*PLEASE NOTE: I DON'T THINK THE TEXTURE PACKS WORK WITH ANY VERSION OF MINECRAFT AFTER 1.5.2 (NOT TESTED) I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TEST IT UNTIL AFTER I HAVE FINISHED MY FILM: 'MINECRAFT - STAR WARS - A NEW HOPE - PLEASE USE MINECRAFT VERSION 1.5.2
Review Summary:
The sheer SCALE and BEAUTY of this map is worthy of the Star Wars name. It's 90% scavenger hunt, with some good navigation puzzles. There are some TNT special effects, but no major redstone mechanisms - and they aren't missed.
Overall - this is epic, pure and simple. A few minor tweaks and it's ready! I am super impressed.
This is going to make a GREAT backdrop for some role-played Let's Plays!
I'm going to play it again and film it, but I didn't want to make you wait on this feedback :smile.gif:
Special note: After fixing a few minor details below, I think you are within range of a 17 or 18 score. Clarifying the transition to 'upside down' and maybe adding a bit more 'story' from Artoo; epxlain why you are doing things instead of just what to do.
I played...
Minecraft Ver: 1.0.1
Mode: Single player
Difficulty: Easy
Texture Pack: Mine Wars
Mods Used: none
My Total Playtime: 1 hour (v2), 2 hours (v3)
My Final Score: n/a - I stopped picking them up after 3 stacks of 64
I'm not going to lie - this map has a LOT of expectations on it. First, it's Star Wars. Second, it's by ParadiseDecay.
This is a review of the BETA version. Expect the final map to be at least 1 or 2 points higher after fixes/tweaks.
Some of my comments are very minor details and do not effect gameplay. I'm picky!
(some of my prior comments were PMd with version 2 and still apply, but I won't repeat them)
I would recommend you .zip the texture pack and leave instructions to put it into the .minecraft/texturepacks folder, then select it from the menu. You don't want people messing around with their .jar file. Also, unless they've patched their game I don't believe the flowing lava/water textures will be used.
Not sure why there are bones in the chest in the falcon. For dogs?
I really like the alternating texture in the stairwell between the Falcon's hangar and the Tie hangar.
First off - the build and details are amazing. VAST rooms that really capture the Star Wars feel. I'm going to try not to gush on every one :smile.gif: And, ParadiseDecay did a nice job of varying the details in each room so they don't all look the exact same.
I said this before, but it's worth saying again. Probably the most important bit of feedback I can give you, because I am POSITIVE that people are going to play this map on multiplayer and do Let's Plays. You need to have an open-air spawn area at least 20x20 for multiplayer. Put it on the roof of the hangar above the Falcon. Wall it off so they can't get out. Put signs up there explaining that this is not part of the story, just the multiplayer spawn "fix". Then put a hole in the roof so they fall down into the Falcon (add water) or let them fall into that "in case of fire" water.
I notice throughout that the number of 'sets' of items in each chest varies. Sometimes 4 sets, sometimes more. Seems random/unbalanced. MOST players would not notice/care, so this is just me being nit-picky it won't effect your 'rating' and I think it would be a lot of tedious work to try and 'balance' them.
I don't know what the mod is called (I think they used it for Deep Space Turtle Chase map) but you should recommend one that keeps it always night, so the sun doesn't come up.
"Choose your path wisely". I went left first and blew up one of the machines. It broke some of the glass in the floor and I nearly fell into the lava. Then I saw the lava fall from above and ran for my life. Looking back, nice effect.
I can't help thinking that you should put individual golden apples instead of stacks of 64. They're going to fill up inventory too quickly.
The only other comment I have in this room is, I don't think you need to blow up the TNT to proceed. It's just cosmetic?
A lot of walking. Almost died when I went to the ladder in this room because I fell. Luckily I pressed 'forward' while in the air. May want to move the 'hole' 1 block closer.
The pumpkin helmet looks awesome, but why would I wear it instead of iron helmet? Also, there are no boots in this chest.
There's a steel door leading out of this room with pressure plates. I would make it a door that slides to the side with pistons. Minor suggestion.
Now I'm in the trench.
At first I was intimmidated, but after a little searching I see that you've 'enclosed' us in a nice area with no way to scale the walls and no holes to get stuck in.
I like the extra buttons that you made available.
While pushing the button, at first, I didn't understand why meat was falling - then I noticed it was the garbage chute and laughed. You may want to take the eggs out. They break into chickens sometimes. I was like, "why would someone throw away a perfectly good bot"?
I would re-skin chicken meat to look like something else since it drops from a 'bot'.
Lastly, if players are like me (and God help them) they will keep pushing the button until ALL of the garbage has fallen down just in case there's something randomly valuable up there. Which means they're going to be pressing the button several HUNDRED times. 5 to 6 items per dispenser is probably just fine.
In this hallway after the garbage chute. Are these supposed to be the walls compacting? I wasn't quite sure what the point of them were.
FANTASTIC view of the back of the Star Destroyer. LOVE the use of (diamond?).
I'm standing next to several signs that say "detention block" and yet Artoo says, "this looks like the detention block". Slightly redundant. I would use Artoo for more 'flavor'.
I like the shout outs in the cells of course. 4 is a good number.
shawnvmartin has two cells; 14 and 23
And I notice that you decorated each cell differently - nice touch.
I like that you put the Princess all the way at the end.
"You are here" :smile.gif:
Data processing is a nice visual for a maze. It's about 25x25 room but feels a LOT bigger.
LOL!! I found this Clone Trooper Test facility (shouldn't it be called the "Storm Trooper" test facility?). Nice use of pumpkins and paintings.
Good climbing puzzle. Just the right challenge.
I heard a portal partway up.
Ohhhh! Lava jumping was also a good challenge - not too hard or too easy.
The drop from the exhaust port almost killed me. You may want to warn people to heal up first or do something to soften the fall...
I went down out of curiousity and found the purple block. I put a torch on it, but I don't think it does anything? It took me a minute to realize that I was "marking" the exhaust port for Luke to aim at. Maybe make the sign a little more explicit?
Is there actually a 5 min timer? If so, I will be impressed!
Going back up.
I looked up and a sign caught my eye, "you should not be on top of the glass". Nice.
Long walk (again), but that's kinda the point.
The explosion at the end made a hole that can be accidentally fallen into. Maybe you could put a chest with ladders down below? Altho the fall would most likely kill you.
AT AT! WOW! Great surprise. (I wish there wasn't void fog down by his legs tho)
Finally got iron boots in the shuttle.
Puppy. Not sure if you intend us to take him, but since he's already tamed we can't use him.
There are some empire symbols on the wall behind the shuttle, but I think they are decoration, not path markers?
In the AT AT - another precarious fall.
I just realized - there are empire AND rebellion symbols in here - is it random or do they mean something about the story?
Ah - a callback to the dog in the shuttle. Nice touch.
So - which blocks can I break? Oh! These are different texture (wood planks). I would recommend texturing them a little darker or something so it's clearer. I'm wondering at this point how many of these blocks I might have passed earlier and should go back and look for secrets - but I know I won't be able to navigate back past the fall, so I'll just ignore that for now.
"You're doing well, only one more to find". books or dogs? I only have 5 books. I thought there were 8?
WHOA... that was unkind. I chose the minecart track to the far left :sad.gif: (call it #1)
Then I chose the far right (#4) and got the 6th book. But I think this might be missed if someone choses the middle tracks?
Now trying track #2 (second from left)...
You should retexture minecarts. At least steal the ones from Mars Mission and change the logo on the side? They hover!
Am I going through hyperspace or is this just a tunnel within the Death Star?
LONG ride - this would be a GREAT place to put in the Star Wars noteblocks.
Artoo is upside-down. I chuckled, but it might be a little startling. Whoa - wait... EVERYTHING is upside-down. It's clever, but honestly, I was like... what the... why?
I get that I had magnetic boots on. But.... why?
I would put some kind of text by Artoo (where he says to put on your boots) as to the reason you're going upside-down...
Actually... I wouldn't mention the magnetic boots BEFORE the minecarts. I would stop the player at the end of the tunnel (somehow) right before they see everything is upside-down and have Artoo tell them at this point so it's closer to the reveal. The minecart ride breaks it up too much.
Should these red arrows be pointing down, not up?
Dropping down into the shuttle, there are 2 levers not attached to anything. Also, some buttons and signs inside.
I'm ok with the signs being blank (since you can't write text upside-down) but maybe just remove them?
The stair/chairs don't quite look right upside-down. I don't think there's much you can do about it other than use full blocks.
Upside-down falcon.
Ok - just so you know... if you're in the minecart and fall into water - it doesn't break your fall. I just took 8.5 bars of damage and nearly died.
The 4th door has a button in it - so you don't need to go into the falcon. But also, there's already a button on the target. And this is where the TNT doesn't work. Honestly, I would just take this part out and make the Falcon the ending. If I got outside and saw "simulation over" I would be a little disappointed that the whole thing was not 'real'.
Inside the final falcon, leave the "end" signs but get rid of the ones from the beginning - they will confuse people.
And lastly - this might be tough - I would move the song a little closer to the Falcon and make a pressure plate when you walk into the Falcon's gangplank so the song starts automatically and plays while you're inside.
I didn't pick up apples along the way, as there were too many to count. :smile.gif:
Also, I played this time on Peaceful and enjoyed it. If there was a way to ONLY spawn the mobs you wanted (storm troopers or imperial guards, etc...) then I would play on easy, but I got tired of looking at creepers and spiders.
I would definitely change the Darth Mauls into imperial officers / troopers.
Thinking back, I would have saved Darth Vader's Tie Fighter for nearer the end. I think you showed him too early. Maybe it can be in the tunnel where you turn upside-down or something?
Creativity: Unique theme. Utilizes Minecraft functions. Use of rules. Clever creations.
1 = below average
2 = average
3 = above average
4 = astounding!
Detail: Visual decor/detail. Consistency. Realism and/or appropriate to theme.
1 = below average
2 = average
3 = above average
4 = astounding!
Story: Overall effort and duration. Engaging. Consistent. Character motivation. Dialogue/Narration.
1 = below average
2 = average
3 = above average
4 = astounding!
Difficulty (on Easy): Puzzles. Mob/risk density and variety. Lighting. Hidden items/challenges.
1 = Impossibly hard, may not be able to see the whole adventure.
2 = Too easy
3 = Challenging, puzzles -OR- mobs are well planned.
4 = Challenging, puzzles -AND- mobs are well planned.
Progression: Pacing of scenes. Pacing of score, gear, loot. Experience builds or arcs. Clear delineation between "in character" and "out of character" notes/signs.
1 = below average; uneven or no progression
2 = average
3 = above average
4 = astounding!
*PLEASE NOTE: I DON'T THINK THE TEXTURE PACKS WORK WITH ANY VERSION OF MINECRAFT AFTER 1.5.2 (NOT TESTED) I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TEST IT UNTIL AFTER I HAVE FINISHED MY FILM: 'MINECRAFT - STAR WARS - A NEW HOPE - PLEASE USE MINECRAFT VERSION 1.5.2
Trailer:
➜ The Map is FREE to download here:
http://adf.ly/DLagp
This map is one of the winning entries in curse.com and minecraft.net 'Star Wars Content Contest' and has been rated 20/20 Thank you Curse and Mojang
Special Thanks to George Lucas for the inspiration.
FAQ: Where do I get the texture pack?
Answer: It's included in the map download!
--------------------------------------------------------------
MY LATEST PROJECTS:
➜ http://www.minecraftforum.net/forums/show-your-creation/videos/machinimas/1670753-star-wars-a-new-hope-the-full-film-recreated-in
Minecraft - Star Wars - A New Hope!
(A Worlds First!)
:ph34r.gif:
Please Subscribe to be notified of its Official release.
Version: BETA v3
By: ParadiseDecay
URL: http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/820712-rebellion
Type: [Adv]
Genre: Star Wars
Review Summary:
The sheer SCALE and BEAUTY of this map is worthy of the Star Wars name. It's 90% scavenger hunt, with some good navigation puzzles. There are some TNT special effects, but no major redstone mechanisms - and they aren't missed.
Overall - this is epic, pure and simple. A few minor tweaks and it's ready! I am super impressed.
This is going to make a GREAT backdrop for some role-played Let's Plays!
I'm going to play it again and film it, but I didn't want to make you wait on this feedback :smile.gif:
Special note: After fixing a few minor details below, I think you are within range of a 17 or 18 score. Clarifying the transition to 'upside down' and maybe adding a bit more 'story' from Artoo; epxlain why you are doing things instead of just what to do.
I played...
Minecraft Ver: 1.0.1
Mode: Single player
Difficulty: Easy
Texture Pack: Mine Wars
Mods Used: none
My Total Playtime: 1 hour (v2), 2 hours (v3)
My Final Score: n/a - I stopped picking them up after 3 stacks of 64
=======================
Map Total Rating (out of 20): 16
Individual Ratings
-----------------------
Creativity: 4
Detail: 4
Story: 2
Difficulty: 3
Progression: 3
=======================
Playthrough Notes
-----------------------
I'm not going to lie - this map has a LOT of expectations on it. First, it's Star Wars. Second, it's by ParadiseDecay.
This is a review of the BETA version. Expect the final map to be at least 1 or 2 points higher after fixes/tweaks.
Some of my comments are very minor details and do not effect gameplay. I'm picky!
(some of my prior comments were PMd with version 2 and still apply, but I won't repeat them)
I would recommend you .zip the texture pack and leave instructions to put it into the .minecraft/texturepacks folder, then select it from the menu. You don't want people messing around with their .jar file. Also, unless they've patched their game I don't believe the flowing lava/water textures will be used.
Not sure why there are bones in the chest in the falcon. For dogs?
I really like the alternating texture in the stairwell between the Falcon's hangar and the Tie hangar.
First off - the build and details are amazing. VAST rooms that really capture the Star Wars feel. I'm going to try not to gush on every one :smile.gif: And, ParadiseDecay did a nice job of varying the details in each room so they don't all look the exact same.
I said this before, but it's worth saying again. Probably the most important bit of feedback I can give you, because I am POSITIVE that people are going to play this map on multiplayer and do Let's Plays. You need to have an open-air spawn area at least 20x20 for multiplayer. Put it on the roof of the hangar above the Falcon. Wall it off so they can't get out. Put signs up there explaining that this is not part of the story, just the multiplayer spawn "fix". Then put a hole in the roof so they fall down into the Falcon (add water) or let them fall into that "in case of fire" water.
I notice throughout that the number of 'sets' of items in each chest varies. Sometimes 4 sets, sometimes more. Seems random/unbalanced. MOST players would not notice/care, so this is just me being nit-picky it won't effect your 'rating' and I think it would be a lot of tedious work to try and 'balance' them.
I don't know what the mod is called (I think they used it for Deep Space Turtle Chase map) but you should recommend one that keeps it always night, so the sun doesn't come up.
"Choose your path wisely". I went left first and blew up one of the machines. It broke some of the glass in the floor and I nearly fell into the lava. Then I saw the lava fall from above and ran for my life. Looking back, nice effect.
I can't help thinking that you should put individual golden apples instead of stacks of 64. They're going to fill up inventory too quickly.
The only other comment I have in this room is, I don't think you need to blow up the TNT to proceed. It's just cosmetic?
A lot of walking. Almost died when I went to the ladder in this room because I fell. Luckily I pressed 'forward' while in the air. May want to move the 'hole' 1 block closer.
The pumpkin helmet looks awesome, but why would I wear it instead of iron helmet? Also, there are no boots in this chest.
There's a steel door leading out of this room with pressure plates. I would make it a door that slides to the side with pistons. Minor suggestion.
Now I'm in the trench.
At first I was intimmidated, but after a little searching I see that you've 'enclosed' us in a nice area with no way to scale the walls and no holes to get stuck in.
I like the extra buttons that you made available.
While pushing the button, at first, I didn't understand why meat was falling - then I noticed it was the garbage chute and laughed. You may want to take the eggs out. They break into chickens sometimes. I was like, "why would someone throw away a perfectly good bot"?
I would re-skin chicken meat to look like something else since it drops from a 'bot'.
Lastly, if players are like me (and God help them) they will keep pushing the button until ALL of the garbage has fallen down just in case there's something randomly valuable up there. Which means they're going to be pressing the button several HUNDRED times. 5 to 6 items per dispenser is probably just fine.
In this hallway after the garbage chute. Are these supposed to be the walls compacting? I wasn't quite sure what the point of them were.
FANTASTIC view of the back of the Star Destroyer. LOVE the use of (diamond?).
I'm standing next to several signs that say "detention block" and yet Artoo says, "this looks like the detention block". Slightly redundant. I would use Artoo for more 'flavor'.
I like the shout outs in the cells of course. 4 is a good number.
shawnvmartin has two cells; 14 and 23
And I notice that you decorated each cell differently - nice touch.
I like that you put the Princess all the way at the end.
"You are here" :smile.gif:
Data processing is a nice visual for a maze. It's about 25x25 room but feels a LOT bigger.
LOL!! I found this Clone Trooper Test facility (shouldn't it be called the "Storm Trooper" test facility?). Nice use of pumpkins and paintings.
Good climbing puzzle. Just the right challenge.
I heard a portal partway up.
Ohhhh! Lava jumping was also a good challenge - not too hard or too easy.
The drop from the exhaust port almost killed me. You may want to warn people to heal up first or do something to soften the fall...
I went down out of curiousity and found the purple block. I put a torch on it, but I don't think it does anything? It took me a minute to realize that I was "marking" the exhaust port for Luke to aim at. Maybe make the sign a little more explicit?
Is there actually a 5 min timer? If so, I will be impressed!
Going back up.
I looked up and a sign caught my eye, "you should not be on top of the glass". Nice.
Long walk (again), but that's kinda the point.
The explosion at the end made a hole that can be accidentally fallen into. Maybe you could put a chest with ladders down below? Altho the fall would most likely kill you.
AT AT! WOW! Great surprise. (I wish there wasn't void fog down by his legs tho)
Finally got iron boots in the shuttle.
Puppy. Not sure if you intend us to take him, but since he's already tamed we can't use him.
There are some empire symbols on the wall behind the shuttle, but I think they are decoration, not path markers?
In the AT AT - another precarious fall.
I just realized - there are empire AND rebellion symbols in here - is it random or do they mean something about the story?
Ah - a callback to the dog in the shuttle. Nice touch.
So - which blocks can I break? Oh! These are different texture (wood planks). I would recommend texturing them a little darker or something so it's clearer. I'm wondering at this point how many of these blocks I might have passed earlier and should go back and look for secrets - but I know I won't be able to navigate back past the fall, so I'll just ignore that for now.
"You're doing well, only one more to find". books or dogs? I only have 5 books. I thought there were 8?
WHOA... that was unkind. I chose the minecart track to the far left :sad.gif: (call it #1)
Then I chose the far right (#4) and got the 6th book. But I think this might be missed if someone choses the middle tracks?
Now trying track #2 (second from left)...
You should retexture minecarts. At least steal the ones from Mars Mission and change the logo on the side? They hover!
Am I going through hyperspace or is this just a tunnel within the Death Star?
LONG ride - this would be a GREAT place to put in the Star Wars noteblocks.
Artoo is upside-down. I chuckled, but it might be a little startling. Whoa - wait... EVERYTHING is upside-down. It's clever, but honestly, I was like... what the... why?
I get that I had magnetic boots on. But.... why?
I would put some kind of text by Artoo (where he says to put on your boots) as to the reason you're going upside-down...
Actually... I wouldn't mention the magnetic boots BEFORE the minecarts. I would stop the player at the end of the tunnel (somehow) right before they see everything is upside-down and have Artoo tell them at this point so it's closer to the reveal. The minecart ride breaks it up too much.
Should these red arrows be pointing down, not up?
Dropping down into the shuttle, there are 2 levers not attached to anything. Also, some buttons and signs inside.
I'm ok with the signs being blank (since you can't write text upside-down) but maybe just remove them?
The stair/chairs don't quite look right upside-down. I don't think there's much you can do about it other than use full blocks.
Upside-down falcon.
Ok - just so you know... if you're in the minecart and fall into water - it doesn't break your fall. I just took 8.5 bars of damage and nearly died.
The 4th door has a button in it - so you don't need to go into the falcon. But also, there's already a button on the target. And this is where the TNT doesn't work. Honestly, I would just take this part out and make the Falcon the ending. If I got outside and saw "simulation over" I would be a little disappointed that the whole thing was not 'real'.
Inside the final falcon, leave the "end" signs but get rid of the ones from the beginning - they will confuse people.
And lastly - this might be tough - I would move the song a little closer to the Falcon and make a pressure plate when you walk into the Falcon's gangplank so the song starts automatically and plays while you're inside.
I didn't pick up apples along the way, as there were too many to count. :smile.gif:
Also, I played this time on Peaceful and enjoyed it. If there was a way to ONLY spawn the mobs you wanted (storm troopers or imperial guards, etc...) then I would play on easy, but I got tired of looking at creepers and spiders.
I would definitely change the Darth Mauls into imperial officers / troopers.
Thinking back, I would have saved Darth Vader's Tie Fighter for nearer the end. I think you showed him too early. Maybe it can be in the tunnel where you turn upside-down or something?
=======================
Rating Definitions
-----------------------
ALL RATINGS ARE SUBJECTIVE!
Creativity: Unique theme. Utilizes Minecraft functions. Use of rules. Clever creations.
1 = below average
2 = average
3 = above average
4 = astounding!
Detail: Visual decor/detail. Consistency. Realism and/or appropriate to theme.
1 = below average
2 = average
3 = above average
4 = astounding!
Story: Overall effort and duration. Engaging. Consistent. Character motivation. Dialogue/Narration.
1 = below average
2 = average
3 = above average
4 = astounding!
Difficulty (on Easy): Puzzles. Mob/risk density and variety. Lighting. Hidden items/challenges.
1 = Impossibly hard, may not be able to see the whole adventure.
2 = Too easy
3 = Challenging, puzzles -OR- mobs are well planned.
4 = Challenging, puzzles -AND- mobs are well planned.
Progression: Pacing of scenes. Pacing of score, gear, loot. Experience builds or arcs. Clear delineation between "in character" and "out of character" notes/signs.
1 = below average; uneven or no progression
2 = average
3 = above average
4 = astounding!
Follow this link ( http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/260249- ) to see how your map compares to over 150 other maps that I've rated!
Follow this link ( http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/471572- ) for a checklist on testing for common issues in custom adventure maps!
may i please become a beta tester