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Zen Mastermind by Elijah_Caine

Archive: 28 posts


Zen Mastermind by Elijah_Caine

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/9646/zenmastermind.jpg

Hey everybody, this is my twist on the classic game Mastermind. A lot of blood sweat and tears (mostly wrapping and unwrapping my head around logic) went into polishing this to be the best experience it can be.

In this version it's all about achieving a zen-like state of being by correctly guessing the colors and position of a series of hidden orbs. Each guess you make activates a number of lights that provide clues to how close to the correct answer you are. Successfully chain together three successful guesses in a row and transcend into Zen Mode!

Any input into your experiences with this level would be greatly appreciated, all feedback is always welcome!
http://lbp.me/v/wyzs7y
2011-01-24 01:11:00

Author:
Unknown User


Hey, picture looks great, I'll queue it.2011-01-24 01:12:00

Author:
warlord_evil
Posts: 4193


Looks and sounds quite nice.

Queued to play later.

Would you try my work in progress Bird Hunting, and leave feed back for it on my thread?
2011-01-24 02:17:00

Author:
LukeCF
Posts: 790


I'll have to play this a few more times before I get back to you about this...2011-01-24 15:53:00

Author:
LukeCF
Posts: 790


Played the level and the production values are very nice. Your text boxes are error-free and suited to the level which is far too uncommon. The puzzle was satisfying to beat but I felt like I was getting lucky when I beat it. I actually did get into Zen mode which was very cool but i couldnt beat it any more after that. Overall, nice puzzle with a great theme used throughout, i give it :star::star::star::star::star:2011-01-25 01:54:00

Author:
Unknown User


I'll have to queue this up for later, because the pictures look awesome! Thanks for checking my level out, btw 2011-01-25 22:53:00

Author:
XFennoX
Posts: 82


Maybe if you make the left lights apply to the two lights on the left, and the two lights on the right apply to the two lights on the right, you know what I mean by that statement?

Anyways It'd make it easier...
2011-01-25 23:21:00

Author:
LukeCF
Posts: 790


Very, very well presented and produced.
The visuals are really well done, something that not many puzzles have to offer.
I especially like how you took the time for the little details for the bridges and puzzle board itself.
The puzzle itself works like a dream, and the ambience of the entire package makes it a highly cohesive experience.
The time it must have taken for that logic, in itself is deserving of a taking it for a spin!

+ <3 (and a couple of replays )
2011-01-26 06:02:00

Author:
Bremnen
Posts: 1800


Just had a test run and it was absolutely amazing! The whole experience felt ethereal and, once I managed to reach Enlightenment, it was awesome! Like LukeCF said, having a certain orb connected to a corresponding light would help sift out the guesswork heaps, but that would mean moar logic which, judging by the level, you've had enough of for one day. All in all, a rather devilish game mechanic wrapped in detailed and gorgeous scenery - well done!2011-01-26 09:36:00

Author:
XFennoX
Posts: 82


Juggler & Bremnen - Thank you very much for the awesome feedback! I did put a lot of work into polishing this level to as great a mirror shine as I could. I know it felt like I spent way more time squashing bugs and fine-tuning than doing any actual creating, I'm really glad to hear that effort comes through, thank you!

LukeCF - I get what you're saying. Mastermind is a classic game with established rules, and I don't want to reinvent the wheel in that regard. It's not not a game that will be fun for everyone, but those who do enjoy it will find the mechanics they're used to, and I'm okay with that trade-off. Thank you for the plays and the suggestions!

XFennox- Thank you for the awesome feedback as well. As I mentioned, I don't want to change the mechanics of the original Mastermind, my aim was just to create a more compelling experience by introducing ideas like a running score, chain multipliers via Zen Mode and a unique ambience. Ironically, it actually would be less logic to have the lights correspond to correct position on the board, I had to add a lot of logic elements to make them work as they do now : D Also if they light up according to their corresponding positions, then it would remove the puzzler aspect of the game and just turn it into busy work. Thank you very much for playing my level and taking the time to leave your feedback here, it's all very much appreciated!
2011-01-26 19:01:00

Author:
Unknown User


Well I didn't really mean each light has it's own light, but the two on the left side are connected to the two. So the puzzle elements would still be intact it would just be fifty percent easier. (do you see what I'm saying or should I explain better?)

Anyways I did not realize this is a remake of a classic game, either way though everything does indeed work right, and it all looks good too, so very good job
2011-01-26 20:16:00

Author:
LukeCF
Posts: 790


I do see what you're saying, Luke. I'm thinking with a little tinkering I could create an easy mode in addition to the normal mode that the player could select in the beginning. Normal would have the game play out the regular way, and Easy would manage the lights as you described. Actually, I'd probably need to make a separate level to not mess with the scores in place, but that would be do-able too. What do you think?2011-01-27 07:23:00

Author:
Unknown User


Really nice, and well put together. I loved the relaxing music and overall feel of it. The only thing that jumped out at me is the text that appears when you guess correctly/incorrectly is hard to read...each letter is spinning and in that rather ornate font so simpler text might be better?2011-01-27 17:46:00

Author:
Chazprime
Posts: 587


its perfect as it is, i love this level.

great job!


i used to LOVE mastermind as a kid
2011-01-27 18:30:00

Author:
Unknown User


Thanks, chaz, I'm glad you thought so well of it. I do agree about the text, really thinking about it. A simpler font probably would be better, thank you for the suggestion!

hefeglass - Thank you for that! I used to love Mastermind too (can you tell?) Really a niche game, but I'm glad to hear from other people who enjoy it, thank you for the praise!
2011-01-28 05:33:00

Author:
Unknown User


You did a great job with this level. The presentation is gorgeous and I had no problems with the actual game. I wasn't any good at it, I couldn't win, but I didn't see any technical problems. The tutorial was very clear too. I'll probably be coming back to this one before long to see if I can get a strategy figured out. I think an easy mode would be nice, but I don't think it's something you really have to do.2011-01-28 17:38:00

Author:
Nucleotyde
Posts: 27


Thank you for the kind words, Nucleotyde, much appreciated! I think the best strategy in Mastermind is to fill the first six rows with one group of every color. This only gives you a few spaces left, but you'll know which colors are in the puzzle. Take a guess or two, and then try to use the light guides to piece together where the colors might be based on what your previous guesses told you. I usually don't end up solving my Mastermind puzzles until the 9th or 10th row.2011-01-28 21:06:00

Author:
Unknown User


I played your level yesterday, and first reaction to the styling/design is WOW, it's such a beautiful piece of art. Only thing I found a bit frustrating was the 'How to play' part wasn't skippable so I was left reading the text for like 5 minutes which wasn't neccesary as I got the hang of it after reading the first few.

That's about the only negative criticism I can find with it to be honest everything else is perfect.

From Luke
2011-01-29 08:28:00

Author:
DesignerLuke
Posts: 31


Thanks for the kind words, Luke! I agree with you that the "How to Play" text really should be skip-able. When I was creating the level initially I had magic mouths you could bypass, but I couldn't get the words to always appear in the frame. Now that I got a bit more logic know-how under my belt, I may go back and try to set it up so that you can skip to the next set of instructions but the angles remain good.2011-01-29 10:12:00

Author:
Unknown User


I used to play mastermind as a kid, on one of those old sets from the 80s. I've never been much good at it, but this level was great at providing me with a bank of memories and i gave it a good shot.

The presentation is awesome, simple and very effective.

From what it seems like, you've recreated mastermind perfectly.

If you have the time for F4F. my level is in my sig.

Great job.
2011-01-29 22:52:00

Author:
Steve
Posts: 134


Thanks for the kind words, Steve! I used to play on one of those old sets too. Only bad thing about it was you needed two people, and no one wants to just put up random colors. It's much better when the computer does it for you. : D I'll check out your level with all haste.2011-01-29 23:50:00

Author:
Unknown User


I thought I would drop by and say that I absolutely loved this level! I love the way it makes you have to think and concentrate on what you're doing. I thought the visuals were fantastic and the gameplay was superb. Perfect music as well. Very nice job. 2011-01-30 00:38:00

Author:
ShamgarBlade
Posts: 1010


Not much I can add to the comments already made, but just want to re-state what a beautiful and polished game this is

was unable tp concentrate as busy thinking of ideas for my next project (c'mon, we've all done that!) but i've hearted it and will certainly be returning again.

Might be nice to add some windchime sounds when the selections are clicked, but then again may distract from it...

Music suited it perfectly, was that something you did yourself? if so, we need to talk, cos your instruments sound so much better than mine!

well done, your hard work paid off
2011-01-30 01:59:00

Author:
MuddledMuppet
Posts: 115


Just played it and I have to say.
The game is amazing.
The scenery and music is really calming and inviting.
I like how you have the instructions set up by pressing Triangle. This saves me from having to go through a tutorial every time I wan't to play.
The controls are simple, and the classic game is a simple concept for anyone who has not played the board game to grasp.

As of now, my only suggestion would be to create a separate mastermind level, where two people could play side by side to see who finishes first, or who solved it with the least amount of rows. Overall, great job on this peice and will definately look forward to more of your stuff in the future
2011-01-30 06:47:00

Author:
Unknown User


Nice, well-designed level. I don't really get how the feedback system works. The visuals, the menu system, the music and the input system are all awesome, though.2011-01-30 17:47:00

Author:
Phoenix316
Posts: 3


Shamgar - Thank you very much! I remember being all O.o when I saw you had annihilated my top score, but since then people have came along and beaten us both! We gotta get the crown back! : D

Muppet - Thank you as well! No, I didn't make the music, it's the "Love" theme you acquire from the story levels. I think it complements the level really well.

Phoenix - We leave feedback about our experiences with each others' levels in their respective threads, so you're good Thank you!

SomethinAmazinn - Thank you very much for your comments. And please do keep an eye out for my next project.

Because right now I'm working on...

*puts sunglasses on*

"SomethinAmazinn..."
2011-01-30 21:46:00

Author:
Unknown User


Thanks for the feedback of "Tilt, Roll, and Drop". That was an really enjoyable minigame, and this one should have your own be promoted to be an game itself.

VISUALS:
The visuals looked very neat and well polished, and the usage of the bubble material made the pond looked brilliant.

SOUND:
The peaceful music surely helps me relax while trying to solve the puzzle. Good sound usage too.

GAMEPLAY:
The puzzle where you try to guess the color right are great.

OVERALL:
It is a must play. A yeah vote, a heart, and a positive review.
2011-01-31 02:42:00

Author:
JustinArt
Posts: 1314


Thank you so much for your comments, Justin. I really appreciate it! I really like the pond effect too, MM did a great job on the new materials, as well as their music choices. Felt like I had some great options available while putting this level together.2011-01-31 19:01:00

Author:
Unknown User


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