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In Pursuit of the Meddling Magpie (online create entry) -**SPOTLIGHTED**

Archive: 57 posts

In Pursuit of the Meddling Magpie (online create entry)TheAdipose
The ruby ring has been swiftly stolen by the meddling magpie - can you get it back?!?
all
Greetings gadders!

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/ab142/TheAdipose1980/meddling-1.jpg

We've created a level trailer video (spoiler free) which you can view here....

***** Video Trailer - Click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQUf5BK0ZYU) *****

This level is mine and Luos_desruc's entry into the online create competition and we are very proud of it. The base for this level was my old puzzlewood level, but we have changed almost every visual, added a load more puzzles and tweaked and tweaked and tweaked!

The level now has a choice of routes for the player, if you prefer puzzles, you can tackle 3 very unique brainteasers. If you prefer platforming, you can battle against some very tricky sections. ..and of course players can do every route inbetween.

To accompany this level we have released 3 more of our 'how to create' video series. Part one looks at the scenery of our level. Parts 2 and 3 explain the logic behind the level. (LBPC logic pack - you get a ton of plugs!)

Here are the video tutorials....
Video tutorial prt 1 - scenery (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANJ5Ti4WaSM)
Video Tutorial prt 2 - logic-1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3hM5_qYZOc)
Video Tutorial prt 3 - logic-2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT2hjLc2cRM)

You can find the links to the rest of our video tutorials in the tutorials section.

Here are some quotes from some very kind people who tested our level for us...

galacemiguel - "The Best water puzzle yet!"
kernelcheeseCorn - "Very L33t"
Werehare - "the latest version of your level is fantastic - I liked the level branching and the puzzles"
MrsSpookyBuz - "I think it's a wonderful level, with lots of fun to be had"

I would like to thank all the people who tested for us, everyone who was involved in the lbpc logic pack, werehare for puzzling inspiration, and luos for being generally brilliant at visuals and great fun to work with.

...and I hope you guys like it too		2010-01-10 20:54:00

Author:
TheAdipose
Posts: 533

Great, you published it. I'm right on it!



------------------------------------

EDIT: Okay, played it. Here we go...

This is a super level. It's varied, challenging, well-crafted, lengthy and satisfying to play - all wrapped up in a charming child-like story.

The puzzles here range from simplistic to downright brain-throbbing! The mixture of platforming through some lovely scenery is also a joy. And that's still the cutest caterpillar on LBP!

Very glad to see the addition of the Hint Butterflies, too (). Very useful for less experienced players, and it shows consideration, which I like.

Not much at all in the way of cons. Of course, like every level created, it won't be everyone's cup of tea, and some people may find the pace a little slow, but I enjoyed the fact that I could run and bounce through some sections, and was allowed to take my time with some of the more difficult puzzles.

I think everyone involved in this level did a great job, and the magpie is superb.

Well done, great job. Have a heart from me 		2010-01-10 21:13:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Ahh..
Finally released!

I remember Adi asking me for one hour of my time..
that turned into a week of day in/day out work on the level, and loved every minute of it.

A special thanks to the testers, and my family (who now know just as much about the thermo as any lbp-editor does).
I really hope you wil enjoy playing the level as much as I do, because even after 100's of plays to finetune the level, I still was not bored with all the platforming and puzzles.

Adi, we really need to drink a cold one to celebrate!

( Adi spend hours editing the video's untill his throat was sore and dry.. )		2010-01-10 21:55:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

yay im gonna check it out noaw2010-01-10 22:02:00

Author:
rseah
Posts: 2701

*does a dance*
I am so excited!
I just cant hide it!

*dances some more*

No really.. I am that excited 		2010-01-10 23:00:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

I'm about to lose control and I think I like it!

Ok so I just had a play through....


Dom, Da De Dom!

I loved it!

I thought it was very wimsical and cute. (Sorry no spell checker) Loved your original creations and thought the "Kid hints" was a very nice touch.

What I think I liked the most is that even though I have played it to the end...I can play again and have a totally new experience!

Great Job both of you!

Your platforming was solid as was your puzzles, and it had some beautiful landscapes!


:star::star::star::star::star: Beautiful and Hearted!




2010-01-10 23:19:00

Author:
AJnKnox
Posts: 518

haha, thanks a lot mr aJnKnox!2010-01-11 00:13:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

Wait what? It's out?

woooooo!

EDIT:

Writing this as I go through it.

Nice start, pulls you into the story and gives you a goal straight off the bat. I'm always a fan of credits at the beginning of levels, give it that real epic adventure feel.

A hop and a skip through the level and really enjoying the visuals, however on the left of the player gate there is a tree trunk that needs to be extended a bit as you can see the top. Pedantic I know but it would bug me if it was my level.

Think i'm going to choose the puzzle path for this one, always beena fan of puzzles.

oddly though for the puzzle path the first section is a timed jumping section but on well ^^

The marblemaze style section was fun, could possibly use some sort of indicator which switch moves what, but then again that would also make it very easy.

On the spring section at about the second jump up theres a hexagon imbedded (spelling?) in the wall, don't know if it serves a purpose or was just a scenery mistake.

Water puzzle is great I won't dwell on it too much in case I give anything away, I love the way the water changes colour as well. Though you might want to consider making the change more vibrant. The fish did get stuck a couple of times but that could have been me not dragging it far enough.

Love the fact the puzzles offer you a new way across the same route rather than just taking you past the obsticle.

something about that caterpiller really creeps me out...think it's the mouth. Anyway next puzzle, amazing work on this puzzle - I don't want to give it away for anyone who hasnt tried it, but you have to take the puzzle route here just to see this in action.

A quick jetpack ride to the lift and onto the race.

Nothing to really say about this, its a simple race and does its job well.

Found the Magpie and grabbed the ring and away we go. If those bubbles are supposed to be sweat well done, if no i'm overthinking it.

Anyway, Callou-callay I saved the day. Nothing like a nice round trip.

What can i say? A simply amazing leve, from the visuals to the puzzles it shines on every section. The puzzles are original to a degree I've yet to see on LBP and although I didn't get a taste of the platforming section I'm sure those sparkle just as well.

A real must play.

:star::star::star::star::star::star: and a heart from me chaps.

P.S - big fan of the tutorials also, always nice to see someone making the extra effort for the community

If you're in the mood for F4F theres always my new level Ninjas vs. Pirates (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=t=21105)

or any of the ones in my sig if you like.

Anyway, well done - Possibly the best puzzler I've played yet.		2010-01-11 01:50:00

Author:
Mrgenji
Posts: 803

thanks Mrgenji (http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/member.php?u=3123), I will try you level tomorrow!
(got all kinds of friends over today)		2010-01-11 11:08:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

No quote from me?

Yeah, as you know I tested it. And loved it! I already told you what I thought of the level in the testing stage, but I plan try to replay it and ace it . I'll probably write some more comments here once I've had a chance to play! I seriously think this level could be spotlighted, and possibly win the competition! (If not a very high runner up )



I wish I could make decent looking characters like your girl at the beginning :/		2010-01-11 20:57:00

Author:
Plasmavore
Posts: 1913

Thanks plasmavore! I've made a few changes since your beta trip so theres some new stuff for you to find too! Luos made that girl - ask him to show you how.

..and i'll quote you next time

adi		2010-01-11 21:19:00

Author:
TheAdipose
Posts: 533

Ok I played it but didn't really have enough time to appreciate it fully. I also went for the platforming 90% of the time because I felt it would be faster. Sorry about that, and I will be coming back to this level to try the alternative routes and many puzzles when I get a bit more time.
Also just saying I loved the tutorials you had for this level (especially the surprisingly soothing tone of your voice )

Now for the level itself. It starts off pretty generic, although I think the story works really well and the characters are really well made. Great sticker use and cardboard work to make the charcaters. My favourite had to be the magpie with it's wobble bolt wings - top class.

The puzzles I didn't get to see a lot of, except for the monochrome chicken egg laying one. That one I really liked. Thought it was well worked out and that all the logic worked. Had fun with that one and it was nice the way it made the next section easier instead of bypassing it completely.

The platforming I saw a lot more of and that was equally superb. The best part for me was the race before the magpie as it included some hard jumps as well as some less generic platforming. I had to grab a butterfly a couple of times though (it's okay, I'm a child )

Overall I rated it 5 stars (how could I rate it any less!?) and gave you guys a heart.

Good luck with the competition		2010-01-11 21:24:00

Author:
Coxy224
Posts: 2645

Hey awsome level man and thx for reviewing mine! You dont see many levels this good much anymore...and as long! Well i give it 5/5!2010-01-11 21:31:00

Author:
LiIvIiT--
Posts: 14

Firstly - what an excellent poster and video! You two have really put a lot of effort into publicising your level ? and it worked on this Gadder at least (though I didn?t watch the video until after I played as I was afraid of spoilers, lol!).

I didn?t regret being seduced into playing as I had a blast going through this level. You have packed an impressive amount of gameplay, puzzles and visuals into the level, which is satisfyingly long.

I did the opposite of Coxy and chose the puzzle route apart from one accidental diversion when I unintentionally jumped through an arch into the electrified triangle platforming section. I beat a hasty retreat ? it's as well to know your limitations!

The puzzles were enormously enjoyable. They were all innovative and some were decidedly thought provoking (I didn?t ?cheat? once, honest! ). My favourite was the water puzzle, though really it is hard to pick a best one as they all offered interesting and varied challenges. I?m not a creator myself but I?m sure they took some complicated logic to build and they all worked brilliantly.

I very much liked the idea that you could choose different routes and that your reward for completing the puzzles was an easier ride in the platforming sections. It was nice to get a flavour of how those bits looked and worked and will undoubtedly tempt people into wanting to try a different route next time.

Great characters ? particularly the magpie but the caterpillar came a close second - and some very nice visuals too. Excellent use of stickers (the large lurking spiders and the leaves come to mind most) and generally some very nice decorative touches and lighting. The butterflies were a pretty addition too ? nice way to make something functional look good at the same time.

I thought the race over tree canopy at the end was a great adrenalin-filled way to end the level and had some good challenging jumps in it. I suspect though that performance in the race will largely determine the player?s place on the score board since (at least if you go the puzzle route) you have only a smallish points score before the race and a huge one after it. I think this perhaps unbalances things a little but then I don't suppose this is the type of level where people are going to aim for the highest score ? it's more a question of having fun solving the puzzles and enjoying the scenery.

Small thing but I enjoyed the plummet back to the beginning with the ring Nice fun touch!

A wonderful level with just so much to do and see throughout - never a dull moment. 5 stars and hearted. Very best of luck in the contest and I?m going to go back and heart you both as creators when I get the chance as I think you have both obviously poured such a lot into the level and have pulled of something special.		2010-01-12 00:17:00

Author:
shropshirelass
Posts: 1455

Wow. This is very well put together. If you don't mind, I will use your gd/bd way of providing feedback.

bd: I received a blurb that I didn't purchase certain packs via the LittleBigStore, so I may be missing out on some prizes.

gd: The visuals are quite beautiful. It feels as if you put a great deal of time into creating a true environment for the player to enter into.

gd: The choice of path to be taken. I am working on something akin to this for the sequel to my level. The door and "transport" feeling are brilliantly done. I will be trying to figure out how you did that for the next few days most likely.

gd: The choice of music and sound effects are proper and in good amounts.

gd: Spelling and grammar are well written and checked.

bd: I get stuck for a second at each checkpoint due to the recessed nature of location.

gd: I should say aw (for awesome)...the rotating triangle and square puzzles. I've died quite a bit here, but they are very nicely thought out and designed.

gd: The lighting in the "roots of puzzlewood" section

gd: Again...choice of water puzzle or wheels and choice of puzzle or catapillar

bd: don't like that I only get one shot at the vug ride though. I jumped off looking to grab a prize bubble and couldn't get back on....okay...got it back after the puzzle, and understand that the bell brings it back...

gd: The bird's nest puzzle is very cool, and the best use of the global lighting tool I've seen in a while. Did you mean to "monochrome" though?

bd: The race. I hate races. You've tried to change some things up, and I appreciate that, but some of the jumps are quite frustrating due to the angle at which they are. I read that I am supposed to walk toward the end of one "leaf" and yet the second I get close, I slip off the end. Now I can't find the "leaf" I am supposed to be swinging on though. This is very frustrating. If this is one of those "tapping" R1 to grab and move situations I may be finished with the level.

bd: Finished. I am too frustarted with this jump.

I would have very much liked to see the end of this level, but I can't figure out this jump.

I'm still going to give you 4 stars. It's a visually terrific level, and I really loved the choice of path options you provide the player. i wish I could have made that final jump...darn my sausage fingers!		2010-01-12 01:55:00

Author:
Unknown User

I tried this one out today and I really enjoyed it. I like the idea of two pathways, and while I love a good puzzle. I'm a platformer at heart, so I took the platform pathway. I thought it was very fun, and full of nice scenery. Great work!!2010-01-12 02:02:00

Author:
smasher
Posts: 641

Just played, and I must say that it's quite impressive!
I can't imagine the amount of work to put all that together..!
But everything is really smartly done!

I like the concept of the 2 different ways puzzle/platforming, and those switching doors are really a good idea!
I'm not really into puzzle, as I prefer more free and spontaneous gameplay, so I mostly choose the platforming part
(rotating triangle/square and the worm/insects section)...
Though, I did the fish puzzle which was very good! I tried the eggs one, but I didn't had the time to finish it...

Visually, it's all good! Nice and various environments, nice stickers and decorations work, and good looking characters!

Great work!
:star::star::star::star::star:		2010-01-12 02:22:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

This level is suited for all players!

Can't express how impressed I am with this level. They way you incorporated a hint system into the level was ingenious. I was also glad that the choice made during the level to do puzzles or platform was not a one time deal. It was good to play around with both sides with only one play through.

I will be playing this level again, its the only way to see it all!

I have recently started a series of levels called Elemental, and would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks again!

Shawneboi		2010-01-12 04:24:00

Author:
shawneboi
Posts: 221

@ echo9INE (http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/member.php?u=8033)

Those leaf jumps are really not that hard,
If the gap is greater than the average jump you will need a small three step run to make it across.
Forthe second big jump you need to do the same, but grab the bottom of the leaf.. as you are not able to get on it, and swing to the next pair of leafs.

We tested this a few times with 12 year old "kernel fudge applepie" and even my friends whom never play lbp have made it to the end.
If you want, i can always show you, it might be so obvious that you just didnt realize it.

Believe me, me and Adi found that out the hard way,
playtesting the level around 100 times, and we still needed someone else to show you another few bugs.
(most are fixed now though!)

Thanks for the nice and long review!

@ shropshirelass? (http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/member.php?u=4795) and coxy

Wow, nice review! thank you!

@ livit, shawn, daj and smasher
thanks you so much for playing the level and leaving a comment

to all of you, a big hug 		2010-01-12 11:11:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

I know I already gave you feedback Adipose/Luos but this level is worth a post here.

What's really strong in there is that you guys knew to make a level diverse. Really focused on gameplay too. I really like it. You puzzles were really interesting, the fish and the eggs being my favorites. I think you also improved it visually.

It's a must play!

:star::star::star::star: .5
(gave 5 in game)

2010-01-12 15:14:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

thanks a lot ranger
we really appreciate it.		2010-01-12 15:57:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

I've just played it, and i found it brilliant, very ingenious and well made! The visuals style was simple, but funny. There were many ingenious puzzles, great the idea of the "double road", very useful for replays. I tried all the puzzles, and i loved the water one and the eggs one, fantastic idea But i didn't like all the "faces" in the level: the trees with the eyes and mouth, the walls, i don't know why but i don't like them. Try to make custom faces with stickers!
And try to hide some pistons, expecially in the beginning, they aren't good in the atmosphere!
Another little thing: maybe you can try to make the key looks better, not only half white and half blue! Try with some decorations and stickers, or simply with a better material
Anyway that level was awesome, great work, some ingenious ideas mixed together, in a good looking level.
5 :star: , tagged Beautiful.
If you do F4F, try the level in my sign, click the link to find the thread 		2010-01-12 16:52:00

Author:
Dante95
Posts: 504

@AJnknox Thanks for playing and your feedback!
@MrGenji - Thanks for that really useful feedback. Scenery bugs have fixed corrected and republished. I will F4F you tonight.
@Coxy - I'm glad you grabbed the butterflys - it's nice to know they work! - if you get a chance, try the puzzle route sometime - the water one especially is really fun.
@Shropshirelass - I'm so glad you liked the adrenaline pumping race at the end - a lot of people haven't enjoyed that part, but for me its the climax of the whole chase. I do agree that the scoring is mainly based on the race and magpie sections. I think 'bubbling' more fairly will be a target for my next creation.
@echo9ine - thanks for returning our F4F with such useful feedback. Don't worry about failing those last few jumps. They are supposed to be tricky and I've watched several people fall at that hurdle. After the big running jump, there is another butterfly and another long jump. This jump is too big but you CAN grab the leaf (you brush it with your head). If you swing along that leaf (r1 swinging) you can drop onto the next leaf. You were only 4/5 leaves from catching the magpie! ...lastly, luos and I always die on our own level. The videos and trailers I made to advertise are mainly us falling into gas and swearing
@smasher - thanks for playing and leaving feedback - glad you liked it.
@dajdaj - it was a HUGE amount of work - the snow came at a really useful time to finish it off
@shawn - thanks for playing and I will f4f you.
@Ranger - I've already thanked you ingame but your last minute feedback was really helpful. The warpdoors now fade out.. and the massive 'or' delay switch required for all 7 gates has truely put the thermo out the top.
@Dante - thanks for the feedback. I do agree the key is a bit ugly. I needed something round - any suggestions? I disagree with the faces though - I think the 'face in the wood' is cute and looks like the tree is speaking to you. The pistons I'm torn on, I like to see 'why' a bridge is moving and so on. I think floating platforms imply something magical or make the level feel 'unreal' - and that wasn't the look I was going for here. Indeed... my impossible chase through a tree on top of a caterpillar and passing by a maze of mirrors is highly realistic! I will return F4F

Thanks to all feedbackers. We've made cool levels so fast I thought the thread had been deleted!		2010-01-12 17:44:00

Author:
TheAdipose
Posts: 533

I have played the first version and now this. I think this improved version is way better than original.
Firstly I love fact that you can chose do you want to complete puzzle or platformer route witch give huge amount variety to gameplay of level.
Secondly visuals are quite stunning and especially I like nice sticker/decoration work of environment and characters.
This level is very well executed and you can see that time has been spend making of this awesome level. Thanks for letting community to see this gem.

pros:
-visual design
-gameplay variety
-tips for kids
-unique puzzles

cons:
-if you grab first butterfly name sign can go quickly up and down.
-I managed escape level with shortcut after water puzzle:
http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww324/mineisgod/APhoto_1.jpg
http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww324/mineisgod/APhoto.jpg
-and potential escape there:
http://i732.photobucket.com/albums/ww324/mineisgod/APhoto_2.jpg
-and after that if you shortcut caterpillar you can drop roof of elevator. If you die without activating elevators checkpoint you spawn whit wrong light settings.


also I suggest to remit (see rtm233's tread about it) caterpillar and some other things to save thermo. And using non-slippery glass at mirror puzzle.

:star::star::star::star::star:, tagged "multi-path" and hearted

Please F4F my level Trek of frontier (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=t=19951). Thanks		2010-01-12 18:00:00

Author:
waD_Delma
Posts: 282

All I have to say is WOW... what an awesome level! It took me a total of 41 minutes to complete... I really took my time with it to check out all of the work that was done on this level. I know that people are giving your level 4 stars, it should be 5 with all of the thought that was put into it. It also took some skill on sackboys part to get through this level. The first part was a bit frustrating, but after I got used to the way you two think, the level came alive and I can't believe how long it took for me to get out of this forest.

The Triangle part was an awful mess for my sackgirl, I don't think I've ever seen her die that much in one spot... When I finally got through the puzzle, I didn't want to see another triangle or square again... Oh the nightmare!
The Eggs nest challenge was awesome... I loved every bit of it and I agree with echo9ine that it was the most brilliant thing I've seen with global lighting.

All in all you two created a fantastic level... (one of these days I'll get much better at creating levels... I'm not much of a puzzle person not to good at coming up with them I should say)

The ending race was truly harsh, and almost imposible... It got to the point that I ended up swinging from tree to tree because I could run and jump anymore.. There are tons of poor sackpeople who haven't mastered the skill of grabbing and swinging on fabric yet... Lucky for me I've got it mastered, it saved me a lot of time at the end.

Because the end is so frustrating, I feel like you should incorporate a butterfly that will fly you across instead of giving hints... I'm a child and cheated a couple of times with the butterfly, but there WAS no other way of figuring this level out... I mean come on.. 41 minutes!? It was like I played a whole entire sega game...

lol

Nice work..
5 stars and a heart...

Oh yea I forgot to say: The ending with the Magpie was AWESOME (and so was the water puzzle with the hooks) BRAAINSSS		2010-01-12 19:37:00

Author:
XOAcireXO
Posts: 57

Just played through the level twice to try both ways completely. Absolutely impressive work you put in place there.

I haven't seen a level who put the ability to change the water color to meaningfull use, so the water puzzle was a brilliant experience. Played that part with two others and everyone of us had a different solution in mind. So it was a constant dragging and switching until someone got the idea to organize everything. Pretty funny situation.

Some things you might want to change though:
-the part were uyou are supposed to roll the key over to the other side of the red gas could need a bit more space to move around bitween the gas. Coudlbe a little hard for some players.

-the jetpack only helps you at the first part of the catarpillar ride when u die. Maybe you should add a second one at the checkpoint.

That's all from me. Hope it was helpfull though		2010-01-12 21:11:00

Author:
Vanemiera
Posts: 329

@Wad,
thank you for showing us with images, its really appreciated.
as far as I know we solved the problem.

The caterpiller will actually re-emit when you pull the green bell at the begin/halfway the catterpiller part.

@XOA,

The ending race was truly harsh, and almost imposible... It got to the point that I ended up swinging from tree to tree because I could run and jump anymore.. There are tons of poor sackpeople who haven't mastered the skill of grabbing and swinging on fabric yet... Lucky for me I've got it mastered, it saved me a lot of time at the end.

The butterfly will actually tell you that you have to use grab and swing at the last part of the race.
And I do think most sackpeople know how to swing around, and if they do not know how to swing around yet, I am sure they will understand in the near future

Also, using the butterfly is not cheating, only when adults use them! (and even that was just a joke, everyone can use them if the need too!).

Personally I do not mind a long level if its fun, sometimes you just get the hang of the level only to discover you reached the scoreboard lol.
It does show you are not easily discouraged and thats a good trait in people!

@Van,
Ill leave that to Adi, he might explain better than me.
Nontheless thanks a lot, and you will hear a decent answer asap

Thank you all for playing and writing comments/reviews.
We really appreciate it when you people post any mistakes/bugs, yes.. we also have to fix them and thats blerggh but all to make the level mistake-proof!

Off to the drawing board again

Ps:
Ill write down the level names forthe f4f, will play them tomorrow!		2010-01-12 22:23:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

I LOVE this level!

I found it really fun, especially the water puzzle and the black and white one.

Anyway, my verdict would be

+Multiple paths make it fun
+Very long
+Unique puzzles (the only feeling of deja vu I had was when I played the level again )
+I for one really liked the character, I thought they fit the style well.
+I can't think of any bad points

I gave :star::star::star::star::star: and 'Brilliant' tag both times I played it.

As for F4F, don't worry, TheAdipose and me already have it sorted out.		2010-01-14 17:39:00

Author:
kirbyman62
Posts: 1893

Thanks for playing kirby and leaving feedback.

We've updated and improved a lot based on your suggestions. Here is the changelog.

--improved colours in water game
--added prize bubble and changed some of the doors in water puzzle
--improved scenery in various sections
--hid dark matter and covered open door sections
--closed 'level hole' leading to logic (whoops)
--recalibrated various prox switches to make titles cleaner and magpie leaner!
--add ROCK to stop players going round level twice (only applies in 2p)
--added text and logic depending on whether player returns with or without ring (surprisingly hard!)
--adjusted final checkpoint (added perm and piston) so players cannot get trapped at top of tree
--fixed elevator bug where players could get cave lighting outside
--found some random LEDs in the water... and deleted them
--found the stupid piece of invisible DM that was stopping the player moving backwards and forwards outside water puzzle

Level has now got over 1000 players, is happily sitting on page 4 of cool levels, has 4 stars, loads of nice comments, and some great feedback on various forums.

Thank you all for your feedback AND plays AND support with this.
We are always interested in more viewpoints so we can get this level as good as it can be.		2010-01-15 18:22:00

Author:
TheAdipose
Posts: 533

I am happy and pleasedto say that magpie is now on page 3 of the cool pages and has over 1500 plays!2010-01-16 18:25:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

I've been meaning to comment on this thread... this is a really good level with a nice original feel to it. I played it about 3 or 4 days ago right before I had to fly out to Las Vegas.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was the choice to play the puzzle-based or action-based direction. I chose the action-based and it kicked my tushi - when I get back I'm going to attempt the puzzle direction.

I love seeing a great original idea, and you both have pulled off something fun, imaginative, and original. Great job!		2010-01-17 00:02:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

This level was delightful! The platforming was just the sort of stuff I like, and the puzzles I wasn't too stupid to solve were great (the colored egg puzzle was a brilliant twist on a puzzle that I usually hate because it's so common, so great job there!) Also the alliterative dialogue from Miss Moop was quietly amusing.

The triangle-in-a-triangle and the square-in-a-square were probably my favorite bit... I want to go back into the level and play with them again!

Is there a way to reset the egg puzzle? I either managed to break it, or I couldn't figure out how to reset it. That was pretty much the only thing I saw that went wrong, and it was probably my fault...

5 stars and hearted! Great team effort!		2010-01-17 04:23:00

Author:
CaptainCowboyHat
Posts: 153

OK - Finally got my PS3 back and my son and I played this today. It was awesome!

We mostly took the puzzle route as A) I had already seen/played/failed most of the platforming sections in the original version, and B) my boy prefers the puzzlers. Fantastic design making them branch off at each different platforming challenge the way you did... very impressive. We really liked the water puzzle. The eggs were cool too. And the new decoration / covering for the piston-maze is such an improvement. Actually all the visual changes are improvements over the original, IMO. The butterfly hints were a very nice touch as well (MagicMouth text limit increase FTW).

My boy admired (or at least noted) your propensity for alliteration, and we amused and entertained throughout.

I would agree with Vanemiera's point about the section with the key rolling on the little hills. Very little room to maneuver here.

:star::star::star::star::star:, Hearted and tagged Beautiful.

For F4F, if you could just try out my Virtual Reality Survival challenge, I sure would be.... oh wait... 		2010-01-17 04:58:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

I am happy and pleasedto say that magpie is now on page 3 of the cool pages and has over 1500 plays!

Well done, it deserves all of them.		2010-01-17 12:27:00

Author:
kirbyman62
Posts: 1893

Great stuff. I left feedback on LBPF but I will post here too.

Some great ideas and fantastic puzzles in there. Some really simple but inventive stuff which is always nice to see! It is very detailed but in a 'community' kind of way, which is by no means a bad thing. There's something very charming about it!

Really impressed and looking forward to seeing what else you both come up with!

Keep up the good work!

If you have time to try out my new level The Doctor: Egyptian Findings, I'd love to know what you think. It's only a small introduction level 		2010-01-17 19:37:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Played your level and it's amazing.
Complete feedack tomorrow, I'm going to bed now 		2010-01-17 21:55:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Same for me, me and Omega played together! lol2010-01-17 22:25:00

Author:
Miglioshin
Posts: 336

Yeah, fist of all I'm happy to see that the overall quality of the levels for the competition is really high and everyone made a lot of efforts to stand out.
You're level is a must play.
Me and 'shin played it only one time, so we coudn't see just every route, but what we saw was very good.
The triangle and cube platforming section is very fresh and original, the fish puzzle is really well done, with very good logics, and the caterpillar section is very fun and I appreciated the work of the bell.
The visual are very good and relaxing.
The level is a blind 5 stars.
I'll add other stuff when I'll play the other sections.		2010-01-18 07:12:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

thank you guys!! really!

The publish week is over,
the level ended on page 2 of coolness with almost 2500 plays and 200 hearts.
We wont republish anymore (unless there is a mayor bug) to give the other leveldesigners of lbp a chance.

I am kinda sad not to see our level on the cool pages anymore,
but to have 2500 people playing it..
is something I would not have believed a week ago 		2010-01-18 11:26:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

Something around 2500 is the amount of play you get lately for a good level (unless you're super popular or that you republish madly). This is what I have been getting with most my levels and it's a very stisfactory number.
Anyhow, good going man. The level was worth it. 		2010-01-18 15:23:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

It is one of the best level up there i played 5 stars and hearted Well done 2010-01-18 17:30:00

Author:
Parker
Posts: 6

Something around 2500 is the amount of play you get lately for a good level (unless you're super popular or that you republish madly). This is what I have been getting with most my levels and it's a very stisfactory number.

I'd love to know the secret. I made it to page 6 of the cool pages for a day, then it dropped off (Celestia). It's at 148 plays right now. Oh well!

So as for this level, it was great! Of course I chose the path of the puzzles. I liked that the puzzles made me think, but weren't incredibly difficult. I also liked the quirky design. This was definitely a lot of fun and I might just give it another go to see what I missed

5 stars, heart, and a creator heart		2010-01-19 00:53:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

As O'Slayer said a couple of posts ago we had a run together.

Just now I gave it another go, choosing the puzzle path, wich I found interesting.
The first is the one I liked the less, like a switch guessing, wich is a kind of puzzle I don't appreciate very much.
It would have been a lot better with less switches that controlled more pistons depending from each position of all the switches together (but here I'm a little biased because I built something like this in Platforms Madness, lol!).
The second is the one I liked most, for the logic behind the puzzle (I don't mean logic switches, but logic itself, the colours thing y'know).
As for the third I liked the idea of switching from colors to black&white, but to be honest I think it didn't worked for some reason, how can I explain it, like... "quite there but not there" feeling (imho).

Visually is very pleasing and also the theme musics selected fit in very well.
Even if I may complain about this tree or that cave (i.e.), I think it is just a matter of personal taste and your, so obvious, efforts behind the visual style of the level doesn't deserve my being pettifogging.
A pro is the fact that it is really bright/luminous (in terms of nuance and colours selection) for the main part, and it is a thing that I appreciated a lot.

A minor, and personal, issue I may stress out is the very first segment you carry around the key to puzzlewood.
The two gas walls are quite ankward to overcome, I died several times while trying to retrieve the key (in the middle section), and immediately after that I didn't even realized there was an upper path to reach the switch unless Omega found it I don't know how (he noticed it or was it by mistake?).

Overall a really enjoyable and replayable level that have its strenght in the opportunity to switch your path, that is the main reason for I gave 5 stars and heart.

Good job guys, really.		2010-01-19 18:30:00

Author:
Miglioshin
Posts: 336

I tried this level both alone and with a friend, and i gotta say i loved it. fairly sure we gave it :star::star::star::star::star: both times, but not sure about a heart.

I don't remember much about playing it alone, my memories are really fuzzy and chopped up about that. I'll replay it though and tell you what i think. I do remember i gave up at some point, something to do with the key and getting over a waterwheel i think.

Co-op, we played through all the way to the end. The notable part that was easier was the puzzle with the eggs and the monochrome. Clever idea, though you should probably make the lanterns "require all". We also couldn't figure out the water puzzle; what exactly do you do there?		2010-01-19 20:50:00

Author:
RCIX
Posts: 250

Is it just me or is the first statue not giving out any key, am I doing something wrong? Also, I think there's a sticker missing before the "presents" part, there's only dissolve material with no sticker. Sorry that's all I could give so far since I can't figure out how to get a key.2010-01-25 19:17:00

Author:
brnxblze
Posts: 1318

Hiya mate, I've been in to check the level and its all working fine. You jump on top of the statue to release the key (theres a button on it). I dont see the dissolve you are refering to. There is a lot of green grass there - could it be that you are referring to?

The statue says 'press the button to get a key'. Do you miss that? or have I not made it clear enough? I don't think you are the first person not to realise thats a button.

Adi		2010-01-25 22:35:00

Author:
TheAdipose
Posts: 533

We got spotlighted adi!

*does a little dance*


thanks so much guys!		2010-01-26 00:31:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

No, I meant to say that I pressed the button and nothing came out. And the dissolve material I'm refering to is in the background where it looks like it would say "TheAdipose and Luos_Desruc present" or something like that. Could be just a wierd I'm getting along with the button not doing anything..2010-01-26 01:33:00

Author:
brnxblze
Posts: 1318

Strange, I played the level today and everything looked just fine at my side.2010-01-26 01:49:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

brnx, that sounds like either something loaded wrong, or we have some VERY weird bug. If you have time, would you mind popping back into the level and see if those things are still the case? We haven't reuploaded recently so I would be interested to see what happens.

Adi		2010-01-26 07:41:00

Author:
TheAdipose
Posts: 533

Sure, I'll go back in a bit. I'm sure it just loaded wrong since my game was being wierd. I remember I tried to reset the level and that didn't fix it, maybe if I returned to pod and loaded again it would've worked?..Anyway, I'll edit this message when I play it.2010-01-26 20:28:00

Author:
brnxblze
Posts: 1318

We fixed a small hole in the level,
That should be the last one.

*crosses finger*

Me and Adi are working on an awesome level together..
give us a week or two!!		2010-01-30 04:29:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

Wow! Awesome. I don't think i can give any negative feedback... Except, i guess the flying bugs in the cave could have been more elaborate... I loved everything. Plot, decor, characters, the bird's wing flapping LOL. Just an awesome level. Now F4F please! If you don't mind... "LittleBigBackyard" 2010-02-25 01:43:00

Author:
Joburt94
Posts: 8

i love this level. i've played it twice now.

it has such a littlebigplanet feel, so much character and fun. the multiple routes was a nice touch and the door transfer/teleport was smoothly done. the caterpillar was really well made. the magpie was well built too and the race at the end was great fun.

my only criticism was that the spiders in the caterpillar section were irritating. when i tried to get the bubble, it killed me. maybe the gas is a bit harsh, seeing as you get sent back to the beginning of the caterpillar part. but then again, i should have just left them.

a really good level with lots of puzzles, platforming and general fun. :star: :star: :star: :star: :star: and hearted!		2010-02-25 18:49:00

Author:
trip090
Posts: 1562

Thanks to both of you for some lovely feedback. Its really nice to know people are still playing this and enjoying it. ...and yeah.. the spiders are trying to kill you.. only the greedy sack trys to get the bubbles

+rep for both you. Adi		2010-02-25 21:57:00

Author:
TheAdipose
Posts: 533

So I just played it tonight, it was very good!!

I really enjoyed the seperate paths and the different choices. I tried to do a little of both. I thought the puzzle ideas where very creative, they gave me a challenge at first but once I started to figure them out I thought they were really good. I also enjoyed the platforming. I am very glad you put infinite check points because I defienently used them to their fullest!

I really enjoyed how the level went full circle at the end with the ring coming back to the very beginning. Overall it was an enjoyable time that I want to play again (got to try the other paths)

I was hoping this would make the final five for the contest but oh well.

Thanks for the feedback you have given me on my past levels! I'm going to check out the cave tutorial because I think that is going to be the setting for my next level.		2010-02-28 10:02:00

Author:
shebhnt
Posts: 414

I played this level for the first time last night and really enjoyed it!! I took the challenge route, and was also grateful for the infinite life bubbles. The story, terrain, decorations, and lighting effects were wonderful, but then everyone expects (and simply now demands) this from you.

For the first time ever I have two suggestions. 1.) Spiders are not insects, they are spiders. (the dialogue suggests the caterpillar cave is full of insects) 2.) I accidentally fell back into the wet root system area, and was someone disappointed that the global lighting didn't go all dark again.

I still gave it 5/5+H because it was wonderful and want to remember to go back and play some of the other tracks.		2010-03-05 19:33:00

Author:
RoharDragontamer
Posts: 397


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