UPDATED: November 2011
Welcome to the (new)
Best of the Best for FPSCreator!
This thread is for
finished games only; not only that, but it is also reserved for those games that are above par. In short, this board is
invitation only.
In order to get your game up here with the other FPSC "Stars", you'll need to contact one of the FPSC Mods (unless we contact you first); please refer to the end of this post for contact info.
The criteria for gaining entry into the BOTB has increased; as the ability to create a unique game in FPSC has increased!
Your game
must be complete, I cannot state that enough; we will not be accepting finished
levels, or multiplayer maps (at this time). There is a criteria sheet (seen below) that will be referred to when deciding what game makes the cut into the
BOTB.
It's high time we start showcasing the
real talent that takes FPSC to it's limits...and then some. Don't be put off if you think your game's not up to snuff, we do watch your threads and take note of Community input. A good example of a game worth submitting would be Wehtam's game:
Beyond Life.
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The Rundown
- General attitude and Forum "Nettiquette" are factors in deciding on a BOTB recipient. Holders of the BOTB are held to a higher standard than regular members. BOTB status
could be revoked, if the holder is shown to act in a manner that violates the TGC AUP and/or shows general attitude problems towards other members.
- Games should be complete; no demos or single levels. We have come far enough that a complete game is not asking too much anymore.
- Custom HUDs, Menus (and buttons), Load Screens, Death/Win Screens...are now
required. There is no excuse for using the default FPSCreator HUD/Menu/Load Screen/Etc. anymore. These do not have to be completely custom (ie., never seen before), member-created replacements are fine. But they should also mesh well together. A modern-day game with a Lose Screen that shows elements of WWII Battles is not a good example of media that goes well together. Having no HUD at all is acceptable, if it is done in a way that adds to the game. A horror/suspense game that uses only what's in the environment as a weapon (brick, box, etc.) would be a good example of this. You could also have certain elements of a HUD pop up if a key is hit.
- All bugs (to the best of the developer's ability) should be squashed.
- The Story should not be an "afterthought". Good storylines are the glue that binds in a successful game.
- You need to have instructions on gameplay "
IN" the game itself. This can be done in numerous ways; such as a "tutorial level", a splash screen on loading, or accessed in the Menu/Pause Menu itself. This is a
requirement.
- In-Game videos (showing actual gameplay) are now
required (YouTube only).
- A Showcase Thread is now
required. This gives a chance for people to comment and critique your game in it's own area. This needs to be made
before submitting a game for BOTB.
- A valid download link
MUST be maintained; failure to do so could affect your BOTB display.
- Your Submission (via email)
MUST follow the guidelines set forth (as seen below). The BOTB Admin
will not be doing any of the work for you. All images
must have direct links. The image links must be maintained; failure to do so could affect your BOTB display.
- Entries will
only be given consideration in the month's of
AUGUST and
NOVEMBER. This ensures that I can keep taking care of the BOTB, without impacting other priorities. You can email me about it during other months, but I may not respond.
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BOTB Packet Submission Guidelines
- A Showcase thread for your game; which must be started
before submitting for the BOTB. This will give you a place to receive comments and criticisms for your work. This will be linked to in your entry.
- A
valid link to the game (the link
must be maintained; otherwise your entry will be removed).
- No more than
2 of your best screenshots (no bigger than 800x600 resolution) in either
.JPG or
.PNG format. These need to be hotlinked, using a service such as
ImageShack. I need DIRECT LINKS.
- A short description of the storyline (try to keep it under 1000 words).
- An in-game video (showing actual gameplay). The length of the video needs to be long enough to showcase what's unique about your game, as well as some action sequences. Again, it needs to be
in-game. You will also need to upload it to
YouTube, and a link to the video needs to be in your BOTB Packet. Maintain this link as well; check the responses there for comments and criticisms.
I will need to be able to download the video, so I can upload it into the YouTube BOTB Channel (should you make the cut). Your video
cannot contain any copyright music/soundtracks, etc.
- A Background on how you created your game (what your motivation was) is also required, as it would be helpful to others. You may also include reviews of your game (from actual people other than yourself
), and if it's for sale a link to the store page. Include any methodology that you see fit, to explain how/what you did. Anything that you deem "proprietary", or that you would rather keep to yourself need not be included.
- A
valid contact; in case anyone has a problem, they can contact you.
**PLEASE NOTE: If your game is accepted
you will be
required to provide the material listed above, all in one package. We will not be doing the legwork of gathering this data for you.
Don't forget; just because this is a First Person Shooter Creator....doesn't mandate weapons, puzzle games can be just as fun! We look forward to some great action!
_____________________________________________________________________
Mod Contact Info:
KeithC (Primary): caldwellkieth@hotmail.com
FredP: mcBarney2002@yahoo.com
Uman: peter@umedia.co.uk
Bullshock: seqoiagdirector@aol.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Judgment Criteria Sheet
-
Originality: Does your concept reflect every other FPSCreator level out there, or have you created a unique concept, design or flow?
-
Frame Rate: Does your game lag? Though there are known issues with FPSCreator's frame-rate, there have been numerous ways to overcome it; especially with newer updates.
-
Level Design: Does your level have a good flow? Is it linear; allowing the player to progress without getting stuck or frustrated (insane jumps to reach near-impossible areas, needed for game completion, etc.)? Does the design make sense (have you mixed different styles of media and segments, that don't really mix well together)? Are their multiple ways to reach your objective?
-
Lighting: Are your lights placed in a sensible manner (if there's a light, there should be a physical source)? Have you used lighting to set the mood/atmosphere? Are there any "light leaks" (in segment seams, etc.)? If you use colored lighting, does it serve a purpose; or does it just make the environment "noisy" (use of colored lighting should be kept to a minimum)? Are your light sources properly "lit up" (any lamps, wall lights, etc; should be lit properly. Placement of lights around a light entity will give this effect, Illumination Maps, or the use of a "Mod")? Lighting makes or breaks a good design.
-
Entity Placement: Do you have entities scattered about an area for no reason? Do the entities make sense, when compared to the environment and theme of the level? A barrel doesn't really have a place in a bathroom, does it? Would you find a working (and lit) vending machine in dirty back alley (or a Space Station)? Does that pile of rubble have an origin (is there a broken wall next to it), and does it match it's origin (broken brick wall, with Cinder Blocks lying around...not a good mix)?
-
Custom Media: This covers anything that doesn't ship with FPSCreator. Whether you buy it from the store, or make it yourself. Not everyone can create their own media, but for those who go the extra mile (or for those who buy/download it)...it should be rewarded. Any media presented in your game/demo
MUST either be made by you, or purchased/downloaded
legally. Failure to do so will forfeit your BOTB status permanently.
-
Sound Effects and Music: Sound effects play an integral role in any game. Placed at key moments in gameplay, they can really add to the depth of the gaming experience. The same can be said for in-game music. Custom Sound FX and Music will be looked highly upon.
-
Custom HUD: A custom HUD can also add to the overall feel of the game. HUD size and placement are factors here (a super detailed HUD does the player no good, if they can't see half the level). Having
no HUD can be accepted, if it is shown to enhance the game in some way (such as a horror or puzzle game). A Custom HUD is
required.
-
Custom Menu: The menu should reflect the look and feel of the game. This includes before and after game-play. Having save/load options will also be considered for points. A Custom Menu is
required.
-
Custom Load Screens: While players are waiting for the level(s) to load; why not take the opportunity to show off some artwork, level screenshots, or game controls? You could also use the opportunity to show some dialogue or "clues". A Custom Load Screen is
required.
-
Overall "Fun-Factor": Admittedly, this is a bit of a "grey area"; but the judge's will be using their own preferences when they decide if your game is genuinely "fun" to play.
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**Again; remember that entries will only be given consideration in the month's of AUGUST and NOVEMBER.**
-Keith
