The latest Tweets from CastleStorm 2 (@CastleStorm2). A story-driven, castle-bashing, strategy super-DUPER mashup from @zenstudios, arriving in 2019!
Nobody ever asked Zen Studios to stop making games that star silver balls.
The developer of the successful Zen Pinball and Pinball FX titles, which are available on pretty much every device capable of playing video games, has decided to branch out anyway. Its latest game, CastleStorm, launches today on Xbox Live Arcade. The studio describes it as “a super genre mashup of 2D physics destruction mashed with tower-defense brawler,” but another way of putting it is that it’s like playing Angry Birds and a real-time strategy game simultaneously.
The plot involves a knight’s humorously epic quest to steal back an ancient crystal from an evil Viking plotting to rule the world, but really, the heart of this game is in building a castle and then using its standard-issue giant ballista to fling projectiles — like exploding apples and boulders that split into three boulders — to bring your opponent’s fortifications crashing down. (See? Angry Birds.) At the same time, you have ground units you can send out to try to weaken the enemy’s defenses.
So those are the basics, but the question remains: Should Zen just stick to pinball?
Absolutely not.
What you’ll like
The physics
Zen is famous for its physics engine; everything in its pinball tables rolls and bounces exactly the way it would in real life. And this system is a great fit for a game about knocking things down. It’s really satisfying to hurl an exploding projectile into your foe’s precious stronghold and watch the walls fly apart, especially when you set off a chain reaction that causes a huge section of the structure to buckle and crumble into rubble.
And it’s triple-awesome when some of that rubble falls down and crushes some of your opponent’s soldiers; in fact, you unlock an Achievement for killing an enemy this way. But that’s exactly what you’d expect to happen when giant chunks of stone and wood fall from the sky. Other games might make the debris insubstantial once it’s separated from the building, but Zen keeps the realism going all the way to the ground.
The same is true of flying enemies. In what is easily one of the greatest moments of my gaming career, I once used my ballista to shoot a dragon out of the sky. The massive lizard corpse fell to the ground, killing three of my opponent’s soldiers.
Thank you for making that moment possible, Zen Studios.
Gallery: Gallery
Building and destroying castles is endlessly fun
You typically have two ways to beat a level in CastleStorm. You can either destroy every room in your opponent’s castle or send your ground troops across the battlefield to knock down their gate and capture their flag. One of these is far more satisfying than the other, as I’ve said above.
But CastleStorm also includes an editor that you can use to design your ideal castle. You unlock new rooms by playing through the 12 levels of the campaign; in addition to barracks for your ground units and aeries for your flying beasts, you can also slot in special chambers that do things like make your troops do more damage or grant you bonuses to the gold you collect for taking out your opponent’s forces.
Your ballista will always be in the same place, but other than that, the design is up to you. Building a castle feels a lot like playing with building blocks — Zen’s designers are not afraid to proclaim their love of Lego — and it doesn’t take long to make something worth keeping. Once your masterpiece is complete, you can enter Test Mode to make sure that it will stand on its own and also to blast it into dust. You can pretend that this is to see how difficult it will be for your adversary to destroy the thing, but let’s be honest: Careless destruction is a stark inevitability with all building-block constructs.
The co-op multiplayer
Multiplayer is inevitable in a game like this, and Zen has made some interesting decisions with it. You have three modes to choose from, the most obvious of which is a head-to-head fight in which you and your opponent race to destroy each other’s castles or, less interestingly, capture one another’s flags. But CastleStorm also includes two cooperative game types that are actually more fun than their single-player counterparts.
Last Stand is a 2D brawler mode in which you and your partner each control one of the Hero characters. These are superpowerful melee fighters who are typically only available for a limited time in the campaign. You and your partner work together to fight off increasingly difficult waves of enemies to protect your flag in the middle of the arena. You lose if the bad guys carry your banner away or both Heroes are down at the same time (after “dying,” you have a brief cooldown period before respawning).
It’s a lot of fun standing back-to-back with your partner and picking off distant enemies with your ranged attacks before switching to your sword when they get too close, and this game type is way more manageable with a buddy, since single-handedly trying to hold off waves of foes that approach from both sides gets frustrating pretty quickly.
But the most interesting of the three is Survival, in which one member of your two-person team controls the castle’s ballista and sends out troops while the other controls a Hero character on the ground. Co-op Survival is a fun exercise in coordination and communication that gives both parties plenty of interesting and useful things to do.
You can play multiplayer both online and with someone sitting on the other end of your couch. I only played locally for this review, and the individual screens seemed like they would be way too small at first, but the ability to zoom in solved a lot of those issues.
The music
CastleStorm features a soundtrack from composer Christian M. Krogsvold (known on the Internet as Waterflame), whose work you might recognize from 2008’s Castle Crashers. The music is immediately memorable and fits its “farcical medieval combat” vibe perfectly. In particular, an earlier piece that Krogsvold reworked for CastleStorm will likely be stuck in your head long after you’ve stopped playing. I’ve been humming it this whole time.
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My Popular ProjectsHow to Make a VolcanoThis is a nice little project that has some improvements over the typical volcano. It is less mess and easy to clean. The bottle in the middle comes right out so you can clean it and do it again. It is also in a nice little box so the magma stays controlled - Less Mess - New: - Fires a stream high into the air!Make a Paper and cardboard CastleThis is a fun project - I give you all the drawings and plans you need to make this castle thats ready for painting.
Print up the packet and glue the pieces to stiff paper or cereal box cardboard.A Waterfall in a dioramaActually pretty easy to make a great looking waterfall if you know the right tools and techniques. I have it right here:How to Make a CatapultThe Table-Top Troll Catapult Build this miniature catapult from materials found around the house.
It's an easy project and the catapult really fires projectiles!Make an Assassin's Creed Hidden Blade that works!This is a fun project that just uses cardboard or foam board with a rubber band. It really works quite nicely.Make an easy egg incubator out of a styrofoam cooler This is an easy project that you can have done in a couple of hours. You can hatch your own chicken eggs and get baby chicks! Wonderful learning project.How to Make Plastic This is a terrific project that is very easy to do. You can make plastic with milk and vinegar. Sculpt it, mold it and do anything with it. You are limited only by your creativity.
In the example I make a pair of dice for wargaming and board games.How to Make a Traditonal KiteThis is an easy kite to make. Just two sticks, some plastic and tape and you are ready to fly it -Knifemaking TutorialHow to make a real knife using the stock removal method.
This is part of my blacksmithing series of tutorials.How to Make a Real Sword - I take you through the whole process of making a sword. And this one is a good sized sword! Really beefy and feels good in the hands.How to Make Chainmail: This is a tutorial that shows you step-by-step how to make chain mail.
I show you which wire to use, how to create the rings and how to weave the actual mail. I will also be doing a tutorial on how to make a piece of chainmail armor.Make a Light BoxA light box is a wonderful little thing. You can use it for tracing, drawing, and even reading x-rays. But they are very expensive to purchase.
I have a nice tutorial here that shows you how to make a great one very cheap. It uses a string of LED's as the light source.Make the Assassin's Creed TomahawkThis a great project based off of the new Assassin's Creed. Here I show you how to make the Tomahawk wielded by the main character Connor out of a broom handle and some foam board.Make a Mini CrossbowThis is a powerful little crossbow that fires straws! Easy to make and whole lot of fun.How to Make Paper!I been putting this project off for a long time because I thought it would be challenging. Wow I was wrong.
Paper making is so easy to do! And it comes out great. I love this and you are going to love it too! The possibilities are endless for scrolls, origami, fine writing and so much more.Make the Glass Dagger from Skyrim:Wonderful project where we cast epoxy resin in a two part rubber mold to make an actual glass like dagger.Make the Saw Cleaver from BloodborneThis is an interesting and fairly easy project you can make with two sheets of foam board and a little paint. I give you the template! And it really works.
You can open and close it!Make the Iron Sword from SkyrimFun project that looks reallly good. I also show you a great technique for getting that Iron look.Make FrostMourne from World of WarcraftThis is a great looking sword and you just need a few basic supplies like foamboard and cereal box cardboard. Of course I give you the template.Make the Skyrim Iron HelmetNice tutorial on how to make the Iron helmet out of cereal box cardboard and paper mache.
Good looking helmet and strong.Make a Wax seal stamper:Yes, make your very own wax stamper with a coat of arms, family crest or just your initials. I made a gauntlet holding a sword. Fun little medieval project. We don't write letters much but if you do send a correspondence it would be fun to officially wax seal it like this!How to make a Medieval Scroll!Fun and easy little project and I have already received a bunch of pictures from people who have made these!Make Gauntlets out of Craft FoamYup! That is craft foam and these gauntlets look terrific. I show you how to make them and I also give you the template which makes it so easy.
Print up the template, cut out the pieces and then trace onto craft foam. I have a video tutorial too.How to Make Medieval PaintYou use egg yolk to make something called egg tempera. Its how DaVinci did it!I have a newsletter that you can sign up for. In it I give you lots of tips, tricks and hobby projects in a variety of different areas. I also will keep you updated on projects that I am making. Totally free and one click subscribe and unsubscribe. In upcoming newsletters I will be covering themes like Rubber Band Projects, Rube Goldbergs, and Making things with Paper.
Going to be a lot of fun.Be sure to subscribe to my youtube channel if you want to keep updated on my videos. Will's Crazy picks of toys for grownup boysDoing my holiday shopping and putting together my wishlist and finding some crazy fun stuff on amazon.comMy Telescope website 'The Telescope Nerd'I have been passionate about telescopes for a very long time. If you like astronomy or want to learn more about astronomy and telescopes then check out my new website:My Fantasy websiteThis website is all about fantasy and epic fantasy books. Lots of great stuff to help you enjoy fantasy books and lots of guides on series, authors, writing, books for children and more.Things to think about and explore. 'Creativity for your mind'Telescopes and Astronomy.
Ever thought about getting a telescope? This is a wonderful and rewarding hobby.Terrarium ProjectsHow to Make a Terrarium. This section has tutorials and instruction on making several different types of terrariums- complete with lots of pictures.How to Make a DioramaDioramas are a great way to express creativity. You work through manys stages of the creative process. You conceptualize then design a scene then you work with the materials to make it a reality.-Classical GuitarLearn How to PlayIf you never played and want to learn I have a whole section that will get you going including which books to get, selecting a guitar, how to tune your guitar, how to string it and some introductory lessons.Fantasy Art SchoolLearn how to draw fantasy creatures, knights, armor and all sorts of fantasy and medieval things. I have just begun this series of art lessons and will be adding lessons daily but you can check out what I have -How to make video gamesAre you looking for a way to express your creativity?
Making video games is a great way to do it! Wouldn't it be great to make your very own video game? It could be anything you want. The only limit is your imagination and you don't need to know how to program.
There is plenty of software available that will do that work for you. You can make your own video games! In the video game design section you can find lots of materials on designing, creating, and playing your own video games.You can also look through lots of books and find the one right for you.The Table-Top Troll Catapult Build this miniature catapult from materials found around the house. It's an easy project and the catapult really fires projectiles!Build This Trebuchet called 'The Little Dragon'.
Complete instructions with pictures. Made from materials found around the house and hurls a small object 30 feet. MORE PROJECTSMake a Model RocketI make the Estes Alpha rocket. Cost less than ten dollars and is a fun way to start into the hobby of model rocketry. See the complete tutorial here:Make a Spartan Spear like the movie 300This is a fast and easy project that just takes a little bit of cardboard and a broomstick. How to Make a Box KiteA Boxkite is a unique kind of kite that is easy and fun to make and really flies - Even though it doesnt look like it can fly -A Terrarium for KidsSome guidelines and tips for great terrariums that kids can make. Includes a learning sheet that explains how a miniature ecosystem works.How to Make a Dragon PinataAll it takes is a balloon, some paper mache and a little creativity and you have a great themed pinata.
Add a sword and your party is transformed!How to Make a.Scrounging around on the internet looking for some new and fun projects I realized that there are a lot of potential projects out there! Lots of people are looking for how to make something. So I have started a section of my site called the How to Make a. I take the most popular requests for how to make and I do them. There are easy projects and more challenging projects. If you are looking for a new project to do you might want to check it out here:Four Cardboard Swords for HalloweenWnat to make a safe cardboard sword or scythe for Halloween?
I have a tutorial that shows you how. I make the Buster Cloud sword, a reaper scythe, a pirate cutlass and a traditional knight't sword. Easy to make and look great.How to Make a Cardboard Katana:This tutorial shows you how to make a great looking katana out of cardboard. And it is super strong because we adapt the secret techniques of the Japanese sword masters to the art of cardboard.How to Make a Go Kart:This is a tutorial on how to make a solid and fast go cart. Easy and cheap to make in a few hours. Also includes brakes. I call this Go Kart The Wyvern because it is thin, sleek, and fast.Make a Spartan ChestplateThis is a complete tutorial that shows you how to make a cardboard and paper mache spartan chestpiece.
It comes out great looking and is not too hard to do.Make a Spartan 300 Warrior Sword out of cardboard This is a tutorial with video that shows you how to make a nice looking Spartan sword out of cardboard. It is very strong and easy to make. Should take you less than 2 hours depending on the glue drying time.How to make a WW2 DioramaThis is an in depth tutorial with videos on how to make a WW2 diorama. I use 1/72 ScaleHow to Make a Torsion powered catapult called a Mangonel:This type of catapult uses twisted string or rope as a source of power and it is more accurate to the real catapults of Medieval times. Its an easy project and this little Mangonel reallly fires!Make a Spartan HelmetMake this helmet out of paper mache and cardboard. Complete instructions and video, along with a download of the templateMake a waterfall for a dioramaNot a real waterfall but sure looks real. Easy to make and comes out terrific.
I also have a tutorial on how to do water effects like ripples and waves and a tutorial on how to make this complete diorama called 'The Secret Grotto'How to make a terrarium waterfall from scratch I show you how to make a small waterfall that you can put in your terrarium. This is a complete tutorial that even includes a how to videoHow to make a DaggerHow to make a dagger. It is very similar to making a knife. But there are a couple of differences. A dagger is edged on both sides and made for sticking not slicing! Nice little blacksmithing project.How to make a small and easy telescopeThis is a complete tutorial on how to make a small telescope using lenses.
I show you everything you need to know.Make a Spartan ShieldThis is a great looking shield that is creative and easy to make. It looks just like the shields in the movie 300. Complete tutorial with video. I also have lots of other Spartan Projects including helmet, spear greaves and arm guards.Make the Game of Thrones Coin I show you how to make Arya's coin, clay, plastic and even cast the m in metal. Easy and fun!Make Sauron's MaceGreat looking project using just a few basic materials. And I give you the template which makes it very easy to put together.Cast a Metal Coin- The Skyrim SeptimFun project where you cast an actual metal coin with low melting metal.
I show you how to make the mold and do the whole thing.Make the Batarang from Batman!This is a really easy project and it comes out great, has a great feel and look. Just a sheet of cardboard or foamboard is all you need. I give you the template to make it so easy.Make a Daedric Sword from SkyrimFun and easy project.
All you need is a single sheet of foamboard. I have the template you just download and print out.Make a Daedric AxeThis is a fun and easy skyrim project. And I give you the template which makes it very easy.Make a SkyrimArrow to the Knee!I just couldn't resist this one. Lot of fun and easy to make. It is one of the most popular memes to come out of skyrim.
Don't worry, I will keep working on the website even though I took an arrow to the knee.Make a Karambit Fighting KnifeThis is a fun blacksmithing project to make a curved fighting knife called a karambit. I take you through all the steps and have the template for you. Even if you don't plan on making it you might be interested in the process of how a knife is made.Make a Throwing KnifeYes, a real throwing knife. This is a fun project to make and a fun project to use! I had a lot of fun with this. All you need is a piece of steel and some basic tools. And you don't need a forge.
You can harden and temper this with a torch.Make a Push KnifeIt is an interesting little blacksmithing project and very different than your usual knife. Sometime called a push dagger too.Make a miniature throne from Game of Thrones Yup, all those miniature swords I made in the previous tutorial are now put to use. Even though it is miniature it is still technically made from forged swords!Forge Mini Nail Swords Fun little project where you heat up duplex nails and turn them into tiny swords.Forge a Medieval Great Helm - This is an interesting medieval armor project. I show you the process step by step.Make Sting from the Hobbit out of foamboard or cardboardWith the new Hobbit movie just coming out this is a great time to make yourself sting.
I give you the template to make it so easy.!Make Gimli's Axe from Lord of the RingsThis is an easy and fun project. Of course I give you the template.
Make this and you will be ready for the release of the new Hobbit Movie!Make a Fake Boulder (Terrific project if dragons keep digging up your garden)Yup, some foam and paper mache is pretty much all you need along with a little paint and you have a light weight boulder.Make a Bonsai Tree out of WireI show you how to make a realistic looking bonsai tree out of simple materials like wire, aluminum foil, and pencil shavings.Make Gandalf's Sword GlamdringThis is one of my easiest sword projects and it looks great. You just need a few basic materials and I give you the template which makes it very easy to do!Make Sting from the Hobbit out of SteelOk! I have made Sting out of foamboard. Now it's time to make it out of steel.
I show you step-by-step how it is done.Make Orcrist from Lord of the RingsFun and easy project that uses just a single sheet of foam board. And as always I give you the template.How to startBonsai SeedsTree seeds are different than typical garden seeds. They need a process to get started.
You have to soak and cool them. I show you how right here:Make the Witch King HelmetThis is an easy paper mache or plaster cloth project. And I give you the template. Now you can be the witch king. If being the bad guy is what you want!Make a BallistaIt's an ancient Roman and Greek siege engine and you can make one out of foamboard.
I have the template for you. Cut out the pieces, trace onto foamboard and put it together.Will takes a trip to IndiaIt was a fun adventure and if you want to see a little bit of India check out Will's video on his youtube channel right here:Make a Railroad Spike KnifeThis is a great little project if you are just beginning in blacksmithing. RR spikes are so easy to work with and you can whip up a nice little knife in no time. Practically can't do wrong with a project like this and it will help you to develop a feel for hammering hot metal.Make Wolverine Claws that workFun and easy foam board project.
I give you the template. And the claws really shoot out of the box.
You can have this done in no time at all.Make an Indian Katar Assassin's DaggerFun foam board project and all you need is two sheets of foam board, two rubber bands and two toothpicks. I give you the template. It really works, opens and snaps closed.Make an Indian Sikh DaggerI bought a dagger while on a trip to India. It is quite beautiful. So I thought it would be fun to make one out of foamboard. I give you the template and the ornamental work which makes it very easy for you to make.Make a Leather Sword SheathWeb visitors have been asking me to do this tutorial for a long time. I finally got to it.
It is how to make a leather sheath for a sword. And I make one for our Steel Sting Sword. It also comes with a video.Make a Foil Tape Sword (Robb Stark)Foil tape is a great way to make a cardboard or foam board sword look like steel. I show you how to do it. I also give you this template so you can make a replica of Robb Stark's sword from Game of Thrones.Make the Elven Bow from SkyrimFun foamboard project.
It doesn't really work as a bow but looks great and is perfect for show or cosplay. I give you the template which makes it easy to build.Make a Hexagonal Box KiteYou wouldn't think that something like this could fly but it flies very easily. Fun and easy project with some dowels and tissue paper.Make a Metal Earth Himeji CastleFun little metal kit you can buy. It is a replica of Himeji Castle in Japan.Make the Batman MaskThis is an easy craft foam project that comes out great. You are going to like this!Make the Glass Sword from SkyrimThe glass dagger turned out to be so popular that I had to go ahead and make the sword.
Fun project and it comes out great. Actually quite impressive. You don't see projects like this very often!Storm The Castle Diorama Part 7: Water Effects, Make the MoatThe next installment of the massive castle siege diorama is done.
In this part we add the moat around the castle.How to make InkI have done tutorials on how to make paper and how to make a feather writing quill. Now I finish off that series with a tutorial on how to make ink. And it is real easy to do! You probably have everything you need right in the kitchen.Make Soul Edge from Soul CaliburThis is a pretty crazy sword in the video game. And it is even crazier in real life. And the eyeball really looks around! See how to make this project with some basic materials.Make a ThaumatropeA thaumatrope is the very first example of the phenomenon of persistence of vision where images merge together.
And in a way it is where film and animation started. Two images blur together as you spin it. I have a tutorial on how to make one and I give you three sets of images in a template so you can print them up and make them.Make Needle from Game of ThronesNice little project with a twist. This is the sword from the Series of Books. Easy project and I give you the template.Make a plastic model tank and a diorama for itIn this tutoria I show you how a plastic model tank is made and I also show you how to make a neat little diorama to go with it. Easy project called 'Crossroads'.Forge a Railroad Spike Throwing hatchetFun and easy little project and I show you a technique that all blacksmiths use but very few talk about.How to make Dragonscale ChainmailThis is a wonderful chainmail weave that looks really beautiful. Two different sized rings.
I show you everything, step by step.Make the Phantom Blade from Assassin's CreedFun foam board project that really shoots. You just need a few basic supplies and I give you the template and have it all figured out for you. Print it up and put it together.Paper Making Part 2 - Some techniques for nicer paperIn this part we get a little bit more in depth and I show you some things like adding cotton to the paper, dipping it and even forming the paper into shapes.Make a Phenakistoscope!A-Phena-what-a-scope? A Phenakistoscope is often referred to as a magic disk. The disk has a series of images on it and when you spin it an animation happens!
Yup, I give you everything you need to make this early animation device. Just print up the template along with four different magic disks.Make a Dragonbone DaggerThis is a fun and easy project that you can do quickly and it looks great. I show you a neat technique for painting the blade to look like bone. And of course I give you the template.Make Dark Repulser from Sword Art OnlineThis is an easy foam board project from the very popular Sword Art Online. I give you the template.Make Katarina's Daggers from League of LegendsNice little project that is easy to make.
I give you the template. You can have this done in no time with just a few basic supplies like foamboard or cardboard.How to Make a PVC swordPVC is wonderful for making swords and weapons. It is cheap, strong and readily available. And you can even heat it up and shape it. Check out the tutorial here:How to set up a beehiveI just started another beehive and it is an interesting process. Learn about it here.How to Make a Foam Board SwordFoam board is terrific for making swords. It is strong and easy to work with.
I show you techniques for how to do it. And along the way we make this beautiful sword!Make a ZoetropeA zoetrope is a fun little optical illusion project.
You might even call it an animation project. You put a series of images inside a tube and spin the tube. Look through slots you made and the images become an animation. Fun and easy.
And I give you the template with the animation ready to go.Make a Light BoxA light box is a wonderful little thing. You can use it for tracing, drawing, and even reading x-rays. But they are very expensive to purchase.
I have a nice tutorial here that shows you how to make a great one very cheap. It uses a string of LED's as the light source.Make a simple dioramaThis is a great project for kids. You need a small box, glue stick, scissors and a magazine. That's it.Make a Wizard's GlobeEvery wizard's lair has a globe like this. It works a lot like a gyroscope in that you can rotate the rings and the globe so it can be looked at from any angle.Make the Skyrim Nightingale BladeEasy to make project that comes out great. And all you need is a single sheet of foamboard.
I show you a build technique that makes the blade very strong and realistic looking. It has depth, it isn't flat.Make a Star Wars Crossguard LightSaberThe new lightsaber is quite a bit different than the usual ones. I like this one a lot. It has a crossguard which makes it much like a medieval sword. I give you templates to make two different sizes.Kingdom The Paper GameFun little paper game that you can download, print up and play. The King has been assassinated. Are you smart enough to save the Kingdom?
One of ten paper games that I have. Check it out here:Make a Camera ObscuraThe Camera Obscura is a curious device that goes all the way back to antiquity.
And it is a pre-cursor to the camera. Fascinating and easy to make. I have a tutorial right here:Make Gandalf's Grey staff from The HobbitAnd I show you how to make the crystal that goes inside and how to light it up. Check out the tutorial with video here.Make Saruman's Staff from Lord of the RingsThis is a nice looking project that is very easy to make.
I give you the template and show you several easy ways to make the glass globe in the center.How to Make Foam Armor shoulders and armsFun and easy armor making tutorial using craft foam and cereal box cardboard. I give you the template which makes it easy.Make the DragonAge Inquistion HelmetFun project that looks great and uses no paper mache. Yes, we use masking tape and cereal box cardboard.
If you are a fan of the dragonage video games you should check this outMake a Feather Quill penYou can easily make one of those old fashioned writing instruments out of a feather. I show you how. You just need a turkey feather. This is a great companion project to my paper making stuff.Make the RingWraith Sword from Lord of the RingsThis is a big sword yet pretty strong. I show you a special technique for making a foam board sword that is strong. It involves diamonds but not that kind!Blacksmith a sword fast!I challenged myself to make a sword real fast and easy.
It took me six hours from start to finish. You can make a sword like this too. Check out my tutorial here:How to Make Gandalf's StaffThis is the iconic white staff that Gandalf wields. I show you how to make it easily with just a few supplies and I give you the template!Make Elucidator from Sword Art OnlineThis is an easy foam board project from the very popular Sword Art Online.
I give you the template.Forge a Rebar KnifeRebar is a cheap and readily available material. It is easy to forge and in this tutorial I show you how to make a knife with it.
I also show you some new techniques like how to bend the steel into curves.Make an Origami Bonsai TreeI love this project because it is a combination of two things I love: Bonsai and Origami. The only way it could get any better was if it were alive and needed care! But, you might consider it a bonus that this tree needs very little care. Lol!- oh and the tree itselft is a brown paper bag that has been twisted and shaped. Neat.Make a Daedric Bow and ArrowFun and easy project.
You just need two sheets of foamboard to make this bow. I give you the template.
If you are a skyrim or elder scrolls fan you are going to love this one!Free Hands-on Tutorials and Projects. The Website that shows you how to make things!.Watch my ten second video:My Newest Projects:Will's Newest Book is now available on Amazon! Are you interested in telescopes and the night sky?See It with a Small Telescope: 101 Cosmic Wonders Including Planets, Moons, Comets, Galaxies, Nebulae, Star Clusters and More -Will's blacksmithing book is now available in the Amazon Kindle store.New: Make a mini marshmallow crossbowThis is a fun project that is easy to make. A rubber, band, cardboard and glue is all you need. And it is powerful!New: Make a Corona Virus ModelWe use information from the Center for Disease Control to get an accurate model that is easy to make.
Some foam and golf tees!Make a shadow theatre out of a cardboard boxThis is a fun project that is easy to make. And, once you make it the creativity continues.
You can put on shows and tell stories with thisForge a Flaming arrow tip -This is a complete tutorial showing you step-by-step how too blacksmith up a flaming arrow tip. Based on a real arrow tip seen in a museum.B lacksmith a coin - It's a fun and unique project.
I take you through the whole process from concept to striking the coins in the forge and on the anvil.New: Get Will's Blacks mithing ebook - 48 pages of blacksmithing expertise that answers all your questions and gets you blacksmithing. Always dreamed of doing it? Let Will help you get forging!New: Make a cardboard rocket pencil holderFun little cardboard project with a clever way of forming cardboard tubes.New: How to easily form cardboard into tubes and cylindersNow you can re-use and recycle cardboard boxes and make all kinds of great projects.Lots of easy paper towel and cardboard tube projectsI have a lot of fun and easy projects for you to make with cardboard tubes.Will Travels Medieval America -Will is on a quest to build a castle. And as part of this he has embarked on an adventure across America visiting castles, blacksmiths, meaderies, museums and all sorts of medieval places.
You can follow along on the adventure! Yes, there are castles in America and Will is visiting them!!Will's Podcast - Friday Fish & ChipsEnjoy listening to podcasts? Check out Will's podcast on life, philosophy and the meaning of it all. Available in many formats including Apple, tunein etc.Make a Miniature Rolling Paper TheatreThis is a fun little storytelling device. Easy to make and harkens back to a time gone by.Make Conan's sword The AtlanteanThis is the sword of Conan the barbarian. I show you how to make it and I give you the template which makes it very easy.New: Make a Cardboard Dollhouse (Tudor Style!)Make an inexpensive and durable dollhouse that looks great. I give you the designs and blueprints free.
And I have a video tutorial showing you how to make it.Make Thor's StormbreakerThis is a terrific project that looks good and is very durable. You can use it for cosplay and convention going.Make fast and easy dungeons for table top gamingIt looks good, is easy to make and it's cheap! I show you how to do it.Make the Alita Battle Angel SwordEasy foam board sword you can make. And I give you the template.The Lost Van Gogh Scene BoxI show you how to make this scene box from a lost Vincent Van Gogh Painting. And I give you the template. Print it up and put it together.Make a Gun-sword that shoots rubber bandsA fun project that only needs one sheet of foamboard.
And it is based on an actual 16th century gun-sword I spotted in a museum.Make a chamber of wondersA chamber of wonders was a 17th century Flemish thing. People would collect up wonders from around the world and display them. I visited one, and have pictures and a video.
And, turned it into a paper diorama project. You can download it, print it, and make it here:Make an 18th century diorama also known as a paper theaterIn the Eighteenth century this type of layered diorama was all the rage.
It is composed of six layers to give the perception of depth. I spotted one in a museum and decided to make one. Rather than making the scene of an 18th century garden I decided to use photographs from my travels to make the Biltmore gardens from the famous Biltmore Castle.Make a Rapunzel Paper Diorama (Tatebanko)Here is an easy scene from the Grimm fairy tale Rapunzel that you can make. I give you everything in the template.
You print it up and put it together.Make the sword of Perseus from a museum statueThis sword is from a 300 year old marble statue in the New York Metropolitan Museum. The statue depicts Perseus slaying Medusa. And we make this exact sword out of foam board.Make a Patton Tank Plastic ModelFun and easy plastic model build.
1:35 scale so it is a good size and easy to handle. Easily done in a few hours and an inexpensive model. One of the more popular ones made by Revell. Tutorial includes a video.I have the first version of this castle done. It is an eight page pdf which includes the base sheet that you assemble it on. There are not yet any instructions to go with it. But you should be able to put it together relatively easily.
I recommend you print it up onto some kind of index card or card stock. 90 pound paper is the best. Download it here:(If you need 90 pound paper it is)Make a 'Flame Blade' Kris DaggerThis is an easy foam board or cardboard project. You can have this fancy looking dagger done in no time and with few materials. Either cardboard or foamboard work for this. And of course, I give you the template!What tools should you get to start out in blacksmithing?I have it all laid out for you right here including a printable list.
There isn't a lot needed to get started.The Irish Spring Diorama in a box of soapThis is a clever little project where we make an Ireland scene inside a box of Irish Spring Soap. There is a lot of creative potential in this idea. You can have a lot of fun with all kinds of product boxes. In this one we make a good looking tree with brown paper and add a mushroom fairy ring.The Flying Fortress is a big model (19' long) and a skill level 4. I like this model. It is a fun build with a lot of internal parts and a very detailed cockpit. In this tutorial, which includes a video I show you how it's built and I give you an extra bonus by showing you something called Perfect Plastic Putty which is used to fill and smooth seams and cracks in plastic models.In this tutorial, which includes a video.
I show you some easy techniques for making a diorama. It includes easy painting and easy grass and bushes.Make a telescope Part 2: the mountI show you how to make a mount for a big 8 inch telescope that we previously made in an earlier tutorial. This telescope mount is functional, unique and easy to make.Make an EVA foam Double Bladed AxeEVA foam is floor matting used in dojos and gyms. I use it to stand on at my work bench. It is great for anti-fatigue. It is also terrific for armor and weapons. I show you how to make this double bladed axe out of it.
And I include the template.Make a Marble-tilt labyrinth game out of a cardboard box. A box and some creativity and you have a fun game. Make the labyrinth any way you like.
I also have some clever labyrinth ideas for you.Make a Viking Ship ModelThis is a 1/50 scale Revell model of a Viking Ship. Fun build (Skill Level 3) and it turns out great.
I take you through the process step by step and give you some tips and techniques.This is a video tutorial. The link takes you to my youtube channel.Easy project, 1 sheet of foamboard. And I give you the template.Check out the new blacksmithing shopIt's a nice shaded area with a roof and electricity. It is very neat and it makes a very big difference in my blacksmithing.
Learn more about it and why it helps here. Have you ever heard of the work triangle?Will's Newest Paper Castle kit: Woodforde Castle - Fun and easy paper castle kit.
Complete pdf with all the parts and instructions on how to make it.Skill level 2 build with some interesting differences than my other builds. This one has something called Zimmerit which is a clay-like coating on parts of the exterior of the vehicle. And this one came with a real metal chassis which gives the model some weight and heft.
1:48 ScaleMake Wonder Woman's Sword (Godkiller)One sheet of foam board and I give you the template. Nice sword that comes out great and is pretty strong.Make Wonder Woman's BracersEasy craft foam project and I give you the template. Actually three different size templates so you can choose the size that is right for you. I also show you how to use regular paints to achieve this nice metallic look.
Fun project!New: Make Excalibur from the new King Arthur MovieThis is a fun little project and the sword comes out great. Easy to do and you just need a few materials including two sheets of foamboard and a couple of black shoelaces. And, as always, I give you the template.Making a fruit mead (melomel)? Here are some tips for getting more fruit flavorMaking a fruit mead can be surprising. You can add a pound of fruit and let it ferment. And when it is done it will have just a hint of the fruit flavor! How do you get your melomel to have a more potent fruit flavor?
Well, Maybe you need more cowbell!!! Just kidding. In this tutorial I make a batch of mead and lay out some tricks for getting more flavor from the fruit. Included is a video.New: Make Stained Glass Beehive OrnamentsThis is a fun little project. We make stained glass flowers shaped out of hexagons that look like honey comb.
I show you how to do stained glass from start to finish. And we mount them on the beehives.A look at creativity as it happens - I video the process of thinking up an idea for a project. It starts with just a small kernel of an idea and grows from there. This is a video right here:Easy waterfalls and diorama water with Elmer's Clear glue gelsIn this tutorial I make Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth.
But the real thing about this is the various water effects you can make with the new Elmer's Clear Glue Gels. We make a Waterfall, brook, fountain and pond.Make a Knight's Templar SwordThis is a big sword that can be used one-handed or two-handed.
And it is easy to make. It all fits on one sheet of foamboard and I give you the template.Make a Medieval Flanged MaceA flanged mace is a powerful percussive weapon. The flanges allow it to bite into an opponents armor. I show you how to make one with a wooden dowel and foam board. And as a bonus I show you how to make one with EVA foam so you can actually use it to have some combat fun!The Brilliance of FoamThere are a lot of different types of foam out there, things like Styrofoam. And it can be confusing. But I have it all figured out for you.
The types of foams, how to use them and how to make things with them. Includes a video tutorial. And my favorite foam is something called XPS. Includes a videoHow to Make Tracing PaperIt's very easy to do. If you need tracing paper but don't have any then you can make some from regular printer paper. And it is useful for many projects other than tracing. Projects like my shadow theater, lightbox and camera obscura.How to Make a Shadow TheaterIt is a fun little project that is easy to make.
And it is perfect for unique story telling. You can create little stories, little characters and bring them to life. I also show you several ways to animate your characters.How to Make a Bonkei (Japanese Tray Landscape)It is a distinct type of diorama and the traditional form of this art would display a realistic natural landscape.
I take it to another level and create a fantasy landscape with a hero and a beast in a cave.Make an Apache Attack Helicopter ModelThis is a fun skill level 2 helicopter model. It is a Revell kit in 1/35 scale. I show you how to make it step by step.Make a Military Tank Model (The Walker Bulldog)I love building plastic models. It is a quiet pursuit. I used to do it as a kid and now in my adult years I have returned to.
In this tutorial I build one of the most popular models - A tank in the 1/35 scale which is an inexpensive and popular scale.Make a strong Viking axe out of foamboard or cardboardThis is a fun and easy project. And you can handle it a lot bec.