Project: Princess Power!, Peach gets the starring role again

So I basically do a lot of coming up with and writing out game ideas. One of them, of course, is a Mario fangame idea.

It's called "Princess Power!". But here's the catch: Mario and Luigi aren't the heroes this time. It's Peach and her other friends!

Play as Peach, Daisy, Rosalina, and Pauline through a side-scrolling adventure in the style of New Super Mario Bros./Wii

I originally thought it up as completely different from how it is now, but all thanks to the recent announcement of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, I've now decided to redo it completely into 2-D format.

I'll begin with the basic storyline of this:

A new threat has risen over the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser has kidnapped Princess Pe-...oh wait, no he hasn't this time! Anyway, as always, Bowser and his goons have been planning something, but it doesn't involve kidnapping Peach this time around, that's for sure! No, he's got something else up his sleeve; he's reviving the villains of the past adventures of the Mario Bros. after they got bested by them.

These villains are Cackletta, Princess Shroob, Kammy Koopa, and the Shadow Queen. And...and...say it ain't so, he's brought along the Koopalings as well! Go, Mario! Go, Luigi! Stop them now once more!!

...

...Wait, where ARE they?!? Aw, shucks! It so happens the Mario Bros. are currently on vacation at Isle Delfino! So who will save the Mushroom Kingdom now?!

Meanwhile, Peach and her friends, Daisy, Rosalina, and Pauline, have become aware of this danger. Peach wonders what she should do about this, and so she has decided: “I've been kidnapped more than enough by that creep Bowser! I think it's time we teach him a lesson for good now!” And with that, the four begin their adventure! Good luck, fair princesses! Can you do it? You look like you could use some help there, however. Try seeing your other friends for that.

And together, the girls' group is known as “Princess Power”! Good luck!

Hey, you know how often Nintendo strives for simplicity in these, right? Storytelling never was the Mario series' greatest strength. Doesn't have to be either.

Now, in terms of general gameplay, you can say that it's a cross between New SMB/Wii and Kirby Super Star/Ultra. New items will be introduced, and the four-player system in New SMB Wii will be in effect as well (look forward to more of this later).

Development on this will begin when New SMB Wii is released. In all this time till then, I'll start on learning some programming and such on how to get it going. It's gonna be some kind of basis for this game, so I'm starting on it when it's out to...understand the game more effectively. Never got into the whole fangaming scene yet myself, but this idea...I just can't let it pass.

If anyone's game, this can be a collaborative effort for the different aspects of design. Graphic rendering, sound, what-have-you. But again, nothing too immediate at this moment. Planning beforehand much?

Many more details on this later, this first post being a simple introduction to the idea. Most aspects of the idea are already written out, but I'll be posting more about it subsequently here little by little.

P.S. What game-making program is best recommended? I've heard a lot about the common ones (Games Factory, GameMaker, etc.) but wasn't quite sure. I've thought of DarkBasic Professional, but is it really good?

This post has been edited by Kanjo-Bazooie on Jun 6 2009, 12:37 AM

Well, first you aren't really supposed to create a topic in fangame disscussion unless you have proof that you are working on the game (a demo, video, screenshots).

Since you have a story though, and you say you will work on it, a mod might move it to the Misc. Discussion.

If you really plan on doing some professional programming, you might want to try to learn a real programming language like C++. If you just want to do it for fun or a hobby, I suggest using Gamemaker or MMF2.

I haven't used MMF2 that much, because its not free and only has a free 30 day trial. It seems like it can do a lot. Many amazing fangames have been made with it, and even MechaSource is being made with it.

Gamemaker comes in two versions however, Lite and Pro. The Lite is free and doesn't really have any bad limitations, all it does is add a Gamemaker logo whenever your game is loading. Pro costs $20 afaik and removes the logo, unlocks extra features such as particle systems, online functions, basic 3d functions and other things.

Both programs come with a few examples and a manual. If you use Gamemaker, make sure to read the manual because its very helpful!

There are many sites that have tutorials and how-tos for both of them, especially Gamemaker.

I don't know about DarkBASIC, but lots of members here say any form of the BASIC language isn't that good.

This post has been edited by Im4everkool on Jun 6 2009, 12:49 AM

This.

Also, the reason most of us despise BASIC is because it teaches Habits that are EXTREMELY discouraged in EVERY SINGLE OTHER LANGUAGE.

Oh, wrong forum section to post this in? My apologies. Do move it there by all means, if so.

Yeah, this thing is intended as a mere fun hobby, above all else. Thanks, though. Sounds pretty good. I'll experiment a bit with GameMaker Lite for a while...

Once again, in the meantime, this topic is for further explanations on it and any possible recruitment.

This post has been edited by Kanjo-Bazooie on Jun 6 2009, 01:55 AM

General Gameplay Mechanics and Items

This game plays just like that of a typical Mario 2-D platformer game (obviously). 1-Player mode doesn't always have the player as Peach. In fact, before starting the game, the player may choose which of the four characters they would like to play as. Normally, she'll be able to just simply jump on enemies to subdue them. That is to say, the standard classic Mario fare is in effect this way.

And now, unlike the small/big system with Mario and Luigi, in Princess Power, when your character has acquired a Super Mushroom, she will gain 3 additional hit points of damage to take before her last (an homage to Mario Galaxy).

Once you get another item called a Power Mushroom, things start to change... (and this is where the Kirby Super Star-styled part of gameplay kicks in)

When a Power Mushroom is acquired, the character will be outfitted in a Super Suit. What is a Super Suit? They're some sorts of powered suits that enhance the princesses' abilities by granting them more strength and pulling off more physical attacks and other acrobatic feats. Here's what they look like:
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/4817/princesspower.png
Look somewhat familiar, any?

This suit is more of a key part to gameplay; a Super Princess's abilities initiate a whole new way of attacking. Jumping on an enemy in this state won't defeat them instantly at all, so when attacking in the Super Suit, the enemy will carry a stamina meter that goes down with each hit. When it's completely depleted, the enemy is defeated.

Unlike previous Mario games, most enemies in this game sport more advanced methods of attacking, so don't let your guard down. And when a character is in the Super Suit, it takes up to 3 hits from enemies to have her turn back to her normal self. When you get hit by a stronger attack, you'll be knocked down for a bit and then get back up. Be careful!

There are several other items that have different effects on characters to boot.

And as always, at the end of every level is the flagpole. Jump onto it to clear the level.

Multiplayer
This is entirely optional and makes for both a very cooperative and competitive effort in advancing through and clearing the levels. Players can either help each other out or cause each other trouble as they go on. The players' characters are as follows:

Player 1: Peach
Player 2: Daisy
Player 3: Rosalina
Player 4: Pauline

However, multiplayer mode is made a lot harder. There will be stronger enemies and greater in number to deal with in the levels than in 1-Player mode, which adds to the challenge of multiplayer.

When any character loses a life in multiplayer mode, a bubble marked with her mugshot will appear and anyone kind enough to burst that bubble will bring her right back into action!

Any blocks that dish out items, will dish out four at a time, in bubbles. This doesn't mean each player will be getting one at a time, though. So be wary of that.

As for reaching the goal in multiplayer, the other players need to get onto the flagpole fast when the first player to reach it gets there!

Do you lot wish to play multiplayer cooperatively or competitively? That is up to you.

Basic Items
Super Mushroom – Will add 3 hit points to your character. If she takes 3 hits, she'll be down to her last, which will make her lose a life.

Power Mushroom – This will add 3 hit points to your character and transform your character into her Super Suit, which allows her to pull off many powerful abilities in it. More info on these next time. (Effects of any other power-up item will make your character lose this suit)

Fire Flower – Allows your character to throw fireballs (not to mention adds fire-like designs on her dress to let you know). They knock out any enemy very effectively.

Ice Flower – Allows your character to throw snowballs (she'll also be dressed in a parka of sorts). When the snowball hits a foe, it freezes them and they'll be able to be used as stepping stones.

Starman – Allows for temporary invincibility. Come into contact with any enemies and they'll be defeated instantly.

Coin – These are everywhere. Collect 100 of them to gain an extra life! In multiplayer mode, however, there's only one coin total for all players and the first player to get the 100th coin first gets the extra life!

1-Up Mushroom – Adds one extra life!

Poison Mushroom – Be careful of this malevolent one. If picked up, it will negate all other item effects and even drain all your character's hit points. If on the last leg, your character will lose a life when she gets this.

Mega Mushroom – This will turn your character mega-sized and allow her to run rampant and trample upon and plow down all enemies in your way for a short while! If other players are in, they won't get hurt by this effect.

Mini Mushroom – This will turn your character mini-sized, allowing her to enter any areas and pipes where you can get to only when mini-sized. Careful, you're also much weaker when mini-sized.

Angel Feather – One of the rarer items. Your character will gain a pair of angel wings (also a halo) which allow for temporary flight. You can get a boost into the air and tap the jump button in midair to fly around (the more you do this, the weaker it will get over time, so be wise about it).

Blocks
? Block – Hit it from below to get an item out of it.

Brick Block – More of an impediment, they can be hit from below, or broken apart from any Super Suit attacks.

P-Switch Block – Will turn all brick blocks into coins and vice-versa. It may even reveal hidden coins!

!-Switch Block – Any dotted blocks nearby will turn into solid platforms for a limited time.

?-Switch Block – This switch will cause something to happen...What exactly? It depends on what's in the level...

Weapon Buddy Block – The icon of the character on this block will change at a constant rate like a roulette. There are three to choose from. Hit the block when the picture lands on the weapon buddy you want to get it out of it. More info on Weapon Buddies is below.

Special Items
Vegetable – These are planted all across each world. Stand close to one in the ground, press the attack button to unearth it and again to throw it at enemies.

Star Bit – Can be picked up and thrown at enemies. Stronger than the vegetables and appear in a few areas.

Life Mushroom – An upgrade of the Super Mushroom. Adds an additional 3 hit points to your character, 6 total. These aren't easy to come by...

Helper Heart – This item will call for either Toadette or Birdo to come in and help out.

Koopa Shell – Often acquired when knocked off of a Koopa Troopa, these can be kicked and tossed around to take down other enemies.

Key – Will open any locked doors. Carry this item over to the door without dropping it. Some keys are bigger and open bigger doors, so this is when you must acquire a Power Mushroom first in order to carry these big heavy keys.

Spring – This is placed in certain areas where you'll need to jump higher to reach. Jump onto this to get a good, high leap up.

Weapon Buddies
Perry – This thing's back! A talking parasol that will allow the character who wields it to float gently through the air. It can also be used as a weapon, of course.

Hannah – This one's a decent-sized talking mallet who will allow your character to whack enemies silly!

Yoyona – A talking yo-yo that your character can use as a weapon.

More info on the various moves and abilities up next.

This post has been edited by Kanjo-Bazooie on Jun 6 2009, 12:10 PM

NVM

This post has been edited by Empty on Jun 6 2009, 12:55 PM

You were trying to say something...?

You definitely do not want to start learning DarkBASIC and believe that you can start a game with it by the time NSMB Wii comes out.

1. The other people already mentioned one reason why.
2. It's a 3D-primary engine. Not only is it unnecessary for your 2D game, but it also means you're going to have to work with a lot more and learn even more, as you're not limited to 2D.
3. It's all code. If you haven't even learned programming logic yet, DarkBASIC is not the one to learn programming logic with.
4. Collision detection with it is absolutely ****ing ridiculous.

So it leans more towards 3-D than 2-D and a horrendous amount of coding is required. I understand.

(Besides, I already said that I just opted for GameMaker Lite.)

This post has been edited by Kanjo-Bazooie on Jun 6 2009, 03:15 PM

REALITY CHECK!

It seems like you honestly expect to be able to make a game like super mario bros wii, when you haven't the slightest clue how to program.

SMBWii was made by experts. The greatest programmers here would have difficulty with making a game like it.


Learn how to do basic things in game maker. You'll need pro. Then learn GML.

That is if you want to take the gamemaker route. You may want to use another program.

Eh, I'm quite the type who gets way ahead of myself on stuff. =P

I'm aware it'll be more advanced than before. Seeing as it's not out now, there's nothing that can be done at this point.

I think you're misunderstanding; I don't mean exactly onto it when that game comes out (could be any time after anyway), but taking more time to figure out how it works out and all before trying anything with this (starting more with the basic stuff well beforehand, at that).

Better to get set on some earlier 1P-only version based more on the DS one first.

This post has been edited by Kanjo-Bazooie on Jun 6 2009, 05:46 PM

Okay, after seeing that picture -- my first though was that the characters you have planned for this installment would be in their normal outfits. As a dedicated supporter of the Mario girls (since I'm trying to do fangame projects featuring them as well); those of us who are supporters like to see them in their general respective outfits instead. Just a suggestion.