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The Castlevania Dungeon Forums => Hardcore Gaming 101 => Topic started by: Dracula9 on April 30, 2016, 04:23:05 AM

Title: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on April 30, 2016, 04:23:05 AM

Kinda wondering why I never put a thread about this up here.

Anyway, this has been my project baby for some five-odd years now, going back when it didn't have a name or really even know what it wanted to be. Been a slow slow going to get it where it's at, but I'm okay with that as the current result's not too shabby.

So, where to start. I suppose I should give the standard briefing in that this is a MMX fan project, and as per the title is centered on Robot Jesu-err, I mean Zello Zelatin Zops--err, I mean Zero, with gameplay and a campaign arc exclusive to his route of things.

Plot helps, so let's divulge a bit of that. There's a TL;DR version and the full version, whichever is preferable.

(click to show/hide)

Following the defeat of Lumine, the world breathes safely.

Sigma's body had been destroyed outside of the Earth's atmosphere, where
the Virus couldn't spread and propogate itself. The new-gen Reploids no
longer seem to go Maverick as frequently with the Sigma Virus dissipated.

However, that peace was to be short-lived.

Sigma had long planned for a way to ensure his continued existence, a plan
which went unnoticed by all. Through a series of defeats and reappearances
he strategically made the world grow accustomed to his ongoing presence
and attacks, all the while using a spy network to remain informed about any
and all plans regarding handling of his Virus.

He eventually learned of the plans to create a new generation of Reploids,
ones that would be built to be immune to the Virus and unable to be turned
Maverick by its effects. However, such a system would contain parameters
which would be blacklisted within the system itself; meaning, Sigma's own
electronic DNA would be contained in tiny amounts of each Reploid's
systems, so that the electronic brain would know what to resist and delete.

Once information of this new system reached Sigma, he laid the foundation
for his ultimate plot.

By allowing himself to be destroyed on the moon, Sigma ensured that his
DNA could not repopulate itself as it would on Earth. However, his DNA
and consciousness would remain preserved in all the new-gen Reploids.

Sigma let himself to be defeated, biding his time and letting the world
upgrade all of its primary systems and technology to accomodate the
new-gen Reploids and their enhanced internal data.

Once the world's systems were compatible with the new-gen Reploids, Sigma
sprang his plan into action. Re-activating himself through the online network
of all the new-gen Reploids, Sigma spread throughout the planet like a
parasite, at a speed which devastated any chance of pre-emptive action.

By using the new-gen Reploids as a conduit to the rest of the Earth's
technological systems, Sigma had effectively gained complete and utter
control over all modern systems on the planet.

Strife and pandemonium ensued, as Sigma's now almost-universal forces
wreaked havoc all over the globe, with every unit of Maverick Hunters
struggling to even match their enemy's pace.

Sigma himself, now a global stream of digital consciousness, set up his main
base of operations, from which he could rule the world. Knowing full well he
would encounter X and Zero once again in their seemingly-eternal battle,
Sigma plotted a location suitable enough to be worthy of the final round of
their perpetual "game."

Caring no longer to bring X under his wing, Sigma's witnessing of Zero's
"awakening" during the Eurasia incident caused him to abandon his desire
for X, and focus solely on acquiring Zero and his power into his ranks. This
desire for Zero's loyalty made Sigma's choice in a fortress an easy one.

He unearthed, rebuilt, and set up his base of operations in the antiquated
and derelict structure he first found Zero in so many years before, and with
an eagerly twisted delight invited Zero alone to join him there for the final
moves on the board to be played out.

With X's skills being enlisted in other heavily-assaulted areas around the
world, it rests on Zero's shoulders alone to undertake this mission.

It will all end at the place where it all began.

(click to show/hide)

Sigma's wrecking shit again, only this time he's Skynet and X is too busy to help you with anything.

(I feel it somewhat necessary to put it out there that the amount of canon-digging I've done for the Megaman series to write this plot (including the elements I've not posted) might very well give Umbra a run for its money. Shit's got more holes than the Castlevania continuity, yo.)

Now for the fun stuff. I could link to individual things, but posting the playlists where everything's up is much more pragmatic.

So here's the (publicized) OST thus far:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBdL0iJj-imbyvzo7EiZ7z_3ediMLJ3xW (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBdL0iJj-imbyvzo7EiZ7z_3ediMLJ3xW)

And the gameplay/showcase playlist, though it should be noted that most of the videos in said playlist are dated in quite a few ways compared to the current build.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBdL0iJj-imaZnG7yk_2fkE23VH8-iyDc (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBdL0iJj-imaZnG7yk_2fkE23VH8-iyDc)

Blaggggh, what else...a few screencaps! Some of them are older, though, and it'll be rather obvious which ones those are.

(click to show/hide)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FTUwN8xx.png&hash=fe9bd4783aa5825e4fc423009d5c261f210664c2)

A showcase of the main bosses and a few sprites of those which are done:

(click to show/hide)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F2DSzEnf.png&hash=b1112586f20609527c2c944a02323fb663492356)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fm6LUxqz.png&hash=3668969f4e4ae79b15a2678c1f5ef82452490449)

And lastly, some .gifs of various stuff.

(click to show/hide)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FQL7jTrb.gif&hash=45168c6b2b4654a4f9ca12dd730b560feb160c72) (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsprites-inc.co.uk%2Fgallery%2F48_24_06_15_7_35_31.gif&hash=dad109ce47889e3300118a4a4dab9102eca79c39) (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F52nich9.gif&hash=57ffadf0f511f4dce52451f168e2d9bec1eed45d)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FSPO8UJa.gif&hash=760a0a46ade82a0b6398086e7ddf8807c4c34117) (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F4H8mURu.png&hash=c6c746333b396760844e29cc1ae252cbe7d14dfd) (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F0QDWZbk.gif&hash=9373e60d2b45141a9fef607637ea37a7c85e27b5)
(https://i.imgur.com/Ki0uGVx.gif) (https://imgur.com/iwPAAoh.gif) (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F5RRtJVy.gif&hash=bfde5d1fec60afbe612efa484c2e0bded5f55ae0)
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2Fj3mpuMz.gif&hash=f7cbf826dfe4bafbaebfa86dac80bb48cafc5158) (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FH1af7eM.gif&hash=bd04e49f6eb374de40e100b8fee6a3c4777a2421) (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgifyu.com%2Fimages%2Fdark77436.gif&hash=374a6eff81df3c4d1f8573c0276429dab2bb3435)

And now some .gifs that can only be described as "shenanigans I make when stuff breaks and/or I get bored.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FjtdWpKk.gif&hash=c79fd50f97836a56b58e9a3bf733939024366dfd) (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FEb64sXp.gif&hash=430b54cf8be330d8c697757cda0df2f3342166a1) (https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2FtLoOGEF.gif&hash=9e6bcbccfc2abff4bbdd0d93e7895bb0046c81c5)

So that's the flashy stuff I've got to show for it. I could do other things like post code or whatever but that's selectively interesting to I think like maybe five or six people on the entire board.

I'll update this thread of course, but if anyone's interested or cares enough for more "official" channels, I have this:

https://www.facebook.com/MMXVariableZero (https://www.facebook.com/MMXVariableZero)

Also, feel free to check out Jason Applegate (http://mrapplegate.deviantart.com/) and ToastieMan (http://toastieman.deviantart.com/) on dA, as they've been cranking out the conceptual art for a lot of the project so far and doing a damn fine job at it (though bear in mind some things posted might not be "in" anymore, or may be altered in appearance and storyline importance from the time in which the art was uploaded).

Anywho, that's all for now.  :)

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: VladCT on April 30, 2016, 05:01:19 AM

A couple questions:

• Does this game consider Command Mission, which happened sometime after X8 as canon?
• If so, does this game take place between X8 and CM, and is Axl currently busy recovering from Lumine's attack? If not, is Axl dead or going to die some time in the game?

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: KaZudra on April 30, 2016, 11:08:29 AM

About time you posted this...
I am greatly looking forward to it

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: VladCT on April 30, 2016, 03:21:27 PM

Also something I just noticed: you seem to have some sort of Omega Boost mode in the works. Will that mode have adverse effects immediately or in the long run?

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on April 30, 2016, 03:44:11 PM

Command Mission isn't counted insofar that there are plot details directly referencing the events of it, but if it did this would take place after. Axl's off in another part of the world fighting, same as X.

Omega Mode is a lategame ability/password mode for subsequent playthroughs.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: ProjectDread on April 30, 2016, 04:15:51 PM

I had no idea you were a programmer. This was built in Game Maker: Studio? Looks awesome, can't wait to try it out!

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on April 30, 2016, 04:45:25 PM

I don't like Studio. This is being built in 8.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: BMC_War Machine on May 02, 2016, 07:16:38 PM

As an avid MM fan, this looks killer dude! I'm sure you got it covered but if you ever need some metal remixes let me know!  ;D

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on May 02, 2016, 09:59:44 PM

I'd never have a use for them in-game, but don't let me stop you if you want to cover any of the tracks.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on June 13, 2016, 09:46:08 AM

Oh hey an update woop woop

So this stage is being constructed at last, much to my enjoyment. Nothing like killing things WAY UP IN THE SKY RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A MOTHERFUCKIN' LIGHTNING STORM, right?

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUtLGVtj.gif&hash=1b2b66ea328e6f00e614cad2f523e9b0f7cda1ae)

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on June 20, 2016, 03:36:37 PM

Say hi to everyone's favorite bald antagonist!

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FGuyY59b.gif&hash=f20e3a9cb49bce5c2827f2b44761f0b343198b0d)

(click to show/hide)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpre09.deviantart.net%2F0552%2Fth%2Fpre%2Fi%2F2016%2F147%2Fb%2F9%2Fsigma_reborn_by_mrapplegate-da3ddbb.jpg&hash=acd02ecbd152017cbcf3382ed5571d83223e70f4)

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: theplottwist on June 20, 2016, 07:20:10 PM

How long to animate the green effect and how hard will be to animate it while Sigma moves?

And why does his cape "flash"? Is it like an hologram?

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on June 21, 2016, 03:39:29 AM

Just a scrolling layer underneath lines rendered transparent--not very difficult at all.

Yes. This body isn't entirely physical.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Eric Roman on June 21, 2016, 07:53:47 PM

DISCO FLAMENCO.  Dude, this fan game looks fucking boss!!!  Also, that zombie holographic data Sigma looks DOPE!  Undead and virtual, it's totally in line with our current sentiments.  You definitely have something you can work with outside of this fangame. 

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on June 25, 2016, 08:49:45 PM

I got bored.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on June 26, 2016, 02:19:40 PM

Yay mugshot stuffs

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Forig01.deviantart.net%2F89f4%2Ff%2F2016%2F178%2F9%2F3%2Fmmx__variable_zero___tesla_coatl_mugshots_by_dracula9antichapel-da7tv9u.png&hash=dcfe31e2edbdc3758f8515f0c9173fcf7e7f61bd)

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on June 29, 2016, 03:19:47 PM

Psi-XI is starting to work as he should--if he knows where you are and you're not far enough away to elude him, not even stage obstacles will keep you safe.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FNRFQm16.png&hash=9b3ab88114aa8203262856082afae7dc3ad05831)

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Kale on July 01, 2016, 03:29:07 AM

Question, any reason you're using this sprite set vs x4/5/6?

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Claimh Solais on July 01, 2016, 05:31:15 AM

Quote from: Kale on July 01, 2016, 03:29:07 AM

Question, any reason you're using this sprite set vs x4/5/6?

Can't really speak for D9, but the X4/5/6 sprite set are usually seen as inferior in quality, despite technically being better (larger, more colors, etc.) And I'd agree with that sentiment, that overall the X1/2/3 style just looks nicer.

Also, I'd imagine it's probably easier to design graphics in the smaller 1/2/3 style, anyway.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on July 01, 2016, 04:26:33 PM

Because the PSX style is inconsistent as fuck and never really figures out what it wants to be, therefore I have no real consistent basis to go by in regards to emulating it. Seriously. Look at X, then at General, then at Eregion, then at Final X4 Sigma, then at Hell Sigma, then at Nightmare Mother, then at Blizzard Wolfang, then at the X4 stage select, then at Gamma Sigma, and then at the D-1000. Then try to find a consistent style. Trick question, you can't.

It's also rather ugly and overly shine-heavy and I really don't like it.

SNES style is much cleaner and gives me far more options for striking visual design that doesn't require whoring solid-white highlights on everything.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: KaZudra on July 01, 2016, 04:59:27 PM

Yeah, PSX MMX was very inconsistent,
X4 was pretty consistent, but all the pre-rendering in X5 and Blaze phoenix in general sports all the flaws.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on July 04, 2016, 10:41:08 AM

Also, work has begun on a new enemy class.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZHATRDd.png&hash=c74d79f217e5747b33d3e4c5a49a0fc42b1d3f5b)

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on July 08, 2016, 10:37:20 AM

Special ability writeup reveal time.

NOTE: All abilities, both passive and active, can be individually enabled or disabled in the pause menu at the player's discretion, so that everyone can set up a play style that best suits them. I'm currently mulling around the idea of having a limit to how many of each type (active or passive) or total that can be active at once, similar to the Part enhancements in X5.

(click to show/hide)

Disco Flamengo - Disco Blaze[/b]]

Quote

Active ability: Stab upward, send large fireball to ceiling, which scatters smaller ones. Smaller ones create fire pillars on contact.
Input: Down, Up, Saber (ground)
Energy cost: 6
Notes :Destroys certain terrain.

Passive ability: Take slightly less damage from non-fatal fire/heat traps/areas/attacks.

(click to show/hide)

Bunker Cicada - Bunker Quake[/b]]

Quote

Active ability: Punch ground, send seeking rocks that jut up into large stalagmite.
Input: Down+Saber (ground)
Energy cost: 8
Notes :Destroys certain terrain.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FHHicO8T.png&hash=f50613443225159f572b597b01cc57972516c04f)

Passive ability: Take slightly less damage, but movement becomes slightly slower and gravity exerts more force.

(click to show/hide)

Tesla Coatl - Tesla Arc[/b]]

Quote

Active ability: Rising heel kick/somersault, send out three electric orbs that discharge lightning.
Input: Up+Saber (ground)
Energy cost: 6
Notes :Can activate certain objects.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FmiTKuez.png&hash=d92c317437dfccbeaccfe12e524565b720e28506)

Passive ability: Standard air-saber attack turns into a circular rolling slash.

(click to show/hide)

Viral Komodo - Viral Spray[/b]]

Quote

Active ability: Drop-stab from air, send spray of acid in both directions.
Input: Down+Saber (air)
Energy cost: 8
Notes :Destroys certain terrain.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F9YAjTLy.png&hash=d1bba7ec54e357dd0dcbbb1a23071ae30f411b8e)

Passive ability: Cling to walls rather than slide down them.

(click to show/hide)

Blossom Magnent - Magnet Rose[/b]]

Quote

Active ability: Stab forward, if contact is made, spawn a rose that attracts all objects nearby.
Input: Forward+Saber (anywhere)
Energy cost: 6
Notes :Can alter certain objects/terrain.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FQOvyxA6.png&hash=981ac81cb3f1d8ff982582562f5d333990309043)

Passive ability: Double jump. Fuck gravity. Why or how, you ask? Magnets, that's how.

(click to show/hide)

Solar Wepawet - Solar Boomerang[/b]]

Quote

Active ability: Throw saber forward, it bounces off of any three surfaces before returning.
Input: Down, Forward, Saber (anywere)
Energy cost: 4
Notes :Light source, can activate certain objects.

Passive ability: Stop weaker bullets/projectiles by slashing them.

(click to show/hide)

Luminous Stomata - Luminous Orb[/b]]

Quote

Active ability: Fire large orb, which hovers in place. Hitting it splits it into smaller orbs.
Input: Directional buttons+Buster (anywhere)
Energy cost: 4
Notes :Light source, directional, can fire max. 3

Passive ability: Generate slightly larger lightsource in dark areas.
(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F82OCynh.png&hash=70558f9d415db8980051ad7ec2d095fd7dcf0fe2)

(click to show/hide)

Kunai Kitsune - Kunai Double[/b]]

Quote

Active ability: Creates Zero clone, which mimics you and can take three hits before dying. When it dies, it poofs away and gives you a window to teleport to nearest enemy and one-shot it with a large kunai.
Input: Back, Up, Forward+Saber (clone, anywhere): Saber (counter, anywhere)
Energy cost: 16
Notes: Can be used to reach difficult places if utilized strategically.

Passive ability: Z-Buster goes from slow single shot to rapid kunai shots, which deal less damage but can be directionally-aimed.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: VladCT on July 08, 2016, 01:59:49 PM

Speaking of abilities, do you have any special canceling mechanics in mind?

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on July 08, 2016, 09:00:19 PM

Define what you mean by "cancelling" mechanics. Like, "stop doing this thing by doing this other thing?"

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: VladCT on July 08, 2016, 10:03:12 PM

Yyep. Maybe I should've said combo mechanics instead.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on July 08, 2016, 10:27:03 PM

Pretty much everything can be cancelled in some way, mostly by simply moving or inputting a different command. The ones that can't are generally fast enough to compensate.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on September 01, 2016, 09:15:23 PM

Also featuring an environment boss.

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FYXUpf6u.gif&hash=73a7ab260d0b82be19e8b94526f3bd54fb462f6b)

(https://castlevaniadungeon.net/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgur.com%2F4N4cYW4.png&hash=86a9b8dda3f4f289d2c04ed1592ac2c7f3b82775)

Yes he's a Serris reference shut up

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: VladCT on September 02, 2016, 12:17:43 PM

Quote from: Dracula9 on September 01, 2016, 09:15:23 PM

Yes he's a Serris reference shut up

Well, as long as it doesn't constantly go VWORPVWORPVWORPVWORP...

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: KaZudra on September 03, 2016, 11:00:05 AM

Based off my favorite Fusion boss? sweet!
good thing you removed any hanging areas.

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Dracula9 on September 09, 2016, 08:33:21 PM

EDITED by Moderation: I fixed your link.  When using the Youtube bbc tag, just include the part of the Youtube URL located after the "v=".

Title: Re: MMX: Variable Zero
Post by: Amaweks on December 03, 2016, 11:34:51 AM

Wow, I loved what I've seen so far, I can not wait to play your game.

Quote from: Dracula9 on July 01, 2016, 04:26:33 PM

Because the PSX style is inconsistent as fuck and never really figures out what it wants to be, therefore I have no real consistent basis to go by in regards to emulating it. Seriously. Look at X, then at General, then at Eregion, then at Final X4 Sigma, then at Hell Sigma, then at Nightmare Mother, then at Blizzard Wolfang, then at the X4 stage select, then at Gamma Sigma, and then at the D-1000. Then try to find a consistent style. Trick question, you can't.

It's also rather ugly and overly shine-heavy and I really don't like it.

SNES style is much cleaner and gives me far more options for striking visual design that doesn't require whoring solid-white highlights on everything.

Great choice by preferring the SNES style, I fully agree with your point of view. Old graphic limitations, such as the 8-Bit NES for example, forced artists to produce more "iconic" graphics. A dirt floor, or metal, does not have to be realistic, as long as you get a quick and clear idea of ​​what it's about. The SNES was the pinnacle of this kind of ghaphism for the Megaman series, with fewer restrictions, but still forcing artists to give personality to graphics. From the 4th game onwards the "need" for pre-rendered and more "realistic" graphics made everything more gray and without personality.