Archive: 23 posts

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City on the Sea by PSN: Teebonesy You knew it was coming with water: Titanic levels. Although, strictly speaking this is kind of a "Teebonesy" twist on a Titanic level. It's strange, moody, and ridiculous all at once. This was an INTENSE labor of love from day 1 in the beta. It took forever, it ran well beyond the limits of the thermometer, and has resulted in my having to strip down certain areas. So you'll be treated to hyper-detailed segments and almost bare segments. At one point in the beta, this literally overheated after being published, and the level became unplayable. It's an epic as far as my levels go, long and tricky, and right now I'm at about 1/5th completion ratio out of the few hundred plays I've gotten. Hopefully some people stick with it, because some of the coolest stuff is probably at the end. Onto the goods: It's an autumn evening in the city, and there's something in the wind... http://imgur.com/hhqbT.jpg Leaving the city behind for for the big blue watery road: http://imgur.com/h9aEM.jpg The Captain ponders the fate of his ship. http://imgur.com/uGrXn.jpg The bustle of the wealthy at the Grand Stair (and will Mm PLEASE give us a "crowd rabble" sound already??) http://imgur.com/uHeOV.jpg As dusk sets in on the ocean liner, the chefs are in panic-mode! http://imgur.com/KeahC.jpg The evening's guests, it seems, are a little high-maintenance... http://imgur.com/rpdDm.jpg Here's a heart-warming scene from the lower decks! http://imgur.com/6SvyB.jpg But, as you might have guessed, this is a WATER level, so things don't go all according to plan on this voyage. http://imgur.com/hXUYp.jpg (please note that I've been dealing with some weird glitches with the above-pictured segment. If things don't seem to be working properly for you, you should probably still be able to swim where you need to swim.) http://imgur.com/WY5bD.jpg

2009-12-25 22:26:00 Author: Teebonesy Posts: 1937

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The story, the production, the tone, the visuals, the scenery, the details, the characters, the humor, the gameplay ideas.... ...Wow, everything is just perfect!!! The second part is my favorite (when we enter the boat) You truly have a unique style and really know how to use it! I'm a little speechless right now so :star::star::star::star::star: + HEARTED

2009-12-26 05:49:00 Author: dajdaj03 Posts: 1486

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Amazing as always. It does seem a little odd how after you do the pipe puzzle how there's several different ways to choose from, but only one of them has something to do in it (the axe to chop obstacles out of the way) But anywho, I did a recording! Happy Holidays! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzOzw0Klq80

2009-12-26 07:33:00 Author: JKthree Posts: 1125

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This was my favorite of your water levels, it was long, fun, and challenging! Don't forget beautiful! Five stars and a heart!

2009-12-26 15:37:00 Author: piggabling Posts: 2979

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O.M.G. :eek: Teeb, this level is one of my favoritest levels of all time, I was completely floored by what you've done here. The custom characters, hilarious text, attention to every single detail, the mechanics, the realism and irony, brilliant sense of humor throughout...oh my, I can't even construct a proper sentence to begin to describe how I feel about this level. I still remember when I first played this level and how I was completely awestruck by it, and each time I play it, I feel the same way. *Cue Madonna song* Your levels are unique and definitely have a Teebonesy flavor to them. And it is called deliciousness. Savored every moment of it, and thank the heavens, you were able to share this with the larger LBP community. Top stuff indeed.

2009-12-26 20:40:00 Author: ScoutsBoo Posts: 63

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Thanks so much for the support! This level was so unbelievably, UNBELIEVABLY hard on me, that hearing this stuff is more than heart-warming. Sweet, sweet medicine is what it is. It's not being quite so well-received in the broader LBP community - I think it has the lowest completion ratio so far out of all of my levels. I think last I checked, roughly 1/6th of plays were actual completions? Ouch. I even included a full-on dinner scene spoiler in the description. I like being able to track stats, but now that I can see how my levels are actually doing, it's a wrench to the teeth, each one. Anyway, I might end up deleting/republishing all of my water levels later down the road, as none of them seem to have "taken" on this go (likely drowning in the water level sea). I've republished a couple of times a day, but it's been almost a week, and only around 200 plays. I'll have to wait and see. I'm sure some great creators will tackle the Titanic at some point down the road, and I can't wait to see how they come out. My lady kept prodding me during this one to split it into 2 levels, with the entire ship segment being its own separate thing, leaving me room to decorate more and not deal with such a thermometer headache. But seeing as I'm horribly stubborn, I couldn't carve up my baby. Also, I just remembered this, but before I had published this, and considering it was at the time in closed water beta, I discussed how I did some of the character design in a help thread (without mentioning what level it was from). Here's a link to my post about my approach to one of the characters in the dinner scene (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=p=310352&highlight=pompous#post310352).

2009-12-28 09:31:00 Author: Teebonesy Posts: 1937

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Teebonesy! Omg, I was laughing so hard I almost choked on my spit! I wonder what hull mites taste like in stew? Ha! Excellent visuals. The beginning underwater scene with the cars, train, etc got a "WOW" from me at first glance. Looked awesome underwater. And I loved your style of re-creating the "Ship of Dreams" from the Titanic. The famous staircase was particularly striking to me. And let's not forget the characters. What a hoot. The dialogue kept me entranced and wanting to hear more. Witty. Clever. And very funny. My only hang up was towards the end. I couldn't really figure my way to the surface and had to drown several times. Maybe just me but perhaps a clear path out to safety? All in all, fantastic level. Everyone go play it, you won't be sorry you did.

2009-12-30 07:59:00 Author: SHENOA77 Posts: 184

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this is the beta level i was talking about in the best level ever thread

2009-12-30 23:57:00 Author: theswweet Posts: 2468

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I cannot wait to play this level the minute I get the chance. It looks awesome. I'll be back! Icey

2009-12-31 11:23:00 Author: IceMaiden Posts: 1057

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Teebonesy! Omg, I was laughing so hard I almost choked on my spit! I wonder what hull mites taste like in stew? Ha! Excellent visuals. The beginning underwater scene with the cars, train, etc got a "WOW" from me at first glance. Looked awesome underwater. And I loved your style of re-creating the "Ship of Dreams" from the Titanic. The famous staircase was particularly striking to me. And let's not forget the characters. What a hoot. The dialogue kept me entranced and wanting to hear more. Witty. Clever. And very funny. My only hang up was towards the end. I couldn't really figure my way to the surface and had to drown several times. Maybe just me but perhaps a clear path out to safety? All in all, fantastic level. Everyone go play it, you won't be sorry you did. Thanks so much! the problem toward the end, was that at the end of the ship segment, or the end of the dream segment? I've had some issues with the dream segment getting a bit hung up where you're supposed to "wake up". The ship segment I've had some unfortunate issues with the pipe-moving puzzle not activating correctly. Otherwise it's mostly a matter of re-tracing your steps but in crazy underwater mode. I myself have had some annoyances getting through the first room of the sinking ship, the engine room. It's something i'd like to fix up, make a bit clearer and easier at some point.

2009-12-31 20:25:00 Author: Teebonesy Posts: 1937

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Had a great time playing your level Teebonesy. I loved the visual style of the stage and the characters. The use of water was fantastic, as were the puzzles. I had a great feeling of real panic when I was trying to get out of the ship! I felt just like Rose! Unfortunately I didn't have a Jack to help me! I also was signed out of the Playstation network just as I was about to reach the scoreboard, boo hiss! Therefore my name won't appear on it but I assure you, I got the highest score! Great work, well done!

2010-01-01 20:08:00 Author: IceMaiden Posts: 1057

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Ok, so I played this and the rest of your levels in the level showcase and I have come to the conclusion that you are the Tim Burton of lbp. I can truly say if its one of your levels I know I won't be disappointed. Its beyond me how you get soooo much quality content in a level. I was gadding around with another player tonight and we hit this level up first. They were so impressed I took them on a tour of your other levels as well. These levels should be included in any portfolio you have for artistic work you have done. I am amazed, impressed and in awe of your level building skills. Any chance you can put up a tutorial on how you go about making your stickers and characters?

2010-01-02 05:28:00 Author: enodrawkcab Posts: 238

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Any chance you can put up a tutorial on how you go about making your stickers and characters? Thanks for the kind words! I'd love to do a tutorial on custom stickering actually, as I totally fell in love with it doing Phantom Town and Banana Peeler. Ideally I'd like to do it in video form, but as I'm terrible at organizing such things and keeping motivated, it's a crapshoot whether or not I'll actually get it done or not. The basic way I do it is to create the object I want, and I go all-out with materials and stickers and corners. I let loose and don't worry at all about the thermomter, which feels lovely. Then I light it and take a screenshot, and use that to sticker a flat piece of cardboard, and then delete the original object. I didn't do this much in this level particularly, but it's something I do commonly now, and if I went back I would definitely use this to save on some thermometer space in this level, because god knows it desperately needs it.

2010-01-04 07:22:00 Author: Teebonesy Posts: 1937

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Another visually stunning level. Your sheer artistry and originality are evident throughout. I loved all the story details too - the wackiness and the wit. Like others, though, I found the way out after the pipe puzzle a little confusing as it seemed possible to get up to the scoreboard very quickly ? which made me sure I must have missed a whole chunk of the level somehow. Great fun to play, though. I?m sure I?ll be back to explore some more. BTW ? it looks as if in your version of the Titanic story the ship started from New York and not Southampton?lol! Anyway, breathtaking stuff, thank you.

2010-01-05 13:38:00 Author: shropshirelass Posts: 1455

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Wow... seriously xD The visuals are amazing! The bar scene, the city backdrop, small details like hats left floating with other debris. Best of all the dream at the beginning with the floating wreckage and the slanted street underwater - and yes i got the twist Not to mention the awesome characters and dialogue. Just one thing i thought you could improve though if the thermo lets you. In a few places i had no idea what i was supposed to be doing, it felt as though some things would be better if they were just a little bigger and some signals like lights indicating doors opening happened off-screen. That aside though it was still an amazing level 5 stars + heart

2010-01-05 16:03:00 Author: Dexiro Posts: 2100

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I love this level - but you know that already. The depth of the visuals which is your signature as far as I'm concerned, is just beautiful. So much detail, so much going on - It's hard to focus on one thing sometimes it's just so lush! The city is great with all the lights and layers. Feels crowded and urban very nice vibe you've achieved here. The car is hilarious - I could watch that thing drive all day. So quirky it instantly lifts the darker city vibe and lightens the tone of the level. The ship is wonderful! So many places to explore and such a diverse sense of style as you make your way through. Love the social commentary you've inserted into your puzzles and characters. Very funny and satirical at times it's a level that works on a fun level and deeper if you really stop and think about what your showing and saying. I love that. I think your a thinking persons level designer. Oh sure they're gorgeous but you have deeper meanings in your work that I love working through - almost like reading a good book or seeing a film that works as a metaphor for bigger issues. It's a rarity in LBP and I do so love your work for that. 5 stars - hearted and I'm so happy you brought this out of the beta Thanks for the amazing experience.

2010-01-05 16:41:00 Author: Morgana25 Posts: 5983

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BTW ? it looks as if in your version of the Titanic story the ship started from New York and not Southampton?lol! I'd agree with you there! It's kind of a hodgepodge of a level, so I purposefully never refer to the name of the ship, nor do I include it in the title of the level, or even any kind of parody of it. No "Sacktanic" or some such here. Just one thing i thought you could improve though if the thermo lets you. In a few places i had no idea what i was supposed to be doing, it felt as though some things would be better if they were just a little bigger and some signals like lights indicating doors opening happened off-screen. Thanks Dexiro! Yeah, this level does have some player-objective issues. Definitely a result of my lack of having other people play-test. In a way I avoid it because I did it once with this level and concluded that it was in no shape to be released in any form. I couldn't scrap the whole thing because I'd never have started it over - the pain was too great. So instead I stuck it on the shelf and didn't touch it for a month and a half. The truth is, with this level in particular, it's such a complex mess at times, that if I delve even slightly into it, I find myself a hair's breadth from deleting the whole thing forever. It's specific to this level - the thermometer's full to bursting, but that's not the main problem. The bigger issue is how much strife I went through in building it. Tearing my hair out, cursing the game, nearly swearing off LBP forever. I've never had a more intense time with a videogame than I had building this freaking level. It was agony. If I could go back and do it again, I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole! That being said, I did re-do the entire city segment twice, including the layer glitch backgrounds. I actually had a pretty fun time doing that stuff - that's in my comfort zone. But the ship stuff, the room-emitting logic, the sinking sequence... This stuff was far outside of my comfort zone, and proved itself to be way more complicated than I anticipated. It seemed to offset itself and move on its own, again and again and again, rendering my emitter placement useless over and over. No matter what I did, my room emittings would fail, and my ship would gradually become more and more tilted. I discovered as I tried to build using the grid that the entire ship became slanted in the water, as if it was slowly ACTUALLY sinking. At one point it ceased to sink on command, resulting in a stunted tilt, massive "cracking" sounds, and all I had to do was select the ship and then de-select to cause it to continue (a horrible sound of the world breaking in twain resulted from this weird maneuver). I had no idea where the problem was. I thought I might have glitched it somehow. Eventually I discovered it. A miniscule, microscopic, invisible square of dark matter, flat no less, attached to the captain, on the bow of the ship. At the very tip. As if he were trying to keep the thing from sinking. I WANT it to sink, you bearded jerk! It's DESTINED TO SINK! Very funny and satirical at times it's a level that works on a fun level and deeper if you really stop and think about what your showing and saying. I love that. I think your a thinking persons level designer. Oh sure they're gorgeous but you have deeper meanings in your work that I love working through - almost like reading a good book or seeing a film that works as a metaphor for bigger issues. It's a rarity in LBP and I do so love your work for that. Thanks so much, Morgana! I find myself unable to resist these urges as I make levels. I don't think I've done a level without sticking a half dozen cynical jokes in. One of my favorite comments was on my Christmas level: "Merry mild misanthropy to all!" That about covers it. Although... my Cthulhu level may just be free of all that... I still have to finish that level though, so perhaps when that time comes I'll end up giving in at some point. At the moment it's really just a glorified creature showcase, but somehow it's my favorite level to play out of everything I've made. Weird how that works. I've come to a realization lately. City on the Sea has the most gameplay of any level I've done - but to be honest a lot of this was somewhat shoe-horned. I just put it in so that there WOULD be some gameplay, I tried to include a bit of everything - exploration, puzzling, platforming, collecting. But it may just be the last time you see much real gameplay in a level from me. Phantom Town represents much closer to what I think I want to go for in the future. Some free-form exploration might be the extent of the gameplay, but otherwise I just want to create scenes. I realized that's what I like to get out of create mode. Just building scenes. A setting, an image, a mood, and maybe a character all squeezed together. I've been on a bit of a hiatus from LBP, chipping away at this stack of games I've accrued without playing. But I definitely want to get back in and play your new stuff, and Grant's, and Wex's, and all the insane new levels that I'm missing out on right now. Sit back and soak in some expert LBP craft without any of Create Mode's distinctive tortures? Delicious.

2010-01-09 08:43:00 Author: Teebonesy Posts: 1937

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You probably know I can't play this, yet... but, man, I just watched the video of it by JHKThree. I am gobsmacked... holy something ish. What a work of art. It reminds me of The Movies of course, but also of my favorite levels ever... the sackboy's inferno series by sighwhatever... but just, more Burton, more noir, more grand, more Titanic. This is the kind of visual and thematic art, and playstyle I would aspire to, and I'm almost jealous I couldn't have pulled something like this off myself in such a stylish and unique way. There's no pretentiousness to it though... it's amazing lol Even though I spoiled the whole thing, I'll definitely play it down the line. Anyway, I just had to find this thread and respond, because I was really impressed, and I was always the most into levels that pushed the envelope.

2010-01-26 15:57:00 Author: Unknown User

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Its even better first hand ninja, MM were all over this level at the fan meet, with good reason. Everything is so well done and detailed its mind blowing.

2010-01-26 16:03:00 Author: GruntosUK Posts: 1754

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Best quote in all of lbp: "I ate someone's gold!". Hahahaha. Hilarious, beautiful, and very clever level.

2010-01-26 22:10:00 Author: Incinerator22 Posts: 3251

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Great level. I thought your gametag looked familiar. I thought your level was pretty cool.

2010-02-05 00:51:00 Author: M_R_Enigma Posts: 161

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It was good, but I just didn't... feel it. There were some parts I really liked (the car was hilarious: I wanted to keep driving it) and I have to agree with everybody that the overall quality was exceptional, but it just didn't click with me for some reason. Maybe it's just a matter of taste (I don't find that era appealing at all, so maybe that's it). I do like some of your other work, though: I particularly enjoyed "The Movies." "I don't get what the big deal was. It was two seconds long and kept repeating." "Does anybody else think this movie is about the war in Isaq?" (I never got the Isaq thing until I typed it just now: I-sack. That's kind of clever). At the beginning, in the dream sequence, there's too much going on and it makes the game lag. It's nice looking, but given the choice between lag and toned down visuals, I'd take the toned down visuals.

2010-02-05 04:43:00 Author: Sehven Posts: 2188

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At the beginning, in the dream sequence, there's too much going on and it makes the game lag. It's nice looking, but given the choice between lag and toned down visuals, I'd take the toned down visuals. You know, I never realized how bad it was until I played the level online with someone else. Holy crap. I mean, every time I play it locally, in one player on my own system, there's only the slightest slowdown in that sequence, it doesn't "chug", it's just a slight hitching. But online, it was just absolutely insane. By the time I realized it, it was really too late. I actually DID tone it down quite a bit from the original. Deleted tons of stuff in the undersea backgrounds, and lightened up the load of objects and details in the area, but I had to pick a line where I stopped paring away. I have a tough relationship with this level. I can't say I ever had a strong vision for the thing overall. I wanted to do a sinking-ship titanic-style gag on a really, really big scale. I wanted to go ambitious. From there I did my thing and added my style on top of it and it was obviously a constant struggle to fit it all in and get it working. But from the city to the dream sequence to the ship itself, it's a bit disjointed and far more varied than my other stuff. Contrast this with The Movies, which I had a very clear picture for as an overall THING, and which presents a very straight-forward world. I am gobsmacked... holy something ish. What a work of art. It reminds me of The Movies of course, but also of my favorite levels ever... the sackboy's inferno series by sighwhatever... but just, more Burton, more noir, more grand, more Titanic. I don't have to say that that means a whole lot coming from you. I really appreciate the good words. Gaw, this level's my problem child. 3 stars and more than a few negative tags. the finish/play ratio is abominable (1/10 I think, maybe worse). I just cringe whenever I put the game on and "check my levels". So hearing this stuff makes it all completely worthwhile. It really does. Makes the dark days when I was in the murky abyss sinking this ship for the ten-millionth time totally worth it.

2010-02-10 02:07:00 Author: Teebonesy Posts: 1937

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