Home    LBP Showcase / Reviews / Recommendations    Level Showcase    Cool Levels
#1

Cap'n Sackbeard's Booty [Beta Remake]

Archive: 82 posts

Adventure through a watery cavern and try to find the fearsome Cap'n Sackbeard's treasure. Can you think your way to booty?

Let me be the first to post a level on our new forums...

This was a level that GruntosUK, rtm223, OmegaSlayer and I had originally created in the waterbeta. The waterbeta version was made in about 6 days, so we decided to instead spend a whole two weeks remaking it basically from the ground up. New sections have been added and it has been given a thorough spit-shine. For anyone who was not in the beta, this was for a contest that was held which was designed to showcase water-related puzzles, so this level is a bit puzzly. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it...



Special thanks to Grant, rtm, and Omega, who sadly will be left in the shadows since I was the one to publish. Give them a bit of a boost and go play their other levels as well.

Now with video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eIlXJy5v4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aP6mAYuko8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJRt_7jgWpU&feature=sub

Screenies:
http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/6299/aphoto23.jpg http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7400/aphoto25.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7439/aphoto26.jpg http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/541/aphoto27.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4015/aphoto28.jpg http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8687/aphoto29.jpg

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1710/aphoto30.jpg http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3225/aphoto31.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/3047/aphoto32.jpg http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7353/aphoto33y.jpg

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/9743/aphoto34.jpg http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7344/aphoto35y.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5384/aphoto36.jpg http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/4384/aphoto37y.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/4811/aphoto38.jpg http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4634/aphoto39.jpg		2010-01-13 06:08:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Wow, looks nice! Ill play it right away!2010-01-13 06:27:00

Author:
TNSv
Posts: 302

A real, cool, Kraken boss fight...if you see what i did here.
In an already completed level where you also have to do a lot of cool things, and crack your mind quite a bit.

I also want to thank the team.
You can never be lucky enough to work with 3 kings of LBP, and they're always kind, humble and unstoppable workers, ready to shape every bit of idea into awesomeness.		2010-01-13 06:36:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Thank god that's over. I'm drained. You know, I actually had to stand up because my backside was aching at one point because I'd been at it that long

Firstly, I want that to be my favourite level ever. I really really do. From a technical point that is ridiculously amazing. I cannot begin to describe the level of planning and ingenuity that was evident in some of those puzzles. The one with the water moving on 5 different levels is amazing. Absolutely staggering how it all fitted together so well.

Now I'm sure you aren't aiming this at the cool pages gang, but I still think it will be a little too much for most people. If I didn't know the people who made it, I'm not sure whether I would have stuck at it. Even though it is ridiculously good, I can only take so much of my brain hurting, and I feel others will be the same

The puzzles are amazing, absolutely fantastic. However, I think as a player you could do with a break at times, they got a little too much just one after the other, (as I said, my bum hurt!!!). I thought I was going to get some nice straight forward gameplay at one point with the spinning circles in the water (which were very cool by the way) but it was quite short lived. I understand it is meant to be a puzzler, and I don't wish to take a way from what it is, but I think there is a fine line between puzzling and frustrating. For me, it's definitely puzzling, but for a lot, I think it may border on the frustrating side. As I said, I don't think I'd have stayed in it that long if I didn't know who made it. It felt a little long as well, but that obviously ties in with how long it takes you to figure stuff out. Personally, with it being so puzzling and head scratching, by the end I was thinking 'god, I hope this is the last one'. Which considering how much I love the level, I think is a bit of a shame.

One thing I noticed: In the 5 water levels part: There's a 2 x sign next to the purple switch, I was swimming around forever looking for something to do because I just thought that switch was related to the 2 player area. Not sure if it's just me or whether a few might think it.

As I said, I want this to be my favourite level, I absolutely love it. From a technical and gameplay point of view, it is out of this world. I just think the flow and length will hurt it with a lot of people.

Thank you!

EDIT: Oh yeah, the boss fight! It was very cool and better than most around without doubt, but I didn't really think it fitted that well. After having to use my brain so much and playing through such cleverly thought puzzles it felt a little odd to just be spamming r1 to finish.		2010-01-13 06:42:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Hm... sorry you feel that way Jack. It's long because we figured people would appreciate more level... perhaps we were wrong...? Well, we're not going to cut anything from it now, especially since it would be unfair to cut any one person's section (probably also why it's so long). How did you like the ending, though? That was the major addition, and it wasn't all that puzzly... would you have like to see it easier?

At any rate, I'm glad you appreciated the technical scope of the level. As you are probably aware, rtm worked wonders with that raft. We'll see if we can put that sign in a slightly less confusing place. We thought the color coordination would help, but whatever...

Thanks for your feedback and steadfast play.

2010-01-13 06:49:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I really don't mean any of it as 'criticism' as such. It is an absolutely amazing level. If I played it back now, I think easily be one of my all time favourites. I understand what you mean about people wanting more level, but that's not something I personally agree with. I'd always rather leave people wanting more than less. Hence why if this was a few puzzles shorter, all the 'drained' and 'achy bum' aspects of my feedback probably wouldn't be there. It would just be me squeeeing at you all!

I edited in the boss thing after seeing the picture and remembering It's an awesome boss, I just don't think it fitted that well. If the whole level was a little less puzzly then maybe, but it just somehow feels like a 'boss add-on', like it's just there for the sake of it.

Still, I'm being overly critical. Would recommend to anyone and without doubt the most well thought out, ingenious level I have played. I really do thank you all for the time that went into this.		2010-01-13 07:04:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

As we said it was originally a puzzle contest, a showcase of what you can do with water, so it's a bit overstretched, but I think that we tried to show what kind of puzzles could be done with water without being repetitive, and taking force from the "flaws" like being forced in the front layer.

I'm happy that you liked it jack, even if it is a challenging level, it's one that everyone can enjoy just with a little patience, since nothing resets to zero and doesn't imply joypad manuality.		2010-01-13 07:08:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

This one is in my top 2 of the beta levels. Depending on my mood (puzzle versus gameplay) it goes to #1 sometimes

Seriously excellent level. I love the length, the challenge, the visuals, the story, the BOSS! I can't say enough good things about it really. I think Jack has a point about the average player not sticking with it but challenge hunters are going to eat this one up. Seriously, that 5 level water elevator.... seriously?!? Just go buy the sharks with lasers on their heads now rtm and take over the planet already mr smarty pants! (I can only assume that's your work although I think comphermc could have worked that too - perhaps you'll have to share rulership of us mere mortals. ) I still can't understand a third of how that's wired up but it works so flawlessly if you didn't think about the tech behind the scenes you'd never know it was there!

The thing I take from this level and what really impressed me when I first played it in the beta is the superb use of the layers in water. Swimming forces you to the front layer so you guys played with that as part of the puzzle... it's brilliant and expertly crafted. I'm just going to stop gushing now as I can't find a single negative here (except for the two minor things I found and pm'd you about comphermc)

Seriously excellent work gentlemen - very cool level that deserves way more recognition than it's enjoying at the moment.		2010-01-13 08:25:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Oh, its out now? NEAT-O!!

I'm gonna be checking this out tonight!! Can't wait to see what you guys inserted in that last part.		2010-01-13 09:10:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

I really had a good time with this level - I agree with JackOfCourse that it is really long for cool pages, however I'm glad it is - I think its nice to have a big puzzle level every once in a while.

I don't really have any critisisms except for with the final boss - I found after a bit it was difficult to tell whether I was doing damage and how to actually kill him. He "looked" far better than MM's kracken, but since I wasn't getting big effects or pieces blowing off as I was shooting it didn't feel as satisfying to fight him.

Not that the boss was bad - he was really cool - but maybe work a bit on how the player knows he's being hurt?

Great job, guys! This level was a real treat!		2010-01-13 11:50:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Ok, I made a few fixes per you guys' feedback. There are now a few more magic mouths to guide the player, mostly when they are trying to do the wrong thing. Also, when you hit a certain point, it kills all the previous logic, so the problem with letting someone join late should be fixed. Maybe. Morgana, when did you let someone join, thereby flooding the level? At the very start? I hope not.

At any rate, I'm sorry you guys aren't feeling the boss fight. That was my baby... We'll see if we can't work out a better system for the damage. Currently a sound plays when you do damage. Perhaps I need to string the lights on the tentacles into the same system. Shouldn't take too long. I will update when it's done.

-Comph

Edit: Okay, the boss has been updated. It's not much, but it's in the right direction, methinks. 		2010-01-13 13:30:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I can totally appreciate the length of the level will be an issue for some. It doesn't help that some of the puzzles require you to stay in one place for a long time (not entirely sure whose fault that is, I'm looking for a scapegoat here...). I guess one advantage of puzzle levels is that if you quit halfway through, to play again later, the parts you have already done will go much quicker. I actually did that with a level the other day - quit halfway through with the aim of finishing it off at a later date. In a similar vein, hopefully people who did enjoy it will come back to it at some point and the second playthrough will be much quicker and take away some of the negativity felt during the first time. Anyways, we made this level for a puzzle competition, so puzzles is what you get!! It'll never please the cool pages crowd, but hopefully we can push for "cult classic" status

The two player sign is supposed to be next to the white lever and then there is a second one down the tunnel. What should happen is that the camera angle changes when you pull on the lever, but I check and it doesn't work how it should, so I'm guessing some logic from the beta got deleted. If we lose the sign next to the lever and just keep the one down the tunnel and sort out the cameras it should be fine.

I can see where ccubbage is coming from on the boss fight. The lights maybe aren't enough to indicate a hit unless you are looking for them. There is a LOT going on in that scene, both visually and aurally, so I'm not sure what can be done as an indicator. I think I've got a way this can be improved but it's gonna be a fair amount of work and I'll have to run it past the others before we look at it (the boss had nothing to do with me)


P.S: it's six water levels in my section - zero indexing FTW 		2010-01-13 14:51:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

ONE WORD: AMAZING!!!

Has to be my favorite level EVER!!!
Sorry not much critique since I already said it was my 1# level on my list.
Anyways, my favorite area was the one where you use that elevator to change the elevation the water.
Who made that part anyways?
Anyways all parts were AMAZING!!!!		2010-01-13 16:17:00

Author:
Mod5.0
Posts: 1576

Rtm did. Genius, isn't he? Maybe we should have just let you publish, rtm... seeing as everyone is in love with your section... 2010-01-13 16:26:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Rtm did. Genius, isn't he? Maybe we should have just let you publish, rtm... seeing as everyone is in love with your section...

I'm just saying that I liked that part... I wasn't trying to put everyone else down......		2010-01-13 16:31:00

Author:
Mod5.0
Posts: 1576

Oh, no... I wasn't saying that either, lol. We all knew rtm's puzzle was crazy-awesome.

2010-01-13 16:35:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

How do you even play or make a beta level.2010-01-13 16:39:00

Author:
NinjaLukeI
Posts: 89

Oh, no... I wasn't saying that either, lol. We all knew rtm's puzzle was crazy-awesome.



OH ok, What part of it did Omega Slayer and you do and GruntosUK. (I'm just curious)		2010-01-13 16:42:00

Author:
Mod5.0
Posts: 1576

I've played the original beta version as well as the new and improved remake and I've enjoyed them both! The puzzles are epic, but like Jack said, they can be exhausting! After Rtm's awesome raft section, I found myself craving some simple platforming or swimming sections that required no brain power at all! This isn't to say that the puzzles that follow are bad, because they certainly are not. They are very, very good actually. In fact, I love the final puzzle where you have to navigate the box to new areas and use it to switch layers underwater. But I feel a lot of players will be completely puzzled out by this point.

As for the level as a whole though, it's great. I liked the visual style and the Kraken looks unbelievable! My only issue with him is one that I've already talked to you about Compher. I wish that the attacks were more forceful and that the battle seemed more intense. I understand the restrictions you are under though, so well done considering.

So overall, a great puzzler with some hilarious lines of dialogue. I throughly enjoyed it, but I'll need to rest before I give it another go!		2010-01-13 16:56:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer
Posts: 1335

I'm more into simple kinda gameplay, so it was a bit frustrating at times. I agree with Jackofcourse as well.
It's definitely a technical masterpiece! Awesome design as well. If you're an "hardcore puzzle level" kinda person, this one is A MUST!		2010-01-13 16:58:00

Author:
javi haguse
Posts: 744

OH ok, What part of it did Omega Slayer and you do and GruntosUK. (I'm just curious)

I just take care that the others didn't mess things too much...
Basically I was the one that brought down this level to human level, lowering the average awesomeness.
I decided the horizontal spot (not the vertical one) where the Kraken had to be, where to place dark matter and unuseful things like that 		2010-01-13 17:12:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Meh, I don't really think it matters who published it. I'm certainly not fussed.

With regards to that section, has it confused anyone that you actually have to pull on the sponges, rather than just grabbing them? This was a concern at one point, but we decided to leave it as is. Just wondering if this has caused any problems for anyone?		2010-01-13 17:32:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Thsi level is excellent. I've been absorbed by it last night and played it for like 40 mins!!
I got all the crabs and been inpressed at the adventure/puzzle feel you created. I LOVE the raft section wich is a huge puzzle and also the crate section. The outside part was also fun.
There's nothing bad to say about this level really.

AND PLEASE DON'T FEAR people that will find it hard or will not figure out stuff. It's great to have such good levels adressed to some hardcore players. I LOVE it and exprienced sackers also need a blast sometimes.		2010-01-13 17:48:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

Funny you should mention that rtm223. I knew I had to pull them but was sort of sleepy when running through it last night and at one point I grabbed the one on the right and thought to myself, why isn't it working... I like that you have to pull them personally. It saves on unintentionally moving the boat up or down - you have to really want to move the way you have it set up.

Also - the flooded level comphermc - I let someone in as we were battling the Kraken. It set off the magic mouths from the 6 level water elevator section then completely flooded the level. Hope that helps.		2010-01-13 17:49:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Thanks, Morgana! That should be all fixed now... I kill all of rtm's logic once you get to the glowing green ball puzzle...

(don't tell rtm... you wouldn't like him when he's angry... )		2010-01-13 17:59:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I'm not really impressed that you logicheads are now starting to make full levels. It doesn't really seem fair. You need to be capped somehow. STICK TO TUTORIALS FFS.2010-01-13 18:15:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

I embarrassingly got completely stumped on the raft section, I couldn't find a solution to get to No.3 lever for love nor money. WIll get back on it tonight tho!2010-01-13 18:48:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

That one's a little tough. I'm guessing you don't want the solution, but here is a hint:

You need to be quick to get the paintgun


@Jack. Do you really want me to delete setbacks? Really?		2010-01-13 18:59:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Just don't make any more levels and we're good.2010-01-13 19:19:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

That one's a little tough. I'm guessing you don't want the solution, but here is a hint:

You need to be quick to get the paintgun


@Jack. Do you really want me to delete setbacks? Really?

No don't youre so close becoming the author of the level of the year! no! NOOOO!!!!		2010-01-13 19:19:00

Author:
TNSv
Posts: 302

I'm not really impressed that you logicheads are now starting to make full levels. It doesn't really seem fair. You need to be capped somehow. STICK TO TUTORIALS FFS.

I take offense to that... I made levels before I knew logic, but they were... well, bad. You can blame rtm for teaching me all this stuff... 		2010-01-13 19:19:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I take offense to that... I made levels before I knew logic, but they were... well, bad. You can blame rtm for teaching me all this stuff...

Nerd alarm! nerdogeekishsupersmart alarm! Im referring to rtm223.		2010-01-13 19:24:00

Author:
TNSv
Posts: 302

I'm not really impressed that you logicheads are now starting to make full levels. It doesn't really seem fair. You need to be capped somehow. STICK TO TUTORIALS FFS.

I hate you, you made me burst out laughing at the office 		2010-01-13 20:08:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

Like if yours can be called work Ranger! 2010-01-13 20:14:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I had a great time creating the level, and learned quite a few things in the process. Its good to see people enjoying it when it was so much fun to create.2010-01-13 21:00:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

I played this one last night. This level is amazing! I was playing through, and I was so absorbed in the puzzles that I didn't realize a half an hour had passed. I loved every thing from the style to the puzzles. The only thing is that I didn't get to finish. I kind of mess around when I play, so this may be my fault, but I missed the raft when I got to pirates cove or whatever it was. It just took right off, and I couldn't continue. I don't know, did I miss something? Anyways, awesome level. Will play again tonight so I can finish.2010-01-13 22:54:00

Author:
smasher
Posts: 641

Hey smasher, you must've played just before I fixed it. I was dumb and triggered something in create mode... had to go back and rebuilt the dang logic...

At any rate, it's fixed now.

2010-01-13 23:18:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Hey smasher, you must've played just before I fixed it. I was dumb and triggered something in create mode... had to go back and rebuilt the dang logic...

At any rate, it's fixed now.



Rookie...!		2010-01-13 23:33:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Jack is just attacking eveyone today huh?? lol
Must be that time of the month....		2010-01-14 00:22:00

Author:
javi haguse
Posts: 744

Think I'm gonna fix the logic you broke now, Jack!? Think again!



---

Anyways, thanks to everyone for playing. Much appreciated.		2010-01-14 00:47:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Jack is just attacking eveyone today huh?? lol
Must be that time of the month....

Yeah, I realised that friends are overrated! Enemies are the way forward!



Think I'm gonna fix the logic you broke now, Jack!? Think again!




haha I managed to fix it...well, that's a total lie. I just rewinded...ALOT. 		2010-01-14 01:21:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Well, my play through yesterday was good practice because today I played through in no time. I did get it done this time, and the boss is terrific! Great work!!!2010-01-14 01:39:00

Author:
smasher
Posts: 641

Yeah, I realised that friends are overrated! Enemies are the way forward!
ur right! It's even more fun this way!
friends are so 2000 and late!
lmao

(i never thought I was ever going to quote Fergie.. lol)		2010-01-14 04:55:00

Author:
javi haguse
Posts: 744

It's at a point like this where I begin to regret not giving out harsh criticism every time I open my mouth. If only I were a bitter, jaded, cynical old coot would the next words out of my mouth be given the justice that is deserved them.

This is the best level that has been made for LittleBigPlanet so far.

I'm going to just say that instead of gushing - because I don't think anything more needs to be said.		2010-01-14 05:28:00

Author:
Jagrevi
Posts: 1154

This is the best level that has been made for LittleBigPlanet so far..


Indeed.






with exeption of my levels!!!		2010-01-14 06:48:00

Author:
Fredrik94
Posts: 342

Wow, thanks Jagrevi! I s'pose you fancy yourself puzzle levels, then, huh?

2010-01-14 18:13:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I know how to make it more easier to tell when you heart the boss. Make the green lights than come on when you hit part of its tentacle or when it's tentacles come out of the water red and make them have a bigger radius and/or make them foggy. Also make the camera shake when you hit it. on the boss raft one of the chains is visible.2010-01-14 19:20:00

Author:
Unknown User

It's at a point like this where I begin to regret not giving out harsh criticism every time I open my mouth. If only I were a bitter, jaded, cynical old coot would the next words out of my mouth be given the justice that is deserved them.

This is the best level that has been made for LittleBigPlanet so far.

I'm going to just say that instead of gushing - because I don't think anything more needs to be said.

I have to agree!

It's only when you think of it more deeply in terms of audience and getting the best out of the community that my earlier criticisms come into it. In terms of what is in this level and what has been achieved, it probably is the best level ever. It is just totally uncompromising. Which is why so many will love it, yet so many will probably hate it too!		2010-01-14 19:22:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

I wonder why we even talk about this. Like the mass opinion counts + like comphermc and rtm didn't know that the generic LBP player would have grips with the level.
When we give feedback here it must be our personal opinion and nothing else. I feel uncomfortable into always reading people mentionning "the general opinion" through their post. Even I have this poor habit and it stinks.

There's only one kind of great levels: They are called "great". The audience having a problem seeing it or not is an entire other problem and certainly not ours. It's like true music you know, it's like good music. The mainstream doesn't get it and real artist don't care much. There are people out there liking real music and they wouldn't care much that someone who can't get music will buy the next Rihanna...		2010-01-14 20:04:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

I wonder why we even talk about this. Like the mass opinion counts + like comphermc and rtm didn't know that the generic LBP player would have grips with the level.
When we give feedback here it must be our personal opinion and nothing else. I feel uncomfortable into always reading people mentionning "the general opinion" through their post. Even I have this poor habit and it stinks.

I don't think there is any harm in it and indeed for some creators a reality check like this is useful. Some people may not realise the difficulty of their own level or not know the things that the mainstream want, yet still aim at the mainstream. I'll take that as part of objectivity in feedback - which is far greater than giving personal opinions.


Anyhoo.... the reason I'm here:

Update: The boss is now more badass than before and hopefully the damage dealt should be far more obvious. Let us know what you think!		2010-01-14 23:40:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Yep, new boss-man! I am going to my alt account to upload the pictures I took yesterday but didn't have time to post.

Be back in a few...



Edit: Kapow:

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/6299/aphoto23.jpg http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/7400/aphoto25.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7439/aphoto26.jpg http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/541/aphoto27.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4015/aphoto28.jpg http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8687/aphoto29.jpg

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1710/aphoto30.jpg http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3225/aphoto31.jpg

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/3047/aphoto32.jpg http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7353/aphoto33y.jpg

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/9743/aphoto34.jpg http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7344/aphoto35y.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5384/aphoto36.jpg http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/4384/aphoto37y.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/4811/aphoto38.jpg http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4634/aphoto39.jpg		2010-01-15 00:58:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

didn't play this one, but will do so like nao... I remember playing rtm's puzzle in the original version and it blew my mind on water, so I hope you stil did that... yeah.

Anwyay... I'm just saying i'm gonna play. DON'T KILL ME D:		2010-01-15 01:09:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

Yep, we still did that. It was mostly a copy/paste from the beta, but we improved quite a few things on it. Have fun!

2010-01-15 01:17:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Cool! Playing soon! For sure2010-01-15 01:22:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

I don't think there is any harm in it and indeed for some creators a reality check like this is useful. Some people may not realise the difficulty of their own level or not know the things that the mainstream want, yet still aim at the mainstream. I'll take that as part of objectivity in feedback - which is far greater than giving personal opinions.


Anyhoo.... the reason I'm here:

Update: The boss is now more badass than before and hopefully the damage dealt should be far more obvious. Let us know what you think!


Don't get me wrong, I didn't meant to be black or white there. We are talking of a large grey zone. I just thing we tend to steer a bit too much toward that casual player that is already having tons of casual levels to play in the cool level pages.
I think you guys are doing a great job and I hope you know as much as me how RIGHT you are about the design choices you generally make. I just wish you will not tone down your stuff or awesomeness too much in fear of the mainstream LBPers "having problems to understand" if I can put it that way.

/off topic

Also, looks like I need to replay the level now. I'm curious about the boss change...		2010-01-15 01:24:00

Author:
RangerZero
Posts: 3901

Don't worry, Ranger... if anything I'd like to make my stuff even harder/more puzzly. Cool Pages be *******ed!2010-01-15 01:26:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I thought the puzzles were great - straight forward, but very well done! The only thing that bothered me was the boss battle. I'm sure there's a strategy, but after solving so many puzzles and finally getting to the end, I just didn't care if I died anymore. So I just kept at it until he died. Oddly enough my favorite part wasn't the technical aspect of things, it was the R1 Box that you had to use to go between layers. Like the rest of the level, it was well thought out and worked flawlessly. Overall this was a great level and it deserves the 5 stars and heart that I gave it. I'm familiar with all of the other creators as well, and all of them have at least one heart from me already 2010-01-15 04:37:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

I thought the puzzles were great - straight forward, but very well done! The only thing that bothered me was the boss battle. I'm sure there's a strategy, but after solving so many puzzles and finally getting to the end, I just didn't care if I died anymore. So I just kept at it until he died. Oddly enough my favorite part wasn't the technical aspect of things, it was the R1 Box that you had to use to go between layers. Like the rest of the level, it was well thought out and worked flawlessly. Overall this was a great level and it deserves the 5 stars and heart that I gave it. I'm familiar with all of the other creators as well, and all of them have at least one heart from me already

Huzzah, someone loves my section!

I'm sorry you weren't feeling the boss battle. Any ideas for what would make a better hazard than the tentacles rising? We really struggled, and were quite limited, since those tentacles are actually in the front glitched layer. They are very tough to work with.		2010-01-15 05:07:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Yeah, couldn't get through this. Got stuck kind of embarrassingly early actually. :blush:

After the part with the colored circles the water rises and I see a paintanator, but the water is too high to get the paintanator. So can someone help me out? I really want to play the rest of the level.		2010-01-15 16:15:00

Author:
thekevinexpress
Posts: 256

Spoiler Alert!

You should lower the level of the water and run/swim under the door before it closes.


Thanks comph, I forgot to edit the post!		2010-01-15 16:18:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Good point rtm, edited

Hint below.

If its the section before you get to the raft, go back to the start of the puzzle and pull the lever to drop to water to the bottom again		2010-01-15 16:28:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Are we just giving out answers now? Surely hints with solutions in spoilers is best? Especially for the "OMG why did I not think of that straight away?" sections2010-01-15 16:32:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

I had alot of those moments! Seriously... I cannot think of any level better than this. In MY PERSONAL OPINION it is hands down my favourite level on littlebigplanet. I was swept into the engaging gameplay so much. Puzzlers are not my thing, but this just blew my conscience apart! Visuals are also awesome! Glorious Level. That is the first time Iv'e called a level glorious and probably the last. I love you guys for this... Group hug!

Attention everyone! This is THEE BEST LEVEL on littlebigplanet! Go play it now if you already have not!!!!		2010-01-15 16:40:00

Author:
KQuinn94Z
Posts: 1758

Huzzah, someone loves my section!

I'm sorry you weren't feeling the boss battle. Any ideas for what would make a better hazard than the tentacles rising? We really struggled, and were quite limited, since those tentacles are actually in the front glitched layer. They are very tough to work with.

Actually yes, I have a few ideas:

- If the tentacles were spaced a bit farther apart, I could just move sackboy between them. Basically, you have a left side pair and a right side pair of tentacles. I think if you widened the space between the tentacles of each pair, it might work better.
- Another thought is to delete two of the tentacles and space the remaining two between the left pair of cannons and the right pair of cannons.
- Or, if you kept all 4 tentacles, make the outer 2 tentacles move up while the inner 2 tentacles are moving down, and vise versa. (or just make any two tentacles rise as the other two fall - and they'll continue to rise and fall so the player is constantly moving from one cannon to the next) Edit: of course this probably won't work since your tentacles are in a glitched foreground layer .. unless pistons work in glitched layers - I've never tried that. Do the tentacles have to be in the glitched layers?? I'm guessing yes, but I can't remember if the ship used all 3 thick layers.		2010-01-15 16:43:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Actually yes, I have a few ideas:

- If the tentacles were spaced a bit farther apart, I could just move sackboy between them. Basically, you have a left side pair and a right side pair of tentacles. I think if you widened the space between the tentacles of each pair, it might work better.
- Another thought is to delete two of the tentacles and space the remaining two between the left pair of cannons and the right pair of cannons.
- Or, if you kept all 4 tentacles, make the outer 2 tentacles move up while the inner 2 tentacles are moving down, and vise versa. (or just make any two tentacles rise as the other two fall - and they'll continue to rise and fall so the player is constantly moving from one cannon to the next)

Actually, I was thinking about this earlier. Every time I''ve played that boss I end up late to run back to the centre (the checkpoint) and hide from the tentacles. I always try to hide between the two tentacles coming up on my side but there just isn't quite enough room. However, I do like powershifters final suggestion there.		2010-01-15 16:47:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Played it yesterday, and I really enjoyed it!

Puzzle levels are not my favorite usually, but here I was really into it,
and I spend a very good time resolving those genious puzzles

Really great, original and smart ideas for all the sections!

Thanks for sharing this high quality level!
:star::star::star::star::star: + heart		2010-01-15 17:11:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

I will see what I can do about spacing those tentacles a bit more. Haven't got the time now, but will look into it later.

And yes, pistons work in the glitched layers, as long as there is no layer disagreement. Hope that moves sense. Just don't overlap glitch layers.		2010-01-15 17:55:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Yeah, pretty epic win zomgsauce .

Didn't notice much different aside from the fact you threw in a Kraken boss that rawked. It seemed better then MM's boss to me, which is good, it reminded me of the Metal Gear boss in MGS Shadow Moses Site B in that it was even better then the boss that took up a whole level and was inside a level.

Anyway, yeah, definitively THE water level :kz:		2010-01-15 18:46:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

I can?t say how much I loved playing this level. I always enjoy puzzles and these were some of the most impressive and ingenious ones I've seen in LBP. The level may be long but I was completely absorbed throughout. The two standout sections for me were the water raft and the one with the crate which plays with the layers. The raft section was just amazing - so much packed into one puzzle - and the crate was such a simple idea in a way but really clever and well executed!

The visuals were also excellent; full of nice little touches like the small crabs popping up and down and the water raft design was cool, though I can?t tell you how many times I managed to toast myself on those torches/candles on each end, lol! Some of the dialogue was really funny too which helps lighten the atmosphere.

The boss fight seemed much better today than the first time I played. Having sections of the tentacles fall off is so much more satisfying and visceral. I also liked how the tentacles in the front layer move up and down in a slightly offset way. It makes it a lot easier to keep moving between the cannons and gives the whole fight a better flow. The Kraken is genuinely awesome now and a great climax to the level.

All in all a truly outstanding level. Thank you.		2010-01-15 19:21:00

Author:
shropshirelass
Posts: 1455

Very nice level. The puzzles were very good. I especially liked the boss, but it was a little too easy.2010-01-15 22:17:00

Author:
warlord_evil
Posts: 4193

Very, very good level all of you!

FIrst off, the best best puzzles, the great looks, the fun gameplay; it's just great! It's also really long, but I like that. It took me about an hour. Well mostly because I took a 15 minute break in the middle. Haha!

Still, a great level and I think you guys should team up for another level! It would be a pleasure to play, just like its predecessor!

:star::star::star::star::star: and a heart!		2010-01-16 14:18:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

Thanks for all the help getting through everyone

I really enjoyed this, my only suggestion is having the tentacles move in a more varied fashion. Like the two in the middle come up, then the two on the right, whatever.

Hehehe, check the uploaded pictures. 		2010-01-16 19:32:00

Author:
thekevinexpress
Posts: 256

Thanks for all the good feedback people!
Still it seems that the level is travelling under the radars.
Doesn't anyone want to make his brain bleed, like good ol' Keldur says?		2010-01-18 06:56:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Brilliant level, I thoroughly enjoyed this. It's probably true that you could have made to very full levels with all the puzzles in this one, but I'm happy to get to play them all together, without distracting platforming.

I found only one tiny flaw, if you can call it that at all. After I dragged the red barrel to its place, I expected similar goals for the other barrels, so I was looking for holes with coloured lights, in stead of uniformly coloured squares. I spent a bit more time than necessary on that.


Huzzah, someone loves my section!

The crate dragging was my favourite, too. It's so simple and intuitive that it's brilliant. And it's beautiful how you do it all with the same crate. 		2010-01-18 12:04:00

Author:
Rogar
Posts: 2284

Amazing from start to finsih. I personally loved the section where you had to get the little green ball to the fish and the section where you had to use a box and move it from place to place. I too had trouble on the part julesyjules was talking about (I blame it took me so long cause It was late )

A recording? Well...As soon as I find the crab I missed last time I played (I might ask for a hint on its location, if I lose my temper/patience finding it)

EDIT: MASSIVE FACEPALM He was right next to the green ball puzzle		2010-01-18 17:44:00

Author:
JKthree
Posts: 1125

A recording? Well...As soon as I find the crab I missed last time I played (I might ask for a hint on its location, if I lose my temper/patience finding it)

Hey, much appreciated!

Need a little hint action?

There are...
5 crabs prior to the skull cave
1 crab in the water-level raft area
2 crabs in the "green ball" area
2 crabs in the R1 crate area
1 crab at the end. If you miss it, you don't deserve to find them all... 		2010-01-18 17:52:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I'm hopeless at this level. First time i got unstuck at the raft puzzle, (even thought the solution is just common sense in hindsight!), and the second time i couldn't work out how to get the R1 box through. I never considered myself tragically dense until i played this. Im usually fairly decent at this sort of thing ( i managed False Idols 3 for gawds sake!) but this level just brings out the twit in me.2010-01-18 18:35:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Sorry, Jules. If we happen to meet at the same time, I will run through it with you. That R1 box puzzle is easier than you are making it. Any time you need to go into the back layer, you need to grab the box and take it with you. There are times where you do have to temporarily leave your box behind. I'm thinking you got to the big wheel and couldn't work it out? Try looking up for a secondary path through...


EDIT: MASSIVE FACEPALM He was right next to the green ball puzzle

Lol.		2010-01-18 18:41:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

JKThree has so graciously filmed the level for us!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eIlXJy5v4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aP6mAYuko8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJRt_7jgWpU&feature=sub		2010-01-19 05:17:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Thanks JK3!
The level is behaving quite well, even with a restricted target.		2010-01-19 06:42:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Sorry, Jules. If we happen to meet at the same time, I will run through it with you. That R1 box puzzle is easier than you are making it. Any time you need to go into the back layer, you need to grab the box and take it with you. There are times where you do have to temporarily leave your box behind. I'm thinking you got to the big wheel and couldn't work it out? Try looking up for a secondary path through...

Finally got to the scoreboard on my third try, I had no idea that little path above was there! Nice work fellas!		2010-01-19 23:39:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

I had no idea that little path above was there!

I don't know how many times I've played that bit, plus seen it in create mode zoomed out and all. I still forget it every single time 		2010-01-19 23:42:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497


LBPCentral Archive Statistics
Posts: 1077139    Threads: 69970    Members: 9661    Archive-Date: 2019-01-19

Datenschutz
Aus dem Archiv wurden alle persönlichen Daten wie Name, Anschrift, Email etc. - aber auch sämtliche Inhalte wie z.B. persönliche Nachrichten - entfernt.
Die Nutzung dieser Webseite erfolgt ohne Speicherung personenbezogener Daten. Es werden keinerlei Cookies, Logs, 3rd-Party-Plugins etc. verwendet.