Super Metroid Hack introduction page

[Lunaria]

Plenty of people are watching streamers, etc, play metroid hacks and want to give it a spin themselves. The question that comes up a lot is "is X hack good to start with?". Sure, people can just browse the database until something catches their attention, but if they see someone play Redesign and think looks cool, they would probably gravitate towards that. And I don't know about anyone else, but Redesign is not a hack I would recommend to someone just getting started playing hacks.

So I figured what would be a good idea is a dedicated page with a short list of hacks to use as a starting point. That way, people who are asking for recommendations on what to play first when getting into hacks can just be refereed to that one. Ideally, each entry on the list would have a short blurb that describes what type of experience it is. Now, I would put together this list myself right now, but frankly, I have not played even close to all super metroid hacks. So, this thread is for people to provide their own suggestions (and short blurb) for things that should be on the list. I will be looking over all suggestions myself as well as ask others in the community about them if need be before adding them to the list.

Note though, that this is not a place to suggested your "favourites", but rather what would be a good hack to start with. Sensical level design/progression and a difficulty around that of vanilla is probably desired, while shorter hacks could be slightly harder anything that is traditional "hack hard" should not be here. The idea is that people move on from Super Metroid to this hack, and then from this hack into others. And note that just because you started with X hack yourself, does not mean that it's ideal for anyone else, (hench the list), feel free to suggest it though!



[spoiler=Current List]
Starting Point:

Super Metroid

The classic by Nintendo. Before attempting any custom hacks or modifications you should probably at least beat this game once.

Entry Point Hacks Full-size:

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Entry Point Hacks Short:

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[/spoiler]

[RealRed]

I'd put Super Metroid Legacy as #1. Very easy, simple hack. Maybe Hyper Metroid for #2 but the bosses are obnoxiously difficult.

Can we make a poll? Maybe with votes we can determine via the populace which hacks are considered easiest.

[Lunaria]

I'll set up a poll later if it is needed, but either way that won't be required until there are more suggestions, etc.

Hmm, I'm not sure if I clarified enough, but the list is not really meant to be, "easiest" to "hardest" or anything, but rather just a collection of things that are good to start with. What is easy and hard, as well as good or bad, will vary depending on the player anyway.

[Digital_Mantra]

Redesign popped my sm hack cherry, and I would recommend it as a starting point even if it sets the bar high and playing dogshit like legacy after feels more underwhelming than a new episode of your favorite show after it's overstayed its welcome by 5 seasons. But seriously, redesign/hyper/z-factor are godtier and if you wanna show off what sm hacking can pull off to an eager sm newfag then mine as well show them what a real steak looks and tastes like.

[personitis]

First and foremost, I'd want to make it clear that IF A HACK HAS A README FILE, READ THE DAMN README. Second, I complied my below list as a way to ease players into certain types of hacks (as per my opinion) which should include some of the hacks everyone sees the most. That way if they feel like playing more after, they can go about searching on their own. Whether said person keeps playing hacks, either way, they have an idea what they're getting into and can start to develop their tastes.

[spoiler=personitis' recommendations]
Get better at handling Samus and learning the vanilla game/engine:

• Legacy - The starting point, in my opinion, for absolute newbies fresh out of playing vanilla SM. Makes a good introduction to what hacking is all about.
• Z-Factor - A step up from the vanilla feel with a more complex map layout and a fair bit more cryptic in exploration. Shows that you can do a lot with stock elements from the original.

Expand on your exploration skills:

• Ice Metal - This is a good lesson in loose item ordering or "open-world" type of hacks in addition to having custom graphics. As difficult as you make it based on how much you've been exploring.
• Hyper Metroid - Huge world that really tests exploration and your sense of direction. Also has a ton of graphical work behind it. Difficulty is also variable via exploration involved.

Assembly can change the way you think about playing:

• SMConflict - There's not much altering the way Samus handles, but other aspects such as the shop or bosses are worth discovering to show off what kind of ideas can be put into the game.
• So Little Garden - This is really the all encompassing hack on this list: exploration, custom items/bosses/musics, fresh graphics, and emphasis on platforming.

[/spoiler]

[Metaquarius]

IMO I wouldn't put Zfactor as a good hack to start with unless I get rid of several things (like Leodox's beloved crumble room...  :wink:) On the other hand, Legacy feels a bit unpolished, maybe Arrival instead ?