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Fear and the Phantom Town (Winner: Halloween "Spooktacular" Level Design Contest)

Archive: 63 posts

Fear and the Phantom Town
by PSN: Teebonesy
Available in the Pacific Ocean


Background:
The seed of this level began as my entry in the Halloween edition of the "Leonardo da Stickerist" competition, in which you create a piece of art using only stickers on cardboard. I came up with the story of a Dr. Seuss-esque town that dumped its pollution into a valley - for some reason this pollution drew the attention of nightly visitors: Things That Live in the Moon!

http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/yy247/CogSpartan/ldsHALLOW10.jpg

I really liked the idea and how the town looked, so I went into Create Mode and basically built a working diorama of part of the town. It was fun, but not playable. when Morgana announced a Halloween Level contest, I decided to just dive in and suck it up, creating a full level out of the concept, changing it around to make it more appropriate for a playable level, and of course to make it a bit more creepy, a bit more epic, and a lot more fun.

The story:
It's Halloween evening, and strange things are happening. Eerie, black-cloaked figures have been spotted around town. The news is reporting spooky sightings on the moon. And to top it off, there are rumors in town of an unusual, phantom village appearing in the distance.

What is the purpose of this mysterious phantom town? And are there really things that live in the moon? More importantly, as this night of trick-or-treating gets more and more dangerous, will Zwollie, xKappax, Teebonesy, and Morgana survive the night?

Yes, I've included short cameos from some of the more familiar sack-people around these parts. Don't blink or you might miss them!

Disclaimers:

This level has become a ROYAL PAIN to make any tweaks or adjustments to. It literally overheats the second I enter Edit Mode.

I've been struggling with checkpoint-spawning to force players around a bit at the end, but it's required me to eschew checkpoints through the rest of the level, or else the spawned ones don't work. That said, this is an exploration-based level - there really aren't many hazards at all, but this is LBP after all - the accidental "death-by-squishing" is ever-present. If it happens to you, I apologize profusely - you'll have to restart the whole level.

I also highly recommend playing solo only, at least the first time through. If you play online, you're likely going to miss a lot of good stuff, and you may not even be able to complete the level. There's a lot of scripted stuff here, and the timing needs to be just right.

Finally, while this level begins very cute and fun and full of Halloween spirit, my goal is definitely to give you a bit of a scare by the end. Hopefully everyone gets at least a little bit creeped out by the time they finish this bad boy.

Without further ado, screenshots:

http://imgur.com/h8orf.jpg

http://imgur.com/1CI6c.jpg

http://imgur.com/NCL5Z.jpg

http://imgur.com/vFtZw.jpg

http://imgur.com/53BaK.jpg

http://imgur.com/q9nE0.jpg		2009-10-31 16:33:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Will play this. Dont like the sackboy cutout NPCs tho. It kinda goes against the whole unique look the level has2009-10-31 16:37:00

Author:
Unknown User

No i disagree with you PaddyJ, the cutouts were great. They complemented the level quite a lot!

Teebonesy, you have created a great level. I did notice the way the level was based off that picture, too so good job with that. I especially loved the fear part, it was epic.

5 star'd, hearted and tagged Brilliant 		2009-10-31 16:42:00

Author:
iGotFancyPants
Posts: 1355

I'd love to populate my levels entirely with uniquely-drawn characters, but it becomes unreasonable after a while (I tried this on a level in the beta) - and there's also the question of the universe of LBP - everyone playing the level is guaranteed to be a sack-person. So the question is, does your world take place in that universe, or will it be sack-people running around in some strange alien land with cartoon humans?

I have a photo studio level that I keep strictly for creating "sacktors" (yes!). I don't use any of the game's pre-built sack-people stickers, they're all posed and dressed specifically for the part. Occasionally when I want to have a crowd I'll recycle some of the extras, as you see here.

If I didn't go sack-people, I also wouldn't have been able to do the cameos from LBPC members, which is probably my favorite part of this level! I also have many of these NPCs moving around, and the easiest way to do that is with a solid cut-out piece.		2009-10-31 16:42:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Wonderful! Finally another level from the great Teebonesy! I'll be sure to play this today! I can't wait!2009-10-31 17:12:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

I CANNOT WAIT TO PLAY THIS.


Not only does it look great - anything that makes the creator wail in pain afterwards is definitely something that will go straight to the top of my "to play" list.

Nothing makes a level better than the sweat and blood of it's creator ... figuratively, of course.

With this today, and both Perpetual Distance 2 and Ghost of Sparta 2 supposedly coming either today or tomorrow, this is looking to shape up to be a very good weekend.		2009-10-31 17:14:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

Not only does it look great - anything that makes the creator wail in pain afterwards is definitely something that will go straight to the top of my "to play" list.

I definitely did a lot of wailing in pain with this level.

And cursing. Cursing through my TEETH! GRRRRRRR....

Oh, the things my neighbors must overhear through the walls.

At one point in my extended frustrations, I ANGRILY ate ginger snaps.
I mean, I ate them in a rage.
Little heart-shaped ginger snaps.

I didn't even think that was POSSIBLE!		2009-10-31 17:21:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

I love how it's originally based off when of your "Stickerist painting".

People have created great stuff in that contest, and I'd really like to see more people take up your lead and base levels off of alot of them.		2009-10-31 17:37:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

I was planning on playing later, and now I know what level I'm going to start with. And thanks for including me. Unless I die or something. Then curse you for including me. (shakes fist).

Besides. BoxGhost can't die. She's already dead. Died in a bizarre flamingo racing accident years ago.		2009-10-31 17:51:00

Author:
xkappax
Posts: 2569

Wow that looks very cool! I'll try that for sure!

EDIT:

Just played it!
Really great level and amazing visual design!
You used the extra layers glitch perfectly.!
The cut-scenes were very cool!

Great work!		2009-10-31 18:14:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

Ever since your "The Movies", I realised your creation skills were great. You're a very talented person, not just in lbp but in tons of stuff!2009-10-31 18:17:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

Yeh, about time! ; )

I'll come back and edit this post when the threads a bit longer, i want to talk about *this* and *that* but half the fun of this level are the details and surprises that pop up along the way and its better going in not knowing.

So in broad strokes - amazing use of the level glitch, some truly great and bizarre cut-scenes and overall, one of those off-kilter experiences you only get with this game. Loved it.

'K, some finer points! - Those cinematics. The treetop vista was beautifully done, it really had the depth of a stop-motion cartoon, superb. Talking of depth, there were scenes using the layer glitch that really made me stop and gape. The crossroads in the middle of town was a definite visual highlight. I also loved when the madness kicked off in town, i was grinning like a loon. Its hard to get across that feeling of mayhem that you managed with this section, kudos! The nightmare cut-sequence was so random, a real Twilight Zone moment. The level definitely showcases your cinema-centric way of approaching things.		2009-10-31 20:42:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Hi Teebonesy - played this earlier, and I really enjoyed it. Lots of secrets, great characters and chock-full of fun.

However, in the woods segment, I jumped up to the top of the trees, couldn't see which way to go, and then jumped right. Unfortunately, I jumped out of the level and landed on the floor. Shame, because I thought it was brilliant up to then.

I'll give it another go shortly.		2009-10-31 20:46:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

I have no idea what I just played.
I know I laughed a lot, though. lol.		2009-10-31 21:43:00

Author:
xkappax
Posts: 2569

Oh em geez! Must play!

...It will have to be tomorrow though 'cause, well, can't access my PS3 -__-'		2009-10-31 21:53:00

Author:
KoRnDawwg
Posts: 1424

I jumped off the edge of the level just like Spooky, but I ran through it again to catch the ending. Absolutely fantastic. Through and through. Loved it, hearted it, 5 star'ded it.

It just had so much character! I loved the cameos by some LBP folk - expecially the kappa and morgana references. LBP is just the perfect game for Halloween related stuff. The most ingenious part of the level, for me, was the use of prize bubbles for TVs. Oh wow - they worked so well. Your attention to detail is unrivaled.

Cheers.

(I added you on PSN) 		2009-10-31 21:53:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

WARNING: Spoiler may ruin level ending.
Are you supposed to die at the end of this level?		2009-10-31 22:00:00

Author:
warlord_evil
Posts: 4193

Wow, great level TB! Just a pleasure to play and explore, although it was a little strange at some times, it was very fun. Always love the characters and the dialog in your levels! Not many creators can match your creativity! Not only creative, but it was beautiful. The three dimensional layers were used near flawlessly, except for the occaisonal spot you could see the bottom of them, but I forgive you for that they are soooo very hard to work with.

Overall great level! I meant to give it five stars but I accidently picked four stars, my bad:blush:.

Let us all hope you bring out some more levels over time!		2009-10-31 22:42:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

I'd like to comment but since I died horribly I am currently unable to type.... no body and all. btw, is it possible to den mother your own cameo..... i suggest that it is. Silly Morgana wouldn't listen.

Seriously - after contest judging I'll post more.		2009-10-31 22:48:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Loved it!! It's very you!!
Unstable yet brilliant with great use of the layer glitch and lots of hidden bubbles.
There were some glitches but you had a deadline so I'm sure you'll fix them in the days to come.

Full comments to come but I just wanted to pop in to thank you for the cameo, laughed my little bum* off

*I have to say bum cause I get censored if I say *** for some reason		2009-10-31 22:55:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

I'd like to comment but since I died horribly I am currently unable to type.... no body and all. btw, is it possible to den mother your own cameo..... i suggest that it is. Silly Morgana wouldn't listen.

I know, she's a stubborn one! I realize the audacity of killing off the judge in a level contest entry. I decided it was a risk that HAD to be taken!

Actually, for me personally, that's the major tonal turning point in the level - your death brings the level out of "hahaha, wee, trick-or-treating!" mode and into "this **** just got real" territory. My original concept for that, which proved too much of a pain to bother with, was that a big cloud of gas would follow you around, but right around Morgana is a clear patch - so you literally HAVE to stay close in order to survive. But with my checkpoint and deadline woes it just wasn't worth the pain. I'll put that idea on the shelf for another one.

I added "Halloween" at the beginning of the title, just so people searching for Halloween levels will find it today. i'll probably remove it in a few days when the holiday level-rush ends.

Wow, didn't expect so many people to break through to the floor! I've patched up the offending jump-over-able edges. No more floor-falls hopefully.

I again apologize profusely for any inadvertant deaths caused prematurely in this level. Someday I will go in and add destructible checkpoints, but for now I just don't have time!


And thanks for including me. Unless I die or something. Then curse you for including me. (shakes fist).

Do you see now how appropriate your cameo is? You have a fist-shaking scene! You stand on a rooftop and scream into the night "Noooooo!"


WARNING: Spoiler may ruin level ending.
Are you supposed to die at the end of this level?

Yes, you are! Everything happened as it should. I realized people may get the impression that there are alternate endings, but there aren't. I may toy with making that more clear later on, but there's supposed to be an "OH CRAP" feeling when you fall into the pollution with all the beasties. And after everything you went through!



It just had so much character! I loved the cameos by some LBP folk - expecially the kappa and morgana references. LBP is just the perfect game for Halloween related stuff. The most ingenious part of the level, for me, was the use of prize bubbles for TVs. Oh wow - they worked so well. You attention to detail is unrivaled.

Cheers.

(I added you on PSN)

thanks, I really appreciate it!

The "rocket" character was my own sack-atar as well. Even the level's own creator isn't sticking around! Plus I've always wanted to be able to just take off on a rocket when things get intense.		2009-11-01 00:10:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Also, are you going to keep this level up after Halloween is over?2009-11-01 00:23:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

Also, are you going to keep this level up after Halloween is over?

Hell yeah, dude! I put in so much work into this thing, you'd have to chloroform me and and tie me to a chair to get me to unpublish it!

I realize how much of a shame it is that it's a halloween level with essentially one time of year in which it's appropriate to play - and that it only gets literally one day in that time-frame before it's outdated and forgotten-about...

But screw it!

Besides, if LBP has staying power over the next few years, it could be a seasonal favorite.		2009-11-01 00:27:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Cool, because I'll be plalying this a lot!2009-11-01 12:45:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

So I just finally implemented checkpoints. It was certainly a pain - I'm literally a single point bubble from total level meltdown. I went in and deleted a ton of corners in the forest, but I think the major problem is the "collected objects" thermo. Lots of emitters emitting crap - fireworks, crud, leaves, smoke.

I also made a couple of other minor tweaks, but the big one is checkpoints - I know some people had the problem of accidental squishings, so now, with one exception, that shouldn't be a problem.

I really wish I could have put in way more secret stuff - the early part of the level is chock-full of hidden goodies, but that tapers off later on.

I really wanted to implement a "leaf-raking" minigame, with a tethered jetpack on a rooftop. Grab a rake, swing it around to rake up stray leaves on the ground and make a big pile. Just wasn't enough room unfortunately.		2009-11-03 10:20:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

I've always wanted to be able to just take off on a rocket when things get intense.

No way! So have I! lol. Great cowards think alike 		2009-11-04 03:43:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

Alright, finally ready to give my feedback. I must say I absolutely loved the level, the first time I played it I had no idea what I had just played, I was speechless but at the same time in awe of what I had just seen. I give you major props for making one of the best looking levels out there, the attention to detail was just immense. I loved the way you made everything from scratch, from the street signs to the awesome cars, characters...etc. The level itself just felt alive, the buildings were covered in detail all the characters made me cry out in laughter, wow just ... WOW. This is a work of a genius!

I do however have two little things I didn't like so much.

-The house at the beginning, I didn't like the main material used for it and when I jumped from the telescope to the house I saw that it didn't have a roof.

-I wish the level was abit longer, that said, it sure was satisfying.


Also, I'd like to mention that I played the level on Saturday so I don't know if this issue has been fixed or not, anyways I was playing by myself and was at the part where it said, "The things that live in the moon have come. They feed on the pollution of this place." when a friend asked to join and I let him, well when he was joining it somehow triggered the global lighting tool on the other side of the level which revealed all the stuff that was around me. I know this is mainly a 1 player level, but you might want to fix that.

5 Stars and a Heart from me, truly deserving! 		2009-11-04 04:17:00

Author:
TheFirstAvenger
Posts: 787

Alright, finally ready to give my feedback. I must say I absolutely loved the level, the first time I played it I had no idea what I had just played, I was speechless but at the same time in awe of what I had just seen. I give you major props for making one of the best looking levels out there, the attention to detail was just immense. I loved the way you made everything from scratch, from the street signs to the awesome cars, characters...etc. The level itself just felt alive, the buildings were covered in detail all the characters made me cry out in laughter, wow just ... WOW. This is a work of a genius!

I do however have two little things I didn't like so much.

-The house at the beginning, I didn't like the main material used for it and when I jumped from the telescope to the house I saw that it didn't have a roof.

-I wish the level was abit longer, that said, it sure was satisfying.


Also, I'd like to mention that I played the level on Saturday so I don't know if this issue has been fixed or not, anyways I was playing by myself and was at the part where it said, "The things that live in the moon have come. They feed on the pollution of this place." when a friend asked to join and I let him, well when he was joining it somehow triggered the global lighting tool on the other side of the level which revealed all the stuff that was around me. I know this is mainly a 1 player level, but you might want to fix that.

5 Stars and a Heart from me, truly deserving!

Whoa, that's a crazy glitch! That's so far after the "no entry" sign, I'm surprised it caused anything weird to happen. He must have just appeared as a spectactor, correct? That's very strange that it would trigger a gobal lighting tool. I'm not sure how to go about fixing that to be honest.

As for the house, thanks for letting me know! Believe it or not, I just hadn't considered jumping from the telescope to the house. I'll definitely go in and patch it up a bit. I also agree that the house is a bit lacking in detail compared to the rest of the level. I actually have plenty of room on my decorations thermo, and this is something I'll probably go crazy with at some point down the line - detailing the house interior more. I am proud of my jack-o-lantern shadow on the wall though!

Thanks so much for the kind words, it makes me unbelievably happy to hear it.


Great cowards think alike.

Where's ARD, get him in here. A great quote is a great quote!		2009-11-04 05:25:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Yes, he was just a spectator... I too was surprised that it actually triggered the global lighting tool, hopefully it was just a bug that happened to us. And glad to hear you will be adding more detail to the house. 2009-11-04 06:07:00

Author:
TheFirstAvenger
Posts: 787

As I said in the comment, you deserve a crown for this.
'Nuff said.
5 stars and a heart.		2009-11-04 07:30:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

As I said in the comment, you deserve a crown for this.
'Nuff said.
5 stars and a heart.

Oh you're just a sweetie pie!

Seriously though, have Mm ever actually given OUT crowns for levels?		2009-11-04 07:42:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Oh you're just a sweetie pie!

Seriously though, have Mm ever actually given OUT crowns for levels?

Yes, Grant got one for his Siberia series and I'm sure some others have received them for levels as well.
...just can't seem to remember which ones, hmmm...why is there blood dripping out of my ear?		2009-11-04 10:44:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

Yes, Grant got one for his Siberia series and I'm sure some others have received them for levels as well.
...just can't seem to remember which ones, hmmm...why is there blood dripping out of my ear?

Wasn't that after he submitted it on a Youtube contest?		2009-11-04 13:13:00

Author:
TheFirstAvenger
Posts: 787

This was a complet mind trip and I absolutely loved every minute of it! I loved how varied the environments were and the wonderful art style. And as expected, it contained a ton of secrets and humorous dialogue.

I loved it! Well done!		2009-11-04 17:11:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer
Posts: 1335

Ok now I will say "wow". Are you ready?

...


WOW. I mean, just wow. You immersed me from beginning to end and wowed me multiple times. I must admit i'm not a real fan of "bringing stuff to X person" and that bird you can grab and use for a zip line is sort of not working right but there's so many great things about this level I don't know where to start.

First off, you surpassed "the movies" in all accounts. It's also the best halloween level i've ever played and one of the most scenic level I played. It's well orchestrated, totally validates the background glitch and it's full of personality. Very charming too.

-Ringing at the doors and getting candies: cool!
-Cartoon cars
-First time I saw your backstreet with the cat.... WOW.
-Your city in overall is really good. I love the far background in the village section.

When you enter the woods it completely changes mood. I thought this was very nice. I also never felt like NPCs were "with me, following me" and you did it right. First in LBP for me. And then you climb at the top of the wood... SECOND WOW.

Your background there is mindbogingly good. I really didn't find the hole in the ground easily though. But once I "fell" down there and realised I was now in that previous background... THIRD WOW.

Your level simply is not just a LBP level, it's an experience. One of my favs ever! BRAVO. Continue your good work.

:star::star::star::star::star: + heart + brilliant tag



EDIT: Oh yeah and your halloween bubbles are lovely.


.		2009-11-04 19:48:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

Oh man, I remember playing this and staring in awe of the background and detail, laughing really hard at the melodrama involved when everyone is trying to flee and then...Leaving...feeling really...Disturbed...and scared...

...I still rated five and gave you one of my several bloody pulsating hearts. 		2009-11-04 21:13:00

Author:
KoRnDawwg
Posts: 1424

Yessss!!! You guys are absolute treats, way too good to me. I am so, so glad you guys are enjoying this so much. (and that the level is actually working!)

The biggest problem spot people have is finding that tiny tiny little hole at the bottom of the tree trunk. I think I'm going to add a few more bright red lights down there and possibly make them pulse slowly. I personally love the absurd tiny-ness of the hole. It's smaller than Sackboy. He has to SQUEEZE to get inside it, and it just happens to be a doorway to another reality.

I see this as almost a direct sequel to my Christmas level, A Very Sony Christmas. They both begin (essentially) in a house with a tv showing the news, preparing you for the chaos to come. Both feature a tonal "changing point" where the level goes from relaxing and sweet to absolutely bananas. One ends with a very Christmasy sleigh ride, and one ends with a very Halloweeny fright fest - which was an absolute blast to do, I LOVED making those final rooms - though I do need to tweak the camera, it's pretty easy to see "behind the scenes" on the fear-of-heights sequence).		2009-11-04 23:29:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

I still plan on playing this. I didn't get to all the levels yet that I had on my list of levels to play on Halloween.

This was one I put towards the top of my list for the ones I assumed were going to be among the best on my list, of course I can't know until I play.		2009-11-04 23:34:00

Author:
Unknown User

Well I played this in judging Morgana's contest and was blown away. I'm not usually a repeat player (truth is, I don't actually PLAY much at all... most of my LBP time is spent in create mode, so finding time to play most levels even once can be hard for me)... but I've played through this 4 times now, and every time I find something new, and enjoy the experience a little more. You artistic style and creative, immersive use of the 3D layer glitch are just a joy to behold.

Please don't stop creating any time soon!		2009-11-05 04:57:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Well I played this in judging Morgana's contest and was blown away. I'm not usually a repeat player (truth is, I don't actually PLAY much at all... most of my LBP time is spent in create mode, so finding time to play most levels even once can be hard for me)... but I've played through this 4 times now, and every time I find something new, and enjoy the experience a little more. You artistic style and creative, immersive use of the 3D layer glitch are just a joy to behold.

Wow, strong words! Thanks so much!


Please don't stop creating any time soon!

Too late! HAHAHAHAHA!!

No but seriously, I can't keep it up. I'm officially on hiatus from create mode for a while, it just takes way too much out of me. I'll be playing like crazy, and I'm sure I'll create stuff down the road, but I'm taking a good decompression time for a while. It's usually contests that get to me into create, because A) I delude myself that I can throw something together quickly and B) because they force me on a deadline.

But for a good while now I've been in the same boat as you - spending all my time in Create mode and getting little to no time to actually get in and play other people's stuff, so now's the time to invert the formula for a while.		2009-11-05 05:08:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Okay, I played this level . . . and I am impressed.

Pros
-Excellent use of the 3d layer glitch.
-Love the little hidden ways to find score bubbles.
-The alley with the cat was my favorite background part of the level, but all of the background was excellent.
-All the small things that brought the level to life, like animated NPCs, like the dog, or guy that mention leaving level, sparking sign, etc
-After dying, parts like where it says you are going to fall and it appears a sack person is looking down from edge is a brilliant effect, very nice.

Cons
-Because I couldn't tell where I was going in part of the polluted place at the end, I ended up falling to the bottom and dying, thus not seeing everything. I was doing fine until I went up by the watermill that you grab, but I fell to the right when I thought I was on safe ground all the way down.

That's it for pros and cons, although I did have a question, did you intend for players to be able to get on any roof in the level? There were a couple roofs that I assume you didn't, that I had to super jump to reach, although nothing was up there, lol. I uploaded a couple of photos to the level also.

Anyways, it's easily the best Halloween level I've ever played, although I have yet to play cloud's Nightmare Before Christmas and Untenanted's Untenanted. As of now yours easily gets my vote hands down. Very well done!

I gave it :star::star::star::star::star: and a heart (I really wish CC would consider a heart symbol/smilie), and tagged it beautiful. 		2009-11-05 18:09:00

Author:
Unknown User

Hey TB, good to see some more quality content from you (is there any other kind?) Seriously cool stuff here, love the level, humor, visuals.... pretty much everything. 5 stars and a heart.

I know what you mean about create mode kind of sucking your life away - I just came off of a summer-long creating hiatus so I feel your pain.		2009-11-05 21:23:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187

Hey TB, good to see some more quality content from you (is there any other kind?) Seriously cool stuff here, love the level, humor, visuals.... pretty much everything. 5 stars and a heart.

I know what you mean about create mode kind of sucking your life away - I just came off of a summer-long creating hiatus so I feel your pain.

Taffs, haven't spoken to you in some time, nice to see you again! Indeed, Create Mode is a merciless time machine from which there is no respite once entering. Plunging forward days at a time, wondering where the month has gone. Spending much of it in agony at frustrating failures, and being endlessly stubborn about miniscule things. That's Create Mode for me.


Because I couldn't tell where I was going in part of the polluted place at the end, I ended up falling to the bottom and dying, thus not seeing everything. I was doing fine until I went up by the watermill that you grab, but I fell to the right when I thought I was on safe ground all the way down.

Indeed, I have to openly admit here that my gameplay design in that town is pretty weak and unfulfilled. It was the first thing I built, but not as a playable segment, just as a visual diorama. I shoe-horned in gameplay afterward. If you made it up to the top, and got a bit of dialogue about "making your way across the valley", then you saw everything, assuming you also saw the guy at the bottom on the "dock" talking about the creatures. There's no more dialogue - what happens if you were able to hook onto the rotating building is that you swing onto a little piece of sponge, which then breaks and plunges you into the murk anyway.

HOLY **** IT'S WINDY.

Good GOD this is the darkest day I've seen in a LONG time. AAAGH! That tree's gonna fall on my balcony!!!

I gotta go out and get some lunch in this weather.


EDIT: Sexnstilettos, I just checked out the pics you uploaded - and you definitely made it up into a spot I didn't think was possible! The roof of the "Farmy Fresh" grocery's supposed to be off-limits. I figure you got up from the little mini-roof off to the right beside the dumpster? Seriously, I'd hide some point bubbles or something up there, but one more point bubble and my level overheats. Consider yourself an accomplished super-jumper!		2009-11-06 00:22:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

EDIT: Sexnstilettos, I just checked out the pics you uploaded - and you definitely made it up into a spot I didn't think was possible! The roof of the "Farmy Fresh" grocery's supposed to be off-limits. I figure you got up from the little mini-roof off to the right beside the dumpster? Seriously, I'd hide some point bubbles or something up there, but one more point bubble and my level overheats. Consider yourself an accomplished super-jumper!

Actually, I pulled the little red roof down first because since it could be moved I assumed it was used for something. Only after I pulled the roof down did I jump up and jump from the corner edge to the roof above. Another roof I got to had nothing on it, which was the one to the right of the cat alley. The hanging thing broke off that hung above alley, but I climbed back up to the left roof and jumped over to the other and there was nothing I could notice. And as for super jumping itself, thanks, as an expert technique it can easily be done on command, although for me there's about a 10 to 20% chance of it not working, which is a result of me not doing something right. It's never random, although I remember back when I was still new to LBP I always noticed sometimes your sack person would do a higher jump than normal but always assumed it was random. It was only over time when I got better and played my first crazy hard level that I was introduced to super jumping and how to do it. Ever since, I often find myself breaking out of a lot of the non-expert levels and getting places where I know the creator didnt know anyone could get to. It's a lot of fun when playing levels and noticing spots that scream "reach me" that weren't intended to be reached. My sack has rabbit ears for a reason, which kind of falls in line with the fact that I made a jumping level, lol.

Anyways, yeah, your level was great fun! ^_^		2009-11-06 04:43:00

Author:
Unknown User

lol - I did that too with jwwphotos the other day. I decided I wanted to really get into every place I could on the level and by pulling the little red roof off the building behind the dumpster it's fairly easy to get up there. No worries from me though - thought it was fun to try even without a reward per se.2009-11-06 08:29:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Amazing, I never realized the thing was unglued! I made a quick fix today and glued it in, but I actually think it's great that people managed to get up there at all considering I at first thought it was impossible.

I think down the road a little bit I'll unglue it again and add a little treat up there. Probably not point bubbles, as that would upset all the hard work people have put in so far getting high scores, but definitely something.

Believe me, I'm actually incredibly bummed at the off-kilter ratio of secrets in this level. It's very very secret-heavy early on, and there's really nothing else after you reach the city. If you can get up on the ledge above the newspaper vendors, there's a jackolantern that houses some point bubbles, but that's really it. And now that the level is absolutely over-the-top on the collected objects AND shapes thermos (the two killers in the night), it's a bit too late for me to add in a bunch of cool new secrets. But they really are so easy to add in, little things like the dog bone take up little space and are very easy to implement. Something I'm sure I'll concentrate more on in the future, because it can be so rewarding when I play other people's levels and stumble upon little secrets and stashes. Aperture Science being one of the best examples.		2009-11-06 13:00:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Taffs, haven't spoken to you in some time, nice to see you again! Indeed, Create Mode is a merciless time machine from which there is no respite once entering. Plunging forward days at a time, wondering where the month has gone. Spending much of it in agony at frustrating failures, and being endlessly stubborn about miniscule things. That's Create Mode for me.Heyyy, that's MY create mode you just described! What are you doing on my PS3? Oh that must have been you I saw hiding behind the double life checkpoint the other day. I was wondering who that was. 2009-11-06 23:09:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187

Heyyy, that's MY create mode you just described! What are you doing on my PS3? Oh that must have been you I saw hiding behind the double life checkpoint the other day. I was wondering who that was.

Bah!! You're onto me! My create mode had been going so smoothly, everything happened perfectly in a flash and was the simplest of mellow pleasures. I was getting a bit bored of all the happy fun times, so I decided to sneak into your moon and steal your create mode. How you like THAT!!

So, good news in Phantom Town land, bad news in PSN land. It spent the day on page 1 of cool pages (or a chunk of the day at least), and made 4,000 plays in a single day, and 100 comments. Many of them obnoxious spam.

But also a dozen PSN friend requests, all from names I don't recognize, almost none with any comments attached short of "i like ur lvl".

So far I haven't accepted any of these, as I've had one or two brief bad experiences. I know a lot of you guys here have had to deal with it on a much bigger scale, and I must say I'm not looking forward to it.

I'd also like to recommend that if anyone here on the forums would like to add me on the PSN, please by all means do so, and send me a PM or visitor message here as well. I wouldn't mind filling up my friends list with familiar names before throwing the dice with all of these scary random ones.		2009-11-07 12:33:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Hey, I wanted to ask you a question. It's been a couple of times I'm playing the level and there's that bone in the ground that I don't know what do to with it. Am I not supposed to bring it to the dog dude? It never works...

.		2009-11-07 17:15:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

Good fun, this one. The detail is astonishing. I couldn't count the amount of times I said "wow." Loved the tv's, the fireworks, the cameos of fellow sackfriends, feeding the dog his bone, and oh... I could go on and on. I ran into a lil bump when I got to the forest - didn't know which way to go for awhile but figured it out by accident, lol. Love your sense of humor, Teebonesy! 5 stars and hearts. <32009-11-07 18:43:00

Author:
SHENOA77
Posts: 184

Hey, I wanted to ask you a question. It's been a couple of times I'm playing the level and there's that bone in the ground that I don't know what do to with it. Am I not supposed to bring it to the dog dude? It never works...

.

Whoops, that's weird. When you bring the bone to the dog, it should spark an instant reward. perhaps something was in the way of the emitted objects somehow?

Or maybe the level overheated and the emitters ceased to fire? I've seen this happen before, and the level does have overheating problems in create mode due to all the emitters and loose objects. I'll have to look into that, thanks for bringing it to my attention. But you had it right, you're supposed to bring the bone to the dog.


Good fun, this one. The detail is astonishing. I couldn't count the amount of times I said "wow." Loved the tv's, the fireworks, the cameos of fellow sackfriends, feeding the dog his bone, and oh... I could go on and on. I ran into a lil bump when I got to the forest - didn't know which way to go for awhile but figured it out by accident, lol. Love your sense of humor, Teebonesy! 5 stars and hearts. <3

Aah, the ooold forest-hitch! Next time I turn the game on I'm definitely going to add in some more lights down there and perhaps paint the back of the tree-hole a brighter color.

Thanks for the feedback!		2009-11-08 00:01:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Sorry I hav'nt left feedback sooner Teebonesy, my retinas are still recovering from the sheer amount of detail and things going on the level

I played this about 10 times last week, hunting for those point bubbles and trying to get the top score, which I had as of Thursday, I hope I hav'nt been beaten yet

Its typical Teebonesy, packed with details and little quirks, great fun to play and it looks beautiful. Its probably the best use of the layer glitch I've seen yet. It definetly rewards you for exploration, both in point rewards and seeing more of the details in the level.

***** and hearted. Excellent level, one of the best I've played.		2009-11-09 10:28:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

I don't think i can say anytihng new you haven't heard in the previous pages but this level is absolutely awesome teebonesy!!
The amount of detail is awesome and i was happy to see that there was actual gameplay in a level that used the 3D glitch!
Loved the secrets too and the visuals were fantastic! I especially loved those alley's, amazing you put so many work in such a small 'spot' (as most sackboys will run past it in about 1 second....). I had the feeling the level was more of an "experience" instead of a just a "level" you play, congratulations for that, that's not easy to achieve!
5 stars and a heart well deserved!

cheers,
misty		2009-11-11 12:42:00

Author:
Mother-Misty
Posts: 574

loved this level and the cameo appearances...hopefully this turns into a series with even more cameos from more LBPC members

also i love the amazing attention to detail...like i said in a PM this makes me wish i lived in that town...such vibrant life and it was all done so well....really wish i coulda been a special guest for the spotlight team....guess i lost my chance 		2009-11-16 01:49:00

Author:
Shadowcrazy
Posts: 3365

great touches and direction, i loved the ending2009-11-16 16:46:00

Author:
Tanuki75
Posts: 172

I?ll check this level in the afterrnoon, looks great, and i wanna played after i leave to vacations, definitley got to visit this work. And for the comments and images, looks unique. I love the proper saturation of elements in screen, that are unique in that vibrates levels, then transport you to worlds that only in dreams could see.
(sorry for the bad english, im spanish native)

I alredy played... and is a beautiful design that you have here. Capture the magic of the celebration of halloween and the American tradition walking the streets. A town themed feeling. Great.		2009-11-23 20:18:00

Author:
Duckywolf
Posts: 198

Well I'm incredibly late to the party - been travelling all over the world in the last month, but that hasn't stopped me missing LBP! - and holy $#%, what a party it is!

Teebonesy, your level made me grin like an idiot the entire way through, while at the same time causing my mouth to drop open in awe again and again (okay so maybe this is not strictly physically possible, but grant me some artistic licence here!)

Everything I love about this level has already been touched on one way or another, so all I can really add is that when you create there is some special alchemy going on which is unmatched among other creators. This level in particular has an entirely magical quality which takes this medium for telling stories and granting players unique experiences to new heights. The most deserving :star::star::star::star::star: I've ever given out, and my new favourite level of all time!		2009-12-11 20:49:00

Author:
CheesyMcFly
Posts: 211

I must say, OMG THAT WAS AWESOME!!
Wha.. How did you.. AHH!
[/disbelief]		2009-12-13 03:40:00

Author:
Hibbsi
Posts: 203

looks like no ones posted on here for a while. but i had to say it so here it goes:

THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE LEVEL EVER! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!

There. i said it.
but well done on this level. it really shows the true potential and beauty of the layer glitch.

yay for Teebonesy!!!		2010-02-09 22:23:00

Author:
trip090
Posts: 1562

looks like no ones posted on here for a while. but i had to say it so here it goes:

THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE LEVEL EVER! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!

There. i said it.
but well done on this level. it really shows the true potential and beauty of the layer glitch.

yay for Teebonesy!!!

Thanks so much!! I'm glad the level's holding up. It's funny, I showed it to a friend of mine who wanted to see what kind of stuff you can do in LBP, and he really liked the "phantom town" segment at the end, but aside from that just didn't respond much. It's funny to keep in mind how it took all of us to learn the limits of LBP to really get a handle on what's going on in a level and what it takes to put it together. Show your best work to a non-LBP player and the best you might get is a shrug and a mild compliment. Keeps things in perspective.

I also noticed a hundred things I wanted to fix/change in it, and as I mentioned it my girlfriend replied "uh ooh..." and I realized, yeah, it's probably better I just pretend I didn't see that stuff. I've been so... healthy since I've stepped out of create mode! Eating and sleeping and all that good stuff.

I should just become a level idea consultant or some such. I rarely turn the game on to play it these days, but I do still come up with a million ideas for levels and stories all the time.		2010-02-10 01:52:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Hey Teebonsey!!

I loved this level, you have a very distinct and unique style that like none other. I really enjoyed all the hyper detailed environments, the 3-d glitch was used very well. Trying to get to some of those point bubbles became an obsession.

I plan on playing all of your levels now.

I gave you five stars and a heart and one for creator too!! <3		2010-06-22 02:30:00

Author:
VelcroJonze
Posts: 1305

This level is OUTSTANDING, every thing is so detailed and it is fun. I gave it 5 stars and heart.2010-06-23 07:03:00

Author:
himoks
Posts: 734

I played it and it was the best that I might enter the Halloween ''Spooktacular'' Level Design Contest 2.2010-09-14 22:25:00

Author:
Eronninja13
Posts: 637


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