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The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => Fan Stuff => Topic started by: KaZudra on March 28, 2014, 08:54:09 PM

Title: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on March 28, 2014, 08:54:09 PM
I joined the Dungeon with a Castlevania 2 remake, which all assets were lost when my last computer fried.
I'm starting the project again very soon, I'm calling all willing participants!

unlike last time, I'm starting off rather small, but will gain ambition in time.

This topic will be a creature of Chaos.


The First draft of the Story is being written now.

Berkeley Mansion will be a mini-castlevania, and will share something in common with the Wayne family

Simon's Sprites will be based off of Kamoe's rendition (expansion will be done since there seems to only be 3 animations)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc09.deviantart.net%2Ffs70%2Ff%2F2012%2F322%2F3%2F7%2Fsimon_belmont_sit_animation_by_tp_kuhn-d5lf5e4.gif&hash=2b85416b4f83b0f1aaf047daa5c201c41f84d563)
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Gunlord on March 28, 2014, 10:32:14 PM
Ouch, sorry to hear about your computer, brother! Good luck starting again :D
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on March 28, 2014, 10:43:13 PM
even though it sucks, but I'm glad it happened, while yes, it was a huge letdown I did get enough time and inspiration to make a better game than before.

I'm gonna shed more light but as for now, I'm compiling spreadsheets for neat databases for when the project really gets started
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Nickodemus on March 30, 2014, 08:03:48 PM
Good luck with a new project. It is a shame that we will not see your remake of Castltvania 2. Your works (both sprites and levels) at the Deviannt art are amazing.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: BMC_War Machine on March 30, 2014, 08:24:09 PM
Hey man if you need someone to do the music and youre interested count me in! I do the SOTN metal/classical sound.check my cv3 draculas curse remake thread if you need to hear some of them.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Dracula9 on March 30, 2014, 08:42:04 PM
I'm also going to throw my musical services on the table. I'd normally offer more help, but since I'm already coding for another group (starting to regret this decision immensely :X), music and maybe the odd spriting job is about all I can offer you.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: BMC_War Machine on March 30, 2014, 08:44:44 PM
That actually sounds pretty cool man, you have 2 music volunteers lol. Maybe we could work on the same tracks together as well if thats what everyone wants   ;D Im busy with my project but I can crank out a game ready tune in one day so thats no prob 8)
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: darkmanx_429 on March 30, 2014, 08:46:15 PM
I joined the Dungeon with a Castlevania 2 remake, which all assets were lost when my last computer fried.
I'm starting the project again very soon, I'm calling all willing participants!

unlike last time, I'm starting off rather small, but will gain ambition in time.

This topic will be a creature of Chaos.


The First draft of the Story is being written now.

Berkeley Mansion will be a mini-castlevania, and will share something in common with the Wayne family

Simon's Sprites will be based off of Kamoe's rendition (expansion will be done since there seems to only be 3 animations)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc09.deviantart.net%2Ffs70%2Ff%2F2012%2F322%2F3%2F7%2Fsimon_belmont_sit_animation_by_tp_kuhn-d5lf5e4.gif&hash=2b85416b4f83b0f1aaf047daa5c201c41f84d563)

That's a nice Simon sprite you got going there!

Try using DiskDigger on your computer to recover your lost items, if your hdd is still intact...
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Dracula9 on March 30, 2014, 08:52:14 PM
The hard drive doesn't necessarily have to be in working order to recover lost data. Even if the drive itself crashes, there are ways to recover data...they're just more complicated.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on March 31, 2014, 01:51:27 AM
Feel free to use any of my existing Simon's Quest MP3s in any way you see fit.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on March 31, 2014, 10:00:36 PM
Thx Guys, now I ask a few things...


would anyone mind Simon doing a few Monologues Like Samus did in Fusion?

Let's say why Simon can't use the VK because it was stolen by a rival hunter, would that be a good subplot?

I'm thinking of Cutting some Towns and Woods, and replacing with other changes of scenery (to make the game less repetitive), good idea?

I also want the whip weapon to have upgradable Tips, Chains, and Hilts.

How would anyone feel about having Interactive parts in stages?
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on March 31, 2014, 10:31:33 PM
Quote
I'm thinking of Cutting some Towns and Woods, and replacing with other changes of scenery (to make the game less repetitive), good idea?

I would not recommend you cut anything out of the game, but instead 'diversify' them. It's true the towns all look alike but if you change each one up a bit it will help in the long-run. In terms of forests it's pretty difficult to make them not so repetitive so you'll just have to add so unique visuals to them to help (again) make them less repetitive. Differet music could help with that a lot.

Quote
would anyone mind Simon doing a few Monologues Like Samus did in Fusion?

If you plan to have Simon monologue then I would suggest you keep it simple and short. Try not to harp as we see in many Japanese works. also you could implement a journal entry for Simon so the player will know what to do next.

Quote
Let's say why Simon can't use the VK because it was stolen by a rival hunter, would that be a good subplot?

This sounds like a reasonable explanation as to why Simon doesn't have the Vampirekiller right from the get-go. I'd think on it for a few and see what pans out.

Quote
I also want the whip weapon to have upgradable Tips, Chains, and Hilts.

If your going this far you should also include different armors for Simon to wear as well. I think I'd be neat.

Quote
How would anyone feel about having Interactive parts in stages?

This could also help diversify the different areas of the game that seem repetitive.

You've got some good ideas here KaZiZ and I would love to see them in action  :D
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 01, 2014, 08:55:48 PM
How about playable IGA?
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Omegasigma on April 01, 2014, 09:15:20 PM
may I suggest you make yourself a dropbox to keep a project in? you get 2gb I think it is, and it'll work like cloud when you have it installed
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 01, 2014, 09:30:05 PM
I'm a;ready backing it up on my skydrive, super extra precautions this time, so I'll probably do dropbox too

EDIT: Simon's spriting has officially started.



(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc04.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2Ff%2F2014%2F092%2F0%2F3%2Fsimon_whip_wip_by_arcangeraziel-d7cttsr.gif&hash=50a29e4d74d2c960236e8c5ca8d5f2b71a99e98a)

A little work in progress.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: darkmanx_429 on April 03, 2014, 02:27:54 PM
I'm a;ready backing it up on my skydrive, super extra precautions this time, so I'll probably do dropbox too

EDIT: Simon's spriting has officially started.



(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc04.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2Ff%2F2014%2F092%2F0%2F3%2Fsimon_whip_wip_by_arcangeraziel-d7cttsr.gif&hash=50a29e4d74d2c960236e8c5ca8d5f2b71a99e98a)

A little work in progress.
Nice!
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: eryson on April 03, 2014, 02:45:04 PM
I'm a;ready backing it up on my skydrive, super extra precautions this time, so I'll probably do dropbox too

EDIT: Simon's spriting has officially started.



(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffc04.deviantart.net%2Ffs71%2Ff%2F2014%2F092%2F0%2F3%2Fsimon_whip_wip_by_arcangeraziel-d7cttsr.gif&hash=50a29e4d74d2c960236e8c5ca8d5f2b71a99e98a)

A little work in progress.



Woa Man! great sprite work! i look forward for this! it easily will be another legend of CV fangames!!! ;D keep great!!
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on April 03, 2014, 03:11:25 PM
Looks good  ;)  However the only suggestions I would make about it is the fact that Simon is suffering from Dracula's curse, therefore he would be wearing that bodysuit we see him in the original CV II art. The bodysuit is to hide the fact that Simon's body is rotting prematurely due to the affliction of the curse. Also lengthen the Vampirekiller a bit. It's just a tad too short. If anything the thorn whip would be that length. The chain whip would be longer then that, and finally the Vampirekiller would have the greatest reach of all the whip weapons.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on April 03, 2014, 09:50:43 PM
Do you have a black outline around Simon in order to add effects to it later on? (Invincibility flashes, poison colors)?  Or is the black just your choice?
You should take that into account right now that you're just starting with the sprite.

I love the sprite, by the way.  I was gonna suggest you use my Simon's Quest Simon, but yours is shaping up rather well:
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.inverteddungeon.com%2Fjorgefuentes%2Fimages3%2Fcv2new-simonbelmont-actionanimation1-1.gif&hash=5cbed5659227244f122e19b3429152df62e8d123)

I'm sure you've seen it but I'll post it anyways.  Always up for some Simon's Quest goodness:
(click to show/hide)

Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 03, 2014, 10:40:44 PM
@Jorge
Actually it's the original creator's choice, TP-Kuhn aka Kamoe from Spriter's Resource,original thread here (http://www.vg-resource.com/archive/index.php?thread-21946.html).
Since he did an amazing job at it but had so few animations, on top of that apparently went missing from the net for a year now, I was inspired to finish the sheet.

and yeah, come to think about it, using the outline for poison effects and such would be easy

@X
I'm going to finish the sheet as is before modifying Simon, same reason.
believe it or not, the whip is actually the exact same length as the fire whip (if you were to scale up the NES sprite to the new one).


Would anyone have a problem with MoF's Guard and Dodge mechanic over Backdash and Slide?
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on April 03, 2014, 11:45:19 PM
Quote
believe it or not, the whip is actually the exact same length as the fire whip (if you were to scale up the NES sprite to the new one).

Maybe that's why it's still on the short side, because you were using the NES length and not the ones from the latter. Why not use the length of the Vampirekiller from Rondo? Or in Simon's case, the CV X68000 PC game? Those two whips have a good length on them. Just right for the Vampirekiller. And you can work backwards from there with the other whips.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 04, 2014, 01:12:42 AM
It wouldn't hurt to add a few chain links for the Final weapon.

Also, I've determined that the Hilt upgrades would account to skills, It'll be similar to LoS (well, more metroid) with Upgrade spots on the map.
The chains will be Damage, Length, and Speed.
Tips will also be strength, Element, Special (Like bullet tip)


Since Simon's quest won't have alot of steep vertical areas, Uppercut may be a Triple Jump mechanic like Julius mode, maybe uppercutting a swinging node will allow you to hold on to it, go down and swing.


Animations Done so far...

Idle
Crouching
Running
Jumping (Straight Up, Forward)
Whip forward (Stand, Crouch, and mid-Jump)
Whip Diagonal-Up (Stand, Mid-Jump)
Whip Straigh-Up (Stand, Mid-Jump)

Animations to work on...
Stopping
Falling
Turning
Sub-weapon
Hurt
Whip Diagonal-Down
Whip straight Down
Pushing
Dodge Roll
Guard
Swinging
Uppercut
Lizard Tail (Maybe)
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Las on April 04, 2014, 02:03:22 AM
Man you dont have any previous screen shots do you. I tried the original thread link above and it's blank. I can recall on deviant art i seen a cv2 style remake(though not namesd simson's quest) it was rather dark in nature. and the grpahics were very custom..similar to that of Migs. I thought for some reason that may be yours. Some nice ideas their.. I like the whip animation. Looks like a complete differnt style but with richtres whip from sotn in place. One question i have is his guard... wouldnt he just use a shield instead? It's in that game if i recall.you have to earn one or buy it..  Ah...man. CV2 notoriouse for fake walls.. Never has a cv game had so many fake walls as cv2.. I was afraid to move to loong a distance in a manshion before i stopped periodically.. Well sounds pretty interesting!!
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: JohnMorris on April 04, 2014, 08:29:19 AM
You might want to add a ring or something that lets you see fake blocks in a short range, like the magnifying glass in Ocarina of Time.

What engine/ language will you be using?
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 09, 2014, 04:39:12 PM
Sorry it took so long, took a small weekend break.

You might want to add a ring or something that lets you see fake blocks in a short range, like the magnifying glass in Ocarina of Time.
I'm thinking I could do that with the Eye of Vlad, which would make sense, but of course that would mean that you wouldn't have to worry about fake blocks until later.

Quote
What engine/ language will you be using?
Gamemaker studio, I've seen what the it can do, and I'm confident that it'll be more than enough to handle it


Also, one big decision, Leveling may or may not be in the game...

It's either going to be more metroid, or more SoTN. but I do want plenty of secrets
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 16, 2014, 03:55:59 PM
Progress is slow, but I'm trying to build a pre-alpha debug room with gamemaker studio.

Personal thanks to Dracula9, his work on Haunted Castle is very inspiring.

Also, Music-wise, I havent shed much light on it because I don't really know where I want to go in music, I do know I want to include the catchy tunes and the soft tunes.

Also, I'm considering a Cv4 sampled tracks, example (channel also has the Samples)
Theme of Simon Belmont - SNES Style Remix (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_Sgks1sjfc#ws)

Super Castlevania IV Style - Calling From Heaven (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LqGWjfohi0#ws)

But overall not sure, Let's take it one step at a time...
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Chernabogue on April 16, 2014, 06:55:39 PM
Offering some music help too, you can check some of my old work here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLueLH_LRhv_ZHpcZmz4aKglh0uWCirHZe (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLueLH_LRhv_ZHpcZmz4aKglh0uWCirHZe)
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Dracula9 on April 22, 2014, 09:29:47 PM
Don't know if these are what you're looking for, but I cranked a couple tunes out. Nothing really new done to them, though.
http://www.mediafire.com/listen/hfwp27e7a3mapxs/Silence_of_the_Daylight.mp3 (http://www.mediafire.com/listen/hfwp27e7a3mapxs/Silence_of_the_Daylight.mp3)
http://www.mediafire.com/listen/dqbjxpdt88wm9ab/Monster_Dance.mp3 (http://www.mediafire.com/listen/dqbjxpdt88wm9ab/Monster_Dance.mp3)

I've got Jorge's CV4 soundfont, and I've got the SPC files to rip them myself if need be. So if that's the style you're gearing for, I can manage that.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 23, 2014, 02:48:16 AM
Holy Cuss! that softer, slower Silence of Daylight is the exact mood how (I think) the town should sound like, Monster Dance is amazing and a perfect contrast to the previous track.

I think I'm locking in on the Castlevania 4 soundfont, there is something about it that packs it's own atmosphere, much like the Castlevania 64 Soundfont.

Aaaaand I apoligize once again for slow progress, I've had a friend stay over and long story short he overstayed his welcome, no worries though I'm fresh with new Ideas.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on April 23, 2014, 03:54:27 AM
Quote
I'm thinking I could do that with the Eye of Vlad, which would make sense, but of course that would mean that you wouldn't have to worry about fake blocks until later.

Vlad's eye actually allows you to see through illusions in the original SQ, though I've never used it.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Aridale on April 23, 2014, 03:46:13 PM
It lets you see the items inside blocks you can break with holy water. Not a whole lot of use in the original game unless you just dont know where stuff is. Mainly its useful to find the books
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: julianbelmontxx1 on April 23, 2014, 09:17:39 PM
it(Dracula´s eyeball) can be more useful if it lets you see the enemy HP and the fake walls and fake floors.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 23, 2014, 10:30:24 PM
Still deciding if I want Relics to have a Passive or Active ability, perhaps both. I know that each Piece will be needed for certain sections.

Eye of Vlad
Reveals Illusions; Fake walls and floors, Think of it as an eye of truth

Heart of Vlad
Absorbs Immortal Blood, Makes Red Skeletons Killable

Might make this one unique, Kill red skeletons to fill it up, activating a second effect

Ring of Vlad
Allows Simon to Walk on Water, an effective alternative to spamming laurels crossing that bog section

Fang of Vlad
Can't think of anything in context, except for allowing 20% Lifesteal to basic attacks

Rib of Vlad
Will Grant the ability of using an Upgradable shield; Shield will block and eventually reflect Projectiles


If anyone wants to help out on making Drac's pieces more purposeful I'm welcome to any suggestions
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on April 24, 2014, 02:03:32 AM
Actually I think you've got every body part squared away good. But don't forget that without Dracula's Heart the ferryman won't take you to where Dracula's Eye is.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: uzo on April 24, 2014, 11:59:06 AM
Poison immunity might work better than walk on water. See also ferryman being important for water traversal.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 24, 2014, 10:39:12 PM
I'm thinking of giving the Ferryman his own Relic or item so I can make Drac's body parts have a power more... appropriate. That being said, would anybody be too against Simon having shields at the start of the game?

To elaborate, The Heart will be interesting if I can do it right,

Carmilla's Mansion will be filled with Blood Skeletons, also doors locked, only opens to "those with immortal blood". You will make your way through the open areas to find the heart, dead, and you must kill Red Skeletons to fill it with blood (Will come up with a way to make it work), opening the blood doors and a few obstacles eventually leading up to Carmilla. Killing Her will trigger the heart to come back to life.

How does that sound?
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on April 25, 2014, 03:27:21 AM
That sounds pretty sweet! Carmilla definitely did not have a good showing in SQ as it was just her mask. So I think this'll give her much more true CV treatment like she had in Rondo. I'd still keep the Heart/Ferryman crossing thing intact though. The Heart maybe symbolic to the Ferryman (like a key of proof), as a means of seeing you as being ready to face the next challenge. Without the Heart he will not guide you to the Eye no-matter what. The Heart can still have more then one function (and I like the idea you brought for it) however I still see it as the necessary means of payment across the river. No greater symbol then the Heart that was strong enough to survive the grave on sheer will alone.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Dracula9 on April 25, 2014, 07:15:31 PM
SCVIV songs it is, then.

https://www.mediafire.com/?hm8cq3n0qf0rzpt,8zazkzq3g48n3oq,6g11f0iguygg49i,6r89t1a3zf3fl50 (https://www.mediafire.com/?hm8cq3n0qf0rzpt,8zazkzq3g48n3oq,6g11f0iguygg49i,6r89t1a3zf3fl50)

Was gonna just go for the normal Bloody Tears, but that ran the risk of it sounding too similar to SCVIV's version.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 28, 2014, 08:59:15 AM
it sounds good, but it's missing that groovy bass, but the Town theme sound amazing

I have a Creative Liberty question,
The Mystery woman whom tells Simon of his curse, I want to change her from being a random to someone with significance, I have a few Ideas...

Carmilla is the woman, working for dracula or her own accord, either way her goal involves Simon dead, this could work because Carmilla wears a mask

it could be Sara (from LoI) Communicating through the whip to finish Dracula, could work since Simon's VK gets stolen by a rival hunter

or give your own input, I'm just factoring who could have this knowledge and tell simon
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on April 28, 2014, 03:07:44 PM
The woman in the graveyard is already significant since she's been part of the backstory of CV II since, well...CV II was first produced. That was a long time ago :o   I'd also personally leave Sara as within the whip and not manifesting physically since that's never happened to any other Belmont, not even to her beloved Leon. It would be better for your game to stand on it's own but have that 'part two' connection to SCV4 as you are intending.

The Carmilla idea does have some merit as her and Dracula probably don't see eye to eye. In Vampire D Bloodlust Dracula had killed Carmilla because he considered her a great threat to the nobility of vampires, and also to humanity. Carmilla is very much an 'out of control' b***h in heat. Always hunting for the next woman to sexually suck the life out of. Dracula is the only vampire powerful enough to keep tabs on her and when he's alive she has no choice but to obey. This would no-doubt rub her the wrong way on so many levels as she would rather do things she loves her way. Her appearance to Simon in the graveyard could be a ploy of hers to get Simon to permanently kill Dracula and thus leave her to carry on as she wants to. But yeah Sara is already within the whip so I doubt she would be able to manifest. But in the end it's all your decision bro  ;)
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Dracula9 on April 29, 2014, 03:38:08 PM
Gotta be "that guy" for a minute, X. VHD Bloodlust was more-or-less based on Demon Deathchase of the novella, which didn't divulge terribly much on the Sacred Ancestor beyond his involvement with the village. But you're right, though. Carmilla's fucking crazy.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on April 29, 2014, 10:11:34 PM
....and with that, I want Carmilla to be a bigger character. It should have been obvious to me in the first place.

Carmilla will inform Simon about Dracula in hopes to overthrow him and take his place. Maybe I can have an alternate ending where you spare Carmilla and she claims the throne, taking Drac's powers too.

I'm also deciding to make sub-plots a bit episodic, The entire Carmilla plot will come to light and resolve in context. same with Death and the others.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: uzo on April 30, 2014, 05:55:32 AM
I had always supposed that the woman was Sara, from the whip, letting Simon know this. Probably the most fitting in a general context.

However, the idea of Carmilla pulling some crazy plot by letting Simon know whats going on actually sound really awesome. I can see it going something like this.

There are three factions at work here. Simon for the side of humanity and looking to break the curse. Death looking to continue the plan Dracula set into motion and wait out the curse while protecting the parts from Simon. And finally Carmilla looking to take this opportunity to replace Dracula as the Lord of Darkness.

Carmilla wants to take Dracula's throne. In order to do this, perhaps she needs his remains to absorb (or use) his power or something. Perhaps she needs them to be separated forever, preventing his resurrection? Death wouldn't allow Carmilla to collect them. Effectively there is no way that Carmilla would be able to collect them all before Death was on to her betrayal, especially since Death has one of the parts if I recall correctly from CVII.

Now thinking of this, she would WANT Simon to start causing problems to create a diversion so she can somehow snag all the parts. This may include a plan where Simon collects them for her and she swoops in to kill Simon or set him up in a way that she could take them. Perhaps Simon is the only one capable of 'killing' Death, the main obstacle in Carmilla's plan.

It's sort of a baseline to work with. It may cause a reorder of bosses to take place in order to work right but it may be worth it if the plot pays off well.

I've had a few ideas on ways to remake Simon's Quest with an actual narrative, as I've thought about doing it myself at one point.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on April 30, 2014, 03:07:54 PM
Quote
It's sort of a baseline to work with. It may cause a reorder of bosses to take place in order to work right but it may be worth it if the plot pays off well.

Actually not much of a change is needed. Here's how it could work out; You only fight her mask in the mansion so that could be left as is, but Carmilla herself can be reserved for showing up later in the game, say, when Simon has all of Dracula's body parts. And you know that segment in CV II that seems to be a dead end nearby Castlevania's entrance? Though it looks as if there was supposed to be something there but the developers never bothered? You could have a new area there which would be great for Carmilla's tomb. She contacts you again in her sprite guise and directs you to the unmarked tomb saying something like "Dracula is here. End the curse at his tomb" which turns out to be an utter lie. Then you fight and slay her.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on May 02, 2014, 05:08:36 AM
Story wise, this is a bit of a breakthrough.

The Mysterious lady will be Carmilla, whom continues to help you (a little) until the point of revelation. Her plan is to over-throw Dracula and take his place as the Queen of Darkness.
Killing 'Carmilla' is just killing the mask, a perfect cover.

Death will be busy trying to resurrect Dracula. but we'll figure out his part.

Dracula will have some dialogue, I'm thinking of going with a ballsy move and try something not done before...

Since Simon is hunting down Dracula's remains, and destroying the malicious forces along the way, I want the final showdown to be... a bit emotional.

Dracula's wraith is defeated, but the Count is still resurrected. but sitting in the throne is what's left of him, a pitiful creature filled with regret. He'll Tell Simon that his act against god is now his eternal punishment, He'll never even know if he'll see 'her' again. a few more lines and finally asks Simon to kill him hoping this will end his own curse.

Originally I wanted Dracula to resurrect and you'll have to fight Drac in a composing Castle, but I really want to show a different side of dracula, the man filled with remorse and sorrow, never knowing when he'll rise again, never knowing if he would remember why he's here in the first place. Someone who wants to accept death trying to deny his immortality.

what do you guys think?



Also I would love to thank you guys directly for everything so far.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: uzo on May 02, 2014, 01:04:47 PM
One thing to keep in mind is that Death does NOT want to resurrect Dracula (yet). The plan is to keep Simon away from the body parts, so he cannot resurrect Dracula and lift Dracula's curse to on Simon. Once Simon is dead then Dracula can come back.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on May 02, 2014, 02:46:30 PM
I'm iffy about how you want to handle Dracula's character. It's essentially building upon IGA's version of the character when that was not the Dracula we were presented with in the early NES titles. I'm not sure if it's going to work out well. If you think you can pull it off then by all means, have at it. But personally it's not something I would do.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: uzo on May 02, 2014, 07:03:20 PM
I think the idea of giving Dracula that kind of outlook works much better later on in the timeline. I see the NES trilogy Dracula as still being a rotten spiteful bastard who hasn't been beaten too much yet, and there by wouldnt really be thinking of that too much at this point.

Edit: Extended thought: This could start to be the turning point though where Dracula may doubt he has the chops to win these battles. I wouldn't over blow it, but some really subtle tone of maybe he'll never win might work.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Dracula9 on May 02, 2014, 07:26:37 PM
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Dracula's wraith is defeated, but the Count is still resurrected. but sitting in the throne is what's left of him, a pitiful creature filled with regret. He'll Tell Simon that his act against god is now his eternal punishment, He'll never even know if he'll see 'her' again. a few more lines and finally asks Simon to kill him hoping this will end his own curse.

Originally I wanted Dracula to resurrect and you'll have to fight Drac in a composing Castle, but I really want to show a different side of dracula, the man filled with remorse and sorrow, never knowing when he'll rise again, never knowing if he would remember why he's here in the first place. Someone who wants to accept death trying to deny his immortality.

what do you guys think?

Actually, that's pretty much dead-on what I'm wanting to do with Haunted Castle. I'm 100% with you on that side of Dracula getting more limelight, but I don't know how well that would work in CVII's (or Haunted Castle's, for that matter) context. Granted, I have the excuse of HC having next to no storyline to begin with, but CVII at least has a little bit written already. Like uzo said, I don't really think Drac is quite ready for that point in his emotional journey. The first three games always struck me as him still being in that Mathias-esque period where he's still pissed off at God and humanity in general and hasn't been through and suffered enough to really dwell on his situation.

Remember, Kaz, that unfathomable emotional turmoil isn't something that develops quickly. In the case of Dracula, it would have to be something he developed over centuries of overwhelming and total defeat at the hands of those humans he feels so superior to. Something he has had generations upon generations to think about; to truly consider the divine irony of the situation he put himself in. Uzo's "rotten spiteful bastard" bit is more fitting for CVII's place in the timeline, if you ask me.

That being said, I think you may be able to pull it off if you really divulge all the petty details and present the concepts well enough. Don't get discouraged or anything.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on May 07, 2014, 06:50:59 AM
Actually Dracula9, I have to agree with you and uzo. The idea of sad Dracula is a good one, but not ready this early in the timeline. I'm going to hang on to that idea for another project, on the bright side, Carmilla's story does work rather well...

Also, I've been working on the Berkeley mansion. At the moment I'm just Pasting updated tiles over the old, recoloring them, and seeing if they work. The idea is to essentially remap the Mansions, theme them, but keep most of the original palette. Right now It's looking more like a modified demon guest house... which isn't too bad since I do want the mansion to look rather like a mansion.

Also I really do need help on setting themes to the other Mansions, of course Death will be a clock tower.


I uploaded the WIP Sheet on Simon. Only tools that I use is Paint XP (the only one I'm used to using LOL) Feedback Appreciated!
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: uzo on May 07, 2014, 09:21:26 PM
Another thing to consider. If the woman is Carmilla, it may be wise to make sure Simon isn't holding the whip while that scene plays out. It's been shown that the whip can somehow let a Belmont know when there are enemies present. It seems to sense undead creatures. Simon's 'Belmont Sense' would be tingling if Carmilla approached him while he has the whip with him. Also take time of day into consideration, cause you know, vampires and shit.

A few changes might have to be made based on these. Something to consider at least.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on May 07, 2014, 10:26:49 PM
It should be okay for the intro scene with Carmilla in the graveyard since Simon does not start out with the Vampirekiller. There would be nothing to tip him off about her. But later-on when he does have it, it will let him know that the woman he's meeting with is in fact a vampire. What you might want to do KaZiZ is sit down and write out a rough draft of the game's story. Just so you know where and how things are going to be. This will help you immensely and you won't get confused during the development. And if a new element should find it's way into the game then you can figure out where it needs to go.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: uzo on May 08, 2014, 02:37:43 PM
That presents a problem with the setting of the story though. If you take the current canon and details of the franchise into account; Why DOESN'T he have the Vampire Killer? That's something that will have to be explained very carefully.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on May 08, 2014, 02:47:17 PM
That's very true, however KaZiZ came up with a sub-plot very early on in this thread to explain it (Glad I remembered).

Quote
Let's say why Simon can't use the VK because it was stolen by a rival hunter, would that be a good subplot?

This is about the only way for Simon not to have the vampirekiller right off the bat.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: uzo on May 08, 2014, 07:32:34 PM
That will take one hell of an explanation. Belmonts can take down armies of the undead, but can't keep track of their own whip?

(Would the whip even allow for it?)
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on May 08, 2014, 10:34:44 PM
Well the whip itself is inanimate all on it's own, and can only be used by a Belmont. Other then that it's just a morning star whip. The rival hunter would not be able to use it (like Johnathon can't in PoR) and probable doesn't realize this fact. Maybe after a failed attempt of trying to use it he sells it to a merchant saying "Good riddance to bad rubbish!" and later on Simon sees it and buys it back. All this could be explained in the story by speaking to townsfolk who relay the tale to Simon. We don't see the rival hunter but we do know of him and his failed attempt of grandeur.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on May 08, 2014, 11:24:31 PM
The whip will be stolen by a Rival hunter in hopes he can kill Dracula himself, he blames Simon for not "finishing Dracula" and thus his family (loved one, not sure yet) was killed within the 7 years, you will fight him a few times.

As for Simon, in his position, has lived in peace for some time, but as he grows weaker over time, he has been informed that Dracula wasn't completely dead. In his eyes he has failed the people, and his bloodline but he is the only one who can fix this as well.

Carmilla's Part is a bit complex, She knows Simon's weakness but she knows she cannot overthrow Dracula herself... To avoid suspicion, she decides to aid Simon, as long as she tells him only what he "needs" to hear. It's a bit perfect since I never intended the Lady to be Carmilla, but I did intend to give her a bigger role to help Simon more.

Death's Part will be to keep Dracula in his current state, if the curse continues and Simon dies, Dracula will come back stronger than ever, His part is still WIP.

-Side Stories-

Each Mansion will have a story with it, none are final but the intention to have the story is...

-The flooded Mansion-
Boss and Story WIP, I'm thinking of a cult plot.

-Slogra and Gaibon's revenge-
Armored with a vengence, more of a humor story, this details the duo's struggle for a rematch.

-The Maiden in the Palace-
More of a homage to LoS, in Carmilla's mansion, one of Carmilla's maidens is unhappy with her new life, thus helps Simon in his journey.

-Wavering faith-
After his son was turned into a vampire, a priest is having second thoughts in his faith in god.



I do intend to write out the story in detail, but at the moment I'm trying to uniform a blueprint, no sidestories will be included in the first Draft because it's not really part of the plot.

Also, a small bit of tilework on Mansion 1
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: VladCT on May 08, 2014, 11:34:23 PM
I'm more concerned with the "howdunnit" part of the rival stealing the VK. Does he just sort of mug Simon while he's weakened by the curse?
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: uzo on May 09, 2014, 12:09:42 AM
SImon was still able to trek through the countryside through mansions, lands, bosses, and STILL kill Dracula at the end. He's no pussy, even when weakened. It's something that needs to be thought about carefully.

Personally I can't think of any real explanation for the theft of the whip. It seems ridiculous, since Simon is still capable of all the above even under the curse.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: theplottwist on May 09, 2014, 02:56:17 AM
Personally I can't think of any real explanation for the theft of the whip. It seems ridiculous, since Simon is still capable of all the above even under the curse.

And I agree... Simon having his whip stolen seems kinda silly...

Why don't you have the whip be weakened because of the curse placed on Simon? He's cursed, thus he can't wield the whip to it's fullest as it simply won't respond to Simon. The VK recognizes him as a vampire because of the curse placed on him. Have it be like PoR. The VK spends the whole game as the weakest weapon, and by having all of Dracula's Relics he can meet a wizard/alchemist that uses them to "reverse engineer" the curse and find a "loophole" in it for Simon to be able to wield the VK again even while cursed.

I mean... It's a suggestion only dude...
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Jorge D. Fuentes on May 09, 2014, 07:00:14 PM
I think this explanation is easier:
-Simon's Curse is making the whip reject him.  Even touching it is beginning to hurt him.
-Simon still has no heirs so he is the last to hold the whip, as well as the best wielder.  Anyone else who attempts to wield the whip is too much of a novice to handle its awesome power.
-After much consideration, Simon decides to leave the whip behind.  He has heard stories of legendary warriors who have vanquished Dracula without the holy relic, so he knows it is possible (you can tie in a small blurb about Hector in CoD, or work in something about how Christopher defeated Dracula while not holding the VK, since his son had it... AND he beat his son*).

It's a better explanation than "Some dude just ran off with it when I was drunk and hanging out with wenches at the tavern".

*It is not confirmed whether Soleiyu has the VK or Christopher has the VK upon Soleiyu's initiation ceremony. 
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on May 09, 2014, 07:16:44 PM
I can do that, And the Rival hunter can Still be in the game. (Rival hunter is more of a symbolic reminder of Simon's failure to kill Dracula the first time).

The change will give a more reason to not feature the VK in the game, but it will be a secret weapon only obtainable by finding Iga in a cave and doing the konami code (This will really be in the game)

Also Thanks guys for tearing apart that idea and exposing it for how silly it was AND giving a better, more canon friendly explanation.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: uzo on May 09, 2014, 08:04:46 PM
What if the Crystal Knights are tied into it?

It may need some reworking of things, since you get the crystals from them in the original. But how about them forming as a result of Simon's failure? Like a band of the local knights got together and decided to team up to protect the people from the undead coming back.

Perhaps the ones who still respect Simon are the ones who give you the orbs.

Likewise, your rival hunter could be one of them.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on May 09, 2014, 11:40:19 PM
Quote
but it will be a secret weapon only obtainable by finding Iga in a cave and doing the konami code (This will really be in the game)

LOL! Personally I'm iffy about this. IGA's Japanese and there were no Japanese in Romania during the 1600s. I just don't think it would fit well with CVII but that's me.

Quote
What if the Crystal Knights are tied into it?

It may need some reworking of things, since you get the crystals from them in the original. But how about them forming as a result of Simon's failure? Like a band of the local knights got together and decided to team up to protect the people from the undead coming back.

Perhaps the ones who still respect Simon are the ones who give you the orbs.

Likewise, your rival hunter could be one of them.

uzo's suggestion seems to fit better IMO. The Crystal Knights are already in CVII so giving them more of an important role in the game wouldn't hurt, but enhance them and the story a bit. And like he said the rival hunter could be a member of their order. In fact he may have been ordered to confiscate the whip by order of his Grand Master due to Simon's failure, thinking that they themselves are more worthy to wield vampirekiller. But of course the order would not realize that only a Belmont can wield it, thus nothing ever becomes of their plan.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on May 10, 2014, 12:43:36 AM
LOL! Personally I'm iffy about this. IGA's Japanese and there were no Japanese in Romania during the 1600s. I just don't think it would fit well with CVII but that's me.
It's based off of SOMEONE's signature "Gabriel and Laura go into a cave and find... IGA"
If changes along the way, I do wanna keep it as a secret gag, most likely accessible only after you beat the game.
Most likely it'll unlock a Playable IGA, probably some 4th wall material, as a way to tribute IGA's contribution to Castlevania and have a few laughs
Quote
uzo's suggestion seems to fit better IMO. The Crystal Knights are already in CVII so giving them more of an important role in the game wouldn't hurt, but enhance them and the story a bit. And like he said the rival hunter could be a member of their order. In fact he may have been ordered to confiscate the whip by order of his Grand Master due to Simon's failure, thinking that they themselves are more worthy to wield vampirekiller. But of course the order would not realize that only a Belmont can wield it, thus nothing ever becomes of their plan.
This could go down like this.
Simon leaves behind the VK, travels to Transylvania
Rival Hunter is sent to retrieve VK around that time (possibly tipped off by Carmilla)
Crystal Knights act like a small Brotherhood of light, but formed through desperation
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on May 10, 2014, 05:58:57 AM
Quote
It's based off of SOMEONE's signature "Gabriel and Laura go into a cave and find... IGA"

*chuckle*
Quote
If changes along the way, I do wanna keep it as a secret gag, most likely accessible only after you beat the game.
Most likely it'll unlock a Playable IGA, probably some 4th wall material, as a way to tribute IGA's contribution to Castlevania and have a few laughs

Are you gonna give him his fedora, unruly facial & head hair, and play some 'indie' music in the background, lol?
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: KaZudra on May 13, 2014, 07:17:53 AM
*chuckle*
Are you gonna give him his fedora, unruly facial & head hair, and play some 'indie' music in the background, lol?

don't sound like a bad idea....

Also, update, I'm doing some artsy stuff, I want to make sure I want to capture the old NES colorful areas but also use proper color wheel complements while at the same him use a semi-modern Sotn-ish tiling.


Also, is it even possible to make a game widescreen in gamemaker?
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: X on May 13, 2014, 02:55:29 PM
Quote
Also, update, I'm doing some artsy stuff, I want to make sure I want to capture the old NES colorful areas but also use proper color wheel complements while at the same him use a semi-modern Sotn-ish tiling.

Rondo of Blood I feel did just this very well.

Quote
Also, is it even possible to make a game widescreen in gamemaker?

It should. I don't see why not.
Title: Re: Calling all participants!
Post by: Shiroi Koumori on May 14, 2014, 04:52:23 AM
IGA in a cave and playable IGA! Go for it!  :)