TPR's RCT/NL Track Pack Contest Coming Soon!

[robbalvey]

Ok everyone,

 

Now that the DVD is out of the way, over the next couple of weeks I'm going to focus on an idea of putting together a track pack for RCT2, RCT3, and No Limits.

 

I have played RCT2 to death and know the game inside and out, but I have some questions about RCT3 and NL since I'm not as familiar with those. Let me ask away and any input you guys can give me will be great!

 

I think overall, this contest will be a great opportunity to get tracks that YOU have built into the hands of a lot of people!

 

Here goes:

 

1. I want to keep the rules to a minimum and allow few building restrictions so you can all flex your creative muscle. However, all the RCT2/3 tracks should be "ride-able" by the peeps. I know that in RCT2 if you have a track that goes over a 10 excitement rating, peeps won't ride. This is a restriction I would want to set. What rating do you think we should not go over? Is 8 a good benchmark?

 

2. Scenery in RCT2/3. Because the end product will be a .zip file with quite a few tracks in it, should we restrict from using scenery or does it not take up that much space? Also, what happens if someone uses 'custom scenery' does it automatically get imported and installed? These tracks will have to run on a "vanilla" version of RCT2/3 with the exception of the official expansions installed.

 

3. For no limits, I have seen several different file formats. Is there one in particular that is the 'lowest common denominator' that everyone would be able to use?

 

4. What options for No Limits should I include/not include primarily for keeping the files sizes as low as possible.

 

5. Are there any popular mods for No Limits that we should consider including?

 

6. What else about No Limits should I know about that might interest people downloading the track pack?

 

7. Does No Limits have ratings like RCT to keep things more "realistic" and if so, what is a good benchmark for those ratings?

 

That's really about it. My current thoughts about the contest rules right now would be:

 

- Enter up to 3 tracks for each game.

- Any coaster type you want, IMO, the more variety the better.

- No size or space restrictions other than RCT tracks need to be able to work in a 'vanilla or right out of the box' version of RCT2/3.

- There will be set 'ratings' that your coaster has to be kept under.

- Voting will be done "Survivor Style" for the People's Choice and there will also be a TPR pick done by Elissa and I.

- All tracks will need to be original tracks, not a re-creation of a real ride. You can have your track "inspired by" a real ride, but you cannot submit a clone of "Raptor" for example, in the contest.

- The goal of this contest, like the video contest, will be to get everyone on the board a chance to get their tracks published. It's all about fun, not about competition.

 

Please give us your input!

 

--Robb

Edited November 14, 2005 by robbalvey

[coasterfreak101]

I don't know how to answer those questions, but I really like the idea! Were you saying 3 coasters per turn, or just 3 tracks per park? Thanks, and I'm glad you're putting this together!

[robbalvey]

^ There aren't any "turns"

 

You will be able to submit up to 3 tracks per GAME (RCT2, RCT3, and NL)

 

Just like the video contest where you can submit up to three videos.

 

--Robb

[coasterfreak101]

Oh, ok! I get it! That is definately a great idea! And at the end ther's going to be a track pack with all the tracks that have been created?

[robbalvey]

^ Yup! That's the idea.

 

--Robb

[coasterdude5]

Sounds like an awesome idea! I think there should just be the "10" rule. All ratings must be below ten. Just to keep it simple. But that's just an idea. Overall, I bet it will turn out awesome!

[Ed]

And does the winner get a free DVD?

 

1. I want to keep the rules to a minimum and allow few building restrictions so you can all flex your creative muscle. However, all the RCT2/3 tracks should be "ride-able" by the peeps. I know that in RCT2 if you have a track that goes over a 10 excitement rating, peeps won't ride. This is a restriction I would want to set. What rating do you think we should not go over? Is 8 a good benchmark?

 

1. It's very easy to get a good ride to go over the 8 excitement mark so it would be hard to keep it under for some people. I'd say have whatever excitement rating you want, but make sure that the rollercoaster keeps within high Intensity and Nausea limits.

 

2. Scenery in RCT2/3. Because the end product will be a .zip file with quite a few tracks in it, should we restrict from using scenery or does it not take up that much space? Also, what happens if someone uses 'custom scenery' does it automatically get imported and installed? These tracks will have to run on a "vanilla" version of RCT2/3 with the exception of the official expansions installed.

 

Some of my parks with lots of custom scenery take up around 13Mb Zipped. I advise making a standard bench for everyone to use. That way you can keep the file sizes down because people wouldn't need to export their objects.

Also if you included the original bench in the trackpack then people would still be able to view the park because that would need to have the export box ticked.

Also expansion packs I would advise against if you decide to make a standard bench. Many people didn't buy WW + TT because they are frankly crap scenery wise. It's too cartoony for many people.

 

3. For no limits, I have seen several different file formats. Is there one in particular that is the 'lowest common denominator' that everyone would be able to use?

 

I'm not a No Limits expert, and my copy won't update to version 1.5.. so i'm not much help here.

 

4. What options for No Limits should I include/not include primarily for keeping the files sizes as low as possible.

 

Some files for No Limits I have downloaded are about 15Mb. Possibly more. This is if people included 3D graphics in their rides which slows down the game alot if your pc is not up to it.

 

5. Are there any popular mods for No Limits that we should consider including?

 

No idea. There may be though

 

6. What else about No Limits should I know about that might interest people downloading the track pack?

 

Hm.. It's very realistic but it takes an awful long time to build a good No Limits ride. I think getting Rct2 tracks in first, judging them while people build Rct3 and No Limits. Then get Rct3 in second, last No Limits.

 

7. Does No Limits have ratings like RCT to keep things more "realistic" and if so, what is a good benchmark for those ratings?

 

No Limits has no ratings on it. It does however have accurate G-Force monitors that measure the G-Force whever You are on the train. So if you move position the G-Forces adjust to your new position. Ratings in competitions i've seen look at, Layout, Pace, Smoothness, Heartlining (v1.5), Supports, Etc etc..

 

 

Some questions/suggestions I have:

 

- A standard Rct2 bench and just use the Sandbox for Rct3. The Rct2 bench would provide everyone an equal space to build their ride/s And it would give them all the same materials to work with. So that people can see what skill they have as a creator, not just how much custom scenery they can use.

 

- For voting I think it would be advisable for people to not know who has created which ride. This prevents favouritism voting. Also people shouldn't discuss or show screenshots or send the park to anyone else. Again this prevents people knowing whose park is whose and favouritism in voting.

 

-For Rct3 custom scenery is becoming readily availible and i'll find a link where there is a list of people's creations on the Atari Forums. I think they should be used as Rct3 is very basic and needs all the help it can get to encourage people to play.

 

So we would be able to create 9 tracks in total?

 

Only rollercoasters allowed to be built? Or can we add supporting rides around to improve the area. Oh and can we use rides for themeing if we wanted to. Like underwater rivers which feed waterfalls? (I use Rapids for these)

 

Will there be a prize for the winner of each catagory? And possibly an uber prize for someone who does well in all 3?

[Hattuchili]

A offical TPR contest would be awesome! You know I really like RCT games. Your rules sounds good for me! I can not wait to start the first offical contest. I have some good ideas for my first track!

 

--Sören

[GregoryKnight1979]

1. I want to keep the rules to a minimum and allow few building restrictions so you can all flex your creative muscle. However, all the RCT2/3 tracks should be "ride-able" by the peeps. I know that in RCT2 if you have a track that goes over a 10 excitement rating, peeps won't ride. This is a restriction I would want to set. What rating do you think we should not go over? Is 8 a good benchmark?

I think you'll find it's intensity not excitement that stops peeps riding.

2. Scenery in RCT2/3. Because the end product will be a .zip file with quite a few tracks in it, should we restrict from using scenery or does it not take up that much space? Also, what happens if someone uses 'custom scenery' does it automatically get imported and installed? These tracks will have to run on a "vanilla" version of RCT2/3 with the exception of the official expansions installed.

If you know RCT2 so well you should know this , RCT2 tracks/parks/scenery take up MUCH less space than RCT3. Also custom scenery doesn't "automatically" get imported so it shouldn't be allowed, stick to expansion scenery only.

3. For no limits, I have seen several different file formats. Is there one in particular that is the 'lowest common denominator' that everyone would be able to use?

Again, shouldn't you find out about this before deciding to run something like this. A basic No Limits track is simply an .nltrack file, any custom scenery (3DS files etc.) just need to be in the same directory.

7. Does No Limits have ratings like RCT to keep things more "realistic" and if so, what is a good benchmark for those ratings?

Because No Limits is a SIMULATION and NOT a game, it has pretty accurate G-force and other force information. Again, you should know this.

[crispy]

- Enter up to 3 tracks for each game.

- Any coaster type you want, IMO, the more variety the better.

- No size or space restrictions other than RCT tracks need to be able to work in a 'vanilla or right out of the box' version of RCT2/3.

- There will be set 'ratings' that your coaster has to be kept under.

- Voting will be done "Survivor Style" for the People's Choice and there will also be a TPR pick done by Elissa and I.

- All tracks will need to be original tracks, not a re-creation of a real ride. You can have your track "inspired by" a real ride, but you cannot submit a clone of "Raptor" for example, in the contest.

- The goal of this contest, like the video contest, will be to get everyone on the board a chance to get their tracks published. It's all about fun, not about competition.

 

 

Sounds Good to me

 

as for scenery, it makes to where you HAVE to use a park file instead of a track file in RCT3, so if you want to keep the size down a bit, just go with no scenery for now, besides, I don't think (i could be wrong) no limits has scenery, not like RCT anyway

[coasterlover420]

^mostly just trees!

[Dailey Enterprizes]

Hmmm, that all sounds very interesting Robb. I'm wondering about the No Limits challenge because I'm not sure if there are enough No Limits builders on this site. I can probably think of 3 right now (including me), but I think we should conduct a poll and see how many people actualy play No Limits.

 

As for your questions about No Limits...

 

3. For no limits, I have seen several different file formats. Is there one in particular that is the 'lowest common denominator' that everyone would be able to use?

 

".nltrack" is the default file extension, but if a person is adding things like custom car textures, scenery, etc. Then the file extension would be ".nlpack".

 

4. What options for No Limits should I include/not include primarily for keeping the files sizes as low as possible.

 

Well I would say that you should not allow people to make their own scenery because alot of people don't know how. Plus, for those like me who know how to make scenery, it would just take alot longer to do. Other than that, it's up to you because the difference of a B&M Hyper and a giant wooden coaster like my Hollow Horseman can be big. I'm not saying you should prohibit wooden coasters because I happen to be a wooden coaster junkie myself, but it may be something to consider.

 

5. Are there any popular mods for No Limits that we should consider including?

 

I'm not quite sure what you are asking because if you are talking about "After Market Mods" and then they don't exist! If you are talking about updates from the official website and then I think you mean the latest update (version 1.55). Then again you might be thinking about Gravimetric Studios and tools like their Coaster Calculator, Construction Kit, Elementary, Tunnel Maker, etc. I personally don't use any of the tools the site provides, except for the Track Packager because I need it to include scenery in my track files. But it's up to you Robb...

 

6. What else about No Limits should I know about that might interest people downloading the track pack?

 

7. Does No Limits have ratings like RCT to keep things more "realistic" and if so, what is a good benchmark for those ratings?

 

Well No Limits is probably one of the best, if not the best roller coaster simulation out there. Everybody who wants to view the coasters needs the full version and latest version to view the coasters, so demo versions won't cut it.

 

As for ratings, it really varies between each person. You know how it is because a smooth track freak might take off a crap load of points for a few jerks and quirks on a wooden coaster, but for a person who really appreciates a wooden coaster's "roughness" and then they won't take off points, yet in some cases, they might take points off for it being too smooth.

 

I recommend that you "snoop" around http://www.coastersims.com and check out their rating system. It seems to work the best for everyone, so I think it's a good system. They basically rate the No Limits coasters using 3 catorgories:

 

Building Technique

Adrenaline

Originality

 

All three catorgories can be rated between 0 and 10 each and the final rating will be the average rating calculated from the 3 catorgories. So it's up to you Robb, if you want to use that system or maybe come up with your own.

 

I hope this contest works out.

[DATman]

very cool, but I think we should have an RCT3 video contest

[coasters 4 me]

^ It takes like 1hr to record a short amount of time! It takes ages to record a video.

 

I think this idea is great. Another RCT compo. I have some great ideas. Although, see for RCT3, could you go underground and use coasters in soaked as people may not have them? Also, I think the rating for RCT3 should be about 10. It takes alot of practice to get a coaster that high in excitement. It is very hard in RCT3.

[robbalvey]

I think you're right. The ratings should be no higher than 10. As long as the peeps will ride them, it's all good.

 

I do think that we will not be able to allow any custom scenery as we will need to keep the file sizes down. If the track pack ends up having 10 to 20 tracks per game, that could be quite a lot of scenery!

 

I'm still looking into how to do No Limits. Again, keeping file sizes to a minimum will mean nothing custom, just what comes with the base version of the game.

 

As for the amount of NL players on the board, if there are only a few then it should be an easy contest! But keep in mind the announcement will go out to the entire mailing list, which is quite a number of people.

 

--Robb

[coasterdude5]

^Yeah, that sounds good.

[chauncey]

1. The game has no limit on any of the ratings for what peeps will ride. As in real-life, every guest is different. Some would never dare ride anything with intensity less than 10!

 

If you were to put limits, though, I'd say:

 

Maximum:

 

Excitement: none.

Intensity: 10

Nausea: 6

 

Minimum:

 

Excitement: 6

Intensity: 4

Nausea: none.

 

2. I would say "no" to custom scenery, personally.

 

The rest I have no information, or opinion, on.

[coasterdude5]

Nausea: 6

 

Ummm.... Not gonna work!

 

I like how Robb says just everything below 10. (except excitement)

[chauncey]

What do you mean? It's incredibly easy to keep nausea under 6. Also, why limit excitement? A 10+ excitement ride would be a good thing!

[robbalvey]

I've found when playing the game that most peeps will not ride if it's over 10. Remember, this needs to work with a "vanilla" copy of the game. No trainers or cheats installed.

 

--Robb

[coasters 4 me]

I've found when playing the game that most peeps will not ride if it's over 10. Remember, this needs to work with a "vanilla" copy of the game. No trainers or cheats installed.

 

--Robb

 

This is confusing me, is it 10 Excitment, Intensity or Nausea?

[robbalvey]

When I play the game, if I have a coaster that's over 10 in the excitement and/or intensity rating, the rating shows up as red and most of my peeps say the ride is too intense for them.

 

--Robb

[Twister II]

Im Beta testing RCT3: Wild right now so I cant do RCT3, and I had to delete RCT2 for room of Wild!, so looks like Ill be doing No Limits! Can you even make videos in NL?

[Real]

If you use nlpack, then woodies arent a problem unless they are mega in size - like over 250ft and over 7000ft long. Otherwise, its made to compress it like nothing else can.

 

 

As far as rating goes, someone mentioned about a woodies "roughness". Almost all woodies built within the last 20-30 years (maybe more) were VERY smooth to start out with. Im quite sure that Robb can attest to this so theres no gimmic that you can "build" roughness into a woodie use it as an excuse for bad trackwork. Woodies get rough because they have very tiny lead ins to turns and hills and those area take alot of punishment and thus get whacked out of line faster.

 

 

Other than that, Im assuming it would be contest style and not "submit a track already in design" right?

[chauncey]

I've found when playing the game that most peeps will not ride if it's over 10. Remember, this needs to work with a "vanilla" copy of the game. No trainers or cheats installed.

 

--Robb

 

Then your game is wierd. There's even a scenario where you pretty much have to build 10+ intensity rides (and you can build a scenario with that same requirement by selecting "guests prefer intense rides" in the scenario editor), and nobody except you has have had a problem with 10+ excitement ratings!

 

Wierd.