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Member/Staff of the Month: October

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Congratulations to this month's MOTM, Azure, and this month's SOTM, FirePhoenix!

Here are their interviews.




[SNN] When did you first find out about hacking, and what really got you into it?
[Azure] Well, how I found out is actually kind of boring. I found a bad Kaizo Mario video on Youtube a while back, and just followed the links from there to SMWC. For a while I just lurked around and played with LM, and eventually made World of Illusion (though I re-did all the early levels I made for obvious reasons). Then I realized that people weren't doing everything with hacking that they could, which drove me to make something completely and entirely different. It was around that time that I got back into Panel de Pon and noticed the tiny pink thing in the corner of the Moon Stage, and thought it was really cute and deserved its own game. Then I combined those two things into what turned into Azure Chaotic.

[SNN] How long did it take you to finish World of Illusion, and comparing it with Azure Chaotic, are you personally pleased with how far you have come? Or do you feel you can still do even more?
[Azure] It didn't take all that long to finish World of Illusion, but I can't remember the exact dates of start and end. By the end of it I was already gathering ideas for my next hack, so the last few levels and details were kind of rushed, though. And yes, I'm pleased at how far I've come. A lot of the new things I've done in Azure Chaotic I haven't even shown anybody, but I know that everyone said those kinds of things were impossible. I might show a few of them with C3 coming, but I still want to keep most of it a surprise.

[SNN] After you complete Azure Chaotic, do you have any other plans for SMW Hacking?
[Azure] I've had a few ideas for what to do afterwards, but I'm not sure. I can say for certain that there won't be a sequel to Azure Chaotic, but if I do another hack, it will share the same goals - to make something completely new, not just as a hack, but as a standalone game as well.

[SNN] Yes, you've definitely done that with Azure Chaotic .. despite the periodic complaints about the physics, many people were extremely impressed with what you brought to the table. Out of what you have shown/are willing to show so far, do you have a personal favorite "feature" or something of the likes within your hack?
[Azure] If I had to pick one I've shown so far, it's difficult... I'd probably just say the badge/item system as a whole. Going to new stages is more interesting if you know there's a good chance you'll find a completely new powerup in it, or a new combination of existing ones. There's one other feature I've recently added that adds a whole other layer to the gameplay, but I haven't shown anyone yet. I was planning to keep it a secret, but I probably won't be able to last that long without showing anyone. I'll probably reveal it pretty soon, especially with C3 not so far away.

[SNN] Aside from your own, do you have a favorite hack?
[Azure] I don't know if I can say I have any favorites, but it seems that the more it strays from normal Super Mario World gameplay, the better it is to me. Even if the level design or overall gameplay isn't perfect, I'll enjoy anything as long as it feels new in some way.

[SNN] While you're not as active as some members at SMWC, do you have a favorite memory from your time at the site?
[Azure] There's no specific actions or site events that stand out to me as memories, but I've met some of my absolute closest friends here.
The general population seems to be nice, which is very unusual for a big site like this. I'm very glad it is, though.

[SNN] The final topic would be music. From what I've seen, you seem to be very interested in music porting and such. What got you interested in it, and do you have a favorite creation that you'd like to show off?
[Azure] I've always been interested in music, so music porting came pretty naturally to me. Hearing what everyone else could do with the limited instruments and effects was always interesting, as well. I started off simple and wasn't intending to get too deep into it, but I was having too much fun to really stop. I've lost count of how many songs I've made so far, but my favorite would have to be Knight Man. Link.




[SNN] When did you first find out about hacking, and what really got you into it?
[FirePhoenix] I think I found out about hacking after downloading an SMW archive and it had tons and tons of old hacks from 01-04. After playing a few, I think I looked around and found Lunar Magic
(though this might be incorrect). Whatever the case, I didn't do anything with it. Later, I was reading Metroid Third Derivative back when it was still being done, when I saw one of the comics was the guy saying something along the lines of "some days, things are more important than comic making. This day, it's a Super Metroid romhack",
and it showed a screenshot of Redesign. I was intrigued since Metroid is my favorite series ever, so I looked around and eventually found Redesign, played it, beat it, loved it. Naturally, I did what most do when they discover the world of romhacks; I tried my hand at it. I started with SMILE, but that failed REALLY fast. I blew up multiple rooms and roms alike, so I gave up. Later I discovered (or rediscovered depending on how my memory is cooperating) Lunar Magic
and started slowly with that. At about that time, I joined Acmlm's Board in it's 3rd incarnation after remembering it when i was trying to find Redesign help. I started posting stuff about my game there, and eventually found my way to SMWCentral back when it was first started. From there I joined, hacked SMW more, and then promptly lost most interest in it that summer. Eventually I "released" my hack on Christmas 07.

[SNN] I know you're more a Super Metroid hacker than an SMW hacker, and I'll get to that later, but tell me about your SMW hacks, and how you felt about them then and today.
[FirePhoenix] Back then, I thought I was doing great I was never much of a person for custom stuff (still am not today!) ... at least when it comes to adding it to my hacks, I mean. I'm a lazy hacker I guess. I wound up having a mostly vanilla hack. The smaller "prologue" was made over the summer when I was in France as sort of a random idea I had that got released soon after and actually contains some of my better design I think. The full game, "The Forever Mystery" was released Christmas 07 after I'd sort of lumped everything together. By this point I'd lost most interest in hacking, but I wanted to get it out anyway. So I threw things together, fixed a couple things, broke some others and threw it out the door and onto the site. As for how I feel about them, I think they're pretty awful. For the most part
my level design is way too convoluted, cramped, and my ideas, while decent were never fully realized in the hacks. If I had the inspiration to do anything with SMW anymore I'd probably go back and redo half the game or hell, for that I'd just make a new one. I've tried getting back into SMW multiple times. Hell, just the other day I had LM open thinking about doing something. That got nowhere. I just no longer find interest in it and whenever I try to make a level, I have the hardest time doing so. It's a shame, really.

[SNN] What is it that draws you so much to Super Metroid rather than SMW? From what you've told me, the editor is a nightmare to work with.
[FirePhoenix] I wouldn't call it so much a nightmare as much as it's a challenge. I think most can relate when I say that although SMW Hacking is great fun because we're able to make our own Mario levels, the most fun would probably come from being able to hack your favorite games. Unfortunately, for many, this isn't possible because either no editors exist, or the games are too current gen. In Super Metroid's case though, it's one of my absolute favorites and there is an editor. It just calls to me more than Mario ever did. I made Metroid maps back in 8th grade which took up 4 sheets of paper front and back drawing them. Still got them too. For me, hacking Super Metroid is a dream come true. Sure, it's hard and hates you sometimes,
but it's sort of like being in a good relationship. There will be the hard times in the relationship, but the rewards are just so big that it's all worth it in the end. So while SM is hard to hack, I just find it so much more fun and rewarding. That said, it's a lonely road. We're obviously not as big a community as SMWC. If you hack SM, you'd better be prepared to do things by yourself 90% of the time, and figure out most of the stuff on your own. I wish we had a community like SMWC ... or hell, just more people taking an interest in it. But I guess the difficulty of the editor plus other factors drive people away, and with LM being so accessible, there's immediately more interest. But i guess it's not all bad, because when you do release a hack, it doesn't get lost in the multitudes of other hacks, and that's a nice feeling.

[SNN] So tell me about Volta .. it's your current Super Metroid hack, as far as I know. When did you start it, how far along are you with it, and when do you think you'll finish it?
[FirePhoenix] Volta, ah yes. Volta is just ... I feel like I hate trying to work with it and love it at the same time, because we've been through so much together. Volta started originally under a different title with a different everything about two years ago back then it was called Super Metroid Aspiration. I worked on that for a while and lost interest after having a major crash and loss of work.
From that, Volta started as me just wanted to hack a few rooms again and try to get interest back. As I went, I found that I enjoyed what I was designing more and more than I did with Aspiration. The very first Aspiration backup dates from December 1 2007 - almost two years ago. Volta was created in late March 2008, so I've been hacking this damn thing for 1 1/2 years. It'll never leave me, will it? As for progress, I'm at a standstill once more. I'm in desperate need of graphical help because I can't do squat regarding that, so my progress is stuck around 25%. I would love to get it out around Christmas 2010, but that'll only happen if I get the help I need soon
and really start devoting more time to the hack. I love the hack, I'm just a lazy bastard when it comes to actually hacking.

[SNN] If you DO finish Volta by the time 2010 rolls around, is there anything else in the future of hacking for you, or would this be your "final" project?
[FirePhoenix] Who knows honestly? I'm assuming it would be, but there's been talk for over a year now among a few of us better SM hackers. We'd love to do a collab hack together. Everyone take a world and design away. But for the time being, that's a pipe dream.
It'd be fun to try and accomplish though.

[SNN] I guess my final question would be this: what draws you to SMW Central despite being a huge fan of SM hacking and not so much SMW hacking?
[FirePhoenix] Honestly, I have no clue. There's something about the prospect of leaving a community that I grew up with that I just can't deal with, so I figure that as long as I can't bring myself to leave, I might as well ban a few idiots, trash them threads, make fun of you, and enjoy the site. Hmm, I sounded like Kate there, didn't I?

[SNN] Yes, there is nothing like a good dose of SNN hate to fill everyone's day.
[FirePhoenix] You said it. It's very theraputic.




That's all for this month.
Wait, is it even october yet? I thought it was the 29th. Oh well, congratulations, you too.:)
And now for the lost chapters!

[19:54:25] <AbSeNNt> I guess my final question would be this: what draws you to SMW Central despite being a huge fan of SM hacking and not so much SMW hacking?
[19:54:55] <FirePhoenix> Good question
[19:55:02] <FirePhoenix> Would you like to answer that for me?
[19:55:16] <AbSeNNt> nope.
[19:55:21] <FirePhoenix> bummer

[19:56:47] <FirePhoenix> might as well ban a few idiots, trash them threads, make fun of you, and enjoy the site
[19:57:02] <FirePhoenix> hmm, I sounded like Kate there, didn't I?
[19:57:11] <AbSeNNt> yes, there is nothing like a good dose of SNN hate to fill everyone's day
[19:57:16] <FirePhoenix> you said it
[19:57:22] <FirePhoenix> it's very theraputic
[19:57:28] <AbSeNNt> i am lol'ing
[19:57:31] <AbSeNNt> anyway, thanks.
[19:57:32] <FirePhoenix> in fact
[19:57:38] <FirePhoenix> I wasn't feeling too good today
[19:57:44] <FirePhoenix> and now I'm feeling better
[19:57:51] <FirePhoenix> dickhead
[19:57:51] <AbSeNNt> but you didn't actually bash me
[19:57:53] <AbSeNNt> you jus
[19:57:54] <AbSeNNt> ah
[19:57:55] <AbSeNNt> there it is
[19:58:03] <FirePhoenix> <3
Best month ever :D

I love you Cleru and Viarra! ^.^;;;
I haven't actually kept track on exactly what brings it to being Azure and FirePhoenix as the member and staff of the month for this month specifically, although from what I've seen they're both awesome users (even though I really don't know FirePhoenix that much...) and they're both all-round nice people.

...I'm stuck on what else to say, so I'll just end it with congratulations Azure and FirePhoenix!
yeah SNN you dickhead
the skies should be fairly calm for the next little bit

Anyways, congrats to both. I guess I should visit the IRC more often.

This is a thing that's happening, now. Achievements in old video games.
Thank you for the layout, Erik557.
Man, I wish this would've worked. Oh well.
If not for respect, but dramatic effect, take on the face of Guy Fawkes.
Originally posted by Adam
Wait, is it even october yet?


Yeah, about that .. generally, I'd wait until October 1st, but because the level contest is ending and October will be a busy month for events, I wanted to get this over with now.

<- Corporal Dickhead.
Hahahaha, I'm glad you showed that extra bit, FP, it was hilarious.

Also, yeah, Azure I don't know you personally, really, but I've seen you around the forums and such, and everyone really seems to like you.
FP, well, you've always been one of my favorite users here, and I absolutely LOVE the Forever Mystery series, you said it straight up, it's a shame that you've lost interest.

Congrats to both of you!
IRC Quotes (March 20th update!)

/MKICK 4: Flantastic Puns
I don't know Azure or FirePhoenix extremely well, but have a lot of respect for them, and appreciate all the efforts they've put out towards the community. FirePhoenix has been a great staff member who offers some much-needed humor, and Azure is excellent at SMW hacking, making me very excited for the final release of Azure Chaotic.

It was great to hear the interviews for this month, and they did a good job at providing some insight for these individuals.
Congratulations to both of you. Although I haven't spoken much to either of you, unless it was for staff purposes or just joking around, I know what you've both accomplished in this and other communities and it was about time your efforts were finally recognised. I, for one, haven't played Azure Chaotic, but from what I know, people boast about it and say it's the greatest thing ever, so I might give it a shot one day (once I learn how to gather enough will power to press the "X" button on my Touhou windows). As for FirePhoenix, all I can really say about you is that you're one of the funniest staff members on this website, and the few screenshots of Volta I've seen are extremely impressive. I can't wait until Christmas 2010 for the final release, or whenever you finish it.

A duo worthy of M/SotM. Well done, both of you.
I can't say I know you both well, but I know you well enough to know that these are excellent choices (has it been a month already?) and I congratulate both of you. I'm glad to know more about FP's interests are more about the origins and world around Azure Chaotic. (C3 is exciting again!) Congratulations once again. Azure join the cool club and don't use the custom color
Congratulations Azure and FirePheonix :DFree counters!
Congratulations you two! Inb4 Raibys, hehe.
Originally posted by S.N.N.

[SNN] Aside from your own, do you have a favorite hack?
[Azure] I don't know if I can say I have any favorites, but it seems that the more it strays from normal Super Mario World gameplay, the better it is to me. Even if the level design or overall gameplay isn't perfect, I'll enjoy anything as long as it feels new in some way.

This message really caught my eye. There are quite a few decent hacks out there that actually feel like thier own games... like TSRPR and Keytastraphe... and of course my latest and greatest: Blackhole. Also try out SCORPION's Ravage if you want a different gameplay experience. Blackhole and SCORPION's Ravage have a lot of new elements a lot of people (not refering to any users here) really don't put in there hacks... like a good plot line for instance.
Originally posted by S.C.O.R.P.I.O.N.
Also try out SCORPION's Ravage if you want a different gameplay experience. Blackhole and SCORPION's Ravage have a lot of new elements a lot of people (not refering to any users here) really don't put in there hacks... like a good plot line for instance.
Oh gee, thanks for advertising.
So anyway, where do the Member/Staff of the Month Awards/Interviews come from, exactly?
Heh, I thought Azure would get it sometime. Congratulations to you both! These interviews are always interesting.

(Ahaha, you couldn't go the entire interview without insulting SNN, could you? XD)
I make a thread in the staff forum about a week before the month's end, and we have a vote on the member. The staff one is more or less random.

All of the interviews take place on the IRC. PMs are very difficult to do it in, and real-time seems to work far better.

As for awards .. well, I'd kind of like to make up a badge sooner or later. That would be a nice little touch.
Congratulations FirePhoenix and Azure. I don't know you both much but I know you both are good users.
Hooray Azure and FP! Both of you are super awesome people, and it's great to see you guys get recognized for the Member/Staff Member of the Month! :D

*Raibys hugs Cleru and Viarra
  
  
 



Thanks everyone, even though I feel my interview was really generic and didn't say much about what makes me unique. To make up for that...



- I absolutely adore all things that are cute. You probably already knew that, though.

- I originally tried Super Metroid hacking a year or so before SMW, but it didn't work too well and I didn't bother searching for any editors afterward (until I found LM by unrelated means).

- I'm very friendly, almost to a fault. Sometimes I seem closed-off, but I'm really not. I love meeting new people as long as they're intelligent and don't seem like they're talking just for the sake of talking.

- Yes, me and Raibys are as close as you think we are. I'm not pretending anything when I kiss him on IRC, you know.

- I never get bored. I can be sitting in my bed doing absolutely nothing and I'll still be perfectly happy.

- I'm hugging my Manaphy plushie as I type this.



That should be enough for now. I think SNN didn't spend enough time thinking of weird interview questions because he thought he was bothering me or something. Usually I don't like too much attention, but this is perfectly fine.
Thanks again for all the compliments, and I hope my further works live up to your expectations.


 
 
       

Fluffy video games by me and Raibys!
 
 
   
 
 
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