It's A Mystery!

Gen · Post by **Gen** » Sat May 15, 2004 4:02 pm

Majic1, I agree, they do look like Mom and Dad! Not only are there bright lights, but there are houses and barrels. Stinky, come on an tell us where you are! Tell us what this is all about!

As my mom used to say: curiosity killed the cat and my cat is sick!

Post by **Midnight Synergy** » Sun May 16, 2004 4:40 pm

Alrighty then, let's get to the bottom of this mystery!

I hope you enjoyed the little preview of Stinky and Loof new adventures. It's been interesting to see your speculations about what form these adventures might take.

So here's the deal: the goal was to further increase the longevity of the Wonderland games and make sure that you get many more months (years?) of fun out of the series. To that end we wanted to include new gameplay elements that are very versatile (allowing for lots of new puzzle ideas and level designs) and allow for different styles of levels (classic puzzles but also more "story" driven levels). We also wanted to ensure that the price stays as low as possible, and that the community is not split for each new game.

So rather than release a full third Wonderland for another $20, we decided to make this latest adventure an upgrade to Return To Wonderland. This "Deluxe" version of Return To Wonderland will simply replace the original version on your hard drive, and include both all "classic" and "deluxe" properties. Price for the Deluxe version hasn't been determined yet, but will be obviously cheaper than a full new $20 game. (The cheaper price however does mean that the game engine is still basically the same, i.e. this is not a completely new RPG/Adventure game like some of you were guessing at. - although I think the new features - esp. some of the unannounced ones - will let you folks make levels in that direction if you wish)

Final testing is still going on for the Deluxe version... anticipated release date is the middle of June. (Eeeeek! I know, this is like seeing a movie preview in the theatres and thinking "this looks really neat", only to have the preview end with "Coming Soon - Summer 2012")

Here are some of the new features in the deluxe version:

New gameplay elements for your puzzle designs:

- play with any combination of up to four characters

- powder kegs: very explosive - handle with extreme care!

- prisms: split up incoming fireballs

- broken Z-Bots: very unpredictable movements

- UFO Motherships: deploy fleets of flying saucers

- rainbow spirits: dangerous enemies or friendly little helpers?

- box generators: oooo, the puzzles you'll be able to make with these gadgets!

Enhanced classic gameplay element:

- two separate conveyor systems with independent controls

- seven different colour gates

- eight different teleporters

- twenty signs

New features to make your level designs unique:

- multi-height walls

- different floor types

- new structures (houses, lamps, etc) for your levels

The deluxe version will also come with a new set of "official" levels and come pre-bundled with a current set of the custom levels, sorted by user.

There will also be a few small "secret" features, and the new levels will include very well hidden hints on how to unlock those features.

Finally, there also are some smaller new features as well as a few big things I haven't listed above because they are not fully tested yet (and I'd rather not promise a feature and then take it back), but this should give you some idea of what you can expect in the deluxe version of Return To Wonderland.

Cheers,

Patrick

majic1 · Post by **majic1** » Sun May 16, 2004 4:49 pm

OH WOW!!! This is LOTS BETTER than I ever imagined!!!!! YIPPPEEEEE!!!!!

But now, I REALLY can't wait!! Can I borrow someone's time traveler? I can't afford one yet.

janetgalle · Post by **janetgalle** » Sun May 16, 2004 4:53 pm

Middle of June? I guess that's not tooooo long to wait.

Thank you in advance for all the new gameplay elements.....I know I will enjoy them

jg

You shouldn't be too concerned with cost, for a game this good, I wouldn't hesitate to pay xxxxx

Davimad · Post by **Davimad** » Sun May 16, 2004 6:05 pm

Patrick, I love you................ Will you marry me?

To hell with bigamy!

This is fantastic news, I can hardly wait.

Three cheers for my betrothed. Hip, hip...............

M.A.D.

eeyore31 · Post by **eeyore31** » Sun May 16, 2004 9:12 pm

HOORAY !!!!!! OOOOooooo this is going to be WONDERlandFUL !!!!!!

Oh, the possibilities......the walls, the cute cabins, the lampposts, the flowers, more signs.....Oo, and the SECRETS!!!!!!! Oh joy. There is a Heaven, and we are getting to see it in a month!!!!!

Patrick....you are the best.....Christmas in June.

OldPete · Post by **OldPete** » Sun May 16, 2004 10:07 pm

hehe my poor fingers have enough trouble with the current levels i need to start exercising them.

LinkyNStoof · Post by **LinkyNStoof** » Sun May 16, 2004 10:28 pm

Midnight Synergy wrote:Price for the Deluxe version hasn't been determined yet, but will be obviously cheaper than a full new $20 game.

Awesome!!!! I know I would buy it even if you charge $40 for it!

Gosh I've been so busy lately I haven't done anything with Wonderland for over a week! Maybe I'll have to quit my job when the Deluxe version came out or something.

Dianna · Post by **Dianna** » Sun May 16, 2004 10:29 pm

Oh wow! So many great new features! Although it will be difficult to wait a whole month, on the other hand that really is sooner that I thought we would see a new Wonderland so I'm just pleased as punch. Thank you, thank you, Patrick, as well as Stinky and Loof and the whole Wonderland team!

So, who are those two new little yellow critters, anyway? Do they have names yet?

SharonM · Post by **SharonM** » Mon May 17, 2004 12:24 am

This is great!

I can't wait. Freightrain is chomping at the bit too.

OOOOhhhh, the possibilities! I'm definitely going to have to make more time for Wonderland.

Dianne, I think majic1 is right.

I think Stinky and Loof went home and got Mom and Dad to help out. After all, they used to do the job that Stinky and Loof do now.

This is wonderful news Patrick. My mind is reeling with the possibilities. Thank you.

popo · Post by **popo** » Mon May 17, 2004 7:44 am

I don't want to burst anyone's balloon but if the new game overwrites the old one will the scores disappear

I don't want to have to go through all the levels again

I am just being paranoid, aren't I?

Still excited though

malcdelsol · Post by **malcdelsol** » Mon May 17, 2004 8:39 am

Hi Wonderlanders,

Oh dear - WHEN will I get time to Sunbathe

I'm itching to create some more new levels with the existing facilities - my brain will go into OVERLOAD with all of the new facilities

As a follow on to Popo's concern with regards to having to replay the official existing RTW levels - we probably all have different ways of storing the Custom levels - hopefully we will be able to exclude these form the Upgrade

REALLY looking forward to it all though

Malcdelsol

Carolyn · Post by **Carolyn** » Mon May 17, 2004 3:31 pm

Goodie!!... goodie!!... I can hardly wait... I really like the idea of a house... I always thought Stinky and loof should have a house... This will be so neat!!... It will be more fun making levels.....

... Don't u all agree???

Post by **Midnight Synergy** » Mon May 17, 2004 3:51 pm

Hi all,

just poppin' in to comment on a few questions, etc.

janetgalle wrote:You shouldn't be too concerned with cost, for a game this good, I wouldn't hesitate to pay xxxxx

LinkyNStoof wrote:Awesome!!!! I know I would buy it even if you charge $40 for it!

Well, ok, it'll be a $14.95 for most people, with a $40 version for Linky and $10000 (that's five digits, right?) for janetgalle!

Further donations are always welcome!

Davimad wrote:Patrick, I love you................ Will you marry me?

I doubt my wife would approve. We take most major credit cards, but marriage proposals and other forms of payment are not accepted.

Dianna wrote:So, who are those two new little yellow critters, anyway? Do they have names yet?

Yes, their names will be revealed soon. Any guesses?

popo wrote: I don't want to burst anyone's balloon but if the new game overwrites the old one will the scores disappear I don't want to have to go through all the levels again.

You will definitely be able to copy over your player file from the old version - this will keep all your scores for the standard levels. Still working on how new levels will be sorted (and/or separated from old custom levels) so I don't have an answer for that one yet.

Cheers,

Carolyn · Post by **Carolyn** » Mon May 17, 2004 3:57 pm

Yesssss... Midnight Synergy... I guess ... Roof and Tophat... Am I rite?

Post by **Midnight Synergy** » Mon May 17, 2004 3:59 pm

Carolyn wrote:Yesssss... Midnight Synergy... I guess ... Roof and Tophat... Am I rite?

Nope.

Carolyn · Post by **Carolyn** » Mon May 17, 2004 4:11 pm

Rats!!... I was wrong!... how many guesses do we get?... I will guess again... Socks and Cappie.... ?

Gen · Post by **Gen** » Mon May 17, 2004 7:19 pm

How about Poof and Smelly?

OldPete · Post by **OldPete** » Mon May 17, 2004 10:28 pm

What if they are female????

janetgalle · Post by **janetgalle** » Mon May 17, 2004 11:00 pm

janetgalle wrote:You shouldn't be too concerned with cost, for a game this good, I wouldn't hesitate to pay xxxxx

Modnight Synergy wrote: Well, ok, it'll be a $14.95 for most people, with a $40 version for Linky and $10000 (that's five digits, right?) for janetgalle!

I knew that somehow that statement would come back to bite me in the butt! Do you take installments? Here is my first payment.

jg

eeyore31 · Post by **eeyore31** » Mon May 17, 2004 11:14 pm

Gen wrote:How about Poof and Smelly?

Hey.....that sounds pretty good!!!!!
Stinky and Loof,
Smelly and Poof!!!

Jersey · Post by **Jersey** » Mon May 17, 2004 11:43 pm

How about "Stanky and Leaf"?

Loof & Leaf are twins, and

Stanky is Stinky's big brother!

Jersey · Post by **Jersey** » Mon May 17, 2004 11:56 pm

Gen wrote:As my mom used to say: curiosity killed the cat and my cat is sick!

Nothing serious I hope Gen!

My oldest one (13 this July!) is not his usual "spring crazy" self this year...sigh. The youngest one (4 next month) is just as bad and squirrely as usual.

So far this week, he's flung his clumping cat litter all over the bathroom floor, RIGHT after I bathed him

, played jump tag with a shadow in the bedroom and nearly gave me a black eye at 3 in the morning

, destroyed another four inches of material on my chair

, and left even more teethmarks in the oldest one than usual

. Good thing he's fixed, or I'd really be in trouble.

God bless their little hearts!

Gen · Post by **Gen** » Tue May 18, 2004 3:07 am

Hey Jersey, your guys sound like they are really full of vigor! They are fun when they are that way - but can also be dangerous. Glad you didn't end up with a black eye! Actually, I don't have any babies right now. I lost my last one a few months ago, but I do know how curious they can be. Give yours some loving for me.

Post by **Midnight Synergy** » Thu May 20, 2004 11:00 pm

I might add a post every week or so until release as new features come "out of testing" (and hence are final).

Here's an advanced feature that the deluxe version will have:

1. you will be able to paint your own fun Wonderland houses (and share house "styles") - see the attached pic of a blank template house

and

2. (for very advanced users only) you will even be able to create custom 3d-models to load and distribute with your levels. Esp. the latter really leaves things open for the user community. Anyone with 3d skills can create models sets for Castles, Futuristic Cities, House Interiors, etc, and once public others can also create levels using these objects!

(note that obviously no paint or 3d-modeling software is included)

Cheers,
P

majic1 · Post by **majic1** » Thu May 20, 2004 11:16 pm

It just keeps getting BETTER, doesn't it!!!!

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Fri May 21, 2004 1:36 am

I've gotta say Pat you're pulling out all stops to make this one awesome update. I certainly don't mind waiting if it means even more features as long as it comes out sometime before the summer of 2012

Love all the features you've revealed so far
- the houses are great (and being able to customise them even better)... but will we be able to enter them or are they strictly decoration?

- custom 3d objects!!! wow, I did mention this in my requests but thought afterwards it might have been expecting a little too much.
- I guess at some time you'll let us in on the limits as far as size etc goes, limitations etc
- with the current version there are issues regarding 'how much' you can place within a level & seeing as you are still relying on the same engine, the limitations will stay in force??? I have no programming knowledge whatseoever with the exception of Excel macros but that helps little here... nor do I have any immediate intentions (or time) of creating anything as big as AdventureLand2

- can you recommend any good 3d applications for novices with little money (heh). I know over at coastersims.com Tia has a great little (so I've heard) model builder for $10 which the coaster creation community use. I guess this is something we could run with & use here? Again speaking from a total lack of knowledge.

- all the new gameplay elements & enhanced elements. The mind boggles at all the new possibilities. Can we destroy the UFO motherships???

- twenty signs

thankyou Pat

You do realise though that in maybe a month or 2 following release we are going to be crying for even more

- and of course the multi-height walls, different floor types & structures are just going to enhance the visual appeal to no end.

By all means keep us posted on the new features as you finalise them but definitely keep a few 'surprises' for the release.

Will we see some changes to the level editor?
A few handy things would be the ability to...
- insert rows/columns anywhere rather than on the edges - so if we had an area we were happy with but then wanted to move it we could rather than deleting everything & recreating it.
- copying/cutting & pasting areas - again so things could be easily moved around.
- maybe a larger viewing area? Future release maybe a 3d view (rotateable). And just on that thought maybe in game the ablility to rotate the view - not the alt-x views but seeing from the left hand side/back/right...
- on the level save info the ability to put in your forum name, level creation/adjustment date so that (maybe) in game there is the option to sort by not only level title but also creation date & creator.

On the Forum scene
- a separate forum for uploading/discussion on the deluxe levels
- a separate forum for 3d objects

Is it possible to have separate areas... or to group different objects? For example to have an area for say houses, lights, whatever etc so that within the editor these would appear on separate pages and then maybe a mouseover area so when you pass your cursor over an object a preview comes up in a separate box...

I'd better go now, I have work to do... and I'm sure I'm giving you a headache

Keep up the good work Pat.
Robbie

Post by **Midnight Synergy** » Fri May 21, 2004 4:49 am

Just a quick few answers:

Robbie wrote: Love all the features you've revealed so far
- the houses are great (and being able to customise them even better)... but will we be able to enter them or are they strictly decoration?

Yes, although it won't change gameplay (Stinky will just disappear inside the house). How this will work is that you can place larger objects, such as houses, or really large objects, such as your custom made castle, anywhere on the map in the editor. Then you'll be able to set tiles surrounding it as "walkable" or "not walkable". Put down a house (which sits on 3x3 tiles) and make all nine tiles "not walkable" and the house simply is decoration. Put it down and leave one tile open at the entrance, and Stinky can walk "into" the model. You could then also hide a coin, button, teleporter, etc, in that entrance way. It might look a little silly (no door opening animation, etc), but it should make for very varied gameplay - and that after all is the important thing.

Robbie wrote: - I guess at some time you'll let us in on the limits as far as size etc goes, limitations etc

No real limits - you can provide a .3DS (3d Studio) file for the object and a .JPG for the texture. How big/detailed you want to make it is up to you, as long as it is a single model with a single "skin" texture.

Robbie wrote: - with the current version there are issues regarding 'how much' you can place within a level & seeing as you are still relying on the same engine, the limitations will stay in force??? I have no programming knowledge whatseoever with the exception of Excel macros but that helps little here... nor do I have any immediate intentions (or time) of creating anything as big as AdventureLand2

Same as before - roughly 100 of each type of object. The "pillar" category includes things like trees and houses, so you still can't build a huuuuge city with hundreds of houses etc. The game is simply not laid out for super huge levels anyway - although the option for large levels like AdventureLand still exists.

Robbie wrote: - can you recommend any good 3d applications for novices with little money (heh). I know over at coastersims.com Tia has a great little (so I've heard) model builder for $10 which the coaster creation community use. I guess this is something we could run with & use here? Again speaking from a total lack of knowledge.

I don't think there you can use "3d models" and "novice" in the same sentence.

It does take a lot of work to get used to working with 3d modelers, and more to actually make decent models. If you want to try your hand at something, there are plenty of demos out there - I often use Milkshape (http://www.swissquake.ch/chumbalum-soft/) which I think has a 30 day demo...

Again I must stress that this is really an advanced feature - most people will not go out and make their own models. But hopefully some will enjoy doing it and share with the rest of the community. We'll see!

Robbie wrote: - all the new gameplay elements & enhanced elements. The mind boggles at all the new possibilities. Can we destroy the UFO motherships???

Nope.

Robbie wrote:
- twenty signs
thankyou Pat You do realise though that in maybe a month or 2 following release we are going to be crying for even more

Yup. But this will probably be the last Wonderland game/update/etc for a while - which is why so many features are going into this one. We want to make sure it will still be worth playing a few years from now!

Robbie wrote: Will we see some changes to the level editor?

Nothing major. Obviously all the new features are handled, but the functionality remains roughly the same.

Robbie wrote: On the Forum scene
- a separate forum for uploading/discussion on the deluxe levels
- a separate forum for 3d objects

That's (so far) exactly the plan. But no sub-areas for 3d models - only if there actually are many that come out. I doubt many will be developed over the first months - there's enough new stuff in the game as it is to keep ya happy!

Okay, that wasn't exactly "short". Back to work.

malcdelsol · Post by **malcdelsol** » Fri May 21, 2004 10:21 am

Hi Patrick,

Thanks for the up-date regarding the new facilities within the forthcoming 'Deluxe' version of RTW.

I do have a some questions though concerning the compatability with the Deluxe and current versions.

1. Am I correct in assuming that the Deluxe version, when downloaded, will UPDATE/OVERWRITE both the current RTW game software and the current Level Editor

2. Will I still be able to play Custom levels, both existing and new, that are created using the current Level Editor with the Deluxe version of RTW game software

3. Will I be able to create levels using the Deluxe Level Editor that can be uploaded and played with the existing RTW game software if I restrict myself to only using those elements that are presently avaliable

Yesterday, this Forum had its' 400th member

Obviously I am hoping that there is a large 'uptake' of this Deluxe version however I am concerned that there may be a split in this Forum of the 'have' and 'have-not' of the Deluxe version

By far the majority of Wonderlanders who download Custom levels choose not to actively partake in the banter on this Forum - that is fine. I still have the satisfaction of knowing that when I create a level it is avaliable for downloading by all RTW players.
(Then they see it's a Malcdelsol level

)

Perhaps I just worry too much

Malcdelsol

majic1 · Post by **majic1** » Fri May 21, 2004 2:43 pm

One more question: With the deluxe version, will we be able to edit some of our current custom levels, adding some of the new features to them????? (Gosh, we want it ALL, don't we!!!)