Archive: 27 posts

---

As a Gadder who often tries to find obscure levels, I often come across levels that are "just good". Ie, they aren't 4 star levels per say, but they also clearly have effort worked into them and are reasonably fun to play. At LBPCentral, we are lucky to be spoiled with amazing levels and creators, and the expectations are very high. I think this is great, and it encourages creators to constantly improve. This should never change! However, going to the recommendations section of this forum, a) not many people seem to check it and don't try out the levels that are often not only amazing but also unplayed, and b) I am afraid to post a level that is "just good", because people expect amazing levels when it's recommended. The problem then arises, how do we get these "just good" levels noticed, and is there any reason to get them noticed in the first place? I wanted to bring this to all of your attention, and hear what you think. Should we tolerate recommendations that are only good? Should we forget these levels completely? Should we go out of our way to encourage these people so that they are motivated to continue improving and creating? In my opinion, I think anyone who plays a lot more than they create should try to spend some time finding these good levels and encouraging their creators. That's not to say it's our duty to never play awesome levels and only play good levels! But after you've gone and played a bunch of amazing levels, maybe take a break and find a level you've never heard or seen anywhere and try it out, if it looks decent and is presented nicely with a description and all.

2009-08-13 20:15:00 Author: hilightnotes Posts: 1230

---

hi hilightnotes Good thread! As a fellow fan of Japanese levels, I've seen some outstanding levels - both in design and application - and it upsets me when they've had a few hundred plays. I can see where you're coming from with 'good' levels too. Yes, we want to see brilliant levels, but there are an awful lot of decent levels out there that don't seem to get light of day. I, for one, put forward a motion that more people should check out the 'Recommended' section of the forum - there are hidden gems all over the place. Perhaps, hilight, if you're up for it, you could become our first Ambassador of Hidden Talent if you have the time. You already gad around looking for this stuff, and I've played at least a dozen good AND great levels from your Hearted List. What do you think?

2009-08-13 20:23:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

---

Poor, verses Good, versus Great is totally subjective. It really comes down to what is fun. I, personally, am not a "level snob" (did I just coin a new phrase?). I love playing through content that is well-thought-out and don't mind if it isn't perfect. When you're recommending a level, the question to ask is "was it a GREAT experience for me that I want to share with others", not necessarily "will others find it technically amazing". Was it really funny? Did it have a great story? Were the graphics amazing, but the gameplay not that great? Was the gameplay amazing but the graphics not that great? I think LittleBigPlanet is about sharing a piece of yourself with others, not necessarily about being the biggest and the baddest.

2009-08-13 20:25:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

---

I just say tell them to keep up the good work maybe give a tip or somthing nothing much you can do to get a level noticed really down to how it hearted and stared

2009-08-13 20:25:00 Author: jump_button Posts: 1014

---

First Ambassador of Hidden Talent, eh? I like the sound of that So what am I supposed to do? Just post level after level in the recommendations forum? I can do that Is there some other way I can promote levels I find? I could post a gigantic list of levels I've found on the SackCast blog I suppose. @Ccubbage - yes, I agree that it's all dependent on whether you found it fun. Finding and playing good levels shouldn't be a burden, as by definition, a good level must still be enjoyable imo.

2009-08-13 20:35:00 Author: hilightnotes Posts: 1230

---

Do you know what. I was thinking about this the other day, looking through the spotlight and the showcase. Now please don't take this the wrong way. I understand what the spotlight is for, and the team do a fantastic job. But this is what I was thinking: The spotlight largely (50% maybe) consists of our known, top-notch, creators. When one of these guys (or girls) posts a level everyone rushes to play it. You do, I do, we all do because we get excited about these creators levels - I'll leave work early to play a level from one of my favourite creators. When one of them publishes a new level, they are pratically in the cool pages forum just based upon people posting "OMG I can't wait to get home", "how dare you publish when I can't play" etc. Most of the forum regulars have played these levels regardless of them being in the showcase. Is there any point in highlighting the amazing levels when everyone already knows all about them. Well yes of course there is, the spotlight is there to pick out the very best of what this community has to offer. So it shouldn't change. But it would be great to have something else, running alongside, that encourages newer or less experienced creators or new forum members. The ones that really could do with the boost in plays and extra feedback to help them improve. IDK, I haven't really thought it through at all and I'm on the verge of rambling here...

2009-08-13 21:05:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

---

Good point. Spotlight is really for the top of the heap as it were but in the course of playing all the showcase levels here I find good, sometimes very good levels that just don't make the cut. What I've been doing is for those very good levels is leaving as much constructive info as I can for the creator to try and get to that next level of creating. I also will post in level threads what amounts to a recommendation for others to check it out. Other than that I don't think we have any way to promote them. Also - if a list of "good" levels was compiled would that be a good thing or a bad thing for the creators? Would you want your level on a list that says it good but not that good? I'm not saying yes or no but it's something to think about.

2009-08-13 21:20:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

---

Good stuff, rtm - I kind of like the sound of that. Maybe we could have recommendations based on genres or skill levels, or even a My First Level type thing, so everyone gets a fair shot. I don't know, I haven't thought it through enough - but a recommended section split up into whatever could be food for thought.

2009-08-13 21:20:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

---

Although.... pretty consistantly when a new creator comes in and posts a great level it gets put on the spotlight. Such as Loius, Keldur, and Comphermc. So, the showcase definately isn't biased - there's just soooo many levels and every once in a while something can slip through. Just throwing that out there in case anyone thinks the spotlight is biased.

2009-08-13 21:38:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

---

No, I wasn't thinking that the Spotlight is biased at all (unless it was just a general statement for everyone?). I may be wrong, but I think hilightnotes is thinking more about the Recommended section being a bit under-used. Yes, there are those of us who use it, but he's asking whether it could it be made better, and uncover some more great levels. As to the 'Good' levels, I don't really know - we've all got different opinions on what's good, bad and great. Are we after simply the best of the best, or do we want to make a Approaching Greatness bit where lesser known (or, indeed, lesser rated) levels can be showcased (or at least recommended). I suppose this is what the section is actually for, but like I say, I think hilight was just...er... highlighting that it is a good resource for members.

2009-08-13 21:56:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

---

Although.... pretty consistantly when a new creator comes in and posts a great level it gets put on the spotlight. Such as Loius, Keldur, and Comphermc. So, the showcase definately isn't biased - there's just soooo many levels and every once in a while something can slip through. Just throwing that out there in case anyone thinks the spotlight is biased. Oh yea - I love finding those gems. I play as many showcase levels as I can - new name and old names alike and if it's great it's great.

2009-08-13 22:12:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

---

Rtm made a great point there, I agreed with it, but was worried in which direction it was going to go, it went in the exact direction I was thinking of, and that is that the Spotlight shouldn't change, but something else could be added on it. I was looking at all the spotlights the other day from before I joined, and I noticed early on that there was a small section at the bottom for members who had great levels but weren't considered to be active enough to get included. How about another small section at the bottom for levels that just didn't quite make it, they're considered to be good solid levels, but just need a few changes here and there to take them to the next step.

2009-08-13 22:26:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494

---

Not all the Spotlighted levels are by well known creators or are popular. Most are of course, but I noticed on either the most recent episode, or maybe the one before that, that there was a level included that only had 7 or 8 replies in the thread. I know that`s not really the point of this thread but I wanted to throw it out there. About the adding of of a note at the bottom; We`re really not that strict! If a level is enjoyable/funny/pretty it'll more than likely get in. Usually, and I hope I don`t step on too many toes here, if it isn`t included it`s for a very good reason.

2009-08-13 22:33:00 Author: Matt 82 Posts: 1096

---

Rtm made a great point there, I agreed with it, but was worried in which direction it was going to go, it went in the exact direction I was thinking of, and that is that the Spotlight shouldn't change, but something else could be added on it. I was looking at all the spotlights the other day from before I joined, and I noticed early on that there was a small section at the bottom for members who had great levels but weren't considered to be active enough to get included. How about another small section at the bottom for levels that just didn't quite make it, they're considered to be good solid levels, but just need a few changes here and there to take them to the next step. Hmmm.... Unfortunately, that would probably cause a LOT of drama... could you imagine having a level that was put in a list of "not quite good enough"? We tried having the section at the bottom of the spotlight that listed levels from people who weren't active enough.... and THAT wasn't even telling them their level was less than the rest - and even that caused quite a bit of drama. Levels that are on the showcase + F4F already create a natural way to create plays, plus the cool pages allowing new levels in constantly, plus even after the 7 days being able to republish. Maybe just better organization of the recommendations thread. Also, the thread like the "inspiring levels" thread caused me to go out and play some that I had never played before.

2009-08-13 22:35:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

---

Well CCub, you would say that [they aren't biassed], they spotlight most of your levels Nah I don't think anyone would think they are biassed, there is never a single dud in there and always a good mixture as well. I was really pleased to see battle bugs 2 get in there TBH - a personal favourite of mine from an inactive member that was largely overlooked here and in the wider community - I think it's only got 3*s ATM. @Morganna I know you guys play all the levels and I see the feedback and support that all of you give - it's top notch. And I totally get your point that being in the list of "not quite good enough" might not be a good thing. But then just look at the levels that have been in the showcase the last couple of weeks, the quality is insane. Being not quite as good as those levels should be a feather in anyone's cap (except the people that made those levels, because they are as good as that...). Maybe just 5 "special mentions" at the bottom of the spotlight. Just PSNs and level names and links to the showcase thread - rather than a full entry. Could that work? Edit - ooop just read CCubbages post, which makes mine rather redundant.

2009-08-13 22:36:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

---

Excellent point oh great Ambassador of Hidden Talent! I'm with you 100% on this. I don't know how many times I've come across a great little hidden gem with less than one hundred plays or so. MrsSpookyBuz... excellent title for this most excellent citizen of our little world. Unfortunately I'm guilty of not hitting the Recommendations section nearly often enough as I prefer creating more than playing. Playing online with you lately however, has really re-peaked my interest in this and you certainly have a knack (or time on your hands) for finding these kinds of levels. All points I've read so far have been excellent. This topic certainly warrants further discussion and some serious attention to how we as a forum could help these levels along and give back to the community. I think one great idea would be to leave a comment on the creators level saying something to the effect of, "Great level! I gave you a full review and some pointers/suggestions in the Recommendations area of LBPCentral.com where I posted your level for others to see." Something small like that will give the person positive feedback, give them a place to come and see that they haven't fallen off the face of the littleBigworld, and possibly grow our community here on the forum. I know that if I had someone do that when I published my second level (first one isn't worth mentioning), and I went to a forum where folks were talking about my level I'd be inspired and flattered all at the same time. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some recommendations to go check out.

2009-08-13 22:39:00 Author: Rustbukkit Posts: 1737

---

I think one great idea would be to leave a comment on the creators level saying something to the effect of, "Great level! I gave you a full review and some pointers/suggestions in the Recommendations area of LBPCentral.com where I posted your level for others to see." I have done that frequently.

2009-08-13 23:09:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

---

Well, some week ago, I suggested to revise the recommended section since it has the lowest number of visists in the forum, but no one listened to me... It's in the suggestions for the forum

2009-08-13 23:16:00 Author: OmegaSlayer Posts: 5112

---

Playing online with you lately however, has really re-peaked my interest in this and you certainly have a knack (or time on your hands) for finding these kinds of levels. It's all in the hearted list hopping... Alllllllll in the hearted list hopping! Yeah I've been leaving positive comments, and have also recently started pointing them to LBPCentral as well. I definitely don't think the spotlight is biased, but at the same time, like has been said already, the levels there are of such incredible quality I'm sure it's daunting for a newbie creator. This got me thinking that maybe we should have a separate 'spotlight' altogether. Something, like has been said, that doesn't make it seem like "oh you're not good enough to be on that list", but is more like "this is a step towards getting you on that list". I was thinking something like "The Junior Creator Spotlight". That might make it seem like all the people on the list are young though. Maybe "The Improving Creators Spotlight" or "The Motivational Spotlight". What does everyone think of that idea? Any better names? Also, does anybody mind if post lots of recommendations in the respective forum? I feel like I'd be dominating it too heavily

2009-08-14 03:33:00 Author: hilightnotes Posts: 1230

---

The best thing to do would be to actually make a thread about hidden gems, those 3 stars level that are good and obscure stuff / underground odd levels. Don't ask me about the title of this thread but i'm saying it should simply exist if you really want to do something about it. Outside of that there's isn't much to do. This topic is unsolvable by default. Quality and fun = subjective stuff and there will always be rewards for the best, not the middle bunch --- just like with EVERYTHING in life. Human nature. Also, as a side note, remember to have fun creating. This game is about expressing yourself, not trying to please everyone. Believe in your thing, ask yourself what is that you want to bring to the LBP experience and not trying to find what people would like to play. Create and do your best -- because that's all there is to it. It's the whole fun. .

2009-08-14 05:19:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

---

We're perhaps talking about two seperate things here. Personally, my thoughts are that the Spotlight works very well. Any and every member is welcome (and actively encouraged) to post their levels in the Showcase. The Spotlight Team then is tasked with playing, assessing and deciding which of these they think deserve to be Spotlighted. Now, this takes time to do, and I don't think adding another tier of levels would work. Whilst it's possible we could have levels that 'just miss out', or 'Highly Recommended' or whatever, I think this would unfairly add more work and pressure to the Spotlighters. However, it would be nice to see more use out of the Recommended section. I'm not sure new categories are particularly necessary, but certainly it could and should prove beneficial for those of us who want to find decent, under-played, hidden gems. But, and it's a big but, it's up to us as members to use it. It's there right now, available for us. All it takes is a few minutes of our time to post a PSN name/Level name plus a few sentences about it. The more levels we post there, then hopefully the more responses we can get, but with the target being that more of us are aware of more of these undoubtedly great levels that we would be otherwise unlikely to have found ourselves. It's your forum - use it

2009-08-14 13:21:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

---

Good point. Spotlight is really for the top of the heap as it were but in the course of playing all the showcase levels here I find good, sometimes very good levels that just don't make the cut. What I've been doing is for those very good levels is leaving as much constructive info as I can for the creator to try and get to that next level of creating. I also will post in level threads what amounts to a recommendation for others to check it out. Other than that I don't think we have any way to promote them. Also - if a list of "good" levels was compiled would that be a good thing or a bad thing for the creators? Would you want your level on a list that says it good but not that good? I'm not saying yes or no but it's something to think about. I wonder if there was simply an honorable mention list for folks that weren't really spotlighted, but were really good as well as some creator just starting out, or simply unknown or new to the community... I dunno.. just tossing some things out. Then again.. most of the better ones come into the cool levels in the level showcase, but maybe an honorable mention would be a nice thing and give that creator just the pat on the back they need to try to achieve a Spotlight.

2009-08-14 13:32:00 Author: jwwphotos Posts: 11383

---

I wonder if there was simply an honorable mention list for folks that weren't really spotlighted, but were really good as well as some creator just starting out, or simply unknown or new to the community... I dunno.. just tossing some things out. Then again.. most of the better ones come into the cool levels in the level showcase, but maybe an honorable mention would be a nice thing and give that creator just the pat on the back they need to try to achieve a Spotlight. It's just kind of tough to pull off without hurting feelings... what category does that put levels that didn't even make the honorable mention list? At that point you have a "these are great levels" list, a "these are good, but not great" list, and the rest fall under "these weren't even good enough to be on our not good enough list". My personal feeling is to leave it the way it is, but create a separate pinned and maintained area in the recommendations for levels that members want to recommend to others - regardless of whether the creator is a member or not. The spotlight is just one of those things that works really well and is fine tuned - and already takes a LOT of work to pull off. If people have a great level, and they do F4F (if they're a bit unknown) and get some other members to look at their stuff, it rises to the top of the heap and ends up on the spotlight. If it ISN'T good enough for the spotlight, it is most likely because the person is not taking care of the items that are being suggested in their showcase thread to make the level great - or are not putting in the F4F effort to get people to give them feedback.

2009-08-14 13:53:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

---

It's just kind of tough to pull off without hurting feelings... what category does that put levels that didn't even make the honorable mention list? At that point you have a "these are great levels" list, a "these are good, but not great" list, and the rest fall under "these weren't even good enough to be on our not good enough list". My personal feeling is to leave it the way it is, but create a separate pinned and maintained area in the recommendations for levels that members want to recommend to others - regardless of whether the creator is a member or not. The spotlight is just one of those things that works really well and is fine tuned - and already takes a LOT of work to pull off. If people have a great level, and they do F4F (if they're a bit unknown) and get some other members to look at their stuff, it rises to the top of the heap and ends up on the spotlight. If it ISN'T good enough for the spotlight, it is most likely because the person is not taking care of the items that are being suggested in their showcase thread to make the level great - or are not putting in the F4F effort to get people to give them feedback. Hmm very good points. Thanks for that! Ok.. I'm sold!

2009-08-14 14:19:00 Author: jwwphotos Posts: 11383

---

Yeah, I now agree with SpookyBuz and Cubbage that the Spotlight is fine how it is. Anyways, you guys can look forward to the front page of the recommendation section likely being posted completely by me But like SpookyBuz said, if you guys find a good level be sure to post it! Don't keep it for yourself!

2009-08-14 15:28:00 Author: hilightnotes Posts: 1230

---

I kinda forget there's the Recommendation section in this forum. USE IT. Seriously, this is the solution to the topic at hand. "Good levels" and those "that deserves more plays" can totally be promoted there. .

2009-08-14 16:36:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

---

I think the present system as presently constituted suits the needs of the community. However, more recognition is never a bad thing... and fresh eyes and fresh opinions are what will keep this game and community thriving and ever evolving. The tools are all in place to do the job, we, as user just need to be more diligent in their implementation... or at least I do as a wadding gadder who generally steers clear of cool pages...

2009-08-14 17:52:00 Author: Gravel Posts: 1308

Posts: 1077139    Threads: 69970    Members: 9661    Archive-Date: 2019-01-19

Aus dem Archiv wurden alle persönlichen Daten wie Name, Anschrift, Email etc. - aber auch sämtliche Inhalte wie z.B. persönliche Nachrichten - entfernt.
Die Nutzung dieser Webseite erfolgt ohne Speicherung personenbezogener Daten. Es werden keinerlei Cookies, Logs, 3rd-Party-Plugins etc. verwendet.