Search found 78 matches

by EricMushroomWilson
Wed May 23, 2012 11:10 pm
Forum: Theory
Topic: DISCUSSION: VANITY: Keen 0 Postmortem (Levels)
Replies: 4
Views: 17879

My visual concerns were primarily with the lack of clarity on what does what. If I, as a new player, take the top route and collect the multitude of what appear to be rayguns from the default Keen:Vorticons trilogy, I'm going to be a bit sore that I can't shoot at the enemies I've encountered. Why ...
by EricMushroomWilson
Tue May 22, 2012 12:54 pm
Forum: Theory
Topic: DISCUSSION: VANITY: Keen 0 Postmortem (Levels)
Replies: 4
Views: 17879

Apologies for the double post.

So. Time to talk about this level. It was essentially built around the existing structure of the first level of Marooned on Mars, as may or may not be obvious, and significant parts of that structure remain essentially unchanged. In retrospect, though the idea of modified official levels does have p...
by EricMushroomWilson
Thu May 17, 2012 9:32 am
Forum: Theory
Topic: DISCUSSION: VANITY: Keen 0 Postmortem (Levels)
Replies: 4
Views: 17879

DISCUSSION: VANITY: Keen 0 Postmortem (Levels)

It's time for some self-critical self indulgence. I can only hope others may find something of interest in this thread, where I intend to dissect my first and to date only finished, full-length Keen mod Commander Keen 0: Part 1. KeenWiki has the page for it with some text, much of which I wrote, and...
by EricMushroomWilson
Thu May 17, 2012 9:17 am
Forum: The Mods
Topic: Becky Blaze... in a Run through the Forest!
Replies: 15
Views: 40392

My advice regarding Keen sprites: study cartoon animation. The style of Keen: Galaxy's sprites is rather cartoony as has been observed many times in this community, and game sprite craft is adapted from techniques used through the history of animation. In particular, a solid walk cycle is vital to w...
by EricMushroomWilson
Wed May 16, 2012 12:45 pm
Forum: Theory
Topic: Keen 3: best and worst, in personal terms?
Replies: 13
Views: 25625

While writing the walkthrough for my Keen FAQ, by and far the most frustrating level for me was Fort Vorta Bella (despite what the KeenWiki may say). It may be short, but having to grab the blue key, and then jump across 1-tile platforms over water while being assaulted by Grunts, Youths, and and l...
by EricMushroomWilson
Wed May 02, 2012 10:37 am
Forum: Theory
Topic: Korath I and II
Replies: 6
Views: 16499

Name suggests that Korath people have inhabited two other planets before this and it is third planet on the Korath system. There was AND. First line in KeenWiki from Korath III; Korath III is the third planet on the Korath system. III means that Korath people have inhabited three other planets befo...
by EricMushroomWilson
Tue May 01, 2012 2:07 pm
Forum: Theory
Topic: Korath I and II
Replies: 6
Views: 16499

Re: Korath I and II

Name suggests that Korath people have inhabited two other planets before this and it is third planet on the Korath system. The name does mean it's the third in the Korath system, but depending on who named it that doesn't necessarily mean that Korath I and II are or were inhabited by the same being...
by EricMushroomWilson
Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:22 pm
Forum: Theory
Topic: Keen 3: best and worst, in personal terms?
Replies: 13
Views: 25625

Generally I tend to play it intending to explore and complete as many levels as I can, and then eventually give up after tons of frustrating deaths, to be honest.
by EricMushroomWilson
Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:22 pm
Forum: Theory
Topic: Keen 3: best and worst, in personal terms?
Replies: 13
Views: 25625

Keen 3: best and worst, in personal terms?

We all know that Keen 3 was rushed. Many levels, to varying degrees, simply aren't finished. There's been a lot of talk about it over time, but I'd like to "zoom out" a little. -When you play Keen 3, which levels do you enjoy playing the most? Which frustrate you the most? -Are there level...
by EricMushroomWilson
Mon Apr 16, 2012 2:49 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Mod leftovers
Replies: 10
Views: 14079

Not sure I have the time to look closely right now, just dropping by (a little late) to say that I heartily encourage this sort of thing. Heck, I'd be pretty thrilled to see a mod come with a little "making of" thing of some sort. If I still had the files I might even make one of my own...
by EricMushroomWilson
Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:10 pm
Forum: Vorticons Requests and Discussion
Topic: In level saving?
Replies: 13
Views: 14979

This is one of those patches that has been saught after for a long time, and may be possible, but not that feasible or practical. Then again, there are plenty of patches now that I wouldn't have dreamed possible, so who knows? It'd definitely take some doing. Edit: I do know that in Jill of the Jung...
by EricMushroomWilson
Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:06 pm
Forum: Theory
Topic: DISCUSSION: Keen 6 level design.
Replies: 93
Views: 173314

This is a pretty important level. It introduces the guard post concept, and ramps up the use of switches and keygems, somewhat setting the tone for levels to come. I think it's very well realised conceptually, with Keen going underground to make his way past the guard post itself (unless you use the...
by EricMushroomWilson
Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:56 pm
Forum: The Mods
Topic: Keen... and Pepsi
Replies: 17
Views: 45211

Definitely don't put in a hundred Gargs! Garg spam is a relic of ancient history, one I sadly used in what frustratingly remains my only mod!
by EricMushroomWilson
Wed Jul 20, 2011 7:08 pm
Forum: Theory
Topic: DISCUSSION: Keen 1 level design
Replies: 48
Views: 80269

I think this level invests the pogo with sort of a sense of ceremony. The whole setup with it getting its own unique sign and the big spotlight shining down on it makes it feel important. Plus, it ties into part of the story about the Martians consider Earth's toys holy objects (something like that).
by EricMushroomWilson
Tue Jul 19, 2011 11:02 am
Forum: The Mods
Topic: Keen -5: Nukes on Cromaj
Replies: 1
Views: 10223

Argh, so much slippery ground... tricky. Interesting though. Haven't played much yet.