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"Under Construction" by RenderFX

Archive: 19 posts

I've just published "Under Construction" - my newest, and largest level. I worked on it sporadically for about the last 8 months, so it's definitely worth checking out

YouTube - LittleBigPlanet (LBP) - Under Construction


It's a massive level that is deceptively small... until you start using the stickers. Each one opens an area that is the size of an average LBP level. Large portions are non-linear, with multiple routes possible. Exploration is highly recommended. Gameplay elements include: platforming, puzzles, physics, races, rides, combo challenges, graffiti removal, plumbing, bridge building, and of course the obligatory "Ramp" gag. A special prize awaits those who complete all tasks.

A few screenshots:
http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/renderfx/Untitled1.jpg

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/renderfx/Untitled16.jpg

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/renderfx/Untitled7.jpg

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/renderfx/Untitled8.jpg

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/renderfx/Untitled9.jpg

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/renderfx/Untitled4.jpg

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/renderfx/Untitled5.jpg

http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/renderfx/Untitled6.jpg		2009-07-20 05:48:00

Author:
RenderFX
Posts: 22

I loved your other levels, so I'll give it a go soon.2009-07-20 06:49:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

I really enjoy levels like this... I think of this one as a cross between Shris's "Booty Bay" and jackofcourse's "Construction Calamity"

...the whole open-ended layout, multiple level structure will probably confuse alot of people and have them running in circles, but for me it's great design. There's solid mechanics, a consistent look, and a variety of platforming and activities throughout the whole thing to make it a worthwhile play - most of it feels original in design too, rather than the obligatory sponge wheel and random pitfalls. The sliding floatie puzzle was nice and original as well, reminded me of a Silent Hill or RE puzzle, without the frustration.

I nabbed all the stickers I think, and hit up every area through two playthroughs (if I went back through solo, I'd probably get a better score).

The dialogue was hilarious, with the stupid worker knocking things over (nice touch to have success/failure dialogue options there), and the guy screaming as he's carried away upside down... great use of custom sticker collection and triggers, obviously.

I left you a comment on the level though, the first time through, I got to the end and couldn't finish because someone fell out of the cart on the way down, and since the scoreboard is covered up people can't spawn out of it, so it won't activate. Just put a checkpoint right before it, and it should be good.

Good level, great example of how to do an open-ended non-linear level. Hopefully the playcount starts to pick up on it like your other stuff.

As for suggestions... I don't know... I know you probably can't speed the carts up, or it'll probably flip off or break or something. Maybe change up the music to something a little more upbeat on the cart sections to make it feel more active. Some sounds like the human "gasp" sounds... maybe more use of sound in general throughout the level might spice the whole thing up for players who might get bore easily.		2009-07-25 07:02:00

Author:
Unknown User

...the whole open-ended layout, multiple level structure will probably confuse alot of people and have them running in circles, but for me it's great design. There's solid mechanics, a consistent look, and a variety of platforming and activities throughout the whole thing to make it a worthwhile play - most of it feels original in design too, rather than the obligatory sponge wheel and random pitfalls. The sliding floatie puzzle was nice and original as well, reminded me of a Silent Hill or RE puzzle, without the frustration.

There are actually two main non-linear areas, separated by points of no return. The first (at the level spawn point), is the largest, and has the majority of secret areas. The 2nd is the ramp construction area. In order to open the secret area near the end, the player must develop a game plan, and execute each area before moving past the point of no return. This adds an extra bit of strategy to the level, if you are seeking a top score.



I left you a comment on the level though, the first time through, I got to the end and couldn't finish because someone fell out of the cart on the way down, and since the scoreboard is covered up people can't spawn out of it, so it won't activate. Just put a checkpoint right before it, and it should be good.

Thanks for that. It has since been fixed.


Good level, great example of how to do an open-ended non-linear level. Hopefully the playcount starts to pick up on it like your other stuff.

I'm thinking the reason plays are slow may be because I published that level locked several times, when profiles were completely unstable and couldn't be trusted to save data & not corrupt. When I finally published it for actual players, MM's servers didn't see it as a "New" level.


As for suggestions... I don't know... I know you probably can't speed the carts up, or it'll probably flip off or break or something. Maybe change up the music to something a little more upbeat on the cart sections to make it feel more active. Some sounds like the human "gasp" sounds... maybe more use of sound in general throughout the level might spice the whole thing up for players who might get bore easily.

95% of the time, the carts work fine. The other 5% is the reason they have the spare wheels. While they're not enough to finish the ride, there are contingencies in place to get the broken cart to its destination. I still have a few more things to add to the last cart ride to break up the monotony.		2009-07-25 18:33:00

Author:
RenderFX
Posts: 22

This level was pretty **** awesome! I'm going to have to play it a few more times to actually explore it all lol. It's nice to see one of my old favorite creators back into the game .2009-07-25 18:35:00

Author:
brnxblze
Posts: 1318

This level was pretty **** awesome! I'm going to have to play it a few more times to actually explore it all lol. It's nice to see one of my old favorite creators back into the game .

Thanks!
I will probably need to make a walkthrough video. Based on the scores, most have barely scratched the surface.		2009-07-25 22:15:00

Author:
RenderFX
Posts: 22

I I thought I found everything in both playthroughs, I just didn't do it all again the 2nd time... blasting zone, bridge, bridge assembly for the worker, american flag to the race section, stop the machine, cogs, hardhat zone. Probably some opportunities to exploit combo chains, but I'll probably give it another play and try to place better.2009-07-25 22:29:00

Author:
Unknown User

I I thought I found everything in both playthroughs, I just didn't do it all again the 2nd time... blasting zone, bridge, bridge assembly for the worker, american flag to the race section, stop the machine, cogs, hardhat zone. Probably some opportunities to exploit combo chains, but I'll probably give it another play and try to place better.

That sounds like most of it. Since you have the stickers, I recommend doing the required areas in this order:
Race section, narrow bridge to graffiti removal & subsequent climb up to the slide, Hard Hat Area, Girder Ride, Cogs, Bridge assembly, stop the machine, cart ride, final locked area, then finish.

Thanks for playing. 		2009-07-25 22:57:00

Author:
RenderFX
Posts: 22

I played it up until 63% of collected items. Very nice level.
Everything was well done and the humor was spot on.

Thanks.		2009-07-25 23:00:00

Author:
ll_ye
Posts: 236

I'll try out this level later, but I must say, great trailer! Beautiful quality, a great choice of music, and it really did show off the level! I'm one for making trailers too, so I like seeing other ones, especially ones that have great quality!

2009-07-26 01:50:00

Author:
Kog
Posts: 2358

I'll try out this level later, but I must say, great trailer! Beautiful quality, a great choice of music, and it really did show off the level! I'm one for making trailers too, so I like seeing other ones, especially ones that have great quality!



Thanks. The level can take up to an hour, so I tried to keep the trailer short while still showing most of it. As for the music, I tried a few royalty free tracks; none of which worked very well. Ultimately, I gave up on that and just created the music myself.		2009-07-26 02:22:00

Author:
RenderFX
Posts: 22

Thanks. The level can take up to an hour, so I tried to keep the trailer short while still showing most of it. As for the music, I tried a few royalty free tracks; none of which worked very well. Ultimately, I gave up on that and just created the music myself.
Wait... you made that song!?! That was good song, what program did you use? I've been loooking for a good song making software.		2009-07-26 05:27:00

Author:
Kog
Posts: 2358

Tried to play it tonight but I think we broke it. Managed to jam up the gear with the sponge attached to it by pulling it left. Wouldn't budge. Not sure if we did it wrong or what. I'll try again later.2009-07-26 05:34:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Wait... you made that song!?! That was good song, what program did you use? I've been loooking for a good song making software.

Yes, thanks

I put it together in MOTU Digital Performer - which is great, but has a bit of a steep learning curve.
Reason (http://www.propellerheads.se/) is also very good, and much less complicated.		2009-07-26 06:13:00

Author:
RenderFX
Posts: 22

Tried to play it tonight but I think we broke it. Managed to jam up the gear with the sponge attached to it by pulling it left. Wouldn't budge. Not sure if we did it wrong or what. I'll try again later.

Sorry if this is too obvious, but... did you turn it on? There is a sticker switch to the left of it that will start it turning. Without that, it won't budge.

If it was turning, and then stopped, it should be possible to restart it by removing the sticker then placing another one.		2009-07-26 06:21:00

Author:
RenderFX
Posts: 22

This level desrves a little more time than what I had yesterday, found only 4 stickers I will give it a second try today.2009-07-26 06:42:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

That level looks great, I'll play when I can.2009-07-26 07:15:00

Author:
TheMarvelousHat
Posts: 542

Update: After finding an awful bug in LBP which makes winches, wobble bolts, and pistons fail unrecoverably, I was able to restore a backup & add an additional area, as well as several new prizes. To find the new area, keep your eyes peeled on the final cart ride.2009-08-05 17:51:00

Author:
RenderFX
Posts: 22

This looks fantastic, can't wait to play it!2009-08-05 18:22:00

Author:
Jaeyden
Posts: 564


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