Unregistered mode demo levels

[VernJensen]

I'm curious what mansions you all think are the most fun, and demonstrate the game's features well, to be selected for the game's

demo mode

that lets unregistered players play small portions of 2 or 3 mansions before they register.

Remember that it's the *beginning areas* of these mansions that should be very fun to play, and demonstrate the features of MM 2 well. Not the middle or end.

I have certain mansions in mind that I think I will include, but am curious what player's perspectives are. What beginning areas are the most fun? Which ones would be good to give a balanced look at what MM2 has to offer?

[Wingy]

Well, from a designer's prospective (and maybe a tad salesperson ), mansions that have great beginnings would be Magma Peak or Dr. Demented's Den. I would say to stick with the original game's theme and only have two in the demo. These mansions do indeed show players the potential of the game.

Whats-his-face president guy over at Pangea Software said screenshots to attract players to your  games are vital. I'm not entirely sure, but you'll have to look into whatever you're going to choose and try to pick screenshots for the 'buy-it-now' splash screen which are indeed different from anything els you've shown players to increase their curiosity. You probably know more on the matter then I, however.

Blackheart keep and Citadel both are good, but in my opinion they have quite the attractive look to them on the map-screen compared to most mansions, I find -- making players seem more curious to see the mansion, thus buy the game.

Mount Peril seems to be much to awesome for players to play in the demo. Castle Basano doesn't really have a good beginning, I think; plus it conflicts with my 2nd point. Leofani has a good first section, but then it branches off into three more sections so it's impossible to stop the player unless you want them to beat 66% of the whole mansion.

If you pick one/more of my suggestions read on, Vern:
As for when to end the demo mode, in Dr. Demented's Den probably when Jack jumps down the poll in room 15904. In Magma I would suggest in room 16694 after you land at the bottom in a dark, unexplored cavern INSIDE THE VOLCANO. Oooooh, players will be wanting to see what's down there!

So, there you have it, my opinion.

[AussieChick]

Hi Vern,

From a 'bog-standard' player's point of view, I find the most engaging mansion beginnings to be (in no particular order), Castle Basano, Citadel of Dr Cassiopus, and Magma Peak. These give the uninitiated player a good feel for the game features, including keys, cash, ghouls, and hidden goodies.

I would also suggest that most new players would first choose 'Normal' Mode to try out the game. From a psychological point of view, they would prefer to think their game-playing standard is better than 'Easy' Mode, even if they are not familiar with the game. With this in mind, the three above-mentioned games are suitably interesting, without being too difficult for newbies.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Sally.

[margherita64]

If we are speaking about the beginning parts I think that the most interesting are Jasperlone, Blackheart and Basano.

[Wingy]

(Psst, Marg: Jasperlone is the final mansion)

[margherita64]

:o

[triforceguy1]

I would say Basano Mt. Peril and Blackheart. Mainly because they are set in three almost different places.