Radiant wrote:
SubTerra works on the philosophy that bigger levels aren't necessarily better levels. Also, it was written to run on what counted as low-end computers ten years ago. Because of those two reasons, it has a limit to level size as well as to objects. I don't really see the benefit in increasing those, as I don't think it affects anything except "huge skelwing explosion" levels.
So it's limited to keep the levels small? I understand that limits can impose creativity, and maybe the kind of levels I'm talking about aren't too popular with you. If you're really concerned with keeping it running on older hardware, then perhaps the limit can be placed in some sort of configuration file, so that people like me can mess around without any detriment to our friends with dated systems. If other people want to play it, they can change the limit in their configs to enjoy the levels as they're intended. None of my levels would ever make it into an official pack, so the majority of users will be protected from their requirements. I'm just trying to find a solution that works for everyone, here. I hope I'm not overstepping any boundaries.
This probably falls under the object limit mentioned above. An explosion counts as an object. That said, "hanging" objects would be a bug. If you can reproduce this reliably on the most recent version of ST, please send me the level.
Hanging objects, like objects just floating in the air? I've usually found that when this happens, it is because of an invisible element underneath. I of course, can not identify this element for what it is beyond the fact that it is invisible. There are also orange gems that sometimes cease to exist for gameplay purposes, but remain hanging in the air, and the player/objects can pass right through them. Maybe this is what you're talking about.
As for posting a level, I'm not sure if my levels would count as a reliable reproduction for you. I'm sure you could load one up and watch the world unfold, then look around to find a few examples of what I'm talking about, but I feel as though their random nature is quite a turn-off for you as it is and it could be hard to convince you of the need to fix bugs that only occur in these levels. If I'm wrong in this assumption, please let me know, and I'll be happy to throw up a level for you to take a look at.
With that sorted, I've done something with your latest version, within the limits of the game, that exposes behavior which is considered incorrect. I would think that if it were as simple as raising the limit to fix this problem (and if I'm incorrect, please let me know), most developers would want their game to be bug-free in any kind of level built within the limits of that game. You aren't most developers, though, and these decisions are solely up to you. Again, please let me know if a level like the ones I play would be considered a reliable reproduction. The bugs don't happen in the same place, but they almost always happen!
I think that got lost at the time I rewrote the kernel from scratch. I suppose I should put that back at some point. I'm not sure if and when I'd have time for that, though, I'm rather busy these months.
Understandable. You're only human and you have to manage time like everyone else. Either way I think it would be very interesting to see what the community could come up with as far as two player levels with this feature back in the game. I'll be patient, and know that you've made no guarantee.
This is the design principle that both games individually probably contain too many objects already. I'm not convinced that allowing all objects in one game would create better levels.
Fair enough. This seems like a lot more work than my other requests.
I do understand that you're an individual, and as the creator of this game, you have the right to do whatever you want.
I don't want to seem argumentative, I just want to be able to do a little more with the game. It's so great already, and I love the puzzle levels, but my friends and I have so much fun playing the levels we create with the skelwings. I know you don't see them as necessarily valid, but they can be quite a challenge and require some creative thinking to get through! Have you tried any levels using this method? We find them very enjoyable.
I'm sorry for the novel, and I don't want to pressure you. I'm just giving this my best shot. I believe that some flexibility with the limit can lend a lot more to the game I love. Best wishes, either way.