Okay, I've had a re-think about the whole process.
Since we've got at least three people on the testing team, I think it would be better to do all the error correction and suggestion things on the board where everyone can see it, rather than having me be the e-mail relayer or something like that. As soon as this is posted, I'll begin sending the hold to those people whose e-mail addresses I get.
Please read this carefully (Bold is for emphasis, not shouting.
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Conducting the Beta-Testing
The Testing Process
The Beta process, I've decided, will last for 3 weeks, so, that's until Monday 2nd August. Testing is not a priority, nor should it take prominence over other DRODistic commitments, but I would like a reasonable amount of rooms to be completed (reflected on ability, not the number of completed rooms), so that I can get as good an average view of the hold as is possible.
Since the hold is Anyone-Edit, and is not guaranteed to be 100% stable, I advise copying the hold for yourself first before playing, so if you need to change anything, you can do it without losing huge amounts of progress (see below).
The Hold
The hold has been totally remade. Levels have been moved around, rooms have been switched and relocated, and some rooms are totally new, so the hold is now dynamically different to what it used to be. Also, there is a small surprise now in the warp room, which you might be interested in.
What to Look Out For
The main focus of this testing is basically to check it all through to make sure it is in a state that is ready for general purpose playing.
When testing, you need to check carefully for layout bugs, such as blocked passages, rooms that cannot be left or entered, backtracking problems and things like that. Some of the new rooms have been rushed through development or completion, so check those carefully for trivial solutions or (unlikely) being impossible. In addition, stair destinations have also been set again by me, but I don't know if they are bugless or not, so checking these would be a good idea also.
You also need to keep in mind your opinions on the gameplay aspect too. If you find a room/level repetitive or boring, or exhausting to play through, or over-crammed with too many puzzles (watch for L13, which is a bit like this), then I need to know about this so I can try to rectify the problem. Similarly, If the rooms themselves are annoying, such as having too few checkpoints, or relying on too much guesswork, then notifying me of this is important.
Two rooms to note especially are L4 1S 1W and L4 1S 2W, which do not look aesthetically appealing and were implemented at the last minute. Should I leave them in or remove them?
Implemented in the hold is also a storyline. The basic premise is that an exterminator called Tolbus Grobbler (not Beethro as before for consistency with Erik's stories) has been hired to clear out Bavato's Dungeon. He has also been asked to find out about the missing hold builders and architect on level 8 and discover the mystery of the invasion of monsters. Through the hold are littered scrolls and descriptions that tell this story, and so you should also check these for consistency. Let me know if there are any problems with it, such as spelling or grammar issues, inconsistencies with previous scrolls, incorrect dates, or something like that. Also, if you have any suggestions about improvements, these would be beneficial.
What to Do If You Get Stuck
If for some reason, you cannot make progress in the hold, due to not being able to complete a room or any other reason, then post a message in this thread for help, or send me a PM or e-mail (see below for restricions on spoilers). If, however, a room is impossible due to whatever reason, either try the other rooms (use the editor to make a bypass tunnel to go past the room) or use the warp room in Level 1 to warp to a new level. Post a report of anything you find is impossible here, and I'll get back to you by posting a fix for the room. You should be able to edit this yourself to test it (if you have your own editable copy) and you will only lose progress for this one edited room. If you need some specific help,
do not be afraid to ask since I will do my best to help you by sending a specific solution (speed is what is needed after all) or someone else may do so if they have already completed the room.
What to Post Here
This open discussion is mainly to facilitate communication between all the testers. Post bug reports, fixes and layout problems here by all means. You may also make general comments about level structure or individual comments here or an overall comment if you finish the hold. Asking for help here is also advised, since all of us will be able to see it in the thread
However, do not post solution spoilers, storyline revealers or any secret information in the hold here. If someone wants a specific solution, then send it to them via PM or e-mail. rather than putting it here on the board
Finally...
This version is a beta version with Anyone Edit status bestowed upon it and a Warp Room put into it. Please do not distribute it since the final version will not have either of those attributes in it. I will send you a final copy (If changes are necessary) with these privileges on just before the release.
Thanks for your help,
Enjoy the new remade Beta version!
[Edited by agaricus5 on 07-12-2004 at 06:20 PM GMT]
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Resident Medic/Mycologist
). There is even a scroll inside that says "testing..." on it, so there is really no excuse for me. You may want to test the room yourself (although I suspect it is impossible) or just delete the serpent if you have an anyone-edit version.