Hard Light Productions Forums

FreeSpace Releases => Mission & Campaign Releases => Topic started by: Bryan See on March 03, 2021, 03:11:56 pm

Title: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 03, 2021, 03:11:56 pm
(https://fsnebula.global.ssl.fastly.net/storage/8b/d8/50afde0c139c999a50c52a2b9183dea4c411b4bde081eab91757943cdace.png)
After nearly two years of development and testing, I've finally released my small campaign. This is the sort of thing that y'all been asking since 2013. No voice-acting, no custom assets, no custom scripts, no custom tables, etc.

This campaign is about Kappa wing of the 107th Ravens, GTD Aquitaine, which goes missing during patrol.

Download it via Knossos:
https://fsnebula.org/mod/lostinthemist

Requirements:
- A newer version of the MediaVPs
- Latest build of FSOpen

Changes in 1.1.0:
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Novachen on March 03, 2021, 03:16:53 pm
Glad to see you back here  :)
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 03, 2021, 03:19:22 pm
Glad to see you back here  :)

Yeah. I've been testing this for years to ensure it's stable and high-quality. That's what HLP strives for.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: spart_n on March 03, 2021, 03:42:39 pm
what are the differences in its current version than the version i played last year
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 03, 2021, 03:46:28 pm
what are the differences in its current version than the version i played last year
I can say. It is improved vastly.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: spart_n on March 03, 2021, 04:00:26 pm
improved how

is it still two missions with zero context thrown in while you get chased by nothing until your screen eventually cuts to black
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Novachen on March 03, 2021, 05:25:27 pm
Well... i played through it. However it does not show up on Knossos for me. So only manual install :).

What can i say?


Spoiler:
Mission 1:
Well, the beginning is the best. The other point of view in "Mystery of the Trinity" is indeed a good starting point.
And i like it, that all begins with scrambled messages... but the Communication should stop entirely then.
Unfortunately it goes downhill from there... out of the sudden your subsystems are gone and fade in to the next mission.

Do you really want to tell me, that Kappa was deactivated four klicks next to the Aquitaine and Iota wing did not find anything?!

Mission 2:
Ten days later we are all of the sudden in a Shivan Gas Mining Operation with the SJ Sathanas...
What exactly does that mean? What happened in these ten days?
Is the Gas Mining Operation also next to the Gamma Draconis Jump Node? Where are we? How we got there in the first place after the last mission where our systems malfunctioned?
What prevented us to return to the Gamma Draconis Node... if this mission does not take place there?!

No Monologue whatsoever after we see the Sathanas... as this presentation is also very anticlimatic because you are simple throwed in next to the Sathanas. No build-up whatsoever.
And well.. it is a gauntlet mission which is not very hard to create... throw some wings at the player.

Mission 3:
Why are we dying after we were able to escape the Sathanas?
How did we know, where the Aquitaine is?


I am actually not sure, what takes two years in this to be mentioned explicitly. It has only retail assets, a slightly changed retail mission and a Gauntlet without any complicated Events.
Or to better say, this campaign is a broken down story to a simple catchword of bare bones without any form of dramaturgy.

But at least, you tried. So keep going :)
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: JSRNerdo on March 03, 2021, 06:20:49 pm
Downloading now, just one question before I begin: How many fade-out SEXPs did you use for this release?
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Strygon on March 03, 2021, 06:57:29 pm
I second spart's question. What were the actual changes between this and the old version?

Will probably try later tomorrow.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 04, 2021, 06:29:06 am
improved how
In substance, and gameplay.

Downloading now, just one question before I begin: How many fade-out SEXPs did you use for this release?
Two. In two missions (the first and third/last missions).

I second spart's question. What were the actual changes between this and the old version?
The changes are moderate. The idea remains the same. :)
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Strygon on March 04, 2021, 07:31:51 am
Okay but... what ARE the changes??????
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Strygon on March 04, 2021, 10:29:20 am
Immediate apologies for doubleposting.

I've played through the campaign now. I'm going to try to remain as optimistic as possible, breaking from my usual tradition of being more critical and skeptical of mission design, given you've just managed to make some actually functional missions.

This is a lot better than your usual work. The missions work. There's (usually) stuff to be done, and I've hit no actual bugs. Might be as a result of the simplicity of the missions but I digress.

My main issue is with Mission 2. You're not prompted that you have to wait for 5 minutes for your jump drives to recharge. Also, there's virtually nothing going on from neither you nor your wingmen. No reaction to what might be the biggest enemy vessel you have ever seen before. Kappa 3 on his return sounded pretty distressed and panicked, but in your mission he sort of just accepts it.

Also, please go easy on the difficulty with Mission 2. You're flying a Herc MK2, not exactly known for being fast and quick to turn, and you're pitted against enemies that ARE known for being fast and quick to turn.

What makes me curious is how these rather simple missions took you a whole of two years...

Overall, you're getting better, but there's still work to be done. I encourage more releases for the purpose of improvement.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 04, 2021, 02:40:39 pm
I've played through the campaign now. I'm going to try to remain as optimistic as possible, breaking from my usual tradition of being more critical and skeptical of mission design, given you've just managed to make some actually functional missions.

This is a lot better than your usual work. The missions work. There's (usually) stuff to be done, and I've hit no actual bugs. Might be as a result of the simplicity of the missions but I digress.

My main issue is with Mission 2. You're not prompted that you have to wait for 5 minutes for your jump drives to recharge. Also, there's virtually nothing going on from neither you nor your wingmen. No reaction to what might be the biggest enemy vessel you have ever seen before. Kappa 3 on his return sounded pretty distressed and panicked, but in your mission he sort of just accepts it.

Also, please go easy on the difficulty with Mission 2. You're flying a Herc MK2, not exactly known for being fast and quick to turn, and you're pitted against enemies that ARE known for being fast and quick to turn.

What makes me curious is how these rather simple missions took you a whole of two years...

Overall, you're getting better, but there's still work to be done. I encourage more releases for the purpose of improvement.
@Strygon, I appreciate your feedback. Most missions are very functional, so I pledge to make missions like this in the future.

Version 1.1.0 is in development and will come soon, check this space!

Because I wanted to go very slow and to ensure that the missions are working very well on high precision. Also, I want to take time for the sake of creativity and delivering a maximal quality campaign.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: ShivanSlayer on March 05, 2021, 09:03:37 pm
This looks interesting, but I can't see it on Knossos
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 06, 2021, 11:14:31 am
This looks interesting, but I can't see it on Knossos
Me too, for some reason.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Iain Baker on March 06, 2021, 12:39:34 pm
This looks interesting, but I can't see it on Knossos
Me too, for some reason.

Ditto at the time of writing
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Strygon on March 06, 2021, 12:45:57 pm
This looks interesting, but I can't see it on Knossos
Me too, for some reason.

Ditto at the time of writing

Can't see it either. Downloaded and installed it manually through the link in the OP.

...Tritto then?
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 06, 2021, 12:51:30 pm
This looks interesting, but I can't see it on Knossos
Me too, for some reason.

Ditto at the time of writing

Can't see it either. Downloaded and installed it manually through the link in the OP.

...Tritto then?
Wait until Knossos start displaying these mods/campaigns once again.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Strygon on March 06, 2021, 12:54:51 pm
Er... no, those problems usually last for only a couple minutes. I've never seen this mod on Knossos though, so you probably may have failed the upload. Try to do another public upload maybe?
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: ShivanSlayer on March 07, 2021, 10:46:50 am
Says it will not install because FS2 is missing
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: praseodym on March 07, 2021, 10:57:55 am
Says it will not install because FS2 is missing

Same here
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 11, 2021, 04:18:59 am
I've uploaded a new version of Lost In The Mist, version 1.1.0. It includes a revamped Mission 2, based upon the feedback given.
Says it will not install because FS2 is missing
Be sure you have a legitimate copy of FS2 retail. If you don't have already, please purchase it from either GOG.com or Steam.
Er... no, those problems usually last for only a couple minutes. I've never seen this mod on Knossos though, so you probably may have failed the upload. Try to do another public upload maybe?
I did it already. It now shows up at Knossos, at the time of this writing.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: woutersmits on March 11, 2021, 05:18:08 am
fix scammer
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 11, 2021, 05:45:23 am
fix scammer
The campaign is fixed.

EDIT: It's complicated. I've been trying to iron out the technical issues.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: ShivanSlayer on March 11, 2021, 11:31:00 am
The problem of FS2 missing has not been fixed.  I have a copy on my laptop from GOG and it still gives the same message. Your mod is the only one with this problem
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Strygon on March 11, 2021, 11:46:56 am
Getting the same problem. It works fine through manual install though.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 11, 2021, 12:26:36 pm
The problem of FS2 missing has not been fixed.  I have a copy on my laptop from GOG and it still gives the same message. Your mod is the only one with this problem
Getting the same problem. It works fine through manual install though.
Updated the mod. This should solve the problem.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Strygon on March 11, 2021, 12:31:13 pm
Still doesn't work. Did you actually upload your fix?
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 11, 2021, 12:37:52 pm
Still doesn't work. Did you actually upload your fix?
Yes. I've left a message (https://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=94068.msg1908586) at the Knossos release thread. Maybe ngld will take a look at it.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: ShivanSlayer on March 11, 2021, 12:55:00 pm
Okay, it finally installed for me.  Not much to this one, but it's nice to know what happened to Kappa wing
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 11, 2021, 01:48:56 pm
Okay, it finally installed for me.  Not much to this one, but it's nice to know what happened to Kappa wing
I knew I can solve problems.

Story-wise, that's why the search parties from the Aquitaine haven't search any trace of them. :)

Anyway, welcome to the beta-testing group, @ShivanSlayer!
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Strygon on March 11, 2021, 02:03:21 pm
*snip*

Anyway, welcome to the beta-testing group, @ShivanSlayer!

...I thought this was a more or less final release and not a beta?
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 11, 2021, 02:29:03 pm
...I thought this was a more or less final release and not a beta?
It's a final release and not a beta. I did the testing all by myself, thoroughly with precision. Whenever problems I've find, I'll solve it, one by one.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: woutersmits on March 12, 2021, 05:42:17 am
this is cutscene campaign not mutch like fs2 main campaign scam
you stol velution contant
i going to report you fake campaign
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Novachen on March 12, 2021, 06:36:11 am
 :wtf:
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 12, 2021, 06:51:42 am
this is cutscene campaign not mutch like fs2 main campaign scam
you stol velution contant
i going to report you fake campaign
I am afraid that circumstances of the past several years have left me no other choice but to start something very small and minimal. I believe functionality always comes first.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Strygon on March 12, 2021, 07:03:43 am
Does that mean you'll stick to smaller projects in the future and abandon your megaprojects like Shattered Stars?
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 12, 2021, 08:46:18 am
Does that mean you'll stick to smaller projects in the future and abandon your megaprojects like Shattered Stars?
No. I don't plan to abandon megaprojects like Shattered Stars, which is being currently re-evaluated as a possible follow-up to Blue Planet, but it stills plan to use future FSO features that are being implemented since last January when FSO 21.0 was released. (I still have at least four or five or six others in the pipeline, but I have nothing to say about them, sorry!)

P.S. This thread is dedicated to Lost in the Mist, so I am not sure whether I'll take the discussion about these megaprojects without attracting too much attention.
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Phantom Hoover on March 15, 2021, 06:09:51 am
what happened to rekt galaxies
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Phantom Hoover on March 15, 2021, 06:10:07 am
did it get lost in the mist
Title: Re: RELEASE: Lost in the Mist, a FS2 mini-campaign
Post by: Bryan See on March 15, 2021, 02:55:44 pm
what happened to rekt galaxies
Not dead; it's just a working title. Final title is yet to be announced.
did it get lost in the mist
No. It's in the good hands.

Look, I don't want to daydream, as The E told me. Just ask him.