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A Journey

Archive: 40 posts

A JourneySyroc
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/3858626268_d0740c2af8_o.pngThis level takes you through several different themes. Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the next part in the ToS series.
all
After month and month I finally got around to finishing my next level.
This time I focused more on details than on gameplay and the result is the first level I created that has visuals that I'm almost completely happy with.
Initially this was going to be the third part of the ToS series but I got a bit carried away and now it's more of a collection of several themes.

I didn't plan to include that many different themes in one level, but I think that happened because I was working on it for so long with several breaks in between and listened to very different music while creating each section.

There is no story in this one, but I think you can use your imagination for that.

Be warned there are 6 prize bubbles and 2 photo boxes, so turn collecting off if you are struggling with profile space. You can play through the level without collecting a single prize bubble mind you.

Since I don't have a video yet, I give you a selection of the themes that are in this level. Please note that some of these pictures are old and that lighting and fog are not visible for some reason.

Sea
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/3723937205_202cfcb01d_o.jpg

Cave
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3723938591_20ed355e85_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/3724747358_68cb77ab96_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3723936257_c3f65b47c3_o.jpg

Castle
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/3858626402_c74963df69_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/3723936711_859ca82208_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3858626724_6e2b95f58a_o.jpg

Sky
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3505/3857837575_6a2cff62b3_o.jpg

Swamp
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/3858626838_e89ef09d03_o.jpg

Buried temple
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3857837693_4f375158f2_o.jpg

Edit: Can't do F4F anymore because decided to commit suicide. 		2009-08-27 07:51:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

People this is a amazing level that everyone needs to play. I only played it in it's testing phase and it was awesome.

Can't wait to play the finished product 		2009-08-27 08:23:00

Author:
blizzard_cool
Posts: 752

Very good level. I don't think I've ever seen so many completely different themes in a single level, but they all blend together very well. I liked how it didn't have a story, it leaves it open and a load of text bubbles would have ruined it.

My only problem is that the ending seems a bit weird. The level just stops. I don't know if you ran out of thermometer space or just ran out of ideas, but I think it might have been better if it went on a little big longer and you escaped the cave or something.

Oh - I liked the wheel you have to run on to open up the cave floor early on in the level. And that swamp looked very familiar... 		2009-08-27 12:53:00

Author:
Nuclearfish
Posts: 927

Thanks, good point about the finish.
I might be able to change the ending, by just moving the finish a bit to the right and have the players solve a little puzzle to open a secret door. I only have two bars left on the thermometer, but I give a try.

Yes, the swamp was inspired by another level. *ahem*

Edit: New finish fits in easily. I can even add a few more materials without them adding any temperature. The multiple thermometer theory seems to be true. o/

Edit2: Right, I have a new finish ready (and a new theme ) and I'm going to release it shortly. I hope the transition is not to abrupt now, because it's rather different to the rest of the level. You'll be the judge. 		2009-08-27 13:03:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

it was a awsome level i loved the themes 2009-08-27 20:01:00

Author:
Unknown User

Can't find it... 2009-08-27 20:14:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

try
@Syroc		2009-08-27 20:16:00

Author:
Unknown User

Yes, it took some time before giving me the chance to play this WONDERFUUUL level!
I have a similar concept for the level that I'm shaping up.
Anyway I loved the level and gave it 5 stars and a heart even if I got squished every now and then by every moving platform.
I lost 3 lives with the bucket from the well.		2009-08-27 20:34:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Thanks guys.

I admit the grabbing the bucket can be a bit hard if you don't know it is coming. I hope it's not too frustrating.
Maybe I should put a unlimited checkpoint there in case 4 players play the level at once.		2009-08-27 22:50:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

It is nice to see a level with so many different themes!
But the themes were also very nice to look at.

I loved it!

But I didn't find anything fustrating.		2009-08-27 23:27:00

Author:
JT1Destroyer
Posts: 5

After the opening scene this looks like any other dungeon crawler but it becomes so much more.

Traversing this level is an epic experience and an overdose of varied gameplay. Somehow it all blends together smoothly and feels totally right.

The design is flawless. I love the bridge with the photo-op, the stunning windmill and the flight through the heavens. No trouble anywhere.

Thanks for rewarding those of us who don't hightail as soon as we see the scoreboard. I worked up a great high score .

When you have time take a look at my feedback level if you want.		2009-08-28 01:26:00

Author:
Kipmonlin
Posts: 251

Thanks. I left you feedback in your thread Kipmonlin, but you probably have seen it already.

Anyway I've had few people saying that they can't find the way out of the swamp. Do people here think I should make it even more obvious that you have to slide down the tree stump? And if so how; I don't want to put an arrow there and I already have point bubbles and a spot light marking the stump.		2009-08-28 21:04:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Teh awesomeness at teh Max


Need more?
Alright
Incredibly Beautiful in all of the themes.
Fun original gameplay, would have liked to see more danger elements because I accidentally fell off the castle and had to climb back up but thats not a big deal. I also got stuck under the first waterfall a couple of times. Other than those minor issues it's great. Really feels like an epic journey.
5 stars + Tagged Splendid
If you want to check out my level City in the Sky, would love to have your feedback on it.		2009-08-28 21:42:00

Author:
bonner123
Posts: 1487

Pros:
- I liked how varied the level was
- It had a lot of "wow" moments
- Very player friendly; not difficult
- Scenery is very well done; artistic
- Puzzles were laid out well, and very intuitive
- Secret areas are always a plus - I felt like I missed some, but maybe not since I scored the highest so far?
- All the different water effects were really cool
- I loved the intro with the ship and the gas above and below
- The bucket from the well was genius
- It was amazing when the whole cave shook!!
- I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the windmill - WOW! And not just the looks, but the process of getting up the windmill was brilliant

Cons:
- It felt a little short; but that may have been due to the fact that there are many themes?
- I couldn't find it in the search engine if I just typed "A Journey" .. but that's not your fault

Fixes:
- When the balloons crash into the tree, you can either go left or right. You might want to consider blocking the left path in the tree because you can see a light bulb that is creating the sun ray effect.

Overall Rating:
5:star::star::star::star::star:
Tag: Brilliant
Hearted you and the level

GREAT JOB!!!!

F4F - If you have some time, try my "Real Myst: Channelwood Age" level.		2009-08-29 02:22:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Thanks guys I will try to play your levels as soon as possible.

@Powershifter: Thanks for mentioning the bit about the tree. It never occured to me that people might go left. I will block that path next time I get on.		2009-08-29 08:24:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Whoa, this is one of the best levels I've played in a while! Visuals are very well done and the gameplay is good as well. The only thing I found wrong was that in the castle part where there are like cogs there's a speaker visible. 5 stars and a heart! I want more!
Also, get to republishing, this needs to get on Cool Levels so everyone can play it .		2009-08-29 20:17:00

Author:
brnxblze
Posts: 1318

Where to start about the awesomeness of this level?!?

+ TONS of landscape variation and all done quite well
+ Nicely chosen materials
+ The building areas are great and done in a cool style
+ Great camera angles - nicely dramatic but not hard
+ I like how you disperced the bubbles. Not too easy - not too hard if your trying to combo them
+ It's a long level - your thermo management is impressive
+ It's FUN! Really enjoyed playing it

The one thing that I was so thrilled to see is the variation you have. It's got elements similar to but not copied from some of my favorite levels. Parts of it remind me of Lost Ages, Basilisk Bog, and a few others. The other thing is these areas blend into one another so well. Nothing feels out of place or weird in terms of transitions between them. Really nicely done. 5 stars & hearted!		2009-08-29 23:46:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Thanks! It means a lot too me if people enjoy my levels.


The only thing I found wrong was that in the castle part where there are like cogs there's a speaker visible.

Also, get to republishing, this needs to get on Cool Levels so everyone can play it .
Made the speaker invisible. Not sure how I missed it. Thanks.

I don't like republishing. I know it's pretty much the only way to get plays, but a) I can't be bothered republishing it every hour or so, b) it feels like tricking the system and c) the level stopped showing up on the cool level pages after a day no matter what I do anyway. :/


Parts of it remind me of Lost Ages, Basilisk Bog, and a few others.
The swamp section was in fact inspired by a level whose graphical style was inspired by Basilisk Bog. You might have played it. ;-)




PS: To those that requested F4F: I'm going to play your level this afternoon/evening.		2009-08-30 09:32:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Fantastic level!

Visuals are great!

All parts of this level were great to look at!

Its still a platformer tradition at heart but, the amount of themes and the great designs make it a great singular experience!

May do more feedback later as in rush.

Would love to hear what you think to my level, A Step Back In Time if you don't mind? (link in sig)!		2009-08-30 12:14:00

Author:
Lotus_Flow3r
Posts: 165

Hi there, thanks for your feedback now Im ging to do one of those "comment as you play" reviews.

ooh starts on a ship....mysterious....nice looking cliff face im runnnig up.... flipped a switch but not really sure what it did?scarpedback down the mountain and ooohhh waterfals are always nice i like the spinning wheel to open the door.....up the waterfall... oh bugger i just fell back down oh I love the little surfing bit.... got too carried away and killed myself again

oh change of scenery nice....big fan of the purple bouncy things.... I think the yellow brickwork could look prettier.....nice extending platform....very nice windmill

ggrrrr.....mrs wex just rang me asking for for a lift home from work this will need to be continued another time.....

I like what you have going on so far though
sorry for it being cut short....		2009-09-01 19:47:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

How come this isn't in cool levels? grrrr2009-09-02 09:11:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

Thanks, wex. Yes, the yellow brickwork you look better, but I tried pretty much all materials and basic metal looked best. I wish there was a proper brick material. 2009-09-02 12:27:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I wish there was a proper brick material.

I completly agree. I think there are so many stone and brick textures we need much more than the likes of coloured fish scales and chocolate 		2009-09-02 12:33:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

ooh starts on a ship....mysterious....nice looking cliff face im runnnig up.... flipped a switch but not really sure what it did?

Made a little cutscene showing you what the switch does. Also makes it easier to hear the door being lowered. (Would be nice if you could adjust the volume of soundeffects)

And I made the sea a bit more watery looking by using the zebra cloth material. (Fun fact: I can add three more materials without raising the thermometer one bit)

First time I get more than 700 plays on a level without it being picked by MM. o/
Shame you have to trick the system to achieve that.		2009-09-02 15:57:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Hey, just played your level, and I loved it. Except for the ending. My friend died at the big waterfall, so when I went to the scoreboard he respawned, but instead of just staying there he fell through a gap, and went below the level. Then I died because I was off the screen, and he killed himself. Then every time we respawned we just fell through the level. D: It was a bad way to end a great level!2009-09-02 21:53:00

Author:
Kog
Posts: 2358

Thanks for pointing that out. I have fixed it. 2009-09-02 22:02:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

It's really nice to play a level without a heavy story once in a while. This level is a perfect example that you don't need a story for a good level!

The visuals were great, I loved how the cave area looked. The Pipes in the windmill were my favorite! The yellow brick towers really do get me wishing that there was a brick material. The was simple but sweet.

The huge variety of themes was quite overwhelming! How on earth did you keep all that in 1 thermometer? From the ship, to the caves, to the castle, to the windmill, to the bog, to the ruins, to the waterfall, It all looked fabulous.

The gameplay was also great! loved your bubble spacing and the fact that you had a little multi-path variety! I didn't fun any bugs with it at all. Pacing was also great! The balloon section was a nice "breather".

All in all the level was a great play and a nice refreshment from all the other levels out there. Hope to see more!

:star::star::star::star:/ Brilliant/ Hearted

:blush: Oh are you still doing F4F? If you are then can you please give feedback on my level SIREN: [The Lost World] (Episode 2-Otherside)? More information is in my signature below. Is so than thank you!		2009-09-02 22:05:00

Author:
Noroibito
Posts: 211

Thanks!

I try to play your level over the weekend or earlier if I can, but I can't promise you anything. I will play it and give feedback, though.		2009-09-02 22:10:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Wow, those screenshots look awesome. Going to go play it right now.2009-09-02 22:11:00

Author:
Jaeyden
Posts: 564

Simply amazing. This level will probably go down as one of my all time favorites. Tons of gameplay. Amazing visuals and ambiance.....and one of my favorite music tracks in the game. Bravo. :star::star::star::star::star:2009-09-02 22:34:00

Author:
Jaeyden
Posts: 564

Great level! I loved the visual style (especially the castle!) and the amount of variety that you packed into the level is astounding. It's epic!

I don't really have much more to add then what has already been said, but one thing I thought was a bit off was the checkpoint placement. Sometimes, I felt like I was restarting too far away from where I died. I'm also not a big fan of falling to another area and having to go into the pop it to reset myself at the last checkpoint. However it's not that big of a deal and is more my personal preference.

Anyway, great level!		2009-09-06 17:44:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer
Posts: 1335

Thanks, I keep that in mind should I ever buy a new PS3.2009-09-06 19:02:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

I keep telling you.... you have 2 kidneys and 0 PS3's... I think the answer is clear.2009-09-06 19:05:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430



I don't know any trustworthy organ buyers, though.		2009-09-06 19:34:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Yay, someone was so nice and recorded my level. (http://www.youtube.com/user/littlebigland2009#play/all/uploads-all/0/f7eeKW2PDIw)2009-09-21 14:03:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Spend all day on adding water to this, changed the ending (Caribbean instead of an Asian theme) and changed some other small things.2009-12-23 16:46:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Oooh cool level + water = awesome? Most likely.
*puts on swimsuit, goes to play*		2009-12-23 17:21:00

Author:
Hibbsi
Posts: 203

Don't be disappointed when you find out that water is little more than decoration in this level. I didn't want to rebuilt a whole lot especially since I only have like three pixels of the thermometer left. 2009-12-23 17:26:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193

Don't be disappointed when you find out that water is little more than decoration in this level. I didn't want to rebuilt a whole lot especially since I only have like three pixels of the thermometer left.

It's still awesome 		2009-12-23 17:46:00

Author:
blizzard_cool
Posts: 752

Don't be disappointed when you find out that water is little more than decoration in this level. I didn't want to rebuilt a whole lot especially since I only have like three pixels of the thermometer left.

Yeah, I figured it wouldn't be a huge change, but it's still cool 		2009-12-23 17:54:00

Author:
Hibbsi
Posts: 203


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