Ends 04/01/2013 03:59 AM

Judges
halibabica
Deckiller
nin8halos
DarklordKeinor
Isrieri

RMN's Mario series takes its next big step!

WHAT IS THIS?

Super RMN World is a community collaborative game where everyone uses the Super Mario Bros. X engine to create Mario levels! The stages are submitted by members of RMN and compiled at the end of the event. This is the 4th installment of the series and hopes to be the most solid and enjoyable one yet.

Everyone is free to join whether you've used SMBX before or not. You need SMBX to participate. If you don't have it, you'll need to download it.

You may also want to pick up the graphics pack by Red Yoshi and supermarioman. It has many nice resprites for your stages.

STORY

As a peace offering for his past misdoings, Eli has constructed an art gallery and presented it to Mario and his friends. The paintings inside shimmer mysteriously; they're almost too real! Eli's waiting at the end to hear what his guests have to say, but can he really be trusted?

SUBMISSION RULES

  • Levels must be made in SMBX v1.3
  • Levels must be made FOR THIS PROJECT! No pre-made levels will be accepted!
  • Levels must end in ONE SMB3 STAR. Furthermore, this star must be placed in the square frame with the black jagged backdrop like in SMB3. The only exceptions to this rule are mini-boss stages, where the star may appear in the room after the fight.
  • Levels must contain FIVE DRAGON COINS. These are the SMW coins with the Yoshi emblem. These will be resprited into RMN Coins in the full game. Thematic resprites are allowed so long as they remain recognizable.
  • Levels must have a DIFFICULTY RATING from 1-8. This determines what world it will go too. It may be adjusted depending on many factors.
  • Levels must be submitted with the format "YourUserName_DifficultyRating_LevelName"
  • This naming rule applies to the compressed file you submit to the event, not the actual .lvl file. If you use any custom graphics or music, put the files in a folder with the EXACT SAME NAME as the .lvl file. You can make mp3's work in SMBX by specifying the file path in the Custom space (ex: Level Name/Name of Song.mp3). DO NOT PUT THE LEVEL FILE IN THIS FOLDER. Create a compressed file with everything included.

    You may submit up to EIGHT LEVELS, and you can't submit more than one level to the same world. Worlds have no specific themes. Levels may be denied for quality reasons. If your level is denied, you can fix it up and resubmit it. If you want to submit more than eight, you'll have to withdraw another first.

TESTING AND FEEDBACK

Super RMN World is raising its standards considerably. The five judges, halibabica, Deckiller, nin8halos, Isrieri, and DarklordKeinor will be critiquing the levels. Heed their advice, as they won't let anything sub-par through! You can adjust your levels as many times as needed, but don't expect to get in without a well-designed stage! A level will only be admitted after three judges approve it.

All feedback will be included in the Super RMN World Wiki. Click your username on the main page to find your level list. Click the level names to see the judges' feedback. Click the 'Talk' icon to post questions or comments. When at least three judges list 'Approved', the level's ready to go.

Although the judges will be testing each level thoroughly, participants are strongly encouraged to do the same. Every bit of criticism helps. Below is some advice to consider while designing your levels, among other criteria they must meet.

For good examples of the quality we're looking for, check out Super RMN All-Stars, Super Talking Time Bros 1+2 and Mario vs. The Moon Base.

GENERAL ADVICE

  1. Graphical Consistency
  2. SMBX uses graphics from many different games. Just because you have them at your disposal doesn't mean you should use them. Pick a theme for your level and use graphics/enemies that fit together visually.

  3. Pacing
  4. Your levels should have a rhythm to them. Challenging sections should be offset with easier parts. Power-ups should be spaced well enough apart, but not so far that the player gets desperate. Try not to throw in too much (or little) of anything.

  5. Aesthetics
  6. Use your tile sets properly and fill background space adequately. Don't leave it too empty, but don't clutter it up too much, either.

  7. Completable
  8. This means it shouldn't contain any no-win situations. The player mustn't become hopelessly trapped. Similarly, they shouldn't be able to die after collecting the star. Check to make sure they can't fall off any cliffs after getting it.

  9. Lengthy
  10. Don't make your level too short OR too long. Consider where to put your checkpoint. It shouldn't take too long to reach it, nor to reach the end from the checkpoint. Keep in mind what they player has to do in each stretch of level.

  11. Purposeful
  12. Give your level a reason to exist. Try not to make it bland or forgettable.

LEVEL CRITERIA

  1. Checkpoints
  2. Every level should have one. If it can't for specific reasons (auto-scrolling, switch block shenanigans, etc.), then don't make the stage too long. SMBX can only support one checkpoint per level, so multiples don't work. Like Dragon Coins, you may resprite it so long as it's still recognizable.

  3. Power-Ups
  4. Your stage should have a good balance of items that are helpful to the player. ? Blocks should never contain lone Mushrooms; give the player Fire Flowers or Leaves. Exceptional items like the Tanooki and Hammer Suits should not be easily obtained.

    Use discretion with where you place items. One at the start and one after the checkpoint would be the least you could do. Also, pick items that the player can put to good use. A Fire Flower in an area with monsters immune to fire does the player no good. Incidentally, SMB2 enemies and Nipper plants will be changed to be vulnerable to fireballs for this project.

  5. Banned Objects
    • SMB2 Crystal Ball, SMB3 Roulette, SMB3 ? Ball, SMW Keyhole, SMW Exit Gate
    • All banned because they end the level. All levels must end with an SMB3 Star.

    • SMW Bowser Statue
    • Banned due to its glitchy hit box. You can still be hit by its fireballs while standing on top of it. Use the SMB3 Bowser Statue instead!

    • SMW Star
    • These were used as Secret Stars in Super RMN Bros. 3, but they're more trouble than they're worth. You may not use them.

  6. Bosses
  7. Boss stages will be handled by the judges. You may still use boss NPCs in your stages, but only as mini-bosses. The fights must be kept simple and easier, so don't go overboard.

  8. Different Characters
  9. Mario, Luigi, Toad, Peach, and Link will be available to play as from the start, and all levels must be completable with all characters. You can't make a level where the player is forced to be a specific character. However, you can include a character block at the start if you want to recommend someone in particular. Let the player decide if they want to be that character or not, and don't include sections only they can get through (such as a pit only Peach could hover across).

  10. Player 2 Start
  11. SMBX has the option to play with a friend, so you need to include P1 and P2's start positions. Make sure your level can be completed by two players. Avoid situations where one player can get through while the other is stuck. The following are a few things you can do to make your level P2 safe:

    • Don't block the level's main path with character blocks. All characters need to be able to get through, even in 1P mode.
    • Use generators for things like falling platforms, P-Switches, or in any instance where the player needs an NPC to advance.
    • Place exit warps carefully. If P2 warps into a spot P1 already occupies, collision detection bumps them apart, and possibly into nearby hazards. Warp exits should be safe anyway, so design carefully.

  12. Misc. Stuff
    • Tutorials
    • A tutorial level will be provided that explains the mechanics of SMBX, covering both the basics and advanced stuff.

    • Water
    • All water must be SWIMMABLE. By contrast, waterfalls must NOT be swimmable. Don't fill your pits with water if they're supposed to be bottomless.

    • Pipes, Doors, and Carry Items
    • All entrances in SMBX are set to disallow the player from carrying an item with them. Make sure you set them to allow carrying NPCs.

    • One-Tile Passages
    • Avoid making paths that are only one tile high. If Mario stands up in one, he zips through the wall in the opposite direction he's facing. This can break the game in some places. Just don't do it.

    • Ceilings
    • If you're making a water level or Mario is able to fly, you may want to block the area off the top of the screen so the player can't soar over everything. See this screen sides tutorial for more info.

PROJECT TIMELINE

Signups begin NOW, and EVERYONE is free to join! The project will run for one month (all of March), and levels may be submitted for testing during this time. When the month is up, no more levels will be accepted. For one week after, existing levels may still be updated based on feedback. Beyond that, no more revisions will be allowed and the full game will be produced. It may take a while, but the end result will be worth it. Now, get cracking! Let's make this the best community Mario game yet!

Registration

You must be logged in to sign up for Super RMN World.

Participants Entries
Blitzen
kentona
halibabica
GreatRedSpirit
Davenport
Jparker1984
Desmo360
Redd
Solitayre
Ratty524
Decky
outcry312
Gigabowser
nin8halos
pyrodoom
Seiromem
jackalotrun
DarklordKeinor
masterofmayhem
apa649
Carbz300
Blobofgoo
Tomstar
Isrieri
wildwes
GloopMaster
lonestarluigi
Thiago76590
andreea7214

Posts

Decky
I'm a dog pirate
19645
I'm almost done playing through all the levels. I'll be compiling and posting the feedback as soon as humanly possible.

Thank you for your patience!
Seiromem
I would have more makerscore If I did things.
6375
Added updated version of Bublar Temple.
Decky
I'm a dog pirate
19645
All non-approved, non-withdrawn, non-judge levels are now reviewed. I also went back and formally approved a bunch of levels.

http://super-rmn-world.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Contributions/Deckiller

(Hit "diff")
Ratty524
The 524 is for 524 Stone Crabs
12986
So when will we be playing some judge levels? :D
author=Ratty524
So when will we be playing some judge levels? :D

You can play them now if you want. I haven't updated mine in a long while though. Dunno about the other guys.
author=Ratty524
So when will we be playing some judge levels? :D

You can play them now if you want. I haven't updated mine in a long while though. Dunno about the other guys.
halibabica
RMN's Official Reviewmonger
16873
from Deckiller
All non-approved, non-withdrawn, non-judge levels are now reviewed. I also went back and formally approved a bunch of levels.

Glad to hear it! Unfortunately, I'm still in a bind for the rest of this week. After Saturday, I'll be all over this event like ugly on seiromem's custom graphics.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Seiromem
I would have more makerscore If I did things.
6375
author=seiromem
Added updated version of Bublar Temple.


*Cough*
Ratty524
The 524 is for 524 Stone Crabs
12986
author=seiromem
author=seiromem
Added updated version of Bublar Temple.
*Cough*

Cover your mouth when you cough, please.
I understand that my level layout is not typical and some view it as akward, but if it dose not get accepted. I'll be a bit upset, as I worked my butt off to try and fix it each and every time I got feedback.
author=Jparker1984
I understand that my level layout is not typical and some view it as akward, but if it dose not get accepted. I'll be a bit upset, as I worked my butt off to try and fix it each and every time I got feedback.

Are you trying to get the judges to pity you? That's low.
Ratty524
The 524 is for 524 Stone Crabs
12986
author=Jparker1984
I understand that my level layout is not typical and some view it as akward, but if it dose not get accepted. I'll be a bit upset, as I worked my butt off to try and fix it each and every time I got feedback.

Then why don't you address the judge's comments? You really can't be stubborn about level design, here. In a broader perspective, your level is going to be played by someone else, and if something with your level feels wrong, they'll react to to WAY more harshly than the judges.
halibabica
RMN's Official Reviewmonger
16873
Don't worry, Jparker. I won't close out the event until I'm satisfied that the people who actually care about their levels have them in. You clearly do, so we'll help you work your level into something acceptable.

As for atypical design choices...I'm more forgiving of such things than others (ex: SRB3), but a weird level can still be a well-designed one. As with most feedback, it's important to recognize the things that need to change vs. the critic's personal preferences. I encourage the judges to stay open-minded, so hopefully there's good reasoning behind their advice.

It's times like this I wish I wasn't tied up all week. :S
I updated Sinister Side with the new music and 2 of the three minor things Deckiller pointed out.

I didn't change the ghosts 'cuz I like it like that but if it needs to be changed then change it.
author=Ratty524
author=Jparker1984
I understand that my level layout is not typical and some view it as akward, but if it dose not get accepted. I'll be a bit upset, as I worked my butt off to try and fix it each and every time I got feedback.
Then why don't you address the judge's comments? You really can't be stubborn about level design, here. In a broader perspective, your level is going to be played by someone else, and if something with your level feels wrong, they'll react to to WAY more harshly than the judges.

I do address judge feedback, hence how I said as I worked my butt off to try and fix it each and every time I got feedback
author=apa649
I updated Sinister Side with the new music and 2 of the three minor things Deckiller pointed out.

I didn't change the ghosts 'cuz I like it like that but if it needs to be changed then change it.


There lies the problem, at least to me. I understand you guys are judges and the past games havent been all that, but there is only 5 of you and plenty more players. If three judges view it as no good then its like oh well. Its either change what you really like because you want it in the game or dont change it and watch your level get denied. Point being, three opinions don't make a choice bad (not talking about feedback for my level, just in general.)
author=Jparker1984
There lies the problem, at least to me. I understand you guys are judges and the past games havent been all that, but there is only 5 of you and plenty more players. If three judges view it as no good then its like oh well. Its either change what you really like because you want it in the game or dont change it and watch your level get denied. Point being, three opinions don't make a choice bad (not talking about feedback for my level, just in general.)


All we're trying to do is point out common flaws and issues with levels and address them. We're not going into this project wanting to deny anyone.

Each of the judges has their own playing style and preferences. I know what I like might differ from some of the others. Despite this fact, we can identify common themes and ideas in levels that do and do not work.

For example, two tanooki suits and five one-ups are overkill.

What are we trying to get you to change that you really like? Is it the excessive powerups or the non-linearity?

Tell us what you're aiming for and we'll help you. Remember, we want to release a game everyone can enjoy with solid design and unique, but entertaining, ideas.
I complete agree, two of tanooki suits an that many 1 ups are to much, I didnt mean that that you guys look to deny people. Though, then again, in hines sight I could see why. Concidering the lack of the last games.
author=pyrodoom
author=Jparker1984
I understand that my level layout is not typical and some view it as akward, but if it dose not get accepted. I'll be a bit upset, as I worked my butt off to try and fix it each and every time I got feedback.
Are you trying to get the judges to pity you? That's low.


Oh and by the way, dont assume anything. That was not my angle, you know what they say assuming dose and in your case, its true....well, for you.
halibabica
RMN's Official Reviewmonger
16873
from Jparker1984
If three judges view it as no good then its like oh well.

It's more like "if three judges with platforming design sense think it's good, then most other players will too." As was said, we're not here to deny levels. We're here to cultivate them into stages that brickroad the players will enjoy.

I don't know how many of you watched SnackJackSJ's Let's Play of RMN All-Stars, but he loved the shit out of that game. I'd say he's about the skill level of most people who'd be interested in this stuff, and that's not even the best this community is capable of. RMN World isn't just going to be good; it's going to blow peoples' minds.

So we gotta be kinda strict. It might mean some toes get stepped on when the feedback isn't entirely positive (or focuses more on what's bad than good), but that's just the nature of criticism in general. We're not trying to be insulting. We just want to make this game the best it possibly can be.