Tips for Creating a SMW Episode?

[Aeroy]

I'm creating one as of late (it's still in a very early stage; I'm only 2 levels in), and I was wondering if there's anything I need to know when it comes to creating one. Here are some things I'm doing:

-SMW Graphics from different graphic packs
-MP3 ports of SMW Custom Music to get the feel

My goal isn't to exactly replicate the magic of SMW, but I've always loved the visual aesthetic and unique level design, so I'll try to achieve that, but also keeping it unique.

Now I just need your help; what can I do to make this a good episode, whether visually, mechanically, etc.?
Thanks!

(PS, I'd be willing to share a level to show you what I have so far, just ask!)

[ElectriKong]

You can get SMW GFXs from SMW Expanded.
For music you might find some at SMW Central.

You can check other episodes for inspiration, as well as SMW itself if you are trying to get a SMW feel.
And there is this guide that may help you structure your level if you don't know what to do or if you are trying to use a structure that is generally used by Nintendo in their games.

[PixelPest]

I'd personally get music from Khinsider. Try also playing Super Mario World if you haven't already and maybe play and/or watch some of the better-known hacks

[HenryRichard]

Actually getting .spc files would be better - lower file size and no worries about the rip quality. They'll work with both 2.0 and 38A/1.4.

Also, for a vanilla SMW feel, I'd advise against using too many custom graphics. Obviously you can (and probably should) use some, but replacing absolutely everything would make it feel quite different.

[ivanmegafanboy]

For level design, don't forget the slopes and searching for secrets.
The episode "Return to Dinosaur Island" by Valtteri can also help you to see how to make a SMW episode in SMBX, it is almost like a remake or an alternate adventure to the original Super Mario World, and the feel is just as accurate.

[Aeroy]

Are you Doing This On SMBX 38A?

I'm using SMBX 1.3 currently (the process of setting it up was tricky because I'm using a Mac), but I am planning on getting 2.0.

[TDK]

(PS, I'd be willing to share a level to show you what I have so far, just ask!)

You can always post your levels in the level subforum.

[Aeroy]

If anybody's interested, I posted the level.
Link to the thread:
viewtopic.php?f=89&t=19245

[IceFlower99]

Play SMW and analyze the structure of every level that you play.

[FireyPaperMario]

Here's a great tip:

Don't take notes from Kaizo Mario World!!!!

[PixelPest]

Here's a great tip:

Don't take notes from Kaizo Mario World!!!!

Not really true. There's stuff you can take away from it, you just have to know what to look for and how you can apply it

[TDK]

Here's a great tip:

Don't take notes from Kaizo Mario World!!!!

Don't you think that would be obvious?
Why would he take notes from a hack infamous for its unfair difficulty?
Unless he's making a Kaizo episode, which I doubt.

[bossedit8]

Obviously you can take notes from official Nintendo based Mario titles but it's also pretty cool to design your own entirely in SMW style. You can also take SMWC's design out of it (and there are quite a lot of it) but be aware that a couple of design can be pretty obscure to it's own good but worth a shot can be done aswell. Experimenting and gathering ideas equals key!

[Aeroy]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I really appreciate it! I'll definitely take your advice. If you have any more tips, feel free to post 'em; I'll need all the help I could get!

-Aeroy

[Radiance]

Use LunaLua to use the original small Mario from SMW.

[arcade999]

If you wanna create the WHOLE smw experience, you can uses custom smw musics for your episode to look like an smw hack.

[Trace]

smb3 recolors should just catch that smw spirit nicely

[Vinyl Scratch]

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