Frictional Games Forum (read-only)

So I'm creating a very large library for my custom story. After much contemplation, I'm set on keeping the top two floors at the very least and would like to keep the rest of the floors as well.

Before I go any further with developing it, I wanted to ask if perhaps its too much? - from a player's perspective - I understand it's going to take a lot of time to keep it looking varied and interesting throughout the entire area, but I think I create it. I just want to know if a library that huge is going to be worth creating for the players of my CS.

(edit - image in the spoiler tag)

(04-23-2013, 04:26 AM)Kiandra Wrote: [ -> ]So I'm creating a very large library for my custom story. After much contemplation, I'm set on keeping the top two floors at the very least and would like to keep the rest of the floors as well.

Before I go any further with developing it, I wanted to ask if perhaps its too much? - from a player's perspective - I understand it's going to take a lot of time to keep it looking varied and interesting throughout the entire area, but I think I create it. I just want to know if a library that huge is going to be worth creating for the players of my CS.

(edit - image in the spoiler tag)

Spoiler below!

Yes, these were taken in the level editor. It's easier to control than Daniel.



I'm not intending on keeping the floors all square and fitting with each other. It was just the easiest way to confine the upward building and prevent myself from making a whole bunch of sprawling floors immediately.

Ask yourself this; "What was the purpose of this level?"
If it's a library, the first three are basically useless.
EDIT:
Somebody once said "quality over quantity" and I'm sticking with him/her.

Well, as JAP said above, take in to account the purpose for the level, but the thing is, your map designs are lovely as compared to mine, so it would be worth exploring

I was quite drawn in by Amnesia's design, complexity and flow rather than the story, the detail given in the game is remarkable, as is yours.
Of course, this is my opinion. Be justified by your own opinion, and use others to find means of improvement. That's how I did as such when I started making things in Game Maker.

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Just on a follow up, I'm making my own Library in my CS to come. It will not be nearly as grand as yours, but it would just be rather simple, just one floor, some space, bookshelfs, books all over the floor, etc. Throughout my story though, just about every single room has some form of point in it. All I aim to do is allow the player to attempt to get through the game without having to worry too much about the vast majority of the area, solve a few puzzles along the way, all those kinds of things.

If you're willing to take up that challenge, go for it. A lot of people don't appreciate how important having side rooms/areas that don't necessarily have something in them that's necessary in proceeding are. Think about in the prison, was there another item in every single cell? No, a lot of them were empty or had oil or tinderboxes in them or had a note in them, stuff like that. If you don't have those extra rooms then exploring the level becomes incredibly linear and boring. Realistically thinking, a full scale library would have lots and lots and lots of books, it wouldn't just be a few small rooms with shelves. Now, 6 floors may be a bit overboard, but if you can pull it off it would be a killer level. Up to you though.

Probably said before.
It MUST be fun to explore. Otherwise the player gets bored.

The editting must be awesome, the atmosphere must be creepy, and exciting, good sounds, great music, events...

And various events, secrets, rewards and scares

I think you should go for it. Your level design is beyond awesome so i definatly wouldn't mind exploring a bit.

Is this supposed to be a kind of library 'wing' in an otherwise residential mansion type place, or is it supposed to be an actual dedicated library building, like a public library? If it's the latter, then it's an awesome idea - to keep it varied you could change the lower floors to a kind of basement book-storage area, have study rooms like you do, that could be really awesome to explore.

On the other hand, if its supposed to be someones personal library as part of a mansion, that might be a bit extreme...

i would change the texture on that carpet

link:googlesearch

Fifth room looks amazing!

Pretty cool map! =)

I mostly agree with the "quality over quantity" deal, except that your map looks fabulously well-done and seems like a joy to explore! I say keep those extra floors.