|
Post by Nut on Apr 9, 2023 15:18:32 GMT -5
How Some Coders are Nurturing Neopets.com in 2023 by Stephanie (swordlilly) Oh man it's amazing to think how old Neopets is. It really has nurtured all these people into creators of all kinds, hasn't it? The user coding projects are really interesting, I didn't know about any of these! (Also, I noticed that Book All Pets option at the Neolodge fairly recently; I'm so glad for this!!) The way the neoboards work is kind of nostalgic to me tbh, but I get it being frustrating to have to sit there basically refreshing and checking each update--I find it both addictive and prohibitively time-consuming. A way to tag replies would be amazingly useful, and the large pet images really do look nice! Oh MAN would it help so much for neomail to have a Sent folder! I usually worry about whether mine sent correctly lol. Luckily I don't chat that way often enough to lose track of conversations, but a chat style format would certainly make it easier to keep them in one place. The search helper sounds like an amazing time-saver wow! And getting item or customization info from the inventory would save so much time too. A way to switch active pets more easily would also streamline so many activities (I usually don't change mine since it is such a production ahah.) Wait, the AG judge does not see the submissions organized by any type of categories?! What's the point of the dropdown menus then? I've always so carefully looked for and chosen the most fitting one, this is baffling to me xD;; The item pricer sounds incredibly useful! (Especially since I have no clue what the value of any NC items are rofl. Honestly I never really used customization as I don't think of pets wearing clothes xD;) So, this is an extremely useful and informative article that taught me a lot I didn't know about the site! The user scripts were all clearly explained so I could understand well how they'd enhance the experience and why people would use them. It's really amazing people have come up with these add-ons to streamline the site, which I never would have thought of or even knew existed! I personally wouldn't use them myself because I think I'd feel like I was altering the classic experience, and also worry a little whether I should lol, despite that you've made a convincing case that they've been in use without issue and surely make things easier for a lot of users. I feel like this article would work well for a Neopets fansite to inform people about scripts they may be able to use and/or not be aware of, but I think the reason it may have gotten rejected from the Times is that TNT wouldn't want to publish something criticizing the site or asking for changes to site function, or to officially endorse the scripts. It's been a very long time since I was active in the Times, so I don't have a good grasp on what is or isn't allowed now. I think in the past it wouldn't have been allowed to talk about the scripts at all, but you make a good case for why that may not be the situation now. If it's okay to talk about the scripts, then my guess is that the best chance for NT publication would be to stick strictly to describing and sharing information about the scripts, without asking for changes. Lines like "the site itself has slowly faded into a shadow of its former glory" strike me as suitable for an offsite article about Neopets, but probably not something TNT wants to endorse in their own publication. I don't know if it's changed now, but I'm pretty sure that in the past the NT wouldn't publish anything criticizing the site. I also don't know if they would want to publish something asking for patch notes, if this is something they don't want to do or are undecided about. They may be concerned that publishing an article like this could lead more people to try modding the site in ways they wouldn't approve of. So that's my guess about potential roadblocks to getting it into the NT, though it would be fascinating to see it there. I definitely learned a lot from this; it's certainly a fascinating and informative article, wherever it ends up being published!
|
|
|
Post by Nut on Apr 9, 2023 16:51:17 GMT -5
Again, I can't guarantee always going back and reviewing all parts of a continued series, but I had too much to say about this ahah. Reviews for this issue are now done! The R/S Caroosel : Part 1/5 by Kengplant I feel like I should be finding this as an official Neopets spinoff in a comic shop somewhere! I love the establishing shot of the ship in the foreground, pointed towards Roo Island far in the distance with the puffy white clouds above and the little waves splashing against the boat--I feel the clear day and the wind in the sails! And I enjoy the Roo pun in the NARWHOOL lettering clearly etched across the ship's back xD
i like the connection with the word "fool" in the intro narration, showing us snippets of the goings-on on-deck with all the sailors busily at work, an Usul up the steps on lookup while the Blumaroo hangs onto the rope at the side, seeming to be in the middle of an argument with the Wocky pointing at the map--it feels like everyone is busily involved with sailing the ship, love the details of the ropes framing the edge and the cabin door visible behind the pets at the front.
And we pull back to see another ship approaching behind the first, Roo Island slipping even further away into a shadow on the horizon--love the carousel Uni figurehead and how the approaching ship is a different style from the first, yet echoes the scene in the first panel, I feel like I'm watching the opening to an animation!
The Blumaroo points with so much energy, love how the straight lines here are tilted at angles to give the feel of the swaying, rocking ship! The captain has a deeply enthused expression, I can tell she's really into what she's doing, I feel the energy in her shouts! (C'roo, haha, I love it xD)
Love the carefully detailed line of cannons, the Peophin standing next to the Roos--the tough-looking Moehog gives the order with a decisive wave of his hand, everything feels fast-paced and energetic as the spyglass pops right out of the panel to show the surrender flag!
So it was a game! I feel the camaraderie between the rivals as they shake hands, and the captain and admiral walk off chatting amicably. I like how the Captain shows so much respect for the Admiral though he looks so much smaller and older walking along in front of her. Her surprise is clear when he proudly passes on his ship to her.
"I hope your first mission does not bring painful memories but honours theirs"--a touching wish, with a bittersweet hint of the Captain's history there. Love how excited the Roos are in the background as everyone claps, and I feel how proud the Captain is to take this role.
The Caroosel cuts proudly towards us through the water; I love how the next panel is circular to give the sense of seeing the wreckage and drifting survivor through a spyglass, and how the net crosses over the border to give the feel of being lowered over the side.
"Choose a first mate you can trust." Sounds like foreshadowing! Perhaps the pet they haul up may become first mate?!
I absolutely love how the Ogrin clambers aboard drenched and using all his energy to throw his arm over the side and heave himself on deck, his wet fur falling all down his neck and face--I love the angular lines you use to draw his dripping antennae! The look in his eye is so intense, his expression grim--I feel the fight in him, his determination to survive. Love the thick black lines of the net splaying under him, the water pooling under his arm and how his body pops forward almost out at us as he pulls himself forward, I feel his exertion and the strength of his will. Certainly a dramatic entrance! The R/S Caroosel : Part 2/5 by Kengplant I love the little details in the characters' expressions and body language, the Ogrin lifting his head as he scrapes the ragged fur on his neck with a sword with Captain GrrrRocks visible in the mirror, leaning against the doorway with an expression of reserved evaluation. There's a terrific sense of depth between the back of the Ogrin's head framing the corner, his reflection in the mirror, and the Captain even father away--I love the thick outlines and the thinner lines used for small details and characters further away, the big tapering triangle shapes in the Ogrin's neck are just so pleasing to look at!
I love how the Ogrin touches his neck while admiring his new shaven look in the mirror, he seems so well-groomed and pleased now compared to before. Captain gives him a downright hospitable smile as her Peophin mate brings tea. I feel the atmosphere of hospitality as they sit down at the table and the Peophin pours tea for them both.
I love that they're playing Cheat!! I loved this game so much as a kid and actually played it with real cards due to learning it from Neopets. xD It seems very fitting for the sailors! Love how confidently Lucas says he's still got his pretty face as he puts his cards forward, giving the impression of smoothly chatting while playing. Captain meanwhile looks totally nonchalant while asking about the gear, playing the cards as if not thinking about it. I love how he calls out "CHEAT! Pick 'em up Cap!" with the bold grin on his face, so delighted to have caught an edge--the confidence in his character is really charming!
Now it's Captain's turn to have the confidence, love how it zooms in on her eyes and sly smile as she calls Lucas's bluff! Lucas deflates, his antennae hanging askew, as Captain gets a huge toothy grin of triumph and the Peophin stands ready to take Lucas away.
"Seems I have your card, pirate"--I love how Captain gets the last laugh, her gotcha more understated but weightier than Lucas's bold exclamation earlier. Her smug glance over her shoulder as she climbs the stairs looks so satisfied, and Lucas's baleful expression shows his displeasure with how he's just been played.
"How kind og you Rainbows"--Still not losing his charm and cool, though! Love how the Peophin calls back to his "pretty face" comment earlier!
The wave that washes in is so sudden, the curling, sweeping lines make me feel how fast it crosses the whole ship and washes Captain overboard! The Peophin and surprisingly also Lucas watch with horror (perhaps Lucas is remembering his own recent predicament?). The Grarrl looks tiny in the consuming black wave--of course Lucas's first thought is for the water pet to rescue their captain, but the Peophin makes a good defense, they seem to be more the tea-bringing type.
(It's cool that the captain is a Grarrl woman. I didn't initially realize this until Lucas referred to her, but I see the detail of the eyelashes!)
It wasn't Lucas's first choice, but he does it anyway--despite his own recent rescue, he ties on the rope and dives into the sea without wasting another moment, the ship stretching away above him to show his long dive. I feel the urgency and action in this scene! The R/S Caroosel : Part 3/5 by Kengplant The ship rolls on the waves, the sea suddenly churning--I love how the ocean is represented with black, the white foam and swirling lines so smooth to look at yet giving such a feeling of churning, rolling motion!
Lucas's determination shows again in his gritted teeth as he swims hard against the waves--I feel his hand grasping for purchase, fighting hard against the roiling water. The black waves look huge and treacherous as the Grarrl nearly vanishes in them. Captain is clearly surprised that he went to the trouble of trying to save her after what she did, but all he cares about is getting the rope to her. I feel how hard the Peophin and Blumaroo are pulling, their teeth gritted and bracing themselves against the deck with the rope stretching taut out of the panel. Captain and Lucas are fighting just as hard, hanging on in the black sea--I feel the tension on the rope as they're dragged in!
But then--the ship vanishes in a swirl of white water, like a whirlpool, and they're both dragged under into the blackness--I love the visual effect of the white bubbles, both outlined and solid, rising up around them as they sink into the depths!
The pets on deck fly backward when the rope suddenly snaps! The blackness of the next panel gives a feeling of how deep and lost Lucas and the Captain are. Love the callback to Cheat! and how it turns out she had one more bluff up her sleeve.
Captain Dread! And Captain GrrrRocks is none too pleased! Love the fiery energy in her expression as she bursts out at him accusingly! Dread recognizes Lucas--and Lucas calls him Captain?! Could he have worked for him and then deserted, or did something else happen..?!
Love how staunchly Lucas declares GrrrRocks's affiliation, suddenly full of confidence again--and he gives away her ship! The look on her face is full of outraged betrayal!
Captain Dread is looking all too confident, hanging onto his fancy lever--love how the boxes are cartoonishly skewed, echoing Dread's own disjointed, angular way of bobbing around the panel. He slams the lever down and a machine starts up under the ocean--I can feel how fast everything is happening!
And suddenly it's storming, the Peophin crying out with another flash of horror as the ship begins to spin around the white spiral in the black sea. Trouble under the sea is once again making trouble above the water--what will the good ship do without her captain?!
|
|
|
Post by Stephanie (swordlilly) on Apr 9, 2023 19:15:48 GMT -5
Ahhhh thank you so much for the thoughtful and detailed review, Nut! I will definitely take some of your advice into account when I edit it for resubmission. ❤
|
|
|
Post by Kengplant on Apr 10, 2023 0:05:46 GMT -5
Twillie @gelquie DREAD! DREAD! DREAD! DREAD! DREAD! As much as a pain as he's been to draw it's been a lot of fun bringing him back. And I feel like I actually know how to draw him dynamically now!
Ahh!! Thank you so much for the in depth review for ALL 3 parts Nut I'm glad it does read that it was a game they were playing in part 1! I was a little nervous that would be lost in all the action. And maaaaaybe there is some foreshadowing. Who knows!
I'm hyped you picked up on GrrrRocks in the mirror being suspicious before she turns on the charm! I debated between Cheat and Liar's dice but went with cheat! as it's more iconically neopets, and it was one of my favourite card games as a kid even before I played it on neopets. (Also I actually know the rules to cheat!). I wanted a game that was about deception while they were both hiding things. And yes! The whole divers story GrrrRocks gave was a cheat too as you pointed out for the callback! I'm super happy your pointed that out!
|
|
|
Post by Azusa on Apr 15, 2023 21:24:06 GMT -5
Illusen's Quest: Part One by Azusa and knightwolfalex It makes sense that Illusen would be rooting for her quester to complete the quest when she'd finished all the previous ones so promptly and successfully! (Like a teacher with an excelling student.) I like the name Lightwater for Illusen's forest, it's cool to think of place names within the Neopian lands! Illusen must get a lot of pets trying to take quests at odd hours, it's nice of her to be so patient with them even though she's tired. Uh-oh, these kids seem like they could be friends with the Bori girl who didn't turn up earlier. Has something happened to her? I suppose no one would be able to miss a bright pink pet! Illusen's starting to worry about the Bori. And these poor kids, the way they come up and cling to the hem of her dress, I can feel how small and frightened they are. ;_; Illusen, being super nice, of course has to help out--she's concerned now too. It must be exciting for them to get to be inside Illusen's treehouse! Hopefully they're not the type to get in any trouble before she gets back... Ease their worries now, hope for the best later--I hope for everyone's sake that Illusen won't have to take back her words. It might not be the best idea to say it without knowing, but I understand wanting to reassure the kids. Tracing the steps the Bori would've had to take to get the potion is a smart idea, and it's interesting to hear how Kauvara and the Brightvale alchemists have their own potion specialties! "why did I ever think 16 minutes and 40 seconds was an ideal window? No wonder so many Neopets fail my quests." But isn't that the challenge, Illusen?! You mean you didn't have any reasoning for it? XD Though yes, it does seem like the time window would give an advantage to pets who can fly instead of travel on foot... "'Lusey!" That's a surprisingly fitting nickname for Illusen that I've never thought of haha. Psellia comes across with a casual friendliness that's nevertheless mannered. So the Bori managed to get the item after all! I'm happy for her too, but then what could have happened on the way back? Is Illusen responsible for anything that happens while pets are questing for her?! I'm surprised she's even able to keep doing it. I understand why she wouldn't want Fyora to know about this, but this is a child's safety here; it'd be good to notify anyone who could help. I'll just have to wish hard that she does manage to handle it on her own. I like how Illusen is able to talk to trees! It feels very magical how she places her hand on the trunk and gets a glow around her while she speaks. Uh-oh, the Bartamus sounds like a messenger from someone else. What could have been written on the paper to make such a loyal quester abandon her quest? Sounds like classic kidnapping! I want them to find the Bori at Jhudora's and know just what Jhudora was doing by interfering! Did she have a reason, or did she simply feel like being evil and/or messing up Illusen's plans?! Thank you so much for the review, Nut! Lightwater Forest is actually a legit name xD There isn't much information on it but it's mentioned in JN under Meridell. And it's a beautiful and fitting name for a forest that Illusen lives in :3 If we were to strictly follow the site mechanics, then technically, Illusen would be up 24/7, ey? xD How cool, or weird, would it be if Faeries didn't need sleep? xD I had thought about elaborating on the interior of Illusen's treehouse a little but found it redundant so I skipped it. The kids behaved well though, not to worry xD Technically, Illusen isn't obliged to care about the pets who are questing for her (I mean, 16min and 40sec shows, doesn't it?) xD Site mechanics and Neopian lore contradict each other so much Thinking about it now, perhaps the paper could've been elaborated on a little more. Maybe an extra line about its contents or something. Wonder if it'd be redundant though, since the 2nd part of the story will reveal Jhudora's intentions. I hadn't collected Alex's detailed opinions/replies for this, so I apologize if this response seems short. However, the both of us are really glad you took the time to read our story and leave your thoughts on it! I reviewed your comic via NM because it was too incoherent to put here and I was expressing my raw feelings xD I don't know how to put it in proper words but I'll try. I love the anime-style drawing and colors, the characters, the joke... I kept revisiting your comic to stare at the artwork uwu. In summary, I LOVE IT ALL. PERIOD.
|
|