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SIREN: The Lost World [Episode 1-New Arrival]

Archive: 27 posts

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=532&stc=1&d=1242504275
http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=533&stc=1&d=1242504298

PSN: Exalted_Yawn
Level Name: SIREN: The Lost World [Episode 1-New Arrival]

This is my first level posted on this website. I really hope those who play enjoy it! It's a dark, creepy, atmospheric shot at what is a horror level at it roots. Puzzles, monsters, locked doors, and items galore. Aimed to be a Single Player Experience. For those who need help of are stuck simply go to this website
http://exaltedyawn.webs.com/

Warning though! This level is quite hard! Not for the impatient!:eek:
So I hope you enjoy and play through well!
And there's 1 prize in the stage you'll need if you wish to play the second mission. Enjoy!

Mission 1 Preview!
YouTube - SIREN: The Lost World [Episode 1- New Arrival] (Part 1)

2009-05-16 21:14:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

Wow I must say, that was one of the creepiest, and longest, levels I have ever played.

Now, there were no 'Boo!' type scares, which is ok, but the noises and darkness of the level made it quite creepy. I loved the puzzles, and how you had to adventure to get something. That stretched the levels fun and length out by a lot. I love adventuring so this was a blast! The scenery was all great and detailed, but my favorite things were the monsters, especially the Christmas tree with eyes! I also loved the loading screen at the start, that made it feel like a real game. Finally, there was a story, which is one of the main things I look for in a level.

There were somethings that need fixing; When you see the shadow monster with the red eye you can use the ramp to get up onto the shelf, then get behind him. This gets you stuck, and forces you to kill yourself. You'll have to play through the level online as there was a speech bubble somewhere that was censored. I believe you are knew, so check out this thread, as it shows all words and sub-words that have been censored; https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=t=6932&highlight=censored The level was a bit confusing at times, so I had to use the guide on your site. This isn't a big deal, but may turn some players off that have no patience. Finally, when you get the flashlight, there is nothing saying to grab it. This isn't huge, but maybe put a speech bubble saying; "Maybe I should use that flashlight." or something like that.

Overall this level was great and I can't wait for the next one! Great job!

5 stars and a heart!

And for F4F, could you give me some feedback on my level; 'Bouncing Balls - Survival Challenge'? Thanks!

2009-05-16 22:34:00

Author:
Kog

Posts: 2358

Right, done. Finally. Took me ages too get through this level.
I probably wouldn't managed finish it without the walkthrough. : )

On my first try I didn't know that there was a building to the left, so I would never have completed it. Maybe some sort of indicator would help or maybe I'm just blind.
What confused me most in this level was that I didn't know which building was which. So when it told me that I have the key for building C I didn't know where to go.
There were two censored texts. One in the left building where you have to spin a wheel to enter a code and the other one was ... hmm, I can't remember.
Anyway, the reason why I needed the walkthrough was that I couldn't figure out what the first code in the right building was, after that it was easy.

Really good level, though. One of the few levels that manage to play not like LBP but something different.

2009-05-17 20:09:00

Author:
Syroc

Posts: 3193

Well I found this level to be a real tribute to the survival horror genre ive played in PS and PS 2.

And man this level long, its probably because i went from 1 building to another probably 3 times in each building trying to figure out which building was building A, B, and C.

I really liked the concept of this level, because it stayed true to its aimed goal. but it got a little frustrating because of the confusing buildings and the added puzzles made it harder.

Although with that said Im proud to say that i played this level without the walkthrough.. hmmm... i feel so good and so smart to figure things out just like that. Yay! i can here the crowd cheering me.

This maybe bragging too much in the world of lbp you wouldnt have many players like me whos smart and patient enough (ehem i think do i hear people choking, well hears to you

lol)

But seriously, many players would just quit because they couldnt figure things out on their own, and i know for sure that many wouldnt even bother to find the time to look at your walkthrough.

On the positive side your level was really creepy and at times gave me chills in my spine.Your level will definitely catch the interests of fans of survival horror.

To lessen the frustration in your level im going to add a few suggestions:

MAP - As far as i know all Survival Horror games have maps. And like i said above i couldnt really tell which building im on, so it would definitely help.

(you can do this by adding checkpoints inside your buildings, use a switch to activate a map that would pop in the screen telling the player where they are)

Lights - sometimes people will be unaware of their surroundings, so i suggest adding a few more lights that would show theres something in that particular area that the player can acquire (either a key, shovel etc) (they dont have to be bright)

Censorship - Magic Mouth after riding the crane.

End Suggestions.

There was only 1 puzzle that i was unable to solve, it was the color coded puzzle. there was a clue about the pillars, but i was unable to comprehend it any further. I used the clue about the pillars in another puzzle which worked out fine.

OVERALL:

4 Stars, Puzzler and a Heart

PHEW! i think this came out as a review. oh well.

EDIT:

I think it would be wise if you add a few pictures of your level so that people would be more interested.

Edit:

Maps- "I could..." - (I couldnt)

2009-05-18 07:40:00

Author:
graygoose

Posts: 371

I really liked your level. It's always nice seeiing people do something a little different than the average lbp level. That said, I must confess I got stuck..

But, honestly, I was never very good at the survival horror genre, anyways. I liked Silent Hill 2, but never finished it. I played the normal setting. I got the shovel and the crowbar & the lighter. Couldn't figure out the color combination. Saw a clue about the eyes, but it wouldn't let me go back that far.

Things I liked about your level:
You really create a creepy atmosphere throughout.
I love all the flickering lights, and the creepy sound effects.
I like that if feels so 'open', but that might be the same reason I got stuck.
The creatures that would suddenly come out of nowhere were cool. Cinematic, and creepy designs too.

Things you could tweak a bit:
Some text is censored right before the ball rolls at you. Just rephrase what you were saying.
Some of the mouths have a radius set wider than they need to be. When I got stuck, I was backtracking and trying to read all the text in case I missed something. Sometimes a mouth from another floor would trigger, instead of the mouth I was standing directly next to.
I like the above suggestion about some kind of a map.
Also, more misc detail would be good. Just so things don't look repetitious.

If you know what I was stuck on, send me a message & I'll go back and try again. (I never was a fan of walkthroughs..)

Overall, I thought it was very good and well made. I like the ferris wheel in your preview for #2, also!

2009-05-18 10:19:00

Author:
DrunkenFist_Lee

Posts: 172

I just finished playing this level and found it to be quite enjoyable. Like graygoose said, it's a great tribute to survival horror games like Resident Evil or Silent Hill. The atmosphere was the high point of the level for me. The visuals and sound effects were used very well. There were some areas that the hallways were rather bland, but the darkness covered it okay. Other areas were very well done and I loved the use of the music boxes as a radio on the desks. Very nice!

As far as gameplay goes, I loved the exploration of the level, but did get stuck many times. After about 3 attempts on my own, I gave in and used the guide. It was here that I, much like Syroc, completely missed the building on the left at the start. Maybe a sign or something pointing to building A at the beginning.

I think graygooses suggestion of a map would be very useful and I'd recommend you take a look at the map that Miglioshin uses in his level Platfroms Madness v2.2 (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=t=11483). I think something like that would come in handy and would fit the survival horror theme.

I agree that a few more lights would be nice, because even with the gamma adjustment the level is still quite dark. Also, there were a few areas where I managed to get stuck like the issue Cog mentioned with the shadow monster. So, maybe just a bit more polish with some of those issues, as well as a little more direction for the player.

Overall, great level, I look forward to going back for Mission 2 and the next episode as well. Nice job!

2009-05-19 18:03:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer

Posts: 1335

I think graygooses suggestion of a map would be very useful and I'd recommend you take a look at the map that Miglioshin uses in his level Platfroms Madness v2.2. I think something like that would come in handy and would fit the survival horror theme.

Yes! YES! indeed.

2009-05-19 18:10:00

Author:
graygoose

Posts: 371

Thanks for all the feedback guys!But I wish I could do the thing you've asked me to. I tried to simply insert a letter and the level overheated. But I am eager to add the given feedback in the next level so the series gets better as it goes! I hope more feedback is on the way..

2009-05-19 19:43:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

2009-05-19 23:19:00

Author:
Strikebomber

Posts: 18

Wow, I really liked the atmosphere in your level. It's really creepy. I also liked how you were flexible on your difficulties. There was so many unexpected traps on normal mode, I didn't expect that I'll die after getting a game over. It felt like I was playing in hard mode. So, I decided to play it on easy. One the aspects of the stage is that it is free-roam I can explore what room I want to go to. There was a load of interactive objects; some of which has a couple surprises on it. I couldn't finished the stage though, I couldn't explore back to building A since the trap door I triggered led me to the point of no return. There wasn't any alternative paths get back there. I also thought that this stage needed a map since the interface of the level is very complex. Overall, I liked the overall theme and the interactivity of your level. You need to have few alternate paths and less Dead-ends.

As for that trap door, If you meant the one that opens the ground near some boxes to the right that leads to another building.

There is a way to go back up!!! Yes! There is!

SPOILER WARNING!!!

The boxes to the right could be used to go back up! just pull them to the opening of that trap door (careful not to tip them over tho you may only get 2 to 3 chances of this)

EDIT:

As for the creator, If you wish, that i dont reveal this aide even with spoilers, ill remove this post.

2009-05-21 06:35:00

Author:
graygoose

Posts: 371

As for the creator, If you wish, that i don't reveal this aide even with spoilers, ill remove this post.

That's Okay! Everything tho help the fellow players progress is fine with me!

2009-05-21 19:23:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

I`m the worst person in the world to give feedback to your level because I really don`t like survival horror, and fetch quests where you go through a building then into another before going back again etc really isn`t my thing. However, I owe you feedback so feedback you shall get. I won`t give you any personal opinions as everything that I didn`t particularly like about this level is exactly what you (and many others) will like.

- It`s well made. I didn`t get caught on any background or stuck between layers. There is one bit though at a checkpoint (one that`s between two buildings) where the path is two sections joined together and as you walk along you get stuck and have to jump. Not a big deal but the rest of the level is fine so maybe worth sorting out.

- I had the same difficulty knowing what building was what, and knowing where I was to go. Since you had thermo troubles, there`s not much you can do but it`s certainly something to think about in the future.

- The number puzzles. Wasn`t sure what was going on. In the building on the left there was a wall with numbers on it but the camera was at an angle that made it hard to read so I don`t get that at all. Also with the other building where you choose the numbers with the switches, I set it to the numbers set on the wall, and when nothing happened I set it to match the small lights on the floor above that. Again, nothing happened. A clue as to what you`re supposed to do would`ve helped alot with my frustration.

- When I got the thing in the basement to move across the other side of the room I thought I was going somewhere, only to be confronted by yet another locked door. In future episodes I`d suggest rewarding players more when they do find something so the level doesn`t feel overwhelming.

No other real issues with the level really. It has a great atmosphere and excellent use of sound. I will add that the constant flickering lights was really hurting my head after 5 or so minutes. 4 stars and 'moody' tag.

2009-05-21 23:33:00

Author:
Matt 82

Posts: 1096

Thanks again for all your feedback! I have some good news too! The second level in the series is almost finished just needs a bit of polish and play testing. Unfortunately no map in this one.

I'm sorry. But I have the map A LOT less confusing so you'll be able to remember were something is because It's marked by a landmark instead of trying to guess were you are. The thermometer filling up really fast! I hope you'll enjoy the second one too! I promise I'll try to add the Map in the 3rd installment!

2009-05-31 19:18:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

5* and a heart!

Amazing, great lighting effects and it creeped me out, i was scared! :eek:
I completed it, but only after like, 5 game overs! My only complaint was that it was too hard, took me ages to finish, great level though!!!

2009-05-31 20:14:00

Author:
MarkoWolfy

Posts: 445

I can't believe this... One of the best LBP levels and so little plays???

People get out there and play this amazing level! It's awesome

5 stars & heart!

2009-06-02 13:04:00

Author:
blizzard_cool

Posts: 752

Episode 2 is out guys! Go ahead and try it out!:hero:

2009-06-07 23:55:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

This was a fun level. Very frustrating at first, but I just wasn't in the mood for this style, so that doesn't count

My second play I actually sat down and thought it out. Had great fun figuring out all the puzzles and what not.

Comments:

-Missing dark matter?
Right after I found the numbers written in red, left side of the map, I jumped off to the right, over the railing, and was no longer able to get to the elevator on the left. Might want some more of that invisible dark matter there.

-Color lock
I never figured out the hints to this. First of the second of the first (or whatever) doesn't correspond to a color for me....
I'm not used to being stumped by puzzles in LBP. Kudos.

Gave it four stars - excellent gameplay, once I figured out what kind of gameplay it was

The walls and floors were kind of bland. I'd like to see some random decorations / beveled materials, maybe. All the little objects were top-notch, though; cute bookcases and all that.

[Additional]:
Haha, just figured out you've got a walkthrough posted >..<
Still, not used to being stumped. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to link the clues with what they're linked to, though

Also have not finished Siren 2 yet, so no feedback for you. That's what you get for making puzzle levels

2009-06-09 08:48:00

Author:
Loius

Posts: 342

This was a fun level. Very frustrating at first, but I just wasn't in the mood for this style, so that doesn't count

Gave it four stars - excellent gameplay, once I figured out what kind of gameplay it was

Also have not finished Siren 2 yet, so no feedback for you. That's what you get for making puzzle levels

Thanks a lot for the feedback. Yeah sorry about the major stumping. I tried to make the second episode a bit less cryptic. All you have to do is read carefully in the second one. And I'll take that thing about the invisible walls to heart. Oh and

Also have not finished Siren 2 yet, so no feedback for you. That's what you get for making puzzle levels

What do you mean by this? You haven't finished my episode 2 or you haven't finished the game siren 2?

2009-06-09 19:48:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

Er, have not finished your level called Siren 2 yet. That was the one you asked for feedback on, but I had to play this one first

2009-06-09 21:02:00

Author:
Loius

Posts: 342

Er, have not finished your level called Siren 2 yet. That was the one you asked for feedback on, but I had to play this one first

Ah OK! Sorry for the mixup. I'll await for it.

2009-06-09 23:47:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

This level was quite a surprise when I played it. I wanted to approach it without reading what previous posters had commented on and as such I was in for a shock at the complexity, depth and length of the level.

I say these but they are good things in my opinion. Though I don't want to play involved, long levels all the time I do appreciate the really well done ones. This level does a few things very well. It captures a feel of the games you?ve mentioned as your inspirations, uses a very good inventory system, contains a large number of rooms and puzzle and has some spooky, creepy areas.

You did a good job capturing the open world experience in letting the player wander around different sections and pick the sequence they want to explore. The detailed item descriptions is a nice touch and the many small touches used to evoke fear in the player are varied and refreshing.

This was level that drew me into the experience rather than being just an LBP level with running and jumping, partially due to the length of the level and partially to the dark atmosphere.

Saying that, the level is pretty dark and the buildings seemed to blur together a bit. There is the dark, dirty building on the right, the dark, messy building on the left and I think there is an old, dark building on the lower right but if it wasn?t for the description in the text messages I?d have sworn it was all one bit dark, creepy building with different sections.

Another thing that I would have liked more was a bit of story or back-story. I don't remember why my player was in that place at that time. I think I bumped my head but that is about as much of the story as I got. There is also a small bit of story in the basement with the hospital bed but really the story elements are much too rare.

I also wasn?t clear about the ghost/creatures that inhabited that place. It seems that there were monsters/apparitions from a number of different horror stories in the level but I?m not sure if they all represent different aspects of one entity or if the different buildings are some kind of horror creature spa and resort where they like to hang out. (Possibly each building has its own dedicated haunt which may be a more plausible guess.)

I?m not too sure which building is A, B or C but as I explored around it was mostly obvious what was used where based on the type of item and the descriptions found in different areas. You have some pretty smart puzzles in this level though most of them can be solved by just picking up everything and walking around a lot.

The eye combination room was a well done piece but I do not understand the color wheel puzzle. I believe I understand what the clue is telling me to look for but the answer, as I found out later from the online walkthrough, doesn?t seem to match the colors in the bookshelf and the clue. (But it was late and I may not have been paying enough attention.)

I found that I didn?t even need to finish the color wheel puzzle or get the light bulb as I unlocked the roof and exit helicopter just by doing everything else. Possibly this puzzle relates to extra content, maybe score bubbles or only applies to the Hard difficulty setting. (I played on normal.)

There were a few sections that didn?t work well or gave me problems.

The elevator in the building on the left needs some attention possibly. It is possible to fall down below the elevator fairly easily by jumping in the right spots. (I believe there is a hole behind the elevator in one of the floors and lets you drop down. I also think you can just hold the down button and jump and you will jump down.)

Once down at the bottom of the shaft there isn?t a way back up unless you suicide, die.

There were two sections of dialogue that are censored but as I read through the previous comments I see that this is already a subject that has been raised. (They are in the building on the left on the floor with the number wheel and just after climbing up the hook to the upper levels in the building on the right.)

I see now that this level has a full thermometer and you?ve just released the sequel but recommendations I?d give would be to use the global lighting tool to allow some sections to be a bit lighter to help improve visibility. You could have some rooms or buildings darker or lighter than others.

There are some walkways or doors that can be cleaned up so that you can easily navigate through the building a bit quicker but since you?ve just released the second in the series I?d say that your attention is better directed in supporting that one.

(From your F4F request you didn?t specify which of the two Siren levels to work on so I just picked the first in the list. I see now that I should have done the second.)

2009-06-11 21:52:00

Author:
Trindall

Posts: 297

Thanks lots for the feedback. I'd like to say that I did lighten up the second level a bit and The global settings toll was used! I've decided to slowly add more story as I go along the series, but maybe the first was a bit too bare boned. I hope you get to try out the second and give feedback on that also! Thanks again!

2009-06-11 23:32:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

It was very creepy and the atmosphere suited the mood.

Layout was awesome and very cleverly constructed.

Loved the sound effects.

I too had problems understanding which building was which (although I assumed that the first was A, second B etc.) Unfortunately, when you die, the last checkpoint may have been in a different building so you re-spawn in a place you don't immediately recognise.

I must admit, i did get very confused (but then I am a girl)

Otherwise, an excellent level and I also don't understand why it has so few plays.

You must have a very analytical brain to be able to construct such a genius level!

Icey

2009-06-16 23:13:00

Author:
IceMaiden

Posts: 1057

Thanks for the feedback! I tried to add more "landmarks in the second level to lessen the confusion."

And I don't think that just because your a girl, that you'll get more lost and confused! Sorry if it felt that way. Although the whole level is generally confusing...

2009-06-17 15:38:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

Holy crap, this is the longest, hardest, creepiest and jump(iest?) level I've ever played. I kill myself even saying this...But...It's even scarier than Spectral Fear by Crow-. Just because of that, you, my friend, and you level deserve a heart.

But here's the punchline - I haven't even got near to completing it yet! LOL! I'm really stuck and I keep dying. Maybe it's because I keep going at it on the hardest difficulty...I always go hardcore (giggity...). I will leave full feedback once I complete it, but again, awesome so far. I refuse to look at your walkthrough - must go the hard way!

2009-06-17 21:30:00

Author:
KoRnDawwg

Posts: 1424

:hero:Thanks both of you for the feedback

KoRnDawwg, I hope you'll eventually finish the level. But be warned! Playing on Hard deems you only 1 life!

2009-06-18 03:42:00

Author:
Noroibito

Posts: 211

:hero:Thanks both of you for the feedback

KoRnDawwg, I hope you'll eventually finish the level. But be warned! Playing on Hard deems you only 1 life!

Precisely, MWAHAHAHAAA!

Nah I'll try it on normal this time.

2009-06-18 07:37:00

Author:
KoRnDawwg

Posts: 1424

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