by LMH » 03 May 2015, 18:41
Currently, the ghost tree is not actually in-game, although I believe it is meant to be the end boss of the forest level. You can still experience the gameplay mechanics by cheking out "test levels" under the "contrib" menu. If memory serves me, there is a level entitled "Trees Stink" (which doesn't make very much sense, but I think someone renamed it from "Trees Suck" with the aim of being more kid-friendly, despite the fact that the ghost tree litterally sucks in willowisps as part of the encounter).
Head's up, it is pretty rough, and not very intuitive what it is that you are suppose to do. SPOILER: to defeat the tree, you must capture some of the willowisps with the empty lanterns, the filled lantern must be placed close to the mouth of the tree where it will be sucked in to cause damage. Currently, I believe it just ends abruptly when you do this once.
Now might be a good time to discuss some of the mechanics of the encounter, if you are wanting to finish the graphics- which would be awesome. For example, I think all three colors of willowisps should have to be inhaled by the tree in order for victory. More relevant to the art, perhaps it should be done in a way that the eyes follow Tux around the screen. Or maybe the death animation should be something where the tree is no longer haunted, and begins to sprout new growth. These are just some of my random ideas; I'm not sure what the original intent was, but you might be able to discuss it with the more active members in the IRC chat channel- I think there is generally somone floating around there.