NAM's VX Challenge

[tSwitch]

NAM's VX Challenge

Alright Kiddos, this is a very simple challenge, obviously to be done with RMVX.

Rules

• You may only use the RTP Resources: That means no custom scripts, sprites, or tiles.  Eventing is fine.  CUSTOM TITLE SCREENS ARE FINE.  If it wasn't installed with the RTP, it's out of bounds.
• You -are- allowed to use this script, as it fixes the mistake enterbrain made with variables.
• You ARE allowed to move RTP resources into different folders (such as a face set to the pictures folder) as long as you do not modify it.
• You have 15 days from the time you sign up, to finish your game.
• You must submit a non-encrypted version of your game to the judges, but may submit an encrypted version for the public.
• Limit 1 member per team
• To submit your game, PM a link to me, and I will distribute it to the judges.  After the voting ends you are free to post a project thread of your own

Judging

• Each judge is to play each game to completion, or to the point where they feel that they can adequately grade the game
• They are then to grade the game in the following categories (grade from 0 to 10):
  -- Mapping Skill (how well they were able to use the default tileset)
  -- Concept Originality (how fresh and new the game's story and/or mechanics were)
  -- Execution (how well the game was delivered and how smoothly it played)
  -- Fun Factor (was it fun?)
• The scores from all judges will be averaged to determine the game's final score
• If desired, the judge can write a review (of any desired length) to help explain their assessment.
• Judges are not to conspire with each other, or talk to each other about a game or games until the judging has been completed

Simple enough right?  15 days, RTP only.  No gathering special resources or anything, just trying to make a killer game with what you have available right from the get-go.  With the exception of a custom title screen, should you choose to use one.
It can be any sort of game, as long as no scripting goes into it other than the default scripts.

STOP ASKING IF I WILL BEND THE RTP-ONLY RULE, I WILL NOT, THIS IS AN RTP ONLY CHALLENGE, BENDING THAT RULE DEFEATS THE PURPOSE.

Signups ARE CLOSED, NO EXCEPTIONS

Contestants

• MrMoo (RMRK) - March 18th
• Chaze007 (CP) - March 18th
• Revo (RMRK) - March 20th
• GuardianAngelX72 (CP) - March 19th
• HowlingWinds (RMRK) - March 19th
• Bayard Zylos (RMRK) - March 20th
• Modern Algebra (RMRK) - March 20th
• Zeichwolf (RMRK) - March 22nd
• Nessiah (RMRK) - March 20th
• Ocean (RMRK) - March 21st
• Knight Rider (RMRK) - March 22nd
• Susys (CP) - March 21st
• Starfyre (RMRK) - March 24th
• Kingmunkey (CP) - March 24th
• Wolfram77 (RMRK) - March 25th

Judges

• Landith (CP)
• game_guy (CP)
• Nightwolf (RMRK)
• Blizzard (CP)
• Irockman1 (RMRK)

Prizes

• 1st : 1st place signature/profile badge, and (pick one) either a free commission, or a simple script (complexity of script subject to interpretation and analysis by NAMKCOR)
• 2nd : a 2nd place signature/profile badge
• 3rd : a 3rd place signature/profile badge

For Dropping out, you get this consolation prize!
[spoiler]

[/list]
[/spoiler]

AND ALL THE SCORES ARE IN AND TALLIED

In first place:
Mapping - 8.6
Originality - 7.6
Execution - 8
Fun - 8.2
Overall - 8.1
[spoiler]
Ocean
[/spoiler]

In second place:
Mapping - 6.6
Originality - 7.6
Execution - 7.4
Fun - 7.8
Overall - 7.35
[spoiler]
Zylos
[/spoiler]

In third place:
Mapping - 7.2
Originality - 8.5
Execution - 5.9
Fun - 5.8
Overall - 6.85
[spoiler]
MrMoo
[/spoiler]

And in last place:
Mapping - 4.6
Originality - 5
Execution - 5.3
Fun - 5
Overall - 4.95
[spoiler]
Kingmunkey
[/spoiler]

I can't script right now due to no RMXP, but I can do art commission if that's the desired prize.  Gratz people.

[Kebin]

So, let me get this straight. You have 15 days from the time you sign up and not 15 days from March 10th?

[:)]

So, let me get this straight. You have 15 days from the time you sign up and not 15 days from March 10th?

start now - sign up march 10th

[tSwitch]

So, let me get this straight. You have 15 days from the time you sign up and not 15 days from March 10th?

if you sign up today, it's due the 18th.
if you sign up tomorrow, it's due the 19th.
if you sign up two days from now, it's due the 20th.
etc...

[MrMoo]

I'm in. This'll probably put some motivation back into my RPG making.

[Jonesy]

So, let me get this straight. You have 15 days from the time you sign up and not 15 days from March 10th?

start now - sign up march 10th

^ This.

I'm actually slightly interested. But you really should make the entries close at... say the 20th? Instead of 15 days from signup, just so everyone has an even playing field.

[Zylos]

He said signups close on the 10th.

I'm interested, but first I have to clear off my own schedule of projects.

[tSwitch]

I'm actually slightly interested. But you really should make the entries close at... say the 20th? Instead of 15 days from signup, just so everyone has an even playing field.

you joining then?

also it is an even playing field, if I had entries just close on the 20th, then what about the people who saw it late?

[Revo]

I'll join, but I won't be actually starting until tomorrow. I won't be at my computer today. It might help me get back into working with RPG Maker. I've been ignoring it for the past few months. >.>

[tSwitch]

ok, then your time starts tomorrow.

[HowlingWinds]

I'm in, and I'll start today.

[tSwitch]

a side note, someone brought up 'special' resources that apparently come with VX but aren't installed with the RTP.

The rule is: if it's not installed with the RTP, you can't use it.  Only exception is the title screen.  So these 'special' resources aren't legal.

[modern algebra]

What about the Game_Interpreter fix so that variables can be used properly? Anyway, I'm in, but I won't start until tomorrow. Also, I take it that I can't write any scripts specifically for this challenge, but is it possible to write major event systems for this challenge? Or are they too off-limits?

For said event systems, would it be allowed to create pictures to be used? For picture eventing, for instance. This is really only a very minor task.

[Zylos]

The challenge is for you to do it entirely with events and no outside resources or scripting, aside from the script command for events. Anything that you can do with the game alone (without opening the script editor), is fair ground. But the event picture would be a no no, otherwise I myself would try something too. However, you do make a good point about the variable fix. That is a needed script due to an error on Enterbrain's part. That should be the only exception to the rule of no scripts.

Also, count me in too, starting tomorrow.

[tSwitch]

What about the Game_Interpreter fix so that variables can be used properly?

I wasn't aware of that, please link to it so I can add it to the main post as an exception.

For said event systems, would it be allowed to create pictures to be used? For picture eventing, for instance. This is really only a very minor task.

did those pictures come installed with the RTP?

[modern algebra]

http://rmrk.net/index.php/topic,25243.0.html

And no, that's why I asked if they could be created Though, they kind of would, since it would just be extending the default windowskin and then making words... but I get it, I won't do any picture eventing. That being said, can you use as pictures, graphics that do come with VX. In other words, could I import say, one of the faces from the Faces folder, into the pictures folder and use it with Show Picture? or is that too off-limits?

[Zylos]

I think it's pretty much no importing at ALL. When you send the game, you don't really send anything but the data files.

[tSwitch]

http://rmrk.net/index.php/topic,25243.0.html

And no, that's why I asked if they could be created Though, they kind of would, since it would just be extending the default windowskin and then making words... but I get it, I won't do any picture eventing. That being said, can you use as pictures, graphics that do come with VX. In other words, could I import say, one of the faces from the Faces folder, into the pictures folder and use it with Show Picture? or is that too off-limits?

yes, you are allowed to do that, as you are not directly modifying the resources, just the location that they are placed.

[Zeichwolf]

I suppose I'll give it a shot, but I'm not starting until this Sunday when I'm back at college. Three papers and a quiz to study for over my Spring Break is anything but fair. =_=;

But yeah, count me in starting the 8th.

[tSwitch]

I suppose I'll give it a shot, but I'm not starting until this Sunday when I'm back at college. Three papers and a quiz to study for over my Spring Break is anything but fair. =_=;

But yeah, count me in starting the 8th.

yours is due the 22nd.

[Revo]

Just to make sure, Database changes are okay, right? It would seem kinda odd if you couldn't do that, but I'd rather ask first so I don't screw up.

[tSwitch]

Just to make sure, Database changes are okay, right? It would seem kinda odd if you couldn't do that, but I'd rather ask first so I don't screw up.

database changes are fine, that doesn't count as modifying RTP resources.

[Nessiah]

Alright, I'm joining, fufufu

[Revo]

Just remembered something I was going to ask. Is there a minimum/maximum gameplay time limit?

[tSwitch]

Just remembered something I was going to ask. Is there a minimum/maximum gameplay time limit?

no, short games are fine, but if it's short without reason to be so (an interesting system, or etc...) then I'd think judges would dock points.

[Kokowam]

I might join this... I'll get word back to you if I do.

[Ocean]

I'm thinking of joining. But could we make an exception for music? I am perfectly fine with keeping the default characters, pics and everything, but oh god the default music is horrible.

[Nessiah]

Yes Please! The music sucks hard core ;A;

[Zylos]

No. The point of the challenge is to try to make a good game even with the "oh-so-horrible" music.

[Ocean]

Oh and yeah, add me to the list. Hopefully I won't be too burdened with other stuff so I could at least release something.

[tSwitch]

I'm thinking of joining. But could we make an exception for music? I am perfectly fine with keeping the default characters, pics and everything, but oh god the default music is horrible.

the only exceptions to the RTP rule are the variable fix for the Game_Interpreter class, and a title screen.

No. The point of the challenge is to try to make a good game even with the "oh-so-horrible" music.

[Knight Rider]

I'm in, but I will start Tomorrow. Gotta take an exam today.

[tSwitch]

I'm in, but I will start Tomorrow. Gotta take an exam today.

yours is due the 22nd then.

[Nightwolf]

I'm a judge. Yay =3

I would not reccomend very long games. You got like, 20 days? If you try to make it very long, it won't be good.


You know..

Unless you spent most of your days on it ;-;

[tSwitch]

Well, this is rather unfortunate.
I just got slammed with nice paper to write for english class, and won't be able to work on my game :/

I will step out of the competition and revise my role.

Instead of being a contestant, I will offer a prize.  You have the choice between either a simple script for XP or VX (complexity of the script subject to my interpretation and analysis), or one free art commission.

's a bummer, but school comes first :/

[Kebin]

Startan Monday.

[Zeichwolf]

I suppose I'll be giving my own share of bad news.

I'll be dropping from the challenge, sorry. Between school, my boyfriend, my job, and a sudden lack of motivation that's hit me, I just can't continue or finish in time, so I'm gonna bow out and watch to see how everyone else does.

[tSwitch]

got it.

edit: judging guidelines posted, can't believe I forgot those.

[Wolfram77]

Sign me in!!!
I should be in time...

[tSwitch]

Sign me in!!!
I should be in time...

you just made it.
yours is due the 25th.

edit: Chaze007 dropped out, as expected.

[Arrow]

Looking forward to this. : O

[tSwitch]

Looking forward to this. : O

I dont expect more than 6 entries, tbh.
Hopefully we get that many, and I'd -love- to see some great work come of this.

[Arrow]

I know that feeling very well. : ) -high five-

[Revo]

I might not make it in time. I haven't been able to work on it much, but I might manage to finish it by my deadline.

I won't be dropping out, but this is kinda just a heads-up in case you don't get my entry. (My internet has been dropping off and on the past week and a half, so you may not hear from me for a while.)

[modern algebra]

I have a fair amount of mapping done. Who knows? I might actually be able to finish this

The judging guidelines look pretty good. To reduce bias, it might be a good idea to distribute the games anonymously, just in case. Though, I'm sure all of the judges are trustworthy so that's not necessary.

[Irock]

Are signups for judging closed? ;o;

[Nessiah]

I'm not sure if I'll make this but we'll see

[tSwitch]

Are signups for judging closed? ;o;

I'll keep judging signups open until the first game is submitted.

[Zylos]

I know for a fact that something that would normally have been used as a seperate script in the script editor can be condensed down into a few lines of a script command in an event. Would it be considered cheating to use this, even though I'm technically not adding a script?

[tSwitch]

that's fine, 'call script' is perfectly legal.

[Nightwolf]

I have a fair amount of mapping done. Who knows? I might actually be able to finish this

The judging guidelines look pretty good. To reduce bias, it might be a good idea to distribute the games anonymously, just in case. Though, I'm sure all of the judges are trustworthy so that's not necessary.

Trustworthy

Funny you should use that word.
*wipes sweat*

[modern algebra]

that's fine, 'call script' is perfectly legal.

That makes things easy tyvm^^

That's so awesome... So, the only scripting that is disallowed is scripting in the editor. Fantastic.

Trustworthy

Funny you should use that word.
*wipes sweat*

lol

[Irock]

I wouldn't mind judging. =]

[Kokowam]

Everyone else would. Irock, just make an Eye of the Tiger.

[Irock]

Signups ARE CLOSED, NO EXCEPTIONS

[Revo]

Bleh, I'm dropping out. I got 2 papers due soon so I won't be able to finish in time. College foils me yet again.

[Wolfram77]

Dropping out... too much schoolwork

[MrMoo]

You should have started the contest mid March, around the 20th or something. Most people will have march break then. Well, as you can probably tell a lot of people aren't going to finish and dropping out.
Chances are I won't either, however I'm not going to drop out. I'll hand in enough content for judging and release a complete version after if I have to.

[HowlingWinds]

I'm out as well. Nothing creative is coming to mind and I have only like 2mins worth of gameplay. Though this did give me my drive back to work on my own game.

[Kebin]

I actually have a full blown story for this lol.

I won't be dropping out because I'm not a pussy. And I have to work a lot next week.

[tSwitch]

I actually have a full blown story for this lol.

I won't be dropping out because I'm not a pussy. And I have to work a lot next week.

you're one that I expected to stick it out.

[Nightwolf]

Thats a lot of drop outs and "I may not be able to"s
It actually makes the competition easier and less competitve but..


less fun too ;-;

[tSwitch]

Mr.moo's is due today and I haven't yet gotten a PM.
Mr.Moo has until midnight before he is disqualified

[MrMoo]

Seven Nights



Download
-removed-

Game Info
Type: Social Sim/Dungeon Crawler
Length: Easily 1 hour. Enough for judgment I'd guess.
Credits: Just me, MrMoo.

Characters
Protagonist
You're a small female who is quite and only talks when spoken to mostly. She doesn't remember anything before the day she awakes from a dream explaining her current purpose. Her job is to solve a mystery going on at her school in seven nights or less, or else it'll be too late.

Carolyn
A sort of tsundere character, she has her hot and cold moments. She talks a lot (usually as your mouthpiece because you're silent) and has a strong interest in boys and relationships. She suddenly becomes interested in the mysterious deaths at her school, to the point where she forms an investigative team composed of you, her, and three other guys.

James
A shy and solitary boy, James keeps mostly to himself. If there was ever a need to talk, he would usually only answer with 3 words or less. As time goes on, he grows out of this habit due to his new found friends.

Keil
Brother of Carolyn, he is considered a nerdy geek by most people due to his study habits. However, in person he is definitely a more social type of person. Despite being teased by his sister constantly, Keil loves his sister more than his parents because of their life in boarding schools.

Ramses
A huge, thuggish looking guy who seems like all he cares about is sports. Ramses is usually called an idiot by other people, but soon after becoming friends with the rest of the team, he reveals his much more normal side.

So this game is incomplete. Despite being called seven nights, think of it as three nights. Too much time trying to compact so much content into a 15 day project didn't help. But I'll complete it if people like it, or add it into my current project as a side quest.
Anyways, if this project needs to be out in a separate thread, feel free to split it.

[tSwitch]

Moo, please don't post links to your game in this topic.
I said to PM me.

I removed the links.  Thank you for submitting.

edit: as to why, I would rather the games not be released until their judging is complete, so taht the community doesn't pressure teh judges by posting about the games.  I hope you understand.

All other contestants please abide by this rule.  Posting about your game is fine, but do not post links in public just yet.

edit; try to have the judging done within 5 days or so, to keep things rolling.

[Irock]

Judged 7 Nights.

[Nessiah]

Won't make it sorry!
Just too busy with school ;_;

[Ocean]

Ah, 2 days left. I know I'll have something out, but too bad I can't go and have the complete game, but I never planned to even get as far as I am now. So yeah, not quitting, you'll have something from me unless something really unexpected comes up. I just wonder how I'll do compared to the others.

[tSwitch]

Won't make it sorry!
Just too busy with school ;_;

yer out.

[modern algebra]

Oh, dear. It's so close. I will see if I can find the time to finish it.

[tSwitch]

GAX has until midnight to submit his game.

[jasonisop]

Is it too late to join in? if not id like to, i just made my account today 

[Irock]

Signups ARE CLOSED, NO EXCEPTIONS

[jasonisop]

sorry missed the post that said it was closed well i guess ill jump in on the next one if there is one.

[Kathryn]

...


Hm, I wonder....


......


Dot. Dot. Dot.

[tSwitch]

sorry missed the post that said it was closed well i guess ill jump in on the next one if there is one.

you missed the first post of the thread?

[Ocean]

OK, did as much as I could. I'll be testing it and fixing it up as best as I can this day, then I'll send it off.

[Zylos]

Crap, I'm due today, aren't I? Stupid schoolwork. Well, I'll finish up when I have some time and turn in what I have before midnight tonight my time.

[tSwitch]

GAX hasn't submitted his game and thus has been dishonorably discharged

[modern algebra]

Well, I'm almost done. But I couldn't spend the last day on it because I forgot my power cord at a friend's house. I am dropping out. I will try to release this game at a later date with scripts.

It's kind of shitty now though, so maybe it's a good thing I couldn't finish it.

[Ocean]

OK, I PMed you the project, NAMKCOR. Let me know if you got it, because I'm not sure if the PM went through.

[tSwitch]

got them both and sent them out.

[Kebin]

NAMKCOR, I just realized that you got my date wrong.

On Saturday the 7th, I told you I was starting Monday the 9th, so my end date should be the 24th, not the 22nd. rite?


Ok nevermind lol i misread it .-.

[Irock]

I can't send my ratings when you have me blocked, NAMKCOR.

[tSwitch]

I can't send my ratings when you have me blocked, NAMKCOR.

lol I totally forgot about that.

[Irock]

You're still ignoring my personal messages, lol. .-.

[Irock]

# Starfyre (RMRK) - March 24th

You have until the end of today. =]

[Kebin]

lol can't make it.

I'll finish the game, but it's not happening by tonight. New computer had to be put together and the drive my files are on is not in the computer and I still have to transfer them.

[tSwitch]

Starfyre has been dishonorably discharged and Kingmunkey has turned in his game.

final round of judging will commence once I can send the game out

[Zylos]

lol, it means no matter how bad their game is, someone's guarenteed at least fourth place.

[Holkeye]

Did you really expect more than 4 people to do any kind of contest on these forums?

[Nightwolf]

I didn't expect YOU to resign, Star.

;__;

[modern algebra]

Did you really expect more than 4 people to do any kind of contest on these forums?

I expected 2, to be honest, and then I expected myself to be one of them I think this contest did well.

[tSwitch]

love the attitude Holk, really.

Sorry about the delay.  My computer's boot record got demolished when I went to install Vista on the free partition and it took us all day to figure out how to fix it, but now I'm dual booting fine, so I'll pm links for kingmunkey's game right now.

[Ocean]

How goes the judging for this?

[tSwitch]

I'm still waiting for the slackers to finish the last game -_-

[Zylos]

*hands Nam a whip*

Meant for slackers, not for sex.

[Nightwolf]

Hey I was moving. I'll give you my ratings for the last game by saturday (for you)

[Irock]

I got my rating in before everyone else. B]

[tSwitch]

finally I got the lazy judges to work, all scores are posted now.

[Irock]

Congratulations to Ocean. But remember, there are no losers here.

[spoiler]Except for munkey.[/spoiler]

[tSwitch]

and everyone who dropped out.

[Irock]

Yeah, they lost more than munkey.

[Ocean]

Oh, it's done! Awesome, I didn't expect to win.

[MrMoo]

Well that was anti-climatic. Anyways, I hope to see the winning project go public soon.

[Jonesy]

I hope to see all of them available for download.

[Ocean]

Good idea. I posted mine, I'd like to see the other projects made as well.