Looking for inspiration

[Shidomaru]

Hi! How's everyone doing!?

While I wait for someone to make the custom sprites for my "Cirno the Fairy" episode, I'd like to start building levels for something else. The catch is, I don't want to make a common SMB3-based or SMW-based episode where you just walk around on a map and traverse levels and enter castles to fight bosses. Much like what I did with "Mega Mario Bros", I want to see how far I can bend the engine with something unconventional...

...So, has any of you been working on an unconventional episode lately? Maybe a Zelda-like where you talk to people in towns, go into dungeons and get items? Maybe an adventure game that is more about talking to people and solving puzzles and quests rather than platforming-focused or combat-focused? Maybe something with a deep and captivating story with plot twists that ends in a sort of mind-screw near the end? Maybe some sort of Survival Horror game? Anyone tried a Metroidvania yet? How many of you are aware of the possibilities SMBX's level editor has to offer?

So, if you have an episode that stands out among the rest for being weird somehow, feel free to brag about it here and maybe offer me to download it and play it!

[bossedit8]

You know, I am making a SMBX Episode called "MA - Arrival on Gensokyo" (Mario Adventures - Arrival on Gensokyo) where Mario and some Toads (unknown) are adventuring Gensokyo. So basically this SMBX Episode is Mario and Touhou combined into one. There is a Download Link for the Trial Version if you want to. It is still on production.

[Shidomaru]

You know, I am making a SMBX Episode called "MA - Arrival on Gensokyo" (Mario Adventures - Arrival on Gensokyo) where Mario and some Toads (unknown) are adventuring Gensokyo. So basically this SMBX Episode is Mario and Touhou combined into one. There is a Download Link for the Trial Version if you want to. It is still on production.

That sounds VERY good! ...How unconventional is it gameplay-wise? What new twists does it offer apart from having Touhou characters? (It HAS Touhou characters in it, RIGHT?)

[bossedit8]

How unconventional is it gameplay-wise?

The Gameplay will be mostly sidescroller with my own design choicements related to the Theme as in the original Touhou Games. Every Boss' Forms will be (hopefully) similar to Touhou but to a Sidescroller rather than flying overhead.

What new twists does it offer apart from having Touhou characters? (It HAS Touhou characters in it, RIGHT?)

Basically I am not good when it comes to spriting the Touhou Characters into Mario. Wish someone will help me to sprite every Touhou Characters into Mario's Sidescroller Sprites so I can use them on my SMBX Episode.

[Shidomaru]

Basically I am not good when it comes to spriting the Touhou Characters into Mario. Wish someone will help me to sprite every Touhou Characters into Mario's Sidescroller Sprites so I can use them on my SMBX Episode.

Aww I know that feel, bro. I have lots of Touhou-based ideas too, such as the aforementioned "Cirno the Fairy", "Super Marisa 64", "Legend of Yuyuko: The Adventure of Youmu", an episode about Seija doing mischief and even one about Shinmyoumaru Sukuna in her tiny size exploring a giant world! ...But that'll require lots and LOTS of original sprites ¬_¬ The playables will be a pain in the ass to make.

I wish you find a good spriter to make Touhou characters for you too.

[Imaynotbehere4long]

Anyone tried a Metroidvania yet?

I'm actually making a level like this for my project (well, I was, but I've taken a break to help clear out the Levels sub-forum now that I'm a judge). I also believe Epoch has plans to make something like that as well.

[Shidomaru]

I'm actually making a level like this for my project (well, I was, but I've taken a break to help clear out the Levels sub-forum now that I'm a judge). I also believe Epoch has plans to make something like that as well.

I like that I hope such episodes are available to play soon.

[Shidomaru]

I also made this Mode 7 tech demo for SMBX: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=1302

I saw this in your signature... Now THAT's an unusual new thing to be made in SMBX I'm going to try THAT episode out, if you don't mind.

[Imaynotbehere4long]

Now THAT's an unusual new thing to be made in SMBX

New? No, I made that back in 2012.

I'm going to try THAT episode out, if you don't mind.

Go ahead; that's why I linked to it in the first place.

Also, it's technically only a level, but I posted it under Graphics since that's the main focus of the download.

[Shidomaru]

Go ahead; that's why I linked to it in the first place.

I played it just now. Looks like it's on very early stages, but its potential is AMAZING! Couple those level graphics with player characters and NPCs made in the same style and you will get a graphically AWESOME SMBX episode like no other!

[Yugioer]

I love it when people want to make unconventional episodes

I've got a few ideas and would like to make them into episodes, but I am already working on something else, and don't want to start a new project. Here are some ideas:

An arcade-like challenge game, where every level only has 1 screen, where you are given a challenge you must complete. For example:
"Kill the NPCs! You have only 10 seconds." or "Collect all coins." or "Dodge the fireballs for 20 seconds" or "Use the koopa shells to destroy all blocks"
Every challenge would be 1 level, and there can be bosses too.

Or how about this: In this game, every living in the world has turned into an enemy and you are not allowed to kill any enemies. Your objective is to turn them back into good people by destroying the big bad guy who caused all the trouble. The enemies in the levels and worlds would all be placed in such a way, that it's possible to avoid them.

[FanofSMBX]

I was thinking of making a game where the SMBX forum people all go to a convention (except for 6 who can't go because they're beta testing a time machine, and Luigi is there too because his bus to the stadium is late). But then a mysterious person locks the doors and traps everybody at the stadium. Luckily the shine sprites can open the locks, but the only way to Star Road where all the shines are is on Yoshi's Island in the past. AirSeus (the maker of the time machine) sends the 5 users and Luigi back to the past to where Bowser's Castle is (because that's where a star road was in SMW). But Kamek kidnaps Luigi (again!) and magics the 5 users across Yoshi's Island so they can't go in the castle.

So the way it works is:
10 linear worlds to Baby Bowser's Castle and rescue Luigi
Then go to the Star Road that has 8-10 short worlds, each with a star at the end
Collect all or most stars to go to the castle of who kidnapped the SMBX users

[Shidomaru]

Or how about this: In this game, every living in the world has turned into an enemy and you are not allowed to kill any enemies. Your objective is to turn them back into good people by destroying the big bad guy who caused all the trouble. The enemies in the levels and worlds would all be placed in such a way, that it's possible to avoid them.

An episode that focuses on avoiding enemies rather than combat, huh? That's interesting I do have a couple of ideas where enemies can't be stomped normally and the ONLY way to stomp on them is with the Spin Jump, but your idea goes one step beyond that.

Which reminds me, on the topic of avoiding enemies... Tower of Biased 1 had a level about stealth called "Illuminated Castle" I think, which reminded me of Metal Gear Solid. Think an entire episode about stealth could be made?

I was thinking of making a game where the SMBX forum people all go to a convention (except for 6 who can't go because they're beta testing a time machine, and Luigi is there too because his bus to the stadium is late). But then a mysterious person locks the doors and traps everybody at the stadium. Luckily the shine sprites can open the locks, but the only way to Star Road where all the shines are is on Yoshi's Island in the past. AirSeus (the maker of the time machine) sends the 5 users and Luigi back to the past to where Bowser's Castle is (because that's where a star road was in SMW). But Kamek kidnaps Luigi (again!) and magics the 5 users across Yoshi's Island so they can't go in the castle.

So the way it works is:
10 linear worlds to Baby Bowser's Castle and rescue Luigi
Then go to the Star Road that has 8-10 short worlds, each with a star at the end
Collect all or most stars to go to the castle of who kidnapped the SMBX users

What is the unusual aspect of this particular episode? What makes it play differently than most SMB3/SMBW-Based ones?

[JupiHornet]

My episode is a collaboration about Mario and Luigi being kidnapped and possessed by Bowser, and wreaking havoc in the Mushroom Kingdom. Peach and Toad have to save them. This is to get you to play as the more unconventional characters, creating more variety (especially for Peach)

[Shidomaru]

My episode is a collaboration about Mario and Luigi being kidnapped and possessed by Bowser, and wreaking havoc in the Mushroom Kingdom. Peach and Toad have to save them. This is to get you to play as the more unconventional characters, creating more variety (especially for Peach)

Well, as far as playable characters go, that IS unusual. Few people ever make episodes starred by Peach (or a re-skin of her) so that might work. Also, how about making an SMB2-based episode where enemies can't be stomped and you MUST pick them up and throw them against each other to defeat them?

My current project "Cirno the Fairy" attempts this with Toad, since Cirno in my episode is supposed to be a re-skin of Toad. Unfortunately, I don't know an effective way to get somebody to make the sprites for me I already made the request at the graphics board.

[JupiHornet]

Well, as far as playable characters go, that IS unusual. Few people ever make episodes starred by Peach (or a re-skin of her) so that might work. Also, how about making an SMB2-based episode where enemies can't be stomped and you MUST pick them up and throw them against each other to defeat them?

If you can't jump on the enemies you can't pick them up to kill them (except for bombs)

My current project "Cirno the Fairy" attempts this with Toad, since Cirno in my episode is supposed to be a re-skin of Toad. Unfortunately, I don't know an effective way to get somebody to make the sprites for me I already made the request at the graphics board.

It may take a while, but someone will answer your request, don't worry.

[Shidomaru]

If you can't jump on the enemies you can't pick them up to kill them (except for bombs)

Actually, I meant they can't be STOMPED. You CAN jump on them to stand on them, but that alone won't kill them. Alternatively, you can neither stomp nor stand on them but have the levels littered with things you can grab and throw (such as veggies or white blocks).

[JupiHornet]

If you can't jump on the enemies you can't pick them up to kill them (except for bombs)

Actually, I meant they can't be STOMPED. You CAN jump on them to stand on them, but that alone won't kill them. Alternatively, you can neither stomp nor stand on them but have the levels littered with things you can grab and throw (such as veggies or white blocks).

Oh.
Well an episode based around that would be interesting, but I don't think too many people would enjoy something like that.

[Shidomaru]

Oh.
Well an episode based around that would be interesting, but I don't think too many people would enjoy something like that.

You mean putting too many veggies/white blocks, right? Well, then the 1st variation, where you can stand on the enemies to pick them up, would at least be enjoyed by those who enjoy SMB2. I'm not saying you MUST implement it in your game, though. If you want to appeal to Mario's most loyal fans, then I suppose you SHOULD make it like the typical SMB3/SMW-based episode, with the catch that this time you use the less used characters.

[RudeGuy]

I'm making a SMB2 episode. Sometimes it's a bit difficult to design levels for it.