Running out of ideas...

518 · Post by **518** » Fri Dec 19, 2003 10:27 pm

Yeah, see, I'm not new here, I know the ropes of zzt. But my lack of cohesion is starting to bug me. I have not even entered in a single 24hozzt entry. Probably caused by lack of consistency, or a void of discipline.

Anyway, the point is, I'm trying to find some kind of simple idea and game that will get me back off my feet. I have a lengthy christmas vacation starting today in which to work on it, if need be. I've racked my brain for answers to this dilemma, but I seem to be at a creativity downward spiral. At least, in the way of zzt.

Some of my earlier projects have been debunked by a similar problem. For instance, QTU never quite made it off the ground. If I've determined the plot or engine, I get a mental block on what to do next. If, however, I plan ahead too much, I have to continually look back at my notes, and then I cannot come up with a decent plot or gameplay strategy. Either way takes time, energy, and random bursts of creativity that are ridiculously hard to rely upon.

Therefore, I suggested to myself that I might start small, make a small, precise, and yet somewhat original game. I've already made three alternative games in much the same fashion. The problem is that they rely on a mindset I only have fragments of now. Plus their gameplay was extremely cheap, owing all your work to finding keys and unlocking doors.

So, I came to the forum for help. I came to see if anyone here has ideas for a small, perhaps 15-20k zipped game. Something short and to the point, but with enough room for developments that can be added in later.

And most importantly, some form of gameplay, because MY box is empty.

201 · Post by **201** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 12:06 am

Make. THE HALL OF ZZT TOILETS! With all your favorite toilets from ALL your favorite ZZT gamez!

Homz · Post by **Homz** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 12:14 am

I'm afraid that the only way you'll be able to make truly good games is to take them from your own ideas. Wait, be patient, and always be probing your mind for something worthwhile. And while you're at it, here's another bright idea. DON'T EVADE BANS

458 · Post by **458** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 12:21 am

Here's an idea: Skifree ZZT. (you know, that skiing game that comes with chip's challenge where you carreen down the slopes avoiding trees, hitting jumps, and in the end get eaten by the yeti?) if you made the map randomized, it would have good replay value- and a pretty simple engine.

Another Idea that comes to mind is: the DVD player of ZZT! you could have a collection of short, yet funny cinematic parodies/homages to great movies. (terminator, animal house, the matrix, resident evil, monte python, etcetera, etcetera...) Like ZZTV, but juicier. perhaps with also movie inspired MINIGAMES! everbody loves MINIGAMES! YAY.

Homz · Post by **Homz** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 12:50 am

Ha ha, Skifree. I guess I'm not the only one who used to play that. That's a really good idea, though.

Ryan Ferneau · Post by **Ryan Ferneau** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 1:11 am

I remember getting Skifree in a pack of Windows 3.1 games.

Post by **Zenith Nadir** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 1:25 am

Yes!

Along with CHIP'S CHALLENGE and RODENT'S REVENGE and TRIPEAKS

those games were heroic.

Homz · Post by **Homz** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 1:49 am

I got it on a "Microsoft CD Sampler" for Win 95, ages ago. Sadly, it didn't come with Chip's Challenge, which broke my heart. It did come with Rodent's Revenge, Snake, Chess, and Golf though, as well as others which I doubtless have forgotten, which were just as good. If "Guy" doesn't use the idea, I might try something along those lines, maybe for ZZTV.

454 · Post by **454** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 10:08 am

Zenith Nadir wrote:Yes!

Along with CHIP'S CHALLENGE and RODENT'S REVENGE and TRIPEAKS

those games were heroic.

I hate tripeaks. It's one of a few games both my parents like, and if they ever get onto the PC (it's my PC, but they think it's a family PC), they're on it for ages. I like CC and RR, and Ski Free. I think the monster at the end of Ski Free is a bit idiotic.

Post by **clecky** » Sat Dec 20, 2003 1:37 pm

Scorch3000 wrote: I hate tripeaks. It's one of a few games both my parents like, and if they ever get onto the PC (it's my PC, but they think it's a family PC), they're on it for ages. I like CC and RR, and Ski Free. I think the monster at the end of Ski Free is a bit idiotic.

So, youre 21, you live with your parents and share computers? you sound like the biggest loser ever

29 · Post by 29 » Sat Dec 20, 2003 10:10 pm

chip's challenge would be so goddamn easy to make with ZZT but it would have none of the charm (namely the same 2 MIDI files over and over again).

Post by **MadTom** » Sun Dec 21, 2003 12:02 pm

It's actually possible to outrun the yeti in SkiFree.

Post by **Zenith Nadir** » Sun Dec 21, 2003 5:01 pm

Fun fact! Download canyon.mid, put it in your C:\WINDOWS directory, and presto! Chip's Challenge plays a third track!

Ryan Ferneau · Post by **Ryan Ferneau** » Sun Dec 21, 2003 5:55 pm

I think my pack also had Freecell and Hearts and something else.

532 · Post by **532** » Mon Dec 22, 2003 4:14 am

Look dude, all ya got to do is look inside yourself and search, just think! Play a vidio game. Get an idea, change the idea so its not a copyright thingie, and GO FOR IT! Just ask your self...WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GAME!? And go from there! Just like me! Im comming out with a game soon......It does not have to good of graphics, (compared to ESP anyway), but im hoping the story line and replay value will catch on. ^^ Woops, I went rambling on about me again....sorry!