Home    LBP Showcase / Reviews / Recommendations    Level Showcase    Cool Levels
#1

Real Myst: Channelwood Age

Archive: 44 posts

Real Myst: Channelwood AgePowershifter
http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1203&stc=1&d=1251479994You arrive on the island of Myst. Your objective is to help a man named Atrus who is trapped in a place called D'ni. To help him, find the linking book to the Channelwood Age, get the windmill picture, return to Myst and hang the picture in the library. Be sure to explore everything, turn up the volume, and let Myst become your world. This level is loosely based on the 1993 PC classic, MYST (see image to the left). Thanks for playing!
all
Scroll Down for Screen Shots!!

Why Play This Level?

Because it was my intent to give the player an experience where they can get immersed in a different world. The level itself has a 'free roaming' style (a style that I haven't seen much in LBP), where everything is meant to be explored.

Note from the creator:

I started a LBP Real Myst series a few months ago. In the first installment, you needed to travel to the Stoneship Age. In my newest level, you will be traveling to my interpretation of the Channelwood Age. You will notice that Myst Island in both levels is basically the same (with some minor changes). Both levels combined took me about two and a half months to complete.

Some things worth noting in the Channelwood Age are the sounds, the visuals, and the simple (yet complex) puzzles that need to be solved. I purposely spent a lot of time on the sounds and visuals so you would feel immersed in a strange land (as you did if you played the original game!). You will notice many different types of birds calling in the forest - some to your left, others to your right. You'll also hear insects, winds, and other sounds that seem to make the level come alive. Each sound you hear, even the music, was purposefully planned. Likewise, I spent a lot of time on the visuals, as I hope you've noticed. Once you arrive in Channelwood, you'll see that it's a very foggy place. But the higher up you go, the less fog you encounter. I've also included some things that original Myst fans will notice - like the butterfly on Myst Island, the big tree that descends in intervals, the "Fast Travel" system, the faces in Achenar's twisted chamber, and the random hanging jugs in the tree huts. I wish I could have made the level more detailed than it already is, but the thermometer would not allow that.

I've been primarily making Myst tribute levels since LBP hit the shelves in October of 08'. My next task is to create an entirely new Age, one that Myst fans have never seen, LBP style of course.

Strategy Guide - for those of you who need some extra help:



WALK-THROUGH

Myst Island:

**Note: All yellow panels are hints - use these only if you need them**

1. Read the note from Atrus leaning up against the big tree
2. Pull the lever on the left of the cabin - the wall then disappears
3. You learn that you need to go to the tower (that big mountain that you passed when you began the level) and turn the power on.
4. Along the way you read a note that has important information - "Channelwood Age = 3"
5. Go through the library, pull the level that opens up the mountain, and head up the elevator.
6. Grab the right control panel and line it up with the number 3 - Grab the left control panel and make the two shapes connect until you see the light and hear the mechanism engage sound
7. Go back through the library - here you can "Fast Travel", which I highly recommend.
8. After fast travel, you land back at the tree - go to the cabin and pull the level, and the tree begins to descend
9. Go over to the tree and jump in when it gets close - ride it down to the lower level and hop out
10. Grab and hold the linking book to travel to the Channelwood Age

Channelwood Age

1. Start by heading to the right and go up the hill
2. Go in the cabin and pull the lever - this turns on the water that flows through the pipes - go to the right to see a cool view of the windmill and hop down the side of the mountain
3. You should see a lever that sounds like a pump with a blue light - pull it to make the red light come on
4. Go to the elevator to the far left, pull the lever and ride it up to the top
5. Go left to the first hut - pull the lever - this opens the gate to the linking book back to Myst that was previously locked
6. Keep going left until you see a box with a lever in it. Pull this lever down - you should see a yellow light.
7. The elevator then comes down and the door opens. Get in and pull the lever - this will turn the purple light on (which can also be seen behind the elevator on the back plain).
8. Now go back to the other lever and put it back up, which turns the yellow light off - now the purple light is the only light on
9. Get in the elevator and pull the switch - the purple light goes off, and the elevator goes back to its original position.
10. Get out of the elevator and go to the left - pull the lever - this opens both doors to the next two huts.
11. Be careful in the first hut because the knife can kill your sack person!
12. Move on to the last hut, which is actually a nice looking room! In this room you will find the picture of the Channelwood Age that you need to hang in the library back on Myst Island. You will also find a device with a switch. This switch flips between a representation of Achenar and Sirrus (Atrus' twisted sons), which can be seen in the room with the knife.
13. Go back to the elevator - take it down and head to the right, back to the first elevator that took you up (prize bubbles next to it)
14. Go down that elevator, switch the pump lever to the blue setting, and ride the other elevator up
15. Go in the room - Grab and hold the linking book that takes you back to Myst

Myst Island (Return Trip)

1. Go directly to the library and post the picture you received on the frame with the number 3 (Channelwood = 3, remember?) - you are now instructed to go to the beach near the cabin to finish the level
2. However, there are a couple things you can do on Myst Island - try connecting the tower to #2, then pull the lever next to the big gears to see what happens - also, try opening up the door in the stone shed that is to the left of the ship. You find a prize bubble, and you can connect the power - also, if you hit any of the switches with the animal pictures, you will sink the ship (just for fun)
3. At the beach you will see the level score board - You're finished!

Thanks for reading! Message me if you need any further help.		2009-08-22 22:39:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Please leave your honest feedback. Let me know what you thought, and maybe what I could improve. Thanks! 2009-08-22 22:41:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Yeah nicely done... I've played through twice now. I like the MYST style puzzles and the great feel it has to the level (i might even change my tree to move in the same way urs does!). The improvements u made are good too- the switch is much easier to move now. Also i like the way u left the puzzles to other ages still available. Overall 4 stars, and im looking forward to the final few ages.

BTW great walk through		2009-08-23 22:14:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Awesome! Thanks for the feed back (and great suggestions on my LBP comment wall).2009-08-24 14:47:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

I definitely needed this walkthrough for this because i had no idea what to do, especially as i don't play Myst.

However, you managed to capture a good and very mysterious feel, i don't know if its close to the game though.

I think that if you designed the level with even more detail, it would help a great deal! add tiny details to designs like houses, trees etc, make them bend a bit instead of block straight.

I didn't know what was going off but, i sensed that if i had played the game, it would make sense a lot more?

Treating it as a level on its own though, i liked the concept. Its very mysterious and i felt isolated which was great.

Upon going to the channelwood age though, it was Pitch black and i had no idea what i was doing, was that meant to happen?

I will wait till its entirely done and then i will fully review but, your work is onto something great, i would urge you to continue. You like the immersion and atmosphere side of things and you can tell, this is a great thing so keep at it.

Maybe you can create something original using those qualities?		2009-08-25 16:41:00

Author:
Lotus_Flow3r
Posts: 165

@ Lotus - It seems I have a bug to fix. One of two things happened.. either you didn't hold the linking book, or maybe you were on top of the linking book while you held it? Here's a tip, stand next to the linking book and hold it until you disappear. I'll review that part tonight and see if it needs fixed.

Yeah it's probably a bit difficult for someone who is not familiar with Myst. I tried to make the clues straight forward enough, and it seems like you at least got the tree moving! Also, you're right - if you play the original game you'll see that the trees are straight up, not bendy. I was trying to make the looks and feel of the level as authentic to the original game as I could. Plus the thermometer is out of room... which is always a problem!

Give it another try and let me know what you think.. thanks!		2009-08-25 16:49:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

This is awesome

Great aesthetics, and great platforming. I got to the end without the walkthrough, although, thinking that i have left loads of the level unchecked, i'm playing it again.

This is great, i gave 5:star: and hearted

PS sorry i took so long to reply		2009-08-25 17:03:00

Author:
springs86
Posts: 785

ok great, i hope its just a little bug.

I see, then yes, it seems this is for fans of Myst more than a casual goer.

The thermometer is a pain, so i understand there.

i wont make a final saying until you have finished everything and have made those tweaks everyone makes over time.		2009-08-25 17:07:00

Author:
Lotus_Flow3r
Posts: 165

@ Lotus - At this point all the bugs have now been fixed. Feel free to give it another try! thanks

Edit - or so I thought *sigh*		2009-08-26 04:03:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1200&stc=1&d=1251479786
Myst Island
http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1201&stc=1&d=1251479889

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1202&stc=1&d=1251479931
Linking Book to Channelwood

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1203&stc=1&d=1251479994
Channelwood Age

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1204&stc=1&d=1251480044
Tree Huts

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1205&stc=1&d=1251480161
Mysterious Room		2009-08-28 18:27:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/swanbrown/utility/swanbullets.jpg some of the switches are a little awkward and cramped. Since this is a MYST based level, I can almost put it down to the finesse of the gameplay..almost.

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/swanbrown/utility/swanbullets.jpg I think your custom sticker for the #4 switch trigger may be corrupted, or set to not be shared. It cannot be selected and placed. while you are at it, you might give it a more descriptive name than "A photo"

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/swanbrown/utility/swanbullets.jpg I like the photos of the "guts" of the level hidden around.

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/swanbrown/utility/swanbullets.jpg the mossy material looks really good here, and I really like the way you handled the seams. not many obvious 90 degree seams that I noticed.

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/swanbrown/utility/swanbullets.jpg The sounds were well placed and never broke the mood.

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/swanbrown/utility/swanbullets.jpg I enjoyed the fact, that you didn't feel that there had to be music all through the level.

Having not been able to place the picture in the library, I explored a little, but ultimately had to give up.

At this point, the cramped feel of the level would be a nightmare to fix, but it's worth keeping in mind for future levels.

hope this helps.

I gave it 5 stars because once fixed it will be a great level.

BTW, I never played the original MYST, So as a new comer, I didn't find it too difficult to understand what was going on. Good job!		2009-08-29 07:30:00

Author:
swanbrown
Posts: 898

http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt210/swanbrown/utility/swanbullets.jpg I think your custom sticker for the #4 switch trigger may be corrupted, or set to not be shared. It cannot be selected and placed. while you are at it, you might give it a more descriptive name than "A photo"


WOW! Thank you Swanbrown for catching that glitch! That literally rendered my level unfinishable, and it took me about 20 minutes to finally fix. I just had to create another picture. I have no idea why the original pic corrupted like that, but thank you so much for letting me know about this. Oh, and you'll be glad to know that I named my new photo, "Channelwood Age."

Thanks for all the positive feedback! It's really encouraging to hear from someone who is not familiar with Myst, and yet got as far as you did in my level (you just about completed it!).

Edit - the glitch has reared its ugly head again...		2009-08-29 12:10:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Thanks for giving feedback on "A Journey"

Right I haven't played the real Myst but seen some pretty pictures of it and now what it is about. Probably not enough to compare your level to the game though. Anyway...

Intro:
Was pleasntly suprised by this intro. Nice to fly over the "whole" map before starting the level. The one thing you could improve about is is to add stick flower or other decoration on the green wood so it doesn't look quite so bleak. (But maybe that's intended)
That you turn up the volume of the music once you touch down is a very nice touch.

Visuals:
Simple but nice. Especially liked the design of the Channelwood Island. Some really nice use of lighting and materials. I uploaded a picture of my favourite section.

Sound:
Not much to say here. All good.

Gameplay:
Well it's supposed to be Myst and as far as I can tell it played very much like other games in that genre. So I suppose you managed to achieve what you wanted.

Nitpicks:
Nope, nothing say here.

Small things:
Loved the look of the room in which you find the book to Channelwood Island. Really nice.

Well, this feedback is quite a bit shorter than the you would expect for a level that took me so long to play, but on the bright side feedback this short can only mean that everything was good. :-)		2009-08-30 17:28:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

well as a fan of the myst series, i have to say i like the little details that were added.
like the lightning bolt fast travel system.
i have to agree with swan, some of the switches are a little touchy because of the cramped conditions.
seemed too short, but i understand thermo issues.		2009-08-30 19:13:00

Author:
Deftmute
Posts: 730

I tried playing it without reading the walkthrough.. it was pretty confusing. At first, I was just running around pulling switches and minding my own business. But the I had to actually read nd think for a little
The level looks great, it almost seems like a different game. I liked the overall design with the huge trees. Awesome atmosphere. The only thing I didn't like about it was the icon!! If you're gonna put that much work on a level, make your own icon.. plz

Other that that, great job.

When you get a chance please try my f4f level: The Descent 2		2009-08-30 21:11:00

Author:
javi haguse
Posts: 744

The only thing I didn't like about it was the icon!! If you're gonna put that much work on a level, make your own icon.. plz

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm a little confused .. I did make my own icon? Maybe that glitched too... geesh .. I'll have to check this out

Edit - No problem with the icon .. I republished just in case, but it is definitely there.

I'll be sure to leave feed back on your level asap! 		2009-08-30 23:17:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

The one thing you could improve about is is to add stick flower or other decoration on the green wood so it doesn't look quite so bleak. (But maybe that's intended)

I went in and added some flowers, etc, but I couldn't get the mountain to look the way I wanted it to. The flowers and stickers all just made the green part look awkward. I'd try any specific suggestions that anyone has. However, after your suggestion, I did go around and add some flowers here and there to other parts of the level, which they seem to work nicely.


That you turn up the volume of the music once you touch down is a very nice touch.

That was by accident! I didn't notice it until you said something lol


Thanks for the great feedback!		2009-08-31 13:01:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

This is awesome

Great aesthetics, and great platforming. I got to the end without the walkthrough, although, thinking that i have left loads of the level unchecked, i'm playing it again.

This is great, i gave 5:star: and hearted

PS sorry i took so long to reply

Hey thanks for the feed back! Sorry I didn't catch it sooner.. I didn't realize you just edited your old post. I'm glad to see that you made it to the end without the walk through - it was my intent on making the level "easy" enough for every sack-person to complete! ..which is actually quite difficult because the original MYST wasn't exactly easy, unless you knew what to do. You're right .. there are a few extra things you can do on Myst Island - I explain a few of those in my walk through on this thread, under "Myst Island, Return Trip." Thanks for the stars and heart!! Let me know if you have any levels you want me to check out.		2009-08-31 16:56:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Well, when I played the level they icon that it had on was that generic exclamation mark with yellow background. I guess it was a glitch..or is that your "custom" icon??. If you have an icon already, then don't bother changing anything. It's awesome!2009-08-31 17:04:00

Author:
javi haguse
Posts: 744

Well, when I played the level they icon that it had on was that generic exclamation mark with yellow background. I guess it was a glitch..or is that your "custom" icon??. If you have an icon already, then don't bother changing anything. It's awesome!

That was definitely a glitch. The icon is supposed to be the close up picture of the Channelwood Windmill (actually, that's also the same pic you're supposed to post in the library). I've seen the generic exclamation mark with a yellow background on other levels before - I think it happens because it sometimes takes a while for all the levels on the page to load up. Kind of like when you're loading up a page that has a bunch of creators on it, you get a generic mouth with red lips before all the avatars load up.

Thanks Javi for the feed back! I appreciate it!

Edit - I had my settings set so that I couldn't collect any community prize bubbles. And since I deleted all my pictures, I then couldn't complete my level .. which is what seems to be happening to some of you. I've since then changed the picture all together, then realized it was my settings, and now it works perfectly (for me at least!). Everyone, please let me know if you have any problems when your settings are correct. [edited after post #22]		2009-08-31 17:18:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Well that brought me back to the Windows 95 days...felt and looked just like Myst. Great use sounds and decorations. I was able to get through the entire level up to the Sticker in the library. It appears to be glitched as other mentioned.

But up to that point, it was a very well made Myst level. Again like other have already said, some of the switches were somewhat hard to manipulate and I found myself annoyed at times.

Great tribute, just keep refining and tweaking it to enhance the user-friendliness.		2009-09-01 01:38:00

Author:
ElGueroGigante
Posts: 85

Well that brought me back to the Windows 95 days...felt and looked just like Myst. Great use sounds and decorations. I was able to get through the entire level up to the Sticker in the library. It appears to be glitched as other mentioned.

But up to that point, it was a very well made Myst level. Again like other have already said, some of the switches were somewhat hard to manipulate and I found myself annoyed at times.

Great tribute, just keep refining and tweaking it to enhance the user-friendliness.

lol Glad you took a trip down memory lane!

Question - do your settings allow you to collect community prize bubbles? Because if not, what you're describing would happen, and you wouldn't be able to finish the level. If you could do me a favor and check that out and let me know if your settings are correct, then I'll know if I really have a glitch or not. Thanks!		2009-09-01 01:58:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Played through again and was able to finish. Probably had something to do with the network being updated and didn't download the picture properly.

Again, great tribute, and thanks for the feedback on my level.		2009-09-01 04:58:00

Author:
ElGueroGigante
Posts: 85

I have to say that I enjoyed playing this level. The story and the world is really inciting me, It's also nice how you include things from future installments and say that they aren't useful now! I think the level was better polished that your first level and the addition of music was a welcome one. The silent immersion was nice too! The puzzles were quite simple and straightforward. The visuals were nice but could be a lot better! Try adding more stickers/ decorations! they always help. All in all I'd like to see where the rest of this series plays out and in the end fully judge it!
There was a major problem though! I couldn't finish the level because at the end the sticker I needed had a red exclamation mark and couldn't be selected. I really don't get that part...X.X

:star::star::star::star:

P.S. I've never played the original Myst!

F4F: So do you think you could try out my level? SIREN: [The Lost World] (Episode 2-Otherside)
Thanks you! I really appreciate it! I'll eagerly await your feedback!		2009-09-01 19:35:00

Author:
Noroibito
Posts: 211

There was a major problem though! I couldn't finish the level because at the end the sticker I needed had a red exclamation mark and couldn't be selected. I really don't get that part...X.X

That sticker will be the end of me..... I'm going to try deleting the prize bubble and inserting a new one with the same sticker. Hopefully that will work .. or else :kz: lol

EDIT: I've replaced the bubble and republished. I even deleted the picture in my inventory and tried it myself. I was able to complete the level with no problems. I hope this is now fixed once and for all!!
2nd EDIT: People are still reporting problems with the picture. It looks like I might have to change the picture all together. I'll post an update when this is all worked out.

I'll definitely play your Siren level.. in fact I already started it but realized I'd need a lot more time, so I will go back when I have a chance to just enjoy it without interruptions and a lack of time!

Thanks for the feedback!!		2009-09-01 19:51:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Ohh, A really good puzzle level, and this one is a REALLY good puzzle!
I enjoyed this level a lot, though it gave me a headache afterwards...

All the details are in positition, and everything works well! I also noticed that it's impossible to get stuck anywhere!

Though, it was one thing that irritated me, and that was when the tree is going up and down, to get you to the book that leads to the channelwood age. It goes a little It stops for a while It goes a little It stops for a while

Is this supposed to happen?

Though, I didn't let the headache, nor the tree ruin the level and I gave it
:star::star::star::star::star:
and a heart!

Going to play the rest of your levels too!		2009-09-02 20:49:00

Author:
moonwire
Posts: 1627

Yeha the actual tree in Myst does the same thing!2009-09-02 20:52:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Though, it was one thing that irritated me, and that was when the tree is going up and down, to get you to the book that leads to the channelwood age. It goes a little It stops for a while It goes a little It stops for a while

Is this supposed to happen?

Though, I didn't let the headache, nor the tree ruin the level and I gave it
:star::star::star::star::star:
and a heart!

Going to play the rest of your levels too!

Thanks arcticpolar!! To answer your question, yes, the tree is supposed to move in intervals. The tree in the original 1993 MYST PC game moved even slower, so be thankful I didn't make it 100% accurate! lol

I'm really glad and thankful you gave it 5 :star:'s, but I'm ECSTATIC to find out that the whole level worked correctly for you (especially the last sticker)!!

Thanks again!!		2009-09-02 20:56:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

I was able to play this level a few times and I wanted to write up my feedback on it.

I liked your recreation of the different elements of Myst and I had a lot of recognition of the feeling and scenes from that game. I played through Myst and the first sequel when they came out but it has been a long enough time that much of the details are fuzzy.

I thought that Channelwood was a very good set that I could identify with much easier to the original than the main island set. I think the nature and geography of Channelwood may lend to this but either way you?ve done a good job on this aspect.

I did notice a section of level where I could jump out of the level and walk around on the floor of the template. If you climb up into the lighthouse you can then drop down from either the left or right side to the exterior of the building. If you slide down the right side you can jump out over the gas and you are out.

Sliding down the left side doesn?t seem to break anything as you can?t get on top of the library and can easily get back on track.

I noticed after I had played around on the hub island for a while that the music was pretty loud such that I didn?t hear the ambient SFX very well. I?m thinking that I was there long enough for it to get to a louder section of the music track or that the volume of the music compared to the SFX was loud.

I like the variety of locations and objects that you have on the central island as well. I know that certain structures are used in the first level and don't have any play value in this one I like that it gave the scene a more functional feel. That there was more to the environment than what was strictly needed for the level.

Channelwood is fun to play through with a good mix of puzzle types to do. I like the multiple switch inputs to the different elevators and think that the NAND gate for the second set of elevators was a good little obstacle.

You?ve got a lot of well hidden score bubble caches throughout the level that were fun to find and give a good amount of challenge when trying to compete on the scoreboards.

I didn?t find a lot of problems playing the level in terms of poor design or layout so there isn?t much in the literal feedback section for you. You?ve done a good job with lots of small details as well as putting in enough landmarks, visual references and gameplay elements to keep the ties strong to the original Myst.

Good work.		2009-09-02 23:18:00

Author:
Trindall
Posts: 297

I did notice a section of level where I could jump out of the level and walk around on the floor of the template. If you climb up into the lighthouse you can then drop down from either the left or right side to the exterior of the building. If you slide down the right side you can jump out over the gas and you are out.

Sliding down the left side doesn?t seem to break anything as you can?t get on top of the library and can easily get back on track.

Thanks for the tip! I never thought to slide down the right side, but I slide down the left side all the time (to save time when testing!).

EDIT: I fixed it so that it's impossible to slide down the right side - although, you will always be able to jump out of the tower part, but you will either end up back at the base, or you'll die from the gas.


You?ve got a lot of well hidden score bubble caches throughout the level that were fun to find and give a good amount of challenge when trying to compete on the scoreboards.

There is one in particular that will reward you well if you find it!

Thanks again Trindall for the great feed back!! 		2009-09-02 23:39:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Powershifter,

I got a chance to play through the level last night, finally. Great job, man! I can tell that you really put a lot of heart and thought into this. Even though I have never played Myst or read any books I still felt submerged in the story and like it was a different game.

There were times that I felt a little left out though because I didn't know what the differences were in the ages or what some of the names meant. For example, when it said the Channelwood Age is powered by water. I realize you've made a handful of other Myst levels and I'm probably just jumping into the middle of the story here too.

I really enjoyed the puzzles throughout the level! I didn't know you had a walkthrough on this post and I'm glad I didn't because it made me explore and enjoy it more. There were a few switches where I didn't know what they did and there seemed to be an excess of (by the ship). Are they for other ages?

Amazing job on transporting the player from the different ages though! I thought that was really cool.

Overall, you did a great job and I'm looking forward to playing the next chapter. I'm going to go back and play your other levels because I'm interested in the backstory now.

:star::star::star::star::star: and hearted!		2009-09-03 16:16:00

Author:
NoVaKaiN16
Posts: 17

There were times that I felt a little left out though because I didn't know what the differences were in the ages or what some of the names meant. For example, when it said the Channelwood Age is powered by water. I realize you've made a handful of other Myst levels and I'm probably just jumping into the middle of the story here too.

Thanks for the insight here - I will reword the hint panel to something like: "This Age (Channelwood) is powered by water."


There were a few switches where I didn't know what they did and there seemed to be an excess of (by the ship). Are they for other ages?

Yep! Those switches by the ship still function, but only to move the ship up and down - they are primarily used for my other level, Real Myst: Stoneship Age. The reason why I left all the switches is because I didn't want to change Myst Island (the first Island you're on) too much ... so the main difference between my Stoneship Age level and my Channelwood Age level, are the "Ages" you teleport to through the linking books. Myst Island is kind of the "home base" of the Real Myst series.

EDIT: to explain a little further, since you're new to MYST, in my Stoneship Age level, your primary objective is to figure out how to raise the ship out of the water so you can teleport from Myst to the Stoneship Age. (You should read up on the back story online or somewhere, because the concept of the books having "Ages" in them that you can "link" to (or teleport) is really cool).

Thanks for the awesome feed back!!!!!! 		2009-09-03 16:25:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

hey, so I said I'd get back to you over the weekend... wel it's technically Wednesday now, but that counts, right?

I should probably say that I've never played Myst so have no frme of reference for this level. My first playthrough I found very confusing tbh. Not entirely by the puzzles, mostly by the idea of the Myst being a hub between the various levels.

Once I understood that, and realised that the boat switches weren't relevant to the task at hand, I thought it was a really cool idea - especially the switches being in the position you leave them in from the previous level.

Visually it's a nice looking level, but a couple of places could do with a bit more detail - the triangular trees, for instance, feel out of place, and one of the cameras/mouths looks right past them.

The puzzles themselves I felt led me too much by the hand (you need to turn on the power to get the furnace going to lower the big tree). The problem is I would never have worked that out on my own, without the text! I suppose I'd consider them more a list of tasks to complete, than puzzles to be solved.

I liked the whole powered by water lifts and rerouting the flow through the pipes thing. When I got the sticker and went back to Myst... and i realised I had left collect community prizes off!

My second run through, I accidentally teleported back to myst before picking up the sticker lol. There is text to say, but I think that could do with an AND gate to prevent stupid people doing it.

Third run through I had a play around with getting some of the secrets, which was cool. Uh yeah, community prizes off again.

Forth time through I completed it!!! w00t. I was torn between 4/5 stars to begin with, but I think all of the reasons for 4 are because I didn't get it to begin with, so :star::star::star::star::star: it is 		2009-09-09 00:59:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

hey, so I said I'd get back to you over the weekend... wel it's technically Wednesday now, but that counts, right?

I should probably say that I've never played Myst so have no frme of reference for this level. My first playthrough I found very confusing tbh. Not entirely by the puzzles, mostly by the idea of the Myst being a hub between the various levels.

Once I understood that, and realised that the boat switches weren't relevant to the task at hand, I thought it was a really cool idea - especially the switches being in the position you leave them in from the previous level.

Visually it's a nice looking level, but a couple of places could do with a bit more detail - the triangular trees, for instance, feel out of place, and one of the cameras/mouths looks right past them.

The puzzles themselves I felt led me too much by the hand (you need to turn on the power to get the furnace going to lower the big tree). The problem is I would never have worked that out on my own, without the text! I suppose I'd consider them more a list of tasks to complete, than puzzles to be solved.

I liked the whole powered by water lifts and rerouting the flow through the pipes thing. When I got the sticker and went back to Myst... and i realised I had left collect community prizes off!

My second run through, I accidentally teleported back to myst before picking up the sticker lol. There is text to say, but I think that could do with an AND gate to prevent stupid people doing it.

Third run through I had a play around with getting some of the secrets, which was cool. Uh yeah, community prizes off again.

Forth time through I completed it!!! w00t. I was torn between 4/5 stars to begin with, but I think all of the reasons for 4 are because I didn't get it to begin with, so :star::star::star::star::star: it is

Hey thanks for the great feed back - yeah, Wednesday still counts So, yeah, the overall look and feel of the level was based off of the original 1993 PC game, which is why I had the straight trees with triangle tops .. normally I'd say the same as you and that they need to look better, but I purposely made them look like that to mimic the original.

The hints are there for people who need them - ie, the people who aren't familiar with the Myst PC game, which is why the hints are so straight forward. I hear ya though - I would MUCH rather people figure stuff out on their own, but I know some never would because they're Myst newbies. Good observation though - the hints basically do make them tasks rather than puzzles.

Yeah, I actually used an AND/OR/STATE combination gate for the teleportation. You (theoretically, because I've done it) could link back and forth between the two Ages, so long as you keep the big tree moving.

It's awesome you noticed the switches left in position from the previous level! If you haven't played the previous level (Stoneship Age), those switches in their positions are a big hint... but I thought it would make sense to leave everything as if you just completed the Stoneship level.

Thanks for the great feed back and the stars! I think you'll like my next level .. it uses the same basic idea as Myst (link to different worlds), but this time you'll find yourself in an original Age, of which I have free reign to create however I want!

I still need to get back and try for a high score on your level!		2009-09-09 02:47:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

did all that just to find out the picture was currupt 2009-09-09 03:46:00

Author:
Littlebigdude805
Posts: 1924

Yeah, I actually used an AND/OR/STATE combination gate for the teleportation. You (theoretically, because I've done it) could link back and forth between the two Ages, so long as you keep the big tree moving.

I didn't even think to try! Haha. I just figured I was being and idiot and tried again. Nice touch.		2009-09-09 09:25:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

did all that just to find out the picture was currupt

Sorry about that It seems that once in a while someone like yourself gets unlucky, because it has been working for other people. I've done everything I could do besides taking a picture of something other than the windmill... maybe I should just do that.		2009-09-09 13:06:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Say good bye to the famous windmill picture that I had so much trouble with. I took a picture of another part of Channelwood and made that the switch trigger. Hopefully that will end the saga of the corrupted picture.

Thanks for everyone who helped me through that process, and again, I apologize if you played my whole level and figured everything out, only to find that the sticker was corrupted.

I'm crossing my fingers that it's fixed once and for all, but I won't hold my breath 		2009-09-09 14:38:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Awesome level. Beatiful but simplistic visuals. Great story. I loved the puzzles. This was already said but the switches were a little too close together. The atmosphere was also spot on. All in all, a great recreation.

5 stars.
Tagged Hoists		2009-09-13 16:55:00

Author:
bonner123
Posts: 1487

played this as F4F and I have to say it was a challenging experience and easily one of the biggest levels in terms of things to do and places to be. Very fun.
I couldn't pinpoint any exact problems as it took me several plays and hours of time to finally finish it - but I enjoyed it so nice work.

4 stars and a heart 		2009-10-03 21:01:00

Author:
Coxy224
Posts: 2645

I couldn't pinpoint any exact problems as it took me several plays and hours of time to finally finish it - but I enjoyed it so nice work.

Thanks for your dedication!!

UPDATE:

Once in a while I play through my levels, and last night I played this one again. I realized that I forgot to add something in that I originally wanted! So, basically, I took away the hint that says something like, "that switch opens the locked gate to the Myst linking book." I made it so that when you pull the switch down, the camera pans over to the door so you can see it open. I felt like that made more sense. I forgot to add in a sound for the door opening, so if I get time I'll go in and add that tonight.

Progress with my next level (Celestia) is going well - I'm at the point where it would be nice if I had the LBP water patch! I have some details to work on until the water comes flowing in, but basically, expect it to be published a week or so after the water is released. 		2009-10-04 20:19:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Good level Powershifter.
I don't like much story driven levels, even because, not being English, sometimes I struggle with the puzzles, and actually I had to use the walkthrough.
Anyway the level is quite cool, good use of logic, and good visuals.
You can do better than that perhaps, since the room with the picture n?3 is really good looking.
I don't know Myst and it's visual style, but I think that you tried to remain faithful to the setting.
That's one of the problems when you remake a game, I think that using a strong inspiration can limit your fantasy.
Anyway I enjoyed a lot the atmosphere.
What I can say is: Try to be more personal, just that.
4 stars.
Can't wait to play a new level spawned entirely by your imagination.		2009-10-06 19:57:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Can't wait to play a new level spawned entirely by your imagination.

Thanks OmegaSlayer! Don't worry.. it'll come rushing in along with the new water pack! I'm a little disappointed that I'm ready for the water and it's not here, but once it gets here I think you'll have a unique and enjoyable experience. Although - the new level is driven by story .. I'll do my best to let the level tell the story and not through a million text boxes 		2009-10-06 20:02:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Oooooooh!That looks very interesting!I'll check it out later!2010-03-15 03:22:00

Author:
Woflgod
Posts: 295


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

Datenschutz
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.