Actually, I think now my projection of years was in fact, an overestimate - graphically speaking. With the amount of palette swapping going on, the blocks, bricks, cubes, all that stuff, a large part of the map could be taken care of relatively quickly in a basic way.
My plan of attack is this...
1. Hi-res everything. Don't worry about the details, just get rid of the pixelyness at the very least. Use every opportunity for palette swapping the game gives me.
2. After everything is in proper resolution, go back and add the charm, details, character, animation, and differentiate between things that were just palette swapped before.
Phase 1 isn't too hard of a task, and when that's all said and done, it makes phase 2 go by way more smoothly and takes away the stress. Plus I have fun adding unique details so I think - if I have focus, this can be done in a years time(allowing for real life obligations and going to school full time in the fall).
Great post, I have to go soon and don't have time to respond to all your ideas right now, but I will later. I mainly wanted to get on to post what I did yesterday night/today.
Mapped the kitty cat area! Remember this isn't finalized or anything, and I know the areas that need work.
img196.imageshack.us/img196/8991/catarea.png*edit*
I am pro no-map. If people want a map they can get one online easily, but I don't think it should be available in game. Unless it's an ultra hidden item maybe?
1. The armor, yeah, that's always been a complaint. Definitely needs invincibility, but making it do damage might be too much in my opinion.
2. Would have to go back and check on this, I think I know what you're talking about though. Sounds like a good idea.
3. Shield location will be based on the msx version which actually puts it in a chest. I know the msx version has a store in that same location almost, but does it have the shield for sale? and how easy is it to get to? i'm playing it right now to figure that out but if someone knows that'd be great. regardless the shield shouldn't be easy to get if you farm money.
4. poison needs to STAY. I've heard people say they hate the poison too, but I think it wouldn't be Legacy of the Wizard without it. It's not that bad anyway, whenever I get it accidentally I usually say "GOD I LOVE POISON' or something equally hilarious.
5. Toning down boss damage isn't a bad idea, it's probably one of the main hurdles people have with the game, as getting through the dungeon to me is pretty easy, but if you screw up on a boss you have to go through it all again which is annoying. Some bosses are killed by just hiding in a certain location, others it's more like you have to mash on the attack button and hope you kill them before they kill you, which sucks. Bosses might need the biggest revamp of all I feel.
LotW can be an annoying game for some, mainly the fact that you can get caught in areas you can't get out of, forcing a reset. I'm for keeping these things, because the journey of going through the dungeon, which involves being prepared and knowing which character and items to bring, really makes the game special I feel. Also if there were an easy save system, not looong ass passwords(from now on abbreviated as asswords) that would take away a lot of the annoyance.
Here is a gist of things...
1. Pixel art graphical overhaul based mostly on the NES versions more vibrant palette. 3x resolution. More detailed areas. More animations for characters and enemies.
2. Map will be based on the MSX version.
3. Option for updated sound effects will be available and based on the NES version.
4. Option for updated music will be available and based on the NES version.
5. Music tracks missing from NES version will be added somehow in a way that makes sense, such as Pochi's area.
6. Armor will offer invincibility.
7. Poison is in.
8. Boss battles will be revamped somehow.
9. Mechanics for pushing and breaking blocks will be improved and more user friendly.
10. Clinging onto ladders as you're falling will be easier.
11. Pushing up to avoid damage from spikes will stay.
12. Enemy AI will be just like the original game.
13. Physics will be based on NES version(is it just me or does the NES game seem faster? I think I prefer it.)
13. Your base magic strength/distance will depend on the item you have equipped. So if you have both a power glove and magic rod in your inventory, when you equip one or the other your stats will change accordingly. You don't have to suffer for having both.
14. An in game map will only be in if it is a super secret item or something. Actually I kind of like this idea now.
15. A real save game system, no asswords.
16. PLAYABLE GRANDPA HELL YEAH.
17. The title of the game will be...I'm not sure. Both versions titles are a little weird, as there's no wizard that I know of, and Dragon Slayer 4 has nothing to do with 1 2 or 3. Also I don't know yet if 'remix' or 'alpha' or 'super turbo' or 'gold' or anything like that should be in, or what word would be used.
18. MSX version intro will be in as it is awesome.
19. More replay value. A hard mode? Extra secret dungeon area? Ability to take the whole family with you and change on the fly? A super secret area that can only be completed with the whole family + grandpa WHOAH SLOW DOWN.
20. Special items like the magic, life, keys, or gold you find in treasure chests will be saved in a submenu for later use if you pick one up and it overflows the max amount.
21. Smooth screen scrolling is in.
22. The glitch where you hold down two direction keys and fire a stationary magic attack will stay. Just because it's neat.
23. Make it so that you have to exit and reenter an inn in order to use it again. Because I'm a dumbass and always end up paying twice by hitting the wrong button.
24. Teleporting will be like the MSX version.
25. When enemies are killed and drop items in the walls, the items will move out of the wall on the side they're closest to.
26. Some kind of indicator for fake blocks. I imagine like a little question mark appears near the character. Some of the ones required to progress are crazy. It is not fun being stuck on Meyna's area for an hour.
27. Some newbie friendly things to get people into the game who didn't play the original. This means item descriptions and maybe some vague indication that you have to find the 4 crowns and kill Keela.
28. Improve the drop system. It's pretty good, but could be better about giving you things you commonly run out of, like keys.
If I think of more stuff I'll add it. Objections! are welcome. I think I would like to add some sort of challenging new game+ bonus area, if only so I can get a little creative with my own graphical ideas. I'm also kind of an amateur composer so I could go all out. But this is far down the line mind you.