General Fan Mission Review And Discussion Megathread

[SneakyJack]

How about putting the tutorial into a wiki instead of this thread?

I was going to make a new thread that I'd probably request be stickied since it would be a good resource for the entire Fan Mission subforum to have.. It doesn't need to get more complicated that that really. If someone would want to edit a wiki later to have a link to the thread or something I'm fine with that, but I'd rather keep everything in one place - here on TTLG.com

[SneakyJack]

Alright, back to the Anniversary Contest missions now - and if anyone is still fighting against using the TTLG Forums Dark Theme you really shouldn't if you enjoy looking at screenshots - it makes a huge difference, believe it or not.

Falling Down By TF
Released: 2008

What is the story?: There isn't much of one here - You are in a strange place and need to find your way back to town by making your way through the caverns.

How does it play?: For adventure mission fans you also enjoy a bit of puzzle thrown in, this one will be a real treat. There are some impressive effects on display here - something work really well (such as the exploding shrooms) and some that really work well at first but become bothersome the longer you play. (the excellent shaking effect of the small quakes)

Exploration is key in this mission - and you'll be doing plenty of it despite the relatively small space allowed for the contest. You'll find swimming sections, a bit of puzzle work, some craymen sneakery (or combat if that is your flavor) and you'll even find yourself inside some rather surprising locations.

The puzzles on display here were rather odd - and without looking up the help thread on this forum I would have never guessed to do what needed to be done to succeed.. I'm not really a big fan of puzzle objectives that are that random. I'm sure that brain teasers may be the cup-o-tea of many other folks though. I would have also liked a little more story thrown in with the rest of the mission and a little more purpose (you feel sort of empty after the very anticlimactic ending of the mission) to make the mission feel a little more worth my while playing - but for the small development time allowed and the type of mission it is - I'd say its a solid adventure mission indeed.

How does it look?: The typical cavern look is on display here, though some interesting architecture with the rubble and cavern walls gives things a bit of a visual kick, its all pretty standard fare. When you do get into areas that are non-cavern areas they are very plain and undecorated - this again could have to do with the short time frame of the contest. Overall the mission looked good.

How does it sound?: From the crackling sound of Craymen to the splash of the water in the caverns, everything sounded just fine. Bonus points for the rather funny drunken guard that tosses his bottles into the cavern.

So what is the verdict?: If you are a fan of adventure style cavern missions this is the mission for you. If you are more of a Mansion/Bank/Castle style player I'd still give it a spin with an open mind, but it might not be your kind of mission.

Check this one out if you enjoy: Non human enemies, cave missions, puzzles, adventure missions.

Screens:


The opening scene was a fun way to introduce the mission.



Gotta love these guys.



Until they get way too close..



This fella has seen better days.



I tried to get this guy to drown himself but it was not meant to be.



Signs of human civilization!



Well this is certainly different.

[Nameless Voice]

...and if anyone is still fighting against using the TTLG Forums Dark Theme you really shouldn't if you enjoy looking at screenshots...

Dark Themes, plural, as of two days ago.

[SneakyJack]

Flowers For A Friend By P Forth
Released: 2008

What is the story?: You've learned of the passing of a friend of yours who happened to also be a Keeper - time to visit his grave and pay your respects, its the least you could do. But something tells you that it won't be that simple..

How does it play?: I really liked the setup to this mission - and though there isnt alot of story the basic premise of it is entertaining. You find out within the first few minutes that something strange is going on in this cemetery, and you venture below to take a look. I won't ruin what little plot you get in the mission - but it is interesting enough to keep you playing.

The cave area was a bit confusing and more like work to me than anything else - it seemed like the author tried to add a ton of large boulders to make things confusing or to make the area seem larger than it was by herding you though some random boulder formations - but once you get past that area the gameplay itself is pretty strong.

This time around you'll be dealing with thieves, and they are always a formidable foe. Some fairly simple patrol routes and well placed thieves guarding doors near light sources will give you a bit of challenge but won't be anything that will frustrate you. There are a couple nice little effects here and there (such as the thief carrying a long torch) but for the most part everything is simple and straight forward. A fun little mission that if expanded could have offered much more bang for the buck, so to speak.

How does it look?: The cemetery looks pretty good (though a few higher quality textures would have made it look much better) and I really enjoyed the falling leaves effect. The thieves area looks pretty strong as well - though it could have also benefited from some grittier textures (or at least some higher resolution ones) due to the walls having a blurry muddy look. That said, this mission does look good.

How does it sound?: I liked the idea of the thieves using the ghost noises to keep people from discovering their hideout - and everything in the mission sounded good with no noticeable blank spots.

So what is the verdict?: If you enjoy classic gameplay style missions that are quick in-and-out adventures that won't take longer than a lunch break - this one will work well for you.

Check this one out if you enjoy: Thieves, human enemies, hideout missions, supernatural storylines.

Screens:


Looks like I'm at the right place.



Toss in a coin and make a wish..



Hi friend, I brought flowers for you.



Thieves!



Bet it all on black, of course.



I might steal a quick nap.



This guy was flustered and angry but still held tight to his torch. Dedication!



Holy smokes!

[SneakyJack]

The Homeless Dude By John The Beggar
Released: 2008

What is the story?: Like alot of things about this mission - the story sorta confused me. From what I got from it you are trying to steal the serpentile torc from a thief that resides in the town while collecting some other loot.

How does it play?: I'm going to be blunt and honest here and say something that probably won't surprise anyone thats played this mission - it is a buggy mess. From odd design choices to objectives that won't tick off to many areas being left without any sounds at all - its hard for me to find many good things to recommend about this mission.

From the very beginning area where you deal with a guard in full light (I wasn't able to get past him without being noticed and needed to KABONG!! my way through) to the frustration if finding bugs all over the place and objectives not wanting to complete when I've fulfilled them - there are just poor design choices and an obviously rushed release bogging this one down. This mission is the perfect example of one that needs much more time spent on it if anything just to correct the objective bugs and to finish actually applying sound to most of the missions areas.

How does it look?: Overall the mission looks good. Textures are good and well done and though nothing will immediately jump out at you as far as looks the mission is solid.

How does it sound?: I counted no less than five spots (doors, chests, water) that had no sound at all - and for such a small mission I really don't see how this even got through. With a build time listed as 1 week - I guess I'm not that surprised. If you are going to spend an entire week of your life building something you'll release to the public, why not at least make sure the sound is finished in a game based around sound?

So what is the verdict?: I'm sure there is an audience out there for this mission - but until the sound and objective problems at least are fixed - I'm not a part of it.

Check this one out if you enjoy: Human AI, city missions, unfinished missions.

Screens:


Better grab your bow - you are going to need it.



Running the streets at night.



I played through the beginning part of the mission 3 times to see what this guard would do - all three times he got stuck in this same spot.



Underneath the weapon shop.



Inside one of the few rooms in the mission.



I enjoyed the lighting here.

[SneakyJack]

Dark Themes, plural, as of two days ago.

Not bad, I like it!

[Yandros]

I love both the dark themes, but NV's is a little more suited to my tastes. Well done on both of them! I totally missed that they were available, guess I don't frequent the forum where this kind of stuff is announced.

[Nameless Voice]

They weren't announced.

[Melan]

NV's theme is very tasteful. I will keep the old one for tradition's sake, but I really really like the colour scheme. Thumbs up!

[osman]

I can't find the key for the cellar door and enter the city,,,please help,,,???

[SneakyJack]

Osman this isnt a hint or help thread as stated in the original post - please use the forums advanced search feature to find the original thread for the mission and you'll find your answer there.

[Digital Nightfall]

osman, in the future, if the post you are quoting contains eight large images, do not quote the images. I removed the quote this time - next time I will just remove your post. (Like I did for your double post... likewise, that one's free, the next one will cost you.)

[Brethren]

please use the forums advanced search feature to find the original thread for the mission and you'll find your answer there.

Maybe a link to each respective thread within the review post would be appropriate.

[SneakyJack]

Maybe a link to each respective thread within the review post would be appropriate.

With all the projects I've got going on at once should I really have to do search work for people too?

I might as well throw direct links to every website that hosts missions for people to download them directly from the reviews as well.

[sterlino]

I love this thread... watching all those screenshots and reading the reviews it makes me wanna play.

[SneakyJack]

I love this thread... watching all those screenshots and reading the reviews it makes me wanna play.

Glad you are enjoying it Sterlino, thank you for taking the time to post. I really enjoy your missions!

[intruder]

I agree with you what you said about "The Homeless Dude". At first I thought: "wow, it's looking like a classic Thief city mission", but soon after, I was disappointed by the mission. Many problems with sound and the fact that I couldn't complete it (I had the same bug) made me not playing it again since the first time.

The other two "Falling Down" and "Flowers For A Friend" are really good in my opinion. "Flowers For A Friend" has a nice setting and story as well as some funny moments, like discovering the source of those spooky noises
The layout of "Falling Down" was very nice and I liked how caves and the city where connected with each other. If I remember correctly, I played both of them at least twice...

[SneakyJack]

I agree with you on all three missions

Falling down was a good mission for what it was - but in a few ways it felt kinda lifeless to me and it seemed like I hadn't really accomplished anything by the time I got to the end of the mission, its hard to explain.

I really liked the story setup for Flowers For A Friend and thought that if it had been expanded a bit more it would end up being one of the truly classic thief missions. Both of them were strong in their original form, though.

The Homeless Dude just seemed like a half hearted attempt that should have maybe been kept from release until it was at least a little more complete rather than pushing it out the door for the contest. With a half finished mission the author couldn't have thought they'd win the contest anyway.. so why not finish it even if it misses the deadline?

[intruder]

I don't think John The Beggar expected to win with his mission, it was more the temptation of participating in an FM building contest.

When Iceblade announced the Ahoy contest I was eager to participate, just for the sake of doing it once in my life so to say. But after 1 week trying out things with DromEd and my schedule for next half year in mind, I decided not to join it because I knew I wouldn't make it until the deadline...or similar things would happen.

It's just my opinion but contest are something special, it's not about winning but about creating something with limited time and not knowing what others are doing. I hope I will have time when the next contest is on...

[SneakyJack]

I agree with participation being the main thing - but I think FM authors owe it to themselves (and fans of their missions) to at least make sure its finished before it goes out the door with sounds and whatnot. If you are going to spend hours of your life fighting with dromed to create something, why not spend a bit more time making sure its playable?

Thats all I meant, really. Sadly, if the objectives had worked (and completed) and the sound was finished it probably would have gotten much higher scores from everyone because of how classic it felt when you play. Hopefully in the future the mission is re-released in a more finished version.

[Jah]

Hopefully in the future the mission is re-released in a more finished version.

I think John-The-Beggar said in the mission's own thread that he has no plans to finish it.

[SneakyJack]

I think John-The-Beggar said in the mission's own thread that he has no plans to finish it.

Thats pretty sad. With a little bit more work it could be a solid classic-style mission I think.

Edit:

I will never fix this hahahha..

It was a very quick fun build, it was never tested. Sorry for the inconvenience.

The mission was crap anyway.

And if your wondering why it is i will not fix it is because its a waste of time. I built this mission out of boredom because i got sick of what i was working on at the time and now i am back working on another real mission (Defense 2) and the Real mission will be thoroughly tested for bugs and other crap

Thats unfortunate, this mission is a nice little mission that he shouldn't be ashamed of. It just needs a bit more work.

[SneakyJack]

The Kindred Vault By Eepcat
Released: 2008

What is the story?: The City Watch has been scouring the streets for opportunists like me which has forced me into the surrounding hills, living off unwary travelers and forgotten tombs. Cutty knows of a crypt loaded with enough gold to ride out this dry spell... the Kindred Vault. It is rumored that in addition to the precious relics, this crypt contains a powerful ring which can render the wearer invisible.

How does it play?: Some fairly simple puzzle work and some nice technical effects make this mission great fun to play. You'll encounter some undead enemies, but if the undead usually arent your thing you should still have fun with this mission as I did. With its roots firmly planted in the adventure mission genre, you'll be avoiding traps and solving puzzles to open up a path to the ring.. and more along the way.

I enjoyed the way the different ways were opened up based on which simple puzzle you solved - I'm not one who is a fan of hour long mind bending puzzles and this was right up my alley. It gave a bit of challenge but still kept the gameplay moving, and seemed to be just the right mix of mystery and intrigue. There could have been a bit more story - but the story briefing you get before the mission makes your objective and motivation clear. Overall I had a great deal of fun with this one.

How does it look?: The crypt has a very unique look - and the glowing Hammer walkways opening up based on which piece you put into the holders was a nice effect. There were a ton of gritty custom textures used in this one and overall everything looked very well done.

How does it sound?: From the crackle of fire to the moan of the undead, everything sounded good and I didn't notice any areas without any audio.

So what is the verdict?: An enjoyable mission that features the undead but also some adventure and traps - if that mission style is normally your thing you'll get alot of fun out of this one. Recommended!

Check this one out if you enjoy: Adventure missions, undead missions, missions with traps and other perils, simple puzzles.

Screens:


You always know you are in for a good mission when Burricks are the first thing you see.



Making your way inside.



Huge gems are yours for the taking.. if you can get around the residents of course.



Its a long way up!



Better remember the exit - you are going to need it quickly later.. trust me.



Looking down from above.



I really liked the glowing walkway.

[SneakyJack]

The Vampire Skull By Nicked
Released: 2008

What is the story?: You've recently heard about a valuable artifact called the Vampire Skull, supposedly a relic from a long ago battle between the Hammerites and a powerful vampire. As luck would have it, the Hammerites are planning to use it in a sermon tomorrow at a small chapel in Dayport. It's already been moved to the chapel, and should be child's play for a thief like me to nab!

How does it play?: There is a good bit of variety in this mission. You'll encounter Hammers (very briefly), Thieves and even a little undead. For the size restrictions of the mission, Nicked did a nice job of giving locational variety as well. This mission plays very much like a classic style thief 2 mission and balances adventure with sneakery into a pretty solid mix. The mission didn't take me long at all to complete, but I had a decent bit of fun with it. Don't expect anything too long or complicated though.

How does it look?: For the most part things are very simple and boxy looking as far as architecture in the city, but you get a little more variety in shapes once you get below the surface with curved doorways and openings to areas. The textures here are fairly low rez (possibly thief 2 stock textures) and blur a bit - but the classic look fits in well with the classic feel of the mission.

How does it sound?: Everything sounds good as far as I could tell, didn't notice any sounds being off.

So what is the verdict?: Though not a stunner as far as looks, the gameplay is pretty solid in this mission and will give you an enjoyable bit of play that shouldn't take you that long to complete.

Check this one out if you enjoy: Adventure missions, Hammerite-based stories, Thieves Guild missions.

Screens:


Part of the tiny city section.



Don't wanna end up here.



Just passing through.



This thief was not happy with me.



Another thief in pursuit.. these guys caught me quite a bit.



Care for some target practice?

[nicked]

I was quite happy with it considering it took me three days.