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Back to the Basics! XP can be won.

Archive: 67 posts

The mission: Create a level!



Sound easy enough. Here is the tricky part:

Rules:

1. Every switch must be visible. Whether it's a standard switch, a custom made switch or a logic gate, you are not allowed to hide it. They need to be in plain sight.

2. You may not use any DLC objects, that includes stickers, materials, the paint switch and plasma balls.
The only exception are the things found in the Create Pack.

3. All connectors must be visible. That's cogs and rods, etc. Same goes for emitters.

The criteria of judgement:

- Playability
- Fun

and of course the design and how well you have managed to incorporate the switches. The more integrated they are the better. So be creative.

The aim: To help people understand how switches and logic mechanisms work and how they effect a level.

Deadline: 25th of August.

The Prize:
400xp for the winner and 100xp to whoever comes second. If there is only one contestant he gets everything, providing the level is good.

Have fun! And be creative!

Any questions/remarks?		2009-07-19 12:01:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Participants:

-BSprague
Level: (Yet to be build. I guess. )
Night Angel
resistance1

Tentative:
-rtm223		2009-07-19 12:10:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I will definitely give this a go. This sounds fun and interesting. Can it be a survival challenge?2009-07-19 12:28:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

It can be whatever you like as long as you follow the rules. The main criteria really are fun and playability. 2009-07-19 12:41:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

The main criteria really are fun and playability.

Perfect. I can totally do that. Well, hopefully. 		2009-07-19 23:19:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

Heh, do we get full marks for playability if we publish it online and unlocked. That's playable right?

I'm a tentative entry. My current project should be released by the end of the month. If that happens, this may be something to move onto.


One question:

To help people understand how switches and logic mechanisms work and how they effect a level.
My logic systems tend to be optimised with slightly bizzare configurations. It would very much do the opposite of the above if I were to unleash it on the world in full view. Would it be better if I swapped out such things for simpler, slower, more "traditional" logic? It would probably also look nicer if I did this.		2009-07-19 23:35:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

this is a really cool idea, too bad my logic is incredibly messy at times. It gets the job done, but theres a reason i keep it offscreen 2009-07-20 05:56:00

Author:
Burnvictim42
Posts: 3322

@rtm: Heh, by playability I mean whether it is smooth and whether it is reasonably easy to figure out how to move on, etc. Basically if your level has a thousand bugs, jumps that you can only make if know how to jump pixel-perfect and has platforms that are one square wide than you won't get high marks. : )

@rtm and burnvictim: You don't have to use complicated logic. The complexity of logic won't affect the rating, but you are welcome to use highly "illogic" logic gates if you really want to. The more ways people see to do something the more they might want to try out themselves, which in the end might lead to something good.
But really if it is well implemented it's good, no matter how strange or messy it is.

Does that make any sense?		2009-07-20 09:47:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

oh, yea, it makes perfect sense, i know i could put logic in plain view etc... but in my opinion it just looks UGLY. especially BC of the real "care and detail" i put into making it (*smear of dark matter* *smear of dissolve* that looks like a p switch to me!).

dont get me wrong, this is a very cool idea, i just don't think i'll be entering.		2009-07-20 20:14:00

Author:
Burnvictim42
Posts: 3322

Fair enough.

A permanent switch can quite easily done by dropping a ball into a hole. Doors can be used as AND and OR switches. If you go creative with the pre-made switches you make most of the simple logic just with them and the game environments. 		2009-07-20 20:36:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Are there more people who consider entering this?

Do you want prizes? I can probably give you some XP, but not a crown I'm afraid.

The current prize would be honour for the winner and a few good level for everybody else.		2009-07-22 20:26:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

If you offer XP, I'm sure you will get more people to enter. 2009-07-22 20:47:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

Probably, yeah. Imagine how many people would enter this if there was a crown to win.

Anyway, I'll go and "buy" some XP.

Edit: Right, bought it see the OP in a minute.		2009-07-22 20:53:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I love this contest idea, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to get a level in before the deadline. Don't count me in, but I may be a late entry.

Just to make sure, we can use logic gates, they just have to be visible? If I enter, it's going to be uber-complicated and I'm going to "show off" the logic gates, lol.

Edit: never mind, I saw the OP about the purpose of the contest.

What about, say, emitters off screen - they are invisible, but still visible...?		2009-07-22 22:17:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

What about, say, emitters off screen - they are invisible, but still visible...?

Nooooooo. Surely everything you use component-wise has to be visible on the screen at the time at which it is used? Surely? What's the fun otherwise?		2009-07-22 23:22:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Nooooooo. Surely everything you use component-wise has to be visible on the screen at the time at which it is used? Surely? What's the fun otherwise?
That's certainly how I'm undersdtanding this.		2009-07-22 23:27:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Yep, everything must be visible.

And it's okay if you make some super complicated logic. It gives people a good idea what is possible, even if they can't recreate it. But I think if you that something is possible you are more likely to try it out yourself.

If you are feeling particularly generous you can give your logic away as prizes.

Just to make this sure, using complicated logic won't necessarily give you an advantage over people using less complicated logic. That said you can naturally make more impressive stuff with complicated logic.

If you want I can extent the deadline. I really bad at judging how long it takes people to build a level. 		2009-07-23 09:53:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

If you want I can extent the deadline. I really bad at judging how long it takes people to build a level.
A month from today? That's absolutely fine for me, though I can't really speak for everyone else, as I don't know what they've got up their sleeves.		2009-07-23 13:14:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

In honesty this could well be a one-horse race. There is a high chance I won't get anything produced for it anyway. I love the concept but I just doubt I'll be able to participate 2009-07-23 13:17:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

That would be a shame, but there is nothing I can do.

And BSprague will be happy to get 500 points I'm sure. 		2009-07-24 13:57:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

That would be a shame, but there is nothing I can do.

And BSprague will be happy to get 500 points I'm sure.

I won't object, but hopefully you will like my level. I'll be done within the next week if all goes well.

EDIT:
I finally got all of the logic done, and I managed to squeeze it all into one small area. It looks like this:
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/535/aphotob.jpg
It consists of:

2 State Switches
3 OR Switches
1 AND Switch
2 Delay Switches
1 Randomizer
2 Permanent Switches
1 Double Permanent Switch
17 Magnetic Keys
19 Magnetic Key Switches
2 Emitters
12 Pistons
3 Motor Bolts
2 Wobble Bolts
and
~25 Wires

None of those are actually extraordinary figures, but I'm surprised that it all came together so well. Those are only the figures for the logic, the rest of the level has substantially more wires and other things. The sad part is that they all work together to do something terribly simple. 		2009-07-24 23:12:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

Heh, that looks like something one would use for a boss. I hope it does more than open a door.

I take it no-one else is interested in taking part?		2009-07-29 14:56:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I hope it does more than open a door.
You are going to be disappointed then.

In my defense, it is a very cool looking door. 		2009-07-29 14:59:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.2009-07-29 15:13:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I guess I'm in.

May have something interesting in store 		2009-07-29 17:29:00

Author:
Night Angel
Posts: 1214

Excellent! 2009-07-29 18:23:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I suppose I'll have a shot too then! Though, I probably won't finish the level in time...2009-08-05 14:40:00

Author:
resistance1
Posts: 812

o/

Half a level can be fun, too. 		2009-08-05 18:05:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Yay! lol. Erm, are you allowed invisible Dark Matter?2009-08-05 19:04:00

Author:
resistance1
Posts: 812

Nooooooo. Surely everything you use component-wise has to be visible on the screen at the time at which it is used? Surely? What's the fun otherwise?

What about with a door? surely if the piston wasn't hidden, it would look ugly?

EDIT: Sorry about the double post, but it was necessary!		2009-08-05 19:21:00

Author:
resistance1
Posts: 812

What about with a door? surely if the piston wasn't hidden, it would look ugly?

EDIT: Sorry about the double post, but it was necessary!
I don't think he cares if it's ugly. Look at mine, that's a door on the right. It's more about how things work than aesthetics.		2009-08-05 20:37:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

Got everything sketched...should work on it on LBP this weekend.2009-08-05 23:50:00

Author:
Night Angel
Posts: 1214

I might try this out...

Is there going to another round? I don't think I can get a level done be the 23rd. (yeah, I'm a slow creator )		2009-08-05 23:59:00

Author:
crazymario
Posts: 657

@resistance: Yeah, it should be visible. And as Bsprague said, I don't mind if it looks ugly, but I'm sure you find a way to make it look good.

@crazymario: There may be a second round, but I'm not sure if there will be XP to win, because I might not have enough points to buy one. 		2009-08-06 08:46:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Aww no. I hate making doors with visible pistons . I'll give it a go then.2009-08-06 11:39:00

Author:
resistance1
Posts: 812

@crazymario: There may be a second round, but I'm not sure if there will be XP to win, because I might not have enough points to buy one.

I would personally love another excuse to devote even more time to making cool mechanical levels in LittleBigPlanet.

As of now, you have 593 points, so unless you really want to buy a slice of Portal Cake from the Shop, you should be fine for the Offer XP item. 		2009-08-06 12:15:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

I'll donate points to this.2009-08-06 12:21:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

I might try this out...

Is there going to another round? I don't think I can get a level done be the 23rd. (yeah, I'm a slow creator )
I'm in this same boat,as it were... I am on holiday (away from my PS3) for the next week and it simply won't leave me time to create anything worthwhile by this deadline. Yet I really want to participate in this contest. So I'd surely appreciate a Round 2. 		2009-08-06 13:30:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Well how does this sound:

I'm not gonna be able to participate in round one. So I'll pay for round one to go ahead. Then a round two can be sketched in, syroc can use the XP he would have spent on round 1 to fund round 2, that way I can get involved in round two if I sort myself out (slim chance but y'know, it might happen).		2009-08-06 13:52:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

If you want to, but as Bsprague pointed out I have enough XP for round 2 anyway.

I suggest that round 2 could start in September.		2009-08-06 14:00:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I might do round 2 as well. 800 Xp is better than 400, after all. 2009-08-07 10:46:00

Author:
resistance1
Posts: 812

I like to join, can it be short? My ideas suck...2009-08-11 05:18:00

Author:
Unknown User

My ideas suck too, I just have a lot of them.

P.S. My level I'm entering is The Islands Saga. It's in my sig!		2009-08-11 14:00:00

Author:
resistance1
Posts: 812

@Leonardo: Of course. Or you take one of your existing levels and configure it in such a way that it observes to the rules. 2009-08-11 14:39:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I should probably mention that you have time until the 25th as I won't be around to have a look at the levels until that day anyway. 2009-08-18 09:52:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

*cough*

No one than? Fair enough.

Are there people interested to take part in a second round? 		2009-08-25 10:33:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

When are we going to get the results? 2009-08-30 11:04:00

Author:
resistance1
Posts: 812

I actually forgot about this completely, and have had the nearly finished level sitting on my moon for a couple weeks.2009-08-30 12:05:00

Author:
BSprague
Posts: 2325

*cough*

No one than? Fair enough.

Are there people interested to take part in a second round?

Yes - I'd like to participate in the next round. Perhaps a new thread to keep things all straight? 		2009-08-30 13:36:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

I'm interested in this, but I just don't think I'll ever get a level finished in time, which is unfortunate.2009-08-30 13:40:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Oh, replies. o/

Ok, how long to people need to make a level? It doesn't need to be huge!

I start a new thread tomorrow.		2009-08-30 18:41:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Give us a month / 4 weeks? Is that too long (too short)? See what others say.2009-08-30 18:47:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Oh, this sounds like fun! Can I play?2009-08-30 19:36:00

Author:
CaptainCowboyHat
Posts: 153

Yes, as soon as I had more input on the time needed to create a level from people. 2009-08-30 20:38:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Ah, well, the problem is that I have a few projects going already, and I start classes and a new job tomorrow. Therefore, anything short of a few months wouldn't do for me, lol. Consider me a spectator.

(On a side note, I recently played some of your [Syroc] levels and had a great time. I think I left you a comment or two on your levels)		2009-08-30 21:15:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Well, hey... if more time is needed, that's no sweat. I was just throwin' a number out there. Truth is, 4 weeks might be pushin' it for me too, as I'm deep in the create process of my current level. So... whatever...2009-08-30 21:58:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

I don't care how long the contest will run for. I just would like to see some entries. 2009-08-30 22:17:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

So are we doing this? Were you going to start another thread? Is there a theme or any change to the rules?

Thanks! 		2009-09-07 14:52:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Oh, yeah I can start it, but someone else would have to be the judge, cause my PS3 as gone the way of all things plastic on Saturday.2009-09-07 14:54:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Oh dude... my condolences. Did you have your stuff backed up? Is there no hope for repair or restoration? And if not, are you planning on going out and getting a nice, new slim?2009-09-07 14:56:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Not sure, I will call Sony on Thursday as I'm not in the country where I bought it right now and since that was my fifth broken PS3 I'm only going to accept a free repair/replacement. Don't think I will be buying a new one anytime soon.2009-09-07 14:58:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

FIFTH!? Holy Crap!! What? are ya using them as battering rams? That's messed up. Every time I hear someone's horror story like this, I wonder how long my luck will hold out on mine.

Well... up to you if you still wanna run a contest. I really liked the idea.		2009-09-07 15:02:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

I will start the new thread in a few minutes and buy some more XP to give away.

Edit: By in a few minutes I meant as soon as CC answered the PM I just send him and I made a tacky banner.		2009-09-07 15:03:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Cool... I hope we get some entries this time around. Any thought on what the deadline might be?2009-09-07 15:12:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Middle/end of next month I think.2009-09-07 15:16:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I don't thonk that anybody read my last post, so in order to make people see it, I'm going to make it bold and underlined. Yeah, that's right.

When are we getting the results? 		2009-09-07 20:12:00

Author:
resistance1
Posts: 812

I don't think you read my first post in the other thread nor my posts in this thread.

No contestants, no results.

Go here (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=t=16149) for the next round.


Can you lovely mods lock this thread please. It's not needed anymore.		2009-09-07 20:14:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193


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