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Rat Alleys: Part of a New Story Mode

Archive: 42 posts

Rat Alleyshallm3
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z166/hallm3/APhoto_2-1.jpgHeeding Enkel the Hobo's words you head on into the City of Rats in search for the Rat Ruler's Castle and hopefully some answers in your quest to seek out the merciless H4H!
all
Story Mode set to contain: 7 new environments including: The Pipes, The Waves, The Sands and many more. Brand new story characters from Bakers to Rats, from Nerds to Birds, all new Mm style chums. 15+ items in each level to collect from useful devices and switches to mechanisms, vehicles and scenery; with 2, 3 & 4x sections and sticker switches! Hope you have fun! Levels are continuously in development so be patient for the next installment! Hope you all like it, this one was definately fun to make and to play through.

There was a definite sense of "I need it to do this, BUT THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" feeling whilst creating this level but I then eventually found ways of doing it all, the create mode is seriously amazing XD a really good 2x in this level best i've made in fact lol Have fun here's some pics, unfortunately they don't really do the level justice! My favourite part of this level is Mr. Mouse-tache farting (im so immature) i even give him away as a prize, farts and all! Third level is on the way, well fourth if you count the intro!

Comments on where to improve appreciated!! also playing the level is a good start! XD

Also you may have to play Sub Metropolis again to get the key at the end, i don't know, the key system for me doesn't work but im not sure if that's just because im the creator. For all I know you might be able to play it straight off!

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z166/hallm3/APhoto_4-1.jpg http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z166/hallm3/APhoto_3-1.jpg http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z166/hallm3/APhoto-1.jpg http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z166/hallm3/APhoto_1-1.jpg http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z166/hallm3/APhoto_7.jpg		2009-10-28 00:44:00

Author:
Hallm3
Posts: 252

IT'S UP?!?!

BUT ... BUT I JUST TURNED OFF THE ....




I've really been looking forward to this, and now I'll have to wait!		2009-10-28 00:49:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

Wow the screenshots look hot, i'm excited to see some of these rats you've created up close...2009-10-28 06:05:00

Author:
madcowj
Posts: 20

Just played this. Great work!

Yet again it has the charm and atmosphere of an Mm level.
Some neat platforming ideas in there and a good all round level to play with the additional 2 player areas etc.

Not sure if it's just me (probably is I'm quite oblivious to these things most the time)...but I've never thought of doing a spinning wheel running off that logic. It's so simple as well! Very good.

The spinning wheel part where it stops and then everything moves out of yoru way is really good.

Played your other level again too to get the key. I probably prefer that one over this, but not by much. Both great levels and looking forward to your next one!

As for F4F: If you have time and haven't already, I'd appreciate your thoughts on my newest level Pretty Simple. Link is in my signature 		2009-10-28 18:42:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Ok, got a chance to play this and it was absolutely brilliant.

I tend to be of the opinion that great character design is a huge boon and these rats were something else.

The whole thing was fun, clever, absolutely brilliant.

One thing I noticed though ... this publishing strategy. Your big update was to publish a locked level, so besides people who read this thread, who is going to know that this level is there?

You have some of the best work around, but without a good way to advertise, I fear you won't get the recognition you deserve.		2009-10-28 20:46:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

Ok, got a chance to play this and it was absolutely brilliant.

I tend to be of the opinion that great character design is a huge boon and these rats were something else.

The whole thing was fun, clever, absolutely brilliant.

One thing I noticed though ... this publishing strategy. Your big update was to publish a locked level, so besides people who read this thread, who is going to know that this level is there?

You have some of the best work around, but without a good way to advertise, I fear you won't get the recognition you deserve.

The thing is I've kinda worked my way into a predicament XD my story involves an evil character (H4H) who is placing scoreboards at the beginning of levels (if you've played the intro you'll already know) and soon when you leave this environment they'll be brushes with scoreboards and then eventually puzzles negotiating round scoreboards in order to reach the true scoreboard and the key to the next level. If the next level is locked then the player cannot advance without completing the level fully and getting the key at the end but if they are all unlocked then i fear people might not understand what the heck is going on :/ what do you think?		2009-10-28 23:24:00

Author:
Hallm3
Posts: 252

I think you should link the levels with a key, but keep them unlocked. Perhaps add a number to each level; something like [Level 2], [Level 3], etc.

I'd agree with Jagrevi that you aren't going to get any new traffic to the level outside of the people on this site, which is a crying shame. Unlock it, but leave the key. Same for the second level.		2009-10-28 23:29:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Just played this. Great work!

Yet again it has the charm and atmosphere of an Mm level.
Some neat platforming ideas in there and a good all round level to play with the additional 2 player areas etc.

Not sure if it's just me (probably is I'm quite oblivious to these things most the time)...but I've never thought of doing a spinning wheel running off that logic. It's so simple as well! Very good.

The spinning wheel part where it stops and then everything moves out of yoru way is really good.

Played your other level again too to get the key. I probably prefer that one over this, but not by much. Both great levels and looking forward to your next one!

As for F4F: If you have time and haven't already, I'd appreciate your thoughts on my newest level Pretty Simple. Link is in my signature

Lol yeah i had a go at doing a wheely thing before and i made it so much more complicated than it should be XD It was important that the emmiter was set to 2 for 'max emmited at once' and a speed of 10 so that the second block emmited pushed the first one into the place of the one that had just vanished due to another one being emmited lol that was a mouthful also the key switch had to have a range of about 40 degrees and be wide enough to encompass two key blocks.

The bit where the buildings fall down to make way for the wheel took ages to do XD as all the glass had to be practically 100% flat in order for the wheel to be able to pass over it! I also came across a ton of problems that if you were to go into create mode would see about 10 more keys/key switches in that section all hidden! You'll notice if you've got a good eye that when you come up to the buildings in your way i had to connect the key switch that detects the blocks being emmited onto a piston so that when you reach them it is pulled away from them and can't detect them anymore. This was because if i hadn't, you reach the buildings and the wheel tries to keep going and flies up into the air XD lol also there's a load of key on dissolves next to key switches out of sight to deal with the blocks coming up that prevent it it from falling back down. Anywho I'm rambling, bu thanks again for the feedback, i've actually already played Pretty Simple and it was amazing!! i'll comment on it later in more detail, it's getting pretty late!		2009-10-28 23:35:00

Author:
Hallm3
Posts: 252

I'd agree with Jagrevi that you aren't going to get any new traffic to the level outside of the people on this site, which is a crying shame. Unlock it, but leave the key. Same for the second level.

I actually disagree.

Admittedly, this will get the most traffic, but ultimately, I don't think this is what the project is. So, for the sake of "what would be better" as far as final product, I think that's a bit too much of a compromise in the name of plays.

Here is what I say ... leave it the way it is, but 'temporarily' (at least until you are "all done"), have some kind of marker in the first (intro) level noting how much progress you've made.

Maybe some character in there with a flow chart and a map? I don't know, I'm sure you can think of something creative to let people visualize how much of your project is done.

Then, each time you publish a new level COPY, DELETE, AND REPUBLISH THE INTRO LEVEL WITH THE "LEVEL X" NOW COMPLETED UPDATE IN THE LEVEL. (And then, of course, also use the republishing trick to get it onto the 'cool pages' where you'll pick up more traffic).

Really, if the Intro level just feeds people into your game, I say use it over and over again.		2009-10-29 01:35:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

This is all fine and dandy, except then his intro level will pop up on cool pages every couple of months. Didn't we have a discussion similar to this a while back?

Sorry to hijack your thread, I'm off to check the level out now.		2009-10-29 01:42:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

This is all fine and dandy, except then his intro level will pop up on cool pages every couple of months. Didn't we have a discussion similar to this a while back?

Yes we did ... however, I think if a level's main purpose is to advertise what your new level is, and each time you publish it it's advertising something new, arguably, that's a new level - especially if you do some aesthetic tweaking in it to go along with the theme of what you've made progress on.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but as I recall, the introductory level wasn't exactly a platforming romp, it was more of an introduction and explanation followed quickly by a key and a scoreboard. I think a level like this is operating on a slightly different paradigm, and that a change in message is significant.		2009-10-29 01:49:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

Well, whichever you decide, Hall, I played it.

5 stars and a heart. I haven't got time for feedback, but it was ripping good fun.		2009-10-29 02:38:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I actually disagree.

Admittedly, this will get the most traffic, but ultimately, I don't think this is what the project is. So, for the sake of "what would be better" as far as final product, I think that's a bit too much of a compromise in the name of plays.

Here is what I say ... leave it the way it is, but 'temporarily' (at least until you are "all done"), have some kind of marker in the first (intro) level noting how much progress you've made.

Maybe some character in there with a flow chart and a map? I don't know, I'm sure you can think of something creative to let people visualize how much of your project is done.

Then, each time you publish a new level COPY, DELETE, AND REPUBLISH THE INTRO LEVEL WITH THE "LEVEL X" NOW COMPLETED UPDATE IN THE LEVEL. (And then, of course, also use the republishing trick to get it onto the 'cool pages' where you'll pick up more traffic).

Really, if the Intro level just feeds people into your game, I say use it over and over again.

Thanks for the tips, i actually really like the idea!! Im coming up with some concepts now, i'll note you if i come up with anything and ask you to check it out! thanks for the concept!		2009-10-29 18:43:00

Author:
Hallm3
Posts: 252

I personally think you should leave them all unlocked, at least until the key bug is sorted out because it's such a pain playing through levels for keys only to find out they don't work.

I've had to play some levels 8 or 9 times to get the key to work but I'd only go to that trouble if it was a very short level. If it's more than a few steps I just wouldn't bother. Sometimes the key never works at all so it's pointless using them while the system is broken.		2009-10-29 18:57:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

I personally think you should leave them all unlocked, at least until the key bug is sorted out because it's such a pain playing through levels for keys only to find out they don't work.

Key Bug?

I've never had problems with keys that I can remember, or heard of anyone else having problems with them - and I run into them all the time.

Info?		2009-10-29 18:59:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

You're kidding Jagrevi surely ?? Loads of people have been having problems for months now. There has been a thread about it before. Basically when you collect the key it just doesn't unlock the level so you have to keep collecting over and over until it works or until you give up.2009-10-29 19:06:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

You're kidding Jagrevi surely ??

Nope.


Loads of people have been having problems for months now. There has been a thread about it before. Basically when you collect the key it just doesn't unlock the level so you have to keep collecting over and over until it works or until you give up.

First I'm hearing about it - I'll go give a look for the thread. I've never had any trouble, and have been using keys interacting with keys constantly. I'm curious about this.		2009-10-29 19:21:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

Hello! This level sure was an awesome one! I got the Highscore too Lol!2009-10-29 21:13:00

Author:
SupaSack34
Posts: 180

amazing. will part 3 hav boss? it be cool if there were more puzzle an more different enemies in 3. loved hamster wheel puzzle and the mouse springboard with brain sticking out2009-10-29 23:12:00

Author:
Unknown User

Ok, comphermc filled me in on the key bug.

It's not so much a problem with keys, but a problem with an overload for some people. Apparently, people who play TONS of levels, and commonly run into those big piles of keys that some people put at the end of their levels "to advertise" rather than unlock anything, have already "maxed out" on the number of keys their profile can remember.

Honestly, while I agree this is a definite issue that needs to get fixed, I don't see it as a reason not to utilize keys for their actual purpose (although, it is a good reason not to make or play levels that have keys that don't unlock things - just to "advertise").

I, for one, still intend to use keys - as my project doesn't even really work without it. Although, maybe in the intro-tutorial level, I'll alert players to the issue, so that they have the option to play on a dummy profile if it's a problem for them.		2009-10-30 00:26:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

Wow... That was amazing! Better than sub metropolis! I loved the way the city looked2009-10-30 00:59:00

Author:
grayspence
Posts: 1990

Woot! It finally got released!
I have to say I absolutely love your levels. And this one is no exception. Sub Metropolis was sweet and this is even better!
The rats that you placed everywhere were excellent in design. I really like the ones which brains opened up as you jump through them. Once again you also expertly crafted an original level with MM quality and style. I would have been totally fooled if I wasn't online. The mechanics of the level were great fun! I wish i knew how to do them. The pacing was also great. Fun every step of the way! I can't wait to see more!

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

F4F: Do you think you could play my new Halloween level =)? It's SIREN: The Lost World [Episode 3- Holes]. Thanks and enjoi!		2009-10-30 20:24:00

Author:
Noroibito
Posts: 211

Woohoo it's out! I can't wait to play it all the way through. I love your levels, keep 'em coming.2009-10-30 21:59:00

Author:
olit123
Posts: 1341

Great stuff again! : )

I love your characters and the whole vibe of the level, and its nice to see all those visible workings for a change. The rats with the pop out brains were particularly memorable and funky! A really fun level.

And i now know how the hamster-wheels work, i never could work those out. <blush>		2009-10-31 14:01:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Great stuff again! : )

I love your characters and the whole vibe of the level, and its nice to see all those visible workings for a change. The rats with the pop out brains were particularly memorable and funky! A really fun level.

And i now know how the hamster-wheels work, i never could work those out. <blush>

wow thankyou!!! yeah i like the bit with thr rat brains too XD the hamster wheel is just one interpretation, after all i had no idea of how to do it either! So i just had to fiddle round a bit, im sure there are loads of ways to do the same thing! thanks again for the compliments : )		2009-10-31 15:03:00

Author:
Hallm3
Posts: 252

Great level again Hallm! It was so wonderful and full of fun! Every part of the level was packed with goodness and LBP cuteness. I'll give it one star though. Just because....... I'm kidding! Five stars for you! , plus a heart! Good job and keep it up!

__________________________________________________ _______________________
My LBPCentral Levels:
Sewer Survival (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=t=15860)		2009-10-31 22:31:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

sorry to bring this thread round again but i was drawing some artwork for the new story mode and realised none of my creator curators are female! lol two are animals, one is inanimate, one is human-esque and the other two were gonna be humans. I was just wondering if I change one of the humans to a woman would that be okay?? I know there was 3 female creator curators, well 4 if you count The Queen, in the original story mode. If anyone can think of an 8th environment i can slot in along the journey (as there was 8 in the original) i'd be grateful! that way i can make the creator curator a woman too : ) i don't know if this is a big deal for anyone but i thought it would be fairer and give a bit of variation between characters. So any suggestions would help!2009-11-04 22:51:00

Author:
Hallm3
Posts: 252

Well, what are the environments that you have so far? If there's not already one, I would love to see a circus-themed environment. You could have a female clown or ringmaster.2009-11-05 21:37:00

Author:
iiiijujube
Posts: 594

Whoa! just got playing this level, and let me tell you, peronally, I think it's the best so far! My favorite thing would have to be the wheels. Are you by any chance giving those out? I couldn't find any prizes so I wouldn't know...
Can't wait for the last of the Pipes!		2009-11-06 02:50:00

Author:
AresSmith
Posts: 18

Whoa! just got playing this level, and let me tell you, peronally, I think it's the best so far! My favorite thing would have to be the wheels. Are you by any chance giving those out? I couldn't find any prizes so I wouldn't know...
Can't wait for the last of the Pipes!

lol yes its in a secret area with a sticker switch, you need the MGS pack to get the prizes if you don't have it there's also a sneaky way of getting them aswell if anyone can figure it out i'll be amazed!! XD anywho thanks for the feedback the wheels were fun to make. Including this secret area i mentioned there are 4 places to get prize bubbles, 2 being 2x sections! Just to note, the prize bubble for the wheel isn't just the wheel its called 'Hamster Wheel Example' that involves a quick set up of how it works that way you can look at the mechanics and make your own : )		2009-11-06 10:19:00

Author:
Hallm3
Posts: 252

Wow, how nice! I'll be sure to go secret hunting once I get on
Edit: Ack! I think I've found everything BUT that secret. I have the stick, but can't find anywhere to put it		2009-11-06 15:52:00

Author:
AresSmith
Posts: 18

Wow, how nice! I'll be sure to go secret hunting once I get on
Edit: Ack! I think I've found everything BUT that secret. I have the stick, but can't find anywhere to put it

lol when you get to the part with the open-mouthed rats and their brains before you jump on the first one take a look in the background for a possible pathway : ) *hintedyhinthint*		2009-11-07 09:59:00

Author:
Hallm3
Posts: 252

Wow, thanks! I saw it, but took me a while to find out how to get there2009-11-07 14:27:00

Author:
AresSmith
Posts: 18

I loved this level (although I may have already told you this on this thread) and it was unique. Wonderful characters and great platforming! I got the highest score by 6 points! WooHooo1 Good job and Keep it up!2009-11-07 17:22:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

Hey, Hallm3! You left a very kind comment on my level, so I thought I'd come here and explain why these last weeks I've been showing your newest level to everyone who ended up in my pod.

First of all, you really build the kind of level that I love the most; MM alike. And I won't say that your style does look like the one MM has, it looks completely and exactly equal to me. Seriously, I could swear that THIS is really the 2nd story mode. And I'm not exagerating in the slightest in order to flatter you.

The wheels. Man, I love those wheels. It's a shame that marriage between humans and wheels isn't legal yet, because I'd sure marry those.
Ok, see? Now that's exagerating. But I seriously love what you did there. You incorporated a element that isn't present on the story mode, but you did it in such a way that... well, it fits completely. I specially loved that part in wich you have to get out of the wheel to push down that button in order to make those building fall down. That was executed so perfectly that made me smile. It really felt like playing the story mode again.

RATS! RATS! All over the place! Of all kinds! You really pulled out some great character design here. I just loved those rats, of all kinds. Where somebody would simply implement an object as an obstacle, you adaptated those rats to BE the obstacles. I specially liked the ones wich ate you and you went trough their brains. Oh, and the one that speaks at the end of the level.

I know that it's weird that I mention this, but one of the things that I loved the most was the castle at the end. That really was beautiful. I'm really looking forward to see the next level. Please, oh please, let it be a boss fight there.

Oh, and I also want to mention the use of cardboard that you made in your level. It fitted so **** perfectly. In fact, seeing yours made me rethink the use that I give to that material in my levels. I'll make sure I use it much more from now on, now that I've seen how good looking it can be.

The only negative feedback that I can give it's about the sticker switches. It saddens me that you only use sticker from the DLC packs, since I own no DLC, thus I'm unable to access certain parts of the level.
I'd advise you to change that in your next level, if possible, so more players get to play those sections.

Ah, and also a word about the level key thing.
It's just personal, but don't change the way it works. I love having to get the key in order to play the next level. It also feels very story mode like.


All in all, :star::star::star::star::star::star:, and another heart + genial tag + a creator heart wich you already have.
Feel special, I've only given 5 creator hearts!

About the F4F, I'll mercilsessly ask for it when my new level is published.		2009-11-09 23:01:00

Author:
Keldur
Posts: 628

Ah, and also a word about the level key thing.
It's just personal, but don't change the way it works. I love having to get the key in order to play the next level. It also feels very story mode like.


I agree, but I still think he should use Jagrevi's suggestion about republishing the intro level.		2009-11-09 23:35:00

Author:
olit123
Posts: 1341

I agree, but I still think he should use Jagrevi's suggestion about republishing the intro level.

Oh, I'm afraid I missed that suggestion.
Yeah, I would tell him to go for it, his levels are so great and still have such a little audience...
But hey, at least we feel a bit special for knowing about their existence, don't we? 		2009-11-10 00:29:00

Author:
Keldur
Posts: 628

I have not played this level, I suppose I should!

I just want to let you know, this level was featured on LittleBIGPodcast Episode 44 (http://littlebigpodcast.blip.tv/).		2009-12-13 05:46:00

Author:
warlord_evil
Posts: 4193

Hey I've played all three levels and I am HUNGRY for more! Never have a seen levels that have so closely replicated the clever polish of the story mode, and frankly the idea is brilliant. I bet it takes a looong time getting these going, but I just want to make sure that you're still working on it!2009-12-24 00:54:00

Author:
madcowj
Posts: 20

Yeah I sure hope you're still working!! 2009-12-29 19:39:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

Hello hallm3! I don't know if you have noticed but I haven't been online for a while. It's because my PS3 is broken. I hope you haven't deleted me from your friendlist. =)2010-06-08 14:51:00

Author:
Unknown User

This is a great level. You could almost mistake it for an Mm level since the design is so close to the story levels.

Here is a video of the level:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-ritjUeQ-U

Great stuff! :star::star::star::star::star: and <3'd.		2010-09-01 11:56:00

Author:
Gilgamesh
Posts: 2536


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