Creatures Village Reorchestrated, Review~

Hello everyone! Here I am, writing up a review for our good friend C-Rex, of Docking Station Galaxy fame, for his new Creatures album, Creatures Village Reorchestrated.

I've always been a big fan of Creatures Village, and I especially love it's happy, upbeat music. And I can say for certain, I never thought I'd ever find a better version than the original. Yet, I stand corrected! C-Rex has outdone himself with this album. Simply magnificent. Each song has been given a touch of warmth, sounding more realistic yet still keeping it's cheerful charms.

I start with the Nursery track. This is the first track anyone would hear playing the game, so it seemed fitting to start there. I find myself smiling as I hear the familiar tune, and grinning at the warm, sweet tones. The charming nursery music has been rendered so well, it sounds like something I'd go pay to see in a music hall. It brings the same feeling as hatching your first Norn, warm, comforting, and wondrous.

I'm then taken to the Kitchen track. The bouncy track has always been one of my favorites, and now, it's been redone in such a way I can barely describe! Similar to the nursery music, it has the smooth, warm tones of the piano melded into the happy tune. Well done indeed!

Now onto the Toyroom. Such a playful tune in the original, I often found it too "in your face" for my tastes. But, this version seems much less intrusive, while still maintaining the bouncy melody of the original. Not my favorite, but a wonderful playtime ditty, all the same.

I decide to go right to one of my favorites, Mud World! Wow, wow, wow! Just when I think it couldn't possibly get better, it does! This is by far one of the best musics I've heard in a long time. While it is sadly short, the end ties to the beginning so well, that I didn't realize I'd listened to it five times before I looked. It's definitely one that you wouldn't tire of hearing.

Ah, the Swamp. A grin is brought to my face by the use of new instruments for this one. It sounds so silly and just, well, swampy! And yet, it sounds so grand at the same time, especially near the end. Greatly contrasting to the little tunes of the house, it's a wonderful addition as well as great adventure music, I must say.

Speaking of adventures, how about a Roller Coaster ride? This was nothing like I ever expected for something meant for Creatures Village. This track is simply too good for words. It meshes so well with the odd little temple in the background of the roller coaster itself, and has a general jungle-y feel. Definitely fit for adventure!

To the Village! I love the woodwind sounds I hear in this track. I do wish it was a little slower paced, but it's beautiful all the same. I find myself thinking of rolling green fields and a little Norn's "Journey" across Albia. Personally, I think this rendition of the familiar village music is fit for Albia itself! Marvelous.

I almost forgot one of the main attractions, the Fair itself! I am blown away with what's been done for this lovely tune. So many different sounds, all harmonized into what can only be described as a symphony. A simply AMAZING rendering of the beloved fair music. It's upbeat, bouncy, and fun, just what a fair music should be! A charming toe-tapper, if you ask me.

Alas, it's unavoidable that Norns don't last forever. I never thought there was room for much improvement on the death music, yet once again, I stand corrected. The breathtaking keys of the piano offset the somber sounds of the tune that always accompanies the little Norns' death. While short, wonders have been done to this little melody.

The only last track to hear was one of my all time favorites. Yes, the Graveyard melody. So sweet in its simplicity, yet so sad all the same. Ohh, how beautifully this song has been reorchestrated. I cannot begin to describe the feelings invoked by the soft tones. It tugged my heartstrings and brought a tear to my eye. I hear the strings near the middle, and they just start flowing. Simply beautiful.

I have got to say, the album brings a certain sense of wonder to the game. While it's often deemed childish, I think these lovely melodies can bring the sweet little game down to earth. I cannot wait to hear what else C-Rex has brewing for the rest of the songs. Simply wondrous luv. *applause*

This has been your happy Harlequin friend, signing off!

Luv, Darby Doo

~The End of Round One~

In a fit of impatience, I decided to flip on Wolfing Controls and set it to fast mode. Not knowing who would be the last standing, I rushed ahead in search of the winner. As it turns out, nobody missed much action. Both of them remained in their preferred homes, Jewels in the Norn Terrarium, Davidson in the Meso. Both of them minded their own business as they reached old age.

However, there was one major difference. While Davidson stayed a creature of habit, eating, playing, just happily doing his thing; Jewels decided to shun all food and remain by the lift for the rest of her days. She resigned herself to death while Davidson happily carried on as he has for his entire life. As such, it is with great joy that I announce Davidson as the winner of Round One! Congratulations, Spykkie!


Twelve Norns were sent out to live their lives for this run, but only one truly survived. Davidson, a happy homebody who was content to stay put with his carefree existence while the others went out in search of adventure. The humble little Harlequin has risen to the top, earning his place in the winner's circle. It's true what they say, there really is no place like home!

*Nice (M Chichi) - OctoberFlash
*Jewels (F Painted Chichi) - Grendel Man
*Marty (M Zebra) - Puddini
*Martha (F Bengal) - Charity
*Tigger (M Treehugger) - Rascii
*Stella (F Astro) - Panda-mist
*Tom (M Fallow) - Emma
*FiFi (F Siamese) - magpie-angel
*Davidson (M Harlequin) - spykkie
*Tolerance (F Magma) - Odul
*Rupert (M Bondi) - kezune

For all those who didn't win, remember that you still have two more chances, should you wish to enter again! Stay tuned for the next round!

Death's Embrace amongst the Stars

As I watch the Norns slowly go insane, I'm startled by the sudden appearance of a fiery orange gal in between Fifi and Rupert. Good news! A slap-happy Tolerance has broken both of them from their starvation induced trance. After smacking each other around, Rupert is back to exploring and Fifi has laid another egg. Unfortunately, they're still at risk. If they don't get some food into their systems soon, they could still drop from hunger at any given moment...

Also apparently starving himself to death is our little Zebra friend, Marty, whose wanderlust has gotten him into a sticky situation in the Jungle. With no food in sight, and no Norns, slap-happy or otherwise, to snap him out of his stupor. Though the next death is not his. I'm taken back to the Bridge, and my suspicions were confirmed. Fifi's last pregnancy took a serious toll on her already starved body. She used her last breath of life to bring her egg into the world. The poor girl just couldn't handle it all. Farewell, dear Fifi. You will be missed...


Though I'm not surprised when I'm greeted with another death. Alas, Marty has joined Fifi in death. The Jungle was not kind to his weakened system. Poor Marty... May your Nornish soul find peace. Not a minute later, I am greeted with a third death. Stella has given in to starvation also. She sadly mistook the Medicine Vendor for a food vendor and spent her last minutes of life feverishly pushing it. Goodbye Stella, be at peace.

Things seem to have dropped to a lull. Bubbles and Jewels are bonding in the Norn Terrarium, Tom is thriving in the Desert, Davidson is the only one left in the Meso since Nice teleported to the Jungle... Though the lull was shattered by yet another death. Sadly, Rupert soon followed suit and he too has passed on. Our brave little Bondi boy put up with several violent females, Eat Elevator Syndrome, and severe starvation before his resilient little heart gave out. Rest in peace, little dude...

Woe! Fate has not been kind to the poor Norns today! Just when I thought it couldn't possibly get worse... Dear little Tom has been enjoying his new life in the Desert, but sadly, he got a bit to curious and ventured into the pond after some Ettin eggs... Poor Tommy boy has drowned! Alas, Nice ventured in after him, and promptly fell asleep. He quickly drowned as Tom did... Be at peace, little ones...

Great grumbling Grendels, this is just depressing! Another tragic death. Even our mother of many, Tolerance, was not safe from death's cruel sting. I find her curled up beside the lift buttons, having just attempted to take a ride up to the ice cream maker. Poor girl... As I watch her body slowly fade away in a shimmering cloud, I start to suspect she too succumbed to starvation. Farewell, dear Magma mama. You will be forever remembered.

I am astonished as to what happened next! I check back on Bubbles and Jewels, and I see Bubbles use one of the hidden Random Teleporters. Somehow, Bubbles has transported herself into deep space! Upon further investigation, it seems she's caught in the space between the two airlocks. I'm shocked when she disappears in a cloud of smoke, leaving behind no trace she was ever there. Spunky little Bubbles has braved the depths of the Jungle, survived infections of both Glycotoxin and Macrobacteria, and even rescued herself from drowning. She has now made her final journey, coming to rest among the stars. Goodbye Bubbles! May your spirit dance amongst the stars forever more!

Only two Norns remain in the world. It's between Davidson and Jewels now. Who will survive?

*Bubbles (F Bruin) - GirlySatan

*Nice (M Chichi) - OctoberFlash
*Jewels (F Painted Chichi) - Grendel Man
*Marty (M Zebra) - Puddini
*Martha (F Bengal) - Charity
*Tigger (M Treehugger) - Rascii
*Stella (F Astro) - Panda-mist
*Tom (M Fallow) - Emma
*FiFi (F Siamese) - magpie-angel
*Davidson (M Harlequin) - spykkie
*Tolerance (F Magma) - Odul
*Rupert (M Bondi) - kezune

Life, Death, and Teleporters

As the run marches on, I'm greeted with a terrible surprise. Tom, becoming bored of his life in the Meso, has decided to go exploring and has succumbed to boredom, and has been infected by the Toxic doll... However, despite the Glycotoxin coursing through his tiny system, he sees fit to make himself the first father of the run with none other than Tolerance!

Tom makes his way back to the Meso to find food, and Tolerance lays her egg. A beautiful strawberry speckled egg that I quickly placed in storage. Tom and Tolerance's baby will be hatched with any other eggs from the run at a later date. Pleased with herself, Tolerance heads back to the Meso for a well needed rest. Tom seems to be recovering from the Glycotoxins well, so I leave them in the Meso for some well deserved peace and quiet.

Sadly, with the promise of new life, death was right around the corner. The soft tones of the Meso music turn dark and ominous as I discover the forlorn body of a small Treehugger boy. Our dear Tigger has passed on today, leaving this mortal coil forever more. His fragile immune system just couldn't handle all the illness he suffered... Farewell, dear Tigger. You will be missed.

Elsewhere on the Shee Starship, Bubbles, Fifi, and Stella have all gathered around poor Martha, who seems to have resigned herself to her death. Fifi and Stella have become quiet violent, slapping everyone in sight. Each other, Bubbles, and even poor Martha, who won't even get up to defend herself. Bubbles makes a quick getaway to the Norn Terrarium, and seems to have captured the heart of a certain Bondi boy!

Romance has bloomed in the Norn Terrarium, but not with new sweethearts, Bubbles and Rupert. Instead, a rather unsuspecting couple of Norns, who have been left alone in the Terrarium for most of the run have produced the second egg! Yes, Jewels and Marty have hit it off during their time together. More good news, the happy couple have now completely recovered from the Macrobacteria. A love forged through illness and affliction is a strong one, eh?

Another tragic death has followed the laying of the second egg. Alas, poor Martha has given in to starvation. A tragic end to her first and last adventure... Sadly, I fear more deaths may be imminent as I hear the pained moans of Fifi and Stella as they cry for food. Stella becomes more violent in her hunger, repeatedly hitting both nearby gadgets and Fifi. Fifi feels only despair as she lies there, voicing her dislike for Stella as she moans pitifully for seeds she'll never find...

All of the Norns have sprouted up into adulthood, all except for Rupert who, due to his Bondi genetics, will always be the last to reach a lifestage. It seems that Tolerance has once again become pregnant, this time with Nice's child. I feel a prickling of dread as she lays her brightly colored egg, as it seems for every egg laid, another Norn dies...

 It seems that many Norns are in danger of death! Fifi and Stella are starving... Marty is in the Jungle, eating mushrooms... And poor Davidson has been infected with a large dose of Glycotoxin! Though the next event I am greeted with is not of death, but of another pregnancy! Rupert and Fifi have had an egg together. I fear for Fifi's sake, as pregnancy can significantly harm a starving Norn...


As I check back in Meso, I see Tom disappear as he works the Random Teleporter. Instantly, he's transported to the Comms Room, where he finds another Random Teleporter! Curiosity overcame him, and he pushed the device. He was whisked away to the Bridge, where he pushed that teleporter and found himself in the Jungle. What he did next was no surprise, he teleported himself back to the bridge! Goodness Tom! He finally settled on a destination; the Desert, which has been modified into a fruitful oasis through the use of Bramboo and a nice didgeridoo to play!

Back in the Meso, all is well. Davidson plays his wacky tunes on the Musicola while Nice and Tolerance feast on carrots. Once again, Tolerance has become pregnant, though this time the father is Davidson. Only three Norns left in the Meso now. Davidson, Nice, and Tolerance, all still perfectly content to stay put where it's safe. Perhaps they've noticed how the others who left have never returned. For these three, there truly is no place like home!

I check back on the Norns in the bridge, and I'm saddened by their sorry state. Stella has become obsessed with the medicine vendor, repeatedly pushing it, stopping only when exhaustion takes over and she falls asleep. Fifi and Rupert haven't moved an inch. They both lie there, moaning pitifully as they slowly starve to death. I fear the worst as they both chorus their doom. "Eat elevator"...


Two Norns have already left our numbers, and I fear more may join them soon. Still ten remain, fighting to survive on their own. Who will rise up, and outlast the rest?

*Bubbles (F Bruin) - GirlySatan

*Nice (M Chichi) - OctoberFlash
*Jewels (F Painted Chichi) - Grendel Man
*Marty (M Zebra) - Puddini
*Martha (F Bengal) - Charity
*Tigger (M Treehugger) - Rascii
*Stella (F Astro) - Panda-mist
*Tom (M Fallow) - Emma
*FiFi (F Siamese) - magpie-angel
*Davidson (M Harlequin) - spykkie
*Tolerance (F Magma) - Odul
*Rupert (M Bondi) - kezune

Growing Up, Settling Down

As I check on all the little Norns, it becomes evident that my fears have been realized. Both Tigger and Marty appear to be unwell. Marty hasn't moved from the spot, instead he lies there, moaning in hunger. Tigger is pacing conveniently by an Ice Cream Machine, but is too distracted to utilize it. He paces back and forth in front of the door, occasionally whimpering as he tries to ignore his pressing hunger...

With a stroke of luck, Marty is disturbed from his stupor by Rupert. Marty decided to follow Rupert down the hall. First heading straight to the Jungle, where he made a quick snack before heading back out and into the Norn Terrarium with his friend. The music is still ever ominous, but with plenty of food in the area, I think he'll make it.

It seems Bubbles has also left the unforgiving Jungle and made her way to the Norn Terrarium. Relieved to find herself in a more comfortable area, she gladly accepts the rich food supply and proceeds to befriend Jewels before settling down for a long needed nap. It would seem that the little ones prefer the company of others to lurking alone in cold, unfamiliar places!

Back in the Meso, everyone remains content to stay put and grow old together. It appears as though all these Norns will survive into adolescence! All six of the Meso Norns have learned their full vocabulary, and are perfectly happy to not do anything interesting. Fifi, Tom, Tolerance, Nice, Davidson, and Stella are all safe in the comforts of the Meso. Though they appear to be getting a little crowded!


Or a lot crowded, it seems! In a fit of claustrophobia, Nice rushes to the nearest teleporter. Unfortunately, he was in a bit of a group and ended up transporting both himself and two of the girls to who knows where! After a bit of searching, it seems that he and Tolerance aren't far from home, just in the Capillata Workshop.


Fifi, however, was transported all the way to the Shee Starship Bridge! Stella transported to the Bridge not far behind her. She appears to be in good spirits about it all, but we'll see what happens when loneliness sets in. Will her temper rise without the company of Tom?

 Nice and Tolerance made their way back to the Meso through another teleporter, and are safe at home with Tom and Davidson. Bubbles has ventured back into the Jungle, and Martha hasn't moved a muscle since arriving in the Bridge. It would seem that all is not well in the Norn terrarium, though. Marty has stumbled upon some Macrobacteria. He's not the only one sick, however. Tigger has also come across some sort of illness and now punctuates his eternal pacing with sneezes.


Two more have left the Meso, leaving just one girl with three boys. While some are safe in their new homes, it's evident that the days of some may be numbered... All have survived past childhood and into adolescence, and may yet make it to adulthood. Only time will tell.

Exploration, ho!

Ever eager to explore, Rupert abandons the deadly toy and decides to take a trip to the Shee Starship. He seems to be shivering a lot from the Glycotoxin, but I believe he got some food in his system, so he should make a full recovery. Right as Rupert is transported to safety, Marty decides join him on his exploration of the Starship, blissfully passing the toxic doll by as he boldly goes! Perhaps the two will find adventures together as they wander the halls of the Shee Ark!

Another bit of good news, Jewels has found her way out of the dark Crypt and has stumble upon a patch of delicious carrots on Dave's Hill. She seems pleased with herself as she settles down for a well deserved rest. Perhaps she's found herself an easy life in the Norn Terrarium. She'll be safe so long as she doesn't develop a wanderlust, and find herself in the cold dampness of the Jungle...


As I check back in the Meso, I'm greeted with the sound of the Random Teleporter in action. It seems not all the little Norns are so content to stay put! Stella makes a quick getaway as Bubbles is transported who knows where. The cautious little Astro girl wants nothing to do with this teleporter!

Bubbles finds herself in a less than ideal area as she's whisked away to the Jungle. She quickly makes it her duty to eat every mushroom in sight. She seems to have the sense to keep away from the Rocklice, however. Who knows, perhaps she could thrive in the Jungle, as few have done in the past?


Checking back in the Meso, it seems another little one has developed a wanderlust. Also joining the exploration crew of the Shee Starship is Martha, who seems determined to push every button she can get her little paws on. Sorry luv, no airlock buttons for you! Pursuing her love of buttons, Martha makes a few back and forth trips from Capillata to Starship. Though it seems she's settled on the Starship, keeping the company of Rupert all for herself as Marty explores further.



I do a quick head count in the Meso, and discover a particularly green head missing from the group! Upon further investigation, it seems Tigger has given in to his Treehugger nature and has used the Random Teleporter to find himself less crowded living space. He finds himself in the Aquatic Terrarium, a beautiful oasis full of life, and home to one of two Ice Cream Machines I've placed throughout the world!


The remaining Norns in the Meso seem to be enjoying their simple life, content to stay put and enjoy each others company. Tom seems to have a calming effect on Fifi, whose temper has decreased considerably since he started following her. Nice and Davidson are certainly enjoying themselves, creating a grand noise on the Musicola together! Tolerance doesn't seem to love it as much as they do, preferring the peace and quiet on the floor below.

All seems to be well in the Meso. Stella and Davidson have discovered the Holistic Learning Machine, and have full vocabularies to show from it!
Already, half the Norns have abandoned their Meso home in search for a home of their own. Some have found easy life in idyllic paradises, others adventure in areas less forgiving... Though as the music in the area becomes ominous, I fear it may not have been the wisest decision to venture forth at such a young age...

Project Teddy Wolfling Run Begins!!

For the very first contest for Project Teddy, I've decided to hold a Wolfling Run! You can see all the details about it on this thread from Creatures Caves: http://www.creaturescaves.com/forum.php?view=1&thread=4580

All the Norns have been chosen and named, and it's time to begin! All the Norns are listed below, with their respective sponsors! Who are you rooting for?

*Bubbles (F Bruin) - GirlySatan

*Nice (M Chichi) - OctoberFlash
*Jewels (F Painted Chichi) - Grendel Man
*Marty (M Zebra) - Puddini
*Martha (F Bengal) - Charity
*Tigger (M Treehugger) - Rascii
*Stella (F Astro) - Panda-mist
*Tom (M Fallow) - Emma
*FiFi (F Siamese) - magpie-angel
*Davidson (M Harlequin) - spykkie
*Tolerance (F Magma) - Odul
*Rupert (M Bondi) - kezune

 

 Feel free to download the Norns for your own world here! http://www.creaturescaves.com/downloads.php?section=Creatures&view=1086

And the game begins! The Norns are set loose in the world, now completely free to do whatever their tiny hearts desire. Which at the moment appears to be huddling together in a big crowd! The sounds of slapping and unhappiness emanated from the group as the Norns try to escape the stuffiness of the heating pan. Poor Jewels appears to be getting picked on by Fifi! Naughty girl, don't you know there's room for everyone?

Nice is the first to wander off on his own, snatching up the first object he sees and making a beeline for the nearest lift. Bubbles has managed to escape the throng and now hoards the Robot toy all for herself, while Tigger stands contemplating the teleporter, clearly distressed at how crowded this place is!

The Norns make their way about the Capillata, spreading out and exploring their home. Bubbles gives Tom and Rupert a few good slaps as she defends her robot toy, while Marty, Martha, Jewels, and Stella try to escape the wrath of a crowded Siamese! My my, these little Norns can get violent! Hang in there girls!

Rupert decides to venture forth out of the Norn Meso, and stumbles upon a rather unfortunate surprise. It seems his new friend, a Toxic Norn doll, isn't as fun as he expected. Poor little Bondi got a heavy dose of Glycotoxin when he tried to play. Luckily for him, there are a couple healthy lemons nearby... Hang in there little guy!


Jewels decides to take the random teleporter for a spin, and ends up far from her Capillata home! In a flash of blue, she's instantly whisked away to the Crypt in the Norn Terrarium on the Shee Ark! Not a very nice place to be, for sure. No food, no toys, no nothing. She'll have to get out of there soon, before it becomes her permanent residence!



What will come of poor Rupert and his toxic toy? Will Jewels make it out of the Crypt alive? What's happening back in the Meso? All will be told in due time. Keep your eyes out for the next update!