The Alphamatic (Version 2 + Marooned Over Mars Expansion)

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Gridlock
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The Alphamatic (Version 2 + Marooned Over Mars Expansion)

Post by Gridlock »

Image

The Alphamatic is an enhanced Keen 5 mod/levelpack and continues the story of Atroxian Realm. Join Keen as he faces a bigger and deadlier Armageddon Machine in his quest to save the galaxy from VitaCorp and unravel the mystery of the Atroxians.

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Trailer
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https://youtu.be/Shn0xbWblcY

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Download
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Version 2.0 + Marooned Over Mars Expansion
http://bit.ly/3ler7GG

Version 1.0
https://bit.ly/3d6PL8w

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Setup
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It is recommended that you run this in DosBox. Also, this is a modification of Keen 5, which is not free to distribute. Thus, you must supply your own copy of the Keen 5 executable.

1) If you don't have DosBox, download it here (latest version is 0.74): https://www.dosbox.com/download.php?main=1

2) If you don't have Keen 5, you may purchase it via Steam's Commander Keen complete pack (currently $1.24 until July 5): http://store.steampowered.com/app/9180/Commander_Keen/

3) Copy KEEN5E.EXE from your Keen 5 directory into the Alphamatic mod folder you downloaded. If you purchased Keen on Steam, find it by right clicking on "Commander Keen Complete Pack" in your games library, then select Properties > Local Files > Browse Local Files. It is located under the folder "base5" as "keen5e.exe"

4) Run via Play.BAT.

Tip: On Windows, simply drag Plat.bat onto the DosBox desktop shortcut.
On Mac, you will need to mount to the proper directory. See http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?s ... 8113608289

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Soundtrack
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 9l-bSAUlZo

Download pack (MIDI), (updated 3/28/2021)
https://bit.ly/3sy1e7E


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I'm happy to present the next entry in my Atroxian Realm series. Unlike the massive mod I released back in January 2016, this is a smaller project and more of a tribute to and reimagining of Keen 5. I hope you enjoy it!

Please feel free to leave feedback and bug reports. I'll try to be better about getting a new version out if people encounter problems (I know Atroxian Realm is still at v1.0).

As for the future of the Atroxian Realm series, I have planned out much of where the story and game mechanics are going, and it's BIG. But, given the challenges of creating what I'm envisioning, I can't guarentee it'll happen, and certainly not anytime soon. Regardless, I hope to have more to share eventually.

Keep on Keenin' :pogo

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Credits
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Creator: Gridlock
Patching: Levellass, Fleex
Testing: Nisaba, Fleex, Mobiethian, Levellass, Lemm

Modified Soundtrack and Additional Music:
Mr. M
Gridlock

VitaCorp logo modifed from StupidBunny's original design: http://pckf.rigeltechnical.com/viewtopi ... orp#p72742
Last edited by Gridlock on Sun Mar 28, 2021 18:18, edited 5 times in total.
Image
Armageddon Begins Again. The Alphamatic has arrived.

Atroxian Realm: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3536
The Alphamatic: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4086
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Roobar
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Roobar »

Oh yeah! I've been waiting for this! Can't wait to play it!
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KeenRush
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by KeenRush »

Oh man, what a mod! Your best level work so far and quite possibly the best Galaxy levels I've ever played. I played this thing straight through, immersed in it with full screen mode on (which I almost never use)... I paused only to run to nearby gas station to eat some wok and stack up on candy. :lol

This is what I call intelligent design for sure. :) There are so many amazing puzzles and level design details in this pack... Just stunning.

Atomic Rails and Defense Tunnel are so good. Cryptocorridor was my favourite level, such a relentlessly moving and fun level. Gonna play these three again today.

The only level I didn't like that much was Dynamo Guard Vault. It was too vast and complex to my taste. Well designed all the way but just not to my taste. Managed to solve the end puzzle anyway. 8)

Power Grid is one of the most interesting levels I've seen. Such an amazing idea. How did you make it? I couldn't imagine getting that done without some kind of logic schematic tool. Same for Quantum Chambers, another great level. How did you keep track of everything in it? :garg

Anyway, this is one state of the art mod / level pack. Bravo!

The ending was pretty funny. Can't wait to see what happens next... :dopekeen
My newest mod - Commander Keen: Sunset: viewtopic.php?t=8568 | codename H.Y.E.N.A.
NY00123
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by NY00123 »

Hey there,

It is great to see this finally released! I can't promise I'll get into a full play-through soon enough, but I'm going to have a short look.
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hairmonster12
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by hairmonster12 »

oh HELL yeah!
'Kay, so...
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Mobiethian
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Mobiethian »

This was definitely an extremely fun testing experience! It was a pleasure to participate in it. The music and graphics are superb! Very entertaining, fantastic storyline, creative level strategies involved, and very much worth playing over again many times.
Plasma Captain
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Plasma Captain »

Me, playing: "Oh, so I guess the new gimmick is that you teleport around the base? That's interesting. It's strangely linear though."

*Unlocks elevator*

"...That was the intro segment?"

***

I've been playing a little every few days and I'm thoroughly impressed so far! It's like a Keen 5 master quest. The new elements are neat too. I'll be sure to drop a detailed review when I've completed it.

(Awesome release date, by the way... the ultimate firework!)
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Levellass
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Levellass »

In level 1 this Sphereful gets stuck here, unable to move and overpowering all other game sounds while it's onscreen: https://www.dropbox.com/s/nju70nsm4003u ... 1.png?dl=0

Also, this is more useful for the disabled F10-C cheat:

Code: Select all

#F10-C now makes you visible in secret areas
%patch $740F $8B $1E $9E3EW  $C7 $47 $20 $0003W  $EB $30
PCKF acting buggy for me, no idea why.
What you really need, not what you think you ought to want.
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Levellass
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Levellass »

PCKF better.

I'm sure I noted it was strange that this sloped ceiling was completely blocking: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ljdhttl7f3dvp ... 2.png?dl=0 It looks odd when you jump into it, is there a reason for this?
What you really need, not what you think you ought to want.
Gridlock
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Gridlock »

Edit: Levellass snuck that post about the slopes in while I was posting this :crazy Anyway, it looks like an oversight on my part. I think that's the original tile property from Keen 5, but I can try fixing it and making sure I don't break anything for the next version.
In level 1 this Sphereful gets stuck here, unable to move and overpowering all other game sounds while it's onscreen: https://www.dropbox.com/s/nju70nsm4003u ... 1.png?dl=0
Thanks. I've updated the download link with a fix for this. Note that this bug only happened on hard mode.


Glad to hear people are enjoying the game so far.
Power Grid is one of the most interesting levels I've seen. Such an amazing idea. How did you make it? I couldn't imagine getting that done without some kind of logic schematic tool. Same for Quantum Chambers, another great level. How did you keep track of everything in it?
Power Grid wasn't too bad. I drew all the rooms on paper, and that let me link them together fairly easily. Quantum Chambers, though, that was a really tough challenge :celtic. I didn't plan out any of it before I started, and I basically just figured it out as I went. There were definitely some times when I was left scratching my head thinking it wasn't possible to make that level work without the player getting stuck, and I had to redesign a few times. It's also complicated by the fact that it has two different solutions, depending on whether you use the first red gem you find in Area 2 or Area 4.

Looking forward to more people making progress!
Image
Armageddon Begins Again. The Alphamatic has arrived.

Atroxian Realm: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3536
The Alphamatic: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4086
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Roobar
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Roobar »

OK is there a wikipedia page with all the levels and names because for me it's a bit confusing which level was which.
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Nisaba
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Nisaba »

Roobar wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2017 15:41 OK is there a wikipedia page with all the levels and names because for me it's a bit confusing which level was which.
coming soon! just finished the Atroxian Realm wiki page... (also credits to Hairmonster and Quinton)
out now (link) : Image
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hairmonster12
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by hairmonster12 »

Nisaba wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2017 17:56
Roobar wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2017 15:41 OK is there a wikipedia page with all the levels and names because for me it's a bit confusing which level was which.
coming soon! just finished the Atroxian Realm wiki page... (also credits to Hairmonster and Quinton)
High five to the Atroxian Wiki team! We did it! I want to start writing the Alphamatic's wiki page once I get familiar enough with the mod :D
'Kay, so...
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Nisaba
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Nisaba »

Roobar wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2017 15:41 OK is there a wikipedia page with all the levels and names because for me it's a bit confusing which level was which.
ok... here is a ruff skeleton. nothing fancy yet. and I decided not to spoil any level images. further infos will follow soon.
check it
http://www.shikadi.net/keenwiki/The_Alphamatic
out now (link) : Image
Gridlock
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Re: The Alphamatic (An Atroxian Realm Mini-Sequel)

Post by Gridlock »

The midi soundtrack link has now been added to the first post. It contains all the original tracks except for Rock Me, But Stone Me. As far as I know, no midi is available anywhere of that unused Keen 5 track. The download also has an unused track I had originally made for Ventilation Ducts.

Will be curious to hear more thoughts about this mod eventually. I'm wondering if people are having any trouble with difficulty. The moving platform levels still seem to be giving some players trouble. I can potentially address some balancing issues in a future version, so I'm happy to take feedback.

Thanks for starting the Keenwiki page guys!
Image
Armageddon Begins Again. The Alphamatic has arrived.

Atroxian Realm: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3536
The Alphamatic: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4086
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