Alternate Mode

[Klona13]

On the upload form, there is a check box under the download widget that says "Include alternate mode".

Checking it reveals a hidden section called Alternate mode, and all of it must be filled.

Alternate mode file: [upload widget]
Default mode label: [10 characters max]
Alternate mode label: [10 characters max]

Label examples are like Easy, Hard. Would display next to radio buttons as explained in #195

[rr-]

It seems to me this ticket was poorly thought out. Problems with this feature:

• Significant code challenges while dubious forecasted adoption/usage.
• I can imagine an immediate follow-up feature request to have separate download counters for each game mode.
• What if the author wants to release a new version of alternate game mode but not the original? I now need to track two version timelines for each level.
• What if the author changes their mind and chooses to disable the alternate mode. What do I do with all the tracked downloads? With past versions?
• What about reviews – which version do I review?
• Why just 1 alternate game mode? Why not "savegame crystals", "crystals but harder", "no enemies"…?

Even if you dismiss all of my above concerns, a feature like this certainly shouldn't be added the day before the launch. It's just disrespectful.

[Klona13]

• This will be like an add on alternate mode. It won't be versioned like the original mode. It's niche but still used here and there.
• Level page = sum of all downloads for the level. We don't take requests to change this.
• Again, it's an alternate mode of the original. We don't need to keep note of the versions for it. Updating on the edit form it just replaces the current slot it occupies.
• Unchecking the mode on the edit form clears the download, but the record for its existence stays along with downloads count. The level page will still have the selector but you can't change it anymore (or just remove the selector altogether if that's easier to program)
• They're still reviewing the same game, with minor differences based on preference (same thing happens with other videogames). Reviewers here will probably mention which version they played when talking about difficulty.
• That's just offering too many options. We just want it to be binary.
  easy/hard
  censored/uncensored
  normal / save crystal
  standard / alt. outfits

People can get creative.

[rr-]

Well having it this low-key sounds like a good route to spread things such as level project files, walkthroughs etc. which will create a mess. And taking it away later will meet tons of complaints later.

I'm heavily against it. It's easy to say "Yes", it's very difficult to take it back later, and I'm not sold on this feature.

[Klona13]

I'm not with or against this feature. It's just a response to your prompt in #184 so it made me think you wanted some thing like this.

But naturally it will be mandated. Levels that misuse it will have it taken away.

I remember some levels on trle.net have 2 versions at most. (easy/hard) Unless im imagining things...