's posting.

I think you're thinking the exact thing I thought of posting :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on December 17, 2015, 11:40:06 PM
I can tell it's stuff dreams are made of :) (And X will have a field day with this lol).

Okay! I'll be waiting. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on December 18, 2015, 10:05:18 AM
Quote
I can tell it's stuff dreams are made of :) (And X will have a field day with this lol).

Huh? Somebody call me?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: XombieMike on December 26, 2015, 08:41:20 AM
I'm excited for the potential of this project. Don't let your dreams be dreams!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: ProjectDread on December 27, 2015, 05:50:01 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F151028C%2Fezimba15362446103404.png&hash=504e573ae3d09feda955ef471e10b991)

He's badass, I agree.

And BTW, here's him in sprite form:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F151028C%2Fezimba15362445478004.png&hash=5b2aa55682add7e9a1e760520643fa7e)

These links, they are broken.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 27, 2015, 10:35:36 AM
These links, they are broken.

Yep, I know. I use a temporary image hosting site to upload things because it's faster. I'll be opening an IMGUR account for Umbra so I can upload these things forever. Anyway, here are the pictures:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F151228C%2Fezimba16389277978804.png&hash=c88c6731e50a14fefaa8e0f9fdacc0d3)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on December 27, 2015, 11:09:21 AM
Nice!

All he needs is a tint of red in eyes to go along with the joint in his mouth and we're golden!

I like this guy!

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on December 27, 2015, 11:21:45 AM
Yep, I know. I use a temporary image hosting site to upload things because it's faster. I'll be opening an IMGUR account for Umbra so I can upload these things forever. Anyway, here are the pictures:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F151228C%2Fezimba16389277978804.png&hash=c88c6731e50a14fefaa8e0f9fdacc0d3)

This guy looks like you shouldn't mess with him. You artist is great man! Makes me wonder why you haven't commissioned him to make you a mock cover for your game with all the new characters ala CV3.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 27, 2015, 03:23:11 PM
This guy looks like you shouldn't mess with him. You artist is great man! Makes me wonder why you haven't commissioned him to make you a mock cover for your game with all the new characters ala CV3.

Oh, but there are plans for this. However, before this artwork can be created, all characters must be created first. Timothy and Julius already exist, but Alucard must be redone, and Lenora Belnades still doesn't exist.

Nice!

All he needs is a tint of red in eyes to go along with the joint in his mouth and we're golden!

I like this guy!

Something tells me Tim is going to become this project's favorite.

I'll have you guys know that a portion of Tim's personality was shaped by Donoffrio - who also created the first concept sprite for him.

Tim is also probably the most tragic character in the story. Dude can't catch a break.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on December 27, 2015, 07:26:25 PM
The man looks like real militia work! lookin' good from here.

Quote
Something tells me Tim is going to become this project's favorite.

Dude doesn't look like a lady  ;D

Naw, I jest. He's got a very rugged look to him, and along with the personality you gave him in the story, he will no-doubt stand out from everyone else. His tragic story should be alright though. In fact many of the tragic figure throughout history go on to be the most remembered.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on December 28, 2015, 12:04:46 PM
The man looks like real militia work! lookin' good from here.

Dude doesn't look like a lady  ;D

Naw, I jest. He's got a very rugged look to him, and along with the personality you gave him in the story, he will no-doubt stand out from everyone else. His tragic story should be alright though. In fact many of the tragic figure throughout history go on to be the most remembered.

I like him, he's as some sort of a Aged Dark Ralf Jones  :rollseyes:
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 05, 2016, 07:37:48 PM
Question:

How do you imagine Julius Belmont's origins to be?

I'm kinda stumped on this part of the plot for months now, so write down your ideas so I can have an inspiration, pretty please?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 05, 2016, 08:21:20 PM
I believe an early idea of yours was that he was raised in secret, wasn't he? I'd like to see how he was hidden from society in the first place, and whether such method could affect him psychologically.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 05, 2016, 08:23:48 PM
I believe an early idea of yours was that he was raised in secret, wasn't he? I'd like to see how he was hidden from society in the first place, and whether such method could affect him psychologically.

It was, and it still kinda is. But the question still stands, if you want to propose something you have imagined before.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 06, 2016, 02:41:46 AM
Let's see, would him being fed only partial information regarding things that are relevant to him be a cheap way of generating potential conflicts and whatnot?
EDIT: Wait, shit, that already kinda is Tim's thing if I don't refine it further.
Let's see, what if Julius doesn't know his parents and the closest thing he has to a parental figure is Jonathan, and what he knows about his own bloodline he only knew from Jonathan (and whoever else might be close to him)? This might create somewhat of a contrasting parallel between him and Tim.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 07, 2016, 02:11:37 AM
Let's see, would him being fed only partial information regarding things that are relevant to him be a cheap way of generating potential conflicts and whatnot?
EDIT: Wait, shit, that already kinda is Tim's thing if I don't refine it further.
Let's see, what if Julius doesn't know his parents and the closest thing he has to a parental figure is Jonathan, and what he knows about his own bloodline he only knew from Jonathan (and whoever else might be close to him)? This might create somewhat of a contrasting parallel between him and Tim.

The contrast with Tim was actually planned, but not how you put it. I like your idea. The contrast was (and still will, why not) happen in another way. But having the "partial info" bit involving Jonathan can add more quality meat to it :)

Julius' parents is one of the biggest points I'm stumped on. I honestly do not want to focus on them, because this detracts from the "screentime" for other important stuff - Like Jonathan's final development. Yet I wonder if people would ACTUALLY want to know about them.

Honestly speaking, I couldn't form ANY relationship or origin or explanation for these parents. I tried, but it was so filmsy I had to let it go. I put a lot of effort on the ideas but ultimatelly they were scrapped because the parents served no useful, believable purpose. But recently I made this "decision" of having them not appear at all - yet this put me on the position of "what if people think this is cheap?".

What I can say is this: As of now, Julius' parents will probably not exist at all in the main plot. But this would be explained and interwined with Julius' destiny itself. "How" or "Why" they don't exist is up for studying further, but I can say I already have a somewhat formed idea of the "why" and how it relates to Julius becoming what he is.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 07, 2016, 03:30:25 AM
Yeah, to be honest I don't mind the whole missing parents thing as long as the explanation is believable, and depending on the explanation it may actually be more interesting.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on January 07, 2016, 06:10:05 AM
Midi-chlorians? ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 07, 2016, 06:33:27 AM
Midi-chlorians? ;)
bitch i am gonna go to your house and go kylo ren on your computer and instruments and shit :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 07, 2016, 07:55:12 AM
Midi-chlorians? ;)

Dear god no...

...Even though what I have in mind has to do with Julius' powers.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on January 07, 2016, 09:52:20 AM
Quote
Midi-chlorians? ;)

Dear god in all that is muthafuggin' holy, no! Never go the prequel George Lucas route, it's just bad, lol.

A Belmont's supernatural power doesn't come from biology. It is a spiritual aspect that flows in their veins and gives them mystical abilities placing them above all other hunters. And this also allows them to take on, and destroy creatures that normal hunters cannot face and live to tell the tail. This power is what also allows them to take of Dracula whereas any normal hunter wouldn't stand a chance.

Sorry for the info dump Chernabogue   ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on January 07, 2016, 10:34:16 AM
LOL IT WAS A JOKE PEOPLE xD
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Donoffrio on January 07, 2016, 03:33:17 PM
From my point of view, the prequels are (not) evil.

*flys away
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 07, 2016, 10:50:57 PM
From my point of view, the prequels are (not) evil.

*flys away

So, Jar Jar isn't evil?  Oh you ain't flying away. Come back here. ;D

@plot: Maybe Julius was given the full scoop on his legacy and was raised in a village that is controlled by the Belmonts/some people close to them with access to modern stuff and all. His parents might be on an espionage trip or something or ended up dead, that makes it alright with young Julius since he was already briefed on what is going on.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Donoffrio on January 12, 2016, 07:08:28 AM
No, just misunderstood  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 12, 2016, 10:32:48 PM
No, just misunderstood  ;D

What difference does that make?  ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Donoffrio on January 13, 2016, 07:33:57 AM
Him being a sith lord?  :rollseyes:
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 18, 2016, 08:57:32 PM
So, here it is - Everyone's favorite half-vampire son of Dracula in his 1999 attire, sporting the Alucard Spear in it's basic, initial form!

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FzShOFeV.png&hash=efe17fab4eb73d68cb2bed5274ec6624)

There are more things to pick apart in this artwork. Let's see what will pick your interest first.

Also, many kudos to Drac9-san. He's acting like my reality-checks as the development goes forward. If it weren't for him, the spear's head on the sprite would be the size of a car.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 18, 2016, 09:20:35 PM
The card seems to draw quite a fair bit of my attention, does it serve any particular purpose?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 18, 2016, 09:31:14 PM
The card seems to draw quite a fair bit of my attention, does it serve any particular purpose?

Yes it does. Slightly spoily but I'll post anyway:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 19, 2016, 02:36:56 AM
I approve of this image. I wonder when did he decide to dye his hair black? hehehehehehe.
Send me the Alucard story via PM. I have an idea why he can't use his sword but I don't have the time now to write it down.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 19, 2016, 03:50:08 AM
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on January 19, 2016, 04:53:08 AM
I'm almost sure Alucard's hair being black has been a thing since CV3.
I'm not sure which is his 'true' outfit, since his SotN outfit would've been quite anachronistic in Trevor Belmont's time.

Or, he got old and it's not that his hair is blonde, but rather that it's silver from age.

He uses "Just for Men".
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on January 19, 2016, 09:43:29 AM
Alucard's original hair color was black so I don't see any issues here. If anything it's going back to his character's origins. And Alucard's true outfit was what we saw in CV3. His SotN duds were of the times in which the game (SotN) took place--1797. They could not have existed back in 1476 as tailcoats came about in the late 1600's, and early 1700s'. Alucard looks fine to me as he is. Though I will admit that the image bares a similar resemblance to Hector from CoD. The torn red material hanging off of Alucard's belt is the piece that strongly brings this out.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 19, 2016, 10:04:04 AM
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

Oh, and for the dudes overall: In Umbra there is an explanation for Alucard's hair being black. This explanation has some pretty good evidence from the official sources to back it up, even. It's nothing incredible, though. So, if you expect a plot-twistey thing that will blow your mind, stop right now. His hair being black is more like a side-effect than something being intended to happen.

But expect to see Alucard's hair being platinum too!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 19, 2016, 10:20:41 PM
Thanks for the PM plot!  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 20, 2016, 08:03:55 AM
(click to show/hide)
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 20, 2016, 10:15:59 AM
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

Thanks for the PM plot!  ;D

No prob, Shiroi-chan~!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 28, 2016, 01:08:49 AM
OK, a little update and FINALLY some background on Julius Belmont. Before reading, keep in mind that this is all subject to change. Julius' origin is the absolute hardest part of this story to pull off successfully.

Also, I'll be skipping one part of this background because Nagumo has recently thrown a wrench on my plot, by discovering that Albus calls ALL the villagers of Wygol as "distant relatives to the Belmonts". This part will need to be re-written, and yes, it probably means that Irina is not a direct descendant of Richter anymore, nor that Nicholai is an amnesiac Richter Belmont.

Enjoy!

(click to show/hide)

Details:

(click to show/hide)

Whew... Finally I get to put this here :P

But remember! Everything is subject to change! Though I doubt I will change this anymore. You all have no idea how many drafts for this exist.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 28, 2016, 02:41:52 AM
Good luck on the re-write, buddy.
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 28, 2016, 02:45:40 AM
Good luck on the re-write, buddy.
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Donvermicelli on January 28, 2016, 08:12:57 AM
Plot, I just wanted to say that your writing is awesome. I keep seeing you building solid backstory for all of the characters involved without missing a thing. If budgets weren't an issue when making games I'm sure you'd be one hell of a writer.
Additionally your spriting skills are kick-ass too.
Keep up the awesome work  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 28, 2016, 11:15:40 AM
Plot, I just wanted to say that your writing is awesome. I keep seeing you building solid backstory for all of the characters involved without missing a thing. If budgets weren't an issue when making games I'm sure you'd be one hell of a writer.
Additionally your spriting skills are kick-ass too.
Keep up the awesome work  ;D

Thank you very much!

It'll take a lot of time, but this will be ready some day for people to enjoy.

BTW, I added detailed references to Julius' origin that might help a little to understand certain choices for this story.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 01, 2016, 04:26:53 PM
Today I come to share with you how Umbra started.

Many years ago I started the project with a friend. It was going to be a comic, and had no name, but it was going to deal with 1999.

It was back then that I wrote the first draft for the whole thing, but being nowhere as knowledgeable in Castlevania as I'm today, the plot was pretty poor. Even so, he did the art, but we couldn't even finish the first chapter. You'll notice that the art is pretty amateurish, and much of it is still incomplete, too.

Also, do not ask me how the dialogue should be or the page order, I do not remember. But in this scene, two members of the church (one Belnades and an original character with the power to create objects made of psychic energy) were going to investigate an abandoned mansion where they had detected black magic, and ended up stumbling upon Arikado.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 07, 2016, 07:47:35 AM
Character profile cards. They will replace the sprite profiles I have on the first page for this thread (many people are visiting the thread, and these cards will greet them).

(click to show/hide)

There is no Lenora yet. But she's coming.

If you people think I should change something, please tell me!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on February 07, 2016, 08:36:40 AM
Quote
When the Belmonts fell prey to a illness...
Hate to be that guy, but I believe that should be "an".
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on February 07, 2016, 09:05:03 AM
Character profile cards. They will replace the sprite profiles I have on the first page for this thread (many people are visiting the thread, and these cards will greet them).

(click to show/hide)

There is no Lenora yet. But she's coming.

If you people think I should change something, please tell me!

Everything is sooo pretty... :o
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 07, 2016, 10:04:20 AM
Hate to be that guy, but I believe that should be "an".

Not a problem, dude.

Fixed (though not updated). Forgot to add a detail, too, on Tim's bio; Will appear on the final version along with the corrected typos and slight rewritting of redundant text.

Everything is sooo pretty... :o

I was going to give my thanks, but most of the magic comes from the artist drawing the characters :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on February 07, 2016, 11:18:11 AM
Nice backstory for Julius Plot. Although I don't think that him being the 'last' descendant of the Belmont family is entirely correct. I feel the term 'latest' rather then 'last' would be more accurate. Not unless every single Belmont in the world, including the other families (Lecardes, Morris', etc.), are dead. This is just me though. It's all looking good so far, but where is Lenora's portrait?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 07, 2016, 07:06:29 PM
Nice backstory for Julius Plot. Although I don't think that him being the 'last' descendant of the Belmont family is entirely correct. I feel the term 'latest' rather then 'last' would be more accurate. Not unless every single Belmont in the world, including the other families (Lecardes, Morris', etc.), are dead.

Good point, changed to "latest".

Also, I was planning for Jonathan to NOT have descendants, but I might have cooked up something to subvert that :)

Quote
It's all looking good so far, but where is Lenora's portrait?

Not yet ready. There is an artwork of her coming out one of these days, but it's a full body one, like Alucard. She'll have a portrait, but I'll use the full body one while the portrait doesn't come :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on February 07, 2016, 11:53:49 PM
I love those profile cards!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on February 12, 2016, 12:48:09 AM
Plot will be posting something for Lenora soon since I already saw Junki's art on dA.  I want her weapon and clothes!  hahaha  :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on February 12, 2016, 02:41:40 AM
His dA, you say? Lemme go over there real quick and see what you're on about.

...Good lord, her wand/mace/whatever is pimpin'.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 12, 2016, 02:40:06 PM
Oh wow the peeps already keep expecting the things  :o

So, here it is, Lenora Belnades! Design based on the sprite created by Donoffrio!
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F5GI7PrZ.png&hash=b592c34ab1da858d0a10cf495b0d2a91)

In this art Lenora has the Belnades Staff, but that is not her only weapon.

Plus, as explained in her bio card, she is a fundamental piece on Dracula's banishment. She has been trained by Charlotte to know how to manually separate him from his power effectively and fast.

"Why doesn't Charlotte do it herself?"

To do it, it's necessary for the person conducting the separation to have direct contact with Dracula's soul, and we know very well what the handling of Dracula's soul does to a person. Even if she's the strongest sorcerer of the Church by 1999, Charlotte is still very fragile due to old age, and Dracula's power could either corrupt or destroy her before she achieved the objective.

Lenora has been specifically trained to do it as fast as possible while being young enough to oppose Dracula's power through her willpower.

Charlotte is still needed to conduct the Hakuba ritual (which is more complex, but can be done from a much safer distance from Dracula), but Lenora has to carry on her task first.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on February 12, 2016, 02:59:31 PM
Oh wow the peeps already keep expecting the things  :o

So, here it is, Lenora Belnades! Design based on the sprite created by Donoffrio!
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F5GI7PrZ.png&hash=b592c34ab1da858d0a10cf495b0d2a91)

In this art Lenora has the Belnades Staff, but that is not her only weapon.

Plus, as explained in her bio card, she is a fundamental piece on Dracula's banishment. She has been trained by Charlotte to know how to manually separate him from his power effectively and fast.

"Why doesn't Charlotte do it herself?"

To do it, it's necessary for the person conducting the separation to have direct contact with Dracula's soul. Even if she's the strongest sorcerer of the Church by 1999, Charlotte is still very fragile due to old age, and Dracula's power could either corrup or destroy her before she achieved the objective.

Charlotte is still needed to conduct the Hakuba ritual, but Lenora has to carry on her task first.

Very awesome, I love the modernized look. I would say you should add some aura to that exposed skin, maybe some Belenades lightning being transferred to the staff?

I can't wait to see that profile piece with all the character alas Dracula's Curse.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 12, 2016, 05:23:02 PM
As promised, I added the profile cards to the second post on this thread. (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,7852.msg174094.html#msg174094)

I also edited almost every information for the supporting cast to reflect the story's development so far.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on February 12, 2016, 06:55:35 PM
but plot you're obviously just ripping off dracula's curse

use somebody else's OCs instead that's obviously the better choice
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 12, 2016, 07:10:18 PM
but plot you're obviously just ripping off dracula's curse

use somebody else's OCs instead that's obviously the better choice

Seriously, all she had to do was read the second post. I thought about asking if she thinks Yoko is a "rehashing of Sypha" but meh.

I gave all evidence I had to demonstrate why the cast was intended to be a reference to Dracula's Curse from day one (and why I believe IGA would do the same thing). If she won't listen, I can't really do anything about it.

Hell, IGA pulled the same stunt on Dawn of Sorrow.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on February 12, 2016, 10:35:18 PM
Quote
Hell, IGA pulled the same stunt on Dawn of Sorrow.

Don't forget Aria of Sorrow, though the others weren't playable. Like the image of Lenora. Her facial features kind of give off that high aristocratic society look, but I'll assume that her attitude is nothing of the kind. Either way it's good  :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on February 12, 2016, 10:44:44 PM
I agree with plot. IGA once said that he loves the Dracula's Curse game and the characters mirroring what happened then is appropriate for Umbra.
Why is no one complaining about this mirror in Harry Potter, Star Wars, etc?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on February 13, 2016, 12:00:50 AM
Because sometimes, you just need an excuse to whine, double standard be damned. :V
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Nagumo on February 13, 2016, 12:20:22 AM
Wait, who is saying this is a rehash? Did I miss something?

Anyway, very nice artwork as always. This has no relevance to anything, but since Yoko in AoS is called, well, Yoko,  it seems to imply she has a Japanese background. Were you planning on explaining that in Umbra?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 13, 2016, 02:43:52 AM
Don't forget Aria of Sorrow, though the others weren't playable. Like the image of Lenora. Her facial features kind of give off that high aristocratic society look, but I'll assume that her attitude is nothing of the kind. Either way it's good  :)

While Julius will have rubbed off a little from Jonathan's personality, Lenora will have rubbed off a little from Charlotte's, so you know more or less what to expect.

Lenora is very confident, but she can get a LITTLE too confident sometimes, or get ahead of herself. But ultimatelly, she's gotten a very kind heart.

Wait, who is saying this is a rehash? Did I miss something?

Anyway, very nice artwork as always. This has no relevance to anything, but since Yoko in AoS is called, well, Yoko,  it seems to imply she has a Japanese background. Were you planning on explaining that in Umbra?

Over at Junki's page, a DA user accused me of rehashing Grant's and Sypha's designs, and of "ripping off" Dracula's Curse. They also said that there were Castlevania OCs better suited to fit Timothy's and Lenora's positions. Got on my nerves a little, because these characters were not choosen based on "what looks cooler and original", but more on what I think IGA wanted based on the info he shared. But I can understand this, since this thread has grown to big proportions and not every idea for this project is easily accessible or even explained at all.

I've read IGA's statements extensively, along with in-game scripts and blog entries, and I'm confident his Demon Castle War was supposed to be a "recreation", thematically speaking, of Dracula's Curse, down to the character selection. I could be wrong, but I'm not inside the man's head to know. I only have the clues he left to play with.

About Yoko's japanese background: Someone asked me the other day if Lenora was Julius' love interest. I answered there and will answer here: She's not. She's acts more like a big sister to Julius, even though she's younger.

That said, yes, Yoko's japanese heritage is getting explained in Umbra. There IS a character to be Lenora's love interest, and he's part of the Shinto ritual team conducted by Eisuke Hakuba. This ties with Aria's and Dawn's line, saying that Yoko is a long time acquaintance with the Hakubas.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on February 13, 2016, 07:24:25 AM
Over at Junki's page, a DA user accused me of rehashing Grant's and Sypha's designs, and of "ripping off" Dracula's Curse. They also said that there were Castlevania OCs better suited to fit Timothy's and Lenora's positions. Got on my nerves a little, because these characters were not choosen based on "what looks cooler and original", but more on what I think IGA wanted based on the info he shared. But I can understand this, since this thread has grown to big proportions and not every idea for this project is easily accessible or even explained at all.

I've read IGA's statements extensively, along with in-game scripts and blog entries, and I'm confident his Demon Castle War was supposed to be a "recreation", thematically speaking, of Dracula's Curse, down to the character selection. I could be wrong, but I'm not inside the man's head to know. I only have the clues he left to play with.

About Yoko's japanese background: Someone asked me the other day if Lenora was Julius' love interest. I answered there and will answer here: She's not. She's acts more like a big sister to Julius, even though she's younger.

That said, yes, Yoko's japanese heritage is getting explained in Umbra. There IS a character to be Lenora's love interest, and he's part of the Shinto ritual team conducted by Eisuke Hakuba. This ties with Aria's and Dawn's line, saying that Yoko is a long time acquaintance with the Hakubas.

Considering IGA has said that Dracula's Curse is his favorite game in the series, I believe this to be the case. Additionally, Curse of Darkness originally was supposed to be a remake of Dracula's Curse  but IGA decided to fit that game into the Dracula's Curse timeline instead of making a 3D remake.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on February 13, 2016, 10:14:26 AM
Quote
Additionally, Curse of Darkness originally was supposed to be a remake of Dracula's Curse  but IGA decided to fit that game into the Dracula's Curse timeline instead of making a 3D remake.

Really? That would explain why CoD's plot is all over the place and doesn't exactly fit with CV III. This would also explain why Hector has somewhat of the Alucard look to him as well. He would have been better-off doing the remake IMO.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on February 13, 2016, 01:09:30 PM
Really? That would explain why CoD's plot is all over the place and doesn't exactly fit with CV III. This would also explain why Hector has somewhat of the Alucard look to him as well. He would have been better-off doing the remake IMO.
Yep, I remember reading about that game in particular as I bought the per-order release for that one. I do wonder what that Dracula's Curse remake would of been like though.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on February 15, 2016, 09:56:52 AM
Love her design! :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 19, 2016, 07:31:08 PM
So, as I teased before, I'm doing something (or trying to do something) about the Morris bloodline. However, I come here to ask for one opinion:

How do you feel about Jonathan not getting married and not having children?

Jonathan's views about the burden of the whip are something that goes unresolved in Portrait. Just as he is asking the right questions, Eric basically shuts him up and tells him he must do what he must do because the Belmonts cannot touch the whip until 1999. When asked the reasons for this, Eric says that this is because Nostradamus said so.

Being realistic, this answers nothing. At the end of Portrait, Jonathan has precisely zero answers about the whip and the reason for the Morris to carry it. He comes to peace with the fact that his father ultimatelly wanted to protect him, but that's about it. If Dracula rises, there is no way to defeat him without the whip, and so the burden returns.

So, thanks to that, in Umbra, it was a day one decision to have Jonathan have no children at all. The reason for this is that he doesn't want to transfer his unexplained burden upon his children like it was transferred from his grandfather Quincy to his father John, and to himself. He chooses instead to train his body and technique constantly to top condition, to face Dracula in 1999 himself (yes, fuck being an elder) in the possibility that no Belmont arises to take the whip - just so no young Morris has to do it in his place.

But as I said above, I'm doing something about this and there is one variable that can change everything. But the question remains: How do you feel about Jonathan not getting married and not having children?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 19, 2016, 08:27:28 PM
IMO he surely gets married, PoR have hints thrown at our face almost all the time. Since he understood better his father motives at the end of the game I think that he could be able to have a son without making the same mistake of hiding things to protect his son. Since John wanted Jonathan to train without relying on the whip, I can see Jonathan doing the same but this time explaining why to his son (if he have one).

I would be okay if he doesn't have a child, remember that he can also have a daughter if you decide that his child will not use the whip. But this way I think that shw would end being a spellcaster.

Well, these are my thoughts and basically its okay if he doesn't become a father, but isn't if he doesn't marry you know who.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 19, 2016, 10:37:53 PM
IMO he surely gets married, PoR have hints thrown at our face almost all the time. Since he understood better his father motives at the end of the game I think that he could be able to have a son without making the same mistake of hiding things to protect his son. Since John wanted Jonathan to train without relying on the whip, I can see Jonathan doing the same but this time explaining why to his son (if he have one).

I would be okay if he doesn't have a child, remember that he can also have a daughter if you decide that his child will not use the whip. But this way I think that shw would end being a spellcaster.

Well, these are my thoughts and basically its okay if he doesn't become a father, but isn't if he doesn't marry you know who.

The issue here is that Jonathan was never meant to have anything deeper with Charlotte. Their relationship is not meant to be a budding romance. Check it out:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FBEdQaE2.png&hash=f984662c375004bf7569ce79d05d8a1e)

This comes from here:
http://i.imgur.com/nJzA3el.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/nJzA3el.jpg)

The thing with having a child while being aware of his heritage is that this knowlegde doesn't stop the burden from falling upon this child. Jonathan is not having a child because any number of events can take place, and end up draining the life of his child if they have to face Dracula using the whip. By 1986 Jonathan is still uncertain about the Belmonts coming back to take the whip, and by this year he's already 60.

It's not like he's not thinking of the consequences. He is - he's training himself so nobody else has to carry this burden.

This is the main problem: Jonathan feels preemptive guilt from condemning someone else to carry a burden they didn't ask for, and do not know why (much like himself does not), that could easily get out of hand. If he keeps this burden for himself, he can control it.

The child's gender is not really important, because continuing the bloodline condemns it anyway.

Now, there is the potential for a partner and the potential for a descendant, and this is because Jonathan is "relieved" of finding a Belmont to take over the whip. It's hard to explain now what I'm doing, but the potentials do exist.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 20, 2016, 12:42:06 AM
Hmm, this article changes everything (even if I don't agree since what happens in-game contradicts a lot with this, what IGA says can't be changed), now for potential descendants you're giving me vibes to think that you're referring to Curtis Lang, but I think I'm wrong.

Even so... Don't be shy people, plottwist needs feedback here! ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: coinilius on February 20, 2016, 04:39:28 AM
Another option is that Johnathan could marry but deliberately not have children...

I think the only 'issue' for me in this scenario would be that while he could decide to not have kids and plan to just live until 1999 himself, is that really a decision he would be willing to make?  Anything could happen in that time - what if he just died of a heart attack or got hit by a bus?  Who would be the custodian of the whip then?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on February 20, 2016, 06:06:14 AM
As a side effect of using the vampire killer whip, his body was weakened and he later finds that he is infertile and unable to have children. He wouldn't be able to prove it, but he could voraciously claim that the whip cost him his ability to have a child.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 20, 2016, 09:25:42 AM
Hmm, this article changes everything (even if I don't agree since what happens in-game contradicts a lot with this, what IGA says can't be changed), now for potential descendants you're giving me vibes to think that you're referring to Curtis Lang, but I think I'm wrong.

You actually are on the right track.

As a side effect of using the vampire killer whip, his body was weakened and he later finds that he is infertile and unable to have children. He wouldn't be able to prove it, but he could voraciously claim that the whip cost him his ability to have a child.

This is actually a very good explanation.

In Umbra I'm also giving a reason for why Jonathan survived using the whip. The reason is really simple: He didn't use it enough. But there were consequences, and he got crippled. Even though I don't know if I'll follow your idea, I'm definitelly keeping it in mind.

If I follow it, though, it'll need to get subverted at some point. It'll be revealed that Jonathan's heritage didn't die as himself (and everyone else) expected to happen.

Another option is that Johnathan could marry but deliberately not have children...

I think the only 'issue' for me in this scenario would be that while he could decide to not have kids and plan to just live until 1999 himself, is that really a decision he would be willing to make?  Anything could happen in that time - what if he just died of a heart attack or got hit by a bus?  Who would be the custodian of the whip then?

In Umbra, Jonathan is living a secluded life. Of course, he's still doing his thing with the Church, but there's little chance he'd die from an accident such as getting hit by a bus. He's more likely from dying being eaten by a monster :P

But, by the 80s, even being 60, Jonathan is quite possibly the strongest vampire hunter there is. So even the chance of being killed by a monster is low. It's in 1986 that Jonathan takes on a completelly secluded life to raise and train Julius Belmont.

Now, you all remember how I said he does not get married? Well, he doesn't get OFFICIALLY married in the Church. There is someone special in his life, and this person is the mother figure for Julius after his parents died on the mysterious explosion.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on February 20, 2016, 10:47:29 AM
Maybe Jonathan is wed to one of the Lecarde sisters. They're distant enough in relation for there not to have any issues with DNA compatibility as it would be with marrying a sister or cousin. But since Jonathan didn't have a child of his own, and is looking after Julius and training him, said mother figure could also be training him as well in other fields of hunting. The Lecarde sisters use sorcery so the one whom married Jonathan could be training Julius on how to defend against it. Both the Morris family and the Lecarde family know about the secrets of the Vampirekiller whip so it kinda makes sense in that regard.

Just a thought so don't hang me for it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 20, 2016, 11:05:29 AM
Maybe Jonathan is wed to one of the Lecarde sisters. They're distant enough in relation for there not to have any issues with DNA compatibility as it would be with marrying a sister or cousin. But since Jonathan didn't have a child of his own, and is looking after Julius and training him, said mother figure could also be training him as well in other fields of hunting. The Lecarde sisters use sorcery so the one whom married Jonathan could be training Julius on how to defend against it. Both the Morris family and the Lecarde family know about the secrets of the Vampirekiller whip so it kinda makes sense in that regard.

Just a thought so don't hang me for it.

The Lecarde sisters ARE involved with Jonathan's crippling.

To explain better: Jonathan had to face certain consequences from wielding the whip. Consequences nowhere as drastic as his father had to face, but still dire nonetheless. It was the Lecarde sisters who:

1. Sealed the whip again.
2. Helped Jonathan overcome the whip's life drainage.

They worked together with Charlotte on this one, but they were the ones to discover what to do. Their help, however, came at the cost of crippling him physically. But it was this, or becoming bedridden, neither dying, nor getting better.

Though, if I get to do with him what I'm imagining, I think everyone would prefer getting crippled lol.

Your idea is also nice. I have some qualms about it related to the bloodline thing, but I prefer your vision over creating a new character. Let's see how it develops.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 20, 2016, 01:39:08 PM
One of the Lecarde sisters ARE involved with Jonathan's crippling.

Don't tell me that something was consuming his arm on the process and they decided to cut it off? You're planning to use dark magic or glyphs to cut the connection between Jonathan and the whip?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 20, 2016, 01:59:14 PM
Don't tell me that something was consuming his arm on the process and they decided to cut it off? You're planning to use dark magic or glyphs to cut the connection between Jonathan and the whip?

Important of note, before anything: This is NOT set in stone yet. I'm telling you guys all this, but in the last second everything can change.

Maybe a glyph will be involved. For a myriad of reasons that will explain more than one question at once. This specific bit about Jonathan's severed limb is the perfect setup to explain how the Belmonts were cured through a glyph.

So, it's not like it was "consuming his arm" but more like the life drainage effect was consuming his entire body. VEEEEERY slowly, much slower than it consumed John. But it was certain that Jonathan would end his days bedridden thanks to this.

At a certain point, the sisters along with Charlotte found a way to restore Jonathan's health by isolating the life draining effect in one limb, and taking it off. Jonathan agreed as he couldn't take being incapacitated.

This life draining effect is nothing more than a memory of Richter living inside the body of the wielder. A parasite memory, if you will. The more one wields the whip, the more life force this parasite memory requires. Jonathan did not wield it enough for the memory to consume him, but he did it enough for it to linger inside his body and cause his health to decline slowly. Once he got it off, he was back to top condition.

So, I wasn't thinking precisely "an arm". I don't have this decided yet. But, whatever limb it is, it is replaced by a construct powered by magic. If it's a leg, for instance, it is replaced by metal/wooden/whatever leg that moves through a spell cast by Charlotte, which could be a glyph using Jonathan's own life force to move the limb.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on February 20, 2016, 11:02:45 PM
Quote
I have some qualms about it related to the bloodline thing

I can see that being an issue as well. But due note that we're talking about hundreds of years of families drifting apart. I don't know when the Lecardes came about but we both know that the Morris clan came about not long after after CVIII. By this logic everything should be fine. Besides, when you take a look at humanity in real life we are in a sense all brothers and sisters in relation to one-another. Intermingling families' DNA only becomes detrimental when the genetic code is very similar, Hence that mating with sisters or cousins is not a good idea. But having the bloodline move far enough away from that proximity, the couples in question won't have any real problems then complete strangers. But you've already clarified that Jonathan did not have any children of his own so there's even less to worry about.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Castle34hk on February 21, 2016, 07:25:54 AM
Soory for weird question here but release date for this amazing fan game?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on February 21, 2016, 08:37:11 AM
lol this isn't even set to be a fangame yet. :V
Seriously, if anyone feels up for making this into a game, please let yourself be heard.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 21, 2016, 09:10:27 AM
Soory for weird question here but release date for this amazing fan game?

The truth of the matter is what VladCT said: The chances for this becoming a fangame are slim. Specifically because of the workload involved and lack of people.

However, to speak more about the fangame situation - there is someone interested in investing their time to create an engine and work with it. I will not indentify this person (and I'll ask they also don't do it for now) because this comes with a whole lot of expectations and demands. But I can say it's a very talented person that COULD pull off everything this project would need, but the big question is Time.

The story will be ready much earlier than a fangame would, so if there comes a fangame, you'll already be spoiled beyond measure :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on February 21, 2016, 11:40:07 PM
@Castle34hk: This is more along the lines of an epic fanfiction with character images and music. Plot needs to finish the story first and there are still some holes that needs to be filled.

@plot: I'm curious about your incorporation of question that you've asked me to the plot. hehe.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 22, 2016, 12:32:27 AM
@plot: I'm curious about your incorporation of question that you've asked me to the plot. hehe.

I'm almost ready to reveal it. I'm just trying to rule out every single possibility before I make the final choice.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 22, 2016, 04:56:07 PM
OK so, I have done some research, written a bit, developed some ideas, killed others, and I'll say who is this "new" character and what I have in mind for her.

The character is Cecilia L. Lang (セシリア・L・ラング Seshiria Eru Rangu) and she is distantly related to the Belmonts. She was born in 1964, so by 1999, Cecilia is 35.

She was taken under Jonathan's employ when she was 26, in 1990, when Julius Belmont's heavy training started. He needed a helping hand from a trustworthy party to keep an eye for him and his property while he went out to train Julius far from home. So, Cecilia acts kinda like a caretaker/assistant to Jonathan Morris, who will guard the Vampire Killer and other special items/weapons and his property while he is gone.

She knows how to fight, having learned much from Jonathan himself. But she's not fond of conflict, and prefers a quiet life. But if needed be, she can whip/slice your head off in a second.

Cecilia is the mother figure for Julius. While he learned to be a fearsome opponent from Jonathan, he also learned to not let violence cloud his judgment from her.

That's it (well not really since I'm intentionally ommiting details as to not spoil all at once xD ). Questions or critique are welcome.

EDIT: Placed her age wrong and forgot one detail. Corrected it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 22, 2016, 09:14:37 PM
L is for what? Lecarde?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 23, 2016, 07:16:47 AM
L is for what? Lecarde?

Indeed it is.

She's the daughter of one of the Lecarde sisters. But, as Jonathan's burden of the whip ends with Julius, so does the Lecarde burden with the spear ends with Alucard. Yet, Cecilia did inherit something, in the end, which she uses to defend Jonathan's property.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on February 23, 2016, 01:48:05 PM
Don't remember if you mentioned them somewhere else, but I'd be interested to know what happened to the Lecarde sisters and to Vincent after PoR (and which ending is canon in your own canon). :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 23, 2016, 02:25:29 PM
Don't remember if you mentioned them somewhere else, but I'd be interested to know what happened to the Lecarde sisters and to Vincent after PoR (and which ending is canon in your own canon). :)

OK so, the ending I consider canon for PoR would be the one where Jonathan uses the Vampire Killer to kill Dracula, and Vincent is cured.

After PoR, the first thing done was seal again the power of the Vampire Killer. This was a job done by the sisters.

Little time after that, Jonathan started displaying health issues. By studying the cause it was determined that Jonathan was still infected with a memory of Richter, and that this was causing his health to slowly decline. He used the whip MUCH less than his father, so he was not going to die, but his health was doomed to decline until he ended up forced to cease fighting, and he wasn't up to take that.

So, Charlotte and the sisters started studying a way to cure Jonathan, and even though they couldn't figure out a way to erase the memory, they eventually opted for another method. The sisters isolated the Richter memory on Jonathan's right hand, and took it off. Following this, Charlotte marked Jonathan with a glyph forged from his decepated hand -- Dextro Fio --, thus giving Jonathan the ability to materialize a new right hand from his arm through the power of the glyph (just like Shanoa could materialize wings using Volaticus).

Finally, in 1964, Stella had a child, and that is Cecilia Lang, which went to live with Jonathan by 1990. She inherited a weapon from him after being trained by her mother, which she uses to guard Jonathan's property.

Vincent simply returned to his tasks at the church, being mainly one of Charlotte's assistants as she rose amongst the ranks to become the most powerful sorcerer.

"Why Jonathan's right hand?"

Because Jonathan still planned to fight Dracula if no Belmont came. He's left handed, and his real left hand would need to be in contact with the whip for its power to work properly in 1999, if needed.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 23, 2016, 03:05:59 PM
Yet, Cecilia did inherit something, in the end, which she uses to defend Jonathan's property.

I imagine what it is...

(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 23, 2016, 03:10:27 PM
I imagine what it is...

(click to show/hide)

I see you've been reading the thread. Smarty smarty~
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 23, 2016, 03:55:09 PM
Also it was the first weapon that came to my mind when you said slash and a lot of known weapons already had a wielder. Must be because its one of my fav games :P
Now if it was something from the N64 or PS2 I would be clueless hehehe
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 23, 2016, 05:17:30 PM
Also it was the first weapon that came to my mind when you said slash and a lot of known weapons already had a wielder. Must be because its one of my fav games :P
Now if it was something from the N64 or PS2 I would be clueless hehehe

In Umbra the story reason has to do with the fact that the Stellar Sword and Stella have the same exact name in japanese. Stella was named after the sword, and Cecilia inherits it in place of her mother, who should have inherited it, but Eric gave it to Jonathan instead, since he believed Stella was lost forever.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on February 23, 2016, 10:09:02 PM
Interesting! Thanks! :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 23, 2016, 10:31:26 PM
In Umbra the story reason has to do with the fact that the Stellar Sword and Stella have the same exact name in japanese. Stella was named after the sword, and Cecilia inherits it in place of her mother, who should have inherited it, but Eric gave it to Jonathan instead, since he believed Stella was lost forever.

Hahaha you would believe if I said that I was thinking the same thing about Stella and Stellar after you confirmed that it was indeed the weapon? You're really brilliant by not letting the chance slip.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 24, 2016, 08:39:49 AM
Hahaha you would believe if I said that I was thinking the same thing about Stella and Stellar after you confirmed that it was indeed the weapon? You're really brilliant by not letting the chance slip.

This was discussed some months ago, and you might want to take a look. Some things are kinda different right now (like how does Julius learn the Omnia Vanitas), but the explanation behind the sword is still the same, with the same rationale and evidence to back it up.

http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,7852.msg181871.html#msg181871 (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,7852.msg181871.html#msg181871)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 24, 2016, 05:28:16 PM
Added Cecilia Lang to the roster of characters in the first page.

I've been intentionally hiding a trait about her. Let's see if you can discover what it is :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on February 24, 2016, 05:35:29 PM
Did she inherit anything from the fact that her mother was cured of vampirism?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 24, 2016, 05:42:05 PM
Did she inherit anything from the fact that her mother was cured of vampirism?

She did not!

The detail I'm omitting for now has exclusivelly to do with herself. It's merely a character trait that led her to teach Julius something special -- which ultimatelly led him to sparing Soma.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on February 24, 2016, 05:48:05 PM
So you did in fact add a new character to the roster eh? I kinda figured that's where you were going.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on February 24, 2016, 05:53:19 PM
She did not!

The detail I'm omitting for now has exclusivelly to do with herself. It's merely a character trait that led her to teach Julius something special -- which ultimatelly led him to sparing Soma.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fundertale%2Fimages%2Fe%2Fea%2FMERCY.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20151203160614&hash=4e73ce2d985fc039989227663ca45e88)? :V
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 24, 2016, 06:10:40 PM
So you did in fact add a new character to the roster eh? I kinda figured that's where you were going.

Yes.

Even though I wanted to keep it at a minimum, the character was meant to become Curtis Lang's ancestor and link him to someone in Julius' past. It could be one of the Lecarde sisters, but then, by 1999 they would be much too old to have a child. If one of them was going to have a child anyway, why not place this child in the plot as an adult? That's where Cecilia came in.

That's not to say the sisters are not appearing in any way or being mentioned. They are, just not in the main plot.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fundertale%2Fimages%2Fe%2Fea%2FMERCY.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20151203160614&hash=4e73ce2d985fc039989227663ca45e88)? :V

Well, Mercy can only get you so far when fighting the incarnation of Dracula, and in 1999 he learned to not give Dracula ANY chances. Julius can't afford to *SPARE a foe who has the potential to doom the world, but it was his time spent with Cecilia that made him able to see beyond the obvious and stop doing what he was taught to do.

It's not a HUUUUUGE deal. It's only a character trait that is transmitted to Julius.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 25, 2016, 07:31:20 AM
Off-topic: I think that you already know, but a lot of your old hosted images doesn't appear properly anymore, instead appearing a "Ezimba" thing. (like some on page 17 on this thread and another ones in another threads).

On-topic:
The detail I'm omitting for now has exclusivelly to do with herself. It's merely a character trait that led her to teach Julius something special -- which ultimatelly led him to sparing Soma.

Quote
Cecilia taught him to not let violence cloud his intuition and not always trust what his eyes tell him.

She taught Julius to sense or somehow see if someone is good, right? It have something to do with  being able too see a soul color? After all Julius could sense Dracula and Soma inside the same body while fighting remembering Holy Glasses' ability a little (even her description does remind me of this item)

Tell me if Im being too intrusive and you really doesn't want to reveal it.


Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on February 25, 2016, 09:28:31 AM
Quote
After all Julius could sense Dracula and Soma inside the same body while fighting remembering Holy Glasses' ability a little (even her description does remind me of this item)

Dracula and Soma are not two separate entities sharing the same body, and that's impossible from a spiritual standpoint since only one soul can inhibit a body at anytime. Soma is Dracula reincarnated unto a new life. A lot of people seem to make this mistake, and it is understandable given the vagueness of IGA's writing at times. Of course I also blame the American localization as they like to put a spin on things as they've done before. Anyways, bottom line--Soma and Dracula are one and the same spirit.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 25, 2016, 11:04:38 AM
Off-topic: I think that you already know, but a lot of your old hosted images doesn't appear properly anymore, instead appearing a "Ezimba" thing. (like some on page 17 on this thread and another ones in another threads).

I'm aware of this. I'm using IMGUR now. The images that have disappeared are not really relevant at this point in time, but if someone wants to see what the vanished image was, I can restore it.

Quote
On-topic:
She taught Julius to sense or somehow see if someone is good, right? It have something to do with  being able too see a soul color? After all Julius could sense Dracula and Soma inside the same body while fighting remembering Holy Glasses' ability a little (even her description does remind me of this item)

Tell me if Im being too intrusive and you really doesn't want to reveal it.

Yep, that's what she taught him - sensibility, more or less. Your analogy of the Holy Glasses is what I was thinking of. Were Richter or Simon in place of Julius, they'd not take second chances and would slay Soma right there and then and second chances be damned. Dracula is not a subject to be triffled with.

When fighting Soma, Julius expresses that there is nothing he can say that will stop him - this is something learned from Jonathan. Evil WILL try to trick you if you keep listening to it. Dracula did it himself, and the Belmonts were never phazed by his words.

But Julius still sensed Soma inside, and decided to stop. He has gone through this before, and having learned what he did from Cecilia is what made him stop.

Though this still doesn't respond what is this character trait of hers :P

And as X said above, Soma's and Dracula's soul are one and the same. Julius' line is more about two sides of the same soul fighting for control of the body.

Aria's script says that there are two "spirits" inside Soma. "Spirit" in the Castlevania context may mean "intention" or "character" because we know a soul in this same context is what inbues one with life.

If we go by greek terminology, Soul (psyche, mind, personality) is what inbues one with will, while Spirit (pneuma, breath, air) is what inbues one with life, and this doesn't fit too much with the context above. But, if we go by medieval philosophy, then Pneuma fits more with the "awareness" and "sense of self" meanings while Psyche (turning into Anima) becomes more like what gives you life, and this is more like what Castlevania shows us. It fits with the fact that the hero is called "Soma" which means "Body."

I'm oversimplifying things for the sake of the thread because I could go the entire day explaining how these terms changed over time (and how psyche and pneuma meant basically the exact same thing in greek), but you catch my drift. I have studied the differences between the three because they play an integral role on the plot's ending :P

And this is not even getting to the fact that Shinto -- a belief system mentioned to have importance to Castlevania -- ALSO has differences between Soul and Spirit (one human is comprised of one spirit and FOUR souls).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 25, 2016, 02:19:33 PM
Dracula and Soma are not two separate entities sharing the same body, and that's impossible from a spiritual standpoint since only one soul can inhibit a body at anytime. Soma is Dracula reincarnated unto a new life. A lot of people seem to make this mistake, and it is understandable given the vagueness of IGA's writing at times. Of course I also blame the American localization as they like to put a spin on things as they've done before. Anyways, bottom line--Soma and Dracula are one and the same spirit.

First of all a "spiritual standpoint" don't ever applies to game or movies since they are a work of fiction (and possession in media doesn't "throws" the other soul away of his body).

It may have sounded as if I'm saying that Dracula was possessing Soma's body. Now, I wasn't even trying to say that xD
I could explain but plot did it already better than I could:
Yes, Soma's and Dracula's soul are one and the same. Julius' line is more about two sides of the same soul fighting for control of the body.

That is what I meant, he could see Soma and Dracula because of that, his inner good (Soma) and his inner evil (Dracula). :)



I'm aware of this. I'm using IMGUR now. The images that have disappeared are not really relevant at this point in time, but if someone wants to see what the vanished image was, I can restore it.

I would like if possible, since some are fanart that people are praising and I can't see it :-/

Yep, that's what she taught him - sensibility. Were, say, Richter or Simon in place of Julius, he'd not take second chances and would slay Soma right there and then and second chances be damned.

Though this stil doesn't respond what is this character trait of hers :P

Well, I wouldn't say for sure Richter or Simon, but Trevor surely attacked Hector without thinking 2 times LOL

About her character traits I'll give 3 shots: She was a vampire at some time (half-vampire counts)? She was some kind of bandit? She have or had some kind of disease?

edit: forget everything, now its obvious to me, it can only be it! She is
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 25, 2016, 02:31:34 PM
I would like if possible, since some are fanart that people are praising and I can't see it :-/

The artwork for the project are all available in the first page under the "Concept Art" spoiler tag :)

Quote
Well, I wouldn't say for sure Richter or Simon, but Trevor surely attacked Hector without thinking 2 times LOL

Very good example. Trevor only stopped because he noticed Hector was too weak to be who he said he was, and not because he noticed Hector was in fact good or something like that. Very good example indeed.

Quote
edit: forget everything, now its obvious to me, it can only be it! She is
(click to show/hide)

Bingo! That's exactly it!

This is not inherited from anyone nor has any special reason - she was born like this, but it didn't stop her from becoming an accomplished swordsman.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 25, 2016, 02:40:50 PM
The artwork for the project are all available in the first page under the "Concept Art" spoiler tag :)

Very good example. Trevor only stopped because he noticed Hector was too weak to be who he said he was, and not because he noticed Hector was in fact good or something like that. Very good example indeed.

Bingo! That's exactly it!

This is not inherited from anyone nor has any special reason - she was born like this, but it didn't stop her from becoming an accomplished swordsman.

Cool! I did it! Thanks for letting me know :P
About the images, I think I was saying those from another thread about enemy and boss designs, but if it was going to be difficult or a hassle to show, forget it, I can live without seeing it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 25, 2016, 02:44:51 PM
Cool! I did it! Thanks for letting me know :P
About the images, I think I was saying those from another thread about enemy and boss designs, but if it was going to be difficult or a hassle to show, forget it, I can live without seeing it.

You mean sprites? I have not posted many sprites for this project. I posted only one which was this one:
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FaplIXlQ.png&hash=e367233296ad96135477fff613f43827)

There are only a few other monsters which are posted over the Spritework Request & Showcase Thread (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,3650.0.html) though some of them were made mostly for exercise purposes, while the only confirmed one is the Jabberwock. This guy:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ezimba.com%2Fwork%2F160118C%2Fezimba16389218063402.png&hash=680363434c641b2eb3b8b0c44b94fd1f)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 25, 2016, 03:26:54 PM
Mula sem cabeça/Headless mule hehe, even IGA wants to include this one, I read it on a interview. But I already saw these 2, I was talking about these:  http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,3650.msg184253.html#msg184253 (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,3650.msg184253.html#msg184253)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 25, 2016, 03:44:32 PM
Mula sem cabeça/Headless mule hehe, even IGA wants to include this one, I read it on a interview. But I already saw these 2, I was talking about these:  http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,3650.msg184253.html#msg184253 (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,3650.msg184253.html#msg184253)

Ah yes. The first one is a collection of minor enemies:
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2F888e78172acc1a65e982d9cb439b9352%2Ftumblr_ny36swoHyE1uvuwofo1_1280.png&hash=02b83e46bec37600f0fa85c620612e89)

The second one are two original monsters, Roachman and Flyman:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CT-j0FHXIAAD7Mw.png:large)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 25, 2016, 05:20:06 PM
They are gorgeous, Roachman  is based from Terraformars and Flyman from the movie? Also these werewolf and zombies are revamps from CV2 and CV3? I don't remember seeing a minotaur prisoner, so it was technically a new sub-type of monster too, his undead/dying version looks good too.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 25, 2016, 05:45:54 PM
They are gorgeous, Roachman  is based from Terraformars and Flyman from the movie? Also these werewolf and zombies are revamps from CV2 and CV3? I don't remember seeing a minotaur prisoner, so it was technically a new sub-type of monster too, his undead/dying version looks good too.

Roachman comes from Kafka's "The Metamorphosis." Flyman comes from the movie, yes. The werewolves and zombies I did from my head, so they're not revamps, though I will admit the zombies look a little like CV3 zombies.

I was planning on having two types of minotaurs: Prisoner type and Fighter type. Prisoner fights by rushing towards you and swinging his iron ball around. Fighter fights using an axe or hammer :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 25, 2016, 09:29:11 PM
If you're accepting ideas, maybe this prisoner could break free when you kills the fleaman like Ouroboros in SotN and then start using the chained ball with his hands (helping the player or an enemy with alternate attack pattern like Owl Knight)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on February 25, 2016, 09:45:45 PM
I will admit the zombies look a little like CV3 zombies.

STILL BETTER THAN THE ARMS-OUTSTRETCHED-TATTERED-ROBE-WEARING ZOMBIES WE'VE ONLY SEEN RECYCLED ABOUT A BILLION TIMES IN THE SERIES
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on February 25, 2016, 10:04:00 PM
STILL BETTER THAN THE ARMS-OUTSTRETCHED-TATTERED-ROBE-WEARING ZOMBIES WE'VE ONLY SEEN RECYCLED ABOUT A BILLION TIMES IN THE SERIES

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fcastlevania%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fde%2FSotn-zombies.gif%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20080807142129&hash=d0cd1e734aa8e161332dfc8672614102)(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fcastlevania%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fde%2FSotn-zombies.gif%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20080807142129&hash=d0cd1e734aa8e161332dfc8672614102)(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fcastlevania%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fde%2FSotn-zombies.gif%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20080807142129&hash=d0cd1e734aa8e161332dfc8672614102)(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fcastlevania%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fde%2FSotn-zombies.gif%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20080807142129&hash=d0cd1e734aa8e161332dfc8672614102)(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fcastlevania%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fde%2FSotn-zombies.gif%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20080807142129&hash=d0cd1e734aa8e161332dfc8672614102)(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fcastlevania%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fde%2FSotn-zombies.gif%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20080807142129&hash=d0cd1e734aa8e161332dfc8672614102)(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fcastlevania%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fde%2FSotn-zombies.gif%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20080807142129&hash=d0cd1e734aa8e161332dfc8672614102)(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette4.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fcastlevania%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fde%2FSotn-zombies.gif%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20080807142129&hash=d0cd1e734aa8e161332dfc8672614102)
Sorry guys, not a good time for it, go away...  :'(
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on February 25, 2016, 11:03:17 PM
Your sprite work is excellent, as always! :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 02, 2016, 10:18:55 PM
Your sprite work is excellent, as always! :)

Means a lot coming from you man!

Today I come to explain how the ceremony to banish the castle was developed:

Many years before 1999, while studying a way to seal Dracula's Castle, Charlotte Aulin realized that banishing the castle with the powers available to humans was an impossible task. Her vast magical knowledge could counter demons and even minor, fallen gods, but it was not nearly enough to counter the darkness permeating the Demon Castle, which at this point was well-known to be a being born out of chaos, possessing power much beyond what any demon of fallen god had demonstrated -- power drawn from the human heart itself.

Charlotte, then, went back to her books. But this time she knew what to look for: A way to call upon the gods. In almost every creation myth, the gods are the only beings who could actually counter chaos and place order on the universe. If there was any power that could counter the Demon Castle's chaotic biology and intent, it had to be of godly origin. If this could not do it, then nothing else would.

Her research led her to recollect an old, forgotten legend from Japan -- There once was a young woman who came from foreign lands long ago, and who had the power to listen to the gods and relay their message to the mortal men. She was known by the japanese people of old as the "Voice of the Gods (神々の声 Kamigami no koe)" and word of her quickly spread across the demon-infested land, as she defended the common people from the demons by calling upon the gods to smite evil with their power. Eventually, the young woman earned great respect from the priests, and as she grew older, her powers expanded, allowing contact with much greater gods than before.

During her life, the woman had learned greatly from her own powers, from their origin to their peak, and relayed her knowledge and the word of the gods unto the priests, becoming a protector of the land until she died.

After the woman's passing, the priests built a temple at the place of her death, which exists to this day -- The Hakuba Shrine. Since then, the Hakubas maintained a special ceremony in honor of Tensho Daijin and her brothers, who, according to the teachings left by Kamigami no koe, were nearest to mankind during solar eclipses of an specific cycle, mirroring the old legend of Tensho Daijin's coming out from inside the Ama-no-Iwato thanks to her brothers' help.

Charlotte went to Japan, and sought the help of the current head priest Eisuke Hakuba. Explaining the dire situation that Dracula's revival represented to the world, Charlotte convinced the priest, and spent years in Japan learning their customs and methods from him, which were taught by Kamigami no koe long ago. Together, they planned a ceremony to be held in Romania in August 11th 1999, when the eclipse would bring the gods nearest to mankind -- at which point they would call forth the gods' strength to counter the Demon Castle's darkness, and finally seal its evil inside the eclipse, like Tensho Daijin's own dark intentions had been sealed inside the cavern in the legend.

Details:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 02, 2016, 10:40:39 PM
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 02, 2016, 11:14:10 PM
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

So, all in all, she seemed to be the perfect explanation for the origin of this "god controlling" magic, for Alucard's absence and for some more details that explain what was Hammer doing at the shrine in 2035.

However, I'm still a bit conflicted with one detail. I think I'll make Alucard simply tell Charlotte about the magic hiding in Japan once she concludes that nothing can rival the castle besides the power of a god. As it is now, it appears as if Charlotte deduced that very important piece of info alone, while Alucard simply stood there, mouth shut but knowing it all. This is not very consistent.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 03, 2016, 09:48:22 AM
Quote
and for the Morris to act purely as guardians of a weapon that couldn't fall in the wrong hands.

This part doesn't quite make sense to me. The Vampirekiller cannot be used by anyone outside of the Belmont bloodline. We saw what happened when Johnathon Morris himself used it; no different then swinging a chain around to hit things. But that was prior to the power being unlocked for him. If it did end up outside of the family the worst I could see happening is that it becomes lost, ends up in the hands of a privet collector, or becomes a museum piece. I suppose it could even end up being recycled for use in other materials, but the weapon would be considered a priceless antique so I highly doubt it. As for people with evil intent? I seriously doubt they could touch it. At least not without suffering some serious repercussions considering its very nature. And no creature born of darkness could even approach it without feeling its energies that were meant to kill them outright. Dracula's remains on the other hand. That's a well-known story.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 03, 2016, 02:25:54 PM
This part doesn't quite make sense to me. The Vampirekiller cannot be used by anyone outside of the Belmont bloodline. We saw what happened when Johnathon Morris himself used it; no different then swinging a chain around to hit things. But that was prior to the power being unlocked for him. If it did end up outside of the family the worst I could see happening is that it becomes lost, ends up in the hands of a privet collector, or becomes a museum piece. I suppose it could even end up being recycled for use in other materials, but the weapon would be considered a priceless antique so I highly doubt it. As for people with evil intent? I seriously doubt they could touch it. At least not without suffering some serious repercussions considering its very nature. And no creature born of darkness could even approach it without feeling its energies that were meant to kill them outright. Dracula's remains on the other hand. That's a well-known story.

At this point in time, wrong hands encompasses everyone who is not a Morris -- including the Belmonts. They must not touch the whip until the crack on their souls is cured, otherwise it will reject them to an irreversible state, causing it to become useless (important of note here is that no one knows about this. Eric Lecarde is told only that the reason is the prophecy, but the true reason is not revealed to anyone - Until Umbra).

Beyond the Belmonts, there are everyone else. They being wrong doesn't mean they mean to do evil with it, but they would still be wrong anyway. Something so important like the Vampire Killer is not something to be kept anywhere by anyone SPECIALLY if they don't know what the whip is.

As you said, it could be lost, or put up to display in a museum (which already are two dangerous things to happen), but there is more: It could get damaged or destroyed accidentally or not. As far as we know the whip does not have indestructible qualities. And you're right, creatures with affinity for evil are (probably) not able to get near the whip BUT we know a Belmont can be made to wield it to do evil things in their place. If a Belmont can be controlled to wield it, who is to say a normal person can't be controlled to actually destroy the whip?

So there are many good reasons why it must be guarded so that it doesn't fall "in the wrong hands." It's more about protecting its integrity and usefulness. If a Belmont wields it before the right time, the soul defect will increase the whip's rejection.

In another note: I'm looking for a better way to write the response you quoted. There is too much room for misinterpretation in some parts, and the order or reason for some events must be reworked.

The bottom line is: The whip was passed to the Morris before Alucard and Maria departed from Romania. The Morris were primarily intended to only keep the whip safe, and their training was a secondary measure in case the Belmonts did not recover in time. It was only after Shanoa destroyed Dracula that Alucard returned, and at this point it became clear that the Belmonts needed more time to recover. So the secondary plan for the Morris was set in motion: Have then wield the whip.

And, again, this is where the Lecardes come in. The Morris simply CAN'T face Dracula alone like the Belmonts with a whip that doesn't work in their hands.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 05, 2016, 10:12:21 AM
Quote
At this point in time, wrong hands encompasses everyone who is not a Morris -- including the Belmonts. They must not touch the whip until the crack on their souls is cured, otherwise it will reject them to an irreversible state, causing it to become useless (important of note here is that no one knows about this. Eric Lecarde is told only that the reason is the prophecy, but the true reason is not revealed to anyone - Until Umbra).

Beyond the Belmonts, there are everyone else. They being wrong doesn't mean they mean to do evil with it, but they would still be wrong anyway. Something so important like the Vampire Killer is not something to be kept anywhere by anyone SPECIALLY if they don't know what the whip is.

As you said, it could be lost, or put up to display in a museum (which already are two dangerous things to happen), but there is more: It could get damaged or destroyed accidentally or not. As far as we know the whip does not have indestructible qualities. And you're right, creatures with affinity for evil are (probably) not able to get near the whip BUT we know a Belmont can be made to wield it to do evil things in their place. If a Belmont can be controlled to wield it, who is to say a normal person can't be controlled to actually destroy the whip?

So there are many good reasons why it must be guarded so that it doesn't fall "in the wrong hands." It's more about protecting its integrity and usefulness. If a Belmont wields it before the right time, the soul defect will increase the whip's rejection.

True enough. I didn't consider the part that the wrong hands could also mean your basic everyday Joe.
Quote
In another note: I'm looking for a better way to write the response you quoted. There is too much room for misinterpretation in some parts, and the order or reason for some events must be reworked.

Which quote could that be? Can you show me?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 05, 2016, 04:40:15 PM
Which quote could that be? Can you show me?

The entire response, actually. That's why I place it inside spoiler tags. The response is not yet fully developed.

For instance: As of now, Alucard is pretty much shooting in the dark, everywhere. Not because the story requires, but because I was unable to write it properly yet. Simply telling Maria off doesn't solve the issue because Alucard would know damn well a faster answer could come from Maria's development in Japan. Though here I know more or less what to do.

Another issue is the order of events. I'm organizing it on a timeline, but there's still something off. I'm not really sure about when the whip gets to the Morris or when does Maria move to Japan (and if Alucard goes with her or not). Though things are fitting neatly, I still need to put more care into it before giving the proper response.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 08, 2016, 10:15:13 PM
OK so I said I have a simplified timeline leading up to Umbra. Here's what it is looking like now. But keep in mind not ALL details are working. There are one or two things not clicking juuuuuuust yet.

Timeline:

(click to show/hide)

Details:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on March 09, 2016, 12:34:18 PM
Nice work on the story.

One question I have about this project pertains to the title.

Why have you chosen an "of Sorrow" title? I typically associate that with the Soma storyline.

Just curios what your reason for that is.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 09, 2016, 01:09:11 PM
Nice work on the story.

One question I have about this project pertains to the title.

Why have you chosen an "of Sorrow" title? I typically associate that with the Soma storyline.

Just curios what your reason for that is.

"Sorrow" because this story would be the beginning of Sorrow series outside Japan (Aria and Dawn). Ergo "Umbra of Sorrow" is the reason for Aria and Dawn to exist, storytelling speaking. If not for the umbra that will be the castle's prison, there wouldn't be other "Sorrow" games (again, on the storytelling sense, of course). And more than that, "Umbra of Sorrow" refers to Dracula's own sorrow upon his demise.

Though I understand your point. "Sorrow" is indeed associated with Soma. In this story, Soma's existence will be explained and he will appear at a certain point so all the threads are connected.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 10, 2016, 07:45:54 AM
So, today I bring you Alucard, in vampire form!

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPxtV7Qp.png&hash=25614339fcf459d96d25dccb64874725)

And with this, the explanation behind this form:

When Alucard started guarding the Belmonts, he became unable to fight Dracula together with the Morris clan. So he sealed his powers in his equipment, and forged a weapon from them using alchemy -- the Alucard Spear. This was his way to lend his power to the people who would fight in his place to prevent Dracula's revival. Although the spear carries Alucard's powers, its full potential is locked by a key (a ring, in fact) kept by Alucard so it doesn't overwhelm the spear's user. The ring also contains a small fraction of his power so he can defend himself if needed. As he sealed his powers into the spear, his hair turned black and his human side became prominent.

In 1999, Alucard recovered his spear, as himself had predicted he would one day. With his spear in hand, Alucard is able to tap again on his full power by separating it back into his equipment. Yet, for having spent one century without them, he is not able to fully submerge himself on this vampire form, only separating the spear to use them for short periods of time.

While in vampire form, Alucard has enough power to keep the Sword Familiar out of its card. His hair turns platinum blonde once more and his vampiric features become apparent. The vampire form grows stronger as the spear evolves.

Now, this is where this all comes from:

-Remember how in Dawn's Julius Mode, Alucard had to dress himself up to "unlock his powers", including having his hair turn platinum blonde again? This is the explanation. He did it by fully disassembling the spear to face Soma.

-The "key" to unlock this power is a special ring. In Aria, when Genya executes the "Soul Steal" to protect Soma and Mina, you can see a glimmer in his hand. THAT is the ring containing a small fraction of his power -- just enough to defend himself -- that can disassemble the spear.

-Fusing equipment into other equipment is not new to this Alucard. Hector was doing that centuries before him, and it's heavily implied to be alchemy. The Alucard Spear is merely a fusion of the Alucard Mail, Alucard Sword and Alucard Shield.

-Pieces of equipment CAN contain someone's powers, as is the case with Dracula's Tunic.

Yes. I turned Alucard into a magical girl.

Don't forget to check the artwork in its full size at Junki's page. (http://junkisakuraba.deviantart.com/art/Alucard-and-Sword-Familiar-Umbra-of-Sorrow-595705117)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 10, 2016, 08:05:42 AM
Yes. I turned Alucard into a magical girl.
Well, at least he didn't have to make a contract with a shifty creature or another. :V
Sprite when tho? :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 10, 2016, 08:10:47 AM
Well, at least he didn't have to make a contract with a shifty creature or another. :V
Sprite when tho? :P

Very soon. Though it will be hard for the tiny sprite to live up to the artwork :3
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on March 11, 2016, 05:55:24 AM
So, today I bring you Alucard, in vampire form!

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPxtV7Qp.png&hash=25614339fcf459d96d25dccb64874725)



Wow.  I absolutely love this pic!  :D  Great work!  I love how the ideas for this are developing.  Sorry if anything like this has been brought up before (I haven't had time to read every post sorry), but why that choice of sword style, over the way that his sword is depicted in Ayami Kojima's artwork?  As someone who does a bit of actual swordfighting, the style of blade and shield shown here are from very different eras, and suit different fighting styles.  The basket hilt is a much later thing as a whole than the big shield style.  I don't know if it' to do with perspective, but the blade also looks a smidge on the short side.  Otherwise, I really love Al's look here.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on March 11, 2016, 06:36:38 AM
Awesome!  :o
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 11, 2016, 08:52:49 AM
So, today I bring you Alucard, in vampire form!

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPxtV7Qp.png&hash=25614339fcf459d96d25dccb64874725)

And with this, the explanation behind this form:

When Alucard started guarding the Belmonts, he became unable to fight Dracula together with the Morris clan. So he sealed his powers in his equipment, and forged a weapon from them using alchemy -- the Alucard Spear. This was his way to lend his power to the people who would fight in his place to prevent Dracula's revival. Although the spear carries Alucard's powers, its full potential is locked by a key (a ring, in fact) kept by Alucard so it doesn't overwhelm the spear's user. The ring also contains a small fraction of his power so he can defend himself if needed. As he sealed his powers into the spear, his hair turned black.

In 1999, Alucard recovered his spear, as himself had predicted he would one day. With his spear in hand, Alucard is able to tap again on his full power by separating it back into his equipment. Yet, for having spent one century without them, he is not able to fully submerge himself on this vampire form, only separating the spear to use them for short periods of time.

While in vampire form, Alucard has enough power to keep the Sword Familiar out of its card, and his hair turns white once more. The vampire form grows stronger as the spear evolves.

Now, this is where this all comes from:

-Remember how in Dawn's Julius Mode, Alucard had to dress himself up to "unlock his powers", including having his hair turn platinum blonde again? This is the explanation. He did it by fully disassembling the spear to face Soma.

-The "key" to unlock this power is a special ring. In Aria, when Genya executes the "Soul Steal" to protect Soma and Mina, you can see a glimmer in his hand. THAT is the ring containing a small fraction of his power -- just enough to defend himself -- that can disassemble the spear.

-Fusing equipment into other equipment is not new to this Alucard. Hector was doing that centuries before him, and it's heavily implied to be alchemy. The Alucard Spear is merely a fusion of the Alucard Mail, Alucard Sword and Alucard Shield.

-Pieces of equipment CAN contain someone's powers, as is the case with Dracula's Tunic.

Yes. I turned Alucard into a magical girl.

Don't forget to check the artwork in its full size at Junki's page. (http://junkisakuraba.deviantart.com/art/Alucard-and-Sword-Familiar-Umbra-of-Sorrow-595705117)

Your artist is legit! This style reminds me alot of Yoshitaka Amano's style.

You should totally make an artbook for your ideas and include everything in one spot. Kinda like those World of Play books.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on March 11, 2016, 09:43:52 AM
It reminds me of a cross between Ayami Kojima and Amano easily.  Alucard's face, and pose really reminds me of Amano's Vampire Hunter D art.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on March 11, 2016, 10:15:09 AM
I feel Alucard's face is a bit too effeminate. Even more so then Ayami Kojima has ever done when sketching him. No personal offense to the artist in question but there does need to be a balance. I do however like the look of the outfit and also keeping Alucard's traditional SotN sword and shield as well.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 11, 2016, 12:21:28 PM
As someone who does a bit of actual swordfighting, the style of blade and shield shown here are from very different eras, and suit different fighting styles.  The basket hilt is a much later thing as a whole than the big shield style.  I don't know if it' to do with perspective, but the blade also looks a smidge on the short side.  Otherwise, I really love Al's look here.

As far as I know, there's nothing in the canon that explicitly states the Alucard Shield and Sword came from the same era. We're told in Symphony that the Sword is a family heirloom, and that the Shield is strong against all attacks. The implication of the heirlooms being grouped is present, but never outright stated.

What's more, the sword in this piece does NOT appear to be the Alucard Sword, as the hilt design is radically different (more rapier-type here as opposed to the short arming-sword-esque crossguard we see on the Sword in SotN's artwork). I'm not sure why this would be done, though.

But then again, we are talking about a guy who had hamburgers and filet mignon and ice cream parfaits in 1796. I think applying real-world logic to appropriate item eras is a losing battle.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 11, 2016, 02:24:57 PM
why that choice of sword style, over the way that his sword is depicted in Ayami Kojima's artwork?  As someone who does a bit of actual swordfighting, the style of blade and shield shown here are from very different eras, and suit different fighting styles.  The basket hilt is a much later thing as a whole than the big shield style.  I don't know if it' to do with perspective, but the blade also looks a smidge on the short side.  Otherwise, I really love Al's look here.

OK so, as Dracula9 pointed out, the Shield and the Sword could've came from different eras. However, there is the question of the Ayami Kojima artworks.

You see. Recently, people here at the Dungeon were trying to point out just what kind of sword is the Alucard Sword. The question made me interested as I discovered that no one could do that with accuracy, since in Ayami Kojima's artworks Alucard appears holding two different types of swords, and in the game there is one more different sword - the item icon.

That's three different Alucard Swords. If we consider the in-game attack sprite, that would be four.

So, in creating this Alucard, Junki was told to follow the icon for the Alucard Mail. He extended this and decided to follow the icons for both the Alucard Mail and the Alucard Sword, taking the appropriate creative liberties. The icon for the sword is the only thing explicitly called "Alucard Sword" that never changed shape every time it appeared, different from the concept art.

So, while we were inconsistent with Kojima, we are still consistent with the sword :P

Your artist is legit! This style reminds me alot of Yoshitaka Amano's style.

You should totally make an artbook for your ideas and include everything in one spot. Kinda like those World of Play books.

In fact Junki has been taking big inspiration from Yoshitaka Amano lately! I knew he would apply this to Umbra, and I'm not opposed to it, even if it brings a little discrepancy between the artworks. He's learning, I can't stop the guy.

I feel Alucard's face is a bit too effeminate. Even more so then Ayami Kojima has ever done when sketching him. No personal offense to the artist in question but there does need to be a balance. I do however like the look of the outfit and also keeping Alucard's traditional SotN sword and shield as well.

Indeed it is, and I voiced that to him. HOWEVER I did not tell him that this is an issue, because this is his style. If this is how he envisions vampire Alucard, then this is how it shall be.

I'm not saying it's NOT effeminate, attention here. I'm saying that I want the artist to keep true to his style. I'll not choose the artist and then start telling him what to do when his portifolio tells me precisely what his style is.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on March 11, 2016, 03:35:11 PM
Thanks!  Either way, I am really looking forward to this game.  :D  The more I see the more I want to play it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 11, 2016, 03:44:20 PM
To be honest, I'm both completely in favor for Amano inspiration and the slightly-effeminate Alucard, mostly because VHD vibes.

But what's more, I don't necessarily see the issue with Alucard being a bit pretty. It's not like he's ever been portrayed as the big macho man and this is hurting that fragile gender stereotype or anything. Alucard's always been a "speak softly, carry a big stick" kind of character, under which circumstances a macho manly buff dudely man appearance isn't really even necessary.

Plus, he's only half-human. That otherworldly half of him doesn't necessarily have to uphold human standards of appearance. If we compare Junki's human-form Alucard with this one, we can see a clear difference in appearance; conveniently, Alucard's powers are not being suppressed in the most recent image.

I'd like to that there's a reason and deliberate correlation for that.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on March 11, 2016, 04:23:01 PM
To be honest, I'm both completely in favor for Amano inspiration and the slightly-effeminate Alucard, mostly because VHD vibes.



As a huge Alucard fan myself I agree with this, I don't feel it would be right to give Alucard any kind of masculine appearance or tone whether it be balanced between his prettiness/beauty or not, I feel this artwork catches how I envision Alucard should be nicely and as others have pointed out its a nice little node to the Vampire Hunter series art style which is great since I'm a huge VHD fan as well.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: FeRcHuLeS on March 11, 2016, 06:52:02 PM
So this game isnt going to be co-op anymore, maybe is for the best but the original co-op concept fascinated me.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 11, 2016, 07:26:34 PM
So here is the sprite versions of Alucard in Human and Vampire forms side by side:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FEDntrzi.png&hash=4b4c344c4a9d0f7daa55c452702ffdde)

EDIT: Added red outline for better viewing. Also, Alucard is in "Dark Metamorphosis" during this state, so it makes sense.

So this game isnt going to be co-op anymore, maybe is for the best but the original co-op concept fascinated me.

...What? Where did you hear such a thing?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 11, 2016, 07:29:59 PM
Nice, very classic warrior-esque, though kinda funny that it actually gives me Final Fantasy nostalgia.
...What? Where did you hear such a thing?
I think he was referring to IGA's original concept of '99 being a multiplayer game, from what I can recall, though yeah, this isn't even set to be a game yet. :V
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 11, 2016, 07:54:33 PM
Nice, very classic warrior-esque, though kinda funny that it actually gives me Final Fantasy nostalgia.I think he was referring to IGA's original concept of '99 being a multiplayer game, from what I can recall, though yeah, this isn't even set to be a game yet. :V

Ah indeed! Though if I have mentioned this here ANYWHERE please someone point it out. If I did, I have no idea what I was smoking at the time.

If this turns into a game, it won't be co-op. It'd follow one of these styles:

 -Something along the lines of Resident Evil 6, where you play a separate campaign for each character, needing to play all of them to get the full story and full completion rate. These campaigns would've to be played all at the same time, and getting to certain points in the story with one character unlocks new chapters for other characters.

-A somewhat modified Portrait of Ruin, where characters are not forced to stay with each other, with the "switch character" function going where the other character is.

In the first format each character gets a constant focus, and thus a wider range of mechanics, while in the second format they don't get as much focus nor mechanics, but becomes a varied experience akin to The Lost Vikings where each is able to cover a range of different functions each (one can fly, one can slide, etc).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on March 11, 2016, 08:00:29 PM
So here is the sprite versions of Alucard in Human and Vampire forms side by side:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fau909aM.png&hash=c8b4e56be7d585c8ecf45aca052a0d86)

EDIT: Added red outline for better viewing. Also, Alucard is in "Dark Metamorphosis" during this state, so it makes sense.


WOW!  Those sprites look amazing! :D 
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: FeRcHuLeS on March 11, 2016, 08:16:56 PM

...What? Where did you hear such a thing?

Sorry, my mistake I posted to the wrong thread, but the concept you are developing focusing on story and the untold chapter of castlevania fascinate me too, especially since IGA was gone from Konami maybe this chapter will be archived indefinitely.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 12, 2016, 08:40:07 AM
How about that art book idea? It would be cool for you have at least 1 printed copy of your work in one place...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Castle34hk on March 12, 2016, 09:26:37 AM
AWESOME work so freaking good you are VERY good keep it up cant wait too play this.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 12, 2016, 11:29:14 AM
AWESOME work so freaking good you are VERY good keep it up cant wait too play this.

This is not a actual game. Just fan-fiction at this point.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 12, 2016, 03:59:08 PM
How about that art book idea? It would be cool for you have at least 1 printed copy of your work in one place...

I don't think Konami would like this.

MAYBE after I finish the story, I can get all the art and the story into a printable format full of frillies and artsies and distribute it for free.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Castle34hk on March 13, 2016, 11:00:19 AM
What???

This Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project) its not a fan game???

Not a game??? What a??
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 13, 2016, 11:57:10 AM
What???

This Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project) its not a fan game???

Not a game??? What a??

Read the first post on the very first page.

This project is not a fangame YET. It's not a fangame because a fangame takes way too long and way too many resources to create. It's a promise I can't uphold alone. I simply can't afford that much time and that many resources to create a fangame yet.

If I do a game, I'm doing one hell of a game. The fangame to end all fangames. I refuse to deliver half-baked content, and at this point a game would come half-baked. For now I compromise to deliver a story, and I'm infusing my best efforts to deliver a good one.

That said, plans for a fangame are not discarded. I'm designing the project in such a manner that, if the chance to develop a game arises, there will be resources ready for it. And I got a killer team to help me: There is artwork done by Junki, there is soundtrack being done by Chernabogue and Dracula9 (and two more artists yet to be made public), there is a map, there is a gameplay system in mind, there are conceptual sprites, there are people reviewing the plot all the time, there are japanese-speaking sources helping me so I don't get the nuances wrong, and if everything goes fine, there will even be voice-acting.

All of these things are not for nothing. If a game doesn't come, at least you'll have a lot of things designed to stir your imagination while you read (or listen, who knows?) the story :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on March 14, 2016, 03:05:48 AM
I love pretty Alucard! ♪
The sprites are looking really good!
I can't wait to read more of your story. The fangame can wait.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on March 16, 2016, 09:59:11 PM
(click to show/hide)

This 2 years gap give a lot of contradiction in a lot of aspects, I think it would be better to have 1  contradiction with Eric age than a lot.
It is said in Portrait of Ruin that someone vampirized can be healed only if it have been turned in recently, also Death wouldn't notice Dracula absence in 2 years? I think even less than 1 week would be enough (frankly in less than 1 day, but whatever).

Lastly it would be the first that someone took so much time to notice Dracula's Castle and do something about it.

Heh sorry for my late reply about this and remember that I appreciate what you have here.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 16, 2016, 10:17:30 PM
This 2 years gap give a lot of contradiction in a lot of aspects, I think it would be better to have 1  contradiction with Eric age than a lot.
It is said in Portrait of Ruin that someone vampirized can be healed only if it have been turned in recently, also Death wouldn't notice Dracula absence in 2 years? I think even less than 1 week would be enough (frankly in less than 1 day, but whatever).

Lastly it would be the first that someone took so much time to notice Dracula's Castle and do something about it.

Yep, I argued that already in another thread when we were discussing how long is "too long for Sanctuary to not work". Apparently, two years is not long enough for vampirism to take over. Yet just a couple minutes was too much for Sara.

As the project proposes, I can't contradict what the manual says. Both manuals, english and japanese, say that Eric died at 50 years old. I could ignore that as it doesn't have a TOO big of an impact, but this is not the project's proposal.

-Portrait of Ruin takes place in 1944;
-Eric was born in 1892;
-1944 - 1892 = 52
-Then the manual says he died at 50 years old:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FYUBAfGH.png&hash=f3c23b57c3ab0e9b1255d9a46f5fe106)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtJcUX9S.png&hash=ba459f27d1079d206607be06cb24c179)

Since the canon offers zero explanation about Death's arrival, the only logical conclusion I can draw is that Brauner was cutting Death off from the castle by hijacking its power. Thus Death had not yet emerged from chaos as his master wasn't truly revived nor near being revived.

Also, there are some things about Death we must consider:

We do not know how long Death has been inside the castle. Maybe he's been inside it for a looooong time now, trying to figure out what is happening, but Brauner has evaded his detection for all this time. Or maybe he HAS detected Brauner, but didn't found a way to attack him or an opportunity to revive Dracula -- until Jonathan and Charlotte showed up. He said he didn't know who Brauner was, but that could have been a lie.

If you're Death and Brauner has separated the Throne needed to revive Dracula, and has sealed himself inside a room where you have no way to gain access to, there's not much you can do but wait, right? And this wait can take years.

This would not be the first time this happens, also. In CoD, we don't know how long Death has been disguised as Zead wandering the lands. He knows Dracula is not present, but this doesn't stop him from acting alone. His plan was to use Hector's body, but what if Hector never came? He'd stay wandering the lands maybe for years to come (maybe this is what happened, even, before Hector showed up). So Death can return by itself with no castle or no Dracula present to act alone. It's definitelly within the realm of possibility for Death to wait years for the best opportunities to show up.

As for Umbra -- there is an explanation for Death's late arrival on Portrait. Though it'll probably play no role in Umbra's main plot in any form.

About the sisters: Important to mention is that VINCENT is the one who is "in the early stages [of vampirism]." Eric says that if the sisters "become full vampires, then it may be too late", but we don't know the reason why they're not still full vampires. As we know by Sara and Walter, the transformation is REALLY quick. If they have been vampires for two years, then they could be clinging to their humanity during all this time by being related to the Belmonts. Evidence for that is that the whip refused to attack the sisters because they're related to the Belmonts, and not because "they're not full vampires yet". The whip had no problem attacking half-vampires before, as is the case with Alucard who is a half-vampire AND good hearted. Belmont blood is powerful, yo.

After saving the sisters, Eric says: "You were in time?! I don't believe it. It's a miracle!" To think it's a miracle Sanctuary worked, they must have been vampirized a long time ago.

Lastly, after you first fight Stella, she briefly returns to normal just before Loretta shows up. This is evidence that the vampirism was unable to take over completelly. For what reason, though, is up for debate.

Quote
Heh sorry for my late reply about this and remember that I appreciate what you have here.

No prob dude. Your criticism is always welcome, and I'll do the possible if I can to heed it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on March 21, 2016, 03:12:18 PM
Thanks, I didn't knew that it was backed up by the manual too. That clear all contradictions. Now we can imagine Death wandering in the castle for 2 years XD

Maybe Death never noticed Dracula's absense because no one could reach the throne room, him being so loyal as he is wouldn't even question why his master would shield himself from the world, until noticing something strange.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Super Waffle on March 24, 2016, 06:26:57 PM
Lenora sort of looks like a more mature Charlotte imo.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 30, 2016, 03:08:11 PM
Today I come to talk about Umbra's antagonists: The cult named Angolmois, working in the shadows to ensure Dracula's rise in 1999.

Heavy spoiler ahead. There is not much I can keep under wraps for this project anymore, so from now on, basically everything I post will be spoily in some way. Also, this will come in two parts, so today is part 1:

(click to show/hide)

That's it. Part 2 will come soon. Some things here were kept secret, but I can answer through PM to anyone who wishes to know.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 31, 2016, 05:42:17 PM
Here is part 2:

(click to show/hide)

So, this is the basic framework for Angolmois' motivations and moves up until 1999.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on April 01, 2016, 09:50:47 AM
Interesting read Plot  ;)  Although it's kinda far-fetched that Bartly could instigated the entire war herself. Not blaming you of course since it was proposed by others. However what I found that kick-started WWI was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife. They were killed by (and this is very cult-sounding) an organization called The Black Hand. Perhaps Bartly knew how to easily ignite the war by striking at the right people, and secretly used the organization to kill for such a gain. I'm sure Bartly would also take this route so that she could avoid taking the heat.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 01, 2016, 09:57:55 AM
Interesting read Plot  ;)  Although it's kinda far-fetched that Bartly could instigated the entire war herself. Not blaming you of course since it was proposed by others. However what I found that kick-started WWI was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife. They were killed by (and this is very cult-sounding) an organization called The Black Hand. Perhaps Bartly knew how to easily ignite the war by striking at the right people, and secretly used the organization to kill for such a gain. I'm sure Bartly would also take this route so that she could avoid taking the heat.

In fact, it wasn't me who invented this part :(

This is stated in Bloodlines manual, that the death of the "Crown Prince of Austria" is the doing of Elizabeth Bartley, which caused the war. However, the Crown Prince of Austria at the time was NOT Franz Ferdinand, but his cousin Rudolf, who comitted suicide in 1889.

The game doesn't give him a name, so we're left to wonder if the developers intended Elizabeth's victim to be Franz Ferdinand. But it is indeed stated that the death of the Crown Prince of Austria starts the WWI by Elizabeth's hand.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on April 01, 2016, 09:59:57 AM
Quote
In fact, it wasn't me who invented this part :(

I know. That's why I mentioned it in the above. Ah well  :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 01, 2016, 10:09:24 AM
I did intend, however, to have Angolmois instigate the WWII.

However I found this farfetched, ultimatelly. This is because we know too much about these events, and I could find no spot where an "unknown agent" could have believably done something.

I mean, the only place where I could find a space to fit a fictional element was the Reichstag fire, which is believed to have been caused by a man named Van der Lubbe. However, some believe that he couldn't have done that by himself, and even that the Nazis themselves did it and blamed Van der Lubbe. So there's enough "shadow" for an unknown party to have used Van der Lubbe to achieve a higher goal.

Yet, this is farfetched because this fire alone is not enough to start the WWII. It was enough to strengthen Hitler on the germanic parliament (which led to the war down the line), but not enough for the war itself.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on April 01, 2016, 10:17:14 AM
Yeah, there was quite a bit that lead to both the outbreaks of WWI and WWII. I guess the trick is to find that one element that feels right and go with it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on April 01, 2016, 02:59:15 PM
If it helps anything out, the Black Hand's main goal was to unite Slavic-majority territories that weren't already under the rule of Serbia/Montenegro. Not sure if there's any way to tie that in somehow.

Though it also warrants mentioning that Black Hand itself didn't carry out the assassination of Ferdinand and his wife; a group of student revolutionaries who went by the moniker of "Young Bosnia" were the ones who actually made the assassinations. They did have ties to Black Hand, who got and still gets the credit for the assassination because one of the big dogs claimed he'd organized it (and used his power to influence the statement) at a kangaroo trial.

Either way though, both groups were aiming towards Slavic unification of some kind.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on April 01, 2016, 05:27:43 PM
Quote
If it helps anything out, the Black Hand's main goal was to unite Slavic-majority territories that weren't already under the rule of Serbia/Montenegro. Not sure if there's any way to tie that in somehow.

Though it also warrants mentioning that Black Hand itself didn't carryout the assassination of Ferdinand and his wife; a group of student revolutionaries who went by the moniker of "Young Bosnia" were the ones who actually made the assassinations. They did have ties to Black Hand, who got and still gets the credit for the assassination because one of the big dogs claimed he'd organized it (and used his power to influence the statement) at a kangaroo trial.

Either way though, both groups were aiming towards Slavic unification of some kind.

Hmmm... Interesting...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 09, 2016, 03:06:34 AM
Today, I bring a small, genealogical-tree-related development I made for this project:

After the events of Curse of Darkness, as you must remember, Hector settles down with Julia. Their future uncertain. Saint Germain gives his speech, and implies that he's going to travel far into the future to witness the final battle.

But, more importantly is: What would the union of those two result into? Because this romantic relationship seems to be pretty "useless" as a story development. They're both powerful people with special powers. Something great must've come from that right? Well, at least I believe it did, and my answer to that is "Nostradamus."

Nostradamus was an alchemist, apothecary, and seer. And as we all are bald from knowing, he predicted the Demon Castle War for 1999. Connecting him to Julia and Hector seems to be an exercise in futility with no clear objective, but I want to point your attention towards this:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FdTGlLGX.png&hash=1fa10786c54fa84c064318e27fd00657)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fv8vwBPa.png&hash=3e8900035adfdce623159b5ce5ba6e05)

So, here you have Julia saying she has the power to see the future. Furthermore, she's skilled in healing, and is first seen picking herbs, presumably for healing purposes. Then we have Hector who transmutes lifeless objects into living creatures and weapons out of base ingredients. Much like concepts of alchemy.

See where I'm going?

And if we do the dates, they are plausible: Nostradamus was born in 1503, and Julia would be 44 by then.

Finally, remember how Saint Germain says "perhaps they'll remember your fight, or perhaps it'll start anew"? One way for the people of 1999 to "remember" something from Hector's battle is if his son became known as a seer and relayed this information to them.

So, the conclusion is: Nostradamus learned the trade of healing and alchemy from Hector and Julia. But, beyond that, his predicting power was inherited from Julia, his mother.

And now you know what was the "new destiny flowing out of Hector" that Saint Germain felt. His interference had a VERY important outcome in Dracula's downfall, after all  8)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on April 09, 2016, 09:49:01 AM
That's quite the side plot there um..Plot, lol. I figured that after seeing the ending of CoD that Julia and Hector would get together. It was pretty plain from where I'm standing. No-doubt that both Hector and Julia are going to have to change there last names so as to avoid the heat from the fearful locals, and so that Nostradamus' family name matches as well.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on April 09, 2016, 01:31:25 PM
*resists urge to blurt out the second part of this*
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 09, 2016, 08:52:58 PM
*resists urge to blurt out the second part of this*

Not the time yet.

You know far too much to be a safe poster in this thread xD

Though I AM reworking this second part because ever since we discussed it, something is not clicking yet.

That's quite the side plot there um..Plot, lol. I figured that after seeing the ending of CoD that Julia and Hector would get together. It was pretty plain from where I'm standing. No-doubt that both Hector and Julia are going to have to change there last names so as to avoid the heat from the fearful locals, and so that Nostradamus' family name matches as well.

Yeah, they'll pretty much change names and relocate to France. They can't live in the mountains forever, and there is something in France to develop for them.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on April 10, 2016, 05:34:33 AM
You know far too much to be a safe poster in this thread xD

I CAN'T KEEP IT CONTAINED I HAVE TO SPOIL

DRACULA DIES AT THE END
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on April 10, 2016, 10:23:52 PM
I CAN'T KEEP IT CONTAINED I HAVE TO SPOIL

DRACULA DIES AT THE END

Nah not really, he gets reborn anyway.  ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on April 30, 2016, 07:42:22 AM
Literally remade my long lost account here just to comment on this. Not even bloodstained did that

Very good good job on this. Love everything so far and i love you included Carmilla too
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 30, 2016, 01:20:36 PM
Literally remade my long lost account here just to comment on this. Not even bloodstained did that

Very good good job on this. Love everything so far and i love you included Carmilla too

Thank you!

The project has slowed down a little mostly because I'm without a computer, work is pilling up on my plate, and I'm writing a bunch of dialogue for it.

But it hasn't stopped! Soon I'll have something cool to post here -- including the main star of the Castlevania show.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on April 30, 2016, 08:39:39 PM
...the main star of the Castlevania show.

...Schmoo?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 30, 2016, 09:34:37 PM
...Schmoo?

Why, certainly. When we get used to him, he looks cuter, after all.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 16, 2016, 12:24:29 AM
OK so, just a tiny tease so the thread doesn't get forgotten and buried in the sands of time:

Alucard got himself a voice actor, and soon you'll be listening to him. You all know him very well from this forum, but I was scared at how good of a voice he actually has.

This could mean a BUNCH of things, for instance:

So, it's pratically a 100% certainty that there will be voice-acting involved. And this means I'll be asking for volunteers here and in some other places to lend their voice talents to this in the near future.

There are more things coming, though, but I can't reveal them just yet. So, that's it! Until next update!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on May 16, 2016, 05:38:58 AM
So is he closer to Robert Belgrade or Yuri Lowenthal?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 16, 2016, 02:54:00 PM
So is he closer to Robert Belgrade or Yuri Lowenthal?

Closer to Belgrade. MUCH closer.

I can't stand Yuri Lowenthal. He has a good acting and voice, but Alucard has to have a deep voice. It's the ethereal thing about him everyone grew with.

I remember thinking that this voice gave Alucard both a supernatural quality, and an imposing personality. Him having such a elegant appearance and such a deep voice gives you juuuuust enough of the uncanniness you're supposed to feel from a vampire -- which is explained numerous times on the series that being near Alucard feels strange. Alucard with a suave voice is just... Just another bishonen.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on May 16, 2016, 09:48:00 PM
Radio drama!
YES!!!! I can't wait for that. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lanforse on May 16, 2016, 11:17:39 PM
Hmmm... What about making a machinima?

- It's a lot easier than making a whole game
- It gives you a movie/game-like experience
- It can be done in the GameMaker or another user-friendly game engine

You are already have the story, sprites and voices. I just can't see any drawbacks.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 16, 2016, 11:37:05 PM
A Machinima would just make people want a game even more due to having an actual visual representation of how it would go.

Plus, the guy Plot mentioned way back as potentially being interested in programming this is also someone I know, and knowing him it'd be a case of all-or-nothing--either make the whole game or don't. He'd probably think a cut-down version of basically the same work as a waste of what it could be.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on May 17, 2016, 12:21:13 AM
All of this sounds super cool. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 17, 2016, 08:58:15 PM
So, I was going to wait for more content to be ready to update, but since this is basically a dev thread, there is not much reason to do so as you'll eventually see everything there is to see.

So, without further ado:

Alucard -- and Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow's Prologue. (https://dl.dropbox.com/s/kktkjzrtigauad0/CV%20Umbra%20-%20Introduction%20%28with%20voice%29.mp3?dl=0)

(click to show/hide)

Voice acting by Dracula9
Soundtrack by Chernabogue
Writing by me

Please, leave your feedback. We want to know what you Dungeonites think and use this feedback to improve.

Many thanks to Chernabogue and Dracula9. These two are talent incarnated.

Hmmm... What about making a machinima?
You are already have the story, sprites and voices. I just can't see any drawbacks.

Sorry, I forgot to address this response. Though there is no need -- Dracula9 summed it up.

A machinima would require me to create assets that would be much better used in a game. So, if I can give the people a game, why not make a game? And yeah, the mystery programmer is down to make it into the coolest thing ever, and also wants a game out of this whole thing.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 18, 2016, 04:21:45 AM
Welp, cat's out 'da bag finally.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/dEaZGGlSOFdqE/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on May 18, 2016, 06:31:02 AM
Dang, should've known it was him. I mean, his usual voice is pretty deep to begin with.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on May 18, 2016, 10:35:19 AM
*Applauds*  WOW!  Just seriously... just wow.  That was bloody AMAZING work from al of you.  Shivers were running down my spine as I listed to this, and between you guys, you've simply nailed it.  Even if it remains as a story (it could be an amazing audiobook if it doesn't go as far as an actual fangame), this just works.  I love it.  I love your narration, and the background music just is the final finishing touch.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 20, 2016, 02:02:36 AM
*Applauds*  WOW!  Just seriously... just wow.  That was bloody AMAZING work from al of you.  Shivers were running down my spine as I listed to this, and between you guys, you've simply nailed it.  Even if it remains as a story (it could be an amazing audiobook if it doesn't go as far as an actual fangame), this just works.  I love it.  I love your narration, and the background music just is the final finishing touch.

Well, it shouldn't be me to be thanking you, but thank you!

I hope to find here more actors to help in this endeavour -- including actresses! This project has a fair share of female characters, so talented women will be needed.

Thank you again, Seraph :3

In another note, I have tied some loose ends on the plot. Mainly, how exactly does Charlotte learn about the legend and the power to control the gods. Previously, Charlotte simply Deus Ex Machinae'd her way to learning about it. Now she's continuing the research done by Alucard.

Alucard is said to be the one who was researching for a way to destroy Dracula MUCH before Charlotte, in his ending in Judgment. So, now he both learns about the prophecy AND did the initial research based on the rumors Maria spawned on the west. However, with Dracula's early revival in OoE during the 1800s, Alucard is forced to halt the research and return to Romania, where he becomes the guardian of the Belmonts and works with Shanoa. Once there, he is unable to leave, so the research is halted -- Until Charlotte later retakes it and gives it closure by tracking the rest of the rumors now-turned-legend and travelling to Japan herself.

You can check all of this on the first page of this thread, on my post about the timeline.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on May 20, 2016, 02:06:20 AM
I finally had the time today to listen to the mp3.
OMG! It's amazing! I need more~ I'm a sucker for drama cds.

In another note, I have tied some loose ends on the plot. Mainly, how exactly does Charlotte learn about the legend and the power to control the gods. Previously, Charlotte simply Deus Ex Machinae'd her way to learning about it. Now she's continuing the research done by Alucard.

Alucard is said to be the one who was researching for a way to destroy Dracula MUCH before Charlotte. So, now he both learns about the prophecy AND did the initial research based on the rumors Maria spawned on the west. However, with Dracula's early revival in OoE during the 1800s, Alucard is forced to halt the research and return to Romania, where he becomes the guardian of the Belmonts and works with Shanoa. Once there, he is unable to leave, so the research is halted -- Until Charlotte later retakes it and gives it closure by tracking the rest of the rumors now-turned-legend and travelling to Japan herself.

Oh was this the one that we talked about before? or you've added more stuff to it?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 20, 2016, 02:11:39 AM
I finally had the time today to listen to the mp3.
OMG! It's amazing! I need more~ I'm a sucker for drama cds.

I'll take that as a compliment  ;D

I'm hyped for a Drama, BUT we may end up getting something even better  :rollseyes:

Quote
Oh was this the one that we talked about before? or you've added more stuff to it?

It's the same we talked before BUT I made it more believable now. Nothing has changed besides how Charlotte will explain this on the story.

Previously was like:
"Oh well, I started researching and I am such a good researcher I came up with this all by myself."

Now it's more like:
"Oh well, Alucard had this research stopped/stumped. I checked it and knew he was on to something, so I used my genius to finish it, and I discovered the answer."

Charlotte is the genius on a puzzle Alucard couldn't crack both for mental and physical limitations, instead of a genius OUT OF THE BLUE.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on May 20, 2016, 02:15:22 AM
I'll take that as a compliment  ;D

I'm hyped for a Drama, BUT we may end up getting something even better  :rollseyes:

hahaha. Like an actual playable game X years in the future.....  ;)

It's the same we talked before BUT I made it more believable now. Nothing has changed besides how Charlotte will explain this on the story.

Ah yes, that makes things better.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on May 20, 2016, 02:21:16 AM
Well, it shouldn't be me to be thanking you, but thank you!

I hope to find here more actors to help in this endeavour -- including actresses! This project has a fair share of female characters, so talented women will be needed.


*Rubs hands together in glee*  This really is growing into a superb fan project that I bet Iga would love.  I'm going to PM you.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 20, 2016, 07:22:40 PM
I suddenly feel oddly tempted to post the pompous British Olrox reading. I have no idea why.  :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on May 21, 2016, 12:57:17 AM
I suddenly feel oddly tempted to post the pompous British Olrox reading. I have no idea why.  :P

Hahahaha. Post it!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 21, 2016, 01:26:37 AM
I suddenly feel oddly tempted to post the pompous British Olrox reading. I have no idea why.  :P

Not a good idea to leak the script so early, dude u_u
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on May 21, 2016, 04:39:15 AM
Not a good idea to leak the script so early, dude u_u

Maybe do a reading of something else in the voice?  Say... some lines from a game he's in?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 21, 2016, 04:41:35 AM
Not a good idea to leak the script so early, dude u_u

THAT SCENE WASN'T FINALIZED ANDST THOU KNOWETH IT
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 21, 2016, 04:56:49 AM
THAT SCENE WASN'T FINALIZED ANDST THOU KNOWETH IT

I don't want people to know what Olrox has to say yet because the lines give exactly the idea. Even though the lines are not yet polished, they are nearly finalized and this might step on spoiler territory.

Though, if you wish to interpret Olrox, you can read one of his lines from the Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku novel. Specifically one where I took inspiration from:

(click to show/hide)

Another line of his:

(click to show/hide)

If you interpret these ones as you did the ones you saw for Umbra, you'll be pretty much spot on for the tone.

Though I must warn everyone reading this that Olrox is still open for a voice actor -- but he'll have to follow more or less on Drac9's path, since the tone he set for Olrox follows his personality very closely, if not perfectly.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 21, 2016, 05:02:17 AM
I'm actually reading his conversation with Death as I type this.

Done. (>inb4 Seraph kills me for faking a British dialect badly)

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/snxf1aqp4i7xy3j/olrox_VA.mp3?dl=0

Edit: I swear I keep unintentionally channelling Varys from Game of Thrones with this voice (it's more obvious in the reading Plot doesn't want shared, though).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on May 21, 2016, 07:26:33 AM
Very nice, D9! :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on May 21, 2016, 07:36:11 AM
I'm actually reading his conversation with Death as I type this.

Done. (>inb4 Seraph kills me for faking a British dialect badly)

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/snxf1aqp4i7xy3j/olrox_VA.mp3?dl=0

Edit: I swear I keep unintentionally channelling Varys from Game of Thrones with this voice (it's more obvious in the reading Plot doesn't want shared, though).

Actually, I love it!  It fits Olrox very well imo  :D  *Applauds*  It's making me think of Charles Dance, actually, with a touch of BBC English.  And why-ever would I kill you for faking a British accent?   ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 21, 2016, 02:57:52 PM
Can't hear anything over the sound of me gushing like a madman for being even remotely compared to Charles Dance.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on May 22, 2016, 12:40:43 AM
clap clap clap clap

Oooohhhh~ It was so good!
I am now hoping for an audio book of Kabuchi no Tsuisoukyoku. hahahaha.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 22, 2016, 04:35:53 AM
It wouldn't have been possible without your translation, so really pat yourself on the back.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on May 23, 2016, 02:39:18 AM
Thanks D9!  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 26, 2016, 06:34:16 AM
Hello peeps! Today I want to introduce one more plot-element for this story project which will impact the events of 1999 -- The Outbreak of 1997.

(click to show/hide)

These events explain how the military got involved with Dracula in 1999, and General Berthold was already introduced, for those following the project. Yet, this second character is new. Although he has been a piece of the plot ever since the beginning, only now his story is fully fleshed out. However, I'm not telling who it is or what is their name yet.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 01, 2016, 08:58:20 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FgwkRtBV.png&hash=3eb24f7b7e59fca965613b9331fbbade)

The Count beckons.

Listen to a snippet of his dialogue. (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2acfabbbnrglwhm/CountSpeech.mp3?dl=0)

This is what the revived Count will look and sound like in Umbra. Junki was given specific instructions on how to portray him, and he achieved it with flying colors. Now you also know what is the second character Dracula9 is playing.

There is so much behind this, yet I can tell you so little...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on June 01, 2016, 09:58:47 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FCLMmLwt.png&hash=744eb72c0c226256661c692112aa480f)

The Count beckons.

This is what the revived Count will look like in Umbra. Junki was given specific instructions on how to portray him, and he achieved it with flying colors.

There is so much behind this picture, yet I can tell you so little...



.... Holy crap.  This is utterly gorgeous.  Junki really has captured everything about Ayami Kojima's portrayals of Dracula in this, while making it a new version of him at the same time.  I love it.  *Picks jaw up off the floor* 
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on June 01, 2016, 10:59:27 AM
This is excellent!!!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 01, 2016, 03:13:06 PM
Welp, cat's out 'da bag finally.

(https://media.giphy.com/media/dEaZGGlSOFdqE/giphy.gif)

Obligatory repost.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on June 01, 2016, 03:23:30 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.tinypic.com%2Fsdfxiu.jpg&hash=e7be169705cd2a43051b7ee45e6f6291)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on June 01, 2016, 04:45:51 PM
Wow. He looks so more dinamic and warrior like, Better than the everytime "pompous" looking. I loved it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on June 01, 2016, 06:28:47 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FgwkRtBV.png&hash=3eb24f7b7e59fca965613b9331fbbade)

The Count beckons.

Listen to a snippet of his dialogue. (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/2acfabbbnrglwhm/CountSpeech.mp3?dl=0)

This is what the revived Count will look and sound like in Umbra. Junki was given specific instructions on how to portray him, and he achieved it with flying colors. Now you also know what is the second character Dracula9 is playing.

There is so much behind this, yet I can tell you so little...
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi2.kym-cdn.com%2Fphotos%2Fimages%2Foriginal%2F001%2F113%2F679%2F28b.png&hash=2937a2005bd3cba96f1d6e7046889a8f)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on June 02, 2016, 10:25:49 AM
Nice design and nice voice work on Dracula.

The sibilance was a little strong though. Try using a de esser plug in.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 02, 2016, 11:15:33 AM
The silibants are deliberate due to the Count being of an older body and Mario wanting a bit of a Doug Rye feel--though they could use some reigning in.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on June 02, 2016, 11:46:29 AM
The silibants are deliberate due to the Count being of an older body and Mario wanting a bit of a Doug Rye feel--though they could use some reigning in.

Yeah it sounds cool hanging on the S sounds. I'm talking more about the high frequencies going on during them.

You should be able to roll that back a bit.

I have to do it all the time. We had to do it to Belgrades takes too.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 02, 2016, 02:32:57 PM
Oh, yeah, that.

Having minor audio annoyances goes with the territory of me not actually having a windscreen or pop filter hardware for this mic.  :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on June 02, 2016, 03:41:16 PM
Oh, yeah, that.

Having minor audio annoyances goes with the territory of me not actually having a windscreen or pop filter hardware for this mic.  :P

Oh shit. Well that explains it.

A thing a lot of vocalists do when faced with recording into a condenser mic without a pop filter is to turn the head slightly away from the mic for S and P sounds. It works, but if it makes you uncomfortable or takes your focus away from the acting (which is by far the most important part), then don't do it.

If you were using a dynamic mic like a shure sm58 it wouldn't matter. But recording into a condenser mic like the snowball without a pop filter is a no no. You can get a pop filter off amazon for under $10. You do good work so you owe it to yourself to get one. I would also suggest something like the monoprice microphone isolation sheild (that's what we use in addition to a pop filter). It makes a huge difference in quality and is very inexpensive. You can get all of this stuff for like $100. I think it's worth investing into your talents. Especially considering you're recording vocals for a cool project.

Unless money is tight. And man-o-man.. I understand what that's like!

Anyways, I'll stop nitpicking you now. Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 02, 2016, 03:47:39 PM
Do they even MAKE windscreens for the Snowball? I've never seen ones big enough.

Also, it's purely a question of money. At present my coping mechanism is to simply record about ten inches from the mic and compress the audio to compensate.

Hardly ideal, but it's what I'm stuck with at the moment.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on June 02, 2016, 04:00:31 PM
Do they even MAKE windscreens for the Snowball? I've never seen ones big enough.

Also, it's purely a question of money. At present my coping mechanism is to simply record about ten inches from the mic and compress the audio to compensate.

Hardly ideal, but it's what I'm stuck with at the moment.

Any standard 6" pop filter will work. You might have to rig something up to mount it. If all else fails, duct tape the thing to the stand. They're dirt cheap on amazon.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on June 02, 2016, 10:52:35 PM
I confirm they're really cheap. I bought a microphone last year and the pop filter was included; a real life savior. (Now I'm just waiting on the new phantom alim and cables :3)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: KaZudra on June 04, 2016, 07:00:42 AM
Any standard 6" pop filter will work. You might have to rig something up to mount it. If all else fails, duct tape the thing to the stand. They're dirt cheap on amazon.

Bruh, You should really REALLY consider voice acting as a career.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Gemini on June 04, 2016, 08:55:26 AM
Extremely sexy, makes me almost willing to resume developing my platformer engine.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 04, 2016, 01:19:36 PM
Bruh, You should really REALLY consider voice acting as a career.

You do realize way more goes into voice acting than just knowing what hardware to use, right?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on June 04, 2016, 01:43:29 PM
You do realize way more goes into voice acting than just knowing what hardware to use, right?

That's absolutely true. Good thing I have years of experience in acting on stage in addition to a plethora of acting classes I took in college which is more experience than a lot of professional voice actors have.

Not really sure what you're trying to imply with that passive aggressive comment.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 04, 2016, 01:48:05 PM
Wasn't implying anything--was correcting the possibility that KaZudra was making a blanket statement since it came from a very basic hardware suggestion rather than any of the actual acting and vocal training that goes into VA. I'm well aware of your background and obviously have no reason to do something like pretend it doesn't exist.

Plus, as someone working towards it, why wouldn't I be inclined to make a correction if someone sees a hardware statement and goes "you should be a real voice actor" as a reply? That's not really what goes into doing it--hardware is just hardware.

Good job flipping your lid there.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 04, 2016, 01:54:04 PM
Not on my thread, guys. Take this to PM.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 04, 2016, 01:55:28 PM
'Sall good. I have nothing to start.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on June 04, 2016, 02:27:51 PM
It behooves any voice actor to be familiar with different microphones and gear used in the studio. Especially those who record at home.

But the most important part is the acting by far. And I think you're good at both. As I said, it was a nitpick.

That was a pop of the lid, not a flip. Because I take acting that seriously.

But thanks for clarifying that you weren't trying to passive aggressively imply that I know nothing about acting. Because that's how it came across.

It was just a misunderstanding.

Both of you guys are doing great work.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: KaZudra on June 05, 2016, 02:05:10 PM
Just to clarify: The voice acting is extremely good for Dracula.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 05, 2016, 03:25:20 PM
Hello! Today I come to unveil one more artist contributting to Umbra of Sorrow: Aensland!

Aensland has composed fan tracks before, some of which you can find on Vampire Variations III, (http://vampire.ocremix.org/) which you'll remember as a project helmed by Chernabogue.

Aensland has already contributed three arranges for this project at this time, two of which I'll post here. He plans on contributting more, but I'll probably withhold them so all is not spoiled at once :P For now, take a listen:

Into The Mirror [Entrance ~ Legends] (https://dl.dropbox.com/s/gcpx3m1kmb6bri8/Into%20The%20Mirror%20%28Entrance%20%5BLegends%5D%29.mp3?dl=0) -- Track meant for Umbra's incarnation of the Dracula's Castle Library.
Vampire's Stomach ~Hesitant Night~ [Final battle ~Bloodlines] (https://dl.dropbox.com/s/5inf0udxf41i83p/The%20Vampire%27s%20Stomach%20~Hesitant%20Night~.mp3?dl=0) -- The track you'll hear when the Count first meets Julius Belmont.

Also, something partially unrelated: For now all I've shown are arranges, but there are original tracks being created for this project too. So, expect to listen something new in the near future!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on June 05, 2016, 03:39:58 PM
Aensland keeps improving each time. Those are nice tracks. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 05, 2016, 08:48:36 PM
Just to clarify: The voice acting is extremely good for Dracula.

Ah, well thanks!

Hitting that intonation is a killer on the throat (hooray for Throat Coat tea!), so I'm glad the efforts are appreciated and as well-received as they've been so far.

Hopefully I can keep holding to this standard, heh.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 26, 2016, 05:09:17 PM
So, as you must have seen by now, Intersection has contributed with a 100% original track for this project. He created a thread for it (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,8713.0.html), but I'm posting it here for "search" and organization purposes.



The track is named "Last Light" but I'm not saying what is it being used for. I'll just say it's meant for one very badass moment in the plot.

Soon, as with all public-available tracks, it'll be posted on the first page of this thread.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 26, 2016, 09:16:53 PM
I should probably post this finally--nearly forgot about it.  :P

https://soundcloud.com/dracula9antichapel/castlevania-umbra-of-sorrow-the-count-voice-demo
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 27, 2016, 01:17:27 AM
@plot: Ooohhhh nice track. I have a feeling what that moment is.
@D9: yes! :) More more!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on June 27, 2016, 05:20:24 PM
Great demo for Drac, D9.  OMG though, Last Light is amazing!  Love it.  It sounds like an official CV track.  Love it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on June 27, 2016, 06:28:59 PM
I should probably post this finally--nearly forgot about it.  :P

https://soundcloud.com/dracula9antichapel/castlevania-umbra-of-sorrow-the-count-voice-demo

This is seriously really good. Have you done this professionally D9? If not, you should.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 27, 2016, 08:41:20 PM
Working on it.  :)

Now that my pop filter's finally arrived and my soundproofing barrier is being built, I can go after this stuff a bit more head-on.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 01, 2016, 01:42:03 AM
Hello!

Today I come to ask you to give your opinion on a point on Umbra's development. Before I ask, I need to clarify one thing I already did on this thread: There is a game-designing document being created for this in case it becomes a game. Now, with that said, I want your opinion on the following:

In the game version of this project, an enemy is introduced to drive home a plot point: The Bogeyman. The Bogeyman is a creature who manifests as its prey's worst fears, intending to weaken them to consume them easily. This enemy will appear to three characters in the story, one of them being Alucard. Alucard's greatest fear is of turning into a complete vampire. Therefore, the Bogeyman appears as Alucard himself -- but fully vampirized, and in a scene evoking Alucard's own psyche.

During the development of this enemy, I proposed an idea, and my partner proposed another. Then we proposed counterpoints to these ideas, and came to disagreement. The two ideas are the following:

1. The Bogeyman manifests to Alucard as Alucard himself in full vampire mode. The arena changes to the village where Alucard's mother was killed. The village is burning, in reference to the first and only time Alucard succumbed to his vampiric urges, mentioned on the Radio Drama to happen in the same place. Nothing else is present but the burning village, Alucard and his own vampire persona.

2. The Bogeyman manifests to Alucard as Alucard himself in full vampire mode. The arena changes to the village where Alucard's mother was killed, referencing her sacrifice and last words. Also a reference to SotN, where the Succubus tries tempting Alucard. Alucard witnesses his full-vampire persona slaughtering the villagers that killed his mother while her corpse overlooks the carnage like a grim harbinger, thus not only succumbing to his dark side but also denying his mother's dying wishes and attacking humans out of vengeance and hatred.

The counterpoints are the following:

Counterpoint to idea 2 and defense of idea 1:

(click to show/hide)

Counterpoint to idea 1 and defense of idea 2:

(click to show/hide)

I will not say who proposed what idea or counterpoint for a reason: You might end up biased. I'm not looking to be appeased, but to choose between two ideas which there is no agreement. The points and counterpoints here are written by its creators in their own words as to not incur on misrepresentation.

I'm also not telling who my development partner is for the same reason as before: Turning this into a game is not a 100% certainty and I don't want people expecting a burden from a person who would be doing this out of free will.

So, that's it. Please give your opinions.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on July 01, 2016, 01:51:39 AM
Hmmm... I actually prefer idea 1.
Even if someone does not know about the Radio drama, the burning village is good enough to show an alternate reality.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on July 01, 2016, 05:07:45 AM
Idea 1 is better. Keep it simple and not too explicit.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on July 01, 2016, 11:06:38 AM
1 would be better. You could always have him just finishing "feeding" to further drive the point.

Alternatively you could go for something completely different and have Alucard Lord of Castlevania
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 03, 2016, 06:08:02 PM
So it's three votes for idea 1. If anyone else wishes to vote, please comment here.

The next update is near. On this update I'll reveal one more artwork, one more character, and also elaborate a little on what the game-design ideas at this point are. I'll try to explain what exactly is the "game" situation for this project right now, because it's pretty obvious there is something game-y going on.

But I'll always repeat: The story is the primary focus and will probably come out before anything resembling a game does.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on July 04, 2016, 01:36:05 AM
I can't wait for the next update. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Intersection on July 04, 2016, 05:27:21 AM
Just my own opinion:

I like the role the character is supposed to fulfill, but why go for the Bogeyman? It's a tired, American horror trope that's been used for cheap scares in almost every kind of horror game, save for Castlevania. I mean, if you're looking for an already existent "nightmare character", there's Paranoia in CV itself. Otherwise, I'd love to see a similarly-inspired character from your local mythologies you've spoken to me about.

For voting purposes: I vote for 2. It lends a sense of poignancy to the scene that the first scenario doesn't fully deliver on.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 04, 2016, 08:58:46 AM
I like the role the character is supposed to fulfill, but why go for the Bogeyman? It's a tired, American horror trope that's been used for cheap scares in almost every kind of horror game, save for Castlevania. I mean, if you're looking for an already existent "nightmare character", there's Paranoia in CV itself. Otherwise, I'd love to see a similarly-inspired character from your local mythologies you've spoken to me about.

The Bogeyman was chosen specifically for the reason you used as demerit: It's a tired horror trope, as the werewolf, the vampire, the zombie, the skeleton, the ghost, the horned demon, the Grim Reaper, etc etc etc. Bogeyman is one of the creatures of classic horror cliché that never made an appearance on a game where classic, cheesy horror clichés are at home.

Another reason for the Bogeyman to appear is that one single well-known monster from culture was needed to replace the Succubus and the Doppelganger at the same time, playing a similar role while giving me freedom to create upon -- something an already established monster such as Paranoia doesn't allow. At the present moment there is a conscious effort to avoid using the Succubus and the Doppelganger anywhere in this project.

I'm adding creatures from my own folklore, but only one has the possibility of making it in as a powerful creature/mid-boss (which is one IGA himself expressed he'd make into a boss, given the opportunity), which is the Headless Mule. The Bogeyman equivalent of the brazilian/Tupi mythos is the demon "Jurupari", yet the Bogeyman is far more well-known than the Jurupari even in Brazil (known as "Bicho Papão"). None of the brazilian-myth monsters present on the game version are present on the story version.

A little more about the Bogeyman's relevance:

The character is present on the project with the sole purpose of being a context-sensitive enemy, not an active character. It has no plot-relevant speaking role, plot twists or anything generally reserved for complexly-constructed characters. It's existence is context relevant, but not plot heavy. Its presence is meant to assist (not guide) the story in an unique way when it's not being told -- hence why it exists on the game version and not in the story version. If the story has the entire spotlight, then the Bogeyman is not needed as this specific plot-mechanic will support itself through the character's inner conflict.

Sure, of course I understand that you can write a story and still have the Bogeyman be relevant. But that's not the point: If I'm writing about one character's personal fear, I'll represent it on a more contrived manner than "a monster trying to eat you" which, quite honestly, is what the Bogeyman ultimately is. The point of the Bogeyman is to be a context-sensitive enemy for the character to symbolically overcome their fear without the need for any words -- thus why it is a game-only asset. The more words I can/must use to convey this overcoming, the less "visual" the conflict needs to be, and less important the Bogeyman becomes.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on July 04, 2016, 01:08:12 PM
Unrelated but have you thought a reason to why is Yoko named...well..."Yoko"
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 04, 2016, 01:32:25 PM
Unrelated but have you thought a reason to why is Yoko named...well..."Yoko"

Yes. Yoko is of partially japanese descent. Lenora Belnades is her mother, but has no japanese ancestry whatsoever. How is that possible is covered on Umbra's plot, but I'll say right now that it's not a surprise. It's pretty predictable and somewhat unnoteworthy, actually.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: KaZudra on July 05, 2016, 12:41:32 AM
Yes. Yoko is of partially japanese descent. Lenora Belnades is her mother, but has no japanese ancestry whatsoever. How is that possible is covered on Umbra's plot.

Well, realistically, There are plenty of White Japanese people
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 05, 2016, 08:35:38 AM
Well, realistically, There are plenty of White Japanese people

I'm not sure if I understand what exactly your point means.

I mean, if you're born in a given country to people originally foreign to that country, you're generally considered that country's citizen, but you don't necessarily belong to its ethnic group. And that's not even true for Japan, considering they don't abide to jus soli laws, instead having a jus sanguinis state -- meaning a white person with no japanese relatives will not be considered japanese.

Furthermore, if you're born to "John" and "Mary", it'd be pretty weird for them to call you "Ryonosuke" just because you were born on Japan.

Yoko carries a traditionally japanese name, so it's second nature to assume she has a japanese relative somewhere.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Guy Belmont on July 05, 2016, 10:09:59 AM
Well this one is an easy one, as I take it your setting this in IGA's timeline Yes. 

 Yoko is 24 2035, and that's some time from 1999, so really anything could happen from then. In eclipse of Blood   the Vernades Had VERY close blood ties to Hakuba clan, that's why both Yoko and Mina are so close.

Really when you have a time from of that long, anything can happen.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 05, 2016, 10:34:51 AM
Well this one is an easy one, as I take it your setting this in IGA's timeline Yes. 

Yoko is 2035, and that's some time from 1999, so really anything could happen from then. In eclipse of Blood   the Vernades Had VERY close blood ties to Hakuba clan, that's why both Yoko and Mina are so close.

Really when you have a time from of that long, anything can happen.

Basically.

But Umbra has the explanation about their closeness, too. 1999 tied the Belnades to the Hakubas, and led to Yoko's birth in 2011.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Guy Belmont on July 05, 2016, 11:01:32 AM
Oh right as in Family, or just closeness. as we had them as  cousin, we have a family tree, such as how the belmondos came to the Uk, and were the Alucard spear ended up. but it seem at  point in time as there is very little stuff on eclipse of Blood.  it seem pointless until I have more.

I think the main thing everyone what's to know is what happen to the whip, and why could the belmondos not touch it until 1999. and I think the reason we gave really worked as there was call back to past game. but sadly I don't know when we can move on as of now,  there will be no more work on it for some time, as my team mate is busy with life, and we only have a few ideas set in stone, she is great as she was the one that said we should use  the Alucard spear, and that came to me thanking that it would rise the power of the whip when there close.  thus making  complement weapon  it was meant to be. I hope she  gets more time, but that seems very unlikely now. (really feel like and ass now for my Topic)  it seem like a waste to just put the idea on stop for a bit. but life is life. and its nice to see work like this,  living. I wish you the best of luck.


 
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 05, 2016, 11:30:24 AM
I think the main thing everyone what's to know is what happen to the whip, and why could the belmondos not touch it until 1999. and I think the reason we gave really worked as there was call back to past game. but sadly I don't know when we can move on as of now,  there will be no more work on it for some time, as my team mate is busy with life, and we only have a few ideas set in stone, she is great as she was the one that said we should use  the Alucard spear, and that came to me thanking that it would rise the power of the whip when there close.  thus making  complement weapon  it was meant to be. I hope she  gets more time, but that seems very unlikely now. (really feel like and ass now for my Topic)  it seem like a waste to just put the idea on stop for a bit. but life is life. and its nice to see work like this,  living. I wish you the best of luck.

Just out of curiosity: Your friend doesn't happen to be called Katie or to be a huge fan of Soma, does she?

Also, thank you. This project is walking slowly, but is getting somewhere. I'm fortunate to have such a competent team to work with me.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Guy Belmont on July 05, 2016, 11:34:38 AM
No, I knew her from my work, we both huge CV/AD fans and I had this thing going and she liked it and BAM. why and who is this Katie. also just saw as I was going over your work loved it by the. they your  working on Spear as making  complement weapon, that's not going to a problem is it , as were all pals here and I don't what to stand on anyone's toes.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 05, 2016, 11:36:32 AM
No, I knew her from my work, we both huge CV/AD fans and I had this thing going and she liked it and BAM. why and who is this Katie.

I knew someone named Katie who had ideas similar to yours, so I was curious to know if it was the same person. But, alas, it's not. I hope you both can work something nice together!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Guy Belmont on July 05, 2016, 11:40:37 AM
dag how  similar  cos when we do get back to work, we don't what to look like we just ripped this girl off.
But still  really hope Umbra goes well, its going to be a game did I read, looking forward to that as I  really wanted to play one about the Demon castle war, and I think fans need something like this in this time. As IGA never gave the fans one.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: ProjectDread on July 05, 2016, 12:41:32 PM
I still think it's unusual how a lot of people on this forum seem to be really worried about implementing / writing ideas that are similar to other ideas already present here.

Also, is it true that you've found a programmer for this project? If so, what engine are you planning on using?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 05, 2016, 12:49:51 PM
dag how  similar  cos when we do get back to work, we don't what to look like we just ripped this girl off.
But still  really hope Umbra goes well, its going to be a game did I read, looking forward to that as I  really wanted to play one about the Demon castle war, and I think fans need something like this in this time. As IGA never gave the fans one.

Fret not, dude. Given the subject matter and the logic leaps, these ideas are bound to be similar. If you search up this forum, you'll find people who proposed ideas years before I came up with the same ideas (which I also discovered later). Everything will be good as long as you don't frikkin' rip the entire thing from A to Z, and your idea is only vaguely similar.

I still think it's unusual how a lot of people on this forum seem to be really worried about implementing / writing ideas that are similar to other ideas already present here.

Also, is it true that you've found a programmer for this project? If so, what engine are you planning on using?

The issue with the idea thing is that people want to present something new, unusual, surprising, original. Once too similar ideas start popping up, then someone is bound to raise a brow, since you'll be seen as a credit-stealing hack instead of a creative person. I'll tell you that this ghost haunted me a lot before, but I learned to make peace with it. I'll also tell that this ghost haunts me sometimes right now, and that I withhold some ideas I have for fear of being ripped off. It's kinda irrational, but understandable.

There's this one idea in special that I absolutelly can't bring myself to post in this thread, because I've seen NO ONE figure this out alone yet, and the few people who know about it reacted with one of those "HOLY SHIT!" moments. I fear my project might lose it's uniqueness if I were to post it, and someone were to execute it before me.

It's somewhat of a paranoia amongst creative people -- the "ideas have no owner" mentality.

About the programmer: It's true. There is a programmer willing to lend their hand to the game version of this project and make it happen. I'll speak about the possible engine and other details on the next update, which is most likely before the end of this week. But, if you wish to know more before then, I can tell you through PM.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on July 05, 2016, 01:55:00 PM
More music incoming! :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 06, 2016, 03:27:42 AM
More music incoming! :)

It arrived. I'm not posting this one because not everything will be posted here. But I assure everyone here that, goddamn, it sounds fantastic.

Chernabogue set out to create an specific track in a specific (complicated) way, and I'll tell you the track accomplishes exactly what it's meant to accomplish.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on July 06, 2016, 05:05:32 AM
It arrived. I'm not posting this one because not everything will be posted here. But I assure everyone here that, goddamn, it sounds fantastic.

Chernabogue set out to create an specific track in a specific (complicated) way, and I'll tell you the track accomplishes exactly what it's meant to accomplish.
D'aw, stop it, I'm going to blush.  :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on July 06, 2016, 05:54:22 AM
 ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on July 07, 2016, 07:22:33 AM
Just noticed Lenora looks a lot like Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch from Marvel :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 07, 2016, 08:06:38 AM
Just noticed Lenora looks a lot like Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch from Marvel :D

That's a new.

Super Waffle expressed once that Lenora looked like what an older Charlotte would, and they're somewhat correct on the assumption (sorry, forgot to address this Waffle).

Lenora is supposed to be a bridge between Charlotte and Yoko. Even her uniform was designed with "what would an outdated Church uniform look like?" But I never saw someone compare her to the Scarlet Witch  ;D

A little history behind Lenora:

A long time ago, Lenora was called "Myrna", had short black hair, and had the power to create copy items made of energy/magic. She could "scan" the real thing and duplicate it. This is how she would fight her foes, for instance -- by copying their weapons. Her surname was also not "Belnades" but "Blinov." But this, of course, doesn't exist anymore. It's an idea from the times I knew squat about Castlevania  :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on July 07, 2016, 06:20:16 PM
So she was kinda like Judgement Shanoa

Btw Im pretty sure he is talking about MCU Scarlet Witch

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/bc/21/53/bc2153bd4587248d645555b249dd7a64.jpg)

Anyway, honestly i believe that if you do end up making a fangame you should keep everything under wraps until you are like, late beta level. You'll keep off pressure, annoying begging and reduce C&D chances
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on July 08, 2016, 12:16:47 AM
Btw Im pretty sure he is talking about MCU Scarlet Witch
Yes, exactly. Ms. Olsen has me under her charm... ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 08, 2016, 12:57:29 AM
Btw Im pretty sure he is talking about MCU Scarlet Witch

Ah yes I can see the similarity.

Quote
Anyway, honestly i believe that if you do end up making a fangame you should keep everything under wraps until you are like, late beta level. You'll keep off pressure, annoying begging and reduce C&D chances

This will be outlined on the next update, but you're pretty much on the money. Not only I'll not be able to show much of it (IF it's made), but the very dubious nature of the project won't allow me to start showing off too much things that I can't guarantee will be solidified.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on July 14, 2016, 02:38:10 AM
Cooking a special surprise... ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 19, 2016, 11:09:09 AM
Cooking a special surprise... ;)

So, the special surprise arrived. For now I'll post a just a bit of it to keep the flame alive, and post slightly more on the upcoming update (which is past the intended deadline, but accidents happen):

 Heavenly Tradition (Theme of Eisuke Hakuba) (https://dl.dropbox.com/s/okmm8i45gkkk6v6/CV%20Umbra%20-%20Eisuke%20Hakuba%27s%20Theme.mp3?dl=0)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on July 19, 2016, 06:10:39 PM
Huh, feels like a slower & more Japanese version of Mina's theme. Neat.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 20, 2016, 06:11:43 AM
Huh, feels like a slower & more Japanese version of Mina's theme. Neat.

Also, it's named "Heavenly Tradition." But now what's it meant for is spoiled lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 21, 2016, 01:56:48 PM
Hello. Here's today's update for project Umbra! First of all, the latest artwork -- General Dietfried Berthold:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fd2lwHba.png&hash=6bc45b71eca8d019ce96bfa6fa254816)

You can check the full-sized artwork at Junki's Deviant Art. (http://junkisakuraba.deviantart.com/art/General-Berthold-Castlevania-Umbra-of-Sorrow-622942138)

As some of you may be already aware, General Berthold is the leader of the battalion assembled to assist the Church in 1999. Berthold has fought alongside Alucard, Lenora and another character in a past battle two years prior to the Demon Castle War, and thus is a witness to what the supernatural forces are capable of. With this knowledge, he managed to convince the governments of Europe on letting him assemble a special military force to contain Dracula's castle during the sealing ceremony scheduled for 1999. He has personally handpicked every single soldier amongst the best in Europe, and is highly respected by his peers, including the Church team. If the army is armed with Silver Guns, Berthold is the guy who they should thank.

Now, for the new character: Father Ermingild.

Father Ermingild is an accomplished exorcist working for the Church. Some weeks ago I wrote about the Outbreak of 1997 (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,7852.msg191122.html#msg191122) and the involvement of Lenora, Alucard, Berthold and a fourth character who originally issued the distress call. This character is Father Ermingild who, being an exorcist, imediately recognized the "disease" to be of supernatural origin.

During the events of 1997, Ermingild helped the people resist the curse unleashed by Angolmois. Unlike Berthold, Ermingild was familiar with the powers of darkness, yet this was the first time he saw something so powerful taking control of the people -- Dracula's influence. When Lenora and Alucard arrived, Ermingild teamed up with them, and together with Berthold, they stopped the evil cult's corruption from spreading further. This event became known as the Outbreak of 1997 -- an attempt by Angolmois to achieve a centennial resurrection for Count Dracula.

From this point onwards, Ermingild became an agent of the Church, and helped them track Angolmois' actions through the land for two years, while using his exorcism to help rid the land from the forces of darkness.

Now, for the game situation of this project:

(click to show/hide)

And now, for a final heads up: Chernabogue has joined the voice acting cast! I'm not telling yet what character he's voicing, but I must say I'm very satisfied with him. Soon I'll have him record some decisive lines to show you what he can do! And to end this post, here is something from Chernabogue:

Through The Looking-Glass (https://dl.dropbox.com/s/aotu778tyjz3gez/CV%20Umbra%20-%20Throught%20The%20Looking-Glass.mp3?dl=0)
The Stellar Swordswoman (https://dl.dropbox.com/s/dvffc5wrbucxom0/CV%20Umbra%20-%20The%20Stellar%20Swordswoman%20%28Cecilia%20Lang%27s%20Theme%29.mp3?dl=0)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on July 21, 2016, 04:53:00 PM
Now, for the game situation of this project:

(click to show/hide)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F66.media.tumblr.com%2Fea4ad715ae0549961ed79dff869963b2%2Ftumblr_inline_o9v3e7jzKH1qga8mn_500.gif&hash=d1f6a499e8a34bd9ff6de4466d59337e)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: X on July 21, 2016, 05:32:20 PM
Another good piece of artwork! I think he has Simon Belmont's chin and jaw...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on July 21, 2016, 09:08:38 PM
I was thinking more along the lines of this:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVdJL4cU.png&hash=9a074015e5e21fd90b1365f19610040d)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on July 22, 2016, 01:37:40 AM
Oh~ These are exciting news. :)
Spill more beans plot!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on July 22, 2016, 05:52:09 AM
Also DAT MUSIC

(https://i.imgur.com/3q9OSHw.gif)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 22, 2016, 07:09:37 AM
Another good piece of artwork! I think he has Simon Belmont's chin and jaw...
I was thinking more along the lines of this:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVdJL4cU.png&hash=9a074015e5e21fd90b1365f19610040d)

Impossible to unsee.

Oh~ These are exciting news. :)
Spill more beans plot!

There aren't many more beans to spill. What I can say is that there is another member of this forum who I want lending their voice to the project, but I can't say who it is yet.

About the main plot, I've entered the main writing stage. Before I was somewhat trapped on the ideas, entered writing stage but had to turn back to the ideas some more. Recently they've been taking shape on paper. The first section of the plot is decided already.

EDIT: OK I decided to leak something else:
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FHZumGDJ.png&hash=a616dd8c4c849104b7ade10b419cead2)
This may be pretty irrelevant to you all but anyway... This is the crest for the United Military Forces, Berthold's battalion. The pin he has on the artwork is this crest.

And about one of Umbra's ideas: You must remember when I posted a variety of spears here on the forum, explaining how the spear's final form would be Holy aligned or Dark aligned depending on Alucard's performance through the "game." This idea is a homage to one of SotN's early development ideas of having Alucard be Holy or Dark aligned depending on if he used Subweapons of Magic. This idea has not been discarded for Umbra (as it is obvious by Alucard's two forms) and will be named something similar as SotN's team named it back then.

Also DAT MUSIC

(https://i.imgur.com/3q9OSHw.gif)

Yeah dude, like, I'm under the impression the Dungeonites haven't noticed the links to the tracks!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on July 22, 2016, 07:26:13 AM
Dietfriold Berthonegger lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on August 13, 2016, 06:25:02 PM
Oh, the things the group went over today.

[restrained excited screaming]
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 13, 2016, 11:16:53 PM
Oh, the things the group went over today.

[restrained excited screaming]

Yeah we may be silent, but the team pulled off some outstanding job today, in particular the music guys.

A new update arises in the horizon.

Also, for you who are reading this and wants to know the game situation, the first post is not yet updated accordingly due to officialization reasons. While there is not a 100% certainty, this information will not be added to the first post. However you can head here to know what is happening and understand what we are doing at the present moment. (http://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/index.php/topic,7852.msg192559.html#msg192559)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on August 14, 2016, 01:34:47 AM
I can't wait for the new update!  ;D

I just realized this now, the UMF crest looks similar to Team Mystic's.....
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on August 14, 2016, 05:25:39 PM
I can't wait for the new update!  ;D

I just realized this now, the UMF crest looks similar to Team Mystic's.....

Quote
Team Mystic

Quote
Team Mystic


oh the pain
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on August 14, 2016, 05:29:28 PM
You guys are not ready for the music.  8)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on August 17, 2016, 09:00:22 AM
Are U sure? ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on August 19, 2016, 01:04:59 AM
Deleted
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 14, 2016, 11:59:46 AM
Just a very tiny update:

Soon I'll be bringing a bigger update. Life got in the way for some of us, and we went silent for a while, but we are still working, fear not. On this bigger update I plan on revealing some more soundtracks, a new artwork and speak a bit about the voice actors.

Expect us!

PS: It was I who asked Chernabogue to delete his comment. He let slip something meant to be unveiled on this next update. Sorry Chern, my bro!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 26, 2016, 01:28:48 PM
Hello people!

To celebrate the 30th Castlevania anniversary, we're making two more tracks from Umbra's OST available. Both of them done by Chernabogue. Enjoy!

The Angolmois Mansion Offensive (http://bit.ly/2d4msWS):
This track is an arrange of Dwelling of Doom and was made to illustrate the dark, decaying nature of the hideout where Angolmois is holed up. Here, in this mansion hidden deep within the Devious Forest, is where the followers of darkness have been conducting their evil worship of Dracula and planning for his awakening in 1999.

A Soldier With a Grudge (http://bit.ly/2dxg6R2):
This track is an arrange of two tracks that I will leave up to you to discover ;)
It is the theme for Timothy Danasty, bringing forth his personality and the grudge he has to settle with the heroes. One may take Timothy for an insane individual, but they couldn't be farther from the truth...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on September 27, 2016, 06:03:18 AM
I hope people will enjoy the new music :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: aensland on September 27, 2016, 11:34:12 AM
Chernabogue is carrying the music department really hard, just hear the development of the Angolmois Mansion track.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 01, 2016, 11:42:14 PM
Well, I'll say even though no one has commented, many have listened since I have access to how many clicks the tracks had.

Anyway, I'll just say that after what the three artists composing for this have done, it'll be a sin not to bring this project to light. If the story doesn't do the Demon Castle War justice, I'm certain that at least the soundtrack will xD

With that said, do you Dungeonites remember how I said that I was going to open a group for some people to be more in contact with the project's development for feedback purposes? Soon I'll be delivering the link to this group to trusting parties who have contributed a lot to this. And the soundtrack is one of the first things they'll have access to.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 01, 2016, 11:45:08 PM
The soundtrack is awesome. People are just lazy in writing comments. hahaha.
Plot. Don't write yourself off. The story does it justice, even if I only know some of it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on October 02, 2016, 01:03:15 AM
The soundtrack is awesome. People are just lazy in writing comments.
Honestly, I would say something if I could figure out what "A Soldier With a Grudge" is a remix of aside from Sorrow's Distortion. The DCW partition of my mind is currently completely preoccupied with that.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 02, 2016, 02:47:12 AM
Honestly, I would say something if I could figure out what "A Soldier With a Grudge" is a remix of aside from Sorrow's Distortion. The DCW partition of my mind is currently completely preoccupied with that.

To be honest, the most important part you have figured out. I'll give it a while longer to say what the other track is. It is relevant to Tim's character but not to his ultimate fate. It's more of a spin on an idea established before with another character from the series. Chernabogue made it quite complicated to figure it out, which is actually a strong point.

I'll say that the track's name couldn't have been chosen better :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on October 02, 2016, 03:47:43 AM
It's more of a spin on an idea established before with another character from the series.
Wait, I think I have a clue on who you're talking about.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on October 13, 2016, 01:02:42 AM
"A Soldier With a Grudge" is
(click to show/hide)
, wow, nice one.

Also its nothing serious but I should let Chernabogue know that Soldier is written wrong in the cover image (Solider).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on October 13, 2016, 01:14:48 AM
But the soldier is Solider Snaker and the reason he's holding a grudge is because his CO keeps confusing him with that bandanna-loving dude from Alaska.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 13, 2016, 02:37:28 AM
But the soldier is Solider Snaker and the reason he's holding a grudge is because his CO keeps confusing him with that bandanna-loving dude from Alaska.

This is one of the best things I read today! Thanks man!  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on October 14, 2016, 03:53:45 PM
But the soldier is Solider Snaker and the reason he's holding a grudge is because his CO keeps confusing him with that bandanna-loving dude from Alaska.

It seems that you didn't lose your bone for good jokes.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on November 27, 2016, 05:16:47 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F2kuzfTC.gif&hash=3f0d720751b1eeb1cb8c27c3ca805f8d)
CLICK ME! (http://bit.ly/2fSIdI0)

Hello, people. It's time for an update! First of all:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FnhRjquc.png&hash=51d3bc4d735ed07664aa333a36d2d085)

As I have introduced before, this is Father Ermingild. Except that now you know what he looks like, thanks to Junki Sakuraba. As it's been long since I last introduced him, I'll jug your memory:

Ermingild is a Catholic exorcist working with the Church staff since 1997, when the town where he preached was attacked by Angolmois and had its inhabitants infected by a sudden outbreak of insanity. Recognizing the threat as the work of a supernatural force, he helped the team end the cult's plans.

From then onwards, Ermingild has become a spy infiltrated amongst the ranks of a mysterious religion in order to find a connection between its leader and Angolmois, the cult planning the lord of darkness's resurrection.

Among the deeds of the priest is the imprisonment of a group of demons responsible for the mass possession of several people during the 90s.

------

As you know, the people on this team are working a lot to bring the project to life. On the last update I talked about how there were game-design concepts being laid down and some of the ideas for it, and today I can already say that I've already seen Julius walk around. Between then and now, also, some ideas changed as we debated them, and now we know how the character-switching will work, for instance, or even item and enemy names. We also know now more or less how the game's flow will go, changing the perspective of the player every so often so the game and the story can work together to benefit each other. This sounds a bit cryptic now, but will make sense in the future.

Anyway, to illustrate this story-game interaction idea right now, I'll talk a little about something we've introduced that Lords of Shadow also did, but that we feel wasn't done very well -- mid-game dialogue. Like in LoS, the plan is to have certain dialogues play simultaneous to the gameplay. Yet, different from LoS, our mid-game dialogue will not repeat and will almost always seek to add something of relevance to the story or to the character development, aiming to enrich the gameplay and diminish the idle time imposed to the player by lightening the weight of the scripted cutscenes.

We have four characters walking around inside a demon-infested castle, sometimes together, sometimes alone. So we thought that it'd be nice to develop the "Talk" function from Portrait of Ruin into something more useful and natural, having the characters converse with each other without interrupting the gameplay while expressing their feelings or further developing their backgrounds. These will also be present during boss battles, for instance, but remember how Zobek constantly gloats the same lines over and over at Gabriel? Yeah we're not having that. Whatever short lines the character speaks, they'll play only once and will have a definite objective to them.

And, since we're talking dialogue...

"The coming of the King of Terror enshrouds the land in black blanked. But I can see it, a glimmer amidst the night. I can see the darkness wrestling with this flame that won't vanish... It's a quarrel which I'm unable to predict the outcome from, but that can spell the end for the entire humanity..." (http://bit.ly/2g6AcSF)

Chernabogue has joined us as a voice actor too, and will be playing Nostradamus!

Chernabogue is french and Nostradamus was french. We needed Nostradamus to display his roots in a somewhat stereotypical manner but still be respectful to the language, so Chernabogue KNOWS what a frenchman sounds like more than anyone on the team. He was the go-to guy to incarnate the prophet and has shown that he will pull it through with flying colors. There is a reason why he's sounding so far away... Maybe you can already tell what it is.

Chernabogue, however, isn't the only one joining the voice-acting ranks. I've previously revealed Dracula9 as the Count but wasn't able to fully demonstrate what he's capable of. So, today, I'm (re)introducing Dracula9 as the Count and adding Belmontoya as Julius Belmont! Check this out! (http://bit.ly/2fBixOM)

Belmontoya has done an EXCELLENT job at voicing young Julius and has cemented himself very early on. As I heard him talk I knew he was Julius just as I knew Dracula9 was Alucard.

Julius has spoken very little yet, but if you have any further doubts, let me demolish them for you with this one short snippet. (http://bit.ly/2fBj8Ac) And yes, this is Belmontoya acting exactly what you think he is probably.

There is so much I want to talk about right now but I can't just yet. So I'll be saying that yes, you can now have more hope for a fangame, and that the story is almost completelly defined from start to finish. What I must tell in advance is that the next update may take quite a while because, when it comes, it'll contain what everyone is waiting to see. Also, check the front page as it has been slightly tweaked to contain the relevant info about this "fangame" stuff.

To end this post, I'll leave you with two more tracks by Chernabogue:
Words of Wisdom (Charlotte's Theme) (http://bit.ly/2fSIB95)
Sanguine Moonblossom (Alucard's Theme) (http://bit.ly/2gyZ6Zg)

...And, on top of the previous work, a little something by Aensland, whom I can't show everything yet, but that has also pulled an outstanding job on this project, flying much higher than I had antecipated and dropping the team's jaw every time:

Hesitant Night (The Count's Theme) (http://bit.ly/2guQQIk)
? ? ? ? (http://bit.ly/2guIx2U)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on November 27, 2016, 06:33:42 AM
holy shit wavs lol
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on November 27, 2016, 02:34:14 PM
holy shit wavs lol
(click to show/hide)

Amongst other tiny surprises yet to appear :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on November 27, 2016, 03:20:48 PM
It's an honor to voice Julius!

The artwork is looking nice too!

I gotta give props to Plottwist. He's putting a high level of care and attention to detail into this project and it shows!

I'm excited to be a part of the cast!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: aensland on November 27, 2016, 03:43:37 PM
(click to show/hide)
(click to show/hide)

It's an honor to voice Julius!

So, you're the one who voiced Julius.
I was impressed with your performance, hopefully my bgm will make justice to your acting.

flying much higher than I had antecipated
╭( ・ㅂ・)و~♪ !
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on November 27, 2016, 04:40:13 PM
h y p e h y p e h y p e h y p e h y p e h y p e h y p e h y p e h y p e
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on November 28, 2016, 01:31:21 AM
Ahhhh!! Boarding the hype train~
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 03, 2016, 07:04:38 AM
Hey dudes, I'm happy that you're showing interest. On the wake of the update I decided to make one more track available, featuring the work of Dracula9. I've shown nothing from him yet because the dude did some of the tracks appearing only at the end of the project, and I can't spoil those.

...That said, here is one somewhat early-project track. Me sharing this could mean spoiling the others I fought not to, but then again, I cannot hold back the artist's work:

The Beginning (http://bit.ly/dracula9-beginning)

Yes you know the name, but Dracula9 turned the concept completelly on its head at my request. There is a good explanation for that, but I cannot provide it just now. This track is to be enjoyed by what it is and not by what you expect it to be.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on December 03, 2016, 04:27:30 PM
This is utterly amazing!  Great work, guys!  This project really does have me so stoked up.  It's fantastic to see little bits unfolding, bit by bit, as it's revealed.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Eric Roman on December 12, 2016, 03:03:57 PM
'.'

In recent years this really, really comfy rock called Life (which isn't exactly all-comfy as our lives can be) keeps me out of the loop of CV Fandom.  This time, though, as I continue moving my work into new areas, I've managed to peek out just enough to learn of Dracula9's repertoire, leading to this epic thread I've sampled the beginning and end of. 

This is some amazing shit.  I'm glad to see such love going down over one of the greatest loose ends of The CastleVania Saga (shoutout to that long-gone page from the earlier days of our landscape). 

I'm pretty occupied by my projects so I can't reasonably offer any assistance.  Nevertheless, add one more to the masses looking forward to the success of this unmistakable project.  Cheers, yo! 
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 13, 2016, 05:38:14 AM
'.'

In recent years this really, really comfy rock called Life (which isn't exactly all-comfy as our lives can be) keeps me out of the loop of CV Fandom.  This time, though, as I continue moving my work into new areas, I've managed to peek out just enough to learn of Dracula9's repertoire, leading to this epic thread I've sampled the beginning and end of. 

This is some amazing shit.  I'm glad to see such love going down over one of the greatest loose ends of The CastleVania Saga (shoutout to that long-gone page from the earlier days of our landscape). 

I'm pretty occupied by my projects so I can't reasonably offer any assistance.  Nevertheless, add one more to the masses looking forward to the success of this unmistakable project.  Cheers, yo!

Thanks, dude!

There's still a long way for this to go, but it's getting there. Slowly but surely :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Eric Roman on December 13, 2016, 07:20:07 AM
Take all the time necessary.  The CV fans will still be around.

(& I'll pop up every few years. :p)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 21, 2016, 09:57:21 AM
The god of death joins the fray.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FMD9yBF2.png&hash=36c9d14d3a1ced04c219bc6532854d1b)

Now, this sprite had to be based on actual concept art. (http://junkisakuraba.deviantart.com/art/Death-Castlevania-Umbra-of-Sorrow-652159768)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on December 21, 2016, 10:20:05 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi2.kym-cdn.com%2Fphotos%2Fimages%2Foriginal%2F000%2F971%2F686%2F891.jpg&hash=9913f7d3525fedca3cb5c6f5876c7e01)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on December 22, 2016, 12:03:33 AM
I love the sprite work! :)
The actual concept art of Death also looks so cool.

Bring on the next update!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on December 22, 2016, 09:27:01 PM
Looking forward to Carmilla.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on December 29, 2016, 02:50:40 PM
I wanted to pop back here (after finally figuring out my password after 4,000,000 years) and say I quite like what I've seen, what I've read, and what I've heard.

I may lack any fancy jazzy means to contribute to such a project directly, but I hope by being a "cheerleader on the sidelines" that you guys know that this has the interest of others. I haven't been on this board since LoS2's pre-release, but have come back both for Bloodstained's teaser, and this, to be specific.

I'm deeply interested in this coming to fruition. Good luck.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 31, 2016, 01:05:47 PM
I wanted to pop back here (after finally figuring out my password after 4,000,000 years) and say I quite like what I've seen, what I've read, and what I've heard.

I may lack any fancy jazzy means to contribute to such a project directly, but I hope by being a "cheerleader on the sidelines" that you guys know that this has the interest of others. I haven't been on this board since LoS2's pre-release, but have come back both for Bloodstained's teaser, and this, to be specific.

I'm deeply interested in this coming to fruition. Good luck.

Thanks for the support. All the support we can get, be it by a direct contribution, or by being a "cheerleader on the sidelines" is important to us. This project IS a tribute to Castlevania (not only IGA's era, but in general), so listening to what people outside of the project's development think is also important to us.

Looking forward to Carmilla.

She's coming, but there is another character to come before she does ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on December 31, 2016, 01:13:57 PM
She's coming, but there is another character to come before she does ;)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FqwXXGDT.png&hash=ec9b87e6143548525cb553400b2556ca)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 31, 2016, 01:39:53 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FqwXXGDT.png&hash=ec9b87e6143548525cb553400b2556ca)

I knew using these words was a bad idea.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on December 31, 2016, 03:21:57 PM
She's coming, but there is another character to come before she does ;)

#LauraConfirmed jkjk
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on December 31, 2016, 05:49:59 PM
Thanks for the support. All the support we can get, be it by a direct contribution, or by being a "cheerleader on the sidelines" is important to us. This project IS a tribute to Castlevania (not only IGA's era, but in general), so listening to what people outside of the project's development think is also important to us.

She's coming, but there is another character to come before she does ;)

If I can ask a question, if you were to give a percentage of what you feel the game will amount to (amount of enemies, boss, specific powerups, etc) how much do you feel you have a good idea on that's part of the current plans and development? As an outsider, I'm not aware on what's really hooked in for the game. I may be wrong in recalling this, but I believe you made a post before this became a fan game that you even had an idea on how many rooms the castle were to have, so that kind of gives me hope that a lot of this is really caught up in the system design/animation/programming stage.

Also, is there a chance like a real Castlevania, you'll be using older sprites, or will it be almost all-new assets? I've seen some of the pixel work you and others have done and...mmf, new stuffs please. <3
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 31, 2016, 06:58:47 PM
If I can ask a question, if you were to give a percentage of what you feel the game will amount to (amount of enemies, boss, specific powerups, etc) how much do you feel you have a good idea on that's part of the current plans and development? As an outsider, I'm not aware on what's really hooked in for the game. I may be wrong in recalling this, but I believe you made a post before this became a fan game that you even had an idea on how many rooms the castle were to have, so that kind of gives me hope that a lot of this is really caught up in the system design/animation/programming stage.

That's a very hard question to answer, mostly because what we have now could completelly change and drop from 100% to 10% in a couple hours. In fact, when more people joined the team, a bunch of ideas changed to the better (so, before I did know how many rooms we were aiming at. Now I don't know anymore with such precision. The good news is that I probably had vastly understated this number, because the project grew to bigger proportions to accomodate all the new developments :P ).

In percentage of planning we are very far. We know what most enemies will be, what most bosses, a part of the items, we have a pretty good idea of the game mechanics that will be applied (and how they are to be used to optimal results) and we know fairly well how the game and story will intermingle -- the pacing of the game, in other words. We know how the game (and story) starts, we know where the climaxes are, we know generally what are the conflicts and how they should be presented, and how the game (and story) ends.

So, if I had to answer how much planning we have in percent, I think more or less 70% is fair. The remaining 30% are technicalities and details that, while important, don't really affect the big plans we have already laid out.

Just recently (VERY recently) I made some graphical developments I didn't even know I could do, and D9 has greenlit a bunch of ideas on the programming side that really decided a lot of of the path we will follow (in atmosphere, in raw technical aspects, in gameplay). On the music side, the OST is a well 80% to 90% complete, and this from planning only -- I instruct the composers what the scenario/level/scene needs, and they put it on music with their own spin.

All in all: The plot is almost completelly ready to be written (and a part of it IS already written), and now we are working the game ideas around it.

Again, I'm talking about PLANNING and not "what we have completed". What we have completed, right now, is very, VERY little. We can't even make a single-room demo yet. This is a bit disappointing, I know, but it is for the best. All this planning is so we can keep everything uniform and seamless.

I said a lot to really say nothing. This is the hard part -- we (specially me) refuse to put anything on stone before everything is planned. Once we start showing things, there is no going back. So we must make absolutelly sure of something before speaking or showcasing it. If I give any certainties now, the expectations (read: hype) will reach uncontrollable levels, and then later there is a chance we might have to drop the certainties, and this will be a big let down. We don't want that. I want to come here and say "Laura will appear!" and it be a fact that Laura will appear.

(And yes, Laura will appear SecretWeapon. In fact, the "Laura" aspect has its own plot/game-relevance)

I'm sorry I can't be more specific and for appearing vague. But 2017 will change that, I assure you.

Quote
Also, is there a chance like a real Castlevania, you'll be using older sprites, or will it be almost all-new assets? I've seen some of the pixel work you and others have done and...mmf, new stuffs please. <3

The plan A is to have everything be 100% new. Not only sprites, but every single graphical asset, from the grass on the ground and the bricks on the walls to Dracula's final form. Firstly, ripping graphics is a good way to get us in bad waters. Secondly, I'm sure everyone wants to see new things.

I wouldn't stand to see the same goddamn Alucard sprite that has been used again and again here on this project. The sentiment is the same for the Skeletons and Zombies.

Remember how I spoke about the graphical developments above? One such development is that I learned (still am learning, in fact, but I got a really good grasp by now) to create original high-quality tilesets REALLY fast (from the pixel-art perspective). A well-made brick wall that would normally take me two to three hours of meticulous work, took me about 30 minutes to start, polish and finish. That's is very good news.

So yes, expect the project to count on original assets.

Also, two things to close:

1. We are in NO WAY underestimating what it takes to create a high-quality game. We have previous experience with game development and we know how hard it is. I may appear to be oversimplifying things, but I'm not. Under every single thing I mentioned here, an ENORMOUS amount of debate and thinking and testing happened.

2. If I missed the point somewhere, feel free to ask again.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on December 31, 2016, 07:50:17 PM
I think you got most of it. I understand why you would keep things close: you don't want people to get the idea of X boss and it turns it X is missing or something, but probably in more profound concepts and ideas. I was asking largely because this seems very ambitious, and I hope you or those involved don't try to try and aim for far more than what you can reasonably do. It would suck a lot if the project got hindered because of complications in that arena, as that what usually stops a lot of fan projects. I've seen in myself with a few projects I've been involved in.

That and I'm on the hype train of wanting to play it, of course. :3c

You also mentioned 2017. Outside of this obviously being where we'll be in hours, would this be the same window where you believe the development of it will pick up in high gear?

Oh, one more question! Shopkeepers: are they in? ;3
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 31, 2016, 08:55:43 PM
I think you got most of it. I understand why you would keep things close: you don't want people to get the idea of X boss and it turns it X is missing or something, but probably in more profound concepts and ideas. I was asking largely because this seems very ambitious, and I hope you or those involved don't try to try and aim for far more than what you can reasonably do. It would suck a lot if the project got hindered because of complications in that arena, as that what usually stops a lot of fan projects. I've seen in myself with a few projects I've been involved in.

This is 1999 Demon Castle War we're talking about. The name alone makes fans shudder and refuse to see a game out of it for many reasons. One in special being that the expectations are so high that they fear that Konami themselves wouldn't live up to the hype -- what to say mere FANS can do it? There are some people who think I'm a complete idiot for even entertaining the idea of giving an interpretation for 1999, and I don't blame them at all. They have nothing more than some concept art and mountains of text to keep them updated.

However, we are confident that even if we don't live up to fans' expectations, we will do something good, because that's where we are putting our mind on, and not on "meeting expectations". If Konami can't meet their fans' expectations, we are not the ones who will promise that.

That's not to say we're not listening, though. We are. We have a couple of "conceptual secret weapons" up our sleeves to achieve the goal. Things that nobody on the entire Castlevania fanbase has realized yet about the 1999 event itself that we have. This may come as an arrogant/extraordinary statement considering how much fans have collectivelly nitpicked the series to death but, if you go some pages back, you'll notice how much research is being done on this, and I assure we have discovered things that we have not seen anyone even mention yet. I've got the support and trust of people who wouldn't even have given me anything but a scoff otherwise, thanks to these "conceptual secret weapons". Some people on this very forum are aware of what I'm talking about (The Bloody Aperture is one of these guys) and have agreed that I should make this information public ASAP, but I'm not doing it because this is what the 1999 hype is about.

Conceptually, we're aiming high, but on the mechanical side we're keeping it realistic. We don't have the time nor the power a big corporation has, but we know how to work things out creatively. We know what the player wants to see because we are also hardcore Castlevania players, and we are looking for the simplest ways to achieve it. We know that to pull off these concepts we don't need Universal Studios assets or funding. It's about doing it right, and not about doing it "grand".

These are also some of the reasons why we're taking so long to show things.

It will take long, we will hit roadblocks, but we're trying our darndest to predict and avoid these right now so, when we begin, things go smoothly.

Quote
You also mentioned 2017. Outside of this obviously being where we'll be in hours, would this be the same window where you believe the development of it will pick up in high gear?

Yes, it is. This past year I've spent gaining support and discussing concepts with the team members that have joined the project, beyond of course doing a lot of research and reaching out to people who have important info about the series. This year is when development begins and more tangible results are planned to be shown.

Quote
Oh, one more question! Shopkeepers: are they in? ;3

Yes. More than one. And one of them is a returning character in dire need for closure.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on December 31, 2016, 10:23:28 PM
1. We are in NO WAY underestimating what it takes to create a high-quality game. We have previous experience with game development and we know how hard it is. I may appear to be oversimplifying things, but I'm not. Under every single thing I mentioned here, an ENORMOUS amount of debate and thinking and testing happened.

There really aren't enough ways to describe the sheer reality of this. I've even thrown out the idea of doing parody animations or something of a few of the arguments we've gotten into along the way--some of them are simply so insane and stretched-out that we look back at get a laugh or two out of it.

We've all seen that tip-of-the-iceberg image, but let me provide a modified version to really illustrate what Plot means.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FVF5kU9t.png&hash=7bb407e43b56e64cf5b81e31d85d5a22)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: ProjectDread on December 31, 2016, 11:21:26 PM
I think I've figured out the big secret PlotTwist is trying to hide:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 31, 2016, 11:38:00 PM
I think I've figured out the big secret PlotTwist is trying to hide:

(click to show/hide)

HA! Nice try, but nope.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 01, 2017, 01:07:34 AM
I agree with the image D9 posted.
I know some things beneath the waves but not all of them. Mostly concerning the stuff that plot needs me to translate.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on January 01, 2017, 06:23:19 AM
Secrets everywhere!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on January 01, 2017, 06:58:00 AM
Oh my Laura comment was just following up the "come before she does" joke but I'm glad she's in aswell.

-------------------------------------

I think i have said it before but this project is basically the only reason i check the forum. So i wish you luck guys :3
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on January 01, 2017, 08:13:00 AM
I know one of the items that are in it. Yay?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 02, 2017, 07:10:41 PM
Hello! Today, the post will be a bit negative. Nothing about the project ITSELF, it is doing fine. It'll be more about an specific criticism I found of my work that is not only unfair -- it is objectivelly incorrect. If you cannot take a bit of vitriol, please ignore.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on January 02, 2017, 08:35:23 PM
If I can offer advice, don't talk anything sincerely on 4chan. It's a vacuum of hostility and anger. One could find something universally cherished and be guaranteed to find four users shit talking it. Worse still, standing up to it is very much like creating a balloon and handing out pins to others: they'll just come and poke further. Get advice (and criticism) from something resembling a static human being, not a number with a post. Those are the only people you'd be able to adequately feedback on your talents and vocation. If they have no name, don't play that game. :P

I must also say that your ability to really hit the "pulse" of the works you're reflecting shows a willingness to adapt to a "style," which may be why it was incorrectly asserted as sprite editing. They look like sprites I'd actually expect from Konami, and I mean that with utmost praise.

The concept sprites do have me wanting to ask a question in my mind as of late about the game: are there equippable items for the cast, or are they stuck with "static" weapons like Circle of the Moon or Dawn of Sorrow's Julius Mode? I'm super duper curious about what you guys have planned, and if I can be honest, I am probably more hype for this than most games already dated for the coming year. More interesting to me than even HITMAN, and I love that game. ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on January 02, 2017, 08:45:40 PM
Yeah bro, save yourself the headache and just don't post on 4Chan.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fcy60395.jpg&hash=0327ba23bbce87e52860bd241ea11c79)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 02, 2017, 08:49:14 PM
I must also say that your ability to really hit the "pulse" of the works you're reflecting shows a willingness to adapt to a "style," which may be why it was incorrectly asserted as sprite editing. They look like sprites I'd actually expect from Konami, and I mean that with utmost praise.

Thank you, and I agree. Fightining anon is ultimatelly a futile cause. I just gave this guy much more voice than what he'd ever have, but I cannot allow a client of mine to locate this (believe me, they do) and challenge me on unfounded grounds. So here's a response if this ever happens.

Quote
The concept sprites do have me wanting to ask a question in my mind as of late about the game: are there equippable items for the cast, or are they stuck with "static" weapons like Circle of the Moon or Dawn of Sorrow's Julius Mode? I'm super duper curious about what you guys have planned, and if I can be honest, I am probably more hype for this than most games already dated for the coming year. More interesting to me than even HITMAN, and I love that game. ;)

I'm fairly certain we won't go back on this, so yes, the characters are stuck with their main weapons. This means that Julius cannot change the Vampire Killer, Lenora cannot change the Belnades Staff, etc.

However, either the characters have more than one weapon, or a different way to use it. If you check Alucard's concept art, you'll notice he's holding a card in one hand, and the spear on the other. The spear is his main weapon, while the card (Sword Card) is the secondary weapon. Julius, also, can use the VK in two different ways (which we dubbed Combat and Platforming modes). I can tell you more through PM, since here is still subject to change.

Plus, there are equips and accessories planned. Character specific equips, too (like in Portrait), and even items that do better with one character than with the other. About the weapons, expect equips that slightly changes their behavior, too.

Yeah bro, save yourself the headache and just don't post on 4Chan.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fcy60395.jpg&hash=0327ba23bbce87e52860bd241ea11c79)

Thank you for the support, dude. AND you're also correct.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 02, 2017, 10:16:06 PM
Never ever go to 4chan.

And I love your sprites! :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on January 02, 2017, 11:06:33 PM
If 4chan is really that bad, then why doesn't somebody out there in the netherworld of the internet do us a favour and crash the site. Cause it sounds like a haven of haters, trolls, and white knights.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 03, 2017, 12:01:42 AM
If 4chan is really that bad, then why doesn't somebody out there in the netherworld of the internet do us a favour and crash the site. Cause it sounds like a haven of haters, trolls, and white knights.
They'll probably either make a replacement site, or spread all over the internet, which would most likely be even worse.

Honestly, letting them all flock to one place we know to steer clear of seems the better option to me.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on January 03, 2017, 12:38:53 AM
If 4chan is really that bad, then why doesn't somebody out there in the netherworld of the internet do us a favour and crash the site. Cause it sounds like a haven of haters, trolls, and white knights.

Because the people in the Internet netherworld with the skills, time, and inclination for a cyberattack like that are mostly all hanging out in 4chan already. As stupid as they generally can be there, there are people there you don't want to fuck with unless you know you can stand up to them.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on January 03, 2017, 06:57:17 AM
Oh, my lovelies, you have no idea of what's been created here the last two days.

Better get ready. 2017's a magic number.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 03, 2017, 07:32:57 AM
>Impel stone
>Rakukaja
>Rakukaja
>Sukukaja
>Sukukaja


Okay, gimme your best shot.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on January 03, 2017, 08:26:13 AM
Mum's the word until the big dog barks.  ;)

I also murdered Pyro Jack. Enjoy those Stones while they last.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 03, 2017, 09:00:03 AM
I also murdered Pyro Jack. Enjoy those Stones while they last.
Oh you motherfucker. goddammit why can't i stock more than one now i need to make a trip to the goddamn sun every time i need another one...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on January 03, 2017, 12:36:29 PM
Oh, my lovelies, you have no idea of what's been created here the last two days.

Better get ready. 2017's a magic number.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FGTknpUi.png&hash=93398891ada79139c01c309233a11867)

Do we put 2017 in the code to the door and win a prize?  :3c
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on January 03, 2017, 01:06:23 PM
That only has three slots you silly goose.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on January 03, 2017, 01:10:33 PM
...The 2 is silent?

:3c
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on January 03, 2017, 01:53:54 PM
I'm really excited to see what comes of this project. We have a lot of good stuff going on in the CV Fan Community right now.

ᕕ( ツ )ᕗ YOY

Also, happy birthday Plot.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on January 06, 2017, 01:32:50 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F0ZHCLZK.png&hash=595cb894356163429c3cec6c14546c39)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 06, 2017, 01:40:27 AM
So, we've started playing around.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3ZoZX8F.png&hash=f46c36c9d794da29cff804f8e77d78b3)

"But PlotTwist-sama, this is SotN's Dracula Room!"

Well, we need need to test stuff somewhere. Where better than the Throne Room? Also, you didn't think I'd show you Umbra's throne room like this, on a screenshot, did you?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on January 06, 2017, 01:51:49 AM
Whoooot!!!!!
*giddy*

More screenshots please on other locations. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: The Puritan on January 06, 2017, 02:29:39 AM
Oh, my lovelies, you have no idea of what's been created here the last two days.

Better get ready. 2017's a magic number.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on January 06, 2017, 03:45:03 AM
Holy SHIT that teleport effect.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on January 06, 2017, 05:34:28 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F0ZHCLZK.png&hash=595cb894356163429c3cec6c14546c39)

If I can answer this...

No.

I wasn't ready.

That's some good stuff. <3
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 06, 2017, 03:45:30 PM
(click to show/hide)

Nope, still too early for a demo. But you will get to see much more solid stuff this year.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 19, 2017, 12:32:47 AM
Hello people!

Tiny-ish update for you. First of all, I bring you the master of a section of the Demon Castle himself. As always, a work by Junki Sakuraba:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F9mVJdHo.png&hash=5c403dcefeb08899002fda0652fc4ec2)

Olrox is a character that I have confirmed to be present on this story quite a bit ago. While he had next to no background in SotN, here he'll be a bit more fleshed out as one of Dracula's three vampire generals. Yes, three. One is Olrox, another is Carmilla, and the third one is an original character rooted firmly on the CV lore and based on a certain character from ghost-story tropes.

I have made a point to make Umbra a lot more "vampire" than Castlevania has done before, and this is reflected on the numerous more "vampire"-based foes, including this third vampire general. But you'll have to wait to see him.

Now, I want to show off just a tiny bit more than Olrox -- a VERY SMALL demonstration of engine programming hijinx by Dracula9. Since the Dungeon can't load these in special, please click here to see it. (http://imgur.com/a/Y6AaQ)

What you're seeing is just a small part of many effect tests we have done on the engine. They're using placeholder assets for faster debugging and testing, and there is plenty more from where those came for a myriad of situations we have planned for the game version.

Here's a bit more:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/26xBGUGnnaWR1S3Ic/giphy.gif)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FsuPVTkg.gif&hash=75da0ef14fb66d83e708db38e3404dfe)

That's it!

Please keep in mind that NOTHING you're seeing here is final. Some things are more "ready" than others, but fine tunning is never enough. There's even some stuff here not reflecting what we currently have, being used here only for demonstration purposes.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fr1o48CU.gif&hash=b68cd895b2b4f01e9f7f6b7c7bc97153)
Have a nice day!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on February 19, 2017, 01:48:31 AM
I'm loving the effects! Good job on the engine D9.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on February 19, 2017, 03:30:55 AM
Goddamn that is some kickass VFX work, proof that GM is more capable than a certain someone gives it credit. A lotta startup on that whip though, too close and he'll just eat a counter-poke. :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 19, 2017, 03:55:09 AM
A lotta startup on that whip though, too close and he'll just eat a counter-poke. :P

Intentional.

1. Julius has more than one attack (refer some pages back and you'll see what I mean).
2. He's the strongest amongst all characters, but also the slowest. And when I say strongest, you better believe this strength coupled with some more things make up for this wind up.

And at the end of the day, I made specific frames slower for this presentation. It's perfectly acceptable to tune his speed (and whip size, too) on the final thing after more testing ;)

EDIT: I readded the Julius whip animation to be easier on the people's eyes. This is more next to what we have atm, but still not optimal.

Goddamn that is some kickass VFX work, proof that GM is more capable than a certain someone gives it credit.

If your eyes could see what I have seen... D9 is truly outdoing himself on a lot of stuff regarding this project.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on February 19, 2017, 04:09:46 AM
1. Julius has more than one attack (refer some pages back and you'll see what I mean).
Right, forgot about that.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: The Puritan on February 19, 2017, 04:38:27 AM
Gorgeous. The future of CV really does belong to the fans.

And Orlok's looing good. I seem to recall Shiroi's Ricordanza translation saying Orlok "crossed swords" with Alucard back in the day. Although it obviously meant SOTN, I like how you guys seem to be taking it literally given the sword at his side.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 19, 2017, 04:45:38 AM
Gorgeous. The future of CV really does belong to the fans.

And Orlok's looing good. I seem to recall Shiroi's Ricordanza translation saying Orlok "crossed swords" with Alucard back in the day. Although it obviously meant SOTN, I like how you guys seem to be taking it literally given the sword at his side.

Heh, I expected nobody to actually catch on that, but you're correct. Olrox mentions a "crossing blades" with Alucard when he had no blade...

...unless the last bout with Alucard WASN'T on SotN.

Olrox does wield a sword on the novel, so he might indeed have meant that literally (though still referring to SotN -- we don't get to see him use a sword there but, if one were to novelize SotN officially, he'd probably have one). As a canon literalist, his battle on SotN dictates to me that he didn't have a sword -- hence now he has one to put up a proper sword-crossing with Alucard.

You can expect to see this sword put to good use :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on February 19, 2017, 10:58:22 AM
Olrox's head design looks very familiar. Like one of those aliens I've seen in a Sci-Fi movie or something. The dead give-away is his nose. I've seen that nose before.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on February 19, 2017, 11:33:17 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kappit.com%2Fimg%2Fpics%2F201512_2037_dgbcb_sm.jpg&hash=e99dff6a6e93e5b41f4bbe2b9186ad54)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on February 19, 2017, 01:48:00 PM
(click to show/hide)
Everything is soooo pretty.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on February 19, 2017, 01:56:47 PM
Wow, this is a great update.

Nice to see the engine is getting a showcase. I can only imagine you guys got a lot of fun ideas happening in the shadows. ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 20, 2017, 12:41:57 AM
Wow, this is a great update.
Nice to see the engine is getting a showcase. I can only imagine you guys got a lot of fun ideas happening in the shadows. ;)

You have no idea. If I started listing the stuff we have planned for this here, the post wouldn't fit the screen :p

Also, I want to show an Olrox sprite made by a friend called RaghavAT (http://raghavat.deviantart.com/):

While the sprite can't be used on the project (it was made more for "artwork" reasons than to be actually used), I still feel I should showcase it nonetheless!

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FGRq3u9v.png&hash=4fd28b39dfebd0689b9e1ff89540934a)

Olrox's head design looks very familiar. Like one of those aliens I've seen in a Sci-Fi movie or something. The dead give-away is his nose. I've seen that nose before.

Well, the references were literally every bald vampire ever (in special Count Orlok from Nosferatu and Kurt Barlow from Salem's Lot) and the concept is that Olrox (much like Orlok) is an ugly mofo -- except more "elegant ugly", removing those ridiculous front teeth Orlok originally had.

The idea here is that Olrox exhibits a weird contrast of ugly/horrific and elegance/class. He looks obviously evil, but his intentions are much more complex than "HURR ME EVIL VAMPIRE KILL ALL HUMANS!!". His nose is based on that of a bat's, as if Olrox were trapped mid-transformation.

Dracula9 thinks he looks a lot like Voldemort (which I partly agree), but he can attest Voldemort was not once evoked during Olrox' design process.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on February 20, 2017, 12:54:30 AM
That sprite looks to be very inspired by SotN. Maybe it's the color palette.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on February 22, 2017, 02:29:29 PM
Dracula9 thinks he looks a lot like Voldemort (which I partly agree), but he can attest Voldemort was not once evoked during Olrox' design process.

(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/228014787609493514/278712851458162698/unknown.png)

Indeed.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on February 22, 2017, 03:01:47 PM
That's my home boy right there!

The nose doesn't work on Max though. He needs that iconic nosferatu hook nose.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on February 22, 2017, 03:04:28 PM
Holy crap, this is looking amazing, guys!  Seriously excited about this project.  *Applauds* 
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on February 22, 2017, 03:54:39 PM
That's my home boy right there!

The nose doesn't work on Max though. He needs that iconic nosferatu hook nose.

Haha, surely not.

But Plot was wanting something of the kind for our Olrox, and I felt a visual reference would suffice better than any spoken one.

And who better as a base face for editing than the man himself?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on February 22, 2017, 04:41:23 PM
Omg olrox looks so cool
Omg the sprites look so cool
Omg carmilla

Anything you can tease about the 3rd General? Is a he or a she?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 22, 2017, 07:23:49 PM
Omg olrox looks so cool
Omg the sprites look so cool
Omg carmilla

Anything you can tease about the 3rd General? Is a he or a she?

I can tell some things:

-It's a he.
-On myth and legend, he's not known as a vampire. Here he is a vampire, but there is still a strong connection with his own lore.
-We took bits of things from the series to make them into a single character. This character will retroactively be some of the unnamed entities that have already appeared on the series, having now finally "shown himself".
-He's not as powerful as Olrox and Carmilla, but he still holds command over one of Dracula's "properties".
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on February 22, 2017, 08:20:10 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F5fkEYpm.png&hash=1ae7e38a52001848af35fbf006fd5cff)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on February 22, 2017, 09:07:01 PM
A lich? Rasputin?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on February 22, 2017, 09:32:38 PM
Googling the image and having it search brings up the words "Russian reversal."

I don't think deep learning is going to help us decipher the mystery.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on February 23, 2017, 09:27:37 AM
Quote
A lich? Rasputin?

Death himself is very much like a Lich. At least in looks anyways. As for Rasputin, he was assassinated by a British agent and used as a scapegoat which lead to the kick-starting of the Russian revolution.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 23, 2017, 01:29:53 PM
A lich? Rasputin?

Not a Lich. Not Rasputin.

X has a point too. Having a powerful character such as a Lich would be one too-many parallels to Death, though we have Necromancers as minor enemies here.

Googling the image and having it search brings up the words "Russian reversal."

I don't think deep learning is going to help us decipher the mystery.

It's not so much a mystery as it's that I'm not ready to reveal the character. Though there is a lot planned and a firm idea for him to stand on, I fear it might be a tad too early to speak about him with absolute certainties. All I can say now is that there is a third vampire servant/general of Dracula.

Though IF you guys want, I can tell who it is. But it'll be a bit long before I'm able to show anything about him.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on February 23, 2017, 06:39:42 PM
No. Let them keep guessing. It amuses me.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on February 23, 2017, 06:59:25 PM
Oh i just said lich and Rasputin because it looked like a jar with a ghostly thing inside like a phylactery and the image search lead said something about soviets haha
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 23, 2017, 07:02:57 PM
...like a phylactery...

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FlBYwEDm.gif&hash=a09101a0ec26f9e0cf969fe3010c13ae)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 09, 2017, 12:52:13 AM
because it looked like a jar with a ghostly thing inside like a phylactery

I will confirm that this is the closest guess thus far as to what the image means.

But I will say no more than that. The rest must be figured out, or Plot will eventually make the reveal. Whichever comes first.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2017, 02:11:04 PM
Suprise, tiny, character-update:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fqb53h1n.png&hash=33664bbda818457e9bd87498ba1a09f3)

"There is a reason why the Morris have stopped Dracula three times, Julius. We're real tough. And you will be even tougher. You're already stronger than I was at your age."

Old-man Jonathan Morris lives. And he's the hottest old man you'll see today.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on March 19, 2017, 02:40:51 PM
Suprise, tiny, character-update:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fqb53h1n.png&hash=33664bbda818457e9bd87498ba1a09f3)

"There is a reason why the Morris have stopped Dracula three times, Julius. We're real tough. And you will be even tougher. You're already stronger than I was at your age."

Old-man Jonathan Morris lives. And he's the hottest old man you'll see today.

Damn.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on March 19, 2017, 04:11:31 PM
Spank me daddy
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on March 19, 2017, 04:42:12 PM
This character portrait is the first thing about Jonathan that I've liked.  He's not my favourite Castlevania character (tbh I don't like POR), and the awful artwork for POR doesn't help, but wow, he looks amazing here!  You guys really have got the *perfect* artist on board for Umbra (that isn't Ayami Kojima herself). 
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: DarkDiablo1995 on March 19, 2017, 04:58:21 PM
Suprise, tiny, character-update:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fqb53h1n.png&hash=33664bbda818457e9bd87498ba1a09f3)

"There is a reason why the Morris have stopped Dracula three times, Julius. We're real tough. And you will be even tougher. You're already stronger than I was at your age."

Old-man Jonathan Morris lives. And he's the hottest old man you'll see today.

Wow. This, right here, is one grandpa I would go to great lengths to at least have the honor of meeting if I was in the Castlevania universe. Bonus points for him being one of my favorite hunters, too. Nice work!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on March 19, 2017, 07:38:04 PM
Junki will be greatly satisfied with the feedback :) Junki's own style has evolved a lot, so you'll notice Jonathan here is looking even better than Julius, technique wise.

I'm also glad you liked Jonathan, because he was certainly one of the hardest characters to mess with and conceptualize. Coming from the "animesque" past, the expectations for him as an old man, etc etc, too much hanging here.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on March 19, 2017, 08:37:42 PM
Dang, Jonny-boy went from Daddy Issues to "your daughter calls me 'daddy' too", 10/10.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on March 19, 2017, 09:05:57 PM
Dang, Jonny-boy went from Daddy Issues to "your daughter calls me 'daddy' too", 10/10.

*'granddaddy, too."
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on March 19, 2017, 09:53:28 PM
Jonathan looking fab
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on March 19, 2017, 11:06:53 PM
Dang, Daddy Jonny!  8)
Hahaha. I saw it at DA a few days ago and was wondering when will plot post this here.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on April 07, 2017, 12:48:44 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F5fkEYpm.png&hash=1ae7e38a52001848af35fbf006fd5cff)

It's been long enough, so another hint is in order.

What does this image depict?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on April 07, 2017, 01:02:31 AM
My guess is expired protein powder...

L
O
L

Actually more on some sort of cremated remains.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: The Puritan on April 07, 2017, 02:25:11 AM
My guess is expired protein powder...

L
O
L

Actually more on some sort of cremated remains.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRcj6CAhe7s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRcj6CAhe7s)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on April 07, 2017, 04:20:45 AM
My guess is expired protein powder...

L
O
L

Actually more on some sort of cremated remains.

I was going to throw in the suggestion of jar of dirt, and start singing about it, Jack Sparrow style, bt I think you're right.  The ashes of Dracula, perhaps is most likely?  Or some other vampire.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on April 07, 2017, 11:34:44 AM
Warmer.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on April 07, 2017, 06:03:35 PM
Does the jar have anything to do with the song you posted to YouTube?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: aensland on April 07, 2017, 08:17:44 PM
Not even close
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 08, 2017, 07:43:49 AM
I'm just gonna say I think D9's hint is too obscure. But he seems to be having fun, soooo...

I was going to throw in the suggestion of jar of dirt, and start singing about it, Jack Sparrow style, bt I think you're right.  The ashes of Dracula, perhaps is most likely?  Or some other vampire.

I'm just gonna point out that this hint is about the mystery vampire character, not about Dracula.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on April 08, 2017, 09:41:40 AM
IS NOT
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on April 08, 2017, 03:08:21 PM
"Nightmare" = Succubus?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 28, 2017, 06:53:11 PM
Today is the day to reveal the vision of Dracula's second vampire general: Carmilla.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FiDxRxEk.png&hash=9b32cb09546801a59838f136cac24f71)

It was time she received a proper treatment ever since Judgment. Alongside with Olrox, her role will be expanded more beyond being just a powerful boss. Hers and Lenora's destinies are intertwined, with a very old score to settle.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on April 28, 2017, 08:43:05 PM
Damn, she looks classy.

I get a very Asian theme from her design. What references inspired this look?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on April 28, 2017, 09:11:45 PM
Dunno about you guys but head looks kinda small to me for some reason. Then again, it's probably the massive dress making her head look small.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: aensland on April 28, 2017, 09:27:25 PM
About Nightmare and the Jar, they aren't even related, sorry for the late reply

Dunno about you guys but head looks kinda small to me for some reason.
It's about perspective, she is doing a condescending pose towards the player.

You've made a point too, the huge dress creates an illusion
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 28, 2017, 10:02:20 PM
Damn, she looks classy.

I get a very Asian theme from her design. What references inspired this look?

There was actually an Asian thing amongst the references, but it's not on her dress.

Carmilla's clothing is a masquerade ball's dress. On Umbra, this is her "theme", down to the battle with her, which has her dance as if she were in a ball herself. Remember those Ghost Dancers from Aria, Dawn and Portrait? More or less like that.

Her complexion is the Asian-ish part -- her skin tone is based on Hindu people. She is not Hindu, before anyone throws a fit lol. Her complexion is not white, and we used the tone of Hindu people's skin color as reference to approach her more ("more" not "completelly") to her Rondo of Blood sprite:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.castlevaniadungeon.net%2Fcharacters%2Fcarmila1.gif&hash=a2334f12c35022543f47f40f7018597b)

We wanted to not only pay homage to her last canonical appearance on the timeline, but also have a vampiress who is not the "staple pale vampire seductress" type, which is done to death and was done on Judgment to an absurd conclusion. Here, Carmilla worships Dracula as a god, but she ain't no Succubus and isn't trying to become fetish fuel. Her game is not seduction*.
 
This overt sexual/fetish concepts Castlevania (over)does with evil women are a reason why I choose her face to be concealed, too. Besides her mask being a big thing on the Castlevania lore (something that Judgment utterly ignored), she wouldn't let any human look at her purely out of vanity. So, it's not like there is a hideous visage under there or anything: She's beautiful. But it's her choice to wear this mask as a demonstration of her spiteful, vain nature. Think Vega, but a LOT less stereotypical -- same motivation, different execution.

So, the covering of her face, the ball gown and skin tone were choices made to set her apart from all other vampire-like woman enemies Castlevania has shown previously in recent times, with their cute faces and fanservicy sexual nature. Even Lords of Shadow did this. The point is to give Carmilla a proper presentation and try to restore her dignity, even if non-oficially. Carmilla IS still inhumanly beautiful, but this ISN'T the point of her character here (hence the mask). She's here to make you angry and afraid, and not give you a boner.

*="But Twist, what about Carmilla? That was pretty sexual. It's part of her character to display sexuality. Remember Laura?"

Laura is here. It's true that the Laura/Carmilla relationship doesn't work properly without the sexuality factor. This is how LeFanu envisioned her. But Castlevania missed the point of the novel, and made Carmilla into a dominatrix, and that's not how it works. It's not a matter of removing ALL sexuality, but instead of treating it with respect and making it subtle. Carmilla's intro in itself (which I cannot reveal now) is how I devised to do this. The ball gown, the mystery of the mask, her exotic complexion for an European woman, every of these aspects are working towards a goal, but all of them are also working to treat this aspect of her character with respect.

In all, it's there, but it's not the focus of her character like it was with three recent iterations of her on official Castlevania games. She must be beautiful, different and well-written before anything. Any signs of sexuality here are here to serve her character, and not to steal the focus.

Sorry for the enormous response :P

EDIT: Reworded this post a bit. Previously it was a bit misleading what I wanted to express.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on April 28, 2017, 10:16:28 PM
I will make fanart (fanart fanart?) out of her, if you allow me. It's funny because i could tell she was going to behave like ghost dancers before reading your post just by looking at the dress, as it looks like it isnt touching the ground (which its why it looks extra huge). I did like LoS1 "Corrupted Madonna" thing tho

It'd be funny if anyone brought up the "But Twist, what about Carmilla? That was pretty sexual. It's part of her character to display sexuality. Remember Laura?" thing considering she doesnt go beyond kissing Laura in the cheek (and biting her in the chest but eh)

I'm also here for the Lenora/Carmilla thing. My headcanon is that Carmilla sparked the witch hunts which lead Sypha to hate her

Have you designed Laura already? Can you tell us a bit of her?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on April 28, 2017, 10:20:34 PM
There was actually an Asian thing amongst the references, but it's not on her dress.

Carmilla's clothing is a masquerade ball's dress. On Umbra, this is her "theme", down to the battle with her, which has her dance as if she were in a ball herself. Remember those Ghost Dancers from Aria, Dawn and Portrait? More or less like that.

Her complexion is the Asian-ish part -- her skin tone is based on Hindu people. She is not Hindu, before anyone throws a fit lol. Her complexion is not white, and we used the tone of Hindu people's skin color as reference to approach her more ("more" not "completelly") to her Rondo of Blood sprite:

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.castlevaniadungeon.net%2Fcharacters%2Fcarmila1.gif&hash=a2334f12c35022543f47f40f7018597b)

We wanted to not only pay homage to her last canonical appearance on the timeline, but also have a vampiress who is not the "staple pale vampire seductress" type, which is done to death and was done on Judgment to an absurd conclusion. Here, Carmilla worships Dracula as a god, but she ain't no Succubus and isn't trying to become fetish fuel. Her game is not seduction*.
 
This overt sexual/fetish concepts Castlevania (over)does with evil women are a reason why I choose her face to be concealed, too. Besides her mask being a big thing on the Castlevania lore (something that Judgment utterly ignored), she wouldn't let any human look at her purely out of vanity. So, it's not like there is a hideous visage under there or anything: She's beautiful. But it's her choice to wear this mask as a demonstration of her spiteful, vain nature. Think Vega, but a LOT less stereotypical -- same motivation, different execution.

So, the covering of her face, the ball gown and skin tone were choices made to set her apart from all other vampire-like woman enemies Castlevania has shown previously in recent times, with their cute faces and fanservicy sexual nature. Even Lords of Shadow did this. The point is to give Carmilla a proper presentation and try to restore her dignity, even if non-oficially. Carmilla IS still inhumanly beautiful, but this ISN'T the point of her character here (hence the mask). She's here to make you angry and afraid, and not give you a boner.

*="But Twist, what about Carmilla? That was pretty sexual. It's part of her character to display sexuality. Remember Laura?"

Laura is here. It's true that the Laura/Carmilla relationship doesn't work properly without the sexuality factor. This is how LeFanu envisioned her. But Castlevania missed the point of the novel, and made Carmilla into a dominatrix, and that's not how it works. It's not a matter of removing ALL sexuality, but instead of treating it with respect and making it subtle. Carmilla's intro in itself (which I cannot reveal now) is how I devised to do this. The ball gown, the mystery of the mask, her exotic complexion for an European woman, every of these aspects are working towards a goal, but all of them are also working to treat this aspect of her character with respect.

In all, it's there, but it's not the focus of her character like it was with three recent iterations of her on official Castlevania games. She must be beautiful, different and well-written before anything. Any signs of sexuality here are here to serve her character, and not to steal the focus.

Sorry for the enormous response :P

EDIT: Reworded this post a bit. Previously it was a bit misleading what I wanted to express.

Posts like this are precisely why I get hyped when you drip feed us all information. <3
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on April 28, 2017, 10:33:13 PM
Quote
Remember those Ghost Dancers from Aria, Dawn and Portrait? More or less like that.

Don't forget to mention SCV4. That's when the ghost dancers were introduced  :)

Carmilla's look does have some bit of an asian touch to it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 28, 2017, 10:33:53 PM
I will make fanart (fanart fanart?) out of her, if you allow me.

You're allowed of course, but please credit Junki Sakuraba for the original design. And please bring the link to this post so we all can cherish the work :)

Quote
It'd be funny if anyone brought up the "But Twist, what about Carmilla? That was pretty sexual. It's part of her character to display sexuality. Remember Laura?" thing considering she doesnt go beyond kissing Laura in the cheek (and biting her in the chest but eh)

The lesbian overtones are there on the novel, but you mentioned exactly what I meant: LeFanu DIDN'T want Carmilla to become the dominatrix pornstar she is on Judgment, nor the seductress she is on LoS2 or the "creepy fetish fuel" she is on LoS1. He wanted it to be SUBTLE and serve a purpose. She had a very hard crush on Laura, but she was a classy, courteous, intelligent and mysterious vampire woman before that. Carmilla on Castlevania has the ingredients to recreate this character, but was overcooked to the point of unrecognizability in many cases. Her aparition on Circle of the Moon would be the most perfect for me, if it weren't for the fact she is "female Shaft". And even so, it ranks very high on my list.

Quote
I'm also here for the Lenora/Carmilla thing. My headcanon is that Carmilla sparked the witch hunts which lead Sypha to hate her

It's expanded on Judgment that Carmilla was the one to get Sypha's family killed by sparking the witch trials, so not only is your headcanon justified, but it's actual canon :P

Umbra will bring forth this story and a bit more than that.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 28, 2017, 10:55:39 PM
Have you designed Laura already? Can you tell us a bit of her?

Forgot to respond to this:

Conceptually, she's almost ready. Most decisions about the character are ready. Graphically, she probably won't receive a concept art to be made public before the project is ready, because she's a minor character without a very long or important role. That will depend on the rest of her concept and if something changes -- her role IS a bit muddy at this point.

Now, can I tell you something about her...? Hm... I'll let Aensland tell you. (http://dl.dropbox.com/s/zjeehim8hza728e/demo.mp3)

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on April 28, 2017, 11:13:46 PM
I remember now, the dress reminds me of what Salma Hayek wore in the movie Tale of Tales!

Back on topic, I like the role you gave for Carmilla. I had to hold back a snicker when I read "Vega but not Vega".
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: TatteredSeraph on April 29, 2017, 03:18:48 AM
Carmilla looks absolutely amazing!  I love how her character has been retweaked to being less in your face with the sexual stuff, it makes her a stonger character for it I think, as like you say, in the source material she's more than just hot domme vamp.  It's taking her back to her roots, making things more subtle.  I'm definitely getting the Venezian Carnivale vibes off of her.  Through hiding her visage, she's controlling someone through the mystery, and makign people question what lies beneath.  Much like her machinations and scheming, fitting with her character.  Her skintone on my computer also looks almost Mediterreanean as well to me, as hey, some European skintones are actually quite dark, so I think that using the Hindu/Asian skintone idea is a good one, as like you say, it's taking her out of stereotypical super pale European vampiress territory.  I also second Shiroi's likening her dress to Hayek's dress in Tale of Tales.  I like it! :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on April 29, 2017, 03:50:19 AM
Ok, I'll make sure to credit him. And yes, LeFanu didnt write a sadist dominatrix, he wrote a noblewoman that wasn't even outright lesbian-ing (although pretty close enough).

If i recall correctly, Sypha in Judgement blames monsters (like Carmilla) not her outright (although C's specific mention of the witch hunts does seem to imply she had a direct hand on it), thats why i say "headcanon" instead canon.

Are we breaking into Carmilla's wedding?   ;D I wanted to see Laura because i wanted to include her in the drawing (I already visualized an idea i like) but you can't reveal her yet, fine  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on April 30, 2017, 12:17:29 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F7dNEWO6.png&hash=4916b0957cf20c7fc7f7cf9e1b7ef231)

have some boring ass physics and collision and whatnot mechanics with all them placeholder grafiks

because i wuv u

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FlHowEkh.gif&hash=161bc86c1daea22a37ac951c60d7048f)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on April 30, 2017, 12:53:41 AM
I figure the afterglow is to emulate Alucard stuff? ;)

That looks a m a z i n g.

Are the dragon candles new assets, or are they actually placeholders too?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 30, 2017, 01:12:01 PM
I figure the afterglow is to emulate Alucard stuff? ;)

In this engine demo, it's not. D9 has already reproduced THE Alucard effect, and it's perfect. This effect was added for other purposes.

Quote
Are the dragon candles new assets, or are they actually placeholders too?

They're new assets. Still rough around the edges, but are new. They first appeared on a Sprite Contest at this Dungeon, and we decided to incorporate them into the project.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 01, 2017, 09:03:10 AM
lightsource update

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FoD6drdt.gif&hash=197098e71641c51f857c8594611f9227)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on May 01, 2017, 09:34:49 AM
That looks much better!

I'm getting a Adventure ReBirth sort of vibe with the close lighting around the player character. I just hope we don't fight super easy blob minibosses though. ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on May 03, 2017, 10:55:18 AM
I just did one of the craziest remixes ever for that project. Thanks aensland and plot for challenging me lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 05, 2017, 02:36:31 AM
Do y'all like Super Metroid map mechanics?

(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/228014787609493514/310151548556804108/moveap.gif)

I hope so  ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on May 05, 2017, 04:20:09 PM
Do y'all like Super Metroid map mechanics?

I hope so  ;)

Does the map cover parts you traverse upon like usual Castlevania and Metroid games, or does entering a room give you the map for the whole room like Lecarde Chronicles 2 does?

I assume you're aiming for the former, but if you're bringing up Super Metroid..there may be some expectations ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 05, 2017, 04:35:59 PM
Does the map cover parts you traverse upon like usual Castlevania and Metroid games, or does entering a room give you the map for the whole room like Lecarde Chronicles 2 does?

I assume you're aiming for the former, but if you're bringing up Super Metroid..there may be some expectations ;)

The comparison with Metroid was due to the scrolling. Our map will be a bit too big to fit in one screen (like Metroid), so scrolling is now a thing, like Lament did.

The map covers only where you traverse upon, like actual Castlevania games. This is one key point of backtracking mechanics: covering the area that a player should be expected to explore later only causes the exploration to get more confusing. If there is a place within a large room that is too high to reach now, that place should give an indication for the player to return later.

Lecarde Chronicles 2 worked well with its map system by shaping backtracking around the issue. For instance, by having the actual collectables that you can only reach later many times be in an entirely new room instead of being on a room you already explored, it made you return to look for new rooms, not new items, and end up finding new items as a result of that. But Umbra is taking an approach more similar to Castlevanias and keeping how it did maps.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: ProjectDread on May 06, 2017, 08:07:20 PM
It's really cool seeing how much effort you guys are putting into this project, it really shows!
How did you guys manage to rip those SotN tiles? I haven't found an effective way to do that yet.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 07, 2017, 05:07:33 AM
It's really cool seeing how much effort you guys are putting into this project, it really shows!
How did you guys manage to rip those SotN tiles? I haven't found an effective way to do that yet.

You can find many of these here (https://www.spriters-resource.com/playstation/cvsotn/), or assembled on VGMaps.

Many tilesets exist(ed) over the long-gone Anapan site. I don't remember anymore what was the address but I remember that I couldn't access it anymore last time I tried to visit it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on May 12, 2017, 09:45:21 AM
Who likes sexy fire?

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F4pEir1r.gif&hash=01d4b59fa159a3032a96e178289db8dc)

I like sexy fire.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on May 12, 2017, 10:21:42 AM
Sexy blue fire   :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on May 13, 2017, 09:51:10 AM
Well
It's hot
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 05, 2017, 08:25:46 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FTp0frbo.gif&hash=7189f29c73ac85ea055b1fbfd37e7363)

Demonstration of the previously-mentioned Light vs. Heavy attacks.
(If only Plot would let me show the cooler gif... :' ()
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 05, 2017, 08:43:43 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FTp0frbo.gif&hash=7189f29c73ac85ea055b1fbfd37e7363)

Demonstration of the previously-mentioned Light vs. Heavy attacks.
(If only Plot would let me show the cooler gif... :' ()

A little elaboration:

Julius' Heavy attack is the classic CV whip move, down to the same stance, save for the more-animated whip itself. It reaches further, it deals more damage, but has a longer wind up and cooldown.

Julius' Light attack is a more decompromissed move. Julius' stance is not as drastic or involved, so the whip doesn't reach as long or deals as much damage. In compensation, it attacks faster and leaves Julius less open to damage.

His gameplay is built around the player knowing when to use each move, what foes need more effort or (REDACTED). :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on June 05, 2017, 10:14:31 PM
Gawd I love the animations.

Assuming one is playing with a controller, light and heavy attacks would be mapped to buttons similarly to Lament of Innocence had light and heavy whip attacks?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on June 06, 2017, 07:02:34 AM
Gawd I love the animations.

Assuming one is playing with a controller, light and heavy attacks would be mapped to buttons similarly to Lament of Innocence had light and heavy whip attacks?

Or one can hope for control layout customization.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 06, 2017, 09:13:32 AM
Or one can hope for control layout customization.

Probably not happening on the controller end of things. Keyboard, probably. Controller layout has been mapped very meticulously already to best suit gameplay style (note: "mapped already" means the layout itself has been planned, but is not incorporated yet. Controller input in GM is and always has been a monumental pain in the ass to get working properly).

IMPORTANT UPDATE ANNOUNCEMENT

peeping eyes are a pain in the ass rotate your eye and tail in the right direction you snots
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on June 06, 2017, 09:30:38 AM
Probably not happening on the controller end of things. Keyboard, probably. Controller layout has been mapped very meticulously already to best suit gameplay style (note: "mapped already" means the layout itself has been planned, but is not incorporated yet. Controller input in GM is and always has been a monumental pain in the ass to get working properly).

IMPORTANT UPDATE ANNOUNCEMENT

peeping eyes are a pain in the ass rotate your eye and tail in the right direction you snots

Would it be fair to expect the DS control scheme from those games? Y being weak attack, and X being strong for Julius?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 06, 2017, 09:33:53 AM
More or less.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 07, 2017, 01:55:34 AM
DS controls are good.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Wanhus on June 07, 2017, 02:29:31 AM
Very nice whipping animation =)
Also both attacks seem like a cool feature.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 07, 2017, 09:10:55 AM
FOLLOWUP VERY IMPORTANT UPDATE ANNOUNCEMENT

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F59UNSLc.png&hash=4d8d6506a668f6d057697fc747588135)

i c u
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on June 07, 2017, 11:08:19 AM
Probably not happening on the controller end of things. Keyboard, probably. Controller layout has been mapped very meticulously already to best suit gameplay style (note: "mapped already" means the layout itself has been planned, but is not incorporated yet. Controller input in GM is and always has been a monumental pain in the ass to get working properly).

IMPORTANT UPDATE ANNOUNCEMENT

peeping eyes are a pain in the ass rotate your eye and tail in the right direction you snots

what about people with weird controllers? Like a 12 button or some other cheapo Directinput controller
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 07, 2017, 11:34:15 AM
what about people with weird controllers? Like a 12 button or some other cheapo Directinput controller

We can make a compromise of *trying* to get it to work, but not *completelly making sure* it works, and certainly scrap it if it doesn't work perfectly.

With LC2 we learned the following: People will try to play the game with a toaster, and then come back to us saying we did a bad job because the toaster doesn't work. This is partly to blame on the engine itself that is finicky to work with, but also it is impossible to cover every possible controller everyone has.

We are aiming in special to main/core controllers (Keyboard/XBOX Controller/Playstation Controller) but we know there are the generic controllers (with 1, 2, 3, etc buttons). GMS also handles controller stuff differently to -- for the sake of the example -- MMF2. So it could very well just happen that we configure XBOX controls, and all others are automatically "understood" by the engine (yes it IS a real possibility). But it could also not be the case.

We will try it, but we will announce it from the get go if we can't get it to work.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 07, 2017, 12:27:56 PM
Or in shorter terms:

People with weird 12-button cheapo controllers might simply be out of luck. Hate to sound like a dick, but it is physically impossible to account for every possible controller type, namebrand and generic, and map everything accordingly. So we're going with one of the most widespread layouts (XB/PS) as it has just the layout we need for our (planned) mapping system.

The toaster analogy works too. If someone buys a game on Steam that requires graphics capabilities they don't have in their machine, it's not the devs' fault they can't play it. They should have looked at requirements more closely.

Same thing here. Controller and gamepad input status will be WELL documented as to its feasibility and efficacy, and will equally be notably listed in requirements when the thing finally launches.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Jop on June 07, 2017, 04:26:59 PM
Im ok with that and after all there are a lot of programs that helps you to use a controller in a game that dosnt support weird controllers that and works great, Xpadder its one i use and help me a lot so if someone have some problem i recommend to use something like that, thankfuly for LC2 i didnt need the Xpadder so perhaps i will have lucky but just in case i will have the programm to help me XD.

 So my recomendation its to go and search a program that helps you to use your weird Joystick.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on June 08, 2017, 05:27:16 AM
The guys seems to have problems with searching about Joy2key or similar programs.

Dafuq is i c u ? Intensive care unit?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on June 08, 2017, 05:40:45 AM
Dafuq is i c u ? Intensive care unit?
Try pronouncing the letters loudly.
...I SEE YOU
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on June 08, 2017, 09:39:58 AM
AHHHHHH 
I WAS SO SLUGISH NOW HAHAHAHAHAHA
But yeah, English isnt my native language, so...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 08, 2017, 08:58:32 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FqvKCP4H.png&hash=025007ac8050197741614355a28c1086)


(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.kym-cdn.com%2Fphotos%2Fimages%2Fnewsfeed%2F001%2F029%2F129%2F650.gif&hash=d346da761f1d67c2fe95d10f4b4d9540)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on June 08, 2017, 09:50:00 PM
Alright. I'll probably end up using keyboard anyways. Not a big deal.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on June 08, 2017, 10:17:15 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FqvKCP4H.png&hash=025007ac8050197741614355a28c1086)


(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1.kym-cdn.com%2Fphotos%2Fimages%2Fnewsfeed%2F001%2F029%2F129%2F650.gif&hash=d346da761f1d67c2fe95d10f4b4d9540)

National Donut Day passed already!

So it must be something else...  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on June 08, 2017, 10:52:16 PM
Most likely whip latching, but other than that I got nothing.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on June 09, 2017, 09:15:46 AM
It probably is, but I wonder how it would work.

Are the plans to make it like Super Castlevania IV's in that you latch and swing, or kind of like Order of Ecclesia where you get launched?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 10, 2017, 03:04:54 AM
Yeah, it is most likely a whip latching.
But it can be a door knob too. hahahaha.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on June 10, 2017, 06:43:19 AM
That would take "Knocking on Death's door" to all new levels of meta.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 10, 2017, 10:34:15 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FkqG9a9r.png&hash=18de540b9924b02007b682e9213a838a)

(https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/thefakegees/images/d/d4/Mystery.gif/revision/latest?cb=20150329124753)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: DarkDiablo1995 on June 10, 2017, 05:03:15 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FkqG9a9r.png&hash=18de540b9924b02007b682e9213a838a)

(https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/thefakegees/images/d/d4/Mystery.gif/revision/latest?cb=20150329124753)

Oh, hey, Magnes magnet. How's your job of being a helpful asset to Ecclesia going? That being said, if it isn't whip latching onto these guys SCV 4 style, then my next guess would be getting someone from Ecclesia helping fight the good fight.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 15, 2017, 07:34:31 PM
you know the only thing better than an enemy that's universally hated

an enemy that's universally hated able to spawn more of itself

now ain't that just a peach
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: The Puritan on June 16, 2017, 01:22:12 AM
I'm thinking AOS Unes or Mudmen from SCV4, but they're most certainly not as universally hated as Fleamen, Ravens, and Medusa Heads.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 16, 2017, 01:27:12 AM
I'm thinking AOS Unes or Mudmen from SCV4, but they're most certainly not as universally hated as Fleamen, Ravens, and Medusa Heads.

Oh but you hate this one. Anyone who meets it learn to hate it.

And you all will grow to hate it even more. As the player character grows more versatile, so must the enemies. And this one became versatile exactly were it needed.

And I will say more: This specific enemy is not the only one gaining some upgrades.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on June 16, 2017, 11:07:28 AM
I would lose it if killing a Medusa Head helped create three more in its wake. ;_;
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: DarkDiablo1995 on June 16, 2017, 04:55:42 PM
Oh but you hate this one. Anyone who meets it learn to hate it.

And you all will grow to hate it even more. As the player character grows more versatile, so must the enemies. And this one became versatile exactly were it needed.

And I will say more: This specific enemy is not the only one gaining some upgrades.

If I hear that Death's inherent ability is scythe summoning instead of sickle summoning, I'd probably lose my head as soon as I walk into the room. I'm quickly imagining AoS's Death summoning copies of that double scythe instead of the usual sickles. Probably not that, though, so feel free to slap me silly for being paranoid if you'd like.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 16, 2017, 05:17:44 PM
If I hear that Death's inherent ability is scythe summoning instead of sickle summoning, I'd probably lose my head as soon as I walk into the room. I'm quickly imagining AoS's Death summoning copies of that double scythe instead of the usual sickles. Probably not that, though, so feel free to slap me silly for being paranoid if you'd like.

Oh no, it's not Death we're talking about.

But you can bet your pajamas Death is no walk in the park in here.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 16, 2017, 11:00:35 PM
Oh but you hate this one. Anyone who meets it learn to hate it.
And you all will grow to hate it even more. As the player character grows more versatile, so must the enemies. And this one became versatile exactly were it needed.

Noooo! Please for the love of everything, not those Medusa heads. I beg of you.....

But you can bet your pajamas Death is no walk in the park in here.

Well, Death is a boss character, that seems to be an acceptable route to take.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 16, 2017, 11:14:57 PM
If Big D's bringing his A-game, Slightly-Less-Big D should too.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 17, 2017, 12:38:46 AM
Yup!

On a side note, when I was reading your statement after watching several Bloodstained videos, my mind interpreted the Ds as bust sizes.... oh boy.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on June 17, 2017, 04:29:53 AM
Dig anyone say Big D?
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZGdoFBu.gif&hash=80c1c89d4dc23e7342139c4886a7cbcd)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on June 17, 2017, 08:29:57 AM
Dig anyone say Big D?
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZGdoFBu.gif&hash=80c1c89d4dc23e7342139c4886a7cbcd)
O H N O

But seriously, I'm really looking forward to what this project is gonna turn out to be.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on June 17, 2017, 09:38:01 AM
In other news: Certain enemies are starting to adopt classic Mortal Kombat arcade bullshit AI. :v
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on June 17, 2017, 11:46:24 AM
Why not SNK "I can read the controls" level of AI?

Take a doppleganger fight to new heights.  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on June 17, 2017, 12:25:22 PM
Dude, you have no idea how much bullshit the AI in the classic MK games pull. :v
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 17, 2017, 12:39:44 PM
kintaro stomp
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: The Puritan on June 18, 2017, 12:21:40 AM
Two questions after reading previous pages:

1. The events of 1897. It seems you guys are going with a Castlevania-ized take on the original Dracula novel. Can you tell us more about it ie how much it diverges from Bram Stoker's work? Or is that another story for another time?

2. Any plans for Blackmore? A 2 on 1 fight with him and HOD's Shadow would be so cash.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 18, 2017, 02:36:55 AM
1. The events of 1897. It seems you guys are going with a Castlevania-ized take on the original Dracula novel. Can you tell us more about it ie how much it diverges from Bram Stoker's work? Or is that another story for another time?

I have an outline for this story, but just so I could think up the timeline leading to 1999. The events of 1897 do not have such a huge importance that I'd need to tell that story first, but they do have a certain importance to details leading up to the conclusion of the 1999 story. This outline exists so I don't create inconsistencies within my own story's logic.

Think of this like Christopher Belmont: You didn't need to know what Christopher did or not when the first Castlevania was available. Christopher got mentioned in there and said to have his own legend, but this only serves to build Simon's and his whip's importance on this world. Or, better yet: Think of 1999 itself getting mentioned in Aria. You know something big happened, you know it affects Aria directly, but you don't need to see it to understand Aria -- you just need to understand what is it from 1999 that affects Aria.

The principle is very close to this here. You will see SPECIFIC events from 1897 get mentioned, but they are not needed to be known in absolute detail to know what is going on here.

Now, how much does it diverge... Well, the Bram Stoker's story themes were maintained e.g: there is a Quincy--obviously--, there is a Renfield, there is a Jonathan, there is a Van Helsing, there is a pursuit through Europe and a final battle at the feet of Dracula's Castle. But there's also a Lecarde, there's a witch, there's a magic whip and a magic spear, and many other elements from Castlevania (which include a crumbling castle that is not on the book, but WAS initially before being removed by Stoker). Some of these elements combined comprise the important subject surfacing on Umbra.

After researching for myself, I reached the conclusion Bram Stoker's novel cannot possibly be canon to Castlevania despite popular thinking, but its events CAN be adapted as headcanon as long as the Bram Stoker themes, not the details, are kept. To me, this appears to be what Toshiki Yamamura (and years later, IGA) wanted for the events preceding Bloodlines, by slightly mispelling Quincy's name (more than once, and something repeated by IGA), giving him a son when he shouldn't have one, and mentioning his connection with the Belmonts. And this is what I did to build this fan project.

Quote
2. Any plans for Blackmore? A 2 on 1 fight with him and HOD's Shadow would be so cash.

No plans for Blackmore.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 18, 2017, 04:28:13 AM
today is "make the inventory system" day

kill me now

please

In other news: Certain enemies are starting to adopt classic Mortal Kombat arcade bullshit AI. :v

where have you learned this falsehood my child
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on June 18, 2017, 05:30:26 AM
Bit of an exaggeration; when I read "adapting" I thought responsive AI over set-pattern behavior, kinda like how fighting game AI is usually.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 18, 2017, 06:02:06 AM
oh

all that meant was basically that y'all ain't farming final guards or whatever for easy XP, because they ain't staying the exact same the entire game anymore
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 18, 2017, 10:10:16 PM
oh

all that meant was basically that y'all ain't farming final guards or whatever for easy XP because they stay the exact same the entire game

Booo... I love XP farming.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 19, 2017, 03:00:27 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FlbE42mp.png&hash=873dd05c9767a4946c89a0d77b3fc928)

there will never be a better pun
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on June 19, 2017, 09:16:13 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FlbE42mp.png&hash=873dd05c9767a4946c89a0d77b3fc928)

there will never be a better pun
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 20, 2017, 02:45:07 AM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FlbE42mp.png&hash=873dd05c9767a4946c89a0d77b3fc928)

there will never be a better pun

That right there is cooked to perfection!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: The Puritan on June 20, 2017, 06:49:40 AM
Literally just had saucy, tasty beef brisket for dinner.

Synchronicity FTW.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on June 27, 2017, 12:23:21 PM
I can tell some things:

-It's a he.
-On myth and legend, he's not known as a vampire. Here he is a vampire, but there is still a strong connection with his own lore.
-We took bits of things from the series to make them into a single character. This character will retroactively be some of the unnamed entities that have already appeared on the series, having now finally "shown himself".
-He's not as powerful as Olrox and Carmilla, but he still holds command over one of Dracula's "properties".

(click to show/hide)

I can only think about two entities with this kind of description, if they appeared more than one time in the series:

-Wraith: Like in Simon Wraith, Fake Trevor/Sypha/Grant, but more importantly in Castlevania 3 it appears like a spirit before entering in the coffin to revive a fallen boss body and control it.

-Doppelganger: It appeared a lot of times too, yet I don't see how it would be linked to ashes, it can morph (one of Dracula's magical "properties").


Now if you meant properties as some item or monster, I can go as far to think its Doctor Frankenstein. I've discarded Walter as a possibility since you said its a new vampire and appears in myths and legends, even having its own lore.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 27, 2017, 01:13:13 PM
Both incorrect.

Additional hint:

There is a particular something in Aria that is never given any real explanation. This character is related to that something.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 27, 2017, 10:12:18 PM
There is a particular something in Aria that is never given any real explanation. This character is related to that something.

The rubber duck on the pool/bathtub?  :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on June 27, 2017, 11:40:52 PM
The rubber duck on the pool/bathtub?  :P

I was going to say that there is so many unexplained things that its almost like finding a  hay in a needlestack, and then you remind me about even more random things :P

The two most absurd things being Death trying to stop Soma and boss killing another one (Balore killing Giant Bat), for a bonus shot I'll use a hint to something that Im thinking for a time: Ashes, For ashes you need to burnm one of Dracula properties/powers is fire. Flame Demon is from hell and can be connected to Lucifer/Satan. From where I got this? Well, Satan's face is all over Aria's castle when you teleport.

I'll dismiss the "Satan's Ring" item because I know it was meant to be translated as Dark Lord's Ring. I really doesn't wanted to think it was Satan/Lucifer/Pazuzu because that reminds me of LoS, yet he hasn't appeared in the original timeline yet. Also he gets stronger with darkness in people's hearts and was said to appear in 1999 (even if they said that the prophecy was talking about Dracula, it could be talking about both)


I could go on and on, so its better if I stop here since I would consider that cheating lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: DarkDiablo1995 on June 27, 2017, 11:43:08 PM
The rubber duck on the pool/bathtub?  :P

Welp, we're in trouble. Sesame Street has officially fallen in cahoots with Count Dracula now :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 27, 2017, 11:57:19 PM
Welp, we're in trouble. Sesame Street has officially fallen in cahoots with Count Dracula now :P

Rubber ducky you're the one ~♪

I was going to say that there is so many unexplained things that its almost like finding a  hay in a needlestack, and then you remind me about even more random things :P

That duck is memorable. With two succubi in the tub. Yeah. Very very memorable.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 28, 2017, 12:34:41 AM
The rubber duck on the pool/bathtub?  :P

lol

The duck is returning. It's part of the Castlevania mythos and one of the billion other homages we pay to the entire Castlevania lore (not within the world of the game, but dev mythos -- the duckies exist in Castlevania for a reason beyond nonsense. It's a reference to a real person who considered ducks "scarier than Dracula").

So keep an eye out for the duck.

The two most absurd things being Death trying to stop Soma and boss killing another one (Balore killing Giant Bat), for a bonus shot I'll use a hint to something that Im thinking for a time: Ashes, For ashes you need to burnm one of Dracula properties/powers is fire. Flame Demon is from hell and can be connected to Lucifer/Satan. From where I got this? Well, Satan's face is all over Aria's castle when you teleport.

You're thinking too hard. It's not Satan nor Flame Demon. It's a character that has never appeared on Castlevania before, but had plenty of room to do so.

Also, when I say "property" I'm talking "estate", not "qualities". Dracula owns a number of things, and this character is assigned as master of this thing in particular.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on June 28, 2017, 01:00:19 AM
You're thinking too hard. It's not Satan nor Flame Demon. It's a character that has never appeared on Castlevania before, but had plenty of room to do so.

Also, when I say "property" I'm talking "estate", not "qualities". Dracula owns a number of things, and this character is assigned as master of this thing in particular.

Oh, now I know what I'm searching at least, thanks. I'll try again in a week if nobody discovers until then. (It has been fun)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 28, 2017, 03:59:49 AM
The duck is returning. It's part of the Castlevania mythos and one of the billion other homages we pay to the entire Castlevania lore (not within the world of the game, but dev mythos -- the duckies exist in Castlevania for a reason beyond nonsense. It's a reference to a real person who considered ducks "scarier than Dracula").

So keep an eye out for the duck.

the duck also may or may not drop a container made of interwoven protein fibers when struck with your head
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on June 28, 2017, 01:31:43 PM
the duck also may or may not drop a container made of interwoven protein fibers when struck with your head

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flegendsoflocalization.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2Fduck-e.png&hash=db3510f83d92cdfe4ef58fec0fcca84d)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 28, 2017, 09:10:15 PM
Cool. Now that the duck is there....
Hmmm... what about the kicker skeleton? I want my Kamen Rider reference.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on June 29, 2017, 08:04:55 PM
Hades?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 29, 2017, 08:39:41 PM
Cool. Now that the duck is there....
Hmmm... what about the kicker skeleton? I want my Kamen Rider reference.

There is no plans for Kicker Skeleton. Though I'm not saying he's NOT getting in. Our bestiary is constantly growing, shrinking and changing. So "there being no plans" and "there having 0 chance" are very different things.

Hades?

Not Hades. Also, making Hades, a god, into a vampire is a sure way to invoke the ire of everyone :P

Think a less powerful character. Much less powerful.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 29, 2017, 08:52:58 PM
Master Librarian?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 29, 2017, 09:21:23 PM
Master Librarian?

It's a character that has never showed up before.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 30, 2017, 02:04:05 AM
IGA cameo please. hahaha.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on June 30, 2017, 04:59:40 PM
Mammon? Faust? Mephistopheles?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on June 30, 2017, 06:35:15 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fultimateclassicrock.com%2Ffiles%2F2013%2F08%2FNo.jpg&hash=3ab0eb3186ba8fe33eee6d0e7fcd3e1b)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on July 02, 2017, 01:41:45 PM
Davy Jones? You plan to make all ghost ships be the Flying Dutchman?

edit:Wait... Jones? If I'm right you dont plan to make Graham Jones a descendant of him do you? (I always brings Graham Jones to the table in this forums, I need to stop doing that...)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 02, 2017, 02:31:12 PM
Davy Jones? You plan to make all ghost ships be the Flying Dutchman?

For the sake of the end of this enigma, I'll say DING DING DING we have a winner!

It's not Davy Jones, but you are close enough. It's the original Flying Dutchman's captain, Hendrick van der Decken. To put it simply, he is now a vampire with poltergeist powers. His powers will retroactivelly "insert" him on the story (that's where you wait to see how exactly will it work). However, the ship is not getting renamed. Castlevania named it "Ghost Ship" and Ghost Ship it is.

But remember, he's a minor vampire of Dracula. He will not outshine the big guys, who are still the tried and true Carmilla and Olrox.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: DarkDiablo1995 on July 02, 2017, 02:53:54 PM
For the sake of the end of this enigma, I'll say DING DING DING we have a winner!

It's not Davy Jones, but you are close enough. It's the original Flying Dutchman's captain, Hendrick van der Decken. To put it simply, he is now a vampire with poltergeist powers. His powers will retroactivelly "insert" him on the story (that's where you wait to see how exactly will it work). However, the ship is not getting renamed. Castlevania named it "Ghost Ship" and Ghost Ship it is.

But remember, he's a minor vampire of Dracula. He will not outshine the big guys, who are still the tried and true Carmilla and Olrox.

So... Castlevania with mixed in moments of Pirates of the Carribean? This is already shaping up good in my eyes :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on July 03, 2017, 07:52:07 PM
Not that hard to realize how he'll be in actually. He'll be the guy behind the master swords and killing portrait from RoB
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on July 04, 2017, 01:28:02 AM
Not that hard to realize how he'll be in actually. He'll be the guy behind the master swords and killing portrait from RoB

Not only that, but I also think Brauner's paintings must've something to do with this guy appearing in 1999. Maybe not directly. (or its juts me overthinking again)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 04, 2017, 01:50:31 AM
Not that hard to realize how he'll be in actually. He'll be the guy behind the master swords and killing portrait from RoB

Only one of these is correct.

Not only that, but I also think Brauner's paintings must've something to do with this guy appearing in 1999. Maybe not directly. (or its juts me overthinking again)

There is another result of Brauner's actions appearing in 1999, but it's not this character.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on July 05, 2017, 12:19:51 PM
There is another result of Brauner's actions appearing in 1999, but it's not this character.

Heh, this statement possibly made me understand far more than I expected to know. Shall I ask it here or via PM?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 05, 2017, 01:05:22 PM
Heh, this statement possibly made me understand far more than I expected to know. Shall I ask it here or via PM?

Send me a PM!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Eric Roman on July 30, 2017, 10:49:18 PM
That whole thing in Curse of Darkness about Saint Germain "having to go take care of something in the future" was a lost opportunity, just saiyan. 
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: DarkDiablo1995 on July 31, 2017, 12:08:27 AM
That whole thing in Curse of Darkness about Saint Germain "having to go take care of something in the future" was a lost opportunity, just saiyan.

I'm no Castlevania plot writer, but I'm fairly sure with those closing words of his, he's 100% intended to show up in the Demon Castle War at some point. Although given what he is, I can't blame him for being unmentioned afterwards.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Lelygax on July 31, 2017, 01:50:18 AM
Galamoth would be a great excuse to make St Germain intervene, but I think its nothing new and plottwist already thought about that at some point.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 20, 2017, 09:42:40 PM
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fa0IUseQ.jpg&hash=53cdf623056c6c119d278087e56a9031)

Hello. Long time no see!

So, on the past year we spent working on many, many concepts of this project. We planned stories, characters, enemies, themes, atmosphere. And, specially, long, loooong discussions about gameplay were had. Some content was also created, specially on the musical side.

Then, on the past months, we spent our available time working on something greater than simply written concepts, and today I came to speak something about it. For you see, it is our belief that we couldn't pass up on the birthday of Soma Cruz without making any announcements. 2017 is the year that Dracula's soul found a new shot at humanity, and we believe that this day -- the day of the same total solar eclipse that sealed Dracula's Castle in 1999 -- is the day when it happened.

So, to celebrate, I'm here to announce today that we plan to release a Gameplay Demo in December. A gameplay demo starring Julius Belmont.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FxnE6Hyk.png&hash=0389fdaa5a0ace28b6957cfcae1d4bcc)

This gameplay demo is exactly what it says on the tin: We are not showcasing an ACTUAL level from the main game, but instead a demonstration of Julius' basic gameplay. We are building a 100% original stage to demonstrate what to expect from Julius Belmont's capabilities as they are envisioned to appear at the beginning of Umbra of Sorrow, something for people to get a feel at how he is being portrayed, gameplay-wise.

Beyond that, of course, you're also getting a glimpse at the engine itself. Effects, movement, speed, performance, graphical quality. You'll have quite a bit more than a simple screenshot to look at.

So, it's high time we rekindled the flame of our promise. I've shown that the story is being worked, I've shown that the concept art is being worked, I've shown pixel art, music, but there is something you have not seen yet: Programming. This time we want the programming part to be demonstrated -- even if in a simple demonstration, for "consumer" standards -- to finally bind everything together. We hope you keep that flame alive.

So, that's it for today! Feel free to ask any questions, and I will answer what I can.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fpm3aEUY.png&hash=db20c79b6e000104528c1d2321218914)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on August 20, 2017, 11:55:12 PM
Dang that looks amazing! If I can ask, why is December being aimed as the target date? Are you trying to get as much of the project smoothened so that it's not a small taste but really a kind of "fullness" regarding what one should expect?

Also, will this demo include a boss and/or music?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on August 21, 2017, 04:48:31 AM
If I can ask, why is December being aimed as the target date? Are you trying to get as much of the project smoothened so that it's not a small taste but really a kind of "fullness" regarding what one should expect?

Exactly what we're aiming for.

Also, will this demo include a boss and/or music?

Yep.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on August 21, 2017, 09:21:59 AM
Damn, this looks amazing!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: aensland on August 21, 2017, 09:44:37 AM
Reminder that today's eclipse is sponsored by the Umbra Collective ™ and the upcoming Castlevania Umbra of Sorrow demo, please wait warmly!

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on August 21, 2017, 12:23:28 PM
Our marketing is going too far, I told you.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on August 21, 2017, 01:36:41 PM
Sadly the eclipse is a luxury that we cant enjoy in my country :/

But, as the project is in the way to be a game now, what is planned to be? a metroidvania or classicvania?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 21, 2017, 01:55:14 PM
Sadly the eclipse is a luxury that we cant enjoy in my country :/

But, as the project is in the way to be a game now, what is planned to be? a metroidvania or classicvania?

Metroidvania. Huge map, items to collect, all that jazz.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on August 22, 2017, 12:16:06 AM
Quote
Sadly the eclipse is a luxury that we cant enjoy in my country :/

Couldn't exactly enjoy it up here this far north either. The weather wasn't cooperating (cloudy) and given that I'm living almost North of 60 Canada, seeing the eclipse in its entirety was rather unlikely.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on August 22, 2017, 03:34:25 AM
No eclipse viewing here in Asia. But I love that the demo announcement is out. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Castle34hk on August 29, 2017, 01:34:36 PM
This I had never expected a thousand thank you very much, a gameplay demo wow ;D ;D ;D Do you think full game next year?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on August 29, 2017, 02:17:22 PM
This I had never expected a thousand thank you very much, a gameplay demo wow ;D ;D ;D Do you think full game next year?

Please, don't get your hopes up on this. Realistically there will not be a full game next year, no.

But we do have plans for next year also.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Castle34hk on August 30, 2017, 08:19:12 AM
OK I understand anyway it is safe to say now this will be a game now? not just music,art etc....

Good work bro I support you 100% yes we need a true sequel to Dawn of soorow.

And the best CV fan made game right now is Castlevania the lecarde chronicles 2 but this game will beat it I will think if you continues the work and work every days couple of hours then you have time. I understand games take time but plzz dont give up.

YOU ARE AMAZING!

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: aensland on August 30, 2017, 09:25:57 PM
OK I understand anyway it is safe to say now this will be a game now?
Please give all your support and good vibes to Mr. PlotTwist and my boy Dracula9 so they can release more than a single demo for Umbra.

not just music,art etc....
Rude
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Zuljaras on September 05, 2017, 07:48:09 AM
This is one of the best things that can happen to the Castlevania community.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on September 05, 2017, 02:42:07 PM

And the best CV fan made game right now is Castlevania the lecarde chronicles 2 but this game will beat it I will think if you continues the work and work every days couple of hours then you have time. I understand games take time but plzz dont give up.

No, It will not. Simply because It is not the main objective of this project, I believe. This was Rude.
And....You're saying things like a OverExcited fanboy. Stop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k0SmqbBIpQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k0SmqbBIpQ)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on September 05, 2017, 04:58:23 PM
Hey guys try to understand that the LC2 team and the Umbra team are a close-knit group. Plot Twist and Dracula9 both contributed to LC2 and I am voicing Julius in Umbra and creating a little guest music.

We understand that people will have opinions on games but it's not a competition. The more great CV fans games the better and we want Umbra to be the best it can be regardless of people's opinions of LC2.

We're a group of creative friends that do the best we can and support each other.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: DarkPrinceAlucard on September 05, 2017, 05:18:42 PM
Looks like this is going to take the spot as my number 1 favorite Castlevania fangame after Lecarde Chronicles 2, especially since its going to be a full blown metroidvania and not a somewhat partial one like LC2 (still LOVED it by the way), and its taking place within my favorite mysterious time period of The Battle of 1999, and last but not least a new and updated Alucard with a big role in the story,  so there is A LOT to look forward to, I don't care if it takes you guys a year or even 2 to 3 years so long as you guys just don't give up on this, chances are this is the only chance we will ever get a Demon Castle Wars game otherwise lol.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on September 07, 2017, 06:04:42 AM
Hey guys try to understand that the LC2 team and the Umbra team are a close-knit group. Plot Twist and Dracula9 both contributed to LC2 and I am voicing Julius in Umbra and creating a little guest music.

We understand that people will have opinions on games but it's not a competition. The more great CV fans games the better and we want Umbra to be the best it can be regardless of people's opinions of LC2.

We're a group of creative friends that do the best we can and support each other.

And is it that matters. We have many talented people scattered here, and the more guys collaborating with a single objective, the better.
The LC2 is unique in this own way as Umbra, too, will be.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Castle34hk on October 07, 2017, 01:07:54 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY-V9mY26Rc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY-V9mY26Rc)

Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow - The Bloody Waltz ;D ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on October 08, 2017, 06:50:17 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY-V9mY26Rc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY-V9mY26Rc)

Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow - The Bloody Waltz ;D ;D
I dig it!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on November 01, 2017, 09:53:28 PM
So, a bit of an update that is not very nice.

My previous update was about how a gameplay demo was in works to be released in December. That is not happening anymore (the date, not the gameplay demo -- the gameplay demo is STILL DEFINITELLY HAPPENING).

Almost like a curse, as soon as I made the announcement, everything started working backwards against me, and the team was held back. Got to the point where I became physically unable to work on it (and on anything else that required computer graphics), therefore slowing the project's development to nearly 0km/s, and putting us on almost two months of delayed work.

But my situation is now almost resolved, and development shall resume. However, the predicted month of December is now only happening by a miracle -- and considering the unreliable nature of miracles, we're calling this a delay.

On the bright side, however, other things have been worked on. So it was nearly 0km/s, but not exactly 0. A smart follower of this project will know where to look to find some cool stuff :3

(https://i.imgur.com/D7nmlgU.gif)

So, to not leave people completelly on the dark: In early December we will announce a new date prediction based on how things work out for this month. If none of us is struck by an incredible streak of bad luck like I just was, we will be able to follow through with it.

I should also stress that the delay is purely and uniquely from my side, meaning that something happened to ME only and I was not able to deliver content for the team to work with. The rest of the team is just as "on it!" and reliable as it always was.

TL;DR: The December date is jossed due to powers out of my control, stalling the entire team; Despite this, the gameplay demo is still on the works and you can bet your ass with Satan that it is coming out. The situation hindering progress is nearly solved, and development shall resume as normal shortly.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Eric Roman on November 12, 2017, 08:31:23 AM
CastleVania: Umbra of Sorrow is one of CV Fandom's greatest Fan Arts yet.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: eryson on November 13, 2017, 09:35:08 AM
For some reason, this pink shadow remembers me a town in flames  ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dkaelynd on November 30, 2017, 01:39:33 AM
if there is anything i can do to help with this project let me know. i have knowledge of the Castlevania timeline (i own the north american release of the games), im a writer, actor and can give some ideas if need be. i would love to see this project succeed since Konami wont give us the gap in the timeline. pm me if you wish to talk
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on November 30, 2017, 09:52:53 AM
The story for Umbra was the first thing that was tackled when this all began. theplottwist is very detailed and in-depth in his work, let me tell you. Although that's not to say he would not welcome any help with the story. You could ask him if you'd like.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on December 10, 2017, 05:53:39 PM
So, a while ago I said I would make another prediction in early December. We are in early December, so here it is:

Due to past events it was decided that setting hardcoded deadlines for playable releases is not a good idea. Regarding this announced gameplay demo, we decided to polish it a bit more than previously intended, and we have concluded that another predicament is a real possibilty. Therefore we will be working from now on without a release date, but instead with a monthly-ish report on progress, showing sneak peeks of what we have created -- something that we were NOT doing before.

Still, we HAVE an internal ideal release date and are working with it in mind. We just are not confortable to announce it for now, but I assure you it's not something ludicrous like "one year from today". We will make another definitive release announcement once this release is 100% impossible to prevent by any obstacle. In other words: The next time we give a release date, absolutelly nothing will postpone it further.

I'm sorry for this delay, it is the result of a lot of stuff going wrong (for me in particular), and I know many of you are eager to get a taste of what is happening. But we cannot afford to deliver anything less than what the ~big plan~ is. We believe things are really shaping up to be that good that anything less than we are planning will get postponed to ensure maximum possible quality.



The story for Umbra was the first thing that was tackled when this all began. theplottwist is very detailed and in-depth in his work, let me tell you. Although that's not to say he would not welcome any help with the story. You could ask him if you'd like.

X is absolutelly right about the plot. Its main skeleton existed well before the project was posted on this forum, and it has already walked too far for external ideas to be of much value. However I will be looking for assistance outside of the team in the future for specific story-related feedback concerning clarity.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on December 11, 2017, 01:58:18 AM
I agree with announcing the release date when you are already 100% sure to deliver it by then. :)
Postpone until it is polished, so that the final product would not need unnecessary post release patches bullshit that AAA games are doing nowadays.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Jop on December 11, 2017, 07:24:27 AM
This things happen I dont care, I know your are doing what you can right now, I will wait for that great day to come.
:3
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on December 11, 2017, 03:59:34 PM
Whenever it releases, I know it'll be more than worth the wait.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: HeartOfFire on January 14, 2018, 12:35:11 PM
This is so cool!! I'm a relatively new Castlevania fan and I thought it was a complete shame that there wasn't a game about the battle of 1999. I actually made some quick mockups in GIMP a few weeks ago and figured this is a decent place to post em!

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 15, 2018, 03:07:20 PM
This is so cool!! I'm a relatively new Castlevania fan and I thought it was a complete shame that there wasn't a game about the battle of 1999. I actually made some quick mockups in GIMP a few weeks ago and figured this is a decent place to post em!

Hello HeartOfFire!

Those are nice mockups, and I dig the "no-mustache Julius" heh! But this isn't actually the right place to post them. Not just because this thread is devoted to one specific project, but because it falls on the "thread derailment" rules of the forum.

Still, no need to delete your post or something, as this is a very minor issue. Let it be, just make a new thread next time, as it will help with exposure for your content, too!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: HeartOfFire on January 15, 2018, 10:48:13 PM
Whoops, my bad! Sorry about that!

I gotta say though, it is SO COOL that this project is a thing. Julius was always my favorite character since I played my first Castlevania, so I'm super giddy waiting for more news on this! I'm really happy to know that even though Konami has stopped making Castlevania games, the community loves them enough to keep them coming!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 26, 2018, 02:44:32 AM
Hello!

Team Umbra has made a casting call for some characters on the project. If there are any actors here who would like to give it a shot, the current available roles are:


I urge you to visit our page at castingcall.club to get much more information (including quality standard, test lines, character bios, and overall workflow structure):
https://www.castingcall.club/projects/castlevania-umbra-of-sorrow-1999-fan-project (https://www.castingcall.club/projects/castlevania-umbra-of-sorrow-1999-fan-project)

Please keep in mind that this is a fan project, so these are NOT paid positions. If you are to be selected for quality work (as is all the work involved on this), then remember that there is no profit to be made.

"Didn't you already have an Alucard?"

We did, and it was Dracula9. Despite his voice being perfect for the job, it was too taxing on him as to reach a certain tone he had to make a constant conscious effort that would do him no good on the long run (Alucard, as a protagonist, speaks a LOT). However, you'll still get to listen to D9's voice, just on another role!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Jop on January 26, 2018, 07:29:32 AM
I will love to help but sadly I dont think my voice fits (and perhaps my english will not be good XD) for any of that characters and I dont have the equipment to record in a good quality, hope you find awesome voices for that characters  :D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: AlexCalvo on January 26, 2018, 08:09:25 AM
I've done some voice work for online english courses.  I could give it a shot.  I could try any of the three male voices (counting Death as male) just need a little direction on what you are looking for in each voice.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Jop on January 26, 2018, 08:52:00 AM
I've done some voice work for online english courses.  I could give it a shot.  I could try any of the three male voices (counting Death as male) just need a little direction on what you are looking for in each voice.

In the link its say what they are looking
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on January 26, 2018, 01:14:22 PM
I think I want to try as well. I've been taking voice training lessons & I just got my new mic in recently!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on January 26, 2018, 08:35:56 PM
I've done some voice work for online english courses.  I could give it a shot.  I could try any of the three male voices (counting Death as male) just need a little direction on what you are looking for in each voice.

All you gotta do is follow the test lines on the castingcall link. No need to make an account there: Just ZIP them all into one file and send them over via PM! It's important the quality is decent or we won't be able to hear your voice properly.

I think I want to try as well. I've been taking voice training lessons & I just got my new mic in recently!

Same thing: Just do the tests and send them over via PM!

BTW, even if your attempts at THIS test doesn't get accepted, we still know more or less what other characters sound like in this project, so we might consider contacting you again if we find that your voice could benefit another character.  :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on May 12, 2018, 07:31:01 PM
i don't like seeing this in second page...so i'll bump it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on May 12, 2018, 08:48:40 PM
i don't like seeing this in second page...so i'll bump it.

Thanks, dude :)

There is something nice to be posted soon, so the bumping will be given proper justice.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on May 12, 2018, 10:01:10 PM
Gah, the bump got me all excited there was more stuffs. Like a full moon, I guess it will just come in time.

I hunger for this more than a vampire's lust for blood! ;u;
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on May 12, 2018, 11:08:34 PM
Yes! I can't wait for more stuff. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on May 13, 2018, 01:20:13 PM
The "more stuff" is good ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 18, 2018, 04:44:36 PM
Hello! It's time for a "we're still alive, y'know?" update!

First of all:

(https://i.imgur.com/rPhNRu2.gif) (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/q8ers1798w4cntw/alucard%20voice.mp3)

What? You can't hear him? Try clicking that dialogue box!

Say hello to Martin Wain. He is the selected voice actor for Alucard. He's competent, swift, and he also has a passion for Castlevania!

As I have posted before, Alucard was going to be voiced originally by Dracula9, but this proved to be too taxing on his voice, so we set out to find another actor who could impress the entire team. Despite "cold rock with bursts of emotion" sounding simple to perform in theory, Alucard is not an easy character to nail. Yet Martin proved to be a godsend when he captured the entire character pretty much on his first performance.

As mentioned previously, we prefer a delivery closer to Robert Belgrade's voice for Alucard because, for us, not only is that interpretation the most iconic, but it also lends him an air of strangeness that he is confirmed multiple times to have in-universe. Martin is very talented, so expect his delivery to be more convincing than Alucard was on SotN -- the hammy acting is something we can do away with. And do not let this bit of audio fool you: We're keeping the real wide-range-of-emotions good stuff to the main course ;)

Martin does not have a social media you can follow yet. As soon as he does, we will update accordingly to let you know.

And, Martin is not the only actor to join... But I'll keep this one to a mini-update in the near future.



I won't mince words here: Development is still going slow. But it never once stopped-- we're always adding new things or ironing past ones, or hunting for more new information. So we're definitely not dead. And speaking of "hunting for more information", one event happened recently that has a potential to make a slow development even slower: The announcement and release of Grimoire of Souls.

As you know by now, that game is drawing upon the classic timeline. Umbra's mission statement being to respect the canon at all costs, that meant that I had to do all research I could humanly do on this game, without having access to it, to make sure everything on Umbra was working according with it. So, from the game's announcement until this game comes out, I must be all over it collecting all information available to me. We are preemptively considering Grimoire of Souls canon even if there's no official word on this matter yet.

Bad news is that not only the game is still not fully released (barring me from looking at the entire thing and continuing with the adjustments on project's storyline), but the beta demo that WAS released contained information contradicting Umbra. Because of course it did :P

Good news is that this information contradicting Umbra was really minor and did NOT throw a wrench on Umbra's developed story or gameplay. Having a Plan B came in handy, and the adjustments were made without any losses to Umbra that would require a full rewriting of stuff and would bog us down even more than we already are. What GoS contradicted was nothing more than holes that we already knew to exist.

Bonus news is that this game confirmed some small stuff I had discovered/theorized a long time ago, and made Umbra even more convincing than before on this regard :O

So, in short, Grimoire of Souls could prove to be a challenge. As of now, nothing major interfered with Umbra, but if GoS reveals something TOO major once it comes out, it could mean that entire chunks of Umbra's plotline (and possibly gameplay aspects that are interwined with the plotline) must get rewritten to suit what GoS says. Anything official Konami puts out > Umbra of Sorrow.

But I'll let you guys know that I'm making an effort to account for that before it happens. At the moment everything is fine and we have much more pressing matters to take care of (graphics, engine, etc), and they are being taken care of.



So, remember the promised Gameplay Demo? It's also still coming and it was not scrapped or anything like that. You can expect MORE news on that soon outside of this update. We may have been slowed down, but new content is produced all the time for this project, be it graphics, coding, music, be it design decisions (on which we take strides constantly via internal discussions), and it all affects the demo's progress too. That said, we want to talk about and SHOW you scrumptious stuff to chew on. Ready?

-Julius Belmont's sprite is being retooled.

(https://i.imgur.com/tWyWAGz.png)

After testing it in-engine, after receiving feedback, and after myself growing as an artist, Julius is being edited/updated to be better read on-screen, fix pose issues, fix subpar animations or outright look more badass in general. He has over 150 frames, so that will take a bit to complete, but not NEARLY as long as it took to create him, that's for sure. And speaking of Julius' design...

-Julius' concept itself is being updated.

(https://i.imgur.com/RFwg5OU.jpg)

Junki also grew as an artist, and we felt suit that Julius needed an update to his artwork, which will get used in-game constantly. One such improvement is making him more "manly", something that was criticized a long time ago when his first concept was unveiled. And yes, that means that the other main characters are also receiving an update -- can't have Julius be the only one to receive an update, can we? This will be the first and ONLY update to these character designs.

And, here are some in-engine screensho-- Nah, to hell with screenshots. Let's see stuff MOVING:

(https://i.imgur.com/798D14G.gif)
Julius locates a secret passage. He has his Castlevania game on point. Also, is that... Is that a returning foe?

(https://i.imgur.com/Fta3oQc.gif)
Julius fights an old enemy with his trademark Red Axe and does some climbing.

(https://i.imgur.com/BONkOMh.gif)
He can grapple on things, but it looks kinda different, doesn't it?

(The "green glitches" on some of these are just glitches from the recording. They don't exist on the game itself. And keep in mind you're not seeing retooled Julius yet.)

Here you can see a number of stuff. But more importantly, you can see for yourself how one of the core mechanics for Julius -- his grapple -- will work. No longer does grappling work like it did on Super Castlevania IV or Harmony of Despair. Julius, instead of merely dangling from a peg and vulnerably staying there, pulls the whip to propel himself on the opposite direction, more or less like Shanoa's Magnes glyph, but different in that he doesn't need to pull back to shoot forward. This makes Julius very fast in certain situations and enables him to move fast across long distances by himself. We felt that this was the best way to mix both the platforming and hectic action that we have planned for many sections of the game.

However, although we're showing you stuff moving, it's important that I make clear that THIS IS NOT FINAL. You'll see certain stuff off here that we KNOW is there and are working to fix or adjust, or stuff that is simply placeholder even if it looks "final graphics". Our goal with this was to demonstrate that work is happening, not that it is complete. Dracula9 felt suit to reunite some of his own coding progress to give you a general idea of what's ready or what is not:

(click to show/hide)

Also yes, Punaguchi. And yes, that sprite is from Adventure Rebirth. And yes, he's getting new graphics and that is placeholder.



It's time to close this update. With that, I'll leave you with a screenshot, and a new soundtrack. Thank you people for not giving up on us. We're working hard, and we will bring you the best possible content we can -- you think all this is just for a demo, but it isn't. Every bit and piece made is going for the final game, and it is important that it looks as (close to) pristine in the demo as it will be in the final game. See ya, and I hope I can bring better news soon ;)

♪ Iron Crusher (http://dl.dropbox.com/s/84xzy8domc54m6t/Iron%20Crusher.mp3?dl=0) - By our demonic songmaster Chernabogue. Can you tell where this comes from?

(https://i.imgur.com/mtXUpK4.png)
"A beast who rebelled against Heaven; Siding with the Dark Lord, it now fights even after death."
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Jop on June 18, 2018, 06:27:50 PM
Looks nice :3

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on June 18, 2018, 06:50:12 PM
Yes!!!!
Good choice on Alucard's VA. Me likey.

I know where Chernabogue's music was inspired from. Hint: it is on a different thread.


I hope Grimore doesn't complicate things further.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Belmontoya on June 18, 2018, 07:09:42 PM
Let me say this.

Konami cannot kill Castlevania.

Bloodstained cannot kill Castlevania.

The only thing that can kill Castlevania is if we the fans stop caring.

As long as there are fans who pour their hearts into keeping it alive by creating new content, it will never die.

Here is proof of that.

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: XombieMike on June 18, 2018, 07:13:07 PM
Excellent update! I'm a huge fan of Junki Sakuraba and ThePlotTwist. This will be my favorite fan game ever.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: zangetsu468 on June 18, 2018, 07:15:44 PM
Stunning!!!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Castle34hk on June 18, 2018, 11:19:32 PM
WOW man what a nice  update tamke you time man just take you time looks so good and exellent job;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on June 18, 2018, 11:53:06 PM
For those of you who would like to check "Iron Crusher" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7p6bjUnDgk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7p6bjUnDgk)

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on June 19, 2018, 03:39:41 AM
Oh my Gawd I neeeed this.

This looks so slick!!!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on June 19, 2018, 04:00:47 AM
So, in short, Grimoire of Souls could prove to be a challenge. As of now, nothing major interfered with Umbra, but if GoS reveals something TOO major once it comes out, it could mean that entire chunks of Umbra's plotline (and possibly gameplay aspects that are interwined with the plotline) must get rewritten to suit what GoS says.
Considering that mobage stories tend to be released in a piecemeal manner with new story chapters sometimes taking months on end to release, are you concerned with how long this might take?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 19, 2018, 05:20:07 AM
Considering that mobage stories tend to be released in a piecemeal manner with new story chapters sometimes taking months on end to release, are you concerned with how long this might take?

Considering how long Umbra itself might take on the great scheme of things, not really.

But I am a bit concerned still because we have no idea what they plan on showing with GoS. There are a few things that could make us go "Well shit." up to including:

(click to show/hide)

Some things can be adjusted for, some can't. In the case of the some that "can't", we will strap ourselves to one of the project's mission statements: We only aim to present a plausible version of this story with our silly headcanon. We have our feet on the ground and we know that we're ultimately nothing more than a fangame.

This is also how we will deal with the possibility of Konami releasing an OFFICIAL 1999 media. In case they do, we will just move forward with our fanfiction as "solidified headcanon" because that's what it was always meant to be. In fact, their releasing an official 1999 media scares me much less than them releasing other piece of media around the 1999 storyline talking about it (which is also not a lot of "scare", just a bit, like I said above), because a supporting media forces me to collect info and follow the breadcrumbs, an actual 1999 media does not -- it flat out tells me "you're wrong, here's the official thing" and I go "oh ok but fanfiction is not wrong tho".

On where we CAN make adjustments, we will, I promise, even on the stuff that takes months to get revealed. Konami being god, Umbra follows it like a devout unofficial and not-endorsed cultist doing what it says. I had to sacrifice a relatively minor thing that was in place already due to GoS speaking too much :P but the plan B might be just better than what was in place before, who knows? I have one million plan Bs still :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on June 19, 2018, 05:48:22 PM
seeing that gameplay excites me in places that castlevania fangames shouldn't excite me


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: darkmanx_429 on June 20, 2018, 10:16:59 AM
(click to show/hide)

I like the colorful look of this game and the spritework is top notch. Well done!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on June 20, 2018, 06:12:39 PM
Julius' revised look is pretty good  8)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: aensland on June 21, 2018, 08:04:43 AM
Considering that mobage stories tend to be released in a piecemeal manner with new story chapters sometimes taking months on end to release, are you concerned with how long this might take?
Alucard sure is looking kinda ignorant in Grimoire of Souls, the dialogue from the game makes him look like a clueless cv fan lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: The Puritan on June 25, 2018, 04:18:29 PM
As far as backstories go, do you guys have any plans for the Scholomance? It's mentioned in the Stoker novel that Dracula's family "...had dealings with the Evil One. They learned his secrets in the Scholomance, amongst the mountains over Lake Hermanstadt, where the devil claims the tenth scholar as his due."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholomance

I had thought not just Dracula but other dark luminaries in Castlevania may've studied there, such as Brauner. POR's Dark Academy may even be his rendition of the place, though I don't think it fits the Scholomance's description in lore.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 25, 2018, 05:04:38 PM
As far as backstories go, do you guys have any plans for the Scholomance? It's mentioned in the Stoker novel that Dracula's family "...had dealings with the Evil One. They learned his secrets in the Scholomance, amongst the mountains over Lake Hermanstadt, where the devil claims the tenth scholar as his due."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scholomance

I had thought not just Dracula but other dark luminaries in Castlevania may've studied there, such as Brauner. POR's Dark Academy may even be his rendition of the place, though I don't think it fits the Scholomance's description in lore.

Hey!

We have plans to adapt certain specific details from the Bram Stoker novel, but I cannot give you a status on the Scholomance. It's something that was never considered (not discarded, just not considered). I can tell you that this was never on my mind, even though other details are.

However, I might consider this too. It will depend on what the other core team members think and if it could be used to enrich the plot, even if a tiny bit. They will be reading this, so we will discuss internally. I would also like to know if more people are interested on THIS detail making it in, so leave your feedback, but please understand that the Umbra team keeps the final word.

From my personal, preliminary opinion based on your input given now: I have no plans to incorporate Scholomance, because it conflicts with Castlevania's overall lore. I will give a short rundown why:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: The Puritan on June 26, 2018, 12:49:06 AM
Hey!

We have plans to adapt certain specific details from the Bram Stoker novel, but I cannot give you a status on the Scholomance. It's something that was never considered (not discarded, just not considered). I can tell you that this was never on my mind, even though other details are.

However, I might consider this too. It will depend on what the other core team members think and if it could be used to enrich the plot, even if a tiny bit. They will be reading this, so we will discuss internally. I would also like to know if more people are interested on THIS detail making it in, so leave your feedback, but please understand that the Umbra team keeps the final word.

From my personal, preliminary opinion based on your input given now: I have no plans to incorporate Scholomance, because it conflicts with Castlevania's overall lore. I will give a short rundown why:

(click to show/hide)

A-OK, but totally and perfectly understanding if it doesn't make it. I think it has potential to mean something in CV as a whole (and ultimately this project). Plus you guys like tying every little detail from every corner of the lore together, Stoker novel included, and I felt like I couldn't pass this up. :) Still: everything below the spoiler text made me wonder if there's even a need for the place, given the Demon Castle is already a bastion of forbidden knowledge. Heck, Castlevania itself probably is the Scholomance.

Anyway, it's certainly there if you guys need it. It just might be holding secrets ignored or more likely covered up by Dracula. Like destroying him forever, though the Hakuba ritual and Maria training in Japan already put a big monkey wrench in the very idea.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on July 30, 2018, 03:05:40 PM
(click to show/hide)


Seriously, this is shaping up to be very high-quality. Damn...

(https://www.reactiongifs.us/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/stop_penis_erect_archer.gif)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on July 30, 2018, 06:27:21 PM
I'd say have the inclusion of the Scholomance from the novel. Dracula isn't the sort of person to learn forbidden knowledge from one source and that'd be that. He'd be gaining knowledge from multiple sources in order to max out his powers. And heck, if there was a deity in control of said Scholomance then all Dracula had to do once he learned all he could would be to kill off the deity in question and take over.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Malus793 on October 08, 2018, 08:12:07 PM
Plus it deepens the lore a bit, and bases it in some real world occult beliefs, what with the Solomonari and all. 

Hello, everyone.  Room for one more?  I saw the casting call website but fear I am too late.  It let me look at the page but did not let me interact with it.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 08, 2018, 11:19:56 PM
Hello, everyone.  Room for one more?  I saw the casting call website but fear I am too late.  It let me look at the page but did not let me interact with it.

There's room! Please send me a message containing the character you'd like to try for (between Jonathan Morris and Death), and your voice test in the highest possible quality for you. You may also request more details if you're unsure of something, but pretty much all of it is covered on the casting call page. (https://www.castingcall.club/projects/castlevania-umbra-of-sorrow-1999-fan-project)

And keep in mind that you might not pass as the character you tried for, but we can still keep an eye on you for other roles. If this happens, we'll let you know in advance and ask you if you're interested in being contacted about it in the future.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on October 09, 2018, 04:16:53 AM
It let me look at the page but did not let me interact with it.

that's my fault--the deadline's actually ongoing, but the site only allows set dates, and i didn't update it to extend last month

you should be able to interact with it now
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Malus793 on October 09, 2018, 09:14:27 AM
Nice, thanks!

Is there any rule against offering auditions for both?  I'd like to present options and display versatility (in theory, we'll see how it works in practice).

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 09, 2018, 11:12:15 AM
Nice, thanks!

Is there any rule against offering auditions for both?  I'd like to present options and display versatility (in theory, we'll see how it works in practice).

Thanks again.

There are not. There's also no rules to submit multiple tests for a single character (in case you'd want to portray the character's intonation or personality differently, or favor a test over another. All that matters is that you let me know what you're trying to convey with each test).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 19, 2018, 07:38:17 PM
Not exactly an update but, since it's been a while since the last one (and just a bit longer before the next one, hold on tight buddies!), I decided to bring this boy for you to see and bridge the gap:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xwSVJdT4Ok (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xwSVJdT4Ok)

This is an interview the core members of the Umbra team did to the Castlevania Latino community a while ago, responding some questions they had about the project. We gave our minds on many subjects (music, story, gameplay, etc) and there might be something here you don't know yet, so give it a check and, again, thank you CV Latino dudes for interviewing us!

(PS: The video is in spanish but there are english subtitles!)
(PS2: For some reason the english is a tad broken. I assume oversight, but it's still perfectly readable.)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 20, 2018, 02:40:10 AM
Cool interview! Thank you for the English subtitles (or else I'd be lost).
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on October 20, 2018, 03:29:16 AM
i maintain that my samuel l jackson joke in there is one of the greatest i've ever told
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on October 26, 2018, 03:28:49 AM
I agree D9. I laughed at that part.  ;D
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Guy Belmont on October 27, 2018, 02:27:12 PM
Just saw the  vid and that gameplay  it looked outstanding, have you considered sending it to Konami, cos this is how, Sonic Mania started, and this looks like the shot in the arm the franchise desperately needs. And this would be right in the crest of the wave of renewed Interest in CV, I mean That Whip action ohhhhhh , I've always maintained that it should be purple, and BAM and it looks like it has real weight to it, like you can feel the impact. will there be whip Upgrades to find, and how far along is it. all and all I would really show this to Konami as they'd be MAD not to take this up, it could and would make them a TON of money
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Holy Diver on October 27, 2018, 03:18:37 PM
Just saw the  vid and that gameplay  it looked outstanding, have you considered sending it to Konami, cos this is how, Sonic Mania started, and this looks like the shot in the arm the franchise desperately needs. And this would be right in the crest of the wave of renewed Interest in CV, I mean That Whip action ohhhhhh , I've always maintained that it should be purple, and BAM and it looks like it has real weight to it, like you can feel the impact. will there be whip Upgrades to find, and how far along is it. all and all I would really show this to Konami as they'd be MAD not to take this up, it could and would make them a TON of money
Because Konami isn't Sega.
Mig is lucky Konami approved LC2, aproaching them with this and them considering it for official release is probably out of the question.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Guy Belmont on October 27, 2018, 04:16:56 PM
Because Konami isn't Sega.
Mig is lucky Konami approved LC2, aproaching them with this and them considering it for official release is probably out of the question.
True but, surely they could see a money maker, I mean LOOK AT IT and Konami seem to what gamers to Love them again, and we all this new CV every fan is CRYING out for a new game. and this is the one.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 29, 2018, 07:51:36 PM
Just saw the  vid and that gameplay  it looked outstanding, have you considered sending it to Konami, cos this is how, Sonic Mania started, and this looks like the shot in the arm the franchise desperately needs. And this would be right in the crest of the wave of renewed Interest in CV,

As you can see from the hype train (which I'm happily onboard TCHOO TCHOO GO KONAMI GO!), Konami does not need us to renew interest in CV and we never had any illusion that they do. We're just fans doing what fans do. But I'm flattered that this is your perception of us, thank you <3

There's nothing much to say. Whatever Konami decides, we are ready to obey. At the end of the day, we are using Konami property to create this project. The least we can do is not rip any assets from them and make it all as pratically original as humanly possible (and boy, are these original assets coming beautifully, if I may be immodest for a minute in the name of the entire team), and as clear as day that they do not endorse this project, and that we are earning ABSOLUTELLY NOTHING with it.

Quote
I mean That Whip action ohhhhhh , I've always maintained that it should be purple, and BAM and it looks like it has real weight to it, like you can feel the impact.

If you liked Julius' whipping animation, just wait until you see the redo :P It took the engine working for me to see that it doesn't properly evoke what I wanted, but it will... I learned some new tricks to make it do what I need :P
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Guy Belmont on October 30, 2018, 05:31:31 PM
As you can see from the hype train (which I'm happily onboard TCHOO TCHOO GO KONAMI GO!), Konami does not need us to renew interest in CV and we never had any illusion that they do. We're just fans doing what fans do. But I'm flattered that this is your perception of us, thank you <3

There's nothing much to say. Whatever Konami decides, we are ready to obey. At the end of the day, we are using Konami property to create this project. The least we can do is not rip any assets from them and make it all as pratically original as humanly possible (and boy, are these original assets coming beautifully, if I may be immodest for a minute in the name of the entire team), and as clear as day that they do not endorse this project, and that we are earning ABSOLUTELLY NOTHING with it.

If you liked Julius' whipping animation, just wait until you see the redo :P It took the engine working for me to see that it doesn't properly evoke what I wanted, but it will... I learned some new tricks to make it do what I need :P
Well yeah and Konami are real asses TBH. its sad as i used to really love those guys. BUt now they seem mad on just making us hate em.  But I really can't wait till i can play it, i mean its sad CV games don't get made like this anymore, but you guy have done amazing wellthe whole thing looks like a CV love letter. And i can't wait for to see the redo Oh man i can't wait ahhhhh.

But really guys this is out standing work in both gameplay and presentation. As a CV fan I Thank you for you're hard work.

Thank you Team Umbra
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on December 12, 2018, 09:34:39 PM
New tracks from Umbra!

"The Angolmois Mansion Offensive"

"Frozen Howls"

Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Gardraphius on February 14, 2019, 09:06:16 PM
Any new update on Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow? It has been a while. Right now, I anticipate this fangame more than I do Bloodstained, I'm sure I'm not the only one.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on February 15, 2019, 10:44:08 AM
Any new update on Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow? It has been a while. Right now, I anticipate this fangame more than I do Bloodstained, I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Hello!

First of all, thank you for the support. The support the community has given us is far more than we expected, and we're always grateful for it.

Now, there are updates waiting to be made, but at this specific time I'm refraining from releasing them and also instructed the team not to beyond their personal channels with handpicked content. I'll keep from giving too many details due to the fact that everyone is operating on assumptions, but bottom line is that we do not want to even imply to be trying to confuse people or trying to ride a wave of attention that might get us in trouble. This has to do with a certain well-established fan work's death and the circunstances around it which quite frankly startled me a bit.

The fan Castlevania community has a knack for producing high-quality work, something we're also striving to do, and we understand that presenting this work could actually become a problem for us if shown before the exactly right time. We do not want to have the most minimal risk of trouble beyond the necessary so we're waiting a bit to give an update.

If you need a confirmation that this is still alive though, then yes, it very much is. We just chose to stay silent for a while and are observing the fandom's movement. I should also reiterate that producing this project will likely take much longer than probably anyone expects so, if it looks like we're dead but no death statement has been made, we probably aren't dead.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: GabrielCarati on June 04, 2019, 11:39:53 AM
Hello!

I'm a student of Game Design (Uniritter) and Illustsration (Elemental) from Brazil, here is my portfolio: https://www.artstation.com/gabrielcarati (https://www.artstation.com/gabrielcarati)

I'm interested in joining the production team if they're accepting new people, I'm a big fan of the franchise, I always wanted a game that told the story of the War of 1999 since Julius may be my favorite Belmont.

I recently started writing a fan game that goes before Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse with a friend, I did a marathon that lasted a few months to play all the games of Castlevania again with the exception of the spin offs Dracula Kid (yes, all of them, even the Lords of Shadow trilogy, Judgment, 64, etc) to situate myself again in the entire history of the franchise to write this project, taking into consideration the canon of the series established by Koji Igarashi as well. You can see the first concept of this project in the latest publication of my portfolio.

Besides this, I happen to not have much experience yet on such projects, so even if my project does not come out of the role as a game, at least I would like to publish it as a story and would like to keep it without conflicts with the probably already written Umbra of Sorrow as well, even passing through a historical period of several centuries before.

Therefore, if you are accepting new artists on the production team and I am accepted, I intend to dedicate myself and learn from the project, pausing what I have been writing to continue it after the release of Umbra of Sorrow.

My Facebook and e-mail for contact:
https://www.facebook.com/gabrielcarati (https://www.facebook.com/gabrielcarati)
gabrielcarati@hotmail.com
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on June 04, 2019, 03:49:10 PM
Hi there, Gabriel! Nice work you got on your portifolio and, from what you described about your own project (and from that master Castlevania pack you assembled ;) ), nice fan dedication too. I wish you the best as a fan, and also as artist!

Currently, we are not accepting more collaborators for this project. If we do need someone to contribute to it in the future, we will issue a call on this thread and other relevant venues, and update the thread's front page accordingly.

Thank you for offering your work. And, as a fellow CV fan, I hope to see Curtain of Delusion become reality someday :) If you have any questions please PM me.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: GabrielCarati on June 04, 2019, 05:46:53 PM
No problem, thanks for the reply! I'll be waiting for the opportunity if it comes up. ;D

I hope Curtain of Delusion can be finished someday too! I'll be working on it and as soon as possible try to present it here on CV Dungeon, best of luck on the Umbra project, I'm looking foward to play it.  :D

Btw, I'm glad to know that my master Castlevania pack is spreading and people are enjoying it too! haha
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on September 23, 2019, 06:57:40 PM
Quote
So, in short, Grimoire of Souls could prove to be a challenge. As of now, nothing major interfered with Umbra, but if GoS reveals something TOO major once it comes out, it could mean that entire chunks of Umbra's plotline (and possibly gameplay aspects that are interwined with the plotline) must get rewritten to suit what GoS says. Anything official Konami puts out > Umbra of Sorrow.

I'm back to say a little on this. This is not an update, but more an "I didn't forget. Also, we still alive somehow", to those who care.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on September 24, 2019, 02:24:37 AM
Welcome back plot!
Thanks for the update.

I'd like to say, if some of your suspected things got added into GOS, then you're on the right track. :)
And your decision to make GoS the last canon thing you add is great. Rewriting everytime there's a new canon out will never make a project get done.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Gardraphius on October 18, 2019, 05:10:16 PM
Thanks for updating us.

Making a fan game isn't easy as the only incentive for doing so is community support and shear passion for the work you wish to pay tribute to. So I'm sure we're all fully aware that for any number of reasons, long hiatuses and lack of updating are to be expected. With that in mind, I do have a question.

You don't have to answer it if you don't want to, but does the development of Wallachia: Reign of Dracula and Castlevania: Rhapsody of Darkness have something to do with the lack of updating? Namely the creative talents of Junki Sakuraba and others in the community focusing on their own projects? This would make sense as this community is very collaborative and like working with each other as opposed to lone-wolfing projects.

If this is the case, which makes complete sense, will more frequent development updating occur once these projects are completed and everyone focuses their attention back to Umbra of Sorrow? If the community knew that Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow was shelved, we would understand, especially if the reason for this is the aforementioned case.

Thanks,
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on October 18, 2019, 10:12:03 PM
Hello, Gardraphius! Thank you for the support, first of all.

The spoiler contains a longer response but the TL;DR is: PlotTwist can't draw fast enough. Other projects have some or no bearing on development speed. Situation is not changing soon.

(click to show/hide)

When enough content that can be displayed is created, we may release updates, but we're not interested in promising anything. Also, if Umbra gets shelved, there will be no secret of it at all. We'll just make a statement and move on.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on October 19, 2019, 10:12:07 AM
It takes time to create a work of art. It's definitely not something to be rushed (as we see in a lot of triple A companies as of late  :P) Umbra will be done when it's done, that's all anyone can hope for.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Gardraphius on October 19, 2019, 03:56:27 PM
The creative process can't exactly be sped up, and I understand that real life can get in the way. If it's any solace to you, don't beat yourself up for it, especially as you have an entire community at your back who are very considerate and patient, and we're very grateful that someone with as much talent and passion as you can dedicate your time to Umbra of Sorrow. Just remember that while we're definitely rooting for you, we'd never ask you to rush things or pressure you into working harder. Though I have little experience of my own, I can understand just how much close attention to detail and care must go into creating art for a Castlevania fan game.

Thanks for your explanation which in itself is an update, and remember that you're not alone. For whatever reason, anyone may not be able to dedicate their full time and attention to projects, and that it's still very important to have time for yourself.

Very much looking forward to Wallachia too, it is an extremely high quality product, no doubt thanks to you as well.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on April 13, 2020, 11:04:17 AM
I know I'm necromancing this thread, but I wonder if this project has had any updates now that we are kind of stuck at home...


Edit: stupid phone...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 13, 2020, 12:04:00 PM
I know I'm necromancing this thread, but I wonder if this project has had any updates now that we are kind of stuck at home...
Edit: stupid phone...

Well that's where everything Umbra will go so a bit of necromancing could be fine I guess :P

There is an update planned for Soon™. Should've gone up before, but I couldn't make it in time. It'll show some new stuff in some different fronts, including the promised retooling of Julius Belmont. Don't be overly hyped tho, we're working with fickle things here.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: BLOOD MONKEY on April 13, 2020, 05:04:27 PM
I can't wait to see Julius's new tool.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on April 14, 2020, 02:03:16 AM
Oooh! I'm excited. :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on April 14, 2020, 07:31:23 PM
Truth to be said, i'd prefer if you guys released "Umbra of Sorrow: the novel/script/text" and then, whenever it's ready. It's like, knowing the book doesn't make the movie version any less enjoyable, imo.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Dracula9 on April 16, 2020, 10:21:33 PM
there really is enough to fill a book actually lol
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on April 17, 2020, 12:23:08 PM
More to my point. Again, text and a game are clearly different experiences. And while the former can be edited more easily than the later in case developement causes changes that would affect the former...
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on April 17, 2020, 07:57:27 PM
When does the book become a voiced radio drama though? :p

But really, always happy to hear this is still kickin'. All of the projects I seem to be excited for lately are fan efforts, and this is probably the one I'm most giddy about.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on April 18, 2020, 02:07:24 AM
Vocal radio drama, or audio book would be nice for stories that can't fit (or perhaps expand more) on the base game.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on April 19, 2020, 09:57:27 AM
A vocal radio drama would be cool indeed if a game wasn't doable, as we already did a ton of music for the project :)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on April 21, 2020, 12:40:49 PM
Hello. You can consider this a type of update on the project.

The project is on hold (again) for the time being. This is because I'm sick (no, not covid). I've been very sick for a while now and although I'm seeing doctors, it's expensive, time consuming, they have not yet figured what my issue is, and my condition grows worse every day.

The team is aware that I've not been fine. I'm giving my strongest efforts recently to work and get money to continue providing my family and my health, but I've worsened to the point that sitting to type is way too much effort. Today in special, at the time of this post, I'm having difficulty even reading.

I'm not one to expose myself like this to strangers, but I've been ill long enough that I needed to say something. To anyone who needs an update, that's it. Sorry it's not the one you wanted.

If something does happen to me, someone from the team will come here and notify everyone.

EDIT: Thank you all for the wishes. I will not be updating about my condition as I have exposed myself enough. But in this case, "no update" means "good update". Hopefully the next time I post on this thread things are much better.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: piscesdreams on April 21, 2020, 02:00:03 PM
Hello. You can consider this a type of update on the project.

The project is on hold (again) for the time being. This is because I'm sick (no, not covid). I've been very sick for a while now and although I'm seeing doctors, it's expensive, time consuming, they have not yet figured what my issue is, and my condition grows worse every day.

The team is aware that I've not been fine. I'm giving my strongest efforts recently to work and get money to continue providing my family and my health, but I've worsened to the point that sitting to type is way too much effort. Today in special, at the time of this post, I'm having difficulty even reading.

I'm not one to expose myself like this to strangers, but I've been ill long enough that I needed to say something. To anyone who needs an update, that's it. Sorry it's not the one you wanted.

If something does happen to me, someone from the team will come here and notify everyone.

Damn... that's rough.  I'm sorry to hear that.  Hopefully, whatever it is, you can kick it and get back to feeling like your old self.
I hope you get to feeling well soon!
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: DraculaCronqvist on April 21, 2020, 03:24:16 PM
That sounds serious. I do hope the situation will resolve itself to a satisfactory outcome for you, soon.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on April 21, 2020, 04:37:47 PM
theplottwist@

I don't consider anyone here at the Dungeon a stranger, not even you  :)  Though it is true that none of us have met face-to-face, we have been coming here and chatting for a very long time. So in that light I don't see any strangers here. I do hope that your condition doesn't escalate any more then it already has and that you'll eventually pull through. Just take care of yourself and do the best you can do. I wish you luck.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Gardraphius on April 22, 2020, 02:26:22 AM
I cancelled my own secret fan project on the exact same day of this announcement for my own, dissimilar circumstances out of my control. And I was not met with disappointment but understanding from my very few supporters. Thankfully, in this fandom at least, you're extremely unlikely to come across anyone who would rather you put yourself in harms way than get on the path to a swift recovery. Thanks for letting us know, these things happen, and we wish you the best through these hard times.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on April 22, 2020, 03:07:08 AM
@plot: Get well soon! You can do it. I know you have the will and fortitude to combat your illness.
Also, I agree with X,  we are not strangers, we all are friends here even if we have not met personally, but you can glean each of our personalities based on the written word on the page.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladCT on July 13, 2020, 11:14:54 PM
I dunno if it's okay to revive the thread now, but now that GoS has been pretty much cancelled, are the plot details from that game still considered canon within the scope of this project?
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 14, 2020, 06:37:43 AM
I dunno if it's okay to revive the thread now, but now that GoS has been pretty much cancelled, are the plot details from that game still considered canon within the scope of this project?

I'm in kind of a pickle concerning this. As soon as the announcement came, I talked about this briefly with the team. What I arrived at is this:

The story's been rewritten to conform to what GoS contradicted, but it was little enough that I can double back and readd the elements without breaking too much stuff if ignoring GoS is possible. This is being considered.

However, even if GoS is erased completely, I think it's safe to assume that the story was drawing from Konami approval to know what could be done or not. Meaning that even if GoS ends, the story was supported by already existing ideas for CV. Of course, to know for sure, another CV contradicting GoS would have to come out. But still...

Another thing to consider is that, apparently, the JP audience has NOT received this news about GoS (at least at the time I checked). This could mean GoS is not in fact dead, just restricted. Time will tell though.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Darkmoon on July 14, 2020, 09:33:04 AM
GoS was cancelled, but it still was technically released (up to a point) in some regions. That's canon enough until Konami releases a new timeline.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on July 14, 2020, 05:15:50 PM
it's also an incompete story tho. You should dance around it, like with Bram Stoker's Dracula. Take stuff from characterization though
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Foffy on July 14, 2020, 09:11:42 PM
Unless these were big things in Umbra's original concept that got contradicted from character interactions from GoS - and knowing loremasters like Plot, he probably had some really great ideas here that probably had to change a bit - that being the most drastic thing to change doesn't seem too bad to have changed here in the grand scheme of things. The big thing I think GoS hammered home is that Alucard never personally met Jonathan and Charlotte, an idea many previously presumed that he did.

Besides that plot detail, what exactly has GoS introduced that could make things messy even if the game is essentially incomplete? Maybe there could be a hint that a group like the Elgos Order comes into being after Dracula dies? But even that seems like something that doesn't need to be foreshadowed, as it wasn't in the Sorrow games. GoS also being a terminated game only leaves the plot thread of how far Hermina gets with her plot to use the Grimoire, but that seems primarily linked to just that game.

If I as an outsider have any suggestion, it would be to still treat GoS as canon despite being a game that may likely never see an actual ending. The nature of mobile games is that many of them never get finished and their stories left undone, and that was always the central worry I had with the game. Square-Enix might be the sole company I can think of that will let a game survive long enough to actually introduce an ending in the mobile space, and even then they've cut the cord early on projects to just end them. I find it rather crazy that it seems to have come true here, and that's before the game even got off its feet. GoS was more or less a welcomed return to the original canon from Konami's perspective, but that's all that really happened. We now have three incomplete episodes in the original canon.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on July 15, 2020, 09:30:16 AM
I'd honestly just forget about GoS. It sounds like too much trouble to even remotely try and keep up with whatever Konami is doing, or failing to do. Just stick to the main series and leave out GoS. It'll be far less hair-pulling that way.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on July 16, 2020, 01:23:38 PM
(click to show/hide)

EDIT: This is no longer being done.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: SecretWeapon on July 16, 2020, 04:48:29 PM
i pmed you
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: OldSchoolArikado on October 31, 2021, 11:23:29 PM
Well, recently I saw a drawing of Junki on Twitter and also the Grimoire of Souls has come back to life so I would like to know how the project is going and how much the history of the Grimoire of Souls will affect the game.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on November 04, 2021, 09:15:54 PM
I have received requests to respond if the project is alive or not. So, pseudo-update time. I'll try to be objective and offer a bit of context where needed.
(click to show/hide)

There's the pseudo-update. Now, for something a little more positive.
(click to show/hide)

To conclude this screed:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on November 04, 2021, 09:30:08 PM
Well, recently I saw a drawing of Junki on Twitter and also the Grimoire of Souls has come back to life so I would like to know how the project is going and how much the history of the Grimoire of Souls will affect the game.

I'm responding to you in a separate post since the post above is meant as a general statement and has been linked in the front post of this thread.

As far as I know, GoS still has not moved beyond the point it was back when it was an Android beta. Whatever changes required to be done based on GoS at that point, is done. GoS has, for one, forced me to begrudgingly remove/rework the character of Charlotte in the plot. GoS is 80% decent writting, and 20% utter nonsense, with Alucard acting uncharacteristically ignorant and having zero idea about Dracula's return in the 1940s because, as a surrogate to the player, he has to have everything explained to him. And this is one instance of that.

Junki's piece is a fanart of the ideas he knows about the project. You will not see that scene in the game IF the game ever comes out.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on November 05, 2021, 07:12:02 PM
Quote
I have received requests to respond if the project is alive or not. So, pseudo-update time. I'll try to be objective and offer a bit of context where needed.
 (click to show/hide)

There's the pseudo-update. Now, for something a little more positive.
 (click to show/hide)

To conclude this screed:
 (click to show/hide)

Honestly, I never expected for this to turn into a game from the get-go. So it comes as no surprise to me that it might not make it that far. It was only a story to explain what had happened in 1999 and to answer a lot of questions people had about IGA's non-existent CV game. You crafted a good story and did all that you could, going above and beyond the call of CV duty (as much as humanly possible) to accurately tell the tale of the Demon Castle War. With a little help from the many members of the CVD community you were able to bring about a story the pretty much fills the gaps and gives us all an idea of just how things went down and who was involved story-wise. While it is a shame the game might be nothing more then a dream, let's at least count our blessings that the story was able to finally be revealed.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: theplottwist on November 06, 2021, 03:18:30 AM
Honestly, I never expected for this to turn into a game from the get-go. So it comes as no surprise to me that it might not make it that far. It was only a story to explain what had happened in 1999 and to answer a lot of questions people had about IGA's non-existent CV game. You crafted a good story and did all that you could, going above and beyond the call of CV duty (as much as humanly possible) to accurately tell the tale of the Demon Castle War. With a little help from the many members of the CVD community you were able to bring about a story the pretty much fills the gaps and gives us all an idea of just how things went down and who was involved story-wise. While it is a shame the game might be nothing more then a dream, let's at least count our blessings that the story was able to finally be revealed.

Thank you. To be honest, not 10% of the plot made it to a public place. The final form of the plot is known to very few people and it changed so much that sometimes someone will reference something written on this thread and I'll go "what? when did I say that?". Whatever happens, the plot and related content will be made public at some point.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: zangetsu468 on November 06, 2021, 04:42:12 PM
Glad to hear you’re still working on this Plotwist. Hope you’re staying well and life’s been good despite the global challenges in recent years.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: VladOfWallachia on November 08, 2021, 07:08:23 AM
Plot,

It's been a great effort, the stuff you guys have shown looks and sounds great. There's no shame in not being able to finish a project of that scope with the resources you have. Those games are made by entire teams of highly experienced full time employees, with plenty of assistance from the publisher. Resizing the scope of the project is a good idea, as I'm sure people will be excited to see even a small bit of what UoS could be.

 
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on November 13, 2021, 11:13:36 PM
I'm just hoping for a written story and not a full game.
Plot, Stay healthy. You're life is the biggest priority.
If the game side is scrapped, you can always post the story with accompanying music. hehe.
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: X on November 14, 2021, 09:47:27 AM
And don't forget the images and sprites. People love visuals  ;)
Title: Re: Castlevania: Umbra of Sorrow (1999 Fan Project)
Post by: Chernabogue on November 16, 2021, 12:33:08 PM
And don't forget the images and sprites. People love visuals  ;)
And the music ;) ;)