Souls of Wisdom breifing (vs Shattered Courage)

[Cole]

It's a shame that I could not get replies during the summer of any interest for this game. Also with work and my social life taken into play, Souls of Wisdom has moved a bit slow, but now I started up in the race again.

Okay, this topic will be a bit of breifing of what you will find in this game, and also how this game differs from Shattered Courage which will most definately make it a more impressive hit than my first quest.

- As time passes, I learn more about this program, I still have been using my old skills, but I'm trying to develop new skills for this quest.

- Classic Temples: This game will use classic temples like which you remember, like Forest Temple, and Fire Temple etc.

- Hyrule: This game will very much so take place in Hyrule, in fact, you'll notice the field of this game is VERY similar to that of the overworld of Zelda1, which I personally thank Nintendo for creating it in the first place.

- Overworld Branches: The Hyrule in this game is very much like Zelda1, which would kinda make this game a remake, but that's totally wrong, this game is in fact not nearly a remake, it's an extreme makeover. I created an idea called "Overworld Branches" which extends the big overworld map into 4 more overworld maps on each side, which includes mountains, lakes, and even a huge sea.

- Dark World: Yes, there is a darkworld, I even recreated the Pyramid of Power from ALTTP with a little basic tile editing. It's nothing TOO impressive, but it brings back the ALTTP feel. The Dark World will play a vital roll to this game and it is the 2nd overworld, very much like ALTTP.

- Locations: To give you an idea of how big this game is, I'll pretty much list every location you can explore:

Light World:
Hyrule Field (East)
Hyrule Field (West)
Hyrule Seas
Desert Oasis
Lake Hylia
Hyrule Castle
Karkariko Village
Lost Woods
Sacred Forest Meadow
Ice Mountains
Mountains
Temple of Time
Cloudtops

Dark World:
Pyramid of Power
Thieves Town
Graveyards
Dark Swamp
Frozen Lake
Skull Forest
Fire Mountain
Death Mountain


- The music: unlike Shattered Courage, the music in this game is ALL Zelda, it took me alot of time to find the themes most fitting for each area, and I'm still thinking through, I think music is one of the most important ways to give a video game life and feeling, and I don't select my midis without second thought.

- How big?: This game is actually BIGGER than Shattered Courage, including over 4 complete overworld maps for the Light World, and over 2 complete maps for the darkworld. (Sorry that the Dark World isn't as big, some maps are cut short... I am human afterall, and some places I kinda deem unnecessary for it contains no real dungeon)

- backtracking: Unlike Shattered Courage, I am cutting past all angles to avoid as much backtracking and chances of getting lost, the fact that Shattered Courage was such a confusing quest was one of it's biggest flaws, but in this game, you are instructed better on where you must go, a fire temple is located on a fire mountain, an ice temple on an ice lake, it's very simple, very right. Shattered Courage didn't provide this, and often got players lost, it's a promise that in this game, you'll have more to explore, and less time getting lost and annoyed.

- Ocarina: Don't worry, the Ocarina will not be thrown in the end of the game like Shattered Courage, since this overworld is even larger, I am cutting every angle to keep you guys from a hell of alot of walking, that's a promise I'll try my best to keep.

- Tileset: Even though my tileset is taken directly from Shattered Courage, I am opening myself to new things, I want to try a few tidbits of newer tilesits with much more beautiful levels. But my biggest worry is that these tilesets is what kills alot of quests from even finishing. I am more of an idealist than an artist. I want to make a quest look good, but not wear down every patience I have just to do that. So I try my best with the current graphics pack I'm comfortable with. I am planning on using more skills with layers, but nothing too dramatic. Also, the idea of using free-roam dungeons are in question, I may or may not use them. I'd like to, but I'm not comfortable with the time it'll take to do so.

- Group Quest: I am very open to the idea of making this quest a group quest. Since this is an extreme make-over of an extreme classic, I am sure some ZC veteran could help out with things, like maybe dungeon design, since I haven't even started on dungeons yet, maybe a layer expert who can really spice up the beauty in this game. I'd really like help with this, but not until I create a complete overworld, which is doing very well in completion, but will still take some time.

- Please: Please give me support on this game, I will post up a small playable demo of this game to the quest database to show you guys just exactly what this quest is all about, I'm also trying to figure out if there is a way to print a complete overworld map on version. 2.10 Please help me by showing your support, this will be my greatest quest if it leads to my expectations. I don't want this project to be cancelled.

- email me: For those who want sneak previews of this game, email me at [email protected] the first 10 (even if I get 10... lol) to email me will have a playable demo that allows you to explore various locations of the overworld and enjoy what it has to offer.

- To Zeldaclassic.com: Please... for heaven's sake, fix that midi issue version 2.10 has been suffering. =x

[Cole]

Oh, one more point.

- Name of game: When deciding the name of the game for Shattered Courage, I don't know, it just... came to me. lol At first I had "The Legend of the Lost Temple of Time" That was way too long and lame. O-o; Than something simple like "Shattered Courage" came to me, it's simple, yet original, since Zelda game names are named after something that plays a vital roll to storyline, and the "Shattered Courage" of Relenia used to find the true Relenia was a perfect thing to name the game after.

Now this game, of course, since this is a Zelda1 makeover, it's storyline is Zelda1. However, why "Souls of Wisdom"? why not "Triforce of Wisdom" or "Wisdom peices" or "Wisdom Fragments" the thing is... Well, that sounds too original to me, like DFW's "Fragments of Power" She used that title, and for me to use a title like hers, seems rather cheap and uncreative and almost stealing from her. That also came to mind with other titles I've been thinking. So as I was looking into this game, I just glanced at a picture from this site, it showed images of the creatures that each level stands for, like Lion, snake, eagle.. etc These popped out in my mind, so these creatures to me will represent the "Souls of Wisdom" every time you collect a Triforce Peice, you will get a breif description of it's soul

for ex: (it aint going to be EXACTLY like this)

You collected the Soul of the Lion

"The Lion, proud and noble, this is what this fragment represents. It reflects what is truely in Link's heart, the courage to challenge all rivals in his path... etc etc etc"

I will use better poetics and literature in the final product. So that is why this game is officially announced "Souls of Wisdom" or "Wisdom Spirits" (which recently came to me)

[jessethe2nd]

According to the beta reports the midi bug has been fixed. :) :D :)

[Zelda_Warrior]

Hehe I hope you release it fast =)

[Crackers]

Looking forward to playing your quest!!!

[Cole]

It's going to be awhile, but here's a few images of the few of the many many screens in this quest so far:

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0047ep.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0058zq.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0067cq.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0072nd.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0088qo.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0095ql.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0103nt.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0115mt.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0125el.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0139jz.png

http://img388.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0148gk.png

[Cole]

more:

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0155qr.png

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0162nz.png

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0178rx.png

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0188xo.png

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0190xf.png

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0205av.png

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0219jk.png

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0226sw.png

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0230il.png

http://img122.imageshack.us/my.php?image=zelda0247jr.png

[ms_zelda_lady]

I hope we don't have to wait too long. After taking a bit of a sneak peek I can't wait to try out this quest . Especially like the big graves in the DarkWorld. Awesome can't even begin to describe what I've seen.
I know I'm gonna love it.

ms_zelda_lady

[Cole]

thanks ms, I'll work on some more tonight, considering the fact that my friends probably blowed their paychecks and can't afford the gas to come over and pick me up. :laughing:

[Cole]

Some new images of the location I've been working on tonight, It's suppose to be The Fire Mountain, it's a Dark World version of the Ice Mountain, an overworld containing complete opposite natures really caught my interest, you will be exploring this fairly early in the game. =) before level 2. Imagine coming out of a beautiful snowbound town and venture into a mountain of hell! =p

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/6128/zelda0282wv.png

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/7168/zelda0298yc.png

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/1008/zelda0307pg.png

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/3430/zelda0314ol.png

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/3779/zelda0324cs.png

[Cole]

Now let me take a moment to breif people how I plan to layout the beginning of this game.



Part 1: Setting sail to a new Land

In this game, you'll start off on a small island, from here, you'll be a young hero who is suppose to be branded as Hero and one destined to save a distant land (Hyrule) After completing a cave challenge and obtaining your adventurer's raft, you set sail to Hyrule.


Part 2: Hyrule and the deserted Castle

When you first venture Hyrule, there really isn't much to explore except for Karkariko Village and Hyrule Castle, Hyrule Castle being just a little north from the beginning, you venture into the castle to find it deserted, but you than find Zelda who tells you that an old ancient hero is waiting for you in a secret location in the forest. But without 3 legendary weapons of classic tales, you can never enter the forest. From here, she teaches you your slash attack on your sword, so yet you don't start with it like Shattered Courage, you get this upgrade very early.

Part 3: Karkariko, Theives Town, and Hyrule Castle Dungeon

Your first level will be in Hyrule Castle Dungeon, which cannot be obtained without burning a bush just outside the castle. From here you must venture to Karkariko towards the east where you later find a path that leads to the lost woods to the north. Here you will find a portal to the Dark World. There really aint much exploring here, but imagine, you're already visiting the Dark World. from here you'll explore Theives town, the dark replica of Karkariko, and eventually find the candle you seek (red candle, w/o magic, no more fooling around with magic and blue candles) you should find an easy quick path back to Hyrule, which than you go back to the castle and enter the first level.

Part 4: Unnatural mountain

Once you collected your first weapon of legend, you use that to open new paths Around Hyrule, this adventure quickly takes you up to Hyrule's Icey Mountains, there is a village up there (unnamed), as you explore these mountains, you'll eventually come upon a broken bridge that leads nowhere. Keep exploring and you should again find yourself in the Dark World, and your first reaction is. "What the hell?" the mountain has TOTALLY changed. From a frozen town to a hellish location. What's even more mysterious, the broken bridge leads you to another unknown mountain with a huge castle on it, who knows what this strange castle could be? Anyways, when you return to Fire Mountain, it's there you do a few warps back to ice mountain etc etc and eventually reach the 2nd level. The Icy Lava Cave. Or if you wanna call it Dodongo's Cavern.

Part 5: The Deku Tree and the Hero

Once you collect the 2nd legendary item, you finally use that item to enter the very mazy lost woods, which connects to the beautiful Sacred Forest Meadow. You will find the Great Deku Tree here (god forbid if I could ever draw this guy) this will be your 3rd level. Once you beat this level obtaining your last and final weapon, you use that weapon to enter a holy ground in the forest where you meet the hero and gain some secret weapon (oh, I wonder what that could be! lol)

Part 6: Deathknight atop of Hyrule Castle

With your new powerful weapon, you use it to enter Hyrule Castletop. This will be another level, it will be kind of short, cause I don't wanna spend too much time on mini levels, since this isn't an actual thing, the size will depend on my time on it. From on top of this, you will fight and defeat the Darknut Deathknight (not the real deal, cause he's far too strong, from most of you zclassic users familiar to that enemy)

Part 7: Darkworld and the 8 Temples

When you defeat him, you take a portal that leads you once again in the darkworld, still, travel is very limited here until you pick up more items. As you explore, you'll find 8 temples with Triforce Peices in each. Now unlike ALTTP, some of these temples are located in the Light World as well, these temples include:

Forest Temple, Fire Temple, Water Temple, Shadow Temple, Spirit Temple, Swamp Temple, Light Temple, and Sky Temple.

now the rest I'm keeping to myself, I already gave out too much info.



ps: many of you could possibly point out that this plot is VERY similar to ALTTP, I couldn't argue. Zelda 1 and Zelda 3 are what I'm basing this game on, also with many, many of my own unique ideas, like the that strange snowbown/hellbound mountain.

Anyways, hope you guys like the layout I'm taking this.

[ms_zelda_lady]

How can anyone not like what you've done and what's next to come?
Its going to be a winner for sure. Can't wait.

ms_zelda_lady

[kopitiambread]

I'm very impressed with your in-depth descriptions of the various levels and the massive overworlds! (Will the ocarina warp us around with the whrilwind?) Just wondering, how long did it take for you to come up with the game concept?

[Cole]

Before I answer your question, here's a few more pictures of Spectacle Rock, Fire Mountain, Death Mountain, and just a test screen of cloudtops, I'll soon be able to work on those. =)

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7526/zelda0701xj.png

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/223/zelda0690mb.png

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1892/zelda0292di.png

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/9681/zelda0684vi.png

Not long at all, lets just say I've had this game in mind ever since I started Zeldaclassic, I made two quests since I started, the first was the cheapest thing you'd ever play, that bs Zelda quest is included in the Shattered Courage package, but again not worth it.

Also the next game, the overrated Shattered Courage. =) Sure, the game was great and had alot of fans, but it was just as poorly managed as my first quest, alot of bugs, ALOT of bugs came with that quest, there are still bugs in that quest.

Not saying that I'm not impressed with my previous project, I was very well impressed with it's short time success. But now upon finishing Shattered Courage a few months back, I wanted to get started on my new project. I started out just playing around for fun, knowing every time I tried making this quest, I lost interest fast and started with SC again. But this time, I had confidence in my skills to just see where I was taking this, at first it was gonna be a remake in my image... But a remake just didn't work... it just didn't work for me because I'm an idealist, and that's what made SC a hit. I can't keep interest in making a quest unless I have my own unique ideas. So that's when something came to mind "Side Warps" they worked great! They worked exactly how I imagined them to work for this quest. With the power of sidewarps, I am now able to take Link outside the original map, explore new grounds, and thus creating this HUGE world! And much more comfortably designed than Shattered Courage will ever be.

The world is very large, so I'm going to enable use of the Ocarina not too long after you enter the Dark World... Hmmmm, which gives me a good idea. =o

Anyways, one last note, I learned a technique (not on my own I might add, I was actually tought the technique) on how I can actually use the flute to work like the magic mirror in ALTTP, however I dropped this idea, as nice as it sounds, the ocarina will be too damn useful to give up. =/ Too bad.

But you know... =x I just thought of another great idea.

Anyways, I must dodge again. =) Thanks for the support.

[ms_zelda_lady]

Wow...Can't wait for this quest. Your pictures are incredible. Hope we don't have to wait for Christmas before its ready.

ms_zelda_lady

[Cole]

It just might, the way I see it now, I wont be releasing this till sometime after Twilight Princess is released, and I am totally not releasing it the same time as TP, because this game will go in shadows considering everybody's attention towards TP. ;)

But good news, I am gonna release some actual playable demos in a few weeks time, something like how Nintendo did for Wind Waker, released a demo version of the game, where you can explore 1 level, and so much of the overworld, etc etc.

anyways, till next update.

[Cole]

Do to moderator request, and my own respect for board rules, I'll announce that a breif, but not fully complete demo of level one is playable (in this topic), some changes could and probably will be made.

My email is [email protected]

To the staff: I usually don't listen to rules unless I agree to them, I'm like that in rl situations as well. =p But I do request my other topic being locked, I should have taken the energy to fish out this topic, didn't think it'll matter I guess. >p

[Cole]

Here's a screen I just drew for fun, I drew it out of the tiles and pallete colors I created which I'm going to use for level 2

http://img448.imageshack.us/img448/1871/zelda0779nr.png

[Thunderkitty]

Hey, your doing an Ice Level 2 like I am! Weird... But I am sorry to say that I dont really like what I see. Some of the screens are, well empty. But dont let me stop you! It will be one of those, HOLY CRAP WHY DOESNT THIS HAVE 5 STARS?!?! Hahaha, good luck with the rest of the quest Cole!