Should I cancel the AirWorld project?

[Dutchman2000]

A SwordQuest "fan" dribbled the following:

 

"Hello. I collect video games, systems, coin-ops, you name it....from

all genres, decades etc. You get my drift. Anyway, my one passion in all

of video games is the Swordquest series. I remember as a kid pouring my

heart into those games and becoming enthralled in the storyline as told

through the comics. Being quite young I had no shot at the prize money, but

it was a great fantasy of mine. I currently own several rarities of the

Swordquest collection, including several of the Swordquest Adventurer

T-shirts and 3 copies of the WaterWorld game cartridge. My favorite piece

of my collection, though, is the WaterWorld contest entry-form/poster. I

have it framed with the other two in my game room. This piece is my

favorite because after roughly 3 years of snooping around, I've only been

able to locate 3 others in the world which are still intact (not having been

torn off to enter the contest...or thrown away for that matter) and mine is

in gem mint condition. I also plan on bidding on the Fireworld chalice from

Michael Rideout should he someday choose to auction it. Anyway I've rambled

enough...

I recently stumbled upon your website advertising the underground

production of the Airworld cart and comic. I ask this with no

ill-temperment towards yourself or your enthusiasm, but please do not

complete this game. Part of the mystique of the Swordquest series lies in

the fact that it is an unfinished story. It makes rumors such as the

Beta-testing Airworld cart or the possible existence of a partial Airworld

comic all the more exciting. It is a direct reflection of the hard times

our friends at Atari were enduring, and I feel that it should be left that

way. If Airworld were produced at all, I feel that it should be done by

Gerry Conway and Tod Frye. Even then, after all these years I would remain

a bit reluctant to accept their creation. Basically, I feel that a release

of an Airworld game by a home-hobbyist after all these years would tarnish

what several collectors and I hold as a very bright memory of our

childhoods. My opinions will surely disappoint you, and I'm sorry for that.

I am very much in favor of the home hobbyist keeping the 2600 alive

through their creations, just not in this case. Please understand my

perspective. I don't anticipate you will agree with me, and I only feel it

would be fair to tell you that I hope to have this letter posted on the 2600

connection fanzine, and my opinions shall be voiced on all of the bigger

2600 related chat-rooms and message boards. I believe you will find several

others who agree with what I've said."

 

Do you all really feel this way? If so please post and I will just cancel this project which up to now has been progressing nicely.

[+Cafeman]

I saw one of this guy's posts over at AGH.

 

NO. I can't imagine anyone loving an antique game series so much to even suggest such a thing. He should just ignore your efforts.

 

What I do want is to see a screen shot or two! Come on! Give us an idea of where you are going with the game on the 5200!

[mos6507]

I have a different take...

 

I was never a fan of the Swordquest series. The games were like Raiders of the Lost Ark with all the fun taken out of them.

 

The only reason to play them was to win the contest.

 

I would let Airworld remain incomplete.

[Albert]

I agree with Cafeman. I see no reason why you should have to cancel your efforts just because someone else doesn't want to see the series completed. It's not like you're doing an "Officially Sanctioned" Airworld game anyway. It's basically fan fiction applied to the world of classic gaming. When you finish the project people are still going to understand that Waterworld was the last game in the series that Atari produced. The existence of your Airworld game will not change Atari's troubled history that led to the demise of the SwordQuest contest.

 

Like Cafeman said, he can simply ignore it if he's not interested in it. The rest of us will have fun playing it, though.

 

..Al

[ubersaurus]

I say finish it. The series needs some sense of closure, I think, and this would provide it.

[+Random Terrain]

If you have the talent to make any game, why not? I wish more people were making Atari games, fan or pro.

 

I do agree with Glenn Saunders in one area, and that is that the Swordquest series sucked! The comics were great, but the "games" were total crap. 2600 Pac-Man is a masterpiece compared to those games and slamming your forehead into a brick wall would be more fun.

 

I was very irritated when I played the first of the series. A handful of poorly done rip-offs within a crappy "maze" does not even come close to qualifying as a game. I agree with the following quote:

 

"I personally object to episodic games where you play one screen of Space Invaders and one screen of Breakout and one screen of Galaxian and one screen of this and one of that. To me, that's not a game. It's just taking five bad games, putting them together, and calling them one good game. I'm philosophically against that."

--Eugene Jarvis (Defender, Stargate, Robotron: 2084, NARC)

 

You can find that quote and others at the following web site section:

 

Quotes on Game Design (Quotes from famous game designers and others)

 

If you decide to make your game, please try to improve on the original garbage that was the Swordquest series.

 

Thanks for reading my insane rant.

[PeeknPoke]

Fan made projects are what make the Atari scene an interesting one.

 

I dont understand that bloke's comments, They way I look at it, as with anything is, if I dont like it, I ignore it!

 

Im sure I speak for all the atari guys here at we are behind you 101% for your new project, Dutchman2000-I know I am.

And I know its bit dishearting to get messages like the one you got, Ignore it!

 

All the best

Lee

[Wntermute]

I'm wondering if this "SwordQuest fan" (any real fan would not hoard 3 complete copies of WaterWorld as they're quite rare) has seen any of the other home-hobbyist games out there.

 

Such as Yars' Quest and Ewok Adventure (the latter of which is a home-hobbyist version of an announced game, the same as AirWorld).. or the remade versions of Pac-Man.

 

Yes, Atari went through tough times (thinking of "TAT Guy" from RPG World as I type that).. Yes, the series is not complete right now.. but I would rather have another game than "defend a legacy". His is ONE opinion.. here is mine: Finish the game.. if nothing else, you can give it another game and it'll still be fun.

[+bfstats]

One of the objectives of all true Atari enthusiasts is to do whatever we can to perpetuate this great hobby. What better way to do that than to write new games for these classic systems?! Please continue the project.

[khryssun]

My point of view ?

Dutchman if you like what your are doing, go ahead !

Keep on programming and please create us a great game

 

There's no reality but yours.

All the explanations this guy gives are true... in it's own "perspective", but I don't think this is the way of thinking of most of the Atari fellows here.

 

quote:

---

I feel that a release of an Airworld game by a home-hobbyist after all these years would tarnish what several collectors and I hold as a very bright memory of our childhoods.

---

 

I find this idea quite annoying, and It's definitely not a reason to deprive most of the Atari fans of a new game !

[jahfish]

well, board game lover probably were against the complete series of computer adventure games back then. you can always find pros & contras.

 

i think the use of wxisting elements is the most important.

 

the comics are not just a rumor. garcia has worked on the 4th SW comic, but it was unfinished. there's sketches existing, and so there should also be a storyboard to the 4th adventure. what again lets me believe that the gameplay should have been more or less complete (the idea, not the programmed rom)

 

and these are he elements that are most important from my point of view. not making a nice packaging, but get these comics/sketches, find out about the gameplay, contact garcia or the old programmers .... and start with that!

 

i tried to ... i contacted DC comix, trying to find out if there's an archive where these sketches could be or if garcia has them. they supposed to be in the possession of DC. but i couldn't really come closer to it .... my english wasn't good enough to call them and go an their nerves

maybe one of you us collectors should give them a call ....

[Trebor]

Dutchman,

 

I normally don't post that much. More of a listener/reader, than a talker/writer. But in the case I have to write/say something...

 

Please DO NOT cancel your Airworld Project. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion; However, no one should discourage you from your most gracious attempts at completing the Swordquest series.

 

You don't know this individual personally.

 

You don't know if he has alterior motives.

 

You don't know if he's just a greedy person looking to have 'it all'.

 

If he truly owns all he says he does then perhaps he just concerned with the 'rarity' of Swordquest items, and thinks it will somehow devalue what he possesses.

 

Perhaps he too was/is thinking of doing Airworld and making a fine profit for himself.

 

Maybe he's just a digruntled former Atari worker

 

Or, he can just be genuine in all that he has wrote.

 

In any event, whatever the case is I can reassure you the BY FAR the majority wants to see you complete Airworld (Myself included). Even if that wasn't the case, don't let it stop you. It's YOUR project which you poured-out YOUR heart into. If this person (or others) aren't happy with what your doing - fine. They don't have to play/buy/acknowledge anything. They can simply ignore your project - Their loss, not yours (or ours :-)

 

So, please go finish Airworld, NOW!!! Ha! :-)

 

Seriously, don't be discouraged. Many, many, many, individuals are keenly anticipating the release of your project. Your efforts are GREATLY appreciated, and you should be commended. Not discouraged. Keep up the fine work! We're pulling for ya!!!

 

Best Wishes,

Trebor

[DEBRO]

Now Dutchman you know I'm all for you doing this game but I thought I'd add my vote too.

 

Go for it!!!

 

BTW I just want to make sure you got the 5200 splash screen update I sent.

 

[ 08-30-2001: Message edited by: DEBRO ]

[+Atari_Warlord]

I feel like I'm just as big a fan of the Swordquest games as the person who wrote you, and I want to see the Airworld project completed. As others have pointed out, the games were pretty crappy, but the story and comics were great. Please make sure there is a color comic book with the project.

[Joel D. Park]

Agreed. Please don't stop the project. I have a hard time understanding why someone who is that big a fan of Swordquest wouldn't jump at the chance to see another game in the series.

 

It's not like your motives are dishonest either. If you were just out to make money on this or something it may be different. But the Airworld project is actually bettering the entire Atari Community.

[Dutchman2000]

Thanks for your input, the project will continue. Yes there will be a comic for the game. Aimee is working on the cover and soon you all will see it. Then we can work on the script. I'm still plotting out some items in the game so a screenshot at this point is not available. To put the rumors to rest, I got an e-mail from George Perez himself telling me that he never did any artwork for airworld, only the basic plotting was done and Gerry Conway doesn't remember. Roy Thomas has yet ro reply. I am therefore going ahead. Stay tuned....

[someguy]

The speculation over at JI2 is that this guy is just some flamer trying to be a sh1t-disturber.

 

Ignore him and continue on with your game!!

[someguy]

"I personally object to episodic games where you play one screen of Space Invaders and one screen of Breakout and one screen of Galaxian and one screen of this and one of that. To me, that's not a game. It's just taking five bad games, putting them together, and calling them one good game. I'm philosophically against that."

--Eugene Jarvis (Defender, Stargate, Robotron: 2084, NARC)

 

Gee, I guess Eugene must really despise 'GORF'...

[atari70s]

Congrats Dutch on allowing us to have a chance to play your game when it comes out ( finishing it to let the atari community grow) . i hear your only doing 25 or so will you be letting Hozer make them after your done?? and will you be giving the BIN file to atari age prior to the release? im so looking forward to the rom.

[ATARIPITBULL]

I too would like it if Airworld was completed, but only under the direction of the original Swordquest makers. I also as a kid loved the whole Swordquest story and its games, and I was very unhappy to find out that the last game was never made because of money problems, but if it could be made, you would make a lot of people like my self very happy.

[liquid_sky]

I am going to quote some Pearl Jam to try to link to a point I feel

 

When he was six he believed that the moon overhead followed him

By nine, he had deciphered the illusion, trading magic for fact

No tradebacks...

So this is what it's like to be an adult

If he only knew now what he knew then...

 

I think if the new SQ is out, the whole mythology will be gone, the wondering about why it wasent there if it might ever magically arive on a prototype.. Its like when you are a kid and you think the moon follows you, but when you find out the truth you sometimes miss the old way of thinking, but you can never go back compleatly

[StanJr]

Will just the knowledge that a "homemade" Airworld ruin it for you guys? If Dutchman goes ahead and finishes it (personally I hope so, go Dutch), there is absolutely no obligation on you to play it or even acknowledge it for that matter. As people has pointed out prior, this is not the official "Airworld." I don't really understand how the mere existence of a "homade" Airworld dissolves your illusion.

Personally, I was disappointed when I couldn't find Waterworld back in the day and even more so when I heard that the story would never be finished. If Dutchman has the skills to complete this neat piece of my childhood, I say go for it. If its going to mess with any preconceptions you have about SW, then just steer clear.

[Mindfield]

nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;I find the whole concept of this guy's E-Mail a little ... misguided, to put it kindly. "It makes rumors such as the Beta-testing Airworld cart or the possible existence of a partial Airworld comic all the more exciting." What I don't get is that it's been pretty well concluded that neither of these existed. It never even got to the coding stage. No artwork was ever done for it -- apart from the final prize, of course -- and no comic had even been started. Atari knew they were in trouble before they even finsished Waterworld; the Fireworld winners were asked before the Waterworld contest was even held to accept a settlement in lieu of participating in the Waterworld contest as they were cancelling the whole thing. It stands to reason then that Atari wouldn't have bothered wasting any more resources starting the Airworld project.

 

nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;More to the point however, is that the creation of this Homebrew finale to the series does nothing of the sort to anyone's illusion of the possible existence of some scrap of an official Airworld project. It is simply that: A homebrew effort. Even if an official scrap of the Airworld project exists, be it an unfinished comic or a very early beta EPROM, the existence of a homebrew version of the final chapter doesn't change that.

 

I see no reason to cancel the project based on one person's rather misguided E-Mail. His assertions are absurd.

[Scott Stilphen]

[Minefield]

 

>>What I don't get is that it's been pretty well concluded that neither of these existed. It never even got to the coding stage. No artwork was ever done for it -- apart from the final prize, of course -- and no comic had even been started.

>>

 

Tod Frye confirmed the game was about 20% done. Artwork *was* done for it. Besides the "Pegasus" painting, there was also a (mock-up) box shown in Atari's 2-page Swordquest magazine ads. As for the comic, I've heard it was (at the very least) written and story-boarded. Other rumors have it as only needing to be "inked", or even completely done. Unfortunately, whatever materials exist are locked away in DC Comic's archive, and nobody there seems very willing to dig them out.

 

 

[Dutchman 2000]

>>Basically, I feel that a release

of an Airworld game by a home-hobbyist after all these years would tarnish

what several collectors and I hold as a very bright memory of our childhoods.

>>

 

Ah...yes...as for your SQ fan's comments, I doubt many people consider a failed contest, composed of *very* boring games, much of a 'bright memory'. At least he's right about one thing - he's quite possibly the biggest SQ "fan" out there....

 

I saw a similar posting over at the 2600 Connection site. I don't see how homebrew versions (such as Christian Bogey's Ewok Adventure or Mike Mika's Kickman) can detract from the original games that were planned (even if they were started...)

 

Please proceed with your efforts!

[deftones_atari]

I was reading this and i saw something rather amusing

 

"You don't know this individual personally.

 

You don't know if he has alterior motives.

 

You don't know if he's just a greedy person looking to have 'it all'." by Trebor...

 

Personally i agree with all of those thoughts as they are all true.

 

I do not agree with the "Swordquest aficionado." if he was a real fan he would WANT you to finish the series. The series does need some sense of closure.

 

...and on one last note, i find it a bit off that he uses the number three 3 times in his statement............