Custom Stories VS. Full Conversions

[ElectricRed]

Hi!

So recently, I noticed that many newer custom stories are full conversions, and can't really see why. I thought that the only reason a full conversion was necessary is if main game mechanics are being changed, and that doesn't seem to be the case with most of them. Is there a particular reason why full conversions are used, or is it just to have a new title screen?

Also, I included a poll. Lets say you had a choice of downloading the exact same custom story either as a full conversion or a regular one. Which would you prefer, and why?

Thanks!

[Adny]

It feels like people make full conversions just so they can get that decently made flashlight by Tanshaydar in their story, regardless of whether or not it makes sense. No one changes mechanics, makes new entity/static object sets, or really brings anything original to the table when they decide to make it a FC. I prefer good ole fashion custom stories if they're not going to make any changes.

[Bulbatron]

Sorry to sound like an idiot, but the full conversions are the ones where the graphics and wotnot are all changed as well, right, while custom stories only use the original game elements and can just be put directly into the custom stories folder?

If so, then I prefer custom stories.

[ElectricRed]

Sorry to sound like an idiot, but the full conversions are the ones where the graphics and wotnot are all changed as well, right, while custom stories only use the original game elements and can just be put directly into the custom stories folder?

If so, then I prefer custom stories.

Well, the graphics can be changed either way. Full conversions are used to change core game mechanics. (Such as the lantern or movement.)

[Measuring]

I prefer Full Conversions if the creator actualy uses the possibilities of changing configs to create a different experience. If they only do it for a new lantern then i think its pretty useless.

[DamnNoHtml]

The only reason I usually make full conversions is to modify the blue light effect that occurs when you are in darkness. I prefer total darkness. Having your own main menu helps the belief that the game is something new as well.

[Damascus]

I find that full conversions are sometimes too much of a hassle unless you're going to make some extreme changes. They are also kind of a pain in the ass to install sometimes.

Currently I'm working on a mod that will do just fine as a Custom Story, so I'm keeping it simple that way. It will focus more on story and atmosphere, and doesn't need any fancy hoohah. After this though I may be helping someone with a Full Conversion that will change key game mechanics such as health and sanity.

Also DamnNoHtml, I find that using black level fog does a really good job at creating total darkness, as it stifles most of the blue light. If the settings are tweaked in just the right way, it's nearly impossible to see in darkness, and the lantern light doesn't reach very far. My beta testers found it fairly imposing when I used it. >

[Acies]

I have made a new lantern, fun background menu, new fonts, new graphical stuff (images and all that jazz), changed how the player sees in darkness & some other smaller tweaks.


I believe a "Full conversion" adds a little bit of immersion if a lot of work has gone into your mod, otherwise it doesn't do much.

A custom story can be far more experimental than a full conversion. Sometimes it's almost as if creators see fullconversion as some sort of "quality branding" you do on your mod.

[jamesclarke555]

I think it's only worth doing a conversion if you're going to tweak things. I was initially developing a standard custom story for my mod but switched to a total conversion mid way through because I wanted to remove tinderboxes and tweak the sanity levels for lighting and such.

[Prelauncher]

I don't really know what to vote in the poll. If the developer have a great idea for a game that gives a good reason to modify the games mechanics and thus requiering it to be a FC then I say 'go for it!' (if you have the knowledge for it). If the idea works for a regular custom story, then do that. If you have a good reason for making your story a FC, I see no problem

EDIT: To answer your question on what to download: I would download the custom story. You should not make a FC unless it is required by your idea