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Starship Troopers [Spotlighted!]

Archive: 54 posts

Join the Army and See the Universe!

A city on earth has been overrun by bugs, and it's your job to annihilate them! From
your starship to the rooftops, blast as many bugs as you can!

This level is an action platformer with a large
emphasis on giant leaps and bounds, jump platforms, and blasting bug baddies!

For F4F, please specify a level.

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/CubbageC/P1010023.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/CubbageC/P1010024.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/CubbageC/P1010025.jpg		2009-06-15 04:58:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Excellent level here again. I enjoyed it all through even if I died alot. It's simple, straightforward and it does feel like it's infested with bugs. The visual aspect is simple and doing a good job. I love the "splurt" of goo you made.

Pros:

-I enjoyed the difficulty level that clearly leans toward experienced players. I mean, we DO need levels up to our skills sometimes.

-Straight to the point action scenes with nice jumps in between. I love that your jump pad sends you in the air after you actually jump.

-Nice critters. It's not easy to make ennemis that feel alive. You did it pretty good there.

-Beautiful boss! also feel alive like your critters.


Cons:

-Might be dark at some places. I own a really good set but "mister everybody" with his badly configured sh*tty TV set might have a hard time.

-Camera placement on huge jumps wasn't always perfect imo. I need to see the edge clearly so I can really jump at the last second.

-I never got when the boss is about the hit floor with its paws. Getting hit could appear quite random.


All in all pretty good level. I rated it high and hearted it. I will probably feel compelled to go back at it and increase my score.		2009-06-15 07:00:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

Oh look an ending! Changed a fair bit since I played last.

Its good. I like the intro sequence that serves as a tutorial. Visuals are good and i especially love the lighting and look at the boss. That whole set is great.

Cant say I`m particularly enamoured with respawning enemies though. Played through the first time with few problems, but the second time was really quite frustrating. Just coming off the dropship I got hit pretty quickly, which is fair enough, though I find the enemies are pretty hard to see when they`re at the edge of the screen as they blend into the background.. Beat the guy at the second attempt. Jumped over to next building and got hit fairly quickly. Jumped out the dropship only to get hit again by the respawned enemy that I didn`t know was there. Beat him again and got myself to next one and got hit again. I went back and forth between being hit by the first guy and being hit by the second until I lost all my lives. Slightly frustrating.

I also had a couple of issues with camera angles as I don`t think the camera should be anywhere but square on when you`re jumping.

There`s a hanging platform with a checkpoint and a gun on it. I found myself not knowing where I should be heading at that point. The level had been left to right up til then and from memory it`s pretty much a blind jump to the left to proceed.

Enemies are great. The electric things always leave something behind though. Can you sort that, as I ended up with a pile of foam blocks on the ground after a massacre. I`d also like to have the boss pattern made a bit clearer. I found myself victim to what seemed like a random death or two as well. Sometimes he spits, sometimes he doesn`t.

Overall I think it`s very good. The aliens look fantastic as they run at you and the visuals etc are great. The jumping boosts work fantastically well also. I`d like to see a straight up platformer built around that tech.
Where I think it suffers is from camera angles. When jumping and when fighting. Obviously you must let players see the enemies, but the askew camera often makes it hard to judge angles and getting a fix on the alien head is awkward and often by the time you get it it`s too late. Then you find yourself doing the process over and over again as the enemies respawn.

Could do with a little tweaking, but it got 5 stars and a heart from me regardless.

Are you making a series of these levels?		2009-06-15 10:44:00

Author:
Matt 82
Posts: 1096

Ive just played the level CCubbage.

+ You can tell its one of your levels immeditaly, it has that same excellent lighting that vertigo uses.
+ Liked all the little equipment details on the benchs at the start
+ Loved the creature design
+ City looks great
+ Its good how the jump pads only activate when you jump,and they work flawlessly
+ Excellent collapsing building
+ The hive spawning the little bugs until you destroy it was a great idea
+ Flying arachnid = awesome
+ Some of the bugs fight, when your back is to a ledge are very tense
+ Lift that takes you past previous areas you passed, always like this in levels
+ Excellent subway station
+ The boss was simply fantastic. Very old school is design (which you always do best). I loved the whole thing. I stood at the side for a couple minutes, observed and learned his patterns (which I thought was the old school thing) then went and attacked when I knew what was coming from where, and at what time.

- It was a little dark at first, closing the curtains to stop the evil sun sorted it, can you not a lighting switch for the option of making it a little brighter?
- Maybe some dramatic music on the CuzFeeshe presents section, it seemed strange no music there
- The little bugs leave parts of them behind, they can build up if you kill a lot
- Some players may get confused on the hanging platform with the paintinator on it
- I found a major problem in the subway that cause me to restart. I was exploring up the right hand set of stairs, when I came back down the arachnid was coming towards me, I thought it easier to jump onto the track behind him and avoid it. I died at the next section and when I respawned, the paintinator was trapped under the arachnids legs and I could'nt get it, I tried to do the section without it put it was impossible for me.

Another excellent Ccubbage, I enjoy it from start to finish immensly. The visuals were great, so was the sound. The fights with the Arachnids were tense and really well put together then it was topped off with a brilliant boss battle. I had a few little issues but nothing really to major.

*****, brilliant and hearted

Is there going to be more levels in the series??		2009-06-15 10:56:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

I`d also like to have the boss pattern made a bit clearer. I found myself victim to what seemed like a random death or two as well. Sometimes he spits, sometimes he doesn`t.

I stood at the side and observed for a couple of minutes Matt and he does have a clear pattern!!		2009-06-15 11:01:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

I stood at the side and observed for a couple of minutes Matt and he does have a clear pattern!!

I actually thought I had it after a bit. Seemed like it would spit every 3rd time it opened its mouth, but then it did it after only one gap. I just remember thinking, 'What the hell was I to do there?'.		2009-06-15 12:11:00

Author:
Matt 82
Posts: 1096

Thanks for all the quick feedback, guys! This level is definately a challenge (making aliens charge you like this ain't easy!)

Some changes that everybody mentioned:

I lightened everything up a bit. My TV has REALLY good contrast, so it's hard for me to tell when it's going to be too dark. It actually kind of feels like sunrise now.

Changed some camera angles to improve jumping.


I never got when the boss is about the hit floor with its paws. Getting hit could appear quite random.

I put an infinite checkpoint near the end. I'll think about this a bit more. It's a basic pattern, and I made sure there's always enough time to make sure you're not under a leg when it comes down. Also, the bug screams right before it starts spewing.


There`s a hanging platform with a checkpoint and a gun on it. I found myself not knowing where I should be heading at that point. The level had been left to right up til then and from memory it`s pretty much a blind jump to the left to proceed.

I panned the camera to the left a bit on this ledge.


The electric things always leave something behind though. Can you sort that, as I ended up with a pile of foam blocks on the ground after a massacre./quote]

I haven't quite figured out what to do with this one. Those are little wheels that I couldnt dissolve. I couldn't use brains to destroy them because I already hit my brain-thermo limit and making the wheels out of dissolve didn't work.... so I figured, you're having to trip a bit on bug entrails after killing them.... although, you COULD jump over them.

[quote=GrantosUK]+ Lift that takes you past previous areas you passed, always like this in levels.

I KNEW you would bring this one up! . Interestingly, it was an accident. I had this whole thing planned and my original design didn't work out with the bugs flying around... so I scrapped the whole idea and just put a lift going back up to the top. I thought... "so this is what GrantosUK means when he says sometimes he doesn't plan it out, even though it looks like it..."


After the lift that take you past previous areas, I jumped out and straight off the platform and back down below. Maybe a thin in layer on the front would stop it?

I'll play with it... if it's too long a walk back up, I will.


I was exploring up the right hand set of stairs, when I came back down the arachnid was coming towards me, I thought it easier to jump onto the track behind him and avoid it. I died at the next section and when I respawned, the paintinator was trapped under the arachnids legs and I could'nt get it, I tried to do the section without it put it was impossible for me.

Fixed


Is there going to be more levels in the series??

I'm not sure yet. I'm not very good at series because I get bored with designing concepts quickly... but if I get inspired on it I will. (of course, if people end up hating the game.... chances would certainly be less).

I'm reading the entire book again, so maybe I'll think of something.

Got a comment on my "Splat Invaders Saga" the other day asking me to do part 4.... since I don't have a part 3 yet, I have a lot of work to do there too. 		2009-06-15 12:17:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Got a comment on my "Splat Invaders Saga" the other day asking me to do part 4.... since I don't have a part 3 yet, I have a lot of work to do there too.

Lol, get your finger out then, your playing public has spoken!!		2009-06-15 12:30:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Just played this, great fun!

Loved the effect of the blue lights behind the glass cubes at the base ship, the intro is really effective, you feel like you're setting off an adventure, thats great.

The jump pads work great, dunno how you did them!

The bugs are really fantastic. This is from someone who's spent way too much time with insects recently. ; )

Loved the way i would always manage to kill the big bugs JUST in time, perfect timing on those.

The section right after the lift. Twice i ended up navigating onto a walkway I'd already been. I didn't see the big jump to the platform way down and to the left (towards the string of bubbles) so I'd signpost the way a bit clearer in that little bit.

The boss could do with a bit of a fanfare once you've splatted him. He's pretty tough, what i liked is the legs come down in a seemingly random order, it doesn't become too predictable and too easy as a result. Good job there's infinite spawn for that bit! I didn't have Matts problem, the green goop always came out after two rounds of leg avoidance. I think Matt just has a supreme talent for breaking levels,lol.

A worthy successor to Splat Invaders. : )		2009-06-15 13:26:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

The jump pads work great, dunno how you did them!

The section right after the lift. Twice i ended up navigating onto a walkway I'd already been. I didn't see the big jump to the platform way down and to the left (towards the string of bubbles) so I'd signpost the way a bit clearer in that little bit.

The boss could do with a bit of a fanfare once you've splatted him. He's pretty tough, what i liked is the legs come down in a seemingly random order, it doesn't become too predictable and too easy as a result. Good job there's infinite spawn for that bit! I didn't have Matts problem, the green goop always came out after two rounds of leg avoidance. I think Matt just has a supreme talent for breaking levels,lol.

A worthy successor to Splat Invaders. : )
The jump pads have been mentioned a few times, so I just wanted to quickly mention to everyone:

THE JUMP PADS ARE JAEYDEN'S IDEA

I didn't use an object by Jaeyden, but I saw one in action in a Jaeyden level... I HAD to build one (actually, I don't know if we came up with the same solution - mine seemed a bit convoluted).

So, if you see a new level by Jaeyden eventually and you see something similar, don't tell him "You stole this from CCubbage!" because that might irritate him a tad....


As for the jump, I'll see if I can put a light or something to draw attention to the platform. Originally the idea WAS for the player to get a bit lost during the process, but I don't want frustration.


On the final boss I'll see if there's anything else I can do to spruce up the ending... but I'm definately hitting a wall with the thermos. I've built this level as efficiently as I could, with practically no waste - and I'm hitting the top of brain, edge, and decoration thermo at this point.		2009-06-15 13:51:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Ohhhhh man. The gloves are off now!!!!

ROFL j/k - Jump pads...jump pads..trying to think what your referring to. Hmm oh well....is it that one level I'll probably never finish? Can't wait to give this thing a few runs. Got a meeting this afternoon but will be on later tonight to play Starship Troopers!!! Can't wait.		2009-06-15 20:39:00

Author:
Jaeyden
Posts: 564

Ohhhhh man. The gloves are off now!!!!

ROFL j/k - Jump pads...jump pads..trying to think what your referring to. Hmm oh well....is it that one level I'll probably never finish? Can't wait to give this thing a few runs. Got a meeting this afternoon but will be on later tonight to play Starship Troopers!!! Can't wait.
Ah good... so I could have stolen the idea as my own without even mentioning it... rats.

They're pads that throw you up in the air as you jump - I had never seen that before your level and it turns out it's a bit tricky to do, but a very cool effect.

Now... if you don't remember making them I'll just claim them as my own and we'll all be happy! 		2009-06-15 21:15:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

ahhhhh I love Starship Troopers and for my sins own all 3 movies.

I will defo play this next time I am on and give you some feedback		2009-06-15 22:09:00

Author:
groble
Posts: 223

Just played this. I'm not familiar with the book, but I think your level is great. The creatures are very nicely done, and your lighting, and lack of set the mood perfectly. I actually thought it was a bit creepy. I think your jumping pads are great. So I went straight to my moon, and made some of my own. Not sure if I'll ever use em, but thanks for the idea. I also loved the boss. I did notice that he would roar before spitting the goo. All around, very nice level!!!!! 5 stars, and hearted. Great work!!!!2009-06-15 22:57:00

Author:
smasher
Posts: 641

The jump pads have been mentioned a few times, so I just wanted to quickly mention to everyone:

THE JUMP PADS ARE JAEYDEN'S IDEA


NOW you tell me. That heart i gave you...? Pass it onto him, you undeserving FAKE!!! Spammers, H4Her's and Cubbage. All one and the same i tells ya.		2009-06-15 23:02:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

NOW you tell me. That heart i gave you...? Pass it onto him, you undeserving FAKE!!! Spammers, H4Her's and Cubbage. All one and the same i tells ya.
But....

I made them myself...

I just copied Jaeyden's idea....

and it was such a TINY idea for Jaeyden. He doesn't even remember doing it - that's how talented he is...

AND it's simple...

AND I built the bugs myself and have them running across the floor and everything...

can I keep the heart?		2009-06-15 23:10:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Just played this. I'm not familiar with the book, but I think your level is great. The creatures are very nicely done, and your lighting, and lack of set the mood perfectly. I actually thought it was a bit creepy. I think your jumping pads are great. So I went straight to my moon, and made some of my own. Not sure if I'll ever use em, but thanks for the idea. I also loved the boss. I did notice that he would roar before spitting the goo. All around, very nice level!!!!! 5 stars, and hearted. Great work!!!!
Thanks! I've done quite a bit of work on this today - you probably played the boss once I got the kinks out - the pattern is much easier to follow now. Originally I was going to stick to the philosophy "I don't care who can't play it, I'm making a HARD game!".... then I started to see the "Tricky" and "Frustrating" tags creep up.		2009-06-15 23:13:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Thanks! I've done quite a bit of work on this today - you probably played the boss once I got the kinks out - the pattern is much easier to follow now. Originally I was going to stick to the philosophy "I don't care who can't play it, I'm making a HARD game!".... then I started to see the "Tricky" and "Frustrating" tags creep up.

Ya know. I love a hard level, so I'm glad to see you making something that's challenging, but it stinks that you have to "tone down" the difficulty, just to dodge the rubbish tag. I had that tag on mountain marathon because it's a little hard. I'm just glad SOME people appreciate it for what it is. I would've rated this level the same even if you didn't change the boss.		2009-06-15 23:29:00

Author:
smasher
Posts: 641

Yeah.... I actually had an idea though - wait until it gets much higher in cool levels THEN kick up the difficulty a bit.

OR.... have an easy version and a hard version. Publish them both on the same slot.... but publish the easy one during the day and the hard one at night!!!!

Gotta find a way to make everyone happy!

Originally I had a hard version of Splat Invaders Saga that I kept around for only people on this forum.... didn't republish it... it just sat there for people who wanted a hard version.		2009-06-16 00:10:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Don't worry about the tags. Remember Crazy Train! (hard) with 17 000 plays and thousands of hearts -- even if I obviously got the "frustrating" and "tricky" tag.

.		2009-06-16 01:32:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

Don't worry about the tags. Remember Crazy Train! (hard) with 17 000 plays and thousands of hearts -- even if I obviously got the "frustrating" and "tricky" tag.

.
Naw... I'm not worried at all. A bit ago the stars fell to 3, and I actually said "wow... I was wondering when that was going to happen!"

I just felt that with the feedback earlier that I had made it a bit TOO hard - I wanted this level to be a wild bug-blasting fest and if things are too hard to kill, it puts a damper on it.

Either way, I REALLY like playing this game, and I think I accomplished exactly what I wanted it to be... and it's getting up in cool pages pretty quickly dispite the star rating.

(by the way... interestingly, the tags are pretty good even though the ratings a bit lower. Right now Brilliant, Creepy, Complex - pretty awesome!)

Most of my favorite levels, anyway, are 3 stars.		2009-06-16 02:05:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Played this the other they and:

Pros:
- beginning
- the enemies. It can really get cool when they run you to a corner! Love blasting their heads of! But weren't their bodies the weak point the book?
- flying enemies
- the train station. The lightning down there is just perfect.
- you got some hidden bubbles
- A BOSS? Really cool fight. I just stood to the side a while to see the attack pattern

Suggestions:
- I don't like the mini enemies. The bugs and the hive the emits them. My only problem with them is that they leave the wheels behind when they get killed. Give em a brain... Or just let the hive emit 5 of them with a brain.
- The level design is great but some parts aren't good as the others. Actually just the construction site isn't good as the other (just looks). Just put some details and stickers and it will be awesome.

5 stars, heart & boss (cause I spent most of the time with him..., he's challenging)		2009-06-16 13:58:00

Author:
blizzard_cool
Posts: 752

Played this the other they and:

Pros:
- beginning
- the enemies. It can really get cool when they run you to a corner! Love blasting their heads of! But weren't their bodies the weak point the book?
- flying enemies
- the train station. The lightning down there is just perfect.
- you got some hidden bubbles
- A BOSS? Really cool fight. I just stood to the side a while to see the attack pattern

Suggestions:
- I don't like the mini enemies. The bugs and the hive the emits them. My only problem with them is that they leave the wheels behind when they get killed. Give em a brain... Or just let the hive emit 5 of them with a brain.
- The level design is great but some parts aren't good as the others. Actually just the construction site isn't good as the other (just looks). Just put some details and stickers and it will be awesome.

5 stars, heart & boss (cause I spent most of the time with him..., he's challenging)
Thanks for the feedback!


Love blasting their heads of! But weren't their bodies the weak point the book?

Yeah, I tried it - but it wasn't as much fun.


- I don't like the mini enemies. The bugs and the hive the emits them. My only problem with them is that they leave the wheels behind when they get killed. Give em a brain... Or just let the hive emit 5 of them with a brain.

I may revisit this again.... Based on the rest of the design I couldn't seem to get enough brains to do it properly, but I'll check it out.


The level design is great but some parts aren't good as the others. Actually just the construction site isn't good as the other (just looks). Just put some details and stickers and it will be awesome.

I agree... I've just run out of sticker, decoration, and edge material almost completely... but I'll see if there's anything I can do.		2009-06-16 14:48:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Hey everyone... I've decided this level needs a lot more polish and I (for personal reasons) rushed it out way too soon. So, for now I'm closing the thread.

I'll reopen it when I get my changes done... thanks for the input!		2009-06-16 16:04:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

OK, this thread is open and ready for feedback again. The gameplay of the entire level has been updated.2009-06-26 07:06:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I never got to play the original version outside of it's earliest stages, but I'm really happy with this level as it stands now, whatever the changes were. It's straight to the point sic-fi action, and a great run N gun platformer.

The environments are diverse and the layout for platforming is pinpoint precise to where jumps are always just right - I can't stress enough that making a semi-realistic environment with engaging platforming in it that doesn't result in a hanging sponge or spinning wheel that just feels completely illogical and out-of-context is a nice treat for me.

The lighting is signature Splat style, the enemy design is perfect... probably some of the best regular enemy designs I've seen. I love the camera work in the level, that gives the buildings huge scale and perspective, and does a fantastic job of leading and directing the player, as well as making those impossible leaps into the unknown alot more dramatic and adrenaline charged.

I love the Splat inclusion at the end, and I like the boss - it was a piece of cake my 2nd time through with Jaeyden once I noticed the patterns and warning signals. Nice movement design on it too, with the way her pincers sway and move, like they're on a wobble bolt, but still dart down to crush you at a moment's notice.		2009-06-26 07:21:00

Author:
Unknown User

I've already posted on the older one, but the newie feels tighter and more focused, the bubbles really help - good stuff! Was the collapsing building in the old one? nice touch. The swirling bunch of bugs in the subway is a good addition (did you want the strings visible?), feels very old school shooty! I did slightly miss the green splat coming from the boss, a thermo issue...?

Still love the way the bugs rush at you, it really gives the impression they're comin' for ya!

Only one suggestion, right after you land at the end of the yellow walkway, maybe bung a small streetlamp or a bubble string on the platform to the right below, its pretty dark and a bit unclear if what you're jumping to is actually a platform.

Got the hi score, but I don't think that's gonna last long!		2009-06-26 14:27:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Was the collapsing building in the old one?

Yup, the collapsing building was there before. Some had mentioned the camera angle bothered them so I had changed the camera angle to look more straight on during this part... which, at least in my opinion, messed up the affect. You may have played it with the other camera angle. For this version I changed the camera back to the original aspect and just made the jump over the fire slightly more forgiving.


I did slightly miss the green splat coming from the boss, a thermo issue...?

No, more a "bravery" issue. With the last release several people got offended by the "vomit". I think it was a bit too realistic. As a result I got several PSN messages AND comments from different folks on my level telling me the level made them sick. Also, "Rubbish" at that time rose as the #1 tag and people pretty much stopped playing it, so I figured in this one I would leave the sound effects but instead use plasma. I honestly don't mind a 3 star rating, but I really felt this was killing the level even though I thought it was a cool effect.

But, I kind of like the plasma better now that I've changed it - so hopefully win-win.


did you want the strings visible?),

The strings are only there for visual effect. I added them afterwards because I thought it looked kind of cool with them swinging around on the strings. The actual movement is caused by a big contraption behind the wall.


right after you land at the end of the yellow walkway, maybe bung a small streetlamp or a bubble string on the platform to the right below, its pretty dark and a bit unclear if what you're jumping to is actually a platform.

I'm not totally clear which area you're talking about here. Is it the top floor of the construction site?

EDIT: Oh, I think I know what you're talking about - in the subway? I extended some floor lighting across a bit further. If you're referring to another area let me know.		2009-06-26 14:49:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I can finally sign up for the space-army and shoot some alien scumm.
Looking forward to play this!!		2009-06-26 15:02:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

No, before the construction site, the first jump down from the very first walkway where the ship lands....

So vomit is a big no-no in PlanetLand then? lol.		2009-06-26 15:11:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

No, before the construction site, the first jump down from the very first walkway where the ship lands....

So vomit is a big no-no in PlanetLand then? lol.
Yup, vomit apparently is a no-no. I guess the worst time to republish would be right before the gamers are sitting down for dinner...

Cool - I'll put a light there illuminating the floor a bit.		2009-06-26 15:31:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I think your last update was excellent and actually made level better.
Jumps were more clear, critters were a bit easier and I don't know if it's because I played it before but it simply felt better.

Only thing I think is worse than before is that I didn't see the green goo anymore. It's just plasma.

.		2009-06-28 14:14:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

I had an opportunity to play the original and think the new version is much improved. As others have said, it feels more focused. I liked how the tutorial at the beginning actually fit within the theme and the story. Very nice. The title screen that followed was very cool as well.

I thought the aliens were very cool and the mechanics were awesome, but they were also a bit plain since they were entirely black. What if you added just a bit of yellowish brown tint on the bottom, kind of like how they look in the Starship Troopers film? It might make them "pop" out from the darkness just a bit. Bummer that the vomit is gone, I thought that effect was awesome, but the plasma is just fine.

Jumping from roof top to roof top was also very cool and I loved making the journey all the way down to the subway. I believe the splat invader style bugs were new to this section, yes? I couldn't remember if they were there before, but they stood out to me this time as the movements and visuals are very cool.

And finally, I thought the boss was great! The leg attacks were cool and visually it looked great. The only criticism here is that I didn't really have to move from the middle much, I could just stand and shoot up. Other than that, it was awesome, just like the rest of the level!		2009-06-28 15:48:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer
Posts: 1335

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

This level has been a HUGE rollercoaster ride. The experience has been interesting, but I NEVER want to do it again. I think I found a way for adults to think it's too easy and children to think it's virtually impossible - which means even though I think this level is a quality experience for certain gamers (you, Jaeyden, NinjaMicWZ...) I think I've pretty much killed popularity with the general LBP audience.

(which is, by the way, what I was kind of trying to do - build a different kind of game than anything I've ever done - but it still hurts a bit).

I made it into a race earlier today since my tags were starting to get killed anyway. I figured I would change it into a "hardcore race" which drives people forward.


What if you added just a bit of yellowish brown tint on the bottom, kind of like how they look in the Starship Troopers film? It might make them "pop" out from the darkness just a bit.

I'll give it a shot but.... I'm SO close to running out of thermo on decorations and stickers I'm not sure if I can add that many more stickers (I keep removing stickers from other places now in order to function).


Bummer that the vomit is gone, I thought that effect was awesome, but the plasma is just fine.

Yeah, I miss the vomit too. I had no idea the backlash from having it in would be so huge. I'm not quite sure how if my level having alien vomit was offending people how another level next to me right now where you jump up and down on poop is doing pretty well.....


I believe the splat invader style bugs were new to this section, yes? I couldn't remember if they were there before, but they stood out to me this time as the movements and visuals are very cool.

Yup, I hated the old section that was in there (I was building and releasing under duress....) so I yanked out the whole thing and managed to get a splat-style section in there before my thermo popped. It's actually my favorite part of the level.

Well, this level has certainly inspired me to get back to my roots for my next level - doing more addictive arcadish stuff.		2009-06-28 20:59:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I loved the new look of this level. It just felt so much more....I dunno, dark, gloomy and treacherous. It's not hard...who ARE THESE PEOPLE that find it so hard? I'm saddened to see all my favorite challenging levels getting knocked down by people too impatient to try to finish. Really, cubb, I think it was well worth the reworking and certainly feels unlike any other level out there. Glad you took the time to make it what you wanted it to be. :star::star::star::star::star:2009-07-02 06:28:00

Author:
Jaeyden
Posts: 564

I appreciate the sentiments, but I KNEW this one would be 3 stars even during the developent - I playtested it on my son, who's a pretty decent gamer, and his hand was not physically capable of pulling the trigger fast enough to kill the bugs before they pushed him off the building. As of now, he has NEVER made it past the first bug on the building. He represents a whole bunch of the kids who play LittleBigPlanet.

But.... in the end I decided that I really liked the mechanic, it was a pretty innovative design, and a lot of gamers would enjoy it. So I held my breath, closed my eyes, and hit the publish button.....

In all honesty, the 3 star doesn't really bother me as much as it used to - to me it more represents a not-for-kids game than a poorly rated one. Many of my favorite levels from RangerZero, NinjaMicWZ, OCK, Takelow (among others) are 3 star and it has nothing to do with quality.		2009-07-02 21:03:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I didn't get a chance to play the vomit, less dark, much harder version..... BUT I do like the version I played two days ago. lol.

Excellent atmosphere, very dark and dangerous looking. Absolutely adore your title sequence - very cinematic quality to it.

The bugs are gross and that's a good thing. The sound you gave them is hair raising and when they come out of nowhere it's great fun to blast them. The little grubby things are a pain in the rear - just because taking them out needs to be done at a frantic pace. Not a complaint though - I found them to be the toughest thing in the level to rid myself of. Ironic as they are tiny versions of the big bad bugs.

Couple of places (especially the long jumps to the right) I was a bit confused where to go because of the camera but it was a minor problem the I quickly figured out.

The sub boss is classic CCubbage. nicely done - still love the red/blue combos you use for alien landscapes. The boss proper is cool. Not hard to take out but she looks great and brings enough challenge to make it satisfying when you take her out. I really wish I'd seen the vomit version (eeeewwww!) but the plasma still looks a bit like she's getting sick so that will have to do.

Overall another fun and creepy level that I had so much fun playing once I brought a few friends back to play through it again! 5 stars - hearted. Thanks for another great level CCubbage.		2009-07-02 21:35:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

hey cuz,
Yeah this level is all sorts of bad@ssery! I can relate to the whole casual crowd finding user levels difficult. Sadly this level is vulnerable to that.

I loved the whole run and gun gameplay aspect of the level. The visuals were great too. Overall, it was a very satisfying level.

Some suggestions:
I found shooting at the head of the beasts somewhat tough, (although its more the paintanator's fault). Maybe you could make it so that you can shoot at the body but it takes more paint, where as head shots kill it in less.

I was a little confused as to which direction to take. Some creators hate using arrows, I use them frequently...its definately a sacrafice of sorts for me sometimes.

Question:
How did you get the jumping pad to work like that? It's perfect! I use bounce pads in my levels but they arent 100% reliable. You got it to where it pushes you while you're in the air. How?

Great level. Don't worry about popularity amongst the casual crowd. Besides you can never please everyone right?		2009-07-02 23:45:00

Author:
antman
Posts: 84

The jump pads weren't too difficult - I saw an example of one working in one of Jaeyden's UNRELEASED levels and just HAD to make one (probably the last time he has me play an unreleased level with him ) (he said it was ok, by the way.... and most great ideas originate with Jaeyden anyway)

Here's how it works - it uses a 2 switch piston system.

There's a piece of matter attached to a piston, which is then attached to another piece of material with a piston. The first piston is set to extend in .5 seconds, the 2nd .1

When you get on the bounce pad you trigger a sensor switch and the slower piston extends. When you jump up you activate a second sensor switch suspended above the pad which activates the 2nd faster piston. This causes a magnetic switch to trigger which pushes the material you are on up in the air.		2009-07-02 23:54:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

The jump pads weren't too difficult - I saw an example of one working in one of Jaeyden's UNRELEASED levels and just HAD to make one (probably the last time he has me play an unreleased level with him ) (he said it was ok, by the way.... and most great ideas originate with Jaeyden anyway)

Here's how it works - it uses a 2 switch piston system.

There's a piece of matter attached to a piston, which is then attached to another piece of material with a piston. The first piston is set to extend in .5 seconds, the 2nd .1

When you get on the bounce pad you trigger a sensor switch and the slower piston extends. When you jump up you activate a second sensor switch suspended above the pad which activates the 2nd faster piston. This causes a magnetic switch to trigger which pushes the material you are on up in the air.


Hmmm...interesting...
The first thing i figured was that you had a sensor switch above the pad. Didnt think it was a two piston thing. lol.

My switch skills are getting better, (though very much lacking) so i'll see if i can replicate what you just described. Thanks.		2009-07-03 00:14:00

Author:
antman
Posts: 84

Hmmm...interesting...
The first thing i figured was that you had a sensor switch above the pad. Didnt think it was a two piston thing. lol.

My switch skills are getting better, (though very much lacking) so i'll see if i can replicate what you just described. Thanks.
Just to see if it makes any difference, I went ahead and published an easier version where I take a few of your suggestions (labeled "Starship Troopers [Normal]"). I changed a few camera angles in the construction site to make it a bit more obvious where to go and changed the head shots into body shots.		2009-07-03 04:42:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I played this awhile back and forgot to leave a comment.

FUN! FURIOUS! and made me mumble "Bad Bugs Bad Bugs really Bbb BBad Bugs"

I hated those things!! (In a good way!) You have to shoot silly fast though geeesh!

Loved the big jumps from building to building. So whatever tweaking you have done seemed to be spot on to me. Those electro grub whatevers are EVIL. took a bit of frenzied patience to finally get past them. I really had to work hard to beat it! (This was the hard version.. haven't tried the new medium one yet!)

Loved the beginning and the ride down in the ship.. Loved the big buildings as it really fit well in that background. The falling building was great as well as the fiery damage. Awesome stuff!

I think the first few times I died once the ship landed, I groaned loudly that I had to beat the first two bugs again.. possibly the cause of my new mumbling issue. ...but in thinking about it, that would be a long way to go for no reason and felt like a true restart of a section.

Really nice work!! 5 stars and a heart!		2009-07-03 19:15:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

I played the hard mode a while ago and now played the normal.
MAN that IS furious, I'm too old to shoot so fast for a so long time!!! lol
Really, I'm sweatin' and my arm hurts... lol

I appreciated most the jump device that solve the common issues on automatic springboards (sackboy falling through the platform) and I will replicate it for sure in my future levels.

I hated those alien bugs (positively), they make me run away in fear (I can't really stand the shooting ratio required to stay alive among them!!), so I guess I'm not a brave starship trooper! lol

In the subway segment, with the splat invaders boss, I had issues with the barriers; they are supposed to help me hide from the plasma, but actually they acted as a shield protecting the boss!!
And that is my only complaint about this level, I hearted but don't expect me to play it often or you will have soon to come to my funeral!! lol

:star::star::star::star::star: and <3 here!		2009-07-05 13:12:00

Author:
Miglioshin
Posts: 336

Hi Ccubbage,

I had the chance to play this level few hours ago (Normal version), and you have done a very good job.

PROS:
+ I love the general atmosphere of the level.
+ Your whole start section is awesome, from the first room with moving planets that you can see by the window until the absolutely magical moment where you travel the logos section in the engine.
+Your aliens look great.
+You made a very very good use of lighting in the level. It give a lot to the general atmosphere i mentioned above.
+Your giant insect boss is impressive and really realistic.

CONS:
- Hmmm...
- Perhaps, some minor part of the level seems a little bit empty (as the one at the start when aliens attack you on the buildings)...but it s certainly a thermometer problem...
- Nothing more!

Overall, a very good and beautifull level i enjoyed playing a lot, with some little remisences of Splat Invader Saga (last section before the boss). I gave it :star::star::star::star::star: with "splendid" tag and a heart.

Btw, it is very interesting the difference in rating for the two level you published (Normal and Hard version). The messag seems to be: don't make an harder level, it will be less well rated...

Takelow		2009-07-07 11:32:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Hi Ccubbage,

I had the chance to play this level few hours ago (Normal version), and you have done a very good job.

PROS:
+ I love the general atmosphere of the level.
+ Your whole start section is awesome, from the first room with moving planets that you can see by the window until the absolutely magical moment where you travel the logos section in the engine.
+Your aliens look great.
+You made a very very good use of lighting in the level. It give a lot to the general atmosphere i mentioned above.
+Your giant insect boss is impressive and really realistic.

CONS:
- Hmmm...
- Perhaps, some minor part of the level seems a little bit empty (as the one at the start when aliens attack you on the buildings)...but it s certainly a thermometer problem...
- Nothing more!

Overall, a very good and beautifull level i enjoyed playing a lot, with some little remisences of Splat Invader Saga (last section before the boss). I gave it :star::star::star::star::star: with "splendid" tag and a heart.

Btw, it is very interesting the difference in rating for the two level you published (Normal and Hard version). The messag seems to be: don't make an harder level, it will be less well rated...

Takelow
Thanks, man! I agree with you on the first buildings part being a bit empty. I had a bunch of ideas for this part (actually had some air conditioning units built) but simply didn't have enough thermo to implement them. Those big bugs take up sooo much thermo when you have a bunch of them. And also, when you design something which is that sprawling there's a lot of area to cover, so the trade off was a bit bland cityscape.

It's definately difficult to get a high rating on a difficult level. But.... I knew exactly what would happen when I published it (if the level is too hard for my 7-year-old to pass the first rooftop, you KNOW its gonna get slammed).		2009-07-07 13:13:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Hi Cub

Well, I played both twice, hearted both and enjoyed both. In fact, the only reason I preferred the latest version was NOT because the first version was too hard, but in this slightly easier version, I spent more time enjoying the atmosphere and effects.

You know my feelings already on ratings and such - I'm going to shut up about them for all eternity - but for this particular version, I rated 5 stars. In all honesty, it's never less than a 4, but I tried in a miniscule way to compensate.

PROS
+ It's Starship Troopers!
+ Dark, dank, apocalyptic atmosphere.
+ Those arachnids are cool, whatever the age of the player.
+ I loved running and jumping over rooftops, ninja-stylee!
+ Great intro!

CONS
- this is one of those movie-based levels that would have been so cool with snippets of quotations: "They sucked his brains out!"; "Kill 'em! Kill 'em all!". I know it's not possible, but how much fun would that be?!

OVERALL
Whether you love or hate the film, this mutha delivers on action, atmosphere and satisfaction.

As I say, I gave it 5* and hearted it, but I'm really sorry - I tagged with 'Electric' because it appeared next to 'Ingenious'. 		2009-07-07 14:13:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

- this is one of those movie-based levels that would have been so cool with snippets of quotations: "They sucked his brains out!"; "Kill 'em! Kill 'em all!". I know it's not possible, but how much fun would that be?!

Interestingly, I used to have a bunch of little quotes during the game. However, the level is a bit more inspired by the book so most of the quotes were from the book (thus, by the way, why the game takes place on rooftops - thats where most of the action in the books took place). I took out a bunch of the quotes, though, because I felt it blocked the action a bit (now, if we could do sound bites I would be all over it!)


I tagged with 'Electric' because it appeared next to 'Ingenious'.

You know you can spam tag, dontcha? The only thing you can't spam onto a level is hearts and ratings (it only takes 1 of each from a player), but you can spam plays and tags on it. On the original release of this level I got a PSN message from one person and a comment on the level from another telling me the level made them physically sick. Right after the tag "Rubbish" went from non-existant all the way up to the primary tag for the level in about a 15 minute time period.		2009-07-07 14:39:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Just played through your level, well when I say played through that's not exactly how it happened. I played an amount of your level until my pathetic skills as a gamer got the better of me.

However, here is my feedback on what I saw........

Awesome!

You are very clever indeed and I didn't say "Cute" once.

Icey		2009-07-09 19:58:00

Author:
IceMaiden
Posts: 1057

Just played through your level, well when I say played through that's not exactly how it happened. I played an amount of your level until my pathetic skills as a gamer got the better of me.

However, here is my feedback on what I saw........

Awesome!

You are very clever indeed and I didn't say "Cute" once.

Icey
Wow! Good thing you didn't play Vertigo! That probably would have given you a heart attack .

You know.... I've made at least one level for every type of gamer, just so they aren't left out. You may be a Tiger Woods Mini Golf kind of Gal....
2009-07-09 20:14:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I remember finding this on Cool Pages when I started getting back into LBP and it was great. Luckily, I barely remembered a thing from those few weeks ago, so I tried this again (hard mode). The detail is great and it really looks like you're running on top of roofs and duking it out at a consturction site. The enemies also looked really good and the way they had a certain weakpoint (instead of shooting anywhere) was a nice way to make them deadlier without giving them cheap attacks. Speaking of the enemies, I liked how they respawned if you left an area, so it kept me on my toes. Then there was the awesome boss fight(s). What a great way to end the level. The little buggers flying around in the air sure could take a beating and then the giant alien at the end was always trying to poke my eyes out (jerk).

The only thing I didn't like was how dark it was. I know it was because it was nighttime and all that jazz, but I really wanted to see how you'd color the aliens if you had to (they have those awesome tiger-like stripes).

Overall, I gave you :star::star::star::star::star: and a heart.		2009-07-14 06:39:00

Author:
RickTheRipper
Posts: 345

I played this level on normal mode, and I have no idea what happened. I couldn't finish the level because I had nowhere to go - I was going around in circles...

Just after the collapsing building part, where you take the jumping pad up to the metal complex (during the race), I was stuck in this area. I went up the jump pad, went right I think to the hanging platform. The jumped back left lower down onto the platform below. All good. I continued on to where there's an elevator, went up that. And then I ended up on a small platform, and jumped right to a flat metal platform. On the platform one of the flying guys was coming by overhead shooting plasma sometimes.
I looked for a place to go, and the only place I saw was down to this area where little electric guys were popping out. All good still. Then I go down the only place to go, just below where the electric guys are spawning, and I'm back where I started.

I spent a very long time trying to figure out where to go, but always ended up where I started. Not sure if it is an issue with the lighting or maybe I did something wrong, but yeah...

Anyways, I'm sure it's an amazing level and maybe I'll give it another go if I get the chance.		2009-07-14 20:58:00

Author:
hilightnotes
Posts: 1230

You were SO close. At the top of the elevator, go right. You can actually wait for the bug to fly by and then go if you don't feel like shooting him.

This area of the level is designed to "feel" like your a bit lost, but there's really only one way to go. When first entering the construction site theres one little area with the nest of bugs with a dead end straight up, and heading to the right where you end up at the elevator. The elevator goes up, and you go right to exit the construction site.		2009-07-14 23:18:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Wow I feel so stupid! When I went to the top and looked right, I assumed that the platform with the light was the same hanging platform that is around just a bit earlier.

Anyways, I finished the level, and it was great! One problem I had though was that the boss took a lot of hits, but there wasn't much to engage you, as it was just 'stay in the middle and shoot', and 'if he roars move out of the way and continue shooting'.

It would be nice if you could add some other attacks for him.
That said, it's not easy making a good boss, and yours was still good, so nice work 		2009-07-15 07:13:00

Author:
hilightnotes
Posts: 1230

Wow I feel so stupid! When I went to the top and looked right, I assumed that the platform with the light was the same hanging platform that is around just a bit earlier.

Anyways, I finished the level, and it was great! One problem I had though was that the boss took a lot of hits, but there wasn't much to engage you, as it was just 'stay in the middle and shoot', and 'if he roars move out of the way and continue shooting'.

It would be nice if you could add some other attacks for him.
That said, it's not easy making a good boss, and yours was still good, so nice work
I definately agree.... the final boss, I think, was better before I re-released the level. It used to be faster moving left and right and spew some great looking vomit. This was one of the areas I toned down as a result of offending people. You used to have to dodge the legs a lot more and be much more careful of the vomit. Definately not my favorite part of the level. But, I got good comments on him so probably not too bad.		2009-07-15 14:27:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430


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