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Up & Away In Sky Town

Archive: 56 posts

Up & Away In Sky Town
by: jump_button
where: between uk and usa

well I had this idea of doing a level with the player holding on to a balloon, I been think of gameplay to go with that so, I hope you love the look and the gameplay and hope it feel like no other levels out there.

YouTube - Up & Away In Sky Town

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/9272/aphoto3.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4986/aphoto4r.jpg

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7685/aphoto2r.jpg		2009-07-05 18:17:00

Author:
jump_button
Posts: 1014

The design and artistry looks great as always with your levels.

I'll be sure to play this asap ( probably tonight after Top Gear ).		2009-07-05 18:57:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

I had a lot of fun playing this...totally unique game play. The balloon "cage" puzzle was very cool, loved the windmills, beautiful visual style. How the heck to the fans work? I gave it 5 stars and I'm pretty picky, great job trying something different!2009-07-05 19:56:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214

This level has a pretty unique gamestyle; at first, i was quite skeptic about it, but i found myself enjoying this level a lot: the background and the environment are superb; maybe you could try different styles with larger/smaller balloons , since the level lacks a bit in variety
5/5 and <3, it totally deserves it		2009-07-05 20:30:00

Author:
Shadowheaven
Posts: 378

This level's beautiful... probably the most relaxing and mellow level I've played, and has supreme production values. I love the deep blue sky, and that's easily the best simple use of fog changing out there. The architecture on the shacks is great, as is the material choices... everything feels lived in, and inviting.

The mechanics of the baloon work perfectly, and it's the first time I've enjoyed doing that in any level... you took one of the most underused and underutilized game mechanics in the game, and made a wonderful set of challenges out of it, with tons of variety in each application, to show what can really be done if you focus on one idea and run with it.

The windmill ride, the air vents (especially the moving ones), the windy section with leaves that actually swirl in a circular pattern, and the net powered trap door are all moments of genius.

The mood and vibe of this level, the aesthetic, and the gameplay elements remind me of games like Yoshi's Island and Klonoa... alot of floating, and a charming set design with tons of personality - games that you can't help but have a smile on your face while playing.

Nice works as always.		2009-07-05 20:51:00

Author:
Unknown User

Wow, just wow. This level was fantastic, lol. It was not challenging, but I don't believe it was meant to be... It was beautiful throughout! You've managed to mesh together simplistic design with very detailed design - I'm not sure how you pulled it off. The balloon mechanic was very well done, and I loved the little fans that you put in, as well as the blowing leaves section. I know how it's done, but it's so believable! There's not much more to say - everyone should go play this level!

Needless to say,:star::star::star::star::star: and hearted.		2009-07-05 21:54:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I've not played this yet but I think I can safely say it'd look even better with white stickered clouds instead of the material colour.2009-07-05 22:11:00

Author:
BasketSnake
Posts: 2391

I've not played this yet but I think I can safely say it'd look even better with white stickered clouds instead of the material colour.

It looks lighter in game. There's no problem with the color when you are actually playing.		2009-07-05 22:12:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

There isn't a lot that can be said about this, it is just wonderfully charming - a simple concept executed brilliantly. I particularly liked using the windmills to lift myself up. I did find that with the fans I sometimes had to try 2-3 times to get any lift off them, but that's no big deal - they worked eventually and it's not a level where you want to rush anyway

Only thing I could say as an enhancement (not critisisms) are to maybe add some points bubbles (in particular places you are not supposed to go (left of the first house, maybe some for making big daring leaps and skipping platforms etc).

:star::star::star::star::star: and a heart for you sir.		2009-07-06 00:20:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Upon further review from cophermc - who rightly pointed out I had the wrong level - I'm removing my comments and running off to play the correct level!

Thanks comphermc!		2009-07-06 00:24:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Had a good time working my way though this one. Looks good. Especially the building, windmills and railings. Nice challenge. The birds are funny but the cow is hilarious (you have a green mag key visible on the cow that falls - heads up)

5 stars & hearted.

Morgana, did you play his other level? I thought his older one was the one with cow... this one had you carrying a balloon the whole time.

@rtm - I like those suggestions. It would give your level that extra bit of appeal... unless you feel it would 'bung up' the feel of the level...		2009-07-06 00:29:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I played it when you were building it, but hav'nt seen the ending yet. Ill be having a go tonight!!2009-07-06 08:23:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Absolutely fantastic. Fun, simple, beautiful, and enough of a challenge to keep the player interested without frustration. I don't really know what else to say, except that I think this is really one of the best levels I've ever played. :star::star::star::star::star: and a ♥. 2009-07-06 08:39:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

for any one that want then fan and balloons I added them at the end of the level as a give away

and made a film myself playing it

YouTube - Up & Away In Sky Town		2009-07-06 10:01:00

Author:
jump_button
Posts: 1014

Very pretty level indeed. One minor niggle, I think "Get it together" would fit a bit better, "Gardens" seemed to be a bit too slow in my opinion.2009-07-06 13:55:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

for any one that want then fan and balloons I added them at the end of the level as a give away

and made a film myself playing it

YouTube - Up & Away In Sky Town (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5anuA_3u-g)

Ha ha, Love how the lyrics say "sputtered out" right as you came just short of making it up a big ledge...		2009-07-06 14:59:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

ok - now that I've played the actual level I can comment. It's such a great idea! Way to take what a lot of creators take as decoration and turn it into a gameplay device. Looks great and all the jumps are doable with just the right level of challenge near the end.

Only thing that stood out for me was the bare scoreboard but it's a minor nit pick.

5 stars & hearted.		2009-07-06 17:04:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

This is definetly one of the most relaxing and original levels on LBP. I had a great time playing through (you've added quite a bit since I saw it last on Friday). I love the mechanic you've built it around, its both original, and a great deal of fun. What I enjoyed was the more and more inventive platforming towards the end.

*****, brilliant and hearted		2009-07-06 18:17:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Ok, I took too long to play this. It's simply superb. Relaxing and beautiful. One of the deadliest combinations in a level. And this level isn't iscolated - Black and White Planet anyone?
I love this level more though. Just jumping around with a balloon is brilliant. I am so glad you decided to give it away at the end, and I'll play around with it later

Pros:
+ The balloon is well designed
+ Somehow I formed an emotional bond to the first balloon I used
+ Lots of different puzzles
+ The fans work really well
+ So relaxing
+ The design is brilliant

Cons:
- It's too short. I want more!
- Some score bubbles would be interesting

:star::star::star::star::star: and a heart		2009-07-06 19:56:00

Author:
Coxy224
Posts: 2645

+ Somehow I formed an emotional bond to the first balloon I used

lol, when I was testing out early parts of the level with him, I for some reason said to my friend who was there testing too that "man... taking a little kid's baloon is like the meanest thing you could do to them" when I lost my baloon, and someone grabbed the one I was trying to get.

When jump_button was asking about an enemy idea, all I could come up with was an evil baloon that's trying to kill the nice, happy baloon, and you're it's faithful protector.		2009-07-06 21:30:00

Author:
Unknown User

wonderful little level here The balloon mechanic is pretty sweet, and original. I wasn't too big of a fan of the fans look (no pun intended) but that was minor to me, as i'm not sure how i'd make it better 5* and a heart.2009-07-07 05:26:00

Author:
Burnvictim42
Posts: 3322

Cons:
- It's too short. I want more!
- Some score bubbles would be interesting[/QUOTE]

I try score bubbles but they got in the way of the balloon with the balloon being a in-game item and will just push them away or trap the player stoping them

and I didt want player fighting for them rushing and bumping kocking others of the sides lol		2009-07-07 10:35:00

Author:
jump_button
Posts: 1014

The point bubbles don't need to be on the same layer as the player / balloon...

And if people fight surely that just adds a separate dimension to the level. Obviously not one that fits with the tranquil nature of the level, but another dimension nevertheless. I can see why you wouldn't want point-crazed hoodlums tearing through the airways of skytown though.		2009-07-07 10:48:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Ummm, where to start?

Pros:
- the looks
- design
- new gameplay mechanic, never seen it before
- the looks again, wow
- the atmosphere
- it's fun

Cons:
- wait, what???

Suggestions:
- make a race level of this. It would be cool to compete with your friends

Overall :star::star::star::star::star::staryes 6), heart & ingenious.		2009-07-07 13:47:00

Author:
blizzard_cool
Posts: 752

I've seen many levels cloud themed, but none of them had better clouds than yours. They were so clean designed, and yet, so clean looking.

I don't think that I can say any praise that hasn't been said before, so I'll just go with the good and bad things part:

+The visuals. As simple as efective.
+My lil' sister was able to beat it, but with having many troubles. As far as I can tell, that means that the level is neither easy or hard, just in the correct level.
+Wasn't there any platforming element that wasn't completely original?
+Sky+flying cities= Keldur's favorite elements to implement in a game.
+Completely relaxing. Felt great going trough this.

-I'm not sure about this, because It was my siter who played the very first part, but there was no story?
-I also want point bubbles in it, there's gotta be a way D:
-No cows in this one! I loved your final cow in your other level. I'm still laughing.

Keep in mind that the cons were nit-picking. :star::star::star::star::star: and heart.		2009-07-07 15:24:00

Author:
Keldur
Posts: 628

Wow! I loved this level! The visuals were amazing (as always!) and I really enjoyed the balloon gameplay. At times it was a bit hard to control the balloon, but for the most part, this was such a mellow and relaxing level. I really enjoyed it.2009-07-08 05:12:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer
Posts: 1335

Hey, you copied the gameplay of my Bovine Antigravity Chamber!!!!




Kidding of course

Great visual style, nice gameplay. I loved this level and gave it 5 stars and a heart.

Couple minor points:

1. The first time I floated over one of the fans I had no idea what it was, so I was "jumping" trying to get up the cliff face, which was preventing the fan from working. I was thinking either have the fan look like its running on a bigger radius so the player always understands what it is and waits, or something that says "wait" under it the first time.

2. I got through it, but I had a tough time with the windmills - getting them to lift me up. My balloon would get "hooked" on the first one and go all the way around. I did end up doing it, however - so I'm not quite sure what to say you should do about this.

Great job!		2009-07-08 13:18:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Just left a comment in game but thought I would here too. I played this because I was just sat here staring at the screen waiting for the plays on my new level to go up haha and I'm so glad I did!

While I have been a fan of your work previously, (it's hard not to be, it's beautiful) I've always believed that it needed more gameplay and there was just something about it that was missing.

This is the final piece! Again it has all the visual style that your known for but with the platforming attached to it.

I disagree with people who said it should be longer, I think it's the perfect length. It's just long enough to get in a nice variety of challenges, but because of it's slow and relaxing pace, you don't want it going on too long because it would probably get a bit repetitive and tedious.

I too would like score bubbles, if you're not keen on having them in. Then how about giving out a sticker at the end of the level that unlocks a race gate for a bit of replay value. Even though it is a relaxing level, I think the mechanics are well suited for it to be a race. Plus, the fact that you only get to try the race out after you've completed it once means it will not take away from the feel and atmosphere of the level because you'd have already seen it in its truest form

5 stars and hearted...one more like this and it'll be an author heart too 		2009-07-09 15:29:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

I played this yesterday evening and man, this is your best level yet.

You score high with me because I like to play a level feel like I never played that before. Exactly the feeling you level gave me. Your theme here is perfectly tied to the gameplay and this might explain my "emotional attachement" to the balloons that I could somehow feel all through. It's like I would have used the first balloon for the whole level (I suppose it's possible?).

Your visuals are top notch from the beginning to the end. the simplicity, the fact you play basically on one layer and how you did the background (stickers?) was really top notch. I think you adjusted the fog just right and this gave to your clouds juuuust the right amount of depht they needed. In short buddy, you have the eye!

Gameplay wise I LOVE your balloon and the part where you get the balloon stuch on the windmill palms -- it's SO awesome.
I have an idea how you made that balloon (it's a orange floaty behind the balloon right?) but GOD **** at your leafs in the wind. I'm flabergastingly amazed and I don't know for snot how you did that. Please enlighten me.

:star::star::star::star::star: + <3 + brilliant tag

.		2009-07-09 17:20:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

This level was really beautifully made- I loved the windmills, they looked extraordinary! It reminded me of the movie 'Up' with all the bright colors and, practically, the balloons! 2009-07-09 19:06:00

Author:
GrahamLif3
Posts: 386

Man, this level is rockin' on cool pages 1 - congratulations! It deserves it - really innovative design!2009-07-09 23:42:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I really like this level. It's one of few that I keep playing over and over. Great idea! I'd like to see more.2009-07-09 23:48:00

Author:
StrayFelisCatus
Posts: 178

the leafs are just on really little rubber lol so they roll over nothing that hard to make

I have aalot more ideas I had plan for this that didt get in the 1st one but im have a rest from LBP geting a bit burnd out		2009-07-10 00:44:00

Author:
jump_button
Posts: 1014

I liked everything about this level. It had a great, very detailed style to it that was absolutely phenomenal to look at, and it played just as well. The mechanics used to keep the balloon up and the twisted platforming elements all blended together very smoothly. I haven't seen the movie "Up", but from trailers and overall idea, your level directly reminds me of it. It was a great level, and I couldn't find anything about it that I didn't like, besides maybe it's pacing, which was a little too slow for me. Overall, absolutely amazing. 2009-07-10 01:48:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

I wish I had thought of this.
It's brilliant.		2009-07-12 19:14:00

Author:
Godzillionaire
Posts: 20

Such a beautiful level. An instant classic in my eyes.2009-07-12 20:34:00

Author:
antman
Posts: 84

A beautiful and unique level that had me mesmerised! I actually felt like I was hanging on to the balloon! Excellent work jump button.2009-07-12 20:56:00

Author:
IceMaiden
Posts: 1057

Amazing concept and wonderfully executed!!

I love your art style - it's one of my favorites of any creator, and it's truly incredible.


There is just one suggestion I can make for this level, and that is to maybe add some points to get. That way you can be rewarded for well-timed jumps and skill with the balloon.

But either way, I gave it 5 stars and a heart!		2009-07-13 02:59:00

Author:
hilightnotes
Posts: 1230

This level will be featured in the new video coming out for Leper Messiah. A video review. I played it and loved it so much I decided to review it. This is the return of Leper Messiah and our review service.2009-07-13 03:01:00

Author:
obsoleteXeo
Posts: 134

lol I cave in and added some score bubbles2009-07-14 18:38:00

Author:
jump_button
Posts: 1014

Now I'll have to play the level for a 3rd time just to try for the highscore! 2009-07-14 20:39:00

Author:
hilightnotes
Posts: 1230

Why what an excellent level! The whole idea is carried out very well, the platforming is accessible (not to mention fun), and the idea as a whole is very original - I have yet to see a level which requires something similar to what you've done here. The visuals were very impressive thanks to the objects you built and added into the level - the windmill was truly awesome!

I have no suggestions, a great level through and through. :star::star::star::star::star:		2009-07-15 20:38:00

Author:
KoRnDawwg
Posts: 1424

I'm glad you returned to Sky Town, you should really consider making more of this style. You've done platforming why not, I dunno, Sky Town Racing? Maybe a prequel?! Explaining why everything is run-down.
EDIT: I really love your Skull Kid		2009-07-15 21:35:00

Author:
Plasmavore
Posts: 1913

WOW! This is probably one of the best levels I have ever played! I've always loved balloons in this game, always wanted to work with them but could never think of any obstacles for them. You did it way better than I could ever imagine! I really hope this level inspires people to create more obstacles with balloons. 6 stars (yes, 6) and a heart from me.2009-07-21 19:50:00

Author:
brnxblze
Posts: 1318

I always love the look of your levels jump_button, and this is no exception, just superb design in this one.

A real pleasure to play, one of those gems that takes a single idea and executes it brilliantly for an entire level. loved it!		2009-07-22 17:18:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Video Review:

YouTube - LBP Review: jump_button		2009-07-24 20:46:00

Author:
obsoleteXeo
Posts: 134

obsoleteXeo, your "monotone" voice aint bad at all, very soothing actually


Hey Jump_Button, I'm quite late with my feedback but I hope you got room for one more positive little review.
I played this a week ago and I'm always glad and quite amazed to see someone still achieve something new & original in LBP.

This is quite the level you made here and it connects so well with your previous adventure in Sky town.
Very innovative gameplay mixed with gorgeous visuals, just the way I like them!!

I'm actually kind of glad you werent able to fit this in your concept for your other level set in sky town.
This deserved its own level, here you have room to showcase all the different things you can do with this one concept of hanging on a balloon and floating it through the air.

It's a very relaxing level wich is a nice change of pace for the most part.

Nothing more I could really add to that wich hasn't been said dozens of times before except that I enjoyed it immensly and I hope you get past that LBP burn soon so we can see some more of your beautiful work.

Gave it 5 stars and a well deserved heart, well done!! 		2009-07-24 21:02:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

hi all just wanted to say I updated and added more to the background2009-07-26 18:18:00

Author:
jump_button
Posts: 1014

First off, I want to say sorry that I did not give feedback on this level earlier when it was still on the Cool Levels pages, but I guess it's better late then never!

As usual, you put in some very unique visuals and a creative art style that is totally original. One thing I don't like about your levels is a lack of gameplay, but this is an exception. It isn't just run-of-the-mill platforming as well, you unleashed the potential of the balloon, something that is usually used as a decoration. I liked the relaxing feel to this level, and the choice of music was perfect. The gameplay seemed to work well as well. It wasn't a cakewalk, but it wasn't frustratingly difficult either. The wind turbines were also very cool, and added another unique gameplay element into the level.

Overall, I gave this :star::star::star::star::star: and a heart. Great work!		2009-07-29 17:55:00

Author:
lk9988
Posts: 1077

Thought I'd re-post in here, a) because this is one of those levels that I keep coming back to, its one of my all time faves now, and b) its the first level I've noticed that uses the layer glitch in a subtle but effective way. The perfect level for having things floating about 20 layers back, certainly worth the re-publishing.2009-07-30 01:15:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

i just wanted to jump into this thread to say this is one of my all-time favourite levels. The atmosphere and visuals are wonderful, and the gentle gameplay is a delight every time :hero:

This is the level I *always* show to friends who are new to the game, or new to the community levels side of things. It's gentle fun for beginners... and unlike most user-made levels, it works wonderfully in multiplayer. Superb stuff.

:star::star::star::star::star: <3		2009-08-12 13:53:00

Author:
Tig-W
Posts: 106

Style,fun factor and a true top notch entry in every regard.

I am surprised this level and others by "jump button are not regarded on an even higher level,they deserve it.

Beautiful art style and gameplay is fun as can be.

5 stars and a heart from this guy...		2009-09-16 06:40:00

Author:
Unknown User

Hey, I Love your level, it is fantastic and very original and I tried all your levels out for the new patch and here's what worked and what didn't.

Up and Away in Sky Town- Failed to load

Up and away in Sky Town 2- Failed to Load

Sky Town's Rain Factory part 1- Failed to load

Sky Town's Rain Factory Part 2- Failed to load

Nostalgia of the Infinite- Loaded

The Forbidden Land- Nostalgia of the Infinite- Loaded

Tick Tock Woods- Loaded

Robot Town 2- Failed to Load

Sackboy tells a bad joke- Loaded

8-bit shootemup- Loaded

Black and White Planet- Loaded

Black and White Planet 2- Failed to Load

Sorry most of your levels won't load now. Hopefully it will soon.		2010-08-02 19:15:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity
Posts: 5208

I sooo want to play this level badly, but for some reason when I try to play it fails to load the level... 2010-08-02 20:33:00

Author:
Eoghan11
Posts: 145

It's from the patch that was released on Sunday.... there are a bunch of other creators who's levels are failing too. Check back later though - it's an awesome level!2010-08-02 20:42:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

If you look at the post I put above yours Eoghan you can see which of jump_button's levels do work. Unfortunately, none of the sky town ones work right now.2010-08-02 23:34:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity
Posts: 5208


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