Archive: 88 posts

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After playing Starcruiser by CandyK last night when I went to view his/her hearted lists and found absolutely nothing??? No hearted levels or hearted creators. I baffles me how someone this good at creating can not have any hearted levels. The only possible answers to this I has so far is... 1- CandyK only creates and plays no levels. (Is it possible to be this good at creating without playing and hearting other levels) 2 - CandyK's profile was simply unavailable at the time. (Anybody elses hearted list I tried worked?) 3 - CandyK's psn account is a sub-account of some sort. What do you guys think? Any opinions?

2009-07-15 09:24:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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His account is a sub account. If he likes creating then he will of already used up the 20 pages in his account.

2009-07-15 09:29:00 Author: robotiod Posts: 2662

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Are you sure he's got no hearted levels/creators? I'm pretty sure I checked recently and found some... But I might be confusing myself, because I've been checking out a bunch of creators hearted pages recently, so it's possible I just got mixed up. Anyways, I'm sure he exists judging by the fact that he's made levels! - but yeah, maybe it's a sub account. Who knows...

2009-07-15 09:35:00 Author: hilightnotes Posts: 1230

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I haven't heated people or levels in ages either simply because I rarely play other levels unless I get asked to test them.

2009-07-15 09:38:00 Author: Syroc Posts: 3193

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Mole. Plant. Splinter Cell. EMDUBB.

2009-07-15 09:44:00 Author: Unknown User

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Are you sure he's got no hearted levels/creators? I'm pretty sure I checked recently and found some... It is possible, that the servers just didn't give me that info for whatever reason. I haven't heated people or levels in ages either simply because I rarely play other levels unless I get asked to test them. But you have some levels hearted right? CandyK had 0. Not even his/her own?

2009-07-15 09:44:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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all the really good creators are actually MM employees that are testing new themes and gauging the players reactions

2009-07-15 09:54:00 Author: RickTheRipper Posts: 345

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all the really good creators are actually MM employees that are testing new themes and gauging the players reactions Now were getting into the conspiracy stuff I was hoping for! Good man Rick

2009-07-15 09:56:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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I think that it's more than possible that some MM's employee can make levels for his own pleasure. Then...we've got an ethic problem if he gets nominated for the MM Picks...

2009-07-15 10:14:00 Author: OmegaSlayer Posts: 5112

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It is possible, that the servers just didn't give me that info for whatever reason. But you have some levels hearted right? CandyK had 0. Not even his/her own? I don't think that had anything to do with the servers. I noticed it too when i checked his hearted list weeks ago, i guess it's a sub-account. misty.

2009-07-15 10:21:00 Author: Mother-Misty Posts: 574

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This has been bounced around before by me and a friend. As impossibly nice as starcruiser is... The Refinery isn't quite up to par with it (still 75% amazing) and seems sloppy (in comparison to starcruiser... have to stress that point). That little bit of discrepancy shows they're fallible to a point, and kind of deflates the idea of them being a ghost recon for MM. I'm pretty sure an MM designer would have set the elevator to require-all. Then again, LittleXim's buzzer level was nothing special and I've seen something else that wasn't that great either. I also can't see that MM would have anything to gain by using subtle tactics and market tests like this, rather than charge for the final product, or even what the employees would gain by working off the clock. Too many holes in the plot. I mean... it could be all a carefully orchestrated and supremely clever way to bolster the image of the community and profit in the long run - but I think candyk is just THAT good.

2009-07-15 10:30:00 Author: Unknown User

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I've looked several times too and they don't have any levels or creators hearted at all. Infact I've seen a few the same but can't remember who they all are off the top of my head. I can't believe someone so good at creating has never played other great levels and thought they were worth hearting. It comes across to me as very arrogant and looks like they're saying " I am the Best and I'm not acknowleding other's talent". I can't see any other reason for having NO hearted creators or levels whatsoever.

2009-07-15 12:19:00 Author: mistervista Posts: 2210

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All I know is that StarCruiser is the most visually perfect community level i've ever seen. It's mindboggingly well done. The guy is ridiculously talented and we are all put to shame actually. I even wonder if Media Molecule guys could have pulled off StarCruiser. Seriously, i'm not kdding, it's the first community level that I feel is visually stunning to a point there simply is no possible way to distinguish it from a professional level. .

2009-07-15 12:44:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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Weird! I remember playing this one quite a few months ago. It seems a bit odd that they have not hearted any other levels. Unless.... Maybe they are an alien and have tons of extra tools and layers! ..in fact that would explain the no hearts given to other levels. They don't have a heart! Wait! Maybe because they are actually a machine!? Possibly Cyberdyne and the beginning of Skynet?!!? :eek:

2009-07-15 12:54:00 Author: jwwphotos Posts: 11383

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I can't believe someone so good at creating has never played other great levels and thought they were worth hearting. It comes across to me as very arrogant and looks like they're saying " I am the Best and I'm not acknowleding other's talent". He even shares his creations (you can get his waterfall for example). I don't think he's arrongant at all, it's just a bit of a mystery misty.

2009-07-15 13:00:00 Author: Mother-Misty Posts: 574

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He even shares his creations (you can get his waterfall for example). I don't think he's arrongant at all, it's just a bit of a mystery misty. Mmm I'm sure when I played his levels nothing was copyable or given as prizes. It was quite a while ago though so maybe it's been updated since. I'll have to check them out again.

2009-07-15 13:54:00 Author: mistervista Posts: 2210

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I left him a nice comment in his, er, comments page and I'm sure he left a polite reply. I noticed when I first played starcruiser that he had no hearted levels. I didn't jump to the conclusion that the guy must be arrogant. thinking about it now it may be that he used a sub account to publish them to avoid having his main account spammed with friend/H4H requests.

2009-07-15 14:33:00 Author: Matt 82 Posts: 1096

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It could be something as simple as not having acess to his/her main account. OR, it could have been published by someone else, then copyied by 'CandyK'- who doesn't play LBP much. Hmmmm...

2009-07-15 14:42:00 Author: Leather-Monkey Posts: 2266

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I noticed when I first played starcruiser that he had no hearted levels. I didn't jump to the conclusion that the guy must be arrogant. thinking about it now it may be that he used a sub account to publish them to avoid having his main account spammed with friend/H4H requests. Look Matt, well reasoned, logical answers like that are not welcome here. Now now if you have another theory including androids, 1 million monkeys, or JFK Id be more than happy to discuss. Seriously though, this is probably the best explanation so far. I know another member here has an alternative account for a similar reason. Although I do kinda like the MM mole conspiracy though.....

2009-07-15 14:44:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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my bad. it would be pretty funny if it was indeed a sony funded covert operation to demonstrate the full potential of LBP. the re-appearance of Mm picks and that video of starcruiser has got a few people talking again in some of the other forums I visit. sony did adopt a similar tactic a few years ago when they put fake review quotes on movie posters so you never know...

2009-07-15 14:52:00 Author: Matt 82 Posts: 1096

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I agree, I think Matt's got the right idea. It makes sense now - especially if you just wants to create in peace. Is anyone willing to try to befriend candyk...maybe get an LBPC exclusive interview? Ha ha.

2009-07-15 14:53:00 Author: comphermc Posts: 5338

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I agree, I think Matt's got the right idea. It makes sense now - especially if you just wants to create in peace. Is anyone willing to try to befriend candyk...maybe get an LBPC exclusive interview? Ha ha. I'm going to send him/her a message tonight. Kinda feel bad talking about someone like this without approaching them directly. Ill let you know how I get on....

2009-07-15 14:58:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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Lets hope a robotic JFK has trained one million monkeys to create levels for CandyK Wex. And he has'nt quite taught the monkeys how to actually play the levels yet

2009-07-15 15:32:00 Author: GruntosUK Posts: 1754

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Lets hope a robotic JFK has trained one million monkeys to create levels for CandyK Wex. And he has'nt quite taught the monkeys how to actually play the levels yet We can always dream Grant, we can always dream....

2009-07-15 15:39:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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let's hope he hasn't trained the monkeys to kill folk who try contact him via PSN. you never know with these creative types.

2009-07-15 15:57:00 Author: Matt 82 Posts: 1096

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Candyk can't be human, he's too good. Thus he has no emotions when playing other levels, thus he cannot enjoy them, thus he does not heart them. Or she.

2009-07-15 16:11:00 Author: ARD Posts: 4291

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let's hope he hasn't trained the monkeys to kill folk who try contact him via PSN. you never know with these creative types. Aaaahhhh..... what will I do...... If I send a messege, I run the risk of being attacked by a million monkeys But If don't the suspense will definitely kill me..... I never thought I'd say this but... It looks like risking being mauled by a herd of wild monkeys is the safer option!

2009-07-15 16:12:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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I think it's a sub-account of a_fat_clown. After Cat vs Jaguar he decided it was time to develop a better level, but didn't want to be associated with his earlier works.

2009-07-15 16:13:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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I think it's a sub-account of a_fat_clown. After Cat vs Jaguar he decided it was time to develop a better level, but didn't want to be associated with his earlier works. LOL. Classic.

2009-07-15 16:14:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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LOL. Classic. The sticker work IS a bit reminiscent.

2009-07-15 16:15:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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Candyk can't be human, he's too good. Thus he has no emotions when playing other levels, thus he cannot enjoy them, thus he does not heart them. Or she. Or it :kz: ... but yeah. I kinda don't play as many community levels as I should, and most I do are from LBPC's (I have way too many awesome levels to support from here that I never played then to consider playing more <_>) so I never actually played this. Or heard of it. ... I'm so out of the loop But yeah, I guess that Candyk is a Creater, but not a Sharer. It takes a truely well rounded individual to be a Creator AND Sharer... and also a Player, although that seems to be someone who beats really hard levels so that may not be as important... but yeah. Sharing is as important (and probably mroe important, now that I think about it) as Creating O_o. ... and with that done, I'm done <_>

2009-07-15 16:17:00 Author: RockSauron Posts: 10882

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But you have some levels hearted right? CandyK had 0. Not even his/her own? Yes, but my point was that you don't need to heart anything if you don't want, don't see much of a point in it or simply don't play other levels all that often.

2009-07-15 16:42:00 Author: Syroc Posts: 3193

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I think it's a sub-account of a_fat_clown. After Cat vs Jaguar he decided it was time to develop a better level, but didn't want to be associated with his earlier works. I must agree with CCubage. The pacing of the level did really remind me pure and beautiful creation of "a_fat_clown" Looks like we finally did discover her/his true identity. Good thinks about it, is that there's no need to worry anymore about monkeys. Bad thing, is that he/she might have trained cats/jaguars. Beware, lbp players. BEWARE.

2009-07-15 16:55:00 Author: Keldur Posts: 628

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Oh you two, such silly beans! Clearly CandyK is a Borg! That would explain his/her extreme intelligence and a lack of hearts...

2009-07-15 17:06:00 Author: hilightnotes Posts: 1230

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Borg? Whats borg?

2009-07-15 17:24:00 Author: Adam9001 Posts: 744

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Borg? Whats borg? *SHOCK* *DIES* ...from blackening vision hilightnotes sees Adam get assimilated into the Borg Collective... *REALLY DIES*

2009-07-15 17:29:00 Author: hilightnotes Posts: 1230

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*resussitates higlightnotes* breathe man - breathe LOL Google Borg if you don't know (or play AJnKnox's level series) but us Trekkies/Trekkers know that this is true. Resistance is futile. Your spare time will be assimilated by Candyk.

2009-07-15 17:35:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

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Maybe the BORG have assimilated the Monkeys?? The plot thickens

2009-07-15 17:48:00 Author: GruntosUK Posts: 1754

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Now that's a sight - 1000 drone monkeys ambling around with red laser sights and blank expressions trying to make a LBP level (a nerdy take on the infinite monkeys making Hamlet I think).... ok - that's it. I want to see this in a level now. Anyone feel like making a monkey Borg level? AJnKnox I'm looking in your direction.....

2009-07-15 17:56:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

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I think that it's more than possible that some MM's employee can make levels for his own pleasure. Then...we've got an ethic problem if he gets nominated for the MM Picks... Hehe, it got nominated

2009-07-15 17:59:00 Author: Nace369 Posts: 4

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^^ Hmm, that's interesting. Well, I think the reason he doesn't heart any levels is because... H4H. I think he may want to avoid the whole H4H and anti-H4H thing so he doesn't heart any levels. Or, he just... hasn't found anything good enough yet. This guy's quality is phenominal, practically a cut above everyone else. I guess once he finds levels as good (maybe even better) than his, then he'll warm up to the idea of hearting. Besides, we can't automatically assume he doesn't play levels since he doesn't have any hearts.

2009-07-15 18:58:00 Author: Outlaw-Jack Posts: 5757

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So, does he have some great levels under his other account? I'm gonna check that tonight. .

2009-07-15 19:37:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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How could you tell what his other account is? (presuming it is a sub account and not Borg monkeys as speculated above?)

2009-07-15 19:39:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

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"A_cat_clown" is a joke I didn't catch or it's his other account? .

2009-07-15 19:41:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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Nah that was a joke.

2009-07-15 19:51:00 Author: Matt 82 Posts: 1096

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Nono that's really his other account. Go check out the amazing level he has in that account!!!!!!!!111111111!!

2009-07-15 19:55:00 Author: hilightnotes Posts: 1230

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Nono that's really his other account. Go check out the amazing level he has in that account!!!!!!!!111111111!! My god have mercy on your soul lol

2009-07-15 19:59:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

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Did you notice this comment under the MM pick's by gm9218 Im glad to see Candyk?s levels finally getting the recognition they deserve, he posted them on eu.community.playstation forums and when I checked them out I was shocked by how little plays they had. Checked it out http://community.eu.playstation.com/playstationeu/board/message?board.id=bEN_games_gen_LBP_create&message.id=6040&query.id=27540#M6040 Looks like his only ever made like 3 posts and never replies to the thread. Ghost or human????? YOU DECIDE

2009-07-15 21:41:00 Author: dorien Posts: 2767

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Is Wex still alive? Wex?...Wex?...WEX??...NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

2009-07-15 22:16:00 Author: Matt 82 Posts: 1096

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Eh, alot of people just come and go... and don't really particpate in the whole community thing. My favorite creator is sighwhatever... he made 3 amazing levels in the first month the game was out, and never came back. I messaged him a couple weeks ago saying that I loved his levels, they were still my favorites, and that me and a few others would like to see him come back to create more. He came back and did a 4th episode to sackboy's inferno and published a WIP preview level... but the level got hit with 3 stars and very few plays, and even now, he's rarely playing LBP. Maybe candyk is the same way, in that LBP isn't his daily lifestyle, just something he/she dabbles in despite being extremely adept at creating. Could even just be someone who already programs and designs in other mediums and venues, and this was just a little fun on the side, and not a full time gig. I could definitely see them being bitter about getting stuck with a 4 star rating on such a masterpiece, due to the general ignorance of the LBP audience and how broken current-rating default selector is... it can give someone a resentful or disenchanted disposition rather easily. Not knowing all the lock and key, republished, PM your friends tricks that community members do, he did surprisingly well regardless, but that level should have 5 stars and be cemented onto highest rated/busiest/most hearted pages... not lumped in with every other good to great 4 and 5 star level out there. Then again, being lumped in with some other overrated levels and a bunch of trophy/H4H levels on the aforementioned hall-of-fame pages might not seem that prestigious either... but at least the level would always get a constant stream of plays, and it would trickle into any future releases. MM should use the in-game news page for their MM picks and not just the website... or create a special section in the search functions for MM picks. That way, people who aren't involved in community forums or MM's website, would also be open to the advertisement and official recommendations. As it stands now, it's just preaching to the choir.

2009-07-15 22:30:00 Author: Unknown User

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Did you notice this comment under the MM pick's by gm9218 Checked it out http://community.eu.playstation.com/playstationeu/board/message?board.id=bEN_games_gen_LBP_create&message.id=6040&query.id=27540#M6040 Looks like his only ever made like 3 posts and never replies to the thread. Ghost or human????? YOU DECIDE I'm tellin ya... it's Skynet! Beware!

2009-07-15 22:33:00 Author: jwwphotos Posts: 11383

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Am I the only one that notices that almost all of the comments on his levels say something like "Now I know why you are so good it's because your an MM employee." Or "Wow I'm getting the impression that you work for MM studios your amazing." And there's a lot more. Can it be? Nah I'm just trying to stir up more conspiracy and fun.

2009-07-15 23:01:00 Author: Whalio Cappuccino Posts: 5250

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Am I the only one that notices that almost all of the comments on his levels say something like "Now I know why you are so good it's because your an MM employee." Or "Wow I'm getting the impression that you work for MM studios your amazing." And there's a lot more. Can it be? Nah I'm just trying to stir up more conspiracy and fun. So Skynet is really MM? :eek:

2009-07-16 02:14:00 Author: jwwphotos Posts: 11383

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Maybe he's NOBODY. That guy has published all the levels he's allowed, and his levels are incredible.

2009-07-16 02:17:00 Author: qrtda235566 Posts: 3664

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Maybe he's NOBODY. That guy has published all the levels he's allowed, and his levels are incredible. Nah, NobodyX cannot pull off the precision and perfect shapes CandyK does. Actually, nobody can outside professionals. You simply feel it as soon as you play StarCruiser. .

2009-07-16 02:22:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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X-NOBODY-X is a C grade creator... but his Sack Bros levels are good for Mario levels - I put them only behind stevebigguns in that category... and the intro of his MGS level was awesome (so was the sniper scope moment). Stuff like the heartless boss on his Kingdom Hearts level is laughable though.

2009-07-16 02:22:00 Author: Unknown User

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X-NOBODY-X is a C grade creator... but his Sack Bros levels are good for Mario levels, and the intro of his MGS level was awesome (so was the sniper scope moment). This ^^ Seriously. .

2009-07-16 02:24:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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Now that I think about it, C maybe harsh... B grade at the most. Nothing he's got is even close to starcruiser though, and when I think of candyk I think of people like geosautus, nattura, Voltiare, mrsupercomputer, Jaeyden, IceMaiden, sighwhatever, jackofcourse, gevurah22, jump_button, or newcomers like MammetBox and phife24 just to name a few. Even among my own favorites like them, I don't think starcruiser would have been possible at the time.

2009-07-16 02:31:00 Author: Unknown User

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I'm thinking candyk might be an alien. Sorry for the cheesy joke but his levels are out of this world and The Refinery was only his first level! StarCruiser was just his second. He amazes me...

2009-07-16 07:35:00 Author: brnxblze Posts: 1318

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No doubt this level is most spectacular visual experience available in LBP. I'm not sure whether you all just carry a different opinion to me, or whether you may be blinded by the visuals? But does no one else find the gameplay a bit fiddly? When you're on top of the two shuttle things and you have to go into each one and pull a switch...the layer changing there is pretty bad tbh, and there's other times where things are a bit awkward and finicky to operate/discover. Don't get me wrong, this is truly a LBP masterpiece and up there with the best. But it's not the complete package by any stretch. Visuals - out of the this world, and I doubt will be touched by anyone. Gameplay...not so good, in my opinion.

2009-07-16 15:16:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494

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Yeah he's not the gameplay master but since it's pretty much the only thing he'll be able to improve... .

2009-07-16 15:20:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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I do agree. the part in the lab was rather obscure. I was just swinging on the roof and a platform appeared. there are one or two good gaming moments though. the anti gravity bit was well done.

2009-07-16 15:49:00 Author: Matt 82 Posts: 1096

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Yeah... I actually went and played this last night after reading this thread and thinking my mind was going to be shattered into a million pieces at the site of this level - and it's really nice looking. I took photos so I could learn from the material use. But the gameplay was definately fiddly. Not very good use of layers, and in certain places it was difficult to know what to do.

2009-07-16 16:03:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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No doubt this level is most spectacular visual experience available in LBP. I'm not sure whether you all just carry a different opinion to me, or whether you may be blinded by the visuals? But does no one else find the gameplay a bit fiddly? ... Gameplay...not so good, in my opinion. I couldn't agree more. I played starcruiser after hearing so much hype ("best level ever", etc.) and was disappointed, because of that hype. The level is beautiful, don't get me wrong. The gameplay is actually quite bad though, IMO. With exception to things like wex's "next level pack", which is distinctly not an interactive experience, I want there to be some decent gameplay when I'm playing a game. So the "best level ever" hype is completely unjustified in my book. I can't deny that the visuals are utterly gorgeous, it's just all a bit "meh", when you play the level, for me.

2009-07-16 16:06:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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Well I sent a friend request out last night and explained the goings on here on the forum (must have sounded like a raving lunatic talking about cyborgs and monkeys).... Still waiting to hear back though.....

2009-07-16 16:08:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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Well I sent a friend request out last night and explained the goings on here on the forum (must have sounded like a raving lunatic talking about cyborgs and monkeys).... Still waiting to hear back though..... Dude wtf, Monkeys and Cyborgs are cool! oh wait, I'm a member of LBPC...

2009-07-16 16:20:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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Yeah... I actually went and played this last night after reading this thread and thinking my mind was going to be shattered into a million pieces at the site of this level - and it's really nice looking. I took photos so I could learn from the material use. But the gameplay was definately fiddly. Not very good use of layers, and in certain places it was difficult to know what to do. I recall playing it quite awhile ago... I felt the same way.. incredible, amazing modeling, but not quite as engaging as far as actual gameplay. ..but if I were working on a huge sci fi adventure movie and needed modeling, I would call this guy up in a heartbeat! ..in fact, if he isn't really Skynet, I am betting that is what he does in real life. I'm just hoping he does a google and comes to join us!!

2009-07-16 16:22:00 Author: jwwphotos Posts: 11383

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I'm just hoping he does a google and comes to join us!! Speaking of google, have you tried google image search candyk?.... Not work friendly!!

2009-07-16 16:24:00 Author: wexfordian Posts: 1904

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Speaking of google, have you tried google image search candyk?.... Not work friendly!! Oh goodness. That is fairly atrocious, I really wish I didn't see that, but I'm not helping now. In fact, I probably just made a couple people curious as to what it is. Don't look at it, unless you want to lose a little faith in humanity or something along those lines.

2009-07-16 16:26:00 Author: BSprague Posts: 2325

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I'm glad you all agree. I wasn't sure whether I was going to be harpooned by saying that. I tried wording it nicely just in case haha. In my book it is the most professional looking level, but I think when you have made a level that looks that good, the gameplay has to suffer. The design and layout is all about the visuals, and because of that, it's like the gameplay has been moulded around it. Which is never going to work if you want to give off a good platforming experience. I feel that is why some places are hard to know what to do, because instead of moulding and shaping the level around the gameplay so everything clear, he built all the visuals first, and then had to try and make a path through for the players.

2009-07-16 16:32:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494

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(must have sounded like a raving lunatic talking about cyborgs and monkeys).... Ummm.. that's different how? Speaking of google, have you tried google image search candyk?.... Not work friendly!! LOL!! Yeah can imagine.. I recall a cube mate doing a search for the Grand Teton mountain range quite awhile ago. The first pic he found was uhhh... impressive, but not exactly what he was looking for!

2009-07-16 16:33:00 Author: jwwphotos Posts: 11383

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Well, I haven't actually even played it yet, but Starcruiser does look like the best visual experience out there on LBP in my opinion. I was amazed at the visuals all the way through the video on Mm picks. And about the no-hearted levels thing, crazy conspiracies aside, I think it could just be an alt-account.

2009-07-16 18:43:00 Author: lk9988 Posts: 1077

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No doubt this level is most spectacular visual experience available in LBP. I'm not sure whether you all just carry a different opinion to me, or whether you may be blinded by the visuals? But does no one else find the gameplay a bit fiddly? When you're on top of the two shuttle things and you have to go into each one and pull a switch...the layer changing there is pretty bad tbh, and there's other times where things are a bit awkward and finicky to operate/discover. Don't get me wrong, this is truly a LBP masterpiece and up there with the best. But it's not the complete package by any stretch. Visuals - out of the this world, and I doubt will be touched by anyone. Gameplay...not so good, in my opinion. Nah. You're intended to drop down at the far right of the ship... layer change at that point is fine. The gameplay as a whole, just feels like observational analysis. The first time in the level, by yourself, you want to run, leap and bound, but can't - you have to observe the environment for the expertly camouflaged everything that will allow you to continue on. Kind of like an old point and click adventure in platform form. Gameplay is just right, especially for something intended to immerse you visually since observation is not only natural, but the most pleasing thing to do.

2009-07-16 20:19:00 Author: Unknown User

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Hmm... I find this interesting that so many people have praised his sophistication and complexity of his scenery and details, saying it's "divine; clearly some of the finest details out there." If you look much closer, you can see why this guy hasn't really impressed me yet: this work was do-able. It was do-able since the first day (minus the MGS pack). Sure, everything looks lovely and is probably something you wouldn't expect from the average creator, but the mechanics are simple: direction-changing triggers, tiny rockets for smoke, grab switches- very simple. Plus, some objects are actually from the story levels (remeber the little maze in the Metropolis?) with simple modifications. So I don't think this guy's creativity and detailing is "phenomenal", but I find his innovativeness keen.

2009-07-16 20:20:00 Author: Outlaw-Jack Posts: 5757

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Yes, in retrospect, after breaking it down and taking everything apart with the pop it cursor, you see that it's all well placed shadow stickers, custom made stickers built out of objects, and flawless lighting... as well as perfect symmetry, scale, architecture, and construction. The simplest thing like rounding out corners with shadow, and making objects in the foreground darker to create perspective and depth - there is a heavier side of the shadow sticker, and it can't be slapped in just any spot to create proper dimension, it has to be rotated, layered and placed in all the right spots to get the dark corona of the circle on the corners of objects and buffered with gradients to avoid lines of separation and any washing out of color. Not too much, and not too little... All of these things are possible, it's just doing it that's the thing... having the sense of depth and shadow to do it, and doing it without influence and prior coercion ie: studying starcruiser for several hours and copying every minute detail, and merely amalgamating these techniques into your own style, only realizing that these are things you should have been doing all along. IMO there are few creators who can even recognize what's so spectacular about these visuals compared to other "pretty good" and "ok" looking levels, and even fewer who are actually capable of doing it. I'm sure in a few months, someone will do something even better though.

2009-07-16 20:22:00 Author: Unknown User

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YEAH! THE LVL SUXORZ!!! Guys, I think we're going a little too far. We should give credit to this level "just" because it somehow raised the bar or quality in some aspects. Then, when someone here or somewhere else will reach a flawless blend of this visual quality and intricate gameplay mechanics we will have a new king. I pretty found pointless trying to find a flaw in this level at all costs. From my little time here I haven't read any complain about a level that is "mechanically" awesome and it's visually bad. You should also remember that complex gameplay mechanic are thermo unfriendly, so you all have to remember to balance stuff. StarCruiser is even short as a level, so imagine how much thermo is used.

2009-07-17 09:45:00 Author: OmegaSlayer Posts: 5112

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While I appreciate a perfect balance, in simple extremes of solid gameplay and solid visuals, I find that this balance is often uninteresting... to achieve balance, no single aspect of the level can be fully explored or expanded upon and what you ultimately end up with is something average and unremarkable. In a perfect balance, all categories of the creation must be cut short of their full potential in order for them to coexist peacefully within the confines of the thermometer limitations. I honestly can't see how Starcruiser would benefit at all from a series of ultimately meaningless obstacles and hazards that would require a step down from what it already is in terms of aesthetic detail, precise architectural nuance, and placid immersion. Take Torn By Darkness for example... an old level I've always loved for it's use of writing, sound and lighting (although it could definitely do with a GLS-heavy redux). In all honesty, the traditional nature of the platforming, and the use of menial pitfall challenges and hurdles adds absolutely nothing to the qualities that I do enjoy in the level. After replaying it recently, it seems like a hindrance that actually detracts from the core concept.

2009-07-17 10:27:00 Author: Unknown User

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Visually, StarCruiser is an achievement. Subtle lighting, colors, background effects, and props all lend to an immersive level. Playing through the level, the only things I found out-of-place were the stock sponge levers and Sackboy himself. Everything else was near flawless. Gameplay wise, it's lacking. Boring, easy platforming, only one real enemy, and no puzzles in sight make for something that, in the end, isn't that fun to play. Still, I think there's a lot that can be learned from StarCruiser in terms of aesthetic detail, so I hope we start seeing more levels in this vein in the future.

2009-07-17 10:51:00 Author: ConfusedCartman Posts: 3729

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Omega, no one is saying that the level sucks, it's just the opinion of several people that it does not deserve the pedestal that it has received, when viewed as a level, rather than simply a visual experience. I just personally feel the compromise is important. A film with truly mind-blowing camerawork and set design but no plot and awful character development would never deserve the pedestal of "best film everrrr". Of course Ninjas "jack of all trades..." argument is perfectly valid as well, and makes perfect sense. But then gameplay doesn't have to be "a series of meaningless obstacles", which to my mind this level already has anyway. And to outlaw-jack: Yes he has just put down some materials and stickers. Yes we are all capable of doing that. But... we are all capable of putting some paint on canvas, it doesn't put us on a par with DaVinci now, does it?

2009-07-17 11:02:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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Obviously I was joking about the sucking part. But I quite felt that there was an over reaction going on. For me StarCruiser has the same awe-inspiring factor of the Calculator, since it's undoubtlessly something that raises the bar, and should be credited for what it is. Also I feel quite uneasy to speak about the creation of someone who can't defend its arguments, since I really think that the thermo is maxed out, and that he couldn't add much more.

2009-07-17 11:22:00 Author: OmegaSlayer Posts: 5112

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I actually think he/she must have done a ridiculous amount of optimization to get that level out the way it was. I've seen people make a single detailed room similar to something out of that level and have it take up the entire thermometer, so there is some serious ingenuity going on there. They relied on putting shapes within other shapes to end up with the effect that they ended up with, and overall the style just looks absolutely spectacular.

2009-07-17 12:07:00 Author: BSprague Posts: 2325

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When I say meaningless obstacles, I mean things that aren't in context with the level or obtrusive. It's all arbitrary, but a mindless drone or two wandering back and forth doing nothing in particular when all the rest of the machinery seems to have purpose and place, would seem silly. The gas in the docking bay, spikes on the hull of a ship that probably breaks through space debris... swinging hooks that can be grabbed, sure, why not - there's obviously stuff going down in this place that would involve winches, pulleys and hooks. It feels right. Spikes in the zero G room... seem unnecessary, but are there for challenge's sake. Maybe it's a training room for astronauts of some sort? Even the inclusion of the boss at the end is stretching it, but it seems like a security response. There are times in a great setting, in great levels... where everything seems in context, but then I come upon a giant colorful sponge wheel spinning in place allowing me to access higher levels - fun, but tasteless. A good example of how to do something like this well, and still be in accord with your level's theme, are the spinning worms winding through the rotting trees in A Royal Love Letter. Some stealth sections... maybe security cams would fit in to spice it up. Any plasma emitters would need some free thermometer, though, and quite a few out-of-place holes in the walls to bypass spotlights and whatnot. It would detract from the environment. Also, in regards to the context, if you triggered a security alert of some sort, wouldn't there be more than a 10 second response? Whatever inhabits the ship would be aware of your presence and probably investigate... trying to indulge in alot of gameplay ideas and keep it as tastefully done as it is, is just asking for the impossible. Also, to me, there is substantial gameplay your first time through AND "puzzles" - simple observational ones. The door lock that dispenses points. The zero G room is a puzzle of sorts. Passing over the the conspicuous yellow switch on the yellow cruiser, and doubling back to look for a means to unlock the door. Realizing the certain thin plane hooks are grabbable. Finding your way out of the medlab. The misdirection of a functionless switch, with an easy-to-overlook ventilation shaft overhead. It's subtle and understated... instead of "here's a block, do something with it". The whole 90 second evasion of the boss battle - that's gameplay, and I think the way it was done was creative... he could have easily slapped a paintgun down, but not only would that have risked players unstickering the background and break the illusion, but also require some thermometer space, and take the encounter down from being different, to being a run of the mill boss battle. Again, in terms of context, why would there be a conveniently placed paint gun at the ready for the specific purpose of intruders using it to thwart the ship's security response? It all has no rhyme or reason, no backstory - it's just point A to point B, and everything in LBP requires you to suspend your disbelief... but why not walk the line if you can?

2009-07-17 12:14:00 Author: Unknown User

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Yeah, I was breaking down too. I took pictures of the level and was studying it... I have to second what Ninja is saying - sure, it's POSSIBLE for anyone to do it.... but there's no way most creators would have thought of some of these techniques. Even simulating 3D perspective in the front layer with material SHAPED 3D and stickered darker - I could have done it if I'd thought of it, but I didn't.

2009-07-17 12:42:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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Even now after knowing.. I really thought about trying to go for custom-made lettering stickers and object-based ones for parts of Free At Last... but I knew I wouldn't do it as well, would just be imitating starcruiser, and honestly that level of detail wouldn't mesh with the rest of it unless I'd built it from the ground up in the style that starcruiser was done - where stickers of all sorts coalesce in perfect harmony. I consider myself pretty good when it comes to visuals... but I'll be the first to say I couldn't have done starcruiser, and even with the example in hand, I definitely couldn't do it better. It's like the door in The Collector's Lair right after you save the teddy bears, and push that little key in the hole... that one thing is just ridiculous. Just two simple doors that slide apart can be tough to construct, and so many people get by with one plain square cover sliding on/off of a hole in the wall... put it on a directional piston, and call it a day. Nobody thinks twice about it, or says "spruce that up a little" - where's the critical eye in cases like that?

2009-07-17 12:58:00 Author: Unknown User

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Yeah, I was breaking down too. I took pictures of the level and was studying it... I have to second what Ninja is saying - sure, it's POSSIBLE for anyone to do it.... but there's no way most creators would have thought of some of these techniques. Even simulating 3D perspective in the front layer with material SHAPED 3D and stickered darker - I could have done it if I'd thought of it, but I didn't. Yes, but how much time does it take? Are you willing to put hours and hours in finding the perfect place for a sticker? Me not for sure, since I still have to publish a level that satisfies me, since every time I see an awesome level I get depressed.

2009-07-17 13:40:00 Author: OmegaSlayer Posts: 5112

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Yeah, I was breaking down too. I took pictures of the level and was studying it... I have to second what Ninja is saying - sure, it's POSSIBLE for anyone to do it.... but there's no way most creators would have thought of some of these techniques. Even simulating 3D perspective in the front layer with material SHAPED 3D and stickered darker - I could have done it if I'd thought of it, but I didn't. Dear buddy, you know how large is "the realm of possibilities" right? We have such an example here of a "possibility". This is so theorical LOL. In practice, an incredibly low number of people can pull StarCruiser off.

2009-07-17 13:43:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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Dear buddy, you know how large is "the realm of possibilities" right? We have such an example here of a "possibility". This is so theorical LOL. In practice, an incredibly low number of people can pull StarCruiser off. Sorry, I meant to say possible as in AFTER looking at Starcruiser. I don't think virtually anyone would have thought of it before looking at it. Probably didn't express myself very well in it, however. So, in other words - I don't think someone can imitate Leonardo da Vinci even after seeing it. However, in LBP the material types and shapes are given to us. I can emulate Starcruiser after seeing it by studying it carefully and using the same style. However, could I INVENT the style? At that point its like putting an infinite number of monkeys on a typewriter for eternity.

2009-07-17 19:34:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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I was kidding with you CC I like your image of monkeys and typewritter. Pretty much what I think about the chance of someone making something looking perfect like StarCruiser... .

2009-07-17 23:56:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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