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04-18-24 11:17 PM |
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| 0 users reading HodgePodgeNine's Guide to Designs [Yay for rhymes] | 1 bot |
| Main - SMG2.5 - General SMG2.5 talk - HodgePodgeNine's Guide to Designs [Yay for rhymes] | Hide post layouts | New reply |
| MoreCowbell |
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Member Mawile or riot Level: 73 
Posts: 1251/1420 EXP: 3454163 Next: 31705 Since: 11-20-12 Last post: 1654 days ago Last view: 1654 days ago |
Hey guys, Hp9 here with some tips on how to make quality designs.
So we're really starting to make serious progress on the game, and hopefully this rising trend will continue over the summer. That said, we need to remember that we're making a Mario Galaxy game, which requires high quality. We have quite a few people making designs now, meaning that we're getting a variety of styles, which is good. However, we want to make sure that all of these designs are layouts for fantastic levels. Now, I'm definitely not perfect with designing, but I think that it's worth sharing some of my tips with people who are starting to design or want to do so. So, without further ado, let's begin... So, you want to be a designer, huh? Well, it certainly doesn't require much technical knowledge, but it is still extremely important. In fact, from a player's perspective, it's the most important part. The design is what is going to be reflected in the game. No one plays a level and thinks "Gee willikers, the programming that was used for this level sure is fantastic." While stuff like that is crucial, the gameplay is what people see and judge. As a designer, you are taking the role of pretty much directing the creation process. Your approved design will tell the modeler and the creator what to do. A programmer will do certain things to make things work for your design. While making a design isn't nearly as challenging as making a model or programming, it's just as, if not more important. This means that if you want a really great game, you need to put in a lot of effort to details. Approvers, I call on you to look for such detail when approving. You're the one who decides if it's good enough. So, let's say you have a galaxy in mind. Probably the best designs come from a set visual in mind. This means that if you always a picture a galaxy a certain way, you will likely be able to design it with ease. Now, this isn't always the case. In fact, it usually isn't. This means you really need to work from scratch. I find that with galaxies that are more linear and revolve around gimmicks, a good way to design is to literally make a mental list of features you want to include. For instance, with mechanical meadows, I knew I wanted metal grass, inflatable bushes, mechanical clouds, etc. You don't need a full list before you start designing. Usually, it's good to know a few features, for more will pop into your head as you go along. For example, as I was designing mechanical meadows' first planet, I came up with the nail and screw mushrooms, which are one of my favorite parts of the design. Now, naturally you think "I'll save that feature for another planet." However, the beauty of it is that as you prgoress, you get more ideas. Therefore, I like to throw in as many ideas as possible into the section I'm working on now. That way this section will be high quality, and the others will be fine because you'll have new ideas to use. Now you have ideas, and you want to begin the physical design. The key to having people like your design is for them to understand it. You could have a kickass, Miyamoto quality level, but if others don't get what's going on, you won't get far. Think as if you were someone seeing it for the first time. That way, you'll be able to design accordingly. The best way is to make sure people can visualize your design as a whole. I find the most efficient way is by using an isometric view from a distance. This means seeing the whole planet from a slightly side view, but from above it (Think Sky High's design). If you are planning on modeling this and you can approve your own designs, this paragraph is less important, but it still helps us with criticism of the design. Now, a common format for designs is the classic paragraph-art format. You have a paragraph describing the planet in detail along with what goes on while you're there as well as detailed art to show it. This definitely a great way to help people understand your design. However, I've learned that the large paragraph isn't always necessary. It helps, but if your planet is simple enough, having clear and detailed labels on the art works too. What that does is it takes the main content of the paragraph and puts it in simple labels to show what's what. In terms of art itself, you really need to add every last detail. That means things like bricks, trees, flowers, enemies, etc. This makes it very easy to imagine your design in game as a full fledged level. It also gives the modelers and creators an easier time trying to make your design. Be sure that when using any complex functions in a design that you explain how it's possible. For example, object duplication, retexturing, and animations need to be specified in the design. Another major part of a design is color. Nothing grinds my gears like a design without color. Unless you want purple trees, I suggest you show us what things are meant to look like. Art style is crucial to a good looking design. Believe it or not, visuals are the biggest part of making a game fun. Imagine playing Super Mario Galaxy using the exact same platforming and stuff, but with just uncolored shapes that only exist where necessary. Obviously that would suck big time. Art style makes a level unique. You may not even notice, but galaxies all have different styles. For example, the same trees aren't used in every galaxy. They all look different. For a good example of art style in designs, I would suggest looking at Glem's art for Astral Stronghold. He uses unique plants, trees, colors, and objects that will look great when finished. So once you have art as well as text/labels, you've really got a full design. Once you've posted it, don't expect it to be approved. Odds are you'll get some criticism, and that's alright. You don't have to please everyone, but you should look at what everyone has to say. If people have questions, answer them. If people have ideas or modifications to the design, consider them. You'll likely end up with a better design then before. And if your design gets trashed, all I can say is better luck next time. It happens to everyone (unless you're Glem xP) Just remember that when a design is trashed, there's likely a very good reason for it. If you really thought you put all your effort into it, then my suggestion is start looking at a new galaxy. So that's about it for now. If you have any tips or questions, feel free to tell me. If you read this whole thing, color me impressed. Thanks for checking this out, and good luck with your designs. -Hp9 |
| NoSkinnedKoopa |
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Member "The most intense fight a human will ever have is between the person they are and the person they are capable of becoming!" - Coach Jae Level: 43 
Posts: 139/421 EXP: 555394 Next: 9652 Since: 12-24-12 From: Super Hyrule Land Last post: 2801 days ago Last view: 2074 days ago |
Very nice how someone made a thread on this. New users won't be so nooby if they decide to design. Nice job, MC (or HP9, but I prefer to call you MC  ) |
| mariogalaxythree |
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| MK7tester |
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 Magikoopa I'm back Level: 104 
Posts: 2002/3145 EXP: 11569857 Next: 292269 Since: 07-07-12 From: Dolphic Island Last post: 2591 days ago Last view: 2589 days ago |
Nice thread MoreCowbell! (Yes I called you by your old name )
But we need a list of what users are designing what galaxies so noobs don't go design a galaxy that's already been designed. There might be one, but i'm not sure. |
| MoreCowbell |
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Member Mawile or riot Level: 73
Posts: 1263/1420 EXP: 3454163 Next: 31705 Since: 11-20-12 Last post: 1654 days ago Last view: 1654 days ago |
Well bad news
During tennis today I hilariously slipped on a puddle Later realized I've done something to my wrist. I may need to hold off on drawing Sorry guys  |
| MarioMaster720 |
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Member Some fraud Number 6738 Embodiment of Space Level: 85 
Posts: 1163/2007 EXP: 5801425 Next: 97115 Since: 11-24-12 From: Rogaland, Norway Last post: 2894 days ago Last view: 2867 days ago |
Posted by Silver I'm pretty sure we have tons of those threads. I remember at least both cosmological and MC making ones
Posted by MoreCowbell Sad to hear  ____________________ Former SMG2.5 Advertiser and one-time Level Designer/Artist - So Apparently Norway is rich while Denmark and Sweden are happy. What they don't know is that our wealth gives us happiness as well  : https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfA4EbJCEAAsJfG.png:large |
| mariogalaxythree |
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Member Blarg. Yoshi. Of. Composing. Affected by 'RainBlarg' Syndrome Level: 110 Posts: 3067/3627 EXP: 14043400 Next: 365486 Since: 12-24-12 Last post: 2258 days ago Last view: 2198 days ago |
Posted by MoreCowbell Well, I hope you get back to your hands as soon as possible, because we need your designs. Keep that wrist strong! ____________________
-MG3- IS HERE |
| Stygmax |
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SMG2.5 Cartographer Level: 88 
Posts: 1221/2178 EXP: 6552156 Next: 98508 Since: 12-02-12 Last post: 390 days ago Last view: 390 days ago |
Excellent thread. Once I recover my Newer save I'll be experimenting with Whitehole again, as this is my break. (FOR REAL this time, I promise. )
This really helps, I might even be able to come up with a design if there's a galaxy that isn't "reserved". Status: It was really, really fun, guys - thanks for the ride!
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| MoreCowbell |
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Member Mawile or riot Level: 73
Posts: 1269/1420 EXP: 3454163 Next: 31705 Since: 11-20-12 Last post: 1654 days ago Last view: 1654 days ago |
Speaking of breaks, turns out it is broken. 6 weeks in a cast
yaaaaaaaaaay... I can try designing but I already know my drawing quality is low |
| mariogalaxythree |
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Member Blarg. Yoshi. Of. Composing. Affected by 'RainBlarg' Syndrome Level: 110 Posts: 3084/3627 EXP: 14043400 Next: 365486 Since: 12-24-12 Last post: 2258 days ago Last view: 2198 days ago |
You can still do the written designs. Btw, does it affect your typing? ____________________
-MG3- IS HERE |
| MoreCowbell |
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Member Mawile or riot Level: 73
Posts: 1270/1420 EXP: 3454163 Next: 31705 Since: 11-20-12 Last post: 1654 days ago Last view: 1654 days ago |
A little, but I can type
And I'll still draw, it just might suck
Anyway lets get back on topic |
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