Challenge:
To create a Grotto themed map using only the Ace RTP (parrallaxing is allowed).

Rules:

1. All submissions are to be PMed to me (click here to PM me).
2. One submission per entrant.
3. For personalisation up to three custom tiles are permitted to be used but must be submitted alongside the entry.
4. Maps must be functional (will be playtested, however this is a mapping comp so no eventing cutscenes or anything).
5. The maximum size will be 30x30.
6. The use of Map Packs or Generators will result in immediate disqualification.

Deadline for signing up is one week from now: (07/08/12)
Deadline for submissions will be three weeks after that (30/08/12)

Registered Members:

1. Jonnie19
2. MEands
3. Sparrowsmith
4. highlander4
5. thatbennyguy

If you're stuck for ideas why not check out our map swap area or the screenshot showoff thread,

(If you are interested in entering but don't have Ace yet remember you can download a trial right from our site!)

-Kaust

Does this mean if we do not have VX Ace we can import the Ace textures into an older version, or is this competition Ace only?

I had considered that and decided against it. VX wouldnt have room for all the tilesets and I know XP has some entirely different way of doing mapping to its sequels so to try and keep everything square yeah you need Ace. Like said there's a free trial of it on the site which lasts for a month (conveniently the length of the comp).

Oh yes! I had forgotten that they have trials. Alright, count me in on this one.
Also, a grotto is just like a cave right?

Alright I'll add you to the first post =]

And yeah a grotto's a cave; I've always associated it as a rather unpleasant cave, damp and dank, but of course you could put your own spin on the theme, like some cave city or something for example.

You know what... I'm not that good at mapping but there's no reason not to try right?

Count me IN on this one!

I will see how much I can compete with mapping experts

BTW what did you mean by "maps must be functional"? cause I was thinking of using events for my map to be interactive but then I saw a note where we can't do anything with it besides mapping

Its mostly just making sure you cant walk through walls or whatever, so the maps work as well as look good; it was just an idea batted around while the staff were brainstorming the competition and I decided to include it. While there wont be any penalty for including a couple of events if they look necessary, I brought it up so that entrants wouldn't try to win over the judges with cutscenes and complex events or distract from the true criteria of the comp; mapping ability. So yeah, interactivity isn't really what we're looking for, but its your map at the end of the day. Its simply that the extra work in that area wont be recognised.

Anyways, good luck and I'll add you to the list =]

Thanks... I will try making a grotto for this.... although I tried making it after I posted this and I gotta say I don't have the slightest idea as how I will make the map XD

I would like to join, but sadly, I already used my trial. I even uninstalled the RTP and editor, but it still didn't do anything. You may want to note that in your post. I'll quote what is said:

"I also heard it'll work if you redownload it after your trial is over but I haven't confirmed that."
It doesn't work.

Ah okay, thanks for that I'll amend my post now.
Its a shame to lose such a talented mapper, I'll let you know if I think of a way around the trial.

Me....talented! OH MY! c:
Anyways, I'll still check out this to see if anything happens. It really is a bummer that I am allowed. Anyways, I am still hoping that a lot of people partake in this competition. Show off your skills, everyone!

It's likely that there are still system files buried away somewhere.

You could probably install it again, then use a program online (there's plenty) that completely remove files to remove it.
Then once you've done that, reinstall it one more time.
If it asks for an email address, use a new one.

If that fails then the program is using witchcraft and all hope is lost.


I have a question regarding the contest, is parallax mapping aloud?

Yeah parrallaxing is allowed... Sorry if it wasn't clear in the first post, I just realised I should probably say parrallax mapping instead of my dirty abbreviations but what's done is done.


Im not much of a loller but... lol

Very well then. I shall download the trial of VX ace and make a parallax map!

It will probably be horrible.

I'm for it About time I entered a competition

EDIT: Just a question, If I have a tileset set up, from VXA, and there is three custom tiles but I only use one of these custom tiles, will it count as 3? Or only one?

@Jonnie; you only need to submit the custom tiles you have used in your entry, but you may only use up to three custom tiles. If your concern is a penalty for using custom tiles (I'm guessing that's why you mention counting one as three) this'll only happen if you go over the limit.

Anyways, good luck guys, added you to the list.

The last day to sign up bump!

I have a question just to clear things on my mind.. when you said 30x30 it means 30 width and 30 height = 30 squares horizontal and 30 squares vertical?

Why VX Ace only?

Just replying to help Kaust answer a couple of things whilst he's not online. ^^




Yes, that's correct. 30x30 is 30-wide by 30-high. (A perfect square; total of 900 tiles, so there's plenty of room to show off skill.)




This is the first competition where we've limited submissions to VX Ace, so it is a mixture of getting on with the new software (since it has been out long enough for a lot of people to have it) and simply using the most recent Maker version.
(Kaust might have the rest of the reasons, but those are the only two I remember off the top of my head, lol.)

It largely stemmed from the variations between the makers (first and foremost as its an RTP-based comp, but also because the methods of mapping are different between makers making the criteria for judging different as well) and also to make things less complicated for the judges who are volunteering to do this at the end of the day.

Anyways, closing this thread for now, I'll give it a bump a week or so before the submission deadline as a reminder.
Good luck everyone!

(Caroline, since its my fault for not getting back to you in time yesterday send me a pm if you'd like to enter)

Hey all,
Just a heads-up that if you havent already sent in your entries you've got a little less than a week to do so.

Good luck everyone, looking forward to seeing your entries =]

Quick reminder that tomorrow is the deadline for submissions

Also, if you have used custom tiles in your submission please remember to send me those tiles alongside your entry, otherwise we will assume you've ignored the competition criteria (rtp) and marks will be penalised.

Alright everyone, the competition is closed.
Be on the lookout for the results in a week or so and thanks to everyone who participated