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Rom Hacking Newsletter Issue 11 - Monday, 10 November 2008 Introduction Opening wordsYes, yes, I realise its late, I apologise, I just had school stuff to deal with and I forgot to post it. Its nice to see how much RHN is appreciated though, thanks everyone. Since I don't have much to write about I'll take this opportunity to recap all of RHN's segments. We may not have all of them each week. Some of them you may have only seen once or twice. Hopefully we'll get to see more of the segments that are rarer. » Hacking News » Hack Reviews » Map of the Week Review » Interviews » Hack of the Week Review » Tips and Tricks » Question of the Week » Beginner's Corner Article by Thrace Hacking News Staying current with the rom hacking sceneHack of the Year - Nominations Round The nominations round of Hack of the Year have officially begun! In this round you nominate your favourite hack to compete in Rounds 2 and 3! Do not neglect to nominate a hack just because someone has already done so! The hack with the highest number of nominations will win the Fan Favourite award. To have your say simply post your nomination in this thread, make sure to read the first post though! It has very important information in it that you need to know before making your nomination. Hack of the Year Nominations Coverage So far we've had 49 acceptable nominations in the HotY Nominations thread. The nominations round ends on the 26th of November so make sure you try as many hacks as possible before making a nomination! Current Leaders: Pokemon Genesis - 15 votes Pokemon Distant - 10 votes Pokemon rijonAdventures - 5 votes Hack Rating System RHN will follow a standardised rating system similar to that of IGN, ratings and their meanings are described below. Spoiler:
HOTW Winner Spotlight on the Hack of the Week Pokémon Thunder Emblem [Link]Hack Author: mitchel1 Reviewed By: Kaizer-X And this week’s HoTW winner goes to Thunder Emblem by mitchel1. From the quality of the graphics itself, this hack undeniably deserves the award. But graphics is not everything, a hack with good graphics but a lousy storyline is only good to see but not fun to play. This hack has greatly improved in terms of storyline and the graphics from the last time it was reviewed. The story seemed to have progressed well from the one before the update. The idea of the three emblems is original and interesting nevertheless. The main plot of the story revolves around the three legendary dogs and Team Rocket. From what I have seen, this is one of those hacks with the best graphics around. It is a surprise to me, how can you fit all those pallets and tiles into the game. It shows that the effort you put into a hack decides the attractiveness of it. The new tiles are really eye-appealing. The globe and the gold building is one of my favourite part of the hack. The maps in this hack are original and unique. The only thing I don’t really like is the bright pallets of the ground and the TV which seemed a bit unrealistic but other than that is fine with me. I personally like the new OWs and sprites of this hack. The OWs of the hero and the intro sprites are amazing and the boot screen and the titlescreen a fitting additional to the hack. The new OW of Nidorino which replaces the bicycle or as the author called it Poke Ride is very creative and appealing. The scripts in the hack are really good but the main point of the story is a bit confusing as you progress along the hack. I personally would like to see more scripts that progresses along with the story and more improvement in the grammar. But inspite of all that, mitchel1 again shows his creativeness when he introduces the climbing shoes into the hack Overall the hack is enjoyable and I personally recommend you to check it out if you haven’t. This is one of those hacks that I wouldn’t miss out on. Article by Kaizer-X Hack Review Hacks in review![]() Pokémon Flame of Rage [Link]Hack Author: Rom Reaverz Inc. Reviewed By: Darthatron Reviewer's Rating: 8.1 I've liked this hack from day 1. So much so that I helped with a few things, and still do whenever X-Buster asks. Anyway, enough about me, here is the review... It starts off the same as many other FireRed hacks, kind of. You wake up next to your bed (?), then go down stairs. But then something different happens, your little sister comes to tell you that your dad wants you to see him in his office. It's a good replacement of the Pokémon Lab, and it's where you get your very first Pokemon. I don't want to ruin any more of the story, but let me tell you this, it's not like any other Pokémon game you've played. I found 3 things VERY appealing in this hack, the maps, the overworld graphics, and the scripts. However, I was dissapointed with the lack of new tiles. You can tell the maps in this were either made by Neti, or fixed by Neti, they are brilliant, everynow and then, you'll wonder why there is a patch of empty grass, and the map connections are a bit messed up, but this simple errors are to be expected. Shadow Arcanine's OverWorlds are fantastic, and really well draw. You look at them and think "Wow, it looks like GameFreak made these overworlds!". I'm looking forward to all the OverWorlds being replaced at some point, hopefully. I was also impressed by the use of Level Scripts in this, most hacker are affraid of them, and hack no idea what they are doing, but you can tell these hackers know how to script. Not just the level scripts, though. Every script in this game is good (well atleast what I've played up to). And finally, the story in this is way different to other hacks I've seen, and that's a good thing. All in all, a great hack and you should try it out. Article by Darthatron Map of the Week A review of the weeks MOTW winnerMap Author: Neti Map of: FireRed Rating: 9/10 Map Shot: Click Here! Of course the first thing I notice with this map is the repetitive use of snow tiles. Of course, it is okay in this case, since he’s the one that made the rombase =O. Anyways, onto business. I like the realistic effect that the overall shape is giving from this map. There is a nice amount of houses, which almost causes a crammed look to the map. Almost. I also like the way how he fit in an icy pond at the left side of the map. Another thing that I love about this map is how Neti tried to incorporate all the houses to look the least bit different. Most mappers from what I see just repetitively use the same looking house, and never bother to set a diverse mark. What I don’t like is that there are always two skinny trees between the large trees. It is never one, it’s always two. It makes it look like he really is against the slightest bit of empty space in this map. Article by Disturbed Map Author: Lucario 9 Map of: FireRed Rating: 6/10 Map Shot: Click Here! Hey! It’s my rombase! Nobody really used it, so it sets the mark for originality of tiles. I’ll point out the bad things in this map first. The shapes of the cliffs sicken me. They seem like they were rushed on at the last minute. Also, it one spot on the middle left, you’ll be able to see the cliff go into the border! After seeing that, I saw that there was yet another tile error, this one was actually pretty noticeable and I’m surprised that Lucario 9 didn’t notice it when mapping. Look in the upper left corner of the map, in the trees. Another thing I despise is the benches are behind the same tree twice. Usually you wouldn’t see that in a normal route, maybe just one bench. I think that he used that as a filler, or to add a more realistic tone to the map. What I really like in this map is the trees. They seem like they fit the environment fairly well, and overall, leading to the map looking better! The scattering of the tall grass also seems pretty nice, and will give the player multiple battles to fight in throughout the map. I like this map overall, but I know you can do better, Lucario 9. Article by Disturbed Beginner's Corner Common Problems/QuestionsI bet many of you have suffered from that endless clicking when mapping a group of trees. You always asked "Isn't there a more convenient solution?" Actually, there is, and a simple one. LU-HO has documented this function in his ReadMe file for AdvanceMap, but common thing over here is to ignore them. Afterall, it's quite boring to read such files. To make a bigger block, move your mouse pointer to the block palette or map area you want to replicate and hold down Ctrl and right mouse button. Now, a small window will show up. Don't put your fingers off the buttons, drag the mouse instead. See? The window is larger, and it's containing more blocks. Now you are free to release the buttons. You should release the mouse button and Ctrl simultaneously, I have experienced a few oddities if Ididn't do so, like when moving the mouse pointer around the map, the contents of the "Bigger Block" window were changing and the window itself was changing size. Article by Martin™ Interview An in-depth chat with... Spoiler:
Interview by Darthatron Closing Notes Some house keepingYeah, we don't have a Tip this week. To tell the truth I'm running out so if anyone has a Tip they'd like to donate it would be very much appreciated. This is the time when a lot of people have exams so of course its going to be difficult to get issues out on time. We will be making an effort to get them in on time but RHN can't always be on the top of our priorities. Closing by Thrace CSS design and graphics by Thrace. Ask for permission if you want to use them! |
Great Thrace you got it out. You kind of messed up the first review, it says pokemon breakdown, but it is pokemon thunder emblem. Any ways great.
And also you missed a 'e' off of the in the hacking news. |
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Ah Ha I found a mistake Michel1's hack is Thunder Emblem Not Breakdown Can i have a cookie? |
It is teh cool and it's still made of WIN.
It was...interesting, although the Beginner's Corner tip was a Tip of the Week some things ago. -.- |
Again, interesting...
Better later than never. Again, you still have a lot of hacks to review! Keep on that :D |
nice, like always
Hasnt Flame of Rage been in a previous issue? i think it was when it won the hotw... well, im glad about the good rating for my map! and yes, the rombase is a bit overused already, thats why i orginaly didnt plan to release it before the lof beta, but the tiles were made by fanking omega and he wished so... gl on the next issue |
lol i didnt know my worst map will be reviewed, i normally notice a tile error but i dont think i was caring enough.
well overall it seemed great ! i hope my hack gets reviewed ! |
Oh, hello guys!
First, I want to congratulate Thrace and our team for making another nice RHN. You've done good issue as always. Next, someone noticed that the tip in the Beginners Corner section was already in one of RHN issues. But you should look at number of people who still ask for a "Bigger Block" feature even though it's already there. Anyway, this tip was a filler I whipped up as I am working on a guide to graphics altering for beginners, which will be divided to at least 3 parts, and I am sure beginners will appreciate it. Till then, you must wait. I think I will get the part 1 done just in time for RHN 12. Cheers! |
I have read it yesterday, and today, and I still find it short. :\
anyways, do not mind about it, for it was still great. :) continue the great work, team~ :cool: |
Another nice issue ^^ can't wait to see the new one :D
well good luck further! |
Another good issue of RHN. Good job:D.
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There isn't going to be an issue today guys, sorry. I just haven't had the time to prepare it and I don't want to do another rushed issue. There will be one for this week, it'll be released sometime in the next 4-5 days.
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ill be waiting |
I guess life's getting pretty busy towards everyone, huh? :\
oh well. no need to say sorry though. :) |
I hope it will be about the same length as Issue 9 :D I rather read an interesting issue, even if it's late, than a rushed one with only 1 hack and 1 map review...
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Rom Hacking Newsletter Issue 12 - Wednesday, 19 November 2008 Introduction Opening wordsSee? I told you I'd get an issue out this week. I probably should be studying right now but whatever. HotY hasn't had many votes for a week now. Theres only 4 short days to go, so get your votes in! Seriously, vote. DO NOT FORGET! Just two more weeks until my exams finish. I'll be much more active, I'll reopen my hack's thread and RHN will have regular issues again. Just two short weeks. Article by Thrace Hacking News Staying current with the rom hacking sceneHack of the Year - Nominations Round The nominations round of Hack of the Year have officially begun! In this round you nominate your favourite hack to compete in Rounds 2 and 3! Do not neglect to nominate a hack just because someone has already done so! The hack with the highest number of nominations will win the Fan Favourite award. To have your say simply post your nomination in this thread, make sure to read the first post though! It has very important information in it that you need to know before making your nomination. Changes to the Rom Hacking Forum As you've undoubtedly noticed, there have been some major changes to the Rom Hacking section in this week. Though it might be difficult adjusting initially all the changes that have been made are for the betterment of Rom Hacking at PC as a whole. If you would like to voice your opinion please use this thread to discuss. Hack Rating System RHN will follow a standardised rating system similar to that of IGN, ratings and their meanings are described below. Spoiler:
HOTW Winner Spotlight on the Hack of the Week Pokémon Congbu [Link]Hack Author: ~Satoshi Sugimori~ Reviewed By: Darthatron When I first read the story, I must confess, I was a little turned off. It's different, I admit, but there is only so much you can do with a plot where you try to save your Pokemon. However, I was thrilled with some of the features. I love the idea of not having gyms, but rather fighting legendary Pokemon instead. While looking at the screenshots I realized how good the maps were. The tiles are fantastic, and I am in love with the Japanese theme of it all. And I love the way that the different color texts are used for different people, that makes it much easier to read, and also more fun. The scripts look well done, and I think the game play will be fantastic when a beta is released. This is the first time I've actually been excited for a hacks release, and I truely can't wait. Keep up the good work, Satoshi and team! Article by Darthatron Hack Review Hacks in review![]() Pokémon Light Platinum [Link]Hack Author: Wesley FG Reviewed By: Thrace Reviewer's Rating: 6.7 I was really looking forward to playing this hack because from what I saw in its thread, it looked pretty spectacular. Unfortunately I was severely disappointed. If I were to judge this hack purely on the screenshots in its thread this hack would get a rating in the 9s. This is exactly why we don't review hacks that don't have a playable version. Lets start with the mapping. It is just terrible. Really, with all these new tiles making a good looking map shouldn't be too difficult should it? The maps are sooo bare it hurts. Far too much empty space and too many tile errors. The new tiles for the most part look beautiful but in some cases there are strange palletes and incorrect use of them that becomes really off-putting. Wesley FG is very obviously a knowledgeable scripter. Many of his scripts use a good combination of techniques to progress the story. As far as I can remember there wasn't a single scripting error that I picked up on so kudos for that. He does seem to have gotten a bit lazy though. There are far too many reused scripts. Even the gym leader scripts have only been text edited, I remember getting TM50 (Overheat) from a Ghost-Type gym leader who obviously was Flannery poorly disguised by a few text edits, a new sprite, Pokemon and name. Bug wise, it could definitely use some "ironing" out. There were a few curious ones such as a Huntail using Thunderpunch and encountering a Gyarados on the beach. I know I've only really touched on the negatives but thats because, even with all the problems, I recommend playing this hack. At the end of the day this hack is fun to play and I truly recommend giving it a go. Article by Thrace Map of the Week A review of the weeks MOTW winnerMap Author: Disturbed Map of: Fire Red Rating: 9/10 Map Shot: Click Here! The first thing I noticed about this map was that there are a lot of trees in it. As I looked closer at this map, I noticed that the trees were placed in a VERY wonderful pattern, this "pattern" is very random, no two trees are placed exactly the same as another one, which makes for a great amount of originality. The trees are placed in a way that it gives the map a great unique feel, as there are many varieties of tree placement, and that, in-turn, gives the map a wonderfully unique shape. Though this placement of trees makes the map seem like a forest rather than a town, which, dare I say, is not exactly a bad thing. I mean, how many villages have you seen that had a sort of foresty feel to them? That's right, none. When I think of a village, I think of a primitive seclusion of a few houses and odd buildings in a forested area. Now on to the path: the path has great structure; it is what I think about when I think of a great path: not straight, full of bends and twists, not too thick or too thin, cutting through the town, paving the way to houses so the villagers can walk on a suitable walking surface instead of the regular grass. Let’s move on to flowers. This is one aspect of this map I'm not particularly fond of. There are few of them. In a village like this, I would think flowers would very numerous, as secluded and nature-ish as it is. The Building placement is also superb; they are all in the center of the map, which would be expected of a village like this, as the villagers wouldn't want to build their houses on the outskirts as they would be afraid of the wild Pokémon living nearby. They are all placed along the path, which is a big turn-on, I mean who would build a house in the middle of nowhere, with no path leading to their house? You would have a larger chance of getting attacked by a wild Pokémon while going home. Let’s move on to the space. There is a fair amount of empty space in this map, which I didn't expect. In a village such as this, I would expect it to be overrun with vegetation, as forests usually are which this map primarily is, with a few wooden buildings built in the center. Overall, this was a stunning map; it has a great feel to it as well. Keep it up Disturbed! Article by TB Pro! Tips and Tricks A cool new trick that you may not have known aboutMove tutors were something that were started in FR/LG and pretty useful when you are building your team. This week we'll show you how to make your very own Move Tutor! Below is the basic script for a move tutor. If you're unsure about anything just send a PM. #org @Start lock faceplayer checkflag 0x200 compare LASTRESULT 0x1 if 0x1 goto @AlreadyLearnt msgbox @WantToLearn boxset 0x5 compare LASTRESULT 0x0 if 0x1 goto @DontWant setvar 0x8005 0x1 special 0x18D setflag 0x200 release end Thats basically the "bones" of the script. But how does it actually work? Well its all done by that very special variable 0x8005. setvar 0x8005 0x[Move] You can use any number between 0 and F. That gives us 16 possible moves to use. You can find all possible moves on this page. Next week we'll show you how to change the attacks to anything you want courtesy of Mastermind_X. Tip donated by liuyanghejerry Interview An in-depth chat with... Spoiler:
Interview by Darthatron Closing Notes Some house keepingGo vote. Do it now. Or now. Or now. Stop reading. Go vote. Do it. Do it. Do it. Link. Have you voted? Good. Closing by Thrace CSS design and graphics by Thrace. Ask for permission if you want to use them! |
Awesome. This issue was worth the wait. I really loved the Tips `N Tricks, I wondered how to do that for a while. Yays, meh map rating is actually in here. :P The interview was...Interesting. And, umm...I'm outta comments:P Well, good luck with your exams! Luck~
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I can't see spoilers on my PSP, but so far it was very entertaining!
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spotted some errors... :P
Introduction... ...reopen my hacks thread... should be "hack's thread"... Tips And Tricks... comepare... should be compare... ------------------------------------------------------------- anyways, I kinda don't like the issue this week. :\ I dunno, it felt weird, but it was still nice. I really don't know who was the one being interviewed... The Tips and Tricks, is it applicable in Ruby? The hack of the week winner and the hack review was nice to read. :) as always, I wish you and the team the best of luck with RHN. :) |
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Hey Thrace, just an error in the tip. The numbers between 0 and F are 16 not 17.
This issue also marks it as the longest running ROM hacking newsletter. The old one run by admin only ran 11 issues, I think. And I better not say how to edit the attacks for move tutors. |
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then congratulations to Thrace and to your team. :) keep up the great work with RHN. :cer_boogie: :pink_boogie: :cer_boogie: :pink_boogie: |
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I thought the old one had 13? I may be wrong about this. |
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Virtual Chatot/Martin™'s Version Haruki Hanai Version |
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