Maegwyn

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

May the 4ce b

Has it really been a week since I last put up Design Notes?  Where does the time go?  It's May the 4ce already??  May it be with you all!

I read a post by acidoverride on the forums asking what's going on behind the scenes and what we've got in store for you.  We're all working like... like bees! I like bees!  

So first-off, did you know that Korin added a very cool new feature to the Options interface?  Some of you wanted the option to color-customize the now-rare Maypril Derpmachine mecha model, and Korin not only made that possible for Star Captains, but also turned it into an option!  If you prefer it in its original color scheme, you now have that as a choosable option.  The toggle button is in the Graphics section of the Options panel.  (You'll need to re-equip the mecha to see the change.)

Also this week Korin added the long-promised new animations to the Korin Heads from last year.  If you have one you should check it out!  There are two new animations tied to existing specials!  

Korin's been working on the Gameshow planet and he's calling on you (via the forums) for help!  You have the opportunity to win 100 Nova Gems by providing MechQuest Trivia in this thread.  He's been working closely with Minar for background art and with Arklen as well!  Can you tell that I'm excited about the new planet?  I know you're going to love it.

As I'm sure you know, we've got a Friday the 13th coming up!  Lyris and Vivi (and I) are putting together an event.  I can tell you that there will be at least one cutscene from Lyris with animation. I can't say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, but I can say that it's looking fantastic! Also a new quest that Vivi's putting together.  A higher-level version of Uber Jameson complete with a couple of buffs (and the buffs will apply to last year's models) which I'm working on right now. Vivi helped me understand how to add some code - blues provided some numbers and ideas for the buff. blues is about to go on a nice vacation!  

blues & Vivi & I are going to get the next chapter of the Star Captain Xtreme Challenge put together for you when he gets back - in a month.  I'll get the quest written and coded and perfected while he's relaxing, and maybe get some new lessons from Korin and Vivi on programming enemy attacks in preparation for blues' return. Vivi will probably be the one adding anything new and fancy on the enemy challenges!

I know I'm leaving a bunch of stuff out...

So much has been going on.  The long-running GEARS games have a winning  House - Wolfblade! Check out the storyline quests following the fate of their kidnapped leader, Xaria! (Hint - if the timed quest is difficult, try using hard-hitting one-hit weapons - maybe stun your enemies - and remember that you don't have to heal yourself all the way to full values at the stations along the way.)  Grab your grand and well-earned rewards: weapons designed by the astounding Thyton, including a special Valor Badge merge shop item, plus the Starship Items which Star Captains can display with pride in the Starship - all courtesy of the talented Minar!

Ok I guess I will stop talking for now. I'll try to talk here more frequently - and see you on the forums!