Archive: 29 posts

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Map: The Garden of Golden Apples PSN ID: Lleonard This is my third level, following "The Frozen Kingdom of Skadi" and "The Harp of Seasons". I'm quite proud of it. After retrieving the Bow of Lir and the Harp of Dagda, this time Sack Raider aims for a more ambitious target: the Golden Apples that give immortality. They supposedly grow in a long lost and forgotten Garden. You must find a Golden Apple, but it won't be easy because the Garden is well hidden beyond a dangerous sewer and guarded by a giant snake. The creation of "The Garden of Golden Apples" took me two weeks. I think it is somewhat harder than my previous levels, but I hope everyone enjoys it anyway. As usual, I tried to put special care in the scenery and decorations. I made my best to create beautiful environments, and I'm looking forward to the feedback about them: the Aqueduct, the Sewer, the Garden and the Palace. The gameplay, like my previous levels, is centered on puzzles, exploration and platforming. As a side note, this level includes a small sample of the extra contents of the LBP Creator's Edition: the background of the first section, the material used for the walls of the sewer and the music of the last location. (This weekend, I'll try to make a quick & simple showcase level of the new contents.) PS: During the process of creating "The Garden of Golden Apples", I didn't experience a single bug or glitch... until today, when I was doing the final touches. Now some of the switches may look disjointed, but they all work. I corrected as many of them as I could, but the thermometer was already at 100% and because of that, some of them couldn't be replaced.

2009-12-26 02:00:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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I have already left feedback elsewhere, but I just wanted to say that it is excellent, and I think that it has the best puzzles and scenery of any of your levels so far. I absolutely loved it. 5 Stars and Hearted

2009-12-26 04:16:00 Author: amazingflyingpoo Posts: 1515

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As usual, I tried to put special care in the scenery and decorations. I made my best to create beautiful environments, and I'm looking forward to the feedback about them: the Aqueduct, the Sewer, the Garden and the Palace. The gameplay, like my previous levels, is centered on puzzles, exploration and platforming. Hey Lleonard, That was by far the toughest and funnest platforming I have experienced thus far on the PSP. I really liked how the platforming was the actual puzzles themselves: I found myself thinking where to jump next most of the time, particularly in the Garden/Palace sections. Your attention to scenery really paid off, the Sewer and Garden were convincing, although the aqueducts and palace sections, although beautiful, weren't as apparent compared to the other sections, perhaps because of too much overlapping with foliage in the palace and the lack of emphasis on water of the aqueducts (so that was the blue stuff...). But the level was still breath-taking: the vines were divine, the colors and music in the garden were vibrant, and I love the idea of interacting with the scenery as part of the platforming like grabbing on the bird and leaves. I know your thermo was maxed out, but I still have some suggestions for improvements. I had no idea what the first switch inside the sewer did...did I miss a magic mouth? And I felt the garden needed more checkpoints and arrows. I died when falling on the fuschia lake, and respawned back at the sewer and sighed. Also, I figured out the platforming in the garden, but I can imagine people who would get confused and frustrated. Anyways, that was one big, challenging but enjoyable platforming puzzler, and a visual masterpiece like your other levels. :star::star::star::star::star: and hearted. Wrapping my apple with goldleaf, jeffcu28

2009-12-26 06:17:00 Author: jeffcu28 Posts: 648

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Hi Jeffcu, as always, thank you for such a detailed review! The first switch at the sewers makes the sponge to the leftgo down, so you can safely travel downstairs. The camera angle shows it, but I didn't realize that if you just got a bubble prize, the score board will overlap with the sponge. Bad on my part, a magic mouth would have helped but now I can't put it, the thermo is maxed out. As for the checkpoints in the garden, there WAS one between the waterfalls, but now that you mention it, I don't know where it went. As with the magic mouth, the Editor won't let me put another checkpoint. I'm sorry about those flaws.

2009-12-26 10:58:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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For some reason, the checkpoint of the waterfalls is behind the thin layer that I use as background of the Garden, I couldn't move it or replace it without losing the thin layer. I tried to move the second checkpoint of the Garden next to the waterfalls, it would be harder but at least you wouldn't go back to the Sewers if you died: no luck, it went behind the thin layer too, so I had to discard that idea. And finally, I tried to at least edit the camera angle of the first switch of the Sewers, but then my PSP freezed and now the data of this level is corrupt, I can't load it. Really annoying, but I'm lucky because everything else works, I almost had a heart attack thinking that I had lost my progress in the Story Mode. So that's it! The published version has to be the final version of the level. I'm very sorry for the unintended flaws. Next time I will be really careful not to reach the max thermo, and also have backup data of my levels. I hope you enjoy the level despite all that and appreciate the effort and many hours I spent on it.

2009-12-26 11:41:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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Lleonard Pler, thanks for new great level. I played it with big interest. Puzzles are very logical and solution can be found quite simple. Only one comment: level can me quite difficult for beginners - player must know some features of platform game and LBP too. maybe there are must be more tips during gameplay. it is only my IMHO. It is a pity that you loose original level data. I make backup every time before open creator's mode (because one time I already loose my data) And thanks again for using new materials!

2009-12-28 12:30:00 Author: Domik12 Posts: 838

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I always get excited when I play a level by one of my favourite creators - and as LBP PSP creators go you're right up the top with the best of them. So naturally I was expecting big things from you.....but nothing as big as this! I can see the thermo must be maxed out because of the great amount of corners and length of the level in general. Wow though, the gameplay within the level is first class and I didn't run in to any problems whilst playing it. Maybe a couple of times I was wishing for a checkpoint but that really didn't matter greatly. It was just the little things that I really liked, like a single brick on the floor or a putruding rock being snake-shaped. It made it feel more realistic and I loved that about it. So the usual 5 stars and a heart was in order

2009-12-28 12:59:00 Author: Coxy224 Posts: 2645

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I loved the scenery and the puzzles and platforming were awesome. I also loved getting to see the creators edition stuff in action. 5 Stars and hart

2009-12-28 15:13:00 Author: Unknown User

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Only one comment: level can me quite difficult for beginners - player must know some features of platform game and LBP too. maybe there are must be more tips during gameplay. it is only my IMHO. Yes, more people commented about that and you all are right, some features of the level (like crossing through ceilings made of sponge) may be obscure for new players. In future levels, I may put a message explaining the technique before the first obstacle of that kind. Anyway, thank you all for playing and commenting. I was worried/curious about the reception. I think that my next level will be for the PS3, though, because I want to play around with the new water feature and I have an idea for that kind of level. But after that, I will come back to the PSP, to be honest I'm more comfortable with its editor.

2009-12-28 16:47:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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I think that my next level will be for the PS3, though, because I want to play around with the new water feature and I have an idea for that kind of level. But after that, I will come back to the PSP, to be honest I'm more comfortable with its editor. I'll keep my eyes peeled for that PS3 level! Bugs aside, I totally agree with being more comfortable with PSP create. The layers are more manageable, and I love the idea of static/dynamic settings. On the PS3, you must glue everything together and find ways to hide dark matter...sigh. Anyways, can't wait to play more of your levels, and I'll be checking out the creator's edition showcase level later on. Best, jeffcu28

2009-12-28 16:56:00 Author: jeffcu28 Posts: 648

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Bugs aside, I totally agree with being more comfortable with PSP create. The layers are more manageable, and I love the idea of static/dynamic settings. On the PS3, you must glue everything together and find ways to hide dark matter...sigh. Yes, having one less layer to worry about is better for me, it's easier to design levels and make them feel "full". And setting static/dynamic materials is much better than having to glue everything together (this is dangerous because it may unglue without notice and your level falls apart).

2009-12-28 17:23:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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Yes, everyone, do believe the hype. Lleonard is one of LBP PSP's premier creators, and this latest creation is absolutely superb. Pure platform adventure goodness from start to finish with some devilish puzzles and tricky-but-manageable level navigating. This level quite clearly fits in with your previous two PSP entries. It feels very familiar in an "ah, another one of these!" type of way, but somehow it has its own unique look and feel. You really have a knack for making ruins look, well, ruined. Everything looks old and decayed, yet still as deadly as ever in an awesome Raiders of the Lost Ark kind of way. The jungle section is, as expected, beautiful. As much as I want to say it's the jewel in the center of your level, I really enjoyed the look of the sewer section as well. The running sewage water effects are especially good. I had more fun with this level than your previous two, which is really saying something. Your puzzle design is fantastic, and you make excellent use of layers. For what it's worth, this level is difficult. That's either good or bad depending on who you are, but I loved it. I tend not to like tricky levels, but this is an exception because it's so well designed. I got stumped a few times, but eventually got myself into the mindset of the level and progressed nicely. You really need to keep your eyes peeled when you're making your way through this masterpiece. Many players will no doubt lose their way and some I'm sure will never finish. For my money, though, it's great fun for experienced LBP'ers and is a nice challenge for all. Your checkpoint spacing seemed fine to me, even considering the area with the waterfall, so I wouldn't sweat that too much. Some of the switches are disjointed, as you already mentioned, but not by much. They all work fine and don't detract from the level in any way as far as I'm concerned. The one area I got stuck in was the pump room in the sewers. I fooled around in there for quite a long time on my first playthrough before restarting the level and trying again. I determined that there were no other alternate routes, so I just kept at it. On both plays I immediately got the "you hear water running in the distance" message but the nearby pit did not fill up. I moved the pump back and forth several times on both plays, but only on the second play did I manage to fill up the pit. I probably toggled the pump a half a dozen times before I got the desired result - was this intended or do you just need to move it once? Regardless of this one small issue, this is a fantastic level that deserves the highest praise. If this doesn't make it into the featured levels page, I'll eat my shoe. 5 stars and hearted. Creator hearted already, no soup for you!

2009-12-28 18:30:00 Author: Taffey Posts: 3187

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From what I've played so far it is probably my favourite psp level to date. However, I'm stuck! It is this part: http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/lleonard.jpg The jump from where I am now, to the platform above, I just cannot make. It is leading me to think that it isn't the way to go but after looking around, that is the only thing that I can see...from what I've worked out you travel on the underside of the bird to that part...then go back across on top of it? Now, I spent a good 10 minutes on that one jump and I just can't get anywhere close to making it, I feel pretty stupid considering everyone else has had no problem, but I'm not sure whether it is my gaming as up until this point I haven't lost a single life. Apologise if I'm just going the total wrong way and this is all my fault! Truly amazing work from what I've seen so far. EDIT: Stupid me just noticed you can grab the top!! I'll leave this here so everyone can laugh at me

2009-12-28 18:54:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494

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Well, what can I say after a review like this one from Taffey! Thank you so much. I appreciate your words because you're a genius creator. I probably toggled the pump a half a dozen times before I got the desired result - was this intended or do you just need to move it once? Well, you should be able to complete the sewers only moving the left pump once, just make sure that the pump does not go up again, and that you don't use the right pump when trying to get back. To get one of the secrets on the previous room, you actually need to use both pumps more than once. From what I've played so far it is probably my favourite psp level to date. However, I'm stuck! It is this part: The jump from where I am now, to the platform above, I just cannot make. It is leading me to think that it isn't the way to go but after looking around, that is the only thing that I can see...from what I've worked out you travel on the underside of the bird to that part...then go back across on top of it? The material of the rosebush is a sponge, so you can grab the ceiling and safely cross to the above platforms, and from there to the top of the bird, yes. I'm glad to know you're liking it so far, and can't wait to read your comments after you finish it! EDIT: Hehe, you figured it out yourself. At least it will help if someone else gets stuck there (or at other places where you need to grab the ceiling, which happens a lot in this level).

2009-12-28 18:59:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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Will do another post now with some proper feedback in it This is probably the first fully 5 star worthy level I've seen. That's not to say I haven't 5 starred other levels, it's just that they're 5 stars compared to what has been published so far. This is 5 stars compared to anything that can ever be made. It's topping Cambridge's work with ease in parts. The level of detail and sticker work is staggering. The visuals are stunning throughout. It was always going to be 5 stars but early on I thought that the gameplay was a bit simple, however you balanced it perfectly with it ramping up in difficulty and complexity has the level went on. The platforming and puzzles were fantastic and are worked flawlessy. Without doubt the best level available online so far. In terms of visuals and use of stickers, I will struggle to get anywhere near this kind of quality. So far I've been keeping it relatively simple and concentrating on gameplay because I haven't thought there has been anything that spectacular yet. This however just blows everything else apart. The rating system has just been redefined

2009-12-28 19:08:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494

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Jackofcourse, you can't imagine how much this review means to me. Your Flaming Timberland levels were the first "Wow" levels that I played on the PS3 version, so I value your opinion as that of a Master. Thank you so much for your kind words.

2009-12-30 10:04:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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Hey Lleonard! I played this one a few minutes ago and can just agree with nearly everything said here. Looks nice! Tricky gameplay, which i like! (actually i had problems in the same are where jack was stuck) Nice ending (especially the priceboard ) There are really nice ideas in it and you managed it to fit them all in this wonderful level! Stars and Hearts for everything and as much as i could give!

2010-01-01 14:54:00 Author: Arrestor Posts: 363

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Just finished playing it, it's an amazing level. The visuals speak for themselves. I think every creator should strive to reach the same level of attention to detail, theme and effect. The platforming was pretty good, though fairly tough at parts as well. A few of the challenges had you scratching your noggin' for a little bit, and it was satisfying to finally figure out how to reach the next part. A very enjoyable and very beautiful level overall. :star::star::star::star::star: and hearted.

2010-01-09 17:01:00 Author: Gilgamesh Posts: 2536

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Thank you all for playing and commenting. I'm very happy with the reception of this level so far. After the letdown of the Water feature in the PS3, I think that I will come back to the PSP editor for my next level.

2010-01-09 18:45:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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After the letdown of the Water feature in the PS3, I think that I will come back to the PSP editor for my next level.Good to hear!! I'm always happy to see new PSP levels from one of my favorite creators. Oh, and sorry to get off topic briefly, but what's the letdown on the water feature? I love the level pack but haven't tried it in create mode at all. Is it buggy?

2010-01-09 18:49:00 Author: Taffey Posts: 3187

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To be honest, I haven't tried the water in create mode at all. It's just that I thought that you could use water as a material, not just as an on/off thing for the whole level. Also, I didn't like the levels on the pack (as much as I love Pirates!), they felt souless, unimaginative, grey, boring... I don't know what I was expecting, but not this thing for sure. On the other hand, the MGS level pack was amazing, thanks to its design, its variety and the multiple options that the gun offered.

2010-01-09 18:57:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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Gotcha. Fair enough - I can definitely see where you're coming from. I think water will be one of those things that will take people a while to get used to before we see quality levels. Although not totally as good as the MGS pack (which is ridiculously epic), I did enjoy the pirates pack. My favorite use of the water effect was the one with constantly rising and lowering water, like you're on the beach and waves are coming in. That's truly innovative and could only be done with a new gameplay element. However, I digress... and I'm even more off topic than I was before! Back to the Garden of Golden Apples.

2010-01-09 19:02:00 Author: Taffey Posts: 3187

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What I like best about the pirate pack is the new materials and decorations. But enough of that. Another great piece of work you've done here! Looks really good, I especially liked the ruins at the beginning, I think it's the aquaduct? And the water effects are cool, too. As mentioned before, dying and coming back to the sewers isn't very pretty, shame about that checkpoint. The platforming is a bit trickier, but not too hard, and I like how you really have to explore and search for the way forward. I don't think there's any need for arrows, somehow the direction always seemed clear to me, it's just getting there that's tricky. But while the platforming was a puzzle, the actual puzzles weren't that hard. After the Harp puzzles I was anxious for more, and in this area I felt a little disappointed. It seemed mostly a case of flipping any switch you come across. Still, it's hard to come up with good puzzles, and you raised the bar in other areas, so all in all it's a great level yet again. Looking forward to the next one!

2010-01-10 14:58:00 Author: Rogar Posts: 2284

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This is probably the best level I have ever played... I loved your earlier levels but this is just a masterpiece... Bravo! I got stuck in the same place as Jackofcourse but otherwise excellent. i cant wait for your next level hope it rocks! I really liked how you made the water, How do you do it? BTW I'm really new at this.. I'll say it again, It's a masterpiece!

2010-01-12 16:10:00 Author: Sharklord Posts: 14

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Just a little bump because "The Garden of Golden Apples" has made it into the Featured Levels section and I'm very happy to share that space with some of my favourite LBP PSP creators & levels. Also, my next project is 75% done. The setting is different from my previous levels (not ruins this time... or not the same kind of ruins, at least hehe), but as always the gameplay is centered in exploration, platforming and simple puzzles (it's my artistic bend I guess). The last section is too ambitious on paper so I don't know if I'll manage to pull it off, but I'll do my best. It's exciting to try new things. If it works, it may be fun and very Indiana Jones. Visually, I'm trying a different approach, too. I have to rely less on stickers because the level is quite big and the materials of the Creator's Edition that I'm using already consume too much thermo. I already experienced the horrors of a 100% thermo with the "Garden" level, and now I keep on checking the bar, it always goes up too much. So probably, in the end it won't be as detailed or as beautiful as previous levels, but I hope you like it anyway. When I first thought of this upcoming level, I was planning to use the Water feature of PS3, but after the letdown, I adapted it for the PSP and changed part of the scenery (a volcano instead of an abyss), it adds an interesting twist, IMHO. I hope to publish it later this week. And of course, you will be the first to know. Thanks again everyone for the reception of my three levels.

2010-01-18 11:05:00 Author: Lleonard Pler Posts: 277

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You just put a big smile on my face I'll be sure to play it as soon as you post it!

2010-01-18 11:12:00 Author: jeffcu28 Posts: 648

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Nice you made it into the featured levels!

2010-01-18 15:10:00 Author: Arrestor Posts: 363

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Awesome to hear it! I'll keep watching!

2010-01-18 17:20:00 Author: Sharklord Posts: 14

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Really great level! 5 stars and heart

2010-03-11 13:31:00 Author: himoks Posts: 734

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