Archive: 34 posts

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Does anyone actually mind if I use two layers instead of three? I'm currently making a level that only uses two layer and I don't plan to use the third one. So does someone actually have to say about this theme?

2009-05-18 18:56:00 Author: blizzard_cool Posts: 752

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I don't think it matters. Just as long as the player can't jump down into the third and have to pop to restart.

2009-05-18 19:03:00 Author: Burnvictim42 Posts: 3322

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It all depends on the game. Some games are better with 1 layer, 2 layers, or 3 layers. In Splat Invaders, much of it is even 1 layer because thats what I needed for those parts - I used the other 2 layers behind the scenes.

2009-05-18 19:06:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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No it does'nt matter, I use all three personally, but I've played some good levels that only use a couple. It depends more on the looks and design IMO.

2009-05-18 19:16:00 Author: GruntosUK Posts: 1754

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As long as it plays well it doesn't matter how many layers you use.

2009-05-18 19:16:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

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You know what would be pretty cool? A level that used 1 thin front layer for the whole level! I'm on it (after I finish my current project)!

2009-05-18 19:32:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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Except in very specific circumstances, how many layers you've used shuoldn't even pop into my head while I'm playing, because I'll be distracted by the amazing gameplay Seriously though, go for it. Plenty of levels badly use the extra levels (auto planeshifting where I shouldn't etc) or just have 3 layer thick platforms for large portions of the level. Also you clearly have some concept / theme for for only using 2, so don't force it. CCubbage? How does this work? I don't get it?

2009-05-18 19:41:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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The level, "Flatworld", only used one layer and it was amazing. I'm sure there were things behind the scenes of the first layer, but it proves that you don't need all 3. It's all up to you're creative mind. I wonder though, what do you plan on doing with the 3rd layer?

2009-05-18 19:45:00 Author: Drabaz Posts: 67

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Go for it. Most of my levels are pretty much 1 layer the whole way through and I get by okay. There`s no way anyone will be dismayed while playing just because there isn`t a third layer.

2009-05-18 22:52:00 Author: Matt 82 Posts: 1096

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Personally I use the extra layers only when I need to (and it means quite never). I played amazing levels that uses only 1 layer and other amazing levels that uses all of them. So I agree with Morgana, If a level blast me away, who cares the layers?

2009-05-18 23:06:00 Author: Miglioshin Posts: 336

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I don't see anything wrong with it. Like the others have said, it's the quality of the level that matters, not the number of layers. So, if you can make a cool level using only one or two layers, more power to ya!

2009-05-18 23:23:00 Author: mrsupercomputer Posts: 1335

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Nah, and even better yet, you can now use the extra thick and extra thin layers to make a good background.

2009-05-18 23:26:00 Author: Silverleon Posts: 6707

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I think people overuse the layering a bit sometimes... so much so that navigating their environment becomes a hassle with plane shifting mishaps, or making it so terrain is jumbled to the point of being an indistinguishable mess. ...but proper use of all the layers can create some amazing looks and great playstyles. It all really depends, and I never really think about it, as long as it looks good and plays well. Some level designs require a mostly single layer design though - ie: flying paintinator - and honestly, level length can really increase in the absence of alot of layering since single plane objects (terrain being the most prominent and abundant in most cases) take less therm.

2009-05-18 23:28:00 Author: Unknown User

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In my opinion using all three layers well is an advanced technique.

2009-05-18 23:31:00 Author: crazymario Posts: 657

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Yeah, I've really tried to focus on moving my levels into the front two planes and leaving the back thin and thick for scenery and effects.

2009-05-18 23:46:00 Author: Jaeyden Posts: 564

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You REALLY shouldn't feel forced to use all three layers . If your level only really requires two... why add another? Do what your level requires.

2009-05-18 23:53:00 Author: RockSauron Posts: 10882

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In my opinion using all three layers well is an advanced technique. And being able to use less than 3 layers adequately is an even more advanced technique.

2009-05-19 00:12:00 Author: Silverleon Posts: 6707

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i actually prefer most levels with only 1 or 2 layers sometimes i find too many layers can just over-complicate things and ruin gameplay

2009-05-19 01:14:00 Author: Dexiro Posts: 2100

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Using all 3 layers is definitely a lot harder when considering plane shifting, more scenery, and ensuring the gameplay occurs on all 3 layers, (not just having creatures on one, when there are two layers, so you can just walk right past them). In my levels I vary it quite a lot, I generally just use the amount of layers necessary for what I'm trying to achieve. So parts of them have 3 layers, other parts have just 1.

2009-05-19 03:05:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494

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It's fine if you make it work. 1 layer is fine if the level looks cool and plays good enough. If you do 1 layer though, do it on the front lol.

2009-05-19 07:09:00 Author: Nattura Posts: 86

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Using all three layers is VERY hard. 2 layers is pretty simple though. I think one layer could be a little bit limited, but meh.

2009-05-19 07:18:00 Author: dkjestrup Posts: 672

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Of course it doesn't matter. I always encourage people to experiment using the other layers to add gameplay or visual depth to their levels if it would apply, but if you don't need it, then you don't need it!

2009-05-21 23:14:00 Author: Foofles Posts: 2278

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Use as many or as few layers as you like. Most of the classic games I still play, are all 2D sprite based games. As long as your level manages to engage people, it doesnt matter how many layers you use, or how big it is, or how long it is, or what colour it is....etc etc. Gameplay is the all important factor that your level needs. Come on guys; Lets not be layerist!!

2009-05-21 23:29:00 Author: Frogmeister Posts: 236

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One layer levels = Old school plat formers I love it! I am currently working on a tribute to th 8bit sega master system game Wonder boy III: the dragons trap, which will be almost completely done on one layer with the others used for some 3d background effects.

2009-05-22 06:29:00 Author: XVS1100 Posts: 59

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Seems like a waste of resources not to use all three layers. Even if you don't need it for the gameplay, at least use it to add some depth to the background.

2009-05-22 15:31:00 Author: Rogar Posts: 2284

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If I build specific scenery that usually takes up the back layer.

2009-05-22 16:17:00 Author: BasketSnake Posts: 2391

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I think where some people go wrong is to think they have to use all three layers, then basically create 3-layer thick platforms throughout the entire level. I just played a level like that and it looks rediculous. If the extra layers aren't used for something specific (gameplay or scenery) don't use them, and don't shoehorn them in where they don't make sense.

2009-05-22 16:40:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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hmm, I never even concidered using less than 3. I figured people would laugh at me. So I ended up using all 7 layers for variety and to appease the masses; guess it wasn't necessary though.

2009-05-22 16:46:00 Author: mindphaser74 Posts: 349

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Well the demo of my level is up. It's the one that's using only two layers. See 4 your self if you hvae anything agains them

2009-05-22 16:50:00 Author: blizzard_cool Posts: 752

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Just played it. Only using 2 layers didn't hinder it in any way really. Its gameplay design and layout is quite straight forward so there is no reason why you would need to use more than 2 layers. Very similar looks to Journey to the Centre of the Earth 2 (I think) by CRIFFER. Looking good, keep it up

2009-05-22 18:13:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494

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I don't mind at all if a level uses less then 3 layers. A lot of the time I actually prefer levels that use only 1 layer. I'd concentrate more on the look and feel of the level.

2009-05-22 18:36:00 Author: lk9988 Posts: 1077

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I wouldn't mind. Sometimes I feel a need to play old-school, one-layer platforming/puzzle-solving.

2009-05-22 21:10:00 Author: Sackdragon Posts: 427

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Using the three layers is far from necessary. It all depends on the level you're making. As said before in this thread, ya could use it for decoration or it could even be a good place to hide your mechanics. A lot of non-platformer levels only use 1 layer such as pinball games or side scrolling shooters. So in the end it's all up to you. Use your imagination and be creative. There's not more that anyone can ask of you.

2009-05-24 13:08:00 Author: Chicago51 Posts: 258

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Both of my levels play almost entirely on one layer because they have some mechanical stuff going on which makes it much easier to keep on one layer. So, as others have said using more than one layer is far from necessary... That being said, really good use of all three layers creates a very good experience that trumps one layer levels in general. The thing is this is really hard to do, and I havn't seen it done great very often, not even in the Story levels.

2009-05-24 18:38:00 Author: Walter-Kovacs Posts: 542

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