Firstly and foremostly. This game, Half-Light Oculus, was never designed to be a two dimensional game. I was planning to create this game in 3d, using Unity3D, and either Twilight Princess models, or waiting until Skyward Sword models would be released. Thus, there won't be as much of the flashy, complex good stuff, that it might have had in 3D. Rest assured, I plan on "remaking", or making the
actual version in 3d in the near to distant future. Without further adieu, Half-Light Oculus.
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In the land known as Hyrule, the land created and blessed by the Goddesses, winds of a Great Evil are stirring. Slowly, monsters have crept into the land, and rumors of a mysterious and powerful figure being sighted have arose, but most of the civilization remains blissfully unaware. However, a boy dressed in forest green, and a princess of the Royal Family hatch a plan to counter the forces of evil. But, as they quest for an artifact of immense power, they realize that they may be in over their heads.
The Half-Light Oculus
The Half-Light Oculus is a powerful relic, from the days when Ganon attempted to conquer Hyrule. Supposedly, its mystic, and so far, unknown powers can transcend time itself. When this item, a small, roughly palm sized device, similar to a compass and a magnifying glass, is discovered by the duo, they begin to unravel its abilities. As time goes on, and as Zelda is able to research it more thoroughly, it is revealed to have the ability to locate the Triforce, the sacred golden power of the goddesses.
As time progresses further, after finding the "key" to unlocking the mysterious device's full potential, the true powers of the Oculus become apparent. The object gains energy from combat, when Link fights monsters (or perhaps by some passive medium as well, standing in the shadows / light for a while), and this energy can be released to stop time. This time stopped is relatively brief, ranging from one to five seconds, but that time can be crucial in solving the timed puzzles, or in low health situations.
The Items
Well, at the core of every good Zelda game, right next to the great plot and the beautiful music, are the items and devices that the hero has at his disposal. While I won't go into too much detail, as I want there to be
some surprise, I'll give you a taste of what's to come.
Slingshot: This weapon is a Zelda classic, ever since Ocarina of Time. Shooting nuts at foes from afar, it's the first of several long range weapons. This weapon will be upgradable in a manner similar to the Fire and Ice arrows.
Bow and Arrow: This weapon is another Zelda necessity, having been in every Zelda game to date. This weapon is a powerful projectile thrower, and can be upgraded in ammo capacity and is given a variety of different shots.
Pegasus Boots: One of my favorite items ever since A Link to the Past, I was looking forward to using these, with a significant variation from ALTTP and MC's usage. These boots let you cover distances much faster, and combined with the Oculus's time stop, these wreak havoc against enemies. I guarantee these will be fun to use.
Gearfists: An original item, these metal gloves give enhanced strength, at a cost. They require you to put away your sword and shield, but provide just as much in return. You can swing powerful, rock crushing blows, and block even the strongest sword slash with these indestructible gauntlets. They will also have other uses.
The Geography
While I have several detailed maps on hand in person, I won't be able to upload them for a while, so I'll give you a description of the geography and terrain.
The Forest: In the bottom right of the map, there's a dense, dark forest. The trees grow so close together that there's no light from above, making the forest seem as if it's in permanant night. However, a variety of glowing plants and bugs have established a home in this serene forest. But, the villagers of the forest are scared to leave the light of their small towns, as monsters and beasts have been known to claim wanderers.
The Desert: In the bottom left of the map, a windy, harsh desert stretches as far as the eye can see. Supposedly, the Gerudo live out in the blistering wastes, although nobody has seen them in quite some time. The sandy expanses have been known to claim more than a few foolish travelers.
The Mountains: In the top right of the map, a mountain range forms the corner of the world. Deep under these mountains live the Gorons, a race of rock eaters. They don't welcome travelers as warmly as they used to, as hard times have befallen them recently. The mountains in which they live are a twisting maze, unless you know the way. However, the view from the tops of said peaks is absolutely stunning.
The Coast: In the top left of the map, a cove, and the coast give way to the Great Ocean. Zoras are supposed to live out somewhere under the misty waves, but nobody has heard tell of them since the first of the monsters began to creep into the land. A coastal town resides peacefully next to the large, almost lake-like bay, connected to the sea.
The Bad Guy...(dun dun dun!!!!)
While I can't tell you too much about this guy, I can assure you that he's badass. He's managed to infiltrate Hyrule Castle, obtain the Triforce of Power, and even without, is capable of summoning evil creatures and doing other crazy beast magic. You don't get to see much of him at all until after the 3rd dungeon, when he.... Well, I'll leave that part of the plot up for grabs.
I can't guarantee you will like him, making a good bad guy is sooo hard, but I'll do my best.
The Challenges Ahead
This game will have almost 100% original dungeons, bosses, and scenarios. I hope to give a fresh, but at the same time nostalgic feel, like a real Zelda game.
Dungeon 1: Deep Forest Tangle
Description: Basically, it's an open air dungeon, the roof being tall trees, the floor being the
gray rock and roots. It's peaceful, but with danger lurking in every shadow.
Miniboss: Enraged Scrub
Item: Slingshot
Boss: Luminescent Insect: Vespis (A giant, glowing wasp).
Dungeon 2: Glimmering Caverns
Description: Basically it's a peaceful series of caves, that lead you towards a Goron high
security prison.
Miniboss: ????* (Note, this means I won't tell you, it
has been planned).
Item: Bomb Bag
Boss: ???? A giant... that's all I'll say.
Dungeon 3: Abandoned Aquatic Mine
Description: Basically it's a high techish metal and stone mine, underwater! Similar to Great
Bay Temple, and the Goron Mines.
Miniboss: ????
Item: ????
Boss: ???? (I want this one to be a surprise, I really love this boss >=))
Dungeon 4: Sealed Crypt
Description: An underground, sheikah and monster protected graveyard, housing the dead of
the Royal Family. Evil got inside, and is using it to awaken the dead therein.
Miniboss: Phantom Specter (an epic shiekah ghost =))
Item: ????
Boss: ????
Dungeon 5: Skyreach Cathedral
Description: A cathedral building that reaches up even to the clouds, with a top nestled
amongst them. Layed out like TP's Temple of Time.
Miniboss: Hero's Spirit
Item: Gearfists
Boss: ????
Dungeon 6: Temple of Blazing Winds
Description: ???? (I wanna keep you guessing, giving too much away isn't fun.)
Miniboss: Volta and Armor
Item: ????
Boss: ????
Dungeon 7: ????
Description: ????
Miniboss: ????
Item: ????
Boss: ????
Final Dungeon: Darkened Hyrule Castle
Description: Hyrule Castle, infested with the most evils of evils.
Miniboss: ????
Miniboss: Darknut Leader
Miniboss: ????
Item: None
Boss: .... Self explanatory ^^^^^
Progress
Walking - 100%
Rolling - 90% (Gotta get it to work properly with room changing, then done.)
Menu - 90% (Graphics, then done, have the code for the Item selects and all).
Hearts HuD - 90% (graphics are f**ked up, gotta fix that, then done.)
Rupees HuD 100% (and you can gain them!)
Talking/Signs 60% (gotta fix how much text goes on each pane of chat.)
NPC facing and talking - 100% ^^^
Ledge Jumping - 90% (working on a peice of code for extended jumping... its hard to explain)
Swimming - 50% (working in my own dive / dashes, so.)
Falling in Holes - 90% (working on room changing, see below)
Room Changing - 80% (see below)
Precise Room Changing - 5% (Precise not working too well xD)
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***Note, this is just the basic plan for 3d, since I'm converting to 2d, this information is subject to change and I don't want any complaining, got it? Good.***
No screens as of yet, but I will most likely end up making a progress sheet, and I'll tell you all when I've finished anything important. Right now I have the ZFGC's MC project and all it's effects and glories, a good deal of the Slingshot stuff done, sprites, engine, etc. I have a menu/inventory engine that works wonders, but nothing to do with it yet. I have hearts and rupees outside of ZFGC's work, I like mine better thank you very much, and I have text and talking. I'll let you know when I have more than that =)
Comments, critiques and other meaningful conversational tidbits go down there.
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Thank you and have a nice day =)