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Pirates Of The Caribbean - Part 1: The Compass and Jack Sparrow

Archive: 29 posts

Pirates Of The Caribbean - Part 1: The Compass and Jack Sparrowmistervista
http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss273/specialagent_01/Pirate%20Level%201/th_PortRoyalandPOTClogo.jpgFind the legendary compass and rescue Jack from the hangman's noose.
all
A Pirates of the Caribbean based level ( obviously ) featuring lots of detailed objects, hidden prizes and score bubbles, original enemies and of course water.

Your goal in this adventure is to find the compass and rescue Jack.

This is Part 1 of a planned 3 part series made in collaboration with ghostrider135 and geddez12. They will be publishing parts 2 and 3 respectively so look out for those in the near future as they will carry on from where the previous level left off.

If you like the look of the Black Pearl in this level just wait until you see the side on version that geddez has made for part 3. It's awesome !!

Anyway here are a few pics to whet your appetite. We hope you enjoy it. Thanks.

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss273/specialagent_01/Pirate%20Level%201/PortRoyalandPOTClogo.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss273/specialagent_01/Pirate%20Level%201/Shipcannonbattle.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss273/specialagent_01/Pirate%20Level%201/TheBlackPearl-crowsnestview_.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss273/specialagent_01/Pirate%20Level%201/TheBlackPearl.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss273/specialagent_01/Pirate%20Level%201/YeOldeLeakyBoottavern.jpg

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss273/specialagent_01/Pirate%20Level%201/Blacksmiths.jpg


EDIT: I forgot to put F4F so I've just edited that in. I'll try to do as many as possible within reason ( maybe 10 or so ). If you want F4F please state in your post which level you want it on. Thanks.		2009-12-26 21:59:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

Okay I just finished playing your level (I got 1st place!) and it was very nice. The gameplay was great and the visuals were incredible. Some parts were pretty tough though, like firing the cannon at the beginning, but I got through everything with a bit of persistence. Very good level overall.

:star::star::star::star:
Tagged: Fun		2009-12-27 00:22:00

Author:
galacemiguel
Posts: 179

Thanks mate. Glad you liked it.

I was worried that cannon part was too easy because I've playtested it that many times that I very often get it 1st or 2nd shot. It's just a matter of working out the timing. I find the most difficult part getting up to the crow's nest via the flipper but maybe that's just me lol.

BTW I keep meaning to play your wipeout levels now they have water in but keep forgetting. Sorry. Next time you see me on give me a reminder.		2009-12-27 03:39:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

It's awesome !

My only gripe is that the British Soldier was hard to see through the dirty glass on the second ship.		2009-12-27 03:46:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

I'll check this out as soon as I can, may I ask when did start the level? Was it before or after the Pirates Dlc was announced?2009-12-27 07:29:00

Author:
TheFirstAvenger
Posts: 787

It's awesome !

My only gripe is that the British Soldier was hard to see through the dirty glass on the second ship.

Thanks.

The dirty glass is a result of the explosions which leave stickers everywhere but you can always remove them with your sticker removal tool.
That's what I do. If you destroy the enemy quickly enough though they usually aren't there.		2009-12-27 12:10:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

Hey Mr.Vista-

I played your level a couple times Me bucko!:arg:and bi jimini, it be lot's o' fun. It was nice visiting your Port Royal. Liked your 'up yours' british soldiers 'huzzah!'... favorite room was the smithing room with the parrot--it had that nice touch I've come to expect from your work... Getting to the crows' nest was quite diabolical for me-- since really it's just for bragging rights! (Darn forgot to take a pic, looks like you'll be getting another play.) Many bubble combos exist.

As for my title:

The first time I played, the british soldier just blew himself up lighting his cannon... Dont ask me... in the middle of his speechbubble boom! I'm not sure if I could of fired off a shot or not during cut-scene but it was weird... thought it was funny and purposeful till I really had nothing to do...

When starting off at the bottom of the pearls hull, I was unsure as to where to proceed because the first couple of times I grabbed the skull n crossbones hoist I fell back down to the base level... I guess I didn't swing wide right enough? Additionally that hoist got stuck several times off somewhere to the left as the camera seemed really tight here forcing me to restart (Not fun.) It also seemed unnaturally shakey... but maybe it was just my grip. Also, was saddened that while jumping like a sackcrack between the two ships I couldn't go for a swim. I'm sure you were just trying to keep the player focused but there really wasn't a whole lot to do and a little excursion/exploration could be a benefit to this shortish level. In fact, it's just an observation...I found it interesting this level really doesn't feature water... and could have come out at anytime.

Needless to say, appetite is whetted and I look forward to the next two installments...		2009-12-27 13:15:00

Author:
Gravel
Posts: 1308

Getting to the crows' nest was quite diabolical for me-- since really it's just for bragging rights! (Darn forgot to take a pic, looks like you'll be getting another play.) Many bubble combos exist.

Yes the crow's nest leap is very tricky but it's entirely optional and just there for the completisits

As for my title:

The first time I played, the british soldier just blew himself up lighting his cannon... Dont ask me... in the middle of his speechbubble boom! I'm not sure if I could of fired off a shot or not during cut-scene but it was weird... thought it was funny and purposeful till I really had nothing to do...

I'm guessing you must have fired off a shot and got lucky because I can't think of any way he could be blown up otherwise

When starting off at the bottom of the pearls hull, I was unsure as to where to proceed because the first couple of times I grabbed the skull n crossbones hoist I fell back down to the base level... I guess I didn't swing wide right enough? Additionally that hoist got stuck several times off somewhere to the left as the camera seemed really tight here forcing me to restart (Not fun.) It also seemed unnaturally shakey... but maybe it was just my grip. Also, was saddened that while jumping like a sackcrack between the two ships I couldn't go for a swim. I'm sure you were just trying to keep the player focused but there really wasn't a whole lot to do and a little excursion/exploration could be a benefit to this shortish level. In fact, it's just an observation...I found it interesting this level really doesn't feature water... and could have come out at anytime.

Not sure which winch was causing the trouble but yes they are very twitchy. I tried several new ones but they all do it so I think it's because they're attached to something that's moving. The lower one that appears after you destroy the enemy does have to come through a hole in the upper deck so you do have to swing right at the top to avoid dropping down again. No way to avoid that I'm afraid. You also have to wait for the upper winch coming down due to the movement of the ship. Again I can't think of a way to avoid this and still have it go high enough.

As for swimming between the ships I couldn't allow that as you could just swim under the ship and avoid going over the top where the redcoats are.

There are a couple of reasons for exploring underwater ( hint! ) and I would have loved to incorporate a few underwater puzzle sections but the dreaded thermo said "NO YOU CAN'T DO THAT", which is also the reason it's turned into a 3 part series ( unless thermo dictates it will be even more ).

Needless to say, appetite is whetted and I look forward to the next two installments...

Anyway thanks for the feedback and we'll try to get more water based puzzles into parts 2 and 3.		2009-12-27 16:38:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

Great level as usual, we'll carry on this series with all are heart and soul 5 stars n hearted2009-12-27 17:29:00

Author:
geddez12
Posts: 338

I'll give it a go later today or tomorrow.2009-12-27 17:46:00

Author:
ElGueroGigante
Posts: 85

I haven't understood anything in the level - i wasn't able to complete it cause i didn't know what to do - frustrating.2009-12-28 02:48:00

Author:
theCooper
Posts: 72

Ghostrider just took me through it very nice level cant wit for the next 22009-12-28 11:50:00

Author:
robotiod
Posts: 2662

I haven't understood anything in the level - i wasn't able to complete it cause i didn't know what to do - frustrating.

Eh !! How can you not understand what to do. We tell you exactly what to do in magic mouths and even have a cut-scene camera to show you just incase you can't read!

Frustrating? It's one of the easiest levels you'll ever play.

Please explain why you think otherwise.		2009-12-28 12:06:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

Got through the level. My original play through the other day, I was able to kill the soldier with the cannon without even trying on my first shot...very lucky. On my second play through, it took me around twenty shots...I would say that it was frustrating. That whole beginning sequence could be refined so that it is more user friendly. The chain lift going up the ladder on the ship is kind of clunky and could work more smooth.

I would suggest making hitting the other soldier optional or a lot easier. Also, rather than use chain lifts, you could use the motion of the boat rocking for a platforming challenge. As it rocks one way, jump on some nearby rocks. From the rocks, jump on the deck of the ship. It would result in more player-interaction with the environment and more real game play.

The rest of the level was fine. I loved the parrot sequence and the level served its purpose as an introduction to a series.

Check out my level in my signature. Let me know what you think in my thread...no one wants to reply...sad panda.		2009-12-28 17:07:00

Author:
ElGueroGigante
Posts: 85

Sorry EGG, I tried replying several hours ago and addressed all your issues then when I clicked review post the site crashed ( AGAIN ). That's been happening loads recently and is getting really annoying.

Anyway I'll try again:

Got through the level. My original play through the other day, I was able to kill the soldier with the cannon without even trying on my first shot...very lucky. On my second play through, it took me around twenty shots...I would say that it was frustrating.

That's just a matter of timing. Once you've worked it out you can very often get it first shot. If I made it any easier it would be pointless having it in there. IMO it's perfect as it is. Give it a few more goes and you'll see what I mean I'm sure.

That whole beginning sequence could be refined so that it is more user friendly. The chain lift going up the ladder on the ship is kind of clunky and could work more smooth.

Yes I have had a lot of trouble with those winches. I tried several different ones and couldn't get them any better but I just figured out that the grabs were too small. I don't know why but when I made them bigger they seemed to work ok so I've altered them now. See what you think. I think the first one is a bit too big now, but I'll have to change that later as I'm bushed now and ready for bed.

I would suggest making hitting the other soldier optional or a lot easier.

Not sure what you mean there as both of them are the same. If it's a visibility issue you're having because of the explosion stickers on the windows you can always remove them with your sticker cursor.

Also, rather than use chain lifts, you could use the motion of the boat rocking for a platforming challenge. As it rocks one way, jump on some nearby rocks. From the rocks, jump on the deck of the ship. It would result in more player-interaction with the environment and more real game play.

I'm afraid I have zero room for anything else in the level. Every time I go into it I get the overheating message on stickers/decorations/objects and materials.

The rest of the level was fine. I loved the parrot sequence and the level served its purpose as an introduction to a series.

Check out my level in my signature. Let me know what you think in my thread...no one wants to reply...sad panda.

Glad you liked the parrot section though. I sketched that out at work in my dinner break and built it when I got home fully expecting it to not work but was amazed when it did as I am hopeless with logic stuff ( even simple stuff like this ). I was pleased with the result anyway.

Thanks for your feedback and I'll be sure to try out your level asap.


I'll check this out as soon as I can, may I ask when did start the level? Was it before or after the Pirates Dlc was announced?

Sorry for the late reply but to answer your question I started this level way before I saw anything in the pack. After I did see the trailer I couldn't believe how many of my ideas Mm had stolen

I'm sure a lot of people who play this level will think I copied Mm but I promise you I didn't. The cannon battle at the start was my own idea. I only wish I could have published it earlier but had to wait for the water.

I hope you like it anyway and judge it on it's own merits.

Thanks.		2009-12-30 02:02:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

Hi mrv, I played your gorgeous level with Rhy yesterday and we both had a whale of a time! It was "Pieces of GR8"!

I absolutely love the style, visuals and gameplay in this expertly presented level. It's fun, exciting and has mrv written all over it. It's one of those levels I will never tire of, pretty much like all your other levels really!

I am very much looking forward to the release of the next two in the series, this is a good combination of creators. Well done indeed.

Five stars and a thousand hearts.

Icey		2009-12-30 10:21:00

Author:
IceMaiden
Posts: 1057

Hi mrv, I played your gorgeous level with Rhy yesterday and we both had a whale of a time! It was "Pieces of GR8"!

I absolutely love the style, visuals and gameplay in this expertly presented level. It's fun, exciting and has mrv written all over it. It's one of those levels I will never tire of, pretty much like all your other levels really!

I am very much looking forward to the release of the next two in the series, this is a good combination of creators. Well done indeed.

Five stars and a thousand hearts.

Icey

I'm glad you both liked it. I'm just trying to put the basic story together for part 2 so that ghostrider and geddez can make a start on the building so hopefully we won't be too long with that.

Like the "Pieces of GR8" quote by the way.		2009-12-31 01:41:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

I really had a blast playing this level. Great visuals and the story seemed a lot more fun than the official PoTC levels. I lol'd at the feisty parrot and I also liked your cannon at the beginning with the torch to light it. Nice bubble hunting and combos too.

I had a few problems with the first skull and crossbones winch at the beginning and had to restart when it got stuck hard left but that?s probably me being clumsy, lol!

Overall just a whole heap of swashbucklin? goodness, savvy! Can?t wait to see how this series develops!		2009-12-31 10:29:00

Author:
shropshirelass
Posts: 1455

Thanks shropshirelass.

Sorry you had trouble with that winch. It's giving me lots of headaches for something that should be no problem at all. I've altered it loads of times and was the last thing I tested last night. I actually tried on purpose to get it stuck and couldn't. I guess I just wasn't trying hard enough. I'll try to sort it again anyway, thanks for letting me know.		2009-12-31 12:14:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

A truly inspired new water level that was just waiting for someone to play it! I always love the playability in your levels and this is no exception.

Your work continues to amaze me and I am delighted to have played it.

EDIT
_____________

I am delighted to have played it.. again!

EDIT
_____________

And again....

2009-12-31 20:44:00

Author:
Rhyfelwr
Posts: 606

Just to let you know that I had another play through this evening and the winch worked perfectly smoothly this time! My previous play through was actually last night so it's possible it pre-dated your latest tweaks.

Anyway, really enjoyed myself again and I'm sure it won't be my last play either as I'm still missing a couple of sneaky prize bubbles somewhere!		2009-12-31 23:55:00

Author:
shropshirelass
Posts: 1455

Just to let you know that I had another play through this evening and the winch worked perfectly smoothly this time! My previous play through was actually last night so it's possible it pre-dated your latest tweaks.

Anyway, really enjoyed myself again and I'm sure it won't be my last play either as I'm still missing a couple of sneaky prize bubbles somewhere!

Thanks, glad to hear it worked ok this time. BTW if it's the 2 prizes I suspect that you're missing you need to have collected a certain 'sticker' (hint) from the POTC pack. If that's a problem let me know and I'll see if I can do a work-around for it.

Just to let you and everyone else know I changed the prizes in the 2 prize bubbles under the building near the finish and 1 on the scoreboard.

They are the same prizes i.e. character cutouts, it's just that I resized them because when I made some other cutouts I realised they were out of proportion with each other so I have just altered the sizes slightly and put the new ones in the level prizes.

Sorry if this alters your prize collection status but I don't like to give away stuff I'm not happy with myself.

EDIT: Put a new compass in the prize bubble too because I just watched all 3 films again and realised the compass didn't look right so I made a new one.		2010-01-01 13:44:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

Great level, MrV, but I didn't expect anything less!

Lovely visuals throughout. And yes, it has water! But it serves a purpose rather than a novelty. To me, you seem a bit hard on yourself about what you can or can't do, but your levels are ALWAYS a visual treat, and offer clear instructions and fun challenges, plus the fact that you think about the player when creating!

As I'm typing this, the level is rated 3 stars. Frankly, I'm disgusted. I'm getting a bit tired of all the pap that is 4 or 5 star rated, when levels that have actual effort and consideration involved get rewarded with bugger all.

Anyhoo, I know you're not after meaningless ratings. What you're after is feedback on your level. Well, it's about 2 stars higher than it's currently rated!

Well done, matey 		2010-01-02 02:30:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Initially I thought I was going to have trouble with the winch on the first ship... but it just takes patience. The roll of the ship sometimes swings the sponge ontop of the ship. Eventually it swings off. Not a game breaker in my opinion. Was fun getting up to the crows nest.

Lol... it took me a little bit to figure out how to get to the compass. I'm slow... but I like challenges.

Like you... I like to make all of my own items.

It was fun and challenging.		2010-01-02 06:05:00

Author:
enodrawkcab
Posts: 238

Thanks very much for your great feedback MrsSpookyBuz and enodrawcab.

@MrsSpookyBuz You nailed exactly what I was going for there,thanks. You're quite right about the water. It's there simply because it looks better for the ship battle and the setting of Port Royal. If it were possible I would have cut the water off at the end of the jetty once you reached land but unfortunately as you know we can't do that. That's the biggest disappointment with water for me.

I didn't put it in there like so many others just to say " look, real water", it's there as you say for proper effect. Thanks for 'getting' that. Some people haven't!

@enodrawcab You're spot on about that winch. It does unfortunately get stuck on top because of the rocking of the ship but I had to make it go high enough so that's an unfortunate side effect. I did try putting it on dark matter above and between the ships but that just looke stupid and out of place so I figured as you say that it only requires a little patience so left it as originally intended.

Glad you liked the crow's nest part. That can be tricky ( the most difficult part of the level I think ) but is optional and just for completists who want to collect everything.

As for the compass ( sorry by the way, I've altered the design of that.See previous post ) I had originally hidden that in the building out of sight. It was ghostrider's idea to leave it sticking out a bit so player's could spot it. I can be evil at times LOL.

@MrsSpookyBuz Yes the 3 star rating is disappointing but quite frankly I expected it. It was a bad time to publish in hindsight but it's done now and as long as my friends and colleagues on here like it that's the most important thing.

BTW please don't forget this isn't all my own work so I can't take all the credit. It was a joint creation by myself,ghostrider135 and geddez12.

Thanks again.		2010-01-02 11:53:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

Hi there! I'm a little late on this one,
but just played it, and this is really great work!

Great visuals and great gameplay ideas (the canons, the parrot/fire...)!
Everything was fine when playing, not any single problem!

I think it's a great continuation for the MM levels, that I loved, so I really enjoyed it!
I'm looking forward for part 2 and 3!

Really well done!
:star::star::star::star::star: + heart
(it really deserves more than 3 stars )		2010-01-09 23:27:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

Hi there! I'm a little late on this one,
but just played it, and this is really great work!

Great visuals and great gameplay ideas (the canons, the parrot/fire...)!
Everything was fine when playing, not any single problem!

I think it's a great continuation for the MM levels, that I loved, so I really enjoyed it!
I'm looking forward for part 2 and 3!

Really well done!
:star::star::star::star::star: + heart
(it really deserves more than 3 stars )

Thanks dajdaj. It looks like you're in the minority though. It doesn't seem to have gone down very well on here and the plays and 3 star rating ( it started with 3 stars from day one and never changed -weird ! ) are very disappointing.

It's a bit demoralising when you pour your heart and soul into a level and try to come up with original and fun ideas and then it goes by largely unnoticed. Even more so when you've taken the trouble to put it in the level showcase and provide some decent pictures.

Me, geddez and ghostrider thought we'd done a decent job and thought the best looking 'Black Pearl' on LBP would at least garner some interest but I guess we were wrong.

Thanks for your support anyway and congratulations on getting spotlighted by the way.		2010-01-10 04:06:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210

A very nice level about pirates, liked the style and some features, but i found it a little undetailed. The beginning is funny, but i didn't like very much the marines, maybe a cartoon style was better. The story seems good, but i didn't understand it well: i will like to know more about... Maybe it's just me, i like long and detailed stories
The sea borg was well made, many secrets and prizes, but maybe adding some characters will be a good idea, to make a better atmosphere.
Liked the sword shop part, very ingenious.
Another thing: when you save Jack, he is a bit undetailed too: it was difficult to recognize him: wasn't better to take a Jack-Sack costume photo and use it for the character, like you did after you save him?
Overall the level was good, a little short and maybe lack in details, but good anyway.
4 :star:
If you still do F4F, try my level in the sign, there is the link for the thread 		2010-01-11 19:16:00

Author:
Dante95
Posts: 504

I played your xmas level a couple of days ago Dante but I'll play it again asap and take notes to give proper feedback.

Thanks for yours.		2010-01-12 03:18:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210


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