Creepy Castle is Finished (Download Link Here)

[Zexis]

Yes indeedy! I've finally finished the World 2 Castle, which I've decided to name "Creepy Castle." I've run multiple tests, but it's impossible for me to catch all of the bugs in such a large level. If you have any trouble, please let me know. And positive comments and other criticism are also welcome! You can download it here: http://www.mediafire.com/?0njnndwmvmi

Creepy Castle v1.1
I was told that the drain section was WAY too hard, so I've toned it down quite a bit for a more sane freefall. While still fairly difficult, hopefully you'll find it to be much more agreeable. Or, if you dare, you can try out the original Creepy Castle via the above link. Here's v1.1, though:

http://www.mediafire.com/?y9kmt4iaugv

[cheat-master30]

Can you send me some screenshots so I can finish off that map now?

[Zexis]

Can you send me some screenshots so I can finish off that map now?
I just finished sending the PM.

[cheat-master30]

Finished and uploading the map now.

[cheat-master30]

Okay, it's a huge file (4 MB!)

[cheat-master30]

The map is finally complete:

http://dsultimate.net/Entertain/HauntedCastleFinal.PNG

Warning, FOUR MEGABYTE MEGA FILE!

[mariowings77]

I'll try it out after i finish ocarina of time:P

[cheat-master30]

You're playing Ocarina of Time?

[Lance the Echidna]

Most likely on his computer, as he doesn't have a console at as his house.
On-topic: I hope you have access to a feather in that place, what with all the drops and everything O_O

[cheat-master30]

I don't think there are any feathers in that place, but bringing one in from an outside level would be really good idea. I'm also curious to where the midway point is.

[mariowings77]

haha i'll try it out and see if there's one soon
Off topic: I'm going to start on world two tomorrow, but before that i'll try out this level:P

[cheat-master30]

Good luck actually finishing it, it looks nearly impossible,

[mariowings77]

haha not as hard as i thought it would be but still, thanks XD

[cheat-master30]

Someone should make a video of the whole level, if they're insane.

[mariowings77]

haha I would but I can't get the desktop recorder to work without alot of lag:P

[kyledude92107]

I'ma go try it.

[kyledude92107]

Wow, that one jump in the second room is obnoxiously difficult...

[kyledude92107]

Nope. Not doing this.

It looks like a good levels, but I DO NOT have the patience needed to navigate those drops. Sorry.

[cheat-master30]

What do you mean by that? You aren't gonna LP it?

[Zexis]

Someone should make a video of the whole level, if they're insane.
The only insane part, really, is the drain (the first long drop after the roof.) I'm assuming that's where you stopped, kyle. It took me a LONG time to get past that part, just to make sure that it was possible. I can't blame you for calling it quits. I didn't lock the hack, so there is a way for you to bypass that section if you'd like to try the rest of the level (which isn't nearly as hard as that freefall.)

How far are you, wings? Most of the level, really, is not what I'd consider "insane." Very difficult in some areas, sure, but most of it is reasonable. Did you get past the spot kyle stopped on? It's right after the rooftop with the Magikoopas.

[cheat-master30]

I think some complaints might be the complete doubling in difficulty between the first world levels and the castle of world 2.

[Zexis]

All the time I spent on the dang thing and you're telling me it's too difficult. >_< Ack. Well, I'd have to agree about the drain being too hard. But the rest of the level, really, is much more reasonable.

[cheat-master30]

That's why I sent my PM and gave suggestions on how to make the drain a bit easier.

[Zexis]

Yes, I've read it. They seem like simple ways to make it easier, so I'll take a look at the section in LM and see what looks like good pieces to be taken out.

[cheat-master30]

Good. No one here needs reviewers and players to give up on world 2.

[Zexis]

Good. No one here needs reviewers and players to give up on world 2.
Then you could all glare at me when you hear someone on Youtube scream, "@#$% this, and @#$% you, DSU!" Or something along those lines. Yes, that would be bad.

[cheat-master30]

At least it's probably better for them than Kusottare World or whatever...

[kyledude92107]

I got further in Kussotare. <_<

[cheat-master30]

I'm really wondering how far you'd get in the UNDERWATER Castle then... with max speed downward scrolling.

[kyledude92107]

If I can't do it easily, or with struggle, there's a problem.

[Zexis]

Meh, I'm working on toning it down a bit. I'll post it when it's done (which shouldn't take long), but I'll leave the other one up in case anyone dares to try it...

[kyledude92107]

Thanks.

I think that's a good indicator... If I struggle a bit, but not too much, the difficulty is JUST right.

[Zexis]

OK. Here's the link to Creepy Castle v1.1. I've taken out some of the obstacles in the drain, including the P-Switch and and some munchers, as well as a spike or two. I've also spaced out the remaining munchers, so while this is still pretty difficult, it should be MUCH easier than the previous version.

http://www.mediafire.com/?y9kmt4iaugv

[Zexis]

By the way, I'm really curious to see how you'd do on this, cheat. You know, since this originated from one of your designs.

[kyledude92107]

I'll try it tomorrow.

[cheat-master30]

By the way, I'm really curious to see how you'd do on this, cheat. You know, since this originated from one of your designs.

LOOSELY originated from one of my designs. Because hey, the amount you've changed means only about half the life is anything like the original suggestion. But that was for the best to be honest, some of my levels do need some difficulty toning up.

[mariowings77]

Zam, which one do you want me to try out, the first or second one?

[mariowings77]

ummm... when I try to download it, when i try to play it on zsnes, it doesnt show up... am i supposed to unattach the ips patch??

[Zexis]

For which, the first one or the second one? Did you apply the patch to a clean R0M? Patches themselves, you see, cannot be played.

[Zexis]

And I'm not Zam. >_> But try whichever tickles your fancy; just be warned that if Kyle couldn't get past the drain, I won't imagine you'll have a fun time with it either. So I'd recommend trying v1.1, but you can go with the original if you dare.

[mariowings77]

ok, so i need to apply a patch to it?? >.>
and sorry... XD
i'm really confuzed

[Zexis]

Yes...

OK. Remember the utility you used to create an IPS patch? Well, there's also an option to apply an IPS patch. You just need to have the patch and a clean R0M. It'll then patch the R0M with the levels and other appropriate data. It only takes about two seconds.

[mariowings77]

ok, i'll try it out

[Zexis]

Sounds good. If there's any problems, I'll be right here.

[mariowings77]

... ok, i've died at least 100 times trying to get one of the jumps XD

[mariowings77]

YES!!! I"ve done it!!! :D
Now for the next one :(

[Zexis]

Congrats. Which jump? And are you using the suggested key combos?

[cheat-master30]

What jump was this?

[Zexis]

The last jump over the spikes in the second room before the pipe is where I usually get stuck at for awhile, as you can see in the vid.

[mariowings77]

Haha almost done with that room XD

[cheat-master30]

It's funny how you consider that a 7 out of 10 difficulty, while most people would probably consider it FAR more difficult.

[mariowings77]

I'm stuck at that jump XD

[mariowings77]

How do you short spin jump?? I can't do it:/ and i think that's essential for me to beat the level:P

[Zexis]

You have to get it JUST right. Try to go as far as you can towards the ledge without falling off, then run and do a small spin jump. That's been the only way I could get past it.

[Zexis]

Do you know how to enter key combos in ZSNES?

[mariowings77]

actually, how to you get to the pipe?? I'm having alot of trouble XD

[mariowings77]

and yes... x and y buttons are f, a is a, and b is d... load is e

[mariowings77]

and how do i do a short spin jump? >.>

[Zexis]

Here is how you enter key combos in ZSNES.

Step 1: Open ZSNES.
Step 2: Go to "MISC" and then "KEY COMB."
Step 3: (For the small spin jump) Look down at the bottom where it says "Press Only." In that column, find the letter A. Click it once. In the combination key window there should now appear an arrow pointing down at a green button with the letter A next to it.
Step 4: Above that should be a small area where it says "KEY." Click on the three dashes. You'll then be asked what key you want to assign this function. Simply press that key on your keyboard. For me, I chose W.
Step 5: In the description area, type "Small Spin Jump"
Step 6: Now look near the top-right and click the button that says "ADD."
Step 7: To save, click on "MISC" again, and then go down to "SAVE CFG." Do so, and then continue playing the level.

[Zexis]

^^^That is how you enter a CUSTOM key combo, which you pretty much have to do to perform a short spin jump. Once you get past those spikes, there will be a small ledge resting upon two other spikes. Perform another small jump onto that ledge (you won't hit the overhead spikes) and then enter the pipe.

[mariowings77]

Edit: That helps sooooooooo much!! I was trying to do it with a normal spin jump XD

[Zexis]

Heh. Oh, and if you aren't already doing so, I would suggest starting another save state every now and then, especially before the drain.

I'll think you'll find the rooftop to be fairly easy. By the way, are you doing v1.1 or the original?

[mariowings77]

...I'm scared... i don't want to save state in the falling part XD

[mariowings77]

and i'm doing 1.1... I don't trust 1.0 >___O
the drain is annoying but it's fun XD

[Zexis]

When I was going through the drain, there were a lot of times where I would save either right before or when I died. Or, I would put myself in an area where I had no way to make it furthur. However, this problem should be fairly infrequent in v1.1

[mariowings77]

Edit: Nevermind. I've gotten past that part. Man this is hard:p

[mariowings77]

Actually, how do I take out the small spin jump... i'm at the room with the yellow pipe with thirty seconds left:P

[Zexis]

Wait, are you past the drain? Anyways, you have to use the buttons that make Mario jump higher, pick up items, run faster...hold that down before you hit the Koopa to make you jump high enough to reach the drain. And are you talking about the yellow pipe shortly after the green bubble?

[Zexis]

Also, the timer will reset in the room after that pipe, if it's the one I think it is.

[mariowings77]

...Now i'm doing the drop... not fun:P

[mariowings77]

And yeah... How much longer is the level?? I'm not sure I can take much more XD
jk jk
hate percision jumps XD

[Zexis]

Um. I'm a little confused as to which drop you're referring to. <_> There's the first one where it's just the freefall, and then the one with the moving platform. Either way, good luck.

[Zexis]

If you're on the moving platform, you're fairly close. If you're only at the first freefall, you've got ways to go.

[mariowings77]

Haha heck no i've finished the freefall a while ago XD
Is there a boss??

[Zexis]

Yup. There's a short, easy brawl with Reznor, and then you're done. He's probably the easiest part of the level.

[mariowings77]

Ok, I'm at the part with a spring board and alot of spikes... what am I supposed to do? >.<

[Zexis]

You need to hop off of the springboard, going left, onto that one block with no spike on it. Then fall onto the hole to the left of you, and time a jump to get up onto the ledge above. It's all about how long you hold down the button when on the springboard, otherwise you'll either slam into the spikes above or miss the opening.

[mariowings77]

...I hate the ghost ceiling >.<

[mariowings77]

Ok zexis, i'm sorry but I'm not going to be able to finish it... I saved in a wrong place at the wrong time... Thus, instant death... and even worse, No good save states or any more space time rewinds. So i'll tell you what I thought of the level so far.
1-if you're trying to make it insanely hard, you've got it.
2- I feel sorry for who ever's going to test it. O___O
3- didn't like the part with the note blocks but other than that, it was a very good level.
4- The Ideas were great
5-that's all XD
Good job zexis!! :D

[Zexis]

Thanks, wings. And if you look at the level design on the first page of this thread, you'll see that you were pretty close to the end. Those note blocks are quite a nuisance, since you almost have to rely on luck to get it right. Hopefully, if kyle releases a World 2 demo, he'll submit it to at least one reviewer. It will be an...entertaining video to watch, to say the least. And I still don't know what he has planned for the other levels. But your comments are much appreciated. :)

[mariowings77]

Haha no problem!! Wish I could make vids but last time I did, it lagged up alot:/
But yeah... If i find a desktop recorder that doesn't lag, I could make TAS of the levels.