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Mars Attacks IV: Mysteries Of Mars

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Mars Attacks IV: Mysteries Of MarsGruntosUK
http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=8290After rescuing General Cubbage from the depths or Mars, and being pursued by a strange and powerful beast, Sergeant Casper stumbles on ancient Roman Ruins from Earths past. Just what does the beast want with you? And why are there Roman ruins in the underbelly of Mars??
all
I've finally got Mars Attacks finished (well part 4 anyway, theres another 3 yet to come), its taken many weeks, many non-starts, much fustration, lots of deleting and completely restarting, but I finally hit my flow last Thursday and have been working non stop since to get it finished. Its taken little over a week to complete from start to end.

You can finally learn just what you are doing in the depths of the planet, and at the same time, hopefully ask more questions by the end. I put a lot of time into the story on this level, its optional, but I know you good people of LBPC will take the time to check it out. Its been hard fitting it in so I hope you like it

Heres some more pics.

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=8292 http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=8291

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=8293 http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=540&pictureid=8295

Thanks to CCubbage, Wex, xkappax, v0rtex and rtm233 for playing an empty level just to check out the story. Thanks juleslyjules and comphermc for playing it, trying to break it and giving me plenty of things to fix. And thanks to everyone else who has played through it with me this past week (killzonequin, zwol, jwwphotos, loads more I forget ).

More thanks to comphermc for the outstanding billboards to

And if you like the final half, you should see Mars Attacks 5 		2009-11-06 16:03:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Theres no way that this is finished? Holy god you work fast! Looking forward to playing it.2009-11-06 16:05:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

Yeah its done Wex, took a week lol I need a job 2009-11-06 16:05:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

HaaaHaaa! Another level! Going to play this very soon! Already know it's good! 4th post, I caught you fast

From an old friend: piggabling 		2009-11-06 16:10:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

I played much of this last night, but it was unfinished. Still, loved what i saw. I'll replay it again tonight when Vmethos is over, Grant. I'm sure it's great, though. ^_^2009-11-06 16:11:00

Author:
xkappax
Posts: 2569

How in the world did you get it finished between last night and now!? Either way, I'll be sure to make a high score run on this puppy. I just need to find the last few secrets!



Glad you worked in that twine flu billboard, lol. For anyone who doesn't catch it:

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1686&stc=1&d=1257298248

Yeah, I know it's slightly crooked, give me a break...		2009-11-06 16:27:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Theres not much after what you saw last night compher, the last set of s'plosions sequence destroyed what thermo I had It doesnt end how i wanted it to, its a little half finished but theres no more room to do what I wanted.2009-11-06 16:37:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Wow!! I can't wait to try this again and find the rest of the secrets. Thanks again for the peek last night!!2009-11-06 16:50:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

No problem jw, wait till you see the new minigame I added, and the pinball-esque section, they are excellent 2009-11-06 16:52:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Hurray, its finished? It looked great so far, I'm sure the rest will be just as good...as usual.
Its official now, we know how fast you work, WE DEMAND A LEVEL EACH WEEK!!		2009-11-06 16:57:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

No problem jw, wait till you see the new minigame I added, and the pinball-esque section, they are excellent

Uh oh... 		2009-11-06 17:10:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

It's here! It's! here! OMGOMGOMG I'm off to play D:2009-11-06 17:12:00

Author:
KoRnDawwg
Posts: 1424

I really liked the level! Great work once again

You have great visuals and nice gameplay in there, more on the shooter side this time around I must say. It's cool you also have 2 distinct envirronements. I love the monorail part too. I will replay it a couple of time though because it seems I suck at coins finding. I only found 2 on my first run. lol

I didn't find anything annoying, breaking or in need to be improved much really. I didn't get stuck either. You have a very solid level there. My only possible downside to it is that there's a bit less to do in there (well, at least it feels like it) compared to Mars Attack 3. The third level will probably stay my favorite, the compagnon cube gameplay and the custom background charmed me a little more

Anyhow, this new level here still is "as good as it gets" so you definetely wins 5 stars here.

:star::star::star::star::star: + heart + positive tag

.		2009-11-06 17:38:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

Your first official review:

What the heck were you thinking? Were you high when you created this catastrophe of a level?
I mean, this was just awful beyond belief!!

I like to think I'm pretty kind when it comes to my reviews but I really can't name anything positive about this one, I'm sorry...

First you torture people with badly written history speeches,
then you flaunt "hidden" secrets they cant possibly reach in their face...seriously, Grant!!

Oh look at that, his trademark rotating half sponge/half electrocuted material!! BORING!!
When are you gonna start doing something new for a change, huh?

Covering everything up with giant explosions didn't really help either...
Oh look, a monster!! Oh, no worries..he aint gonna get me...he DOESN'T MOVE!!
(When did we take a timemachine back to the 80s?)

I'm lost for words here, the frustration and pure anger inside of me just wants me to take a plane, come to your house and "say" it in your face!!

I'm gonna give this my lowest rating ever: -1 star!!

Hope to never see or hear from you again,
Jeroen Van Zwol

PS: Seriously now, a pretty darn good level as usual. Loved it!! I gave it 5 stars and a heart.
The "flow" in your levels stays amazing and the change in pace when you switch enviroments is really something else.

Great action, great puzzles and it leaves you thirsty for more!!

The only "con" I can think of is that I saw some visible switches here and there.

Really amazing work, buddy!! Keep it up!! 		2009-11-06 17:44:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

I really liked the level! Great work once again

You have great visuals and nice gameplay in there, more on the shooter side this time around I must say. It's cool you also have 2 distinct envirronements. I love the monorail part too. I will replay it a couple of time though because it seems I suck at coins finding. I only found 2 on my first run. lol


Thanks, pleased you enjoyed it, I've been fretting a little on how it would be received. The stars dropped loads after the first few plays and I was starting to panic a little (I know CCubbage, don't publish on a Friday, to many kids). I feel better now its back up to 5 stars this early, thanks for the comments.


I didn't find anything annoying, breaking or in need to be improved much really. I didn't get stuck either. You have a very solid level there. My only possible downside to it is that there's a bit less to do in there (well, at least it feels like it) compared to Mars Attack 3. The third level will probably stay my favorite, the compagnon cube gameplay and the custom background charmed me a little more

I totally agree, I needed to get the story out, and have a little gameplay in the ruins to justify having them at the end of 3. I wanted the level to end with a bang though, which I hope the monorail does. I couldnt add any layer glitch for thermo reasons, but there is some in 5



Anyhow, this new level here still is "as good as it gets" so you definetely wins 5 stars here.

:star::star::star::star::star: + heart + positive tag


Zwol, I won't waste my breath on your first comments!!!


Thanks for taking the time to play it and leave comments, I appreciate it

PS: Seriously now, a pretty darn good level as usual. Loved it!! I gave it 5 stars and a heart.
The "flow" in your levels stays amazing and the change in pace when you swith enviroments is really something else.

Great action, great puzzles and it leaves you thirsty for more!!

The only "con" I can think of is that I saw some visible switches here and there.

Really amazing work, buddy!! Keep it up!!

Thanks Zwol, I'll fix them switches later, thanks for the comments, and playing through it. Your bad comments made me laugh, and you know, some of them are actually correct lol. I love you to xxxxx		2009-11-06 17:47:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Grrr zwollie beat my score... on the bright side... awesome level!

I like the way you made the monsters hand wrap around the ground. I loved the explosions with all the lights. the elevator shaft looked great also.

great job. I saw a few switches visble but nothing major.
wex		2009-11-06 17:51:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

Grrr zwollie beat my score... on the bright side... awesome level!

I like the way you made the monsters hand wrap around the ground. I loved the explosions with all the lights. the elevator shaft looked great also.

great job. I saw a few switches visble but nothing major.

Thanks wex, I'll have a play through later and hide the switches, I always miss a few. Thanks for the comments.		2009-11-06 17:54:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Woot! I know what I'll be doing when I get home from work tonight!

Ooh, and I'll add this level to... er... ya know... who said dat???		2009-11-06 18:04:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Great job, Grantos! Once again, another great Mars Attacks level. The puzzles were great (as usual), the story was fantastic (as usual), the platforming was fun (as usual), and the explosions were............. well, they left my breathless. A newly found technique that you accell at? I think so! I especially liked all of the ancient architecture at the beginning of the level, it was very finished looking. I don't have any gripes about this one. Fantastic job!

:star::star::star::star::star:--- five stars for you!		2009-11-06 19:08:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

Great job, Grantos! Once again, another great Mars Attacks level. The puzzles were great (as usual), the story was fantastic (as usual), the platforming was fun (as usual), and the explosions were............. well, they left my breathless. A newly found technique that you accell at? I think so! I especially liked all of the ancient architecture at the beginning of the level, it was very finished looking. I don't have any gripes about this one. Fantastic job!

:star::star::star::star::star:--- five stars for you!

Thanks, theres nothing really to comment on seeing as you mentioned nothing to fix or change lol.

I'm glad people are liking the story, it took a lot of work to condense down what I had without droning on for hours and hours

I toned the explosions down a tad to save thermo to fit the end in, they were massive before (obviously the testers hav'nt noticed so it was a good move in the end). I created this whole series just to do Mars 5 and 6, and they are pretty much what the end of this one is, mayhem and destruction, but on a grander scale.

Thanks for playing it and leaving comments, I appreciate it.		2009-11-06 19:21:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Just gave it a play and it was really fun, I really have nothing to add except one little problem I had, and I seriously have no clue if you can fix it or not.

At one point, you are on these little platforms with explosions left and right while aliens fly down to shoot you.

There is one section where there is an alien to your left and to your right. I killed both of these and just jumped quickly to the next platform while an alien was coming down, he was really close to me, like 2 inches away. It was fine because I had the back layer to cover and when I wanted to shoot I would move to the layer he was on.

I had a cheap death here because the bridge collapsing from the top came and squished me when I was on the back layer.

I don't know if you can do anything about this. But I just wanted to let you know.

Great level otherwise, had that "flow" that all your levels have, and was very appealing visually.

:star::star::star::star::star: And a fat heart.

Thanks! 		2009-11-06 19:26:00

Author:
Whalio Cappuccino
Posts: 5250

Looks beautiful. I can't wait to play another masterpiece of yours. I'll try it out as soon as possible.2009-11-06 19:27:00

Author:
chezhead
Posts: 1063

Wait, you made this is ONE WEEK!!!! Holy crap.

Anywho I loved it. I was the top score for about half an hour, because I was the only one who had a score! XD

Great stuff, and I'll definately play again to attempt a top score, (comphys goin' down!)
Lots of cool explosions and great visuals. All I wished for, was to make it longer. But that's the thermos problem...
Loved the change in theme, from the roman place with the jumping about and switches to the usual mars attack look where it picked up with the paintinator action.
I'll gave you a 5 for it. :star::star::star::star::star:		2009-11-06 19:32:00

Author:
KQuinn94Z
Posts: 1758

Just gave it a play and it was really fun, I really have nothing to add except one little problem I had, and I seriously have no clue if you can fix it or not.

At one point, you are on these little platforms with explosions left and right while aliens fly down to shoot you.

There is one section where there is an alien to your left and to your right. I killed both of these and just jumped quickly to the next platform while an alien was coming down, he was really close to me, like 2 inches away. It was fine because I had the back layer to cover and when I wanted to shoot I would move to the layer he was on.

I had a cheap death here because the bridge collapsing from the top came and squished me when I was on the back layer.

I don't know if you can do anything about this. But I just wanted to let you know.

Great level otherwise, had that "flow" that all your levels have, and was very appealing visually.

:star::star::star::star::star: And a fat heart.

Thanks!

Thanks for playing it Whaale, and for leaving comments.

I know the bit you mean, and although its never happened to me or a tester I'll certainly take a look at it once the wife is off Take That singstar (I have mention that in case people thinks its me playing the rubbish, or actually playing something else other than LBP )

Thanks for the heart and the stars to


Wait, you made this is ONE WEEK!!!! Holy crap.

Anywho I loved it. I was the top score for about half an hour, because I was the only one who had a score! XD

Great stuff, and I'll definately play again to attempt a top score, (comphys goin' down!)
Lots of cool explosions and great visuals. All I wished for, was to make it longer. But that's the thermos problem...
Loved the change in theme, from the roman place with the jumping about and switches to the usual mars attack look where it picked up with the paintinator action.
I'll gave you a 5 for it. :star::star::star::star::star:

Pleased you liked it to. Yeah the thermo was a major issue here, I had to tone it down a little actually to fit the end in.

Thanks for the comments.		2009-11-06 19:47:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Cool, I'll check it out when I get home. I had a few troubles finishing the past levels, hopefully I won't with this one.2009-11-06 19:50:00

Author:
TheFirstAvenger
Posts: 787

I gave it 1 star since there are two typos.
Nuturing instead of nuRturing and freinds intead of friends.
And it's bad that someone non English spotted them
So the level suckxorz badly and I gave it only one star

Great stuff again, maybe a bit short but up to your awesome standards.		2009-11-06 19:53:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

I am really looking forward to giving this a play ... and as to the thread that Wex put up earlier - THIS is how you keep things interesting.

I'm not looking forward to this because of any particular "innovative" gimmick - they're just honestly high quality levels and you've already hooked me into the story.

Please, don't burn yourself out churning these out so fast if you need to slow down a tiny amount, but definitely keep it up. 		2009-11-06 20:02:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

I gave it 1 star since there are two typos.
Nuturing instead of nuRturing and freinds intead of friends.
And it's bad that someone non English spotted them
So the level suckxorz badly and I gave it only one star

Great stuff again, maybe a bit short but up to your awesome standards.

I'll fix them up in a bit. I hope you hearted me, I hearted you, H4H remember

The length is thermo related unfortunatly, I had a bit more planned


I am really looking forward to giving this a play ... and as to the thread that Wex put up earlier - THIS is how you keep things interesting.

I'm not looking forward to this because of any particular "innovative" gimmick - they're just honestly high quality levels and you've already hooked me into the story.

Please, don't burn yourself out churning these out so fast if you need to slow down a tiny amount, but definitely keep it up.

I hope you do enjoy the story, and I'd love to hear feedback on it Jagrevi, theres a lot of thought gone into it. I actually thought I was burned out for 3 weeks when I couldnt get anything to work, once it finally clicked I couldnt stop until it was done. I'm sure you understand 		2009-11-06 20:12:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

woah.. i thought i saw this like.... yesterday morning! and its finished already!2009-11-06 20:18:00

Author:
Tawarf
Posts: 457

Um, I think it's safe to say that, at the moment, I'm owning all of you on the scoreboard? So...yah...Someone beat me

lol anyway, what a great addition! I'm gonna have to make this a little shorter than usual since...Well, I have no suggestions...

...*cough* The overall look of the level was very pretty, and busy too. Good replay value added with the Roman coins and whatnot, and a brilliant plot which nails, no-more-nails, bluetacks and impales mine to shame (ARRRK! NOES!)

:star::star::star::star::star: and another one of my gigantic, bloody, still-beating hearts 		2009-11-06 22:02:00

Author:
KoRnDawwg
Posts: 1424

I liked the ending, Grant. A little less climactic than the previous one, but I expect the action to pick up in the next one. I'm dominating on the scoreboard right now - I aced it and found all but one of the hidden coins. I don't know where you hid that first one!

5 stars, and a deserving heart.		2009-11-06 22:12:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I'll reply to feedback tomorrow, but for compher, what happens if you go in there and pop? That should be a clue from last night


I liked the ending, Grant. A little less climactic than the previous one, but I expect the action to pick up in the next one.

It was thermo compher, I had an all singing, all dancing finale, but the thermo did me over big time The only to way extend it was to rob from the earlier scenes more than I have, and it looked poo to honest.

There'll be no such cuts in Mars 5, its all out or nothing. What would you prefer, pap layer puzzles or S'PLOSIONS lol		2009-11-06 22:28:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Ok, I have to confess that I haven't turned my PS3 on for a few days. This is the reason I turned it on today - so it had to be good, otherwise you were getting a 1 star rating and a H4H comment.
Luckily for you, this level rocks. Classic Grant gameplay - genius story and just amazing fun to play.
The visuals are amazing and I think they're my favourite part of this and the whole Mars Attacks series.


Needless to say this one was 5 stars and a heart.

Icey		2009-11-06 22:44:00

Author:
Coxy224
Posts: 2645

Wow, you work fast! Seems like not too long ago I was looking at an early non-playable version and bam! Done!

What can I say? Great gameplay, great puzzles, fantastic graphics, nice story progression, and effects to die for.... love this series, and this level didn't disappoint. Definately felt shorter than the other ones, but I can totally understand why.

8.25 stars and 2.75 hearts!		2009-11-07 11:33:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Dude, this was ridiculous good times. I played this with 3 others, and we had an absolute ball from beginning to end. I honestly don't think I have a single thing to complain about. Except that I was insanely bummed when it was over.

You've been absolutely prolific, and I know there are some older levels I still haven't checked out. This is a thing that I must do. The next time I put this game on, I'm doing a grant MARATHON.		2009-11-07 12:21:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Okay, first up, Grant, I apologise for the delay in my review. I've been a bit busy with the Creator Spotlight and also trying to convince wexfordian that it is HIM who owes me 3 pints and not you. Blaming it on his twin brother (i.e. you) is NOT my problem! But I digress...

Members here have already covered the main points. Great puzzles and super atmosphere, and generally an all round fabulous addition to an awesome series. Kudos, my friend.

However, I've got comments that are of a more delicate nature that may or may not offend...

You're good. Very good. But I'm peeved. I'm trying hard here to be subjective and unbiased, but I simply cannot be bothered trying anymore. The fact is, regardless of all the support on here or from your non-LBPC friends, you're ridiculously underrated. There, I said it. I'm sorry.

I'll hopefully never get tired of playing great levels from you and others on here. But unfortunately, I'm getting tired of asking myself why I can't play levels like yours all the time. But then I get real and understand that everyone is fully entitled to make whatever they want, and ironically it makes levels like yours all the better.

Sorry, that was more a rant than a review. But I gave the level 14.65 stars, 2.43 hearts and tagged it with 'Magnum opus'.

Well done indeed 		2009-11-08 00:10:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Loving this one Grant! Classic you and dang your secrets are killing me. I've got them all but the third to last one..... I'll find it eventually.

10 stars - 2 hearts... Well done - glad you got your breakthrough - and yes, I agree with MrsSpookyBuz - terribly underrated 		2009-11-08 02:03:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

I'm not kidding, I had a dream about this level last night.

This is seriously no joke. In the dream I was trying to find all 8 coins. There was some secret door I went through and found this one elusive one, and I felt like I had been the first one to find it, and that even GRANT HIMSELF didn't know of its existence.

Yep. this might be the first time I've actually had a dream about someone's specific LBP level.		2009-11-08 02:13:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

idk how you do it but i always feel so awkwardly uncormfortable in your levels. That what your going for right? erie feeling? anyway this was a joy to play. Although i got completely lost story wise, i understood all the text but i was thrown off by strange dinosuars with laser guns falling from the sky, giant monsters popping up then vanishing to reveal that weird ufo creature (had a visible piston or something btw) and i didnt catch why the roman archecture is there. Uhg idk too many twists at a time. Makes me wander what the next ones about though.

:star::star::star::star: and...ahalf?

PS: Oh and that scene where everything starts blowing up and the bridges collaps and sparks everywere i just sat there like =O for a minute. Also i liked the missile luancher thing, awsome effects.		2009-11-08 02:20:00

Author:
Littlebigdude805
Posts: 1924

Thanks for the comments everyone, I'm so pleased its gone down so well after the trouble I had creating it. I'm also overjoyed people are liking the end, I couldnt stop playing it when I was creating it because I thought it was so much fun. And it obviously bodes well for Part 5 5: Surface Warfare and 6: Armageddon.

@ Teebonesy, you need a break lol . Although I'm pleased it was nice dream and not nightmare.

@Littlebigdude


That what your going for right? erie feeling? anyway this was a joy to play. Although i got completely lost story wise, i understood all the text but i was thrown off by ........

I'll try and clarify what you had problems with


strange dinosuars with laser guns falling from the sky,


Thats who is attacking Mars, they were in the second part. Its Adamantines armie, who he uses to weaken planets before his arrival so there is little resistance.


giant monsters popping up then vanishing to reveal that weird ufo creature (had a visible piston or something btw)

Thats the beast from Part 3 that chases you, although its just basically an illusion, to keep the little flying guy safe from people down there. Its not the beast who is poweful, its him


and i didnt catch why the roman archecture is there. Uhg idk too many twists at a time.

The roman architecture is there because he created it. He helped the human race throughout History, giving us technology and knowledge, giving us a helping hand so we could arrive on Mars on that given day and fight the Adamantine. He basically created our civilizations and technology. I've gone through the story again this morning and I've completely left out the fact he liked the roman stuff the best so kept some as his home, I'll add this in later.

Theres only more huge twist, but right at the end......		2009-11-08 10:57:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Just checked on the level, its dropped to 3 stars hahaha, it seems to cool levels bunch are'nt getting past the start and seeing the end. Their problem I suppose 2009-11-08 14:34:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

If you are concerned about people not figuring out the first room, might I suggest a blatantly obvious spotlight onto the grab switch...?

Silly Cool Pages... 		2009-11-08 14:37:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

qugz and i haxxxed our way through2009-11-08 14:38:00

Author:
BasketSnake
Posts: 2391

ah, thanks. epic storyline btw o_o

ill go back and give it

:star::star::star::star::star: 		2009-11-08 18:09:00

Author:
Littlebigdude805
Posts: 1924

Aargh, i can't find that last coin for the life of me!

I love the efficiency of those first couple of puzzle rooms, there's a wealth of things to do you've packed in there, its fantastic level design. The first time i played, i spent a good 20 minutes just in those couple of sections working out what could be pulled, shot, jumped on. From a design PoV, personally i prefer this way of design to the more lengthy variations of some of your other puzzlers, it's much more compact and focussed here and less overwhelming as a result. Really ace work.

Loved the shift up a gear into the action segment too, it really feels like its naturally building up to something. Lots of great explosions and FX to gawp at, a great contrast to the more cerebral first half. Its my favourite in the series so far. And you've made a lot of the text optional, a nice user-friendly consideration for the more impatient out there.

My only nit-pick is WHAT'S HAPPENED TO GENERAL CUBBAGE!??! ; )

3 stars tho??? (sigh)		2009-11-08 19:48:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

I think 3 stars is a badge of honor nowadays.... this level now stands in the pantheon next to False Idols III, 218, and Unhearted: Drakes Misfortune. 3 stars means 8 year olds are confused by it.... and you get the most 8 year olds when? Over the weekend.

And as for what happened to General Cubbage.... I decided to sit this one out. I'm getting a bit old for fighting aliens.		2009-11-08 20:04:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

If you are concerned about people not figuring out the first room, might I suggest a blatantly obvious spotlight onto the grab switch...?

Silly Cool Pages...

Thanks for the suggestion compher, but I'm leaving it as is. I couldnt care about ratings to be honest. Everyone here has liked it, and that whats counts to me now. I never thought it would be rated well, because of the time I published and the fact is slower paced than the rest at the start, which will (and has) put people off.


ah, thanks. epic storyline btw o_o

ill go back and give it

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

Thanks for re-rating


Aargh, i can't find that last coin for the life of me!

I love the efficiency of those first couple of puzzle rooms, there's a wealth of things to do you've packed in there, its fantastic level design. The first time i played, i spent a good 20 minutes just in those couple of sections working out what could be pulled, shot, jumped on. From a design PoV, personally i prefer this way of design to the more lengthy variations of some of your other puzzlers, it's much more compact and focussed here and less overwhelming as a result. Really ace work.

Loved the shift up a gear into the action segment too, it really feels like its naturally building up to something. Lots of great explosions and FX to gawp at, a great contrast to the more cerebral first half. Its my favourite in the series so far. And you've made a lot of the text optional, a nice user-friendly consideration for the more impatient out there.

My only nit-pick is WHAT'S HAPPENED TO GENERAL CUBBAGE!??! ; )

3 stars tho??? (sigh)

Thanks Jules, the level spans a good deal of the playing area, compacting it was pure luck at the start thankfully. Pleased you liked the design and ideas though, it seems you're among a very few who did (outside of the forums of course).

The last half took the least amount of time to make actually, it ate the thermo I had left. The next level is completely based around the ideas I had in the section. And General Cubbage returns


I think 3 stars is a badge of honor nowadays.... this level now stands in the pantheon next to False Idols III, 218, and Unhearted: Drakes Misfortune. 3 stars means 8 year olds are confused by it.... and you get the most 8 year olds when? Over the weekend.

And as for what happened to General Cubbage.... I decided to sit this one out. I'm getting a bit old for fighting aliens.

Yeah, like I said to compher cub, i don't really care to be honest. I've only republished three times for minor changes in the hope it would hover around the lower pages. Next time I finish up on a weekend I'll resist the urge and excitement and publish after the weekend has passed.

And you can't retire yet, theres more to come from you

Thanks for the comments everyone.		2009-11-08 20:37:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Well.. I have played this several times now.

Love it!! Great addition to the series. Not only from the storyline, but giving us another fun level to search for secrets. GEEESH you hide that stuff well!!! I think I'm still missing one or maybe it was two, so I will be returning several more times!!

Great great level... loved all the intricate gruntosUK signature platforming as well as the explosions on the monorail on the way to claim the jump ship. Great lighting too!!!

Few super minor minor nit picks.. The first round blue key. Woulda been nice if it either gone away like the Go cube in the prior series, or locked in place.

The shooting martian troopers I think woulda been fun if they hovered a bit up and down or back and forth, especially on the initial long shots at them.

Not sure if you fixed it yet, but last time I played I still saw a sensor or two.

..and I really had to dig deep to even have anything to mention!!

Congrats!! and here are some stars as well as a heart for all your efforts!!

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

Wish I could give more!! However, I will be visiting with an alternate account soon. 		2009-11-08 21:28:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Can't think of anything that was wrong really. Was it shorter than the others in the series? Couldn't tell if I was getting better (your levels normally take me forever) or if it was easier/shorter.

Was really good though. Loved the ancient civilisation stuff at the start.		2009-11-08 21:40:00

Author:
Matt 82
Posts: 1096

It was defo shorter. There was little to no backtracking in this one, outside of being in the same room. I'd guess it has the same sized play area, but you only run through an area once. Am I close, Grant?2009-11-08 21:48:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Rather than a spotlight you could sticker it in a bright obnoxious color too..... darn cool page kids, always making creators cater to the lowest common denmenator.... *grumble* wait? was that out loud? Sorry, moment of cranky


btw, interesting placement choice for the secrets counter. I think I can guess why it's there and not at the end but seemed a strange choice. I was expecing the scoreboard when I saw it.		2009-11-09 00:50:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

@jwwphotos


Well.. I have played this several times now.

Love it!! Great addition to the series. Not only from the storyline, but giving us another fun level to search for secrets. GEEESH you hide that stuff well!!! I think I'm still missing one or maybe it was two, so I will be returning several more times!!


Thanks for the play jww. Secrets are always good to increase plays, I must get at least half the plays needed for a good placement on Cool Levels just off comphermc.


Great great level... loved all the intricate gruntosUK signature platforming as well as the explosions on the monorail on the way to claim the jump ship. Great lighting too!!!

I'm pleased the last section is getting good comments, I'm very proud of it actually, and still playing it myself, even after all the testing I did on it.


Few super minor minor nit picks.. The first round blue key. Woulda been nice if it either gone away like the Go cube in the prior series, or locked in place.

Good point, I missed that, I'll fix it up.


The shooting martian troopers I think woulda been fun if they hovered a bit up and down or back and forth, especially on the initial long shots at them.


Yeah this point is good one to. They dont have much movement, other than them kneeling once they reach the floor. I'll be sure to add more varietys and movement to them in part 5 (if I hav'nt already ).


Not sure if you fixed it yet, but last time I played I still saw a sensor or two.

Nope, they are probably still there, I keep missing one prox towards the end everytime, I always forget about it.


..and I really had to dig deep to even have anything to mention!!

Congrats!! and here are some stars as well as a heart for all your efforts!!

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

Wish I could give more!! However, I will be visiting with an alternate account soon.

Thanks for the comments. I think its a little late to affect the rating now, but thanks for the extra heart .

@Matt82 and comphermc


Can't think of anything that was wrong really. Was it shorter than the others in the series? Couldn't tell if I was getting better (your levels normally take me forever) or if it was easier/shorter.

Was really good though. Loved the ancient civilisation stuff at the start.


It was defo shorter. There was little to no backtracking in this one, outside of being in the same room. I'd guess it has the same sized play area, but you only run through an area once. Am I close, Grant?

Thanks for the comments Matt.

Yeah its shorter Matt and compher. The backtracking generally adds a lot of play to the levels, and seeing as theres basically none (compared to usual) in this level it seems shorter. Plus the final monorail section ate half of the thermo. Theres actually a load of stuff going on off screen, more explosions for example for a meatier sound effect.

The play area is actually a LOT bigger, it runs from the bottom to the top, and probably a little more than 3/4's of the width (I used the monster cave background and it reaches the crystals on the far right). So yes, you're correct compher.

@Morgana


Rather than a spotlight you could sticker it in a bright obnoxious color too..... darn cool page kids, always making creators cater to the lowest common denmenator.... *grumble* wait? was that out loud? Sorry, moment of cranky

I'm leaving it as is Morgana. Knackers to them!! Like the General said above, its a badge of honour. And its their problem if they can't think their past the start to play, what I think, is the best action sequence I've done. So "pah" to them and their impatient, one star rating addicted little fingers.


btw, interesting placement choice for the secrets counter. I think I can guess why it's there and not at the end but seemed a strange choice. I was expecing the scoreboard when I saw it.

That was by choice placing the secret counter where it was. In all my other levels its right by the scoreboard. So I thought by placing it there people would be expecting the end, and it all breaks loose with the mayhem just after. Plus I hid a couple on the train, and the explosions blew them everywhere, thats why some are rather cramped in that certain place

Thanks again for the comments. My Modern Warfare 2 hasn't turned up this morning so I'm working on part 5 at some point 		2009-11-09 10:08:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

It's a great level but I played it with Qugz and we had problems a couple of times but I'd rather play it with you and actually show you because I can't explain it without looking at it. On one electrified section Qugz used the paintinator and shot me up in the air to allow me to pass the electricity (thanks for the tip Danny from MM..mentioned in the sackcast interview)2009-11-09 16:19:00

Author:
BasketSnake
Posts: 2391

Dude you know I love it, there's no point in telling that to you
:star::star::star::star::star: & heart

But sqirtels you for not telling me that of Logitech (front page news, sing in your level)		2009-11-11 19:03:00

Author:
blizzard_cool
Posts: 752

*sigh*

...I guessing that dumb kids have been biting you on the ***, haven't they? Three stars...God, I hate the LBP Community.		2009-11-11 19:05:00

Author:
KoRnDawwg
Posts: 1424

I've been on a tour lately of the master's of lbp level making. Mainly for selfish reasons... I wanted to learn and be inspired by what and how they do what the do.

This level is a prime example of masterhood. Its obvious great attention to detail was put into this level. It's filled with some really neet original puzzles that incorportate logic gates and really cause you to think in order to solve them. And as ussual in GrantosUK's levels, there is a great storyline.

As I play alot of these levels a recurring question keeps coming to mind... "how do they put so much excellent content into their levels with the limitted thermo space?" This is an issue I have been running into with my levels. I'm always running into thermo issues before I've finished making the level. I have much to learn.		2009-11-23 15:39:00

Author:
enodrawkcab
Posts: 238


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