Winter 2008 Dualstream Day of Zeux Judging Sheets:Scott Vyper

36953 - Superb Benthic Zone Adventures, by Elevator Dentist Squad
=================================================================
Theme - 80/100
If there is anything I can say about this game, it definitely captures the theme of being
a water-specific game. Some of the concepts was a bit puzzling, like how Doritos would
fall rapidly to the bottom of the lake/river/ocean, whichever it may be.

Gameplay - 40/90
At first, I was a bit lost on what I was actually supposed to do. I did pick up rather
quickly that I was supposed to guide the "crab" (at least I think it's a crab) back and
forth, collecting chips while avoiding droppings "cans", anchors and some other wacky
stuff. When you get the hang of it, the gameplay had the potential to be addicting. After
a minute though, as your health begins climbing in the negatives (a bug from my
experience), you truly start feeling that there is no point to moving your player anymore.

Graphics - 50/70
The sprites actually looked decent for the size chosen. The overall look of the game is
quite nice. There was a lot of potential that was sadly missed, including interactions
with some of the bad drops and your character, but ultimately the look of the game was
quite nice.

Technique - 40/60
The overall engine for the most part seems really planned out. The majority of the screen
is active animation robots, with a bot off screen doing the major handling of the
gameplay. The bot seemed to explain a good portion of what the gameplay was intending.
However for some reason, things didn't seem to trigger when it came to next level or even
a game over screen for that matter. I feel the initial gameplay was coded well, but there
was certainly some missed points for it's endless gameplay.

Story - 20/50
I didn't see a story what so ever, it seemed rather odd to see a crab catching chips for
some reason. There was barely any explanation on gameplay either, so alot is left to the
player's imagination. I did give it points though for the potential of a nice arcade
classic. With more time, I could have seen this being a nice addicting game.

Sound - 30/30
This almost lost points for the rather annoying intro noise. However, annoying as it is,
I wouldn't have known I was playing a crab without it. Otherwise, the sound is fantastic.
The music is extremely fitting, and the sound effects set the mood for an arcade-esque
style that'll keep you dodge those anchors for some tasty Doritos.

Final Score - 260


39191 - Aquarium, by Allium Cepa
================================
Note: Since the team provided 2 games, I judged the one that seemed to have more put into
it. That being the Water game.

Theme - 20/100
It wasn't until I loaded this game in the editor that I saw the true guts of the teams
work, not a good thing. The theme had some potential, and a comedic take on the topic was
taken which got a nice little chuckle out of me. Essentially though, other then a random
splash from jumping, nothing really jumped out at me that this had anything to do with
water.

Gameplay - 20/90
I'd like to note that I had to set the level 1 board as the first board to even play the
game, and even then, the board consists of 5 seconds worth of jumping. Considering you
can't even access the board without modifying the game, I feel I'm being nice enough to
even award this many points. There really isn't anything to play.

Graphics - 40/70
There was so much potential here that unfortunately was just wasted. 1 look at the level
1 board and you see that there was a vision for this game and it was interpreted well.
Again, considering you can't reach the level 1 board without modifying the game, this was
essentially abandoned.

Technique - 10/60
The engine seemed pretty standard, might have even used a few guides but I can't say for
sure. I want to assume that this was an entry that just slipped through the cracks and
didn't get the time it deserved. As it is now, it's extremely incomplete.

Story - 20/50
Again, lots of potential just wasted. The concept seemed simple enough, a side-scrolling
adventure game featuring a woman with water powers. However, that's it. No real depth
behind the story.

Sound - 10/30
Sympathy points really, since there is no sound.However I am one of those people who
believe no sound is better then bad sound.

Final Score - 120


45595 - Murder on the Yellow Express, by A Wild Bidoof has appeared!
====================================================================
Theme - 20/20
Capture the Murder Mystery theme perfectly.

Gameplay - 100/120
The game play was absolutely amazing. The mouse interface is extremely smooth and worked
beautifully for the game. At times, it felt slightly tedious to run back and forth.
However the game makes up for it by not bashing you with too much reading. It's
essentially a murder mystery game for someone on speed. There could have been a little
more interaction with items and characters. Some characters tend to repeat themselves and
items which descriptions seem out of sync with the current time/day. I would have loved
to see this game get a bit more time and built up into a full MZX title.

Graphics - 70/90
The graphics are absolutely stunning. This really showcased the possibilities of MZX.
Some of the characters are questionable, but ultimately the design of the objects are
simply beautiful. My only problem with this game was the emptiness of the levels. There
wasn't much to interact with.

Technique - 80/80
The mouse system seemed extremely well implemented. Other than some minor graphical
mash-ups (mainly caused by the mouse), the system ran pretty well.

Story - 40/50
My only complaint is the lack of build up. There was so much potential for story twists
and turns. Things felt pretty linear and at times, automatic. Otherwise, the story itself
was well written and the end made up for the gaps in the story that wasn't explained in
the game itself. I truly felt the need to finish the game just to see how it all played
out.

Sound - 30/40
There is no real sound effects really, besides the doors and of course the infamous pen
in the light socket. However the music is quite fitting and does give you the sense of an
actual investigation. I was rather impressed how well the music set the mood despite the
fact that it was just a tad bit too upbeat.

Final Score - 340


46132 - Murder Megazeux Manor, by the Suicideskeeters
=====================================================
Theme - 20/20
Though it's hard to believe, I believe they captures the initial process of a murder
mystery in a rather comedic way. Oddly enough, only 1 character actually uses some sort
of an inventory system and actually "investigates", though he's made out to look like a
laughing moron. (Go figure...)

Gameplay - 80/120
You play as 4 different characters. Oddly enough, they are all DoZ judges. Each character
uses a different style of gameplay to achieve their goals. Everything from standard
Caverns-like maps to drawing god knows what. Though basic, the gameplay works out and
keeps you playing. Those playing the game are bound to have a favorite character, since
all 4 are unique and are sure to cater to any gamer's needs.

Graphics - 60/90
Alot of the graphics are very standard MZX, though that's not necessarily a bad thing.
The game is design to look like an MZX comedy, and it definitely achieves it. The title
screens are a nice visual touch, with minor animation. It's nothing incredibly unique,
but it definitely sets the mood properly.

Technique - 40/80
All the coding is pretty standard, though this is partially to be expected with an MZX
comedy. Alot of the game uses built-in MZX characters and pieces. The thing that stands
out in this game is probably the Mario Paint-esque games which require you to draw
objects similar to your goal. The system has a lot of forgiveness, but those with a
creative niche will probably try to draw perfectly. I must say that I have yet to find a
bug in the entire game, so major kudos for that.

Story - 50/50
Those into comedy MZX games will not be disappointed... if you lack a sense of humor,
then perhaps you will be. Only 1 character actually progresses the story (through his own
twisted mind of course), the main (and true) story is progressed through clearing rounds
from all 4 characters, with of course, a shocking twist.

Sound - 30/40
The music and sound effects work pretty well for the game. The music choices for
cut-scenes and the individual character's is well chosen and sets a good mood. Nostalgic
MZX players will enjoy playing as Tecki, as the music is plucked straight from caverns
(though it sounds remixed to me).

Final Score - 280


49305 - Xin, by Team Bro Fist 
=============================
Theme - 20/20
The game certainly adheres to the category, though with an interested and unexpected
twist.

Gameplay - 80/120
The gameplay is unique and had a lot of potential, using a card based battle system that
uses elements and different styled attacks to progress the battle. The major downside of
the system is the randomness of the cards in hand. Many times I was stuck with a
stockpile of cards that was more useful to my enemy then me. The battles are also quite
long and grueling. I'm almost embarrassed to say how long it took to complete each
battle.

Graphics - 90/90
At first glance, the game is absolutely stunning. The intro screens really set the mood
well. You can tell there was A LOT of effort put into the graphics of Xin. The battle
system looks pretty solid too, with interesting effects for certain attacks.

Technique - 40/80
The actual coding itself is pretty advanced, especially the battle system. The problem
(which of course, might have to do with the short time span) is how many bugs this game
has. There was multiple times I had to restart the game because cards were being taken
off my deck for some reason, rendering me unable to attack and progress the battle. I'm
sure if this game had more time to beta test, these problems wouldn't exist.

Story - 50/50
The story is excellently told and flows very well throughout the game. The story is what
actually made me painfully go through each and every bugged out card battle just so I can
see the next part. Team 49305 took an interesting approach to the Specific Topic and I
feel it worked out well for them.

Sound - 40/40
The music is surprisingly crystal clear and sounds wonderful. It matches the mood
perfectly. The sound effects at times can be slightly questionable, but fits well enough
that you're willing to ignore the minor flaws.

Final Score - 320


52608 - Drippy and the Evaporated Sea
=====================================
Theme - 80/100
Drippy definitely fits the category when it comes to water. A classic tale of Fire vs.
Water in a rather MZX style.

Gameplay - 70/90
The gameplay resembles a typical MZX action style game, mashing your space and direction
buttons. Pounding away level after level, trying to find every droplet. While basic,
sometimes simple can be catchy. It's simplicity works in this game. There could have been
a little more to do in the game, and of course, more then 1 place in the entire game to
heal. Otherwise the gameplay is rather solid.

Graphics - 30/70
The graphics are simple with only some modifications from the original MZX charset. While
the graphics themselves aren't anything breathtaking, the level design is decent. The
level designs are entertaining enough to keep you playing.

Technique - 20/60
Other then the level design, there is nothing really standing out. The enemies are rather
cheap and will take some getting used to. Hothot's are bugged where if you kill them,
they pretty much stand there while displaying their death over the marquee so you can't
see your health or ammo. A small bug, but fatal in more intense areas like Hotopolis.
They also refuse to drop a droplet, which makes it impossible to collect all 250
droplets.

Story - 40/50
The story is unique, and pretty much caters to the classic Water vs. Fire scenario. There
are a few questionable details, like why ice would side with fire when it requires water
to become ice, but this might be the product of over analyzing.

Sound - 30/30
The music and sound effects are a nice touch. The music has a sense of urgency to it keep
you from being bored out of your mind. The sound effects are fitting and sometimes a
little cheesy, but not necessarily a bad thing.

Total Score - 270


53283 - The Curious Case of Ash McArthur, by Rokkaku Law Enforcement Division
=============================================================================
Theme - 20/20
This is probably the only game to truly be inside the box, take that as you will. This
has everything a Murder Mystery should be. An interesting cast and the need for clues.

Gameplay - 60/120
The game is pretty linear, and doesn't exactly penalize you for random guessing. So
essentially you can breeze through this game in about 3 minutes tops. It is worth reading
everything though, as it's not a bad story for something quickly created. The menu system
had A LOT of potential, and I believe with more time, this game could have made far
better use of it.

Graphics - 30/90
The graphics are pretty terrible, but again, considering the time frame, they were done
well enough to set the general mood. I truly do wish this game had more time, as it had
lots of potential.

Technique - 40/80
The menu system is definitely nice, and the storytelling in the beginning is done rather
well. There isn't much to the game, but from what I see, what is done is done well.

Story - 30/50
The story had a great premise. My only complaint is there is not much background story
that shows the true character of all members of the family. You're left with obvious
clues that lead and mislead you into believing who the culprit is.

Sound - 30/40
There is no sound effects that I know of, but the game makes up for that with some rather
awesome music. The soundtrack was definitely the thing that stood out for me.

Total Score - 210



66418 - P.E.E.(E.), by BNL DoZ Team #002
========================================
Theme - 10/100
I found this hard to believe that this had anything to do with water. There was
references here and there, but nothing to make me think the game's story revolved around
water.

Gameplay - 30/90
There was a couple of interesting attempts at some decent gameplay here. The math puzzle
and almost DDR like mini-games kept it from being a complete ascii cinematic. There could
have been better explanations on these mini-games though before initiating them. They
seem to have popped out of no where with no real clue as to what to do.

Graphics - 30/70
The game is designed the look like an MZX comedy, and for the most part, it works. The
charsets are atleast modified enough to where it doesn't look like Caverns. Some of the
designs are rather basic or just plain weird.

Technique - 30/60
The game resembles a bit of an ascii cinematic. The coding is alright for the most part,
but I wish there was at least some pause and explanation points when it came to certain
mini-games.

Story - 20/50
It's a 5 minute Ringu(Ring) parody with minor references to water and some pokes at the
MZX community. Though the story isn't anything original, it's not bad. The plots seem
extremely random, and at times make no sense whatever.

Sound - 30/30
The music and sound effects are the only thing that truly give this game substance. The
soundtrack was, at times, funnier then the game itself. I nearly died of laughter when I
heard Barbie Girl.

Total Score - 150



68848 - Whirlwind, by Team Breaking Wheel
=========================================
Theme - 10/20
I had a hard time figuring out what kind of game this was supposed to be. After further
inspection, I saw that this was supposed to be a Murder Mystery. Yes there was a murder,
but there really was no mystery about it. So half points for getting it half right.

Gameplay - 80/120
This game lost major points for being over-bearing with the re-spawning enemies. It took
me a while to figure out that the best way to approach this game is to run to the end of
the board, and blast what's left to move on. Otherwise you'll be in the same spot for
hours fighting a constant barrage of mindless drones. Other then that, the game was
pretty good. The multiple variants of weapons was a nice touch. Almost felt Contra-esque.

Graphics - 70/90
The graphics are interesting. They're not advanced, but for the game type, it's very
fitting. The flowing motion of the bullets was a nice touch. The level designs, though
basic, was good enough to keep me interested. The enemies look a bit weird though.

Technique - 60/80
As a mentioned above, I really liked the flow of the bullets. It made it look like it was
not restricted by the ascii characters of MZX. With some tweaking, the actual gameplay
could have been better written. The constant barrage was a huge deal-breaker for me, it
was pretty frustrating.

Story - 20/50
There was slight glimpses of an actual story here. Like most arcade side-scrolling
shooters though, there isn't much to go on, nor does there really need to be. However,
there could have been some more backbone to the story. Perhaps a cut scene here or there.
You really have no clue what's going on until it's the end of the game.

Sound - 40/40
The sound effects really make this game enjoyable. There's nothing more satisfying then
blasting a shotgun and watching a body gib apart. Whirlwind definitely had the right idea
when it came to sound. The music is enjoyable. A bit repetitious at times but not bad
enough to make you stop playing the game.

Total Score - 280


73310 - Archer Gremory is Thirsty, by a huge jerk
=================================================
Theme - 20/100
O.O WTF? I gave it pity points for having an Olympic Pool in Hell...

Gameplay - 10/90
I damn near didn't want to press P, that alone made me feel like I sold my soul. As soon
as I heard Cans music, I damn near went to the next game. As for gameplay, this game had
the most ANNOYING re-spawning enemies I have ever seen. Even that massive thing that
supposed to be a machete couldn't save me from constant bombardment of the most retarded
enemies in MZX history.

Graphics - 10/70
The machete effect was cool at least.

Technique - 10/60
The machete effect was cool at least.

Story - 0/50
Story? What story... oh, the story about going to hell to get a drink of water?
Priceless.

Sound - 10/30
The machete effect was cool at least.

Total Score - 60


74465 - Ghost Busted, by Jump Back, Kiss Myself
===============================================
Theme - 20/20
An interesting take on a murder mystery, from the perspective of a ghost that somehow can
puke on items and make them shine.

Gameplay - 60/120
The first half of the game was rather dull, forcing you to make clues obvious so that the
cops coming to investigate will see the evidence required to lock up your murderer. There
was some interesting commentary, and even a Michael Jordan reference which shocked me a
bit. The truly satisfying part of this game is the second half, where you need to spook
your murderer into confessing his horrid crime. There was something satisfying about
torturing the poor lad on his computer with Notepad.

Graphics - 30/90
Graphics seemed pretty basic, though customized enough to where it's not at least
standard MZX. Nothing really stood out here as breath-taking, but it was designed well
enough to fit the story.

Technique - 20/80
There was no major innovative code here, however it was designed well enough. Sometimes
the marquee text would go off screen, leaving it up to your imagination to determine what
the end of the sentence was. The text also scrolled a bit too fast, but that could be
fixed with slight adjustments in your own settings.

Story - 50/50
The story was pretty well written. A little more back-story would have been nice, however
there was just enough information to understand what was going on and what you needed to
do.

Sound - 40/40
I really liked the soundtrack to this game. It set a rather eerie mood that was quite
powerful for a game of this setting. The sound effects at time were questionable, but fit
its appropriate places regardless.

Total Score - 220


75242 - Slaughter Down Under, by Team Potential Teamwork Failure
================================================================
Theme - 100/100
The game definitely matched the theme of involving water. As a mermaid defending the
ocean, this truly met all of my requirements as a water game.

Gameplay - 60/90
The gameplay is rather simple. It has a nice (and sometimes frustrating) momentum engine
to give it that underwater feel. The sword engine, which resembles claws more then a
sword, is a bit weak, in all actuality you don't even need to use it to beat the game.

Graphics - 40/70
There's definitely a sense that you're underwater. The graphics are a bit weak in this
aspect though. The man player character is well designed enough that you understand
you're a mermaid. The enemy characters are well designed as well. The levels themselves
however are too bland and rely too much on a gradient look.

Technique - 40/60
The momentum engine was nice. The enemies were a tad bit awkward but for the most part,
served their purpose. Otherwise there is nothing else that really stands out.

Story - 40/50
I felt the story was very believable. The concept of a mermaid trying to save her world
by destroying an organism heating the water to near lava conditions has all the makings
of a great game. There was so much that could have been capitalized on such a story, but
wasn't present in this game.

Sound - 20/30
The soundtrack was rather impressive, though seemed a tad bit out of place. Sounds
effects were a bit plain, but not a deal breaker.

Total Score - 300


79853 - Marooned, by I Can't Believe It's Not Working!
======================================================
Theme - 60/100
Alright, so you're trying to escape a series of islands, water surrounds Islands. I see
it, but I got a fever... and the only prescription, is more water.

Gameplay - 30/90
There was some interesting implements here. The game itself took about 2 minutes to beat,
the puzzles being ridiculously easy. The only thing that took some getting used to was
the stamina system in the last level.

Graphics - 20/70
Standard MZX graphics. The boards were designed nicely though, so it could have been
worse.

Technique - 20/60
The only thing worth noting was the stamina engine, which made the last level at least a
little interesting. Everything else was pretty standard. Even the jumping engine felt
like it was ripped from a premade engine.

Story - 30/50
The story wasn't too bad. Getting off an island that for some reason is about to burst
into flames seems like a good idea. There's just no real backbone to the story though.
Just a general goal and a reason for that goal.

Sound - 20/30
The music was interesting, seemed to set the mood well. There was nothing else really
noteworthy about the sound in this game though.

Total Score - 180


99096 - Deluge, by Random Team with no creative name
====================================================
Theme - 80/100
Deluged, works for me. Thunderstorm outside that's causing a major flood? Money.

Gameplay - 30/90
There really isn't much here in terms of gameplay. It almost plays out like an
interactive cinematic. There really is no goal, no real reason to play really... just to
progress the story.

Graphics - 40/70
The graphics aren't anything amazing, but there is a lot of little effects that make this
game stand out. The smoothness of the rain failing in the intro was a nice effect. The
actual flooding looked nice. The lightning effect was pretty cool as well.

Technique - 20/60
There was some impressive cinematic work. The jumping engine seemed pretty standard
though, and there wasn't much else to do in the game that would involve more technical
programming.

Story - 30/50
The story is very believable, well, most of it anyway. Then again, this is supposed to be
a dream. The major downside is the shortness of this game. There could have been so much
more to this dream reality that could have spawned a few mini-games.

Sound - 30/30
I actually wish I could give more score for this here. The sound is so well implemented
into the game that it truly brings life to it. The sound effects is the first thing that
really captured me.

Total Score - 230


99544: Untitled, by Q Labs
==========================
Theme - 10/100
Another joke entry with some references to water, I want a refund of my 2 minutes.

Gameplay - 10/90
This game was just a complete waste of time. 

Graphics - 0/70
Big pile of steaming, hot... grits. "I SEE BLACK TILES"

Technique - 10/60
I don't know what the true technique was, I would assume that this game was made in like
5 minutes. Any longer and it would be sad.

Story - 0/50
There was a story? REALLY?! Did I miss it somewhere? Please help me find... you know
what? Don't bother. I don't even want to know what the story is to be honest...

Sound - 10/30
As bland as the rest of the game. Could have been worse though I suppose.

Total Score - 40