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Mars Attacks III: Unleashing The Beast Below

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Mars Attacks III: Unleashing The Beast BelowGruntosUK
http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=6655Hot on the heels of the captured General Cubbage, Sergeant Casper heads deeper into Mars's underbelly. Once there, and shadowed by and unforeseen beast, he is to find out the war for Mars is to take an unexpected twist.
all
I've finally finished Mars 4 after about 6/7 weeks. I deleted a 95% complete version a couple of weeks ago that took me 4 weeks to make because I wasn't happy with the way it turned out. I'm much happier with this version. Theres all the usual, backtracking, secrets etc etc and some of the 3D glitch to....

You have to find General Cubbage, and avoid the beast thats watching your every move. Theres plenty of platforming, a few puzzles, and I hope a couple of surprises towards the end. I wanted to fit the story into this one, but there wasn't the space, so I'm gonna have to add another level onto what was planned.

Have fun!

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=6655 http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=6654

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=6653 http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=6652

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=6651 http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=6650		2009-09-15 13:06:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Holy Martians! THis is first on my list to play when I get home from work tonight! Cool 2009-09-15 13:11:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Yeah, me too! Playing it immediately when I get home.2009-09-15 13:19:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Did you manage to get any more use out of that cube? It felt like it was a bit redundant in the version I played...2009-09-15 13:21:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Did you manage to get any more use out of that cube? It felt like it was a bit redundant in the version I played...

Lol, I actually removed a section and added some speech in based on what you said when you were testing it. Its still well used though, don't worry 		2009-09-15 13:24:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

wow, some nice looking pics there.... Will check it out asap.2009-09-15 14:12:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

Did you manage to get any more use out of that cube? It felt like it was a bit redundant in the version I played...

The companion cube is overrated, Grant tops it easily!!
Looking forward to see what you've done with the last part.

Judging from the first pic, its gonna be sweet!!


Early feedback:

+ Awesome backtracking gameplay as usual
+ Great use of the layer glitch
+ Greatest cameo or reference to an LBPC member ever

- Unfortunately, the layer glitch makes it feel like a different series.		2009-09-15 15:01:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

Wow... this one is so cool and although a bit sad you dumped the first version, but this is so much better and flows oOOooOH so well. I never had much to add in feedback during play testing as I felt you fixed anything that was iffy in the one you dumped.

A great addition to the series. I loved the prior Mars Attacks II, but this one is awesome as well. Just a bit more of a puzzler in that there is quite a bit more of figuring out what to do next as well as the usual, "Pay close attention!! This is a Grant level".

I was however a bit surprised at the additional speech bubbles though as during testing, I didn't have any hints!! I was a needed addition, but I was also a bit bummed as I had to think more prior!! LOL!

I loved the use of the layer glitch as it wasn't ever intrusive, just some background eye candy while figuring out where to drag that huge cube around next!

I only had one issue which I had shared with you via a PM. I am happy to report I didn't have the issue after restarting. It might be that the lift misbehaves after quite a bit of overuse as I took a few wrong turns due to thinking I was past a certain point when I wasn't. Hopefully it was just a one off issue as you said.

Great job!! :star::star::star::star::star: and a heart! ..and used the tag Puzzler for the first time ever as I hadn't noticed it before! 		2009-09-15 15:24:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

By the way I love the title!

Sounds like a dodgy porn from the seventies 		2009-09-15 15:30:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

Wow... this one is so cool and although a bit sad you dumped the first version, but this is so much better and flows oOOooOH so well. I never had much to add in feedback during play testing as I felt you fixed anything that was iffy in the one you dumped.

There was only you, xkappax and Ccubbage played the dumped version all the way through. You all had problems with the flow of the level as I recall, that was one of the main reasons for dumping it. That and there was no beast what so ever which was sort of the point of the whole level.


I only had one issue which I had shared with you via a PM. I am happy to report I didn't have the issue after restarting. It might be that the lift misbehaves after quite a bit of overuse as I took a few wrong turns due to thinking I was past a certain point when I wasn't. Hopefully it was just a one off issue as you said.

If that lift breaks again, I swear I'll go mad. Its been rebuilt 4 times now. We'll see how it goes

Thanks for the feedback. I fixed some other things up and republished, the cool level crowd have now deemed it a four star level


By the way I love the title!

Sounds like a dodgy porn from the seventies

2009-09-15 15:33:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

I found a typo, it says "unfreindly" in one of the first speech bubbles

playing it now!		2009-09-15 15:59:00

Author:
oldage
Posts: 2824

Can't wait to play this tonight!2009-09-15 16:09:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

I only had one issue which I had shared with you via a PM. I am happy to report I didn't have the issue after restarting. It might be that the lift misbehaves after quite a bit of overuse as I took a few wrong turns due to thinking I was past a certain point when I wasn't. Hopefully it was just a one off issue as you said.

Its now happened to two others, I think it was down to the two rods I had on there for decoration, they may have been pulling the lift and making it go wonky. I've deleted the piston and readded it and removed the rods to see if that helps.		2009-09-15 16:32:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

The companion cube is overrated, Grant tops it easily!!
Looking forward to see what you've done with the last part.

Well! I suppose I shall be the judge of that!!

Seriously, can't wait to play this. I'm going to take some time out of my lunch break to go home and play this one. I almost feel like skipping class!		2009-09-15 16:48:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Grant, excuse the short review - I'm saving a fuller one for... er... something else later!!!

Fabulous addition to the series - wonderful aesthetics yet again, and worthy of the creator's name who built it.

5 stars, 1 heart, 'Brilliant', and a partridge in a pear tree

Well done, mate.		2009-09-15 17:06:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Grant, excuse the short review - I'm saving a fuller one for... er... something else later!!!

Fabulous addition to the series - wonderful aesthetics yet again, and worthy of the creator's name who built it.

5 stars, 1 heart, 'Brilliant', and a partridge in a pear tree

Well done, mate.

No problem

Thanks for taking the time to play it.		2009-09-15 17:12:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

This is amazing. Simply sublime!
I was one of the lucky few people who got to play this a couple of times before you had finished it and I loved it then too
It's just got better and better, and has such a greatuse of the layer glitch.

Couple of problems I found:

With the chase section, if you jump into the front layer at the begininng then the monster goes past you without killing you and you can do the rest of that section easily without being chased....

Just after that section, a speech bubble says "beasr" instead of beast
Five stars and a heart 		2009-09-15 17:24:00

Author:
Coxy224
Posts: 2645

Thanks Coxy.


With the chase section, if you jump into the front layer at the begininng then the monster goes past you without killing you and you can do the rest of that section easily without being chased....

Someone else has spotted that to, now fixed.



Just after that section, a speech bubble says "beasr" instead of beast

Fixed. Thanks again 		2009-09-15 17:26:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Well I found some visible dark matter (see uploaded pic ) and a short cut past a whole load of platforming that didn't feel like you meant it to be there. Also, I had to pop myself when I got one of the avatars (possibly the second) because a door was in the way. Nope, no I didn't. Other problems include that if you crush the fire extinguisher under the lift you can't continue and on my second run through the beast did not spawn! - bolded so you spot it asap.

Other than that, it's great. Not really much to say, I think I enjoyed it more than the other installments, but it felt a little shorter. IDK.

Anyway 5 stars, and I need to find those last two fishies 		2009-09-15 18:36:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Great stuff Grantos! I will wait to give my full feedback/review until I play it again, as I missed 4 of the Cubbfish. Stupid pit of campanion cube death!

I will tell you right now that I loved the level. 5 stars and hearted. It's really a shame how few creator hearts you have, but I'm sure it doesn't both you a whole lot...

H4H?

[kidding]

Edit: The bolded typo made NO sense before...		2009-09-15 18:55:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

@rtm223


Well I found some visible dark matter (see uploaded pic )

Fixed


and a short cut past a whole load of platforming that didn't feel like you meant it to be there.

If this was on the mirrored platforming section, then I was aware of it, Zwollie did it yesterday, but I thought I'd leave it. If not, can you tell me where it was, I don't want people getting an easy ride



Also, I had to pop myself when I got one of the avatars (possibly the second) because a door was in the way. Nope, no I didn't.

Lol, I saw the post before you edited, you leave from where you came.


Other problems include that if you crush the fire extinguisher under the lift you can't continue


I'll emit another one, might take me a while to work it out though. I don't want to use the same colour keys and trigger something else with the extinguisher.


and on my second run through the beast did not spawn! - bolded so you spot it asap.

Oh no I don't know whats happened there. Its working everytime in create mode?? 10/10 attempts? Any ideas?

Thanks for playing rtm, I appreciate it.

@comphermc


Great stuff Grantos! I will wait to give my full feedback/review until I play it again, as I missed 4 of the Cubbfish. Stupid put of campanion cube death!

I will tell you right now that I loved the level. 5 stars and hearted. It's really a shame how few creator hearts you have, but I'm sure it doesn't both you a whole lot...

Thanks for playing it. I killed off the cube to stop you going back after you got to far. Creator hearts don't bother me, they don't really do a lot. Thanks again 		2009-09-15 21:10:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

I know it's probably pretty simple to use the back layer glitch but you gotta show me one day.2009-09-15 21:25:00

Author:
BasketSnake
Posts: 2391

Oh no I don't know whats happened there. Its working everytime in create mode?? 10/10 attempts? Any ideas?

Happened again. Try jumping on the bridgejust as it collapses. I was making a lunge for the switch across the way. Probably just needs a larger prox on the emitter that sets up that scene.		2009-09-15 21:45:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

well been try to take a rest from lbp part from pop in now and then ill have to give this one a go but 2009-09-15 21:48:00

Author:
jump_button
Posts: 1014

Happened again. Try jumping on the bridgejust as it collapses. I was making a lunge for the switch across the way. Probably just needs a larger prox on the emitter that sets up that scene.

The prox that triggers the beast is actually in the pit, just in front of the wall that dissolves when it bursts through the opposite side. I can't see how the bridge can effect it, the pieces have brains on them so they dissapear and there's nothing else that triggers anything before you fall into the pit.

I had knocked the PS3 off the night but if you can miss out that much of level I'm gonna go back in and have a look.		2009-09-15 22:11:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Grantos UK,

The gritty feel of the level is immediately apparent, and I like your use of color and lighting effects. The 3D depth throughout gives the level a very polished feel to it. I guess this is what people refer to as the layer glitch - well it's been used quite well. I do love the multi-layered set, with so many routes to use. Your puzzles manage to reuse the same area very effectively, making for an incredibly dense gameplay within each area ? makes the level feel far larger it is. The humor is fitted perfectly to the level as well.

Now, ahem... I want to give you a full-on review, but I was not able to complete it! ? and I spent more time on than I am willing to admit. Once I got the paint gun, I could not for the life of me figure out what I was supposed to shoot at. I swear that entire level is colored blue now.

I do have a couple notes on the tiny portion I was able to actually accomplish ? keep in mind these are the kinds of things that are somewhat hard to prevent: preventing the player from being colossally stupid.

1) As noted by a previous poster, if you stupidly crush the fire extinguisher under the lifting platform, you have to restart the level. Doh!

2) After the funny companion cube abuse comment, the cut scene suggests going back ? if you go up on the platform with the leftmost yellow switch (i.e., over the fire hydrant spot) ? and jump down on the other side and then back over the very beginning, you can?t get back in to the area again because there is now a metal door between you and return? forcing you to restart the level.

3) You can also shove the companion cube right off the edge into the abyss. Also requiring a restart. Stupid Oats-Beef
---------
I feel as if I am ill-equipped to give you feedback, especially seeing as I have seen only a tithe of the level? any hints for me? (if you don't want to give it away, just send me a note). I'd like to see more, because I liked what I saw.

~oats-beef		2009-09-15 22:18:00

Author:
Unknown User

OMG! Your level is so amazing! I would do the reivew, but I don't want others to get angry and say that I skipped them.
You will be very pleased with the review that you get, don't you worry!		2009-09-15 22:21:00

Author:
theonlybub
Posts: 690

GrantosUK,

The gritty feel of the level is immediately apparent, and I like your use of color and lighting effects. The 3D depth throughout gives the level a very polished feel to it. I guess this is what people refer to as the layer glitch - well it's been used quite well.

The humor is fitted perfectly to the level as well.

Now, ahem... I want to give you a full-on review, but I was not able to complete it! ? and I spent more time on than I am willing to admit.


Thanks for giving it a go. I'm pleased you liked what you saw. I sorry the problems stopped you from finishing, but more on that later.


I do love the multi-layered set, with so many routes to use. Your puzzles manage to reuse the same area very effectively, making for an incredibly dense gameplay within each area ? makes the level feel far larger it is.

All my levels are structured like that! Its how I like to do things


Once I got the paint gun, I could not for the life of me figure out what I was supposed to shoot at. I swear that entire level is colored blue now.

Theres a switch you need to shoot, hightlighted by a flashing red light, keep shooting it, and a bridge appears


1) As noted by a previous poster, if you stupidly crush the fire extinguisher under the lifting platform, you have to restart the level. Doh!

It emits an unlimited supply now.


2) After the funny companion cube abuse comment, the cut scene suggests going back ? if you go up on the platform with the leftmost yellow switch (i.e., over the fire hydrant spot) ? and jump down on the other side and then back over the very beginning, you can?t get back in to the area again because there is now a metal door between you and return? forcing you to restart the level.

I've added gas to stop there now, but thats actually where a secret is


3) You can also shove the companion cube right off the edge into the abyss. Also requiring a restart. Stupid Oats-Beef

No, more stupid me for not thinking of that!!!! The cubes now respawn to.

Thanks for the great feedback. I'm testing the level before I publish it again, should be half an hour. I hope the problems did'nt put you off and you'll have another try 		2009-09-15 22:36:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Oh I am definitely down for another play!2009-09-15 22:41:00

Author:
Unknown User

No, more stupid me for not thinking of that!!!! The cubes now respawn to.

Yikes, I did that too. I just thought there were consequences for destroying your cube, but I suppose I did manage to do it after I had the paint gun. Glad you fixed it, as I couldn't get some of the stuff on the ledges after this point.

Edit: Any more devilishly hidden Cubbfish like in part 2?		2009-09-15 22:47:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I'm just running through it now to make sure everything works ok.

EDIT: Its republished, now with new and improved extinguishers and companion cubes



Any more devilishly hidden Cubbfish like in part 2?

Yeah theres 10 in total, I don't think anyone's found them all yet, someone usually posts a pic when they do.		2009-09-15 22:48:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Happened again. Try jumping on the bridgejust as it collapses. I was making a lunge for the switch across the way. Probably just needs a larger prox on the emitter that sets up that scene.


The prox that triggers the beast is actually in the pit, just in front of the wall that dissolves when it bursts through the opposite side. I can't see how the bridge can effect it, the pieces have brains on them so they dissapear and there's nothing else that triggers anything before you fall into the pit.

I had knocked the PS3 off the night but if you can miss out that much of level I'm gonna go back in and have a look.

I found whats happening. The glass slide behind the rocks to guide into the monsters pit is only 2 layers thick, so you're going behind the slide and into the chase sequence and not activating the monster, I'm fixing it now.

EDIT: Now Fixed 		2009-09-15 23:10:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Great level once again. Fantastic series so far. I played 2 again earlier on to remind myself of it all.

Really good visuals, fantastic use of the layer glitch. Left me scratching my head at a few points but it's always your own fault really, it's one of them 'FFS why didn't I see that straight away?!' moments.

Usual well thought out backtracking and such. Just a good Gruntos level really! Didn't feel like there was quite as much platforming in this one for some reason. That may just be me though, no doubt I will be playing through again at some point.

5 stars and a heart and a very well earned author heart!

Will we ever see a Gruntos level that doesn't involve back tracking? Any ideas what you'll be doing after this series?

EDIT: Scrap the last question, better places to answer that 		2009-09-15 23:40:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Even if it's not my type of level, I really enjoyed it!

As others say, great visuals and nice use of the 3D glitch.
I spend some long minutes wondering what to do on some parts,
but that was worth it

Just one thing, at the end, just on the side of the scoreboard,
I jumped and I got stuck between (and behind) the two big blocks with the roman stickers (stupid I know )...
so I had to kill myself to go back to the last checkpoint...
Not cool if someone is trying to ace the level without dying and get stuck here just before the finish line

Anyway great work!
:star::star::star::star::star: and heart as an author (I must play your other levels)		2009-09-16 00:59:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

Played it through again. Didn't have any major problems with the level except that I failed to find two of the fishies. How well are those last two hidden?

I found the spot where rtm said you can bypass some obstacles by planeshifting forward, but it wasn't a huge problem. The checkpoint right before that had a weird camera angle - was I missing something (in the middle of the mirrored section)?

Don't really have much more to add. It was a bit shorter than your other levels, which is probably from all those extra layers eating up your thermo, but it was ripping good fun.		2009-09-16 01:30:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

aaaaalright, were to begin. past few days ive been very ill and the congestion is makeing me grumpy due to intense migraines. So i planned to take a break from reviews and just kick back and work on a project level. and i noticed this level on the level showcase and thought "mars attack? sounds lame" so then a day or two later i saw it again but now on cool levels and thought again "mars attack...still lame", but then something told me today "hey look at all those replies...guess i could check it out". So i saw all the good reviews and thought "Ok sure why not this looks cool".

Anyway, i really loved this level even though my migraines were intensified by your ambience and intense detail lol I enjoyed this level most of the way and took good pleasure in your obstacles all and all a good level. Now into specifics.

At the beggining of the whole puzzleish part were you move the cubes around i was kinda lost so maby some direction to the white cude would help.

The music:
It was actiony and intense while all you were doing was pushing cubes around.

There wasnt enough variety from what i heard. this can get annoying listening to the same song over and over.

The Beast:
I liked all the effects of it watching you but when there so bunched together the beast seems to be in more than one place at a time.

at the beggining of the chase scene it came flying out at me and my sackboy braced for impact but it just stopped and sat there for a second or two then came at me. intentional?

The beast looked kinda silly

Portal refrences:

portal guns?

companion cubes?

lol

btw there is a portal gun useing the paintonater and self activateing checkpoints that allows you to do the whole portal thing. you know instead of just shooting it at a lever. did you use it in a previouse level? if thats the case disregard this paragraph lol.

oh and i think there is a companion cube object that looks like the real thing. cant be sure though.

The ending was kinda corny...

wow longest review ive ever given. i am disgruntled by my illness this may be alittle more negative than intended so just keep that in mind. SO to wrap it up this was one of the best ive ever played. can you tell how long it took you? i like to know.

Five stars and hearts
:star::star::star::star::star:		2009-09-16 02:19:00

Author:
Littlebigdude805
Posts: 1924

Littlebigdude, I think you missed the party, lol. This is grantosuk. He's had like a dozen levels that all feel very much the same. His levels are all about backtracking and making you think a bit. This isn't a portal level, it just makes fun of it a bit. Try playing the other two Mars Attacks levels and it'll make more sense.

I'm not making fun, I just find it a bit funny, as he's kind of a celebrity around these parts. He's actually the only person I'm aware of that was given a crown solely for his collection of amazing levels.		2009-09-16 03:03:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Well, I've played both versions of the level, the dumped version and the new version. I never really had a problem with the original, but I'm kinda glad Grant threw it out, because we were treated with THIS feast for the eyes. And that fish emblem. OH that fish emblem. I laughed and laughed and laughed. And then they laughed at me, because I only found four of them.

Of course I gave it five stars and a heart, but you'll have to forgive me... I forgot to tag it Hoists. I tagged it "beautiful" instead. Next time, you're getting HOISTS!		2009-09-16 03:15:00

Author:
xkappax
Posts: 2569

Littlebigdude, I think you missed the party, lol. This is grantosuk. He's had like a dozen levels that all feel very much the same. His levels are all about backtracking and making you think a bit. This isn't a portal level, it just makes fun of it a bit. Try playing the other two Mars Attacks levels and it'll make more sense.

I'm not making fun, I just find it a bit funny, as he's kind of a celebrity around these parts. He's actually the only person I'm aware of that was given a crown solely for his collection of amazing levels.

I'm a fan of when people comment not really knowing the creator. Definitely not in a making fun of them kind of way either, it's just humble and nice to see what someone thinks through fresh eyes

Oh and Gruntos got his crown for submitting his 'From Siberia With Love Pt.1' level to the Official Youtube Channel that gives one away everyone month Not that his whole collection isn't worthy of course! 		2009-09-16 03:26:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

I'm a fan of when people comment not really knowing the creator. Definitely not in a making fun of them kind of way either, it's just humble and nice to see what someone thinks through fresh eyes

Oh and Gruntos got his crown for his 'From Siberia With Love Pt.1' level from the Youtube Channel, not because of his whole collection...not that they aren't worthy of course

I stand corrected. I can't say I fully understand what it is he won for, so I'm just going to keep on believing that you can win a crown for making awesome levels 		2009-09-16 03:28:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I stand corrected. I can't say I fully understand what it is he won for, so I'm just going to keep on believing that you can win a crown for making awesome levels

I don't think there's been a creator yet to receive a crown just for a collection of levels has there? It would be a lovely nod to the creator that they appreciate what they're doing.

It's quite odd when you think that you can win a crown for making one awesome level and then submitting it, yet they haven't been given out just for making consistently great levels.

Anyway so yes, Gruntos got his crown for making 1 amazing level...what he gets for making all the other amazing levels is our love...which he obviously appreciates much more 		2009-09-16 03:33:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

you all hurt my feelings
i quit

(yea right)
i did try to do his first mars attack level but on the second or third room were everything is falling and on fire, i just got stuck, ran out of lives, didnt feel like restarting. Now i review the way i do because if i just gave praise and pointed out bugs and exposed dark matter i wouldnt be helping, ide be restateing others words. I dont really see what you were getting at by stateing his reputation =/ I dont care for your reputation when it comes to reviews because it can sway the report, which is bad. Hope this just clearifies my earlier post.

oh btw yes im not any superstar on lbp and i know it but hey if i dont try ill never be known and my experience here on lbpc would be a waste.		2009-09-16 03:38:00

Author:
Littlebigdude805
Posts: 1924

I dont really see what you were getting at by stateing his reputation =/ I dont care for your reputation when it comes to reviews because it can sway the report, which is bad.

That's exactly what I was saying. As a creator I love getting feedback from someone who has never played any of my stuff before or who has no idea who I am. It's great to get a new perspective through fresh eyes

I'm sure most will agree that when playing a level by a creator you already love, you're already half won over by it anyway. Hence my point that fresh eyes is a great thing for feedback!

Anyway sorry Gruntos I've taken over your thread a bit here! GREAT LEVEL!! 		2009-09-16 03:46:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

I dont really see what you were getting at by stateing his reputation =/ I dont care for your reputation when it comes to reviews because it can sway the report, which is bad. Hope this just clearifies my earlier post.

oh btw yes im not any superstar on lbp and i know it but hey if i dont try ill never be known and my experience here on lbpc would be a waste.

Again, I reiterate that I'm not making fun, just pointing out something silly. I'm a pretty nice guy and wouldn't do anything to intentionally bring you down. It was a nice little review, there were just a few things that said that are all part of Grantos's style. As a level reviewer, disregarding someone's 'reputation' is probably a good thing, but I'd prefer to consider all the people here my LBP friends (including yourself), so it'd be hard for me to be completely objective.

Hope I haven't actually hurt your feelings.

And [belated] welcome to the site!		2009-09-16 03:49:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Ok, I think I need to interject some totally objective feedback here....

This level rocks! And not just because you get to collect Feeshe.... nor because of the character "General Cubbage".... although those are GREAT reasons to love it.

I liked the original incarnation of this level.... but this rebuild is superb. The engineering is great, the style is great. This level DEFINATELY makes you think a bit.... and as usual, you may get the feeling that your lost, but somehow miraculously end up finding your way.

Love it!		2009-09-16 03:58:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Before I get to the feedback for everyone, the level is stuck on cool pages 6, without the republishing trick. All the republishes I've done have been genuine fixes in the level, so I was a little shocked to wake up and find that out this morning.

@jackofcourse


Great level once again. Fantastic series so far. I played 2 again earlier on to remind myself of it all.

Really good visuals, fantastic use of the layer glitch. Left me scratching my head at a few points but it's always your own fault really, it's one of them 'FFS why didn't I see that straight away?!' moments.

Usual well thought out backtracking and such. Just a good Gruntos level really! Didn't feel like there was quite as much platforming in this one for some reason. That may just be me though, no doubt I will be playing through again at some point.

5 stars and a heart and a very well earned author heart!

Thanks for the kind words, and for playing all of the levels. Its great getting good feedback from a creator I love myself. I had wanted to fit more platforming in, but the vertice thermo is pushing it, with all the layer glitch I used.


Will we ever see a Gruntos level that doesn't involve back tracking? Any ideas what you'll be doing after this series?

Probably not lol. Its so imprinted on my design style now I just do it without a great of deal of thought that I am actually doing it until I play it. Strange but true. And for whats next, well another 3 Mars levels at least, after that, I don't know One off levels probably!

@dajdaj03


Even if it's not my type of level, I really enjoyed it!

Thanks for giving it the time.


As others say, great visuals and nice use of the 3D glitch.
I spend some long minutes wondering what to do on some parts,
but that was worth it


This is something I like adding into levels. Lost at first, then it all clicks into place hopefully!!


Just one thing, at the end, just on the side of the scoreboard,
I jumped and I got stuck between (and behind) the two big blocks with the roman stickers (stupid I know )...
so I had to kill myself to go back to the last checkpoint...
Not cool if someone is trying to ace the level without dying and get stuck here just before the finish line


I'll add a layer there to stop that happening in a bit. Thanks for noticing that.


Anyway great work!
and heart as an author (I must play your other levels)

Thanks again, theres plenty on there for you to try if you get the time I hope you enjoy them all.

@littlebigdude805


aaaaalright, were to begin. past few days ive been very ill and the congestion is makeing me grumpy due to intense migraines. So i planned to take a break from reviews and just kick back and work on a project level. and i noticed this level on the level showcase and thought "mars attack? sounds lame" so then a day or two later i saw it again but now on cool levels and thought again "mars attack...still lame", but then something told me today "hey look at all those replies...guess i could check it out". So i saw all the good reviews and thought "Ok sure why not this looks cool".

Anyway, i really loved this level even though my migraines were intensified by your ambience and intense detail lol I enjoyed this level most of the way and took good pleasure in your obstacles all and all a good level. Now into specifics.


Thanks for playing it while ill, I appreciate that. I'm glad you thought the levels were'nt quite as lame as you first thought , and that you liked the design and visuals.


At the beggining of the whole puzzleish part were you move the cubes around i was kinda lost so maby some direction to the white cude would help.


As I've said above a few times, I like to create my levels this way, so at first you feel a little lost, then it all clicks into place after 10 minutes or so.


The music:
It was actiony and intense while all you were doing was pushing cubes around.

There wasnt enough variety from what i heard. this can get annoying listening to the same song over and over.


I don't like changing the music to much in a level, I think it gives a stop/start feel to it. There are a couple of changes towards the end to suit the change in pace, but I'm leaving it as is. Sorry


The Beast:
I liked all the effects of it watching you but when there so bunched together the beast seems to be in more than one place at a time.


I agree with this, I'll see what I can do on that section.


at the beggining of the chase scene it came flying out at me and my sackboy braced for impact but it just stopped and sat there for a second or two then came at me. intentional?

No its not intentional, I'm hoping its a one off, lag or something. But if someone else reports the same thing happening then I'll take a look at it.


The beast looked kinda silly


Lol, OK. Character design isn't my strong point, it actually took me a few attempts to get it looking like it does now. Its all tied in, so its hard to change now. It'll just have to stay looking silly.


Portal refrences:

portal guns?

companion cubes?

lol

btw there is a portal gun useing the paintonater and self activateing checkpoints that allows you to do the whole portal thing. you know instead of just shooting it at a lever. did you use it in a previouse level? if thats the case disregard this paragraph lol.

oh and i think there is a companion cube object that looks like the real thing. cant be sure though.



Its just a silly reference because you use the cube so much, I would'nt put to much thought into it, its supposed to be tongue in cheek. Its all based around what rtm223 said in testing, I thought it was funny when he said it, so added it in.


The ending was kinda corny...


It will all tie in the next part. You'll find out just why it was there, and what the beast was actually doing, it (hopefully) won't seem as corny.


wow longest review ive ever given. i am disgruntled by my illness this may be alittle more negative than intended so just keep that in mind. SO to wrap it up this was one of the best ive ever played. can you tell how long it took you? i like to know.

Five stars and hearts


Thanks again for taking the time to play the level and leave excellent feedback. I'll be fixing the few things I can today sometime.		2009-09-16 08:05:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Sorry for the double post, I did'nt want to add one huge wall of text in one go.

@comphermc

I skipped your feedback in the above post, so I'll add it here.


Played it through again. Didn't have any major problems with the level except that I failed to find two of the fishies. How well are those last two hidden?


It depends which one's you missed. I keep forgetting about two on my own playthroughs they're so well hidden


I found the spot where rtm said you can bypass some obstacles by planeshifting forward, but it wasn't a huge problem. The checkpoint right before that had a weird camera angle - was I missing something (in the middle of the mirrored section)?


If you can find it, by all means exploit it . And for the camera change, you're not missing anything, its more for effect than anything else. I can turn it down a little if you found it confusing.


Don't really have much more to add. It was a bit shorter than your other levels, which is probably from all those extra layers eating up your thermo, but it was ripping good fun.

Thanks for playing it. I appreciate it. The layers ate my vertice thermo, thats the why the level is shorter than usual.

Well, I've played both versions of the level, the dumped version and the new version. I never really had a problem with the original, but I'm kinda glad Grant threw it out, because we were treated with THIS feast for the eyes. And that fish emblem. OH that fish emblem. I laughed and laughed and laughed. And then they laughed at me, because I only found four of them.

@xkappax


Well, I've played both versions of the level, the dumped version and the new version. I never really had a problem with the original, but I'm kinda glad Grant threw it out, because we were treated with THIS feast for the eyes. And that fish emblem. OH that fish emblem. I laughed and laughed and laughed. And then they laughed at me, because I only found four of them.


Thanks for playing it. Although most people won't get the Avatar thing, I thought it would be cool for the people of LBPC, kind of an in-joke


Of course I gave it five stars and a heart, but you'll have to forgive me... I forgot to tag it Hoists. I tagged it "beautiful" instead. Next time, you're getting HOISTS!


But I want Hoists now

@The General


Ok, I think I need to interject some totally objective feedback here....

This level rocks! And not just because you get to collect Feeshe.... nor because of the character "General Cubbage".... although those are GREAT reasons to love it.

I liked the original incarnation of this level.... but this rebuild is superb. The engineering is great, the style is great. This level DEFINATELY makes you think a bit.... and as usual, you may get the feeling that your lost, but somehow miraculously end up finding your way.

Love it!

Thanks Cub, pleased you liked it, and found your digital self amusing. And no problems for once, I must be getting there with the fixes finally

And finally....



Originally Posted by comphermc
Littlebigdude, I think you missed the party, lol. This is grantosuk. He's had like a dozen levels that all feel very much the same. His levels are all about backtracking and making you think a bit. This isn't a portal level, it just makes fun of it a bit. Try playing the other two Mars Attacks levels and it'll make more sense.

I'm not making fun, I just find it a bit funny, as he's kind of a celebrity around these parts. He's actually the only person I'm aware of that was given a crown solely for his collection of amazing levels.
I'm a fan of when people comment not really knowing the creator. Definitely not in a making fun of them kind of way either, it's just humble and nice to see what someone thinks through fresh eyes

Oh and Gruntos got his crown for submitting his 'From Siberia With Love Pt.1' level to the Official Youtube Channel that gives one away everyone month Not that his whole collection isn't worthy of course!

I appreciated the honest feedback, as for being a celebrity, I don't know about that lol!!! I'm just lucky people people like the levels I suppose.

And yeah, the crown was from Youtube, for Siberia Part 1

Thanks again to everyone who has played it so far.		2009-09-16 08:16:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Found all but one of the Feeshe so far.. So close!!!2009-09-16 13:58:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

...

@mdaj

Thanks for giving it the time.
...
This is something I like adding into levels. Lost at first, then it all clicks into place hopefully!!
...
I'll add a layer there to stop that happening in a bit. Thanks for noticing that.
...
Thanks again, theres plenty on there for you to try if you get the time I hope you enjoy them all.
....

You're welcome!
but I'm dajdaj03, not mdaj
You have so many good feedbacks that you mistakes who says what ... you're lucky! 		2009-09-16 14:05:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

You're welcome!
but I'm dajdaj03, not mdaj
You have so many good feedbacks that you mistakes who says what ... you're lucky!

Lol sorry, I'll edit that 		2009-09-16 14:12:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Classic Gruntos. First time I've seen an intro happen while you're actually platforming, very slick! Brilliant use of the layer glitch in this, it looks epic....and the Cubbage stuff had me laughing too.

I had no problems with anything breaking so no worries there as far as I could tell. I did bypass a chunk of platforming by accident (it might be the same part as mentioned already), if you go right at the top of the section with the two semi-circular electrified things, you can jump down to below and carry on your merry way.

Also, there's one piston visible on the bridge that rises up....		2009-09-16 20:42:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Classic Gruntos. First time I've seen an intro happen while you're actually platforming, very slick! Brilliant use of the layer glitch in this, it looks epic....and the Cubbage stuff had me laughing too.

I had no problems with anything breaking so no worries there as far as I could tell. I did bypass a chunk of platforming by accident (it might be the same part as mentioned already), if you go right at the top of the section with the two semi-circular electrified things, you can jump down to below and carry on your merry way.

Also, there's one piston visible on the bridge that rises up....
Hmmm... it seemed to me that there was simply 2 ways to go there... if you went up it was a bit more difficult... but you could get a feeshe . If you go down you skip the points and the feeshe but it was easier. I thought it was kind of cool.

But on the other hand, if it wasn't on purpose.... well, I sound stupid then. 		2009-09-16 21:05:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Pirate islands coming to a littlebigplanet near you. ROFL2009-09-16 23:40:00

Author:
BasketSnake
Posts: 2391

It's very difficult for me to try to be ojective while talking about Grantos, since he's one of the people I look at to build my style.
Again Grantos delivers, visually and gameplay wise.
The story is always hilarious and top notch, with a great twist that can lead to wonderful future developments.
Great use of the layer glitch, that adds a lot of scope to the level.
Sometimes everything becomes a little confused, but it's a price you'll love to pay for such stunning visuals.
(I still hope they'll release the layer glitch as a feature)

All in all another great level for another great series.
For now From Siberia i still my favourite storywise, but it's a completed series, but I expect a lot from the upcoming levels.

Keep up the good work Grant and thanks!
5 stars!		2009-09-18 09:27:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Finally got round to playing this last night (in fact I played all three in a row) and it's awesome. Best one yet in my opinion.

You've really mastered the use of the layer glitch, I've never seen a more detailed looking background. Makes the whole level seem a lot bigger.

Only problem I experienced was the same as LittleBigDude. When I dropped down the beast stopped for a few seconds before chasing me. Not really sure what could be causing it unless something is getting in the way of it and stopping it from moving.

Anyway, 5 stars, and I can't wait until the next one. 		2009-09-18 10:49:00

Author:
Nuclearfish
Posts: 927

@julesyjules


Classic Gruntos. First time I've seen an intro happen while you're actually platforming, very slick! Brilliant use of the layer glitch in this, it looks epic....and the Cubbage stuff had me laughing too.

Thanks, I needed to save thermo in this one, hence the intro as you play. But I actually think it worked out a little better than I had hoped.


I had no problems with anything breaking so no worries there as far as I could tell. I did bypass a chunk of platforming by accident (it might be the same part as mentioned already), if you go right at the top of the section with the two semi-circular electrified things, you can jump down to below and carry on your merry way.

I'm a little confused as to where this is, I guess I'll have to have a play and see if it warrants a fix or not.



Also, there's one piston visible on the bridge that rises up....

I'll hide that, cheers.

Thanks for playing it Jules.

@OmegaSlayer


It's very difficult for me to try to be ojective while talking about Grantos, since he's one of the people I look at to build my style.
Again Grantos delivers, visually and gameplay wise.
The story is always hilarious and top notch, with a great twist that can lead to wonderful future developments.
Great use of the layer glitch, that adds a lot of scope to the level.
Sometimes everything becomes a little confused, but it's a price you'll love to pay for such stunning visuals.
(I still hope they'll release the layer glitch as a feature)


Thanks for the kind words, I hope the layer glitch becomes a feature, and a little easier to work with to.

All in all another great level for another great series.
For now From Siberia i still my favourite storywise, but it's a completed series, but I expect a lot from the upcoming levels.

Hopefully the story is a little deeper this time around, and should be a nice "ahhhh" when you find out whats going on. Hopefully!!!! If not, I've wasted a lot of time



Keep up the good work Grant and thanks!
5 stars!

Thanks, pleased you enjoyed it

@nuclearfish


Finally got round to playing this last night (in fact I played all three in a row) and it's awesome. Best one yet in my opinion.


Thanks for taking the time to play all three in a row and get a feel for the series, I appreciate that



You've really mastered the use of the layer glitch, I've never seen a more detailed looking background. Makes the whole level seem a lot bigger.


It took a while, and I still it problems with it at times but I'm getting there. I still curse and swear when things don't work right a little to often to say I've mastered it yet


Only problem I experienced was the same as LittleBigDude. When I dropped down the beast stopped for a few seconds before chasing me. Not really sure what could be causing it unless something is getting in the way of it and stopping it from moving.

No, the path is clear, the prox that activates it is to the right of the room. I did it this way to give the player the "how do I get out of here" thought and then BAM! in it comes, but if its confusing I can easily change it.

Apologies, I just played the level and it does get snagged. I'll take a look at that.

Thanks again.

Anyway, 5 stars, and I can't wait until the next one.		2009-09-18 15:41:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Arg! BV and I just played through the level twice (and spent way too much time in each attempt) in order to try and find all the Feeshe. We found all but one, but failed to get the very last one, so we had two unlit lights at the end. Is it possible to get that one without dying on purpose? (that's how I got it my first time playing)

I've played this level half a dozen times now! Where in the world did you hide that last one!?

Also, I know it's a known issues, but the monster still seems to get stuck. Is this in purpose to give the player a second to realize what's happening?		2009-09-19 03:29:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

The other one your missing it hard to spot, I sometimes forget about it when having playthroughs actually. You can get just after to get the paintinator, its a red switch your looking for. I might make it more noticable. The last one is possible to get without dying, but it needs to be a perfect jump to get it.

The beast worked until a couple of days after publishing and now its messed up, I've got a raging hangover this morning so I don't think I'm in any state to fix it today. 		2009-09-19 11:04:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Alright, I played it again and it was fairly obvious given your hint. It's funny since BV and I had tried shooting all over the place, but somehow failed to hit that precise spot. I got that one and managed to make the perfect jump to the last feeshe. I thought I missed it, but the led's don't lie. I also managed to collect them all without dying. So that run gave me...


The Level Ace
All Secrets
Top Score
Top Score, 2 player (last night with BV)

I declare myself the master of your level.

Edit: darnit, I forgot to upload that picture of all the led's. Whoops.		2009-09-19 19:14:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Congrats compher, your the first to get them all. Well Matt82 is but I showed him yesterday

You should be master at it the amount of times you've played it. 		2009-09-19 19:21:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Theres only 8 out of 10 lights on there, lol2009-09-20 19:36:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

EPIC FAIL


Theres only 8 out of 10 lights on there, lol

N'uh, uh. Really?

I thought I got them all! Was I mistaken? Lol.

I must have missed that last one and forgotten another one. Whoops. I was tired, alright!? Here, have the real picture:

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=541&pictureid=6765		2009-09-20 19:42:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Awesome level! I really enjoyed it, and barely noticed anything broken at all.

In what I think is the third message bubble at the start of the level, "unfreindly" should be "unfriendly", and "its" should be "it's". Just the grammar nazi in me... There's also an apostrophe missing in a can't after you raise the bridge. Oh, and afoot doesn't need a dash- it's a single word. Ok, just one more. At the very end, where you advertise your #4, "Mysterys" should be "Mysteries". Ok, I'm done now.

I really enjoyed the humor throughout the level, it's nice when a level doesn't take itself too seriously- especially a level as serious looking as this.

I'd like to nominate Grantos the best at hiding things anywhere, ever. I don't think I've played a series of levels that I had to try so hard to find the secrets... Seriously, just finding the way I'm actually supposed to go leaves me feeling like a genius.

Just a little pet peeve of mine, I don't like it when the little dark matter triangles are visible cut out of materials. Most easily noticed was the one in the III, but there are several visible throughout the level. I prefer to make a visible triangle, shrink it down until it's invisible, then glue it to the side of the object. It's really just preference, and most people probably don't even notice it, but that's how I am I guess.

If you have a bit of thermo left, I think a "break glass to remove fire extinguisher" gag would be a fun touch to the level.

I think it's been mentioned, but you can skip a healthy chunk of platforming at the mirrored part by just taking a big leap of faith right as you enter the repeated section.

You can reach somewhere you're not supposed to by jumping right under the collapsing bridge and jumping. It puts you above where the beast waits, and you can see some logic as well. This also lets you get to the bottom of the level, where I found a purple light . See uploaded pictures... You can do a similar trick by jumping to the left in the pitfall after the beast chase.

Anyway, amazing job! I couldn't find fish #3 though .		2009-09-21 06:07:00

Author:
Shredator
Posts: 151

Fantastic level! I loved every bit of it! I can't wait for the sequel
I also thought you used the layer glitch very effectively. It felt 100% right to me.

I've got a couple suggestions to make:

1) The 'credit's text at the beginning (Gruntos presents, etc.) felt very lacking to me. Maybe it was just because the last one had such an amazing introduction, but I feel you could improve it.
I would really like to see the text shoot up like the rocks, chaotic, and spin around as it shoots up. Then, I would have a line of invisible dark matter emit in the text's layer so that it lands on it flat, with a nice solid sound effect to give it some oomph.
I would also suggest having it shoot up with, or at the tail-end, of the rocks. And maybe with some heavier sound effects.
Basically, I just think it needs more oomph
Also, the last piece of text (III) felt kinda odd just appearing there. I would either include it with "Mars Attacks", or again - give it some more oomph, maybe by having it crackle with sparks or something if you've got the thermo space to do that.

2) There was one bad camera angle in my opinion that frustrated me. It wasn't a huge frustration, but it led me to dying once unnecessarily in an otherwise near-perfect experience. It was just after you jump over the electrified half circles (where you have that nice yellow arrow point you to jump over). Right after that, you have to make a jump over a gap, and you have a close diagonal camera angle. For whatever reason, when it goes into that camera angle it looks like there's a platform in the middle of the gap. I ended up jumping onto thin air
Maybe just take a look at that to see if you can change the background a tiny bit so that doesn't happen. I think it was mostly the fault of the metal great that was what fooled me for a platform.

3) The section near the beginning where you have to get into that little box and use the paintinator to shoot the switch from afar bugged me a bit, because before I realized what you had to do, I kept trying to jump out of the box, hitting a wall of gas. Also, I think the gas reaches just a bit too far in, so even if you don't quite leave the box you can still hit it. If there's something you can do instead of having gas there, so that the player can't leave it, that would be better.

Also, a couple really minor spelling/grammar quips: the text at the first avatar thingy says "The Generals avatar". It should say "The General's avatar". Also, the final text at the end says "Mystereys" instead of "Mysteries".


Anyways, amazing level as usual. Your levels are truly one-of-a-kind!
5 stars and a heart.		2009-09-22 01:28:00

Author:
hilightnotes
Posts: 1230

I played this with mrsvista last night and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, even the tricky bits!!

The design and quality of this level is absolutely outstanding, I loved the visuals and the humour is brilliant. Especially the reference to you know whats near the end!! What have I done!!!

Fabulous, loved it, very well done indeed!

Icey		2009-09-23 09:24:00

Author:
IceMaiden
Posts: 1057

Hey, I thought I had commented on this level, obviously not?

Anyway, I think this is your best yet in the series, I loved it from start to finish. Nice understated use of the glitch. Everything seemed so intricatly laid out and well thought out. Great gameplay, great looks.....
5 of the best and a heart 		2009-09-24 13:20:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

Played last night, and had trouble with the block puzzle after the "Go" block puzzle. Will try again tonight, and see if I was just too tired to figure it out.

I like very much that you've picked a design voice and stuck with it. I think this is one of the strong points of LBP in general: none of us are doing this for market share. If we want to focus heavily on story, or puzzling, or platforming, we can, and people can come check out our levels whenever they're in the mood for what we're selling.

I've been a mega-fan since From Siberia With Love, and your backtracking concepts, together with a weird little story-series called LittleBigLand, gave me the idea of people in the castle moving from room to room in Lone Ninja 5.

I haven't finished yet, so no serious review, but I also have been greatly amused by the Cuz Fish, and highly impressed by the limited use of the layer glitch. I'm still resisting using a trick I know might be patched, but you're throwing down the gauntlet pretty boldly here.		2009-09-24 15:24:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

@Shredator


Awesome level! I really enjoyed it, and barely noticed anything broken at all.


Thanks for playing it


In what I think is the third message bubble at the start of the level, "unfreindly" should be "unfriendly", and "its" should be "it's". Just the grammar nazi in me... There's also an apostrophe missing in a can't after you raise the bridge. Oh, and afoot doesn't need a dash- it's a single word. Ok, just one more. At the very end, where you advertise your #4, "Mysterys" should be "Mysteries". Ok, I'm done now.


I know, I'm terrible at grammar and spelling. I think people expect to find them now, its sort of an easter egg lol


I really enjoyed the humor throughout the level, it's nice when a level doesn't take itself too seriously- especially a level as serious looking as this.

Well, it gets pretty deep in the next one......stay tuned


I'd like to nominate Grantos the best at hiding things anywhere, ever. I don't think I've played a series of levels that I had to try so hard to find the secrets... Seriously, just finding the way I'm actually supposed to go leaves me feeling like a genius.

Thanks, always nice, a bit of ego massage


Just a little pet peeve of mine, I don't like it when the little dark matter triangles are visible cut out of materials. Most easily noticed was the one in the III, but there are several visible throughout the level. I prefer to make a visible triangle, shrink it down until it's invisible, then glue it to the side of the object. It's really just preference, and most people probably don't even notice it, but that's how I am I guess.


I've always done it this way, but I've just watched MM's thermo video, so am changing my wicked ways.


If you have a bit of thermo left, I think a "break glass to remove fire extinguisher" gag would be a fun touch to the level.

I think it's been mentioned, but you can skip a healthy chunk of platforming at the mirrored part by just taking a big leap of faith right as you enter the repeated section.


Yeah, the thermo is busting, and that problems been mentioned, I really should stick some gas down there to stop it.


You can reach somewhere you're not supposed to by jumping right under the collapsing bridge and jumping. It puts you above where the beast waits, and you can see some logic as well. This also lets you get to the bottom of the level, where I found a purple light . See uploaded pictures... You can do a similar trick by jumping to the left in the pitfall after the beast chase.

Ive played around with this for a while, and people always find some new way through lol.


Anyway, amazing job! I couldn't find fish #3 though .

That ones hard actually, theres a clue in my above posts somewhere

@hilightnotes


Fantastic level! I loved every bit of it! I can't wait for the sequel
I also thought you used the layer glitch very effectively. It felt 100% right to me.

Thanks, the fourth maybe be a while, I'm struggling with how to get the ideas in there and keep the level flowing. The layer glitch took many hours of swearing and deleting before I got it in there, thanks


1) The 'credit's text at the beginning (Gruntos presents, etc.) felt very lacking to me. Maybe it was just because the last one had such an amazing introduction, but I feel you could improve it.
I would really like to see the text shoot up like the rocks, chaotic, and spin around as it shoots up. Then, I would have a line of invisible dark matter emit in the text's layer so that it lands on it flat, with a nice solid sound effect to give it some oomph.
I would also suggest having it shoot up with, or at the tail-end, of the rocks. And maybe with some heavier sound effects.
Basically, I just think it needs more oomph
Also, the last piece of text (III) felt kinda odd just appearing there. I would either include it with "Mars Attacks", or again - give it some more oomph, maybe by having it crackle with sparks or something if you've got the thermo space to do that.

I wanted to change things up a little, the intro in 2 took a LOAD of space up, and left little for the level. But your idea has given me one for part 4


2) There was one bad camera angle in my opinion that frustrated me. It wasn't a huge frustration, but it led me to dying once unnecessarily in an otherwise near-perfect experience. It was just after you jump over the electrified half circles (where you have that nice yellow arrow point you to jump over). Right after that, you have to make a jump over a gap, and you have a close diagonal camera angle. For whatever reason, when it goes into that camera angle it looks like there's a platform in the middle of the gap. I ended up jumping onto thin air
Maybe just take a look at that to see if you can change the background a tiny bit so that doesn't happen. I think it was mostly the fault of the metal great that was what fooled me for a platform.


Yeah, you're right on that one, I added the thin layer to try and block out the platform you can see a little, but it has'nt worked, I'll alter this.


3) The section near the beginning where you have to get into that little box and use the paintinator to shoot the switch from afar bugged me a bit, because before I realized what you had to do, I kept trying to jump out of the box, hitting a wall of gas. Also, I think the gas reaches just a bit too far in, so even if you don't quite leave the box you can still hit it. If there's something you can do instead of having gas there, so that the player can't leave it, that would be better.


hmm, I'll move the gas a little further out I think.


Also, a couple really minor spelling/grammar quips: the text at the first avatar thingy says "The Generals avatar". It should say "The General's avatar". Also, the final text at the end says "Mystereys" instead of "Mysteries".


See above


Anyways, amazing level as usual. Your levels are truly one-of-a-kind!
5 stars and a heart.

Thanks for the kind words		2009-09-24 15:43:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

@IceMaiden


I played this with mrsvista last night and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, even the tricky bits!!

The design and quality of this level is absolutely outstanding, I loved the visuals and the humour is brilliant. Especially the reference to you know whats near the end!! What have I done!!!

Fabulous, loved it, very well done indeed!

Icey


Thanks, I'm pleased you enjoyed it

@Wex



Hey, I thought I had commented on this level, obviously not?

Anyway, I think this is your best yet in the series, I loved it from start to finish. Nice understated use of the glitch. Everything seemed so intricatly laid out and well thought out. Great gameplay, great looks.....
5 of the best and a heart


No, no you had'nt. I was starting to think you'd forgetten about me. But better than late than never eh. Thanks though

Cool sig by the way

@coyote_blue



Played last night, and had trouble with the block puzzle after the "Go" block puzzle. Will try again tonight, and see if I was just too tired to figure it out.
You use that block A LOT



I like very much that you've picked a design voice and stuck with it. I think this is one of the strong points of LBP in general: none of us are doing this for market share. If we want to focus heavily on story, or puzzling, or platforming, we can, and people can come check out our levels whenever they're in the mood for what we're selling.
Its hard sometimes, keeping the same theme over a few levels, but worth it in the end.



I've been a mega-fan since From Siberia With Love, and your backtracking concepts, together with a weird little story-series called LittleBigLand, gave me the idea of people in the castle moving from room to room in Lone Ninja 5.
Thanks, hopefully the story in this is a little deeper than Siberia, I hope so anyway, otherwise I've wasted a lot of time lol


I haven't finished yet, so no serious review, but I also have been greatly amused by the Cuz Fish, and highly impressed by the limited use of the layer glitch. I'm still resisting using a trick I know might be patched, but you're throwing down the gauntlet pretty boldly here.
Thanks again. I built the level first, and had most of it done when I went back and added the glitch. I was worried they would patch it as well, but got it out OK.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.		2009-09-24 15:48:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

WOW! That's all I can say. This one was a mind bender. It is undeniably a Gruntos production. Absolutely loved the look again. Loved the background work. Was blown away by the puzzling. I would love to know how your mind works bro!! Fantastic, once again. Really a wonderful piece of work. Nice humor..I love the Companion cube reference and the shout out to Cub!! :star::star::star::star::star:2009-09-28 21:22:00

Author:
Jaeyden
Posts: 564

This is the first level of yours(III before I and II - I know, I know) and must say that I really was completely enthralled. The back-tracking(which you commented upon) was a bit much, yet the level remained entertaining and beautiful to look at in spite of it. One of the strongest levels I have encountered in weeks and I shall certainly be checking out your other work later on.2009-10-05 21:04:00

Author:
deadmensboots
Posts: 54

Just the grammar nazi in me...

Haha! You're not alone.

I think everyone's said everything I wanted to say so i'll just say thanks for a brilliant level and a great time for me and my kids. Looking forward to your next project : )		2009-10-09 11:02:00

Author:
BabyDoll1970
Posts: 1567

I played it earlier today and really loved it! I'd kind of fallen behind in playing your levels lately and spent an hour playing your last two Mars Attacks levels. I enjoyed them both especially the third one. I was in awe at all of your puzzles and how you laid the whole level out. Also the lighting was superior! I can't wait for your next part in the series!

Five stars for your levels...... every time! 		2009-10-09 22:53:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

Played it with my friend yesterday. It's really cool! I can tell. The visual was awesome!!! the box puzzle was nice we spent the most of the time try to figure our what to do next. And never got bored.

Awesome work!!!		2009-10-14 22:30:00

Author:
SiXth
Posts: 59

I finished this a while back, and left a comment on the level...but I thought I'd come by and give a little bump.

This level is quality overall, and I had a lot of fun playing it. The block conundrum I had was based, along with strong drink, on my not seeing where I could jump to from atop the block, after dragging it left that first time. This was probably astigmatism, but the camera angle in that area could have made me mis-gauge that there was a jumpable ledge above.

There's also a smokey tower-climb section, where you go up (is it yellow-and-black wheels, with a spike obstacle?), then cross right, then go down through another section that's a mirror flip of the place you just went up. Looking for secrets, I purposefully jumped away from that downward path...and ended up skipping the thing entirely. If that's one of the secrets I missed, then it makes perfect sense. By any road, I got through just fine.

Anyway, you're one of the few creators that puts a story into a level that's more than, "and THAT'S why you need to run and jump through this level." Thanks for that, and I'll follow you wherever you lead us next.		2009-10-29 03:07:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

Thanks for the comments everyone, I've been working on Mars 4 for weeks but finally hit my stride with it Thursday last week, it should be ready in about a weeks time 2009-11-02 19:30:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

finally hit my stride with it Thursday last week, it should be ready in about a weeks time

Yay! Glad to see you had a breakthrough 		2009-11-02 19:30:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Thanks for the comments everyone, I've been working on Mars 4 for weeks but finally hit my stride with it Thursday last week, it should be ready in about a weeks time

Yes! Can't wait to play it! I don't know if I've posted on this thread before... If not, great job on the series so far.		2009-11-02 19:39:00

Author:
olit123
Posts: 1341

Great to hear, Grantos!2009-11-02 22:36:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

Great News2009-11-02 22:37:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

I don't know much, but I know roughly where the storyline is going and I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed people 2009-11-02 22:43:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Thanks everyone. I really thought I'd lost my love for creating it's taken so long to get going with this one.

I'm working on the last section now, it's mayhem, and probably the best thing I've done, I've been testing it and tweaking it all day and am still playing it now just for fun. 		2009-11-03 19:03:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Thats always a good sign! You got your mojo back, looking forward to it. : )2009-11-03 19:09:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Holy crap, I'm excited! 2009-11-03 19:17:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338


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