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Reviews: My reviews of the foundry contest entries.

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  • bardaaronbardaaron Member Posts: 545 Bounty Hunter
    edited July 2014
    Once I've published my entry, I'll try to review some as well.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • jintortlejintortle Member Posts: 655 Arc User
    edited July 2014
    jintortle wrote: »
    Please remove your comments about my quest they are SPOILER and I did not request you to play it. You could just replace it with one that someone requested.

    I have written to @Akromatic asking them to remove the Post about my Foundry as it is not fair nor time for such criticism or even unfriendly unsportsmanlike spoilers.

    Akromatic has responded and told me that he has send you a message to take down the Overview part!

    Please read it
    Genus Draco Fad and the Muster@Jintortle
    ID: NW-DD5FLOBTJ
    Cult of the Dragon Foundry Contest - Please participate and vote for your favourite - 26/6/2014 contest rating begins.

    Sir Camps A Lot. Mr SlingShot Boom. XX Phantasmagorical. Jinn Dragonfeast.
    SlingShot Boom Jr. Jocan Traders. Little Lord Forgatty, Dwarf Mean and introducing Necro Torquemada (The Warlock)
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    I'll contribute to this thread too, but i wont be writing reviews of ones i didn't think was worth noting (sorry!) Also if I have played yours but am not writing it, it is probably because i played such an early version it isn't fair for me to write about it until i got to play a more finalised version.

    I will also not be revealing plot information since it may be considered as spoilers.


    Name: Thou shalt not steal
    Short code: NW-DHIFAILOK
    Author: iflorusi

    Description: You are sent to a small town to help deal with a problem at Lake Morel.

    Review: Great aesthetic, atompsheric and great eye for detail, and also appeals to my own personal taste of compact and immersive maps. Dialog is concise and straight to the point, perhaps too much so for some people. story is focused but paced a bit too "fast" and does not sink in until you are pushed onto something else. Overall the experience is enjoyable as long as you can overlook the many loading screens, great work for a first time author.


    Name: Fire Sale
    Short code: NW-DATATB6MN
    Author: Tipa

    Description: Speculator Zigto an broker of rare artifacts is looking for your help to attend and auction in his steed, but not all is what it seems.

    Review: An ambitious quest with Multiple quest paths, choose your alliegance executed with proficiency. Good detailed maps, and great dialog (do not speak like robots). Really gives you the ability to play your character how you like (so roleplay friendly). Also nice set pieces, not much bad to say about this one, though a certain set of teleporters may cause fustration.


    Name: Turtle Soup
    Short code: NW-DEV3CIEVO
    Author: prettycelt
    Description: Journey to Xiousing to investigate The Cult of the Dragon activity

    Review: Beautiful maps, creative custom costumes and with a light-hearted charm. Set in lore that is rarely used (Yakuza!), great pacing, exploration options, Focused storytelling and a strong narrative. Dialog also is great here and sound like people. What i liked most about this was learning this new lore through atomsphere and just from the what people say, and not from by being told it (infodumping is evil). Just great stuff all round.
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Another note: Because i want to try as many as i can, I will leave the foundry if i can see within the first moments/map or 2, if it is a waste of time (empty rooms, encounters dropped in intervals etc)

    Name: Draconis Maximus
    Short code: NW-DEV3CIEVO
    Author: Stdaffyd
    Description: A troubles in hereticula?

    Review: For a first time author its a good attempt, its just so weird I just couldn't help but finish it. Most of it doesn't really make sense but feels intentionally so. Not sure if its a bug but had to jump up and over to speak to a certain quest npc, details of these maps are incredible. Story is just as bizarre as all the interactions you can do in the maps. Different = good in my book so worth mentioning for that alone.


    Name: A Fisherman's Tale
    Short code: NW-DS3XA6ZER
    Author: mlh0player
    Description: A merchant asks you to find out what has happened to her trade partner, and you quickly set sail for a small fishing village to investigate.

    Review: Another first time author, maps are good and serves the story well. bit too much loading during one point but i see what the author was trying to do (would have worked better if house/interiors were constructed on the exterior map itself) despite that, the story was well paced and clear. Might be a bit too short to qualify (didn't time it myself). Bit rough around the edges but definately playable and did not feel like a waste of my time.


    Name: Black Ice and Plaguefire
    Short code: NW-DA9IKSMJW
    Author: Dark_T_zeratul
    Description: You are answer a request at the brightstone guild of explorers, where a cleric hires you to carry out an investigation with her.

    Review: Good maps, nice use of FX and alot of npcs to talk to (if that is your thing), the story is original and the tone is set very nicely, pacing is great also. There are also the ability to choose which route to take through a dungeon, a refreshing change and serves the story well. The weakest aspect of this quest is the dialog which contains alot of exposition, but if you can overlook that it is a very good experience. The lack of music in the final segment/run does drag things down too, perhaps a bug? unsure so i won't hold it against the quest.
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • bardaaronbardaaron Member Posts: 545 Bounty Hunter
    edited August 2014
    Since grimah has taken up the mantle in part, I will participate as well, giving my thoughts on a few of the quests I have played through thus far:

    Name: The Crypt of Ezra
    Short Code: NW-DA7GYAJXW
    Author: @Arc7r7

    Overview: A Neverwinter Noble has gone missing while paying his respects, drawing you into a conspiracy that may link The Cult of the Dragon with Valindra Shadowmantle. This is a solid quest, involving some challenging encounters, and great atmosphere. The story is rather simplistic, but it serves the needs of the quest, and gives us a solid reason for embarking on the quest, and a better reason for staying on it.

    Maps: The maps use pre-gen bases, but they are in my opinion well populated with convincing and evocative detail. The crumbling, ruinous crypt-turned-bastion of cultified evil has great atmosphere, and tells a good amount of the story without having to resort to dialog. In addition to the atmosphere, the author exhibits good lighting and special effects.

    Story: The story is pretty straight-forward and easy to follow, and keeps the pace moving. The quest does leave some loose-ends, and does not fully explain the Cult of the Dragon's involvement in the plot, leaving these answers open for a later sequel.

    NPCs: A few important ones, but they are few and far between. They are enough to keep the story flowing smoothly, but don't elaborate too much.



    Name: The Rise of Ingeloakastimizilian
    Short Code: NW-DHHD2GTGJ
    Author: @eldarth

    Overview: Drawn to the frozen North by whispers of the Cult of the Dragon, you find yourself embroiled in a scheme to raise a long dead dracolich from Faerun's past. This quest offers multiple instances where the player is given a choice of how to proceed, with entertaining results. Players are advised to stick to the objectives, as in a couple places you can get stuck if you don't. It does require a handful of item slots (though some of the quest items are optional, and can be discarded)

    Maps: A strong point of this quest; the custom maps are spectacular (and that's where all the action happens). Fantastic ice-caves and caverns, and the town of Dougan's Hole is quite charming, with good atmosphere. Eldarth has proven to be a masterful map-maker, and delivers on that reputation. We even see some dressed up respawn points that don't look like the same-old campfires we are used to.

    NPCs: Another strong point of this quest, it has several NPCs with distinct personalities, nicely-written dialog, and custom costumes, which allow the player to make some choices--something we rarely see in foundry quests, given the linear nature of the story-tab. This provides a nice opportunity for roleplaying your character within the bounds of the story.

    Combat: Mostly composed of lots of easily manageable encounters, but the final battle is a challenge for leveling characters, who may become overwhelmed.

    Story: The story is solid, and ties into the established lore of Faerun, as well as the upcoming Mod 4 expansion. Some references seem to be thrown away, however, and might to better to be expanded or eliminated. I would like to see even more of the plot behind the evil.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Name: Sharandar's Defense
    Short code: NW-DDFUT2JXY
    Author: topwicz
    Description: You are answer a call for aid regarding an attack on sharandar.

    Review: These maps are gorgeous, on the highest level of detail. And definately the best sharandar custom maps I have seen to date. The story is also strong with a professional execution of FX and triggers. There are some questionable quest objectives that drag it down and feel unnecessary. and expect to die once in a while from falling. The verticality alone makes it worth mentioning. The final part is also very unique and creative, but some effects there make it more fustrating than it should be and will probably annoy some people and can feel drawn out in some places. Worth checking out though for the visuals alone.


    Name: Dragon Prey
    Short Code: NW-DNT2EKXQZ
    Author: Kynveel
    Description: A nobleman seeks your help to look at a crypt his miners have found.

    Review: Simple short quest, environments are adequate, mix of interactions and combat and light on dialogue. Fight towards the end will make leveling and low geared players cry, and the running back and forth through the large area are the weakest points of this quest. But its is technically robust and works smoothly.


    Name: The Puppet
    Short code: NW-DDGNJXGGZ
    Author: thane6000
    Description: You find out you have been a sleeper agent for the Cult of the Dragon all along, you go and met you old partner in crime deren to finish some tasks for your real boss.

    Review: The best part of this quest is the dialog and story (these alone kept me going to the end), it is cheesy but the dialog is delivered with personality and feel like you are actually have a conversation. The pacing is good, and the premise is different. Unfortunately the maps are the weakest part of this quest, either being too large or too sparse, the ending also is very abrupt.
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Name: Well of Dragons
    Short code: NW-DNAIJI3I4
    Author: waryur
    Description: Drop into a secret lair under protector's enclave and assist a dragon.

    Review: As the description points out this is a hack n slash. and it serves that purpose well, the story is there and holds the quest together. Maps are adequate and the fights are too for the leveling player. The ending was a bit anti-climatic after all the fighting, and the dialog really needs paragraphs because i couldn't read some of the blocks of text. I mention quest this because it is playable and the maps have been crafted with care even though it does not appeal to me personally.


    Name: The Dragon has 3 heads. or 5...
    Short Code: NW-DENWS4FHZ
    Author: Bardaaron
    Description: Frinko needs your help with a group of singing squatters outside the city walls.

    Review: This is a humor laden adventure mostly parodies and of the slapstick variety. It is well made and written well, telling a focused story. The maps are good and of the right size, and the story has great pacing throughout. Hard to pin anything bad on this one except that you will either like it or dislike it depending on if this is the kind of humor you enjoy.


    Name: Into the Dragon's Maws
    Short code: NW-DKJP6O599
    Author: ahrisahn
    Description: You have been sent to investigate activities against the order of kelemvor

    Review: This is foundry is laced in mystery,and almost no NPCs, you uncover the story as you move around the environments from notes and journals, and the visuals themselves. The visuals/details are great, and really convey the tone and setting, (has a sort of dark souls vibe if you have played that game), story is also good, it is thick with combat but it feels adequate to the maps and pacing. The downfall is its arupt ending, perhaps the author ran out of time? well it was good while it lasted.
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Phew! so many quests, I'd like to +1 The Rise of Ingeloakastimizilian and Dragon's Prize (Don't think its necessary for me to review ones already mentioned here), though i only played early version and i couldn't complete them they were very good pieces of work at that early stage so i can't wait to get to them.

    I'm working my way through the list back to front, and I have to agree with some authors that this contest has been a success, alot of content has been made and many are worth a go!
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Name: Joining the Dragons
    Short code: NW-DLR2O5ZSM
    Author: Longshire
    Description: Cult of the Dragon is looking for recruits, and you just so happen to take the job.

    Review: I mention this foundry because the attempt of doing something very ambitious, it is a very RPG style adventure that takes you in and out of buildings (no loading) trying to gather objects of value for the cult of the dragon. The story reminds me of older RPGs and can tell alot of thought/work went into this, trying to overcome the limitations of what can be done. Unfortunately it is a bit rough around the edges, the maps are sparse and it felt like the quest objectives was solving/giving you the solutions, leaving the player out of the loop and just along for the ride. It is not really the author's fault but the limitations of foundry hurt it the most (no dragons)


    Name: The Neverwinter Conspiracys
    Short code: NW-DG3DLQUKM
    Author: pingconchere
    Description: You are off to meet knox to hand in another quest, but you notice something is not quite right...

    Review: This is one of the strangest of the contest entries, because it's not really about cult of the dragon. The story is an original take of the OOC style plot executed with class. Your character uncovers the secret behind the scenes of Neverwinter and it is very well thought out and the story and dialog is very good, it's also Very fun, very solid. This is one of the better entries out there and for a first time author, very impressive!


    Name: Tomb of the White Dragon
    Short code: NW-DL7ULT2QV
    Author: winin
    Description: The Arcanists Institute wants to hire you to find their missing associate concerning a sort after item.

    Review: This quest has a solid D&D adventure vibe, after a short introduction you sent of to track down someone, resulting in a nice compact story, with a hint of mystery and some interesting turn of events, felt alot shorter than it was due to the great pacing it has, I even felt like it should have been longer! the map designs fit well with the story and dialog is well written and not too overwhelming. There are are a few minor details that were overlooked, but all in all its an adventure worth diving into.
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Name: It Cults Both Ways.
    Short code: NW-DBSU29TCT
    Author: markfalcone
    Description: Someone is after a magic book, you dont know who or why so you go and find out.

    Review: This one is part of a series so it was a bit confusing, all i knew was that there is a magic book that people realy want, for what reason? power of course! That is the premise for the whole story, and you go through a series of events until a final battlescene, which was alot of fun. the maps are good and the pacing seems to be good, but because i did not play the first part i was a bit bewildered throughout the whole thing, and just went along with it. It was fun, most likely more enjoyable if you played part 1 first!


    Name: Unearthed Draconica
    Short code: NW-DEP2HVKEG
    Author: ducdilimoni
    Description: a kobold sage requires your aid to investigate an abandoned mine.

    Review: I wanted to mention this one, though it is rough around the edges and there are a handful of flaws (lack of music, pacing issues). The map design and events/use of FX is very ambitious (but too much for the foundry to handle smoothly), the is a sense of scope and depth that you would wish from a dungeon. It felt much like an archaelogical adventure (tomb raider/Indiana jones style) with creative custom enemies and some nicely designed areas. The story is good and there is alot of lore here, but with so many unused areas I could not help but think the author made the maps before putting together the story. It has a great foundation that just needs some cuts, edits and refinements.


    Name: The Stolen Dragon Egg
    Short Code: NW-DNNF48VLT
    Author: Zachariah92
    Description: You are hired as an extra caravan guard for a travelling merchant specialising in dragon eggs, the destination a cold lake town of svanem.

    Review: Firstly i have to mention how amazing the intro to this quest is, it felt like you are slowly falling into character and becoming part of this journey, the lake town map is also very beautiful. The story is a simple one but it is executed well. The map starts of so strong but towards the end i felt a bit worn down. nice use of FXs and music is appropriate.
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • pingconcherepingconchere Member Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Thanks for the review, grimah. It's actually my first foundry. I originally envisioned the idea back in last September, independent of the Cult; that's why it's only partially connected to the Cult. I was never motivated to delve into the Foundry, but the contest gave me an excuse to really put time into making the quest a reality. While I don't think I'll place (eldarth's and others' quests blow mine out of the water) your feedback is heartening. I might make a second quest after finalizing the Conspiracy.

    I'm looking forward to the 19th now.
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Thanks for the review, grimah. It's actually my first foundry. I originally envisioned the idea back in last September, independent of the Cult; that's why it's only partially connected to the Cult. I was never motivated to delve into the Foundry, but the contest gave me an excuse to really put time into making the quest a reality. While I don't think I'll place (eldarth's and others' quests blow mine out of the water) your feedback is heartening. I might make a second quest after finalizing the Conspiracy.

    I'm looking forward to the 19th now.

    Wow didn't know it was your first, very good work. I didn't even bother to check if you had others because i assumed you did (to check if you was first time)
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • xetmk24xetmk24 Member Posts: 109 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Thanks for playing and reviewing. I'm glad you liked the look of my maps.
    I do wonder what did you meant by this:
    grimah wrote: »
    There are some questionable quest objectives that drag it down and feel unnecessary...

    Could you perhaps tell me which ones?

    Thanks again.
    Echo of the Ancient - NW-DT2ABLPD2 - The Wizards forces are pillaging ruins of the ancient, elven kingdom of Illefarn. In order to stop them, you need to lead your party through old, abandoned mines. But beware... you are not alone there...
  • wininoidwininoid Member Posts: 534 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    grimah wrote: »
    Name: Tomb of the White Dragon
    Short code: NW-DL7ULT2QV
    Author: winin
    Description: The Arcanists Institute wants to hire you to find their missing associate concerning a sort after item.

    Review: This quest has a solid D&D adventure vibe, after a short introduction you sent of to track down someone, resulting in a nice compact story, with a hint of mystery and some interesting turn of events, felt alot shorter than it was due to the great pacing it has, I even felt like it should have been longer! the map designs fit well with the story and dialog is well written and not too overwhelming. There are are a few minor details that were overlooked, but all in all its an adventure worth diving into.

    Hey, thanks for playing my quest! I'm glad you liked it. I always try to tell a good story (except for my joke grind quest) that fits in with the lore.
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    xetmk24 wrote: »
    Thanks for playing and reviewing. I'm glad you liked the look of my maps.
    I do wonder what did you meant by this:



    Could you perhaps tell me which ones?

    Thanks again.

    For me the most notable one was the kill 5 somethings along the to the top (they are on the way anyhow).

    Going to stop for today, so I'll continue later, there is just so many and i had to drop out of quite alot recently upon seeing what it was like. I can see that if the devs are cutting down the entries there is some fat that can be trimmed off, i noticed some which are grind/map populated with just encounters and ones that I couldn't even be started (seeming intentional) and i think theres some that are under 15 minutes.
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Addedpdated two more reviews into a previous post

    Name: Cultists in Black Lake
    Short Code: NW-DGW8IIAS6
    Author: mrdanie1
    Description:With Valindra's forces being mopped up, you've been asked by a Captain of the Neverwinter guard to investigate some rumours coming from the Black Lake District.

    Review: This is a first time author and i found this quest very enjoyable, there is an attention to detail when it comes to making environments feel alive, and the dialog is also very good (though some contains some unneeded descriptions) they sound and feel like real people. It flows well and there is a thrilling group battle mixed in. Unfortunately it may be too short to qualify, it ends rather abruptly so if the author has time to add a bit more it would benefit it a great deal.


    Name: A Date with Destiny
    Short Code: NW-DHYEX5NKR
    Author: meth_shadowstorm
    Description: A drow urchin relays a message of caravans disappearing and you head over check along the route to find out what is going on.

    Review: This is a very combat heavy foundry, great for those who are leveling and enjoy a bit of slaying, and the encounter placements always feel appropriate (not just there for your amusement). There is a great starting battle where everything just seems to be in chaos, though it has alot of combat it is pulled through by the story. This is also a part 2 of a series but the story is self contained and easy to follow. Strangely enough weakest part is the dialog which is very heavy and contains alot of exposition and well, is just alot.


    Name: The Pact of Luskan
    Short Code: NW-DJ8F33PH2
    Author: reiwulf
    Description: You head to luskan after hearing some dire situation that has befallen it.

    Review: Might be a bit biased because I like this kind of story. This one is set in luskan, as you arrive everyone seems to be coming down with something (I wonder what...) cult of the dragon are involved and the tale unravels as you go, Its got a nice balance between combat and dialog (which is concise and written well) has a great interior building map/sequence, and hints of mystery along with a little exploration and a buddy to annoy you during your travels. It is a short one, but feels complete and never drags down. Oh and you get to fight your first warlock too.
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Name: The Icy Depths of the Past
    Short Code: NW-DLLIMNEDD
    Author: sloanetower
    Description: The merchant guild needs your help investigating a quarry they have lost contact with.

    Review: This is foundry feels very PnP, upon arrive you meet an eccentric dwarf who gives you the lowdown of what is going on. There are alot of dialog options and it is well written, gives you that chance to roleplay and get sunk into the story. It starts of strong then slows down before an amusing/explosive ending. The thing that let it down for me was the map designs, which felt flat and artificial in places.

    Name: Assault On Pyremourn
    Short Code: NW-DEDRGQ2F8
    Author: zwatha
    Description: Knight Commander Leon is looking for arms to take arms against an abandoned keep take over by the cult of the dragon.

    Review: Wow i was not expecting this one to be good (last entry into the contest i think) The well written (though a bit "heavy") dialog managed to push me through the first part. Once I got to the "land" map it all opens up, The map is so well made i wish i made it myself, the vistas and use of detail (color palette) is perfect and it gives you a sense of vertically not seen in many foundrys, ontop of that it has a great sense of scope and size which i also rarely seen and breathtaking vistas (probably the most impressive map ive has seen to my taste). The enemies are spaced out and light, but it fits very well unfortunately the interior of the castle does not match the exterior maps (mostly down to the interior editor) lacked alot of details. the story is simple but good, and enough to pull you through to the end (which could use some closure).
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • reiwulfreiwulf Member Posts: 2,687 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    Thanks for commenting on my quest, Grimah! I'm glad you liked it ;)
    2e2qwj6.jpg
  • grimahgrimah Member Posts: 1,658 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    And that's all the reviews I will do, as I will be overlapping what has been mentioned by the others. I'm sure bombaa wouldnt mind others pitching in their reviews of ones that were not mentioned yet. I hope no one is offended by any criticism said in my reviews and they are not intended to be seen as spiteful or with malice. Good luck everyone!
    Creator of the featured survival horror foundry: "The Silence of Haydenwick" Video Review
    and also the featured satirical comedic adventure "A Call for Heroes".
  • dtzdtz Member Posts: 174 Arc User
    edited August 2014
    grimah wrote: »
    The lack of music in the final segment/run does drag things down too, perhaps a bug? unsure so i won't hold it against the quest.
    There should be music there, yeah. I'll poke at it.
    Rank 8 Foundry Grand Master

    Check out my Foundry questline, The Brightstone Explorers' Guild, now archived on Youtube!
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