Hell-Forged is the successor to Demon Eclipse's second episode. Thanks to Tarnsman's feedback from some time ago, he's convinced me to focus on the Hell-tech theme of Demon Eclipse instead of having two essentially different games in a single package. Hell-Forged is currently planned to be a single 9-map episode set in another world being invaded by Hell. Although Episode 2,3, and 4 were designed and much thought put into them, it's unlikely those will be completed. I'm just going to keep my focus narrow and finish what I have planned for Hell-Forged's 9 maps and ~dozen new enemies and bosses.
Updates
Spoiler:
(4/18/2018)
Hell-Forged will be on hiatus until July or August this year. Been busy with finishing up my graduate thesis and research for my masters degree, as well as studying for finals.
(1/15/2018)
Alpha-test Download Link: https://uofi.box.com/s/yrfqvm8m24gtq1jg4o3tha0xmsdxrqmq
NOTICE: This mod is best played in *GZDOOM* with "standard" lighting. Some of the maps and colors might not work correctly with ZDoom. Using QZDoom's Software mode will 'work', but a lot of maps will be darker than they should be, and there are some graphic glitches.
This is an Alpha-test, so expect misalligned textures or minor bugs. There shouldn't be any game-breaking bugs, since I've tested all the maps extensively at all difficulties. There is a minor bug that causes the lava floors to deal 67% damage, instead of 0% when using the Juggernaut Sphere. This is because I switched to UDMF's custom floor damage of type "fire" is shared by the weapons. It will be fixed.
The current Alpha-test has maps 1-4, and 9 (secret). Maps are named HF1M#. Map9 is accessed thru Map 2. The patch notes for this current beta is incorrect, as I've only gotten thru about half of the changes I wanted before running out of time.
All basic weapon functions are done, although not all of them have the same polish yet. The Soul weapons were meant to be found only in Episode 2, and is only available as super-secrets in the first episode, so they aren't as polished yet.
(12/19/2017)
Due to some computer issues, there might be some delays in the alpha-test release date.
(12/12/2017)
Fixed my tablet stylus and finished up the Sentinel monster sprites and coding. Finished the new 4th map - "Testing Grounds", as well as updated all existing maps to UDMF, fixing some bugs, did some retexturing, and made use of the new features in the map format. Currently 5 of 9 maps are complete, and all but 3 monsters need to be finished before the pre-release beta. Adding a bunch of props that will be used in the next few maps.
If all things go well, I should have 2 more maps done by the end of the month or early next year. I'm currently working on the Hell-Duke (and the new Devil and Bloodfiend), as it's the easiest of the 3 remaining boss-monsters that needs sprites. A beta will be released when the next 2 maps are complete. It will be followed by the pre-release beta for finalize balance testing. The title-pic, intermission screen, title images, and all other miscellaneous graphics will be completed between the pre-release beta and final v1.0 release. All resources will be licensed until Creative Commons when the final v1.0 is released.
I should be finished up my Masters program by mid next year, and if employment and all other real-life things work out, I should be able to finish the project by next Christmas. Fingers crossed.
Sentinel Sprites:
(I ask that these sprites not be used in a released project until I finish the pre-release beta. Feel free to play with them if you want, however.)
(Update (9/27/2017)
Added Templar Sword as starting weapon - all weapons now completed
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STORY SO FAR
Spoiler:
[Background]
Your kingdom had been embroiled in a war against foreign invaders for decades. With supplies and resources all but spent, the King became desperate for anything that would turn the war in his favor. Just as defeat seemed inevitable, the Royal Scholars made a momentous discovery within a sealed tomb lost to time - tomes with instructions of how to construct weapons utilizing unknown magics. The discovery was brought before the Royal Court. Without hesitation, the order was given to proceed with production immediately. Despite the Templary Grandmaster's warnings regarding the dark magics, the King was desperate, and this wasn't the time for doubt.
In a matter of weeks, the first batch of weapons made their way to the front lines, and their power was made immediately apparent. The front-liners quickly pushed back the enemy, decimating them on the way and regained territory they've been fighting for in a matter of days. These weapons, however they worked, made the battle mages unnecessary almost over night. Magical spells that would have taken decades to master, could now be put in the hands of any layman. As the reports of victory came back from the front, the King rewarded the discoverer of the technologies and deemed him his Vicar and made him head of the royal academy.
Within a year, all of the foreign invaders have been driven from the homeland. The King, however, had greater ambitions in mind. Decades of seeing his men get slaughtered on the battlefield fueled his desire for retribution, and the newfound technologies only fanned his desires for conquest. The King asked for the Vicar's advance, and it was suggested a grand factory was to be built on the slopes of Red Mountain, using the fires within to power the forges necessary. The location was chosen to be just across the valley from the Templar's ancient temple.
The plan did not go over well with the Grandmaster, and once again he protested before the court. This time, his complaints were met with open hostility from the Vicar and his supporters. With accusations of treason thrown at him, the King ordered the Templars out of the court and to never speak of this matter again. Just like that, the once noble Templar were cut off from all official business and their powers only continued to wane over the following decades.
[Your Story]
You are a lowly Templar squire living a live of seclusion dedicated to the studies of the ancient martial arts. A few decades ago, this would have been seen as a position of prestige, but now the Templar are all but forgotten. Your life is simple enough - martial and academic training in the morning, followed by maintenance duties around the temple in the afternoon. A simple and peaceful life; but one that wouldn't last. Early in this morning, the crater atop Red Mountain suddenly erupted without warning. The basalt cap that covered the mountain ignited and turned into a lack of fire and molten rock. Lava poured down the slopes of the mountain, burying the workers towns below. You and your fellow Templar watched in horror as entire villages vanished in the valleys. The Temple was fortunately built on higher ground, but even that wouldn't provide protection from what was to come.
Days after the eruption, the alarm bells rang and you were called from bed to do battle. Men yelled and clambered to gear up and fight the monstrosities barging thru the main gate. In the ensuing chaos, you were knocked out; the faint echos of men screaming and swords slashing filled your ears as blackness took you. When you came to, you were buried under the bodies of Templar and monster alike, and all was quiet. In a daze, you thought you heard a faint voice calling to you. It beckons you to go and reclaimed the weapon of the Templar's Patriarch - the Vorpal Blade. The Voice became louder and clearer, as visions of the Patriarch fighting off the forces of Hell filled your mind. You knew then what you had to do and prepared yourself for the fight to come.
THE ARSENAL
Unlike the arsenal in Doom where later weapons made earlier ones obselete, each weapon in HF is designed for a specific role, and will not become redundant. Furthermore, all weapons except the Templar sword (atm) have an alternate attack.
Spoiler:
Templar Sword: The standard weapon for the Templar order. This trusty steel blade is sharp, but was not meant to hack thru the thick hides and hardened bones of demons. Better find something else for the job.
Vorpal Blade: Ancient sword of the Templar's founding patriarch, rumored to have been used to fight against the forces of hell long ago. Each strike charges up the Vorpal Blade with demonic essence that can be unleashed in a powerful attack when fully it's charged, cutting down even the strongest of hellspawn.
(Primary Attack: Normal Swing | Alternate Attack: Release Energy wave (only at 100%))
Immolator: This was one of the first weapons built for the war effort based on the lost technology rediscovered. It blasts out jets of scorching hellfire that ignites on impact, burning enemies to a crisp.
(Primary Attack: Hellfire jet | Alternate Attack: Fire-bomb; sets the floor on fire)
Wheel of Pain: This mysterious artifact ignites demonic essence within the victim explosively. Those that don't immediately turn inside-out, will be blasted by a powerful shockwave. With each blast, a small amount of life energy is siphoned from the victim to mend your wounds.
(Primary Attack: Blast enemies to siphon life force | Alternate Attack: continuous drain to replenish Blood Ammunition)
Nailgun: This rapid fire weapon turned the war around for your Kingdom. It's repeating barrels throw a torrent of piercing nails that rip thru enemies with ease.
(Primary Attack: Fire piercing nails | Alternate Attack: Fire fragmenting nails that don't piece, but deal more damage)
Hellbolt: Fueled by demon blood, the Hellbolt launches spheres of pure hatred, blasting away multiple foes at once on impact. Fortunately for you, you're shielded from its effects, somehow.
(Primary Attack: fires long-range projectile | Alternate Attack: lob short-range bouncing projectile that deals more damage)
Mauler: Excellent for both long-range and close-quarters, the Mauler is a "super" nailgun that fires torrents of nails from distance, or delivers a blast of shrapnel up close.
(Primary Attack: Super-nailgun, shoots out 2 nails at once | Alternate Attack: Shrapnel blast)
Basilisk: Named after the two-headed fire-breathing serpent of Legend, the Basilisk lives up to its name. It's capable of bombarding enemies with explosive rockets, or roasting the few that gets too close with gouts of hellfire.
(Primary Attack: repeating rocket barrage | Alternate Attack: dual-flamethrower)
Souleater: Of the weapons technologies that were discovered, none are more frightening than those that use souls. The Souleater assaults the spirit directly, bypassing any armor. It's power grows as it attacks, increasing its damage over time.
(Primary Attack: Soul-draining attack, charges weapon and increases damage | Alternate Attack: Spends charge; area attack gives you armor for each enemy hit)
Reaper: The penultimate weapon in your arsenal, the Reaper calls upon the damned to ravage your foes. The spiraling orbs of death it launches instantly blasts away most foes, and finishes off the stragglers with a packs of hungry ghasts.
(Primary Attack: Spirit missile that detonates on impact, summoning a pack of wights | Alternate Attack: detonate all projectiles to summon more wights at the expense of impact damage. )
Hellstorm: As the most powerful weapon, the Hellstorm draws power directly from hell, requiring not ammo. It's power quickly recharges after it's spent.
(Primary Attack: fires electrical bolts | Alternate Attack: Maelstrom attack that can kill any non-endboss monster in a single hit, and all those around it. )
BESTIARY
Along with a familiar cast of hellspawn form Doom I & II, Hell-Forged brings a cast of new monsters that come from the deepest pits of hell. Some of them are more powerful variants of old favorites, others straight out of your worst nightmares. Some enemies are limited to a specific episode.
Spoiler:
[Devils]: Stronger cousins of the Imp, these spikey humanoids are often found leading their lesser kin.
(yes, I've corrected the walking animation where both upper and lower limbs on the same side move at the same time - which is unnatural)
[Bloodfiends & Lurkers]: Nastier cousins of the common Pinkies, the Bloodfiends have evolved the ability to lob toxic demon bile from a considerable distance. A Subspecies, the Lurkers, are a ghostly variant that likes to hide in dark places, which makes them all the more deadly.
[Infernals]: These floating molten beasts are born from the cauldrons of Hell. They belch exploding orbs of magma when they attack and when they are destroyed, making them a danger dead or alive.
[Draugr]: Powerful enforcers of Hell, the Draugr are single-minded servants of their demonic masters. They are Hell-Forged version of the Revenants in more ways than one.
[Aracknights]: These quadruped cataphracts of Hell serve as patrols within its haunted halls. The repeating energy casters they carry will make you pay for your carelessness.
[Corpulent]: These lumbering behemoths of Hell serve as the heavy hitters. Like their Earthly Mancubus relatives, they are a force to be reckoned with when found in groups.
[Guardians]: Mindless servants of the Sentinels, the hovering Guardians patrol the inner sanctum of the Fortress of Anguish. When an intruder is found, they are quickly dealt with by the blasts of hell-energy the Guardians emit from their eyes.
[Sentinels]: The central controlling units of the Guardians, the few Sentinels found within the Fortress of Anguish are build by the Hellsmith to oversee the security of his stronghold. They are powerful adversaries armed with multiple weapons. Worst of all, they have the nasty ability to summon more Guardians.
[Helldukes]: Selected from the strongest of Hell's mega-demons, the Helldukes lead the vast armies of Hell. Armed with a super-Hellbolt, these towering monstrosities will give you a real fight.
[Directors]: While the Helldukes serve as the muscle, the Directors are the brains. While preferring to stay out of battle, a Director can shred you with their super-Mauler in seconds.
[The Hellsmith]: The master of the Fortress of Anguish, and the undisputed ruler of his hellscape. The Hellsmith gave your Kingdom the weapons necessary to win the war, only to have it delivered to him in the end. He's personally crafted many of the hell-tech monstrosities you've put down so far. If you want to escape, you'll have to go thru him first. Telling you that it isn't going to easy would be an understatement.
ITEMS AND POWER-UPS
Spoiler:
AMMUNITION
[Hellfire]: found in steel canisters and large tanks, hellfire ammunition fuel your Immolator and Basilisk. (Pick-up Amount: 5|25; Maximum Capacity: 150)
[Demon Blood]: vials and urns of Demon Blood can be found thru-out your journey. They power the Wheel of Pain and Hellbolt. (Pick-up Amount: 2|10; Maximum Capacity: 100)
[Nails]: Magazines and boxes of nails are relatively common. They are used by the Nailgun and Mauler. (Pick-up Amount: 12|60; Maximum Capacity: 240)
[Souls]: Rarest of the ammunition are the souls, found in orbs and large globes. The Souleater and Reaper uses these to unleash their power. (Pick-up Amount: 10|50; Maximum Capacity: 200)
[Backpacks]: The handy backpacks allow you to carry more ammunition, effectively doubling your maximum carrying capacity.
HEALTH & ARMOR
[Large Health Bonus]: Large bottles of healing elixirs are common. They give 3 health points when consumed, healing beyond your normal 100 health.
[Life Force]: These strange artifacts pulses with life energies. A close encounter with one will instantly mend your wounds, healing 20 hit points.
[Rejuvenator]: Overflowing with healing energies, the Rejuvenator is like a super-charged Life Force that heals you to 100 health over 10 seconds.
[Hell-Forged Steel Armors]: Sets of steel armor can be found scattered around, reducing your damage by 50%. Pick them up for varying degrees of protection, up to a maximum 200 armor points.
POWER-UPS
[Doom Sphere]: This powerful orb super-charges your weapons, increasing their damage significantly for a limited time. Some weapon have changed behaviors for the duration.
(Duration: 60 seconds)
[Juggernaut Sphere]: When picked up, the Juggernaut sphere reduces your damage by 33% and makes you impervious to damage from the environment and most explosions.
(Duration: 1 Level)
[Spectral Sphere]: When used, you become ghostly; projectiles to pass harmlessly thru you. Melee, explosions, and environmental hazards still apply, though.
(Duration: 60 seconds)
[Regenerator Sphere]: This power-up is similar to the Soul Sphere, but replenishes your health back to 100 over time for the rest of the level.
(Duration: 1 Level)
[Annihilator Sphere]: This powerful artifact gives you unlimited ammo for a short duration.
(Duration: 30 seconds)
[Vision Sphere]: With this power-up, you will be able to see perfectly in pitch blackness, lights up invisible enemies, and reveals the entire map including its secrets.
(Duration: 60 seconds)
[Chrono Sphere]: When used, space and time no longer hinder you. You to fire at double speed, jump insanely high, and run inhumanly fast.
(Duration: 30 seconds)
[Rage Sphere]: Picking up this power-up completely replenishes all of your ammunition.
SCREENSHOTS
Spoiler:
E1M1: Temple of the Patriarch
E1M2: Courtyard
E1M3: Catacombs
E1M4: Testing Grounds
E1M5: Assembly Line (WIP)
E1M6: Hell Keep (WIP)
E1M7: Sanctum (WIP)
E1M8: Hell Forge (WIP)
E1M9: Midden
FULL CREDITS LIST
List of companies and people from which I've borrowed resources from, or have inspired me greatly over the years as a Doom-modder.
Spoiler:
[Companies]:
-id Software: for the Doom and Quake series resources.
-Raven Software: for Heretic and Hexen series resources.
-3D Realms: Duke3D and Shadow Warrior resources
-Monolith Entertainment: Blood resources.
-Midway Games Inc.: Doom 64 resources.
-Blizzard Entertainment: Starcraft and Warcraft III sounds.
-Banjo Entainment: Hacx sounds.
-GalaNet: Flyff electric sounds.
[3rd Party Doom Projects]
-Hellstorm: for being the first Doom project I was involved in and for the many monster ideas in DE/HF.
-Alien Vendetta: general mapping inspiration.
-TVR!: map balance and flow inspiration.
-Gothic DM I+II: Textures and aesthetic inspiration.
-Whispers of Satan: Mapping inspiration.
-Zen Dynamics: Monster and weapon coding ideas.
-Psychic: Weapons coding ideas.
-Osiris: initial inspiration into Doom modding.
-Ghost Busters Doom II: Will always hold a special place in my heart for the first TC I've played.
[Special Thanks]
-Graf Zahl and Randy Heit for G/Zdoom ports.
-dpJudas: for QZdoom port (I'm currently currently testing HF on QZdoom).
-Collin Portratz: For Hellstorm's many monster designs and ideas (which I shamelessly recycled).
-Xaser: for his crazy weapon and monster ideas and coding.
-Gez and Rachael/Eruanna(?): for coding help.
-Xaser, Nightmare, Ghastly Dragon, icytux, Ed the Bat, TheDarkArchon, NeuralStunner, Enjay, Nash and Ryan Cordel: Decorate coding help over the years.
-Ral22: showing me how to use poly-objects.
-WildWeasel and Shadelight: forum support.
-CutmanMike: for unusual doom modding inspiration.
-Ghastly Dragon, Jimmy, Mike12, CaptainVentris and icytux: testing DE's many iterations.
-Vader and NMN: always a spriter's inspiration.
-Scuba Steve: for inspiring me to start Doom-modding as a kid.
-Vader and Esselfortium: for mapping detail inspiration.
-Tormentor and Kirby: For their initial involvement in the original Demon Eclipse episode 2.
-Blue Shadow: for repackaging Demon Eclipse episode 1 so my work doesn't go to waste.
-Jimmy, A. E. Knezevich and alfonzo: the TVR! (and more) music used in DE and HF.
-Mark Klem, Marc Pullen and David Shaw: Gothic 1,2, 98/99 music.
-Adelusion: Gothic DM textures.
-Tarnsman: most necessary feedback to refine Demon Eclipse into Hell-Forged.
-Tormentor: For hosting all of my shit on his Realm 667 site.
-Rest of ZDoom forums and members for over 10 years of support!
(list will be updated as project progresses)
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DOWNLOAD LINKS:
Version 0.6a Alpha Test: https://uofi.box.com/s/yrfqvm8m24gtq1jg4o3tha0xmsdxrqmq (1/15/2018)
