LBP Showcase / Reviews / Recommendations #1
The Doctor: Egyptian Findings by Jackofcourse
Archive: 42 posts
| The Doctor: Egyptian Findings by Jackofcourse My latest level is the introduction to a series, a quick romp through a pyramid style setting! There's lots of secret areas and little hideaways stashed with bubbles throughout the level. It's quite short, but as I said this is just the introduction to a series that I am starting on! It can be quite fun to just jump on a lot of the traps to see what happens, so if you're not trying to ace it, I'd definitely advise that for a quick giggle!  NOTE: NPC made by Ungreth Just noticed I've put this straight into the 'cool levels'. If a mod could move it to the lowly pages that would be appreciated. I don't want to corrupt the system! http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/APhoto_2-1.jpg http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/APhoto_1-2.jpg http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/APhoto-2.jpg http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/APhoto_4-1.jpg http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/APhoto_5-2.jpg http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/APhoto_6-2.jpg | 2010-01-14 01:44:00 Author: jackofcourse  Posts: 1494 |
| Oh I'll definitely be giving this a go! It looks excellent! EDIT: Having just played it, I can say this is a brilliant level. As with all of your levels, the mechanisms and brilliant level design made this a must play. I was the first one to play AND complete it! W00T!!! I gave it 5 stars and a heart. Once again, nice work. | 2010-01-14 01:52:00 Author: iGotFancyPants  Posts: 1355 |
| You sly dog, trying to post straight into Cool Levels... I moved it for you. I'm off to check it out. Got that logic all figured out, then, huh? Just had to make the radius bigger? | 2010-01-14 02:09:00 Author: comphermc  Posts: 5338 |
| You sly dog, trying to post straight into Cool Levels... I moved it for you. I'm off to check it out. Got that logic all figured out, then, huh? Just had to make the radius bigger? haha I did put it in the OP that I'd posted it wrong and would a mod move it! It's because I just clicked back to 'cool levels' after commenting on your level! (See, your fault). No idea what I'd done with the logic, making the radius bigger or moving the searchlight so it was right over the lift didn't work...what did work was rewinding...ALOT! Hope you all like it! | 2010-01-14 02:13:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
I SUPPOSE I'll try this when I'm on next, despite your having cleaned up my sticker vandalism.  | 2010-01-14 02:13:00 Author: CaptainCowboyHat  Posts: 153 |
If you had let me call it 'OH NO!!! The Doctor:' it could have stayed!  My friend has just played this and said all the background is just black towards the end? Can anyone confirm or even help with why this is happening? Thermo issues? | 2010-01-14 02:16:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
I didn't get a black background... not sure what he's on about. Anyways, did consciously designing the level with blocks just kill the thermo? It just seemed pretty short. Granted, it had that jackofcourse flair we've come to know and love... I have no idea where you're going with the series, but the fact that you have an actual plot frightens me a little...  | 2010-01-14 02:57:00 Author: comphermc Posts: 5338 |
| I didn't get a black background... not sure what he's on about. Anyways, did consciously designing the level with blocks just kill the thermo? It just seemed pretty short. Granted, it had that jackofcourse flair we've come to know and love... I have no idea where you're going with the series, but the fact that you have an actual plot frightens me a little... Think the blackness is their profile because their pod is the same! Very odd. Anyway, yeah it is definitely short. It's just a little introduction level into the series. But yeah, the blocks definitely killed the thermo. Don't worry, I have no idea where the series is going either! | 2010-01-14 03:01:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| I enjoyed it, thought the darkened patches were hilarious (jumped on pretty much all of them lol) and thought the intro was awesomely well done. But I thought it was a little short, and I still have no idea what/who Doctor Who is so I didn't really get it... | 2010-01-14 04:39:00 Author: thekevinexpress  Posts: 256 |
| I enjoyed it, thought the darkened patches were hilarious (jumped on pretty much all of them lol) and thought the intro was awesomely well done. But I thought it was a little short, and I still have no idea what/who Doctor Who is so I didn't really get it... Thanks! Glad you liked the traps haha.Yeah, definitely pretty short. As I said, it's just an intro level Yeah I'm aware that a lot of people won't have a clue who/what Doctor Who is...so the stories are always going to be pretty thin and simple. More A to B style plots with some inside jokes for anyone who does know about Doctor Who. That way it shouldn't detract from the experience for everyone else Thanks for your quick response! | 2010-01-14 04:43:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| You...here's the reason why you complained about Cap'n Sackbeard! You have another wonderful level coming! Great, keep them comin'! | 2010-01-14 07:09:00 Author: OmegaSlayer  Posts: 5112 |
| If you had let me call it 'OH NO!!! The Doctor:' it could have stayed! What are you on about? That was my idea! | 2010-01-14 13:34:00 Author: CaptainCowboyHat Posts: 153 |
| Played today, and thought it was a surprisingly short level but still very satisfying to play. Nice visual touches, but the true strength lies in the platforming, with a well-balanced difficulty level, innovative traps/hazards and some excellent mechanical synchronisation. Smooth run from beginning to end with no technical hitches. Loved the Tardis! I reckon a lot of people will be confused by the Doctor though and think WTF? as far as the story is concerned. I don't think the series has many fans outside of the UK. Anyway, 5-Stars and hearted. | 2010-01-14 15:41:00 Author: Ungreth  Posts: 2130 |
| Definitely going to play! Great, I know it will be! | 2010-01-15 01:24:00 Author: piggabling  Posts: 2979 |
| I just showed my freind these screenshots and the first thing he said was assasins creed, then he realised it was LBP. do i need to say any more. | 2010-01-15 15:06:00 Author: robotiod  Posts: 2662 |
Hi Jack, thanks for the messege. Looking forward to checking this out tonight  | 2010-01-15 15:30:00 Author: wexfordian  Posts: 1904 |
| Thanks everyone who has replied! And to the people who are about to play it...hope you enjoy! | 2010-01-15 16:29:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| WOW I've just read the explanation and scrolled down jesus, i'll definatly be checking this one out! The atmosphere looks exceptionally impressive just looking at the pictures. | 2010-01-15 17:31:00 Author: XXGrEEn0Xx Posts: 75 |
| oh! looks like I have a level to play tonight! | 2010-01-15 19:00:00 Author: RangerZero  Posts: 3901 |
| Nice work! I easily identified David Tennant as the doctor! Nice gameplay - I like the way how it's similar to your other levels but... totally different! How do you do it! Looking forward to the rest of the series - guessing they're all going to be different locations in history or the future or somthing? Anyway good work! Had to heart it and give it 5 stars! | 2010-01-15 19:40:00 Author: standby250  Posts: 1113 |
| Nice, nice level...I think the word smooth describes it best! The whole thing just flows so beautifully. The mechanics work brilliantly as in all your levels and the look of the level - simple, beautiful and coherent - adds to the feeling of harmony. I really liked the colours and materials. The gameplay is fun and challenging and the score bubble placement is really cleverly done. It was great trying to go for those combinations and finding the secret stashes. Adds replay value too. Personally, I loved the Doctor Who references. Ungreth?s Doctor and your Tardis were both superb and the dialogue was funny. I agree that it really doesn?t matter if some people don't ?get? it. Hope they reappear in the rest of the series! I can't wait to see what you've got in store for us. 5 stars and hearted. | 2010-01-15 19:59:00 Author: shropshirelass  Posts: 1455 |
| Nice, nice level...I think the word smooth describes it best! The whole thing just flows so beautifully. The mechanics work brilliantly as in all your levels and the look of the level - simple, beautiful and coherent - adds to the feeling of harmony. I really liked the colours and materials. The gameplay is fun and challenging and the score bubble placement is really cleverly done. It was great trying to go for those combinations and finding the secret stashes. Adds replay value too. Personally, I loved the Doctor Who references. Ungreth’s Doctor and your Tardis were both superb and the dialogue was funny. I agree that it really doesn’t matter if some people don’t “get” it. Hope they reappear in the rest of the series! I can't wait to see what you've got in store for us. 5 stars and hearted. Thank you I'm glad you liked it and I'm even more glad you appreciate the Doctor Who reference. I've been wanting to do a Doctor Who level for ages (pretty much since the game came out) and I thought why not turn it into a bit of an adventure instead of just the one level with the obvious theme. He goes all through time and space so it's not like my options are limited in regards to theme or location Yeah I think that even if you don't know anything about Doctor Who or if you're one of those freaky people who don't like it, it shouldn't really detract from the level. There will always be the same good old platforming in there! | 2010-01-15 20:41:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| A very nice level once again there Jack. Nothing short of what I would expect but maybe on the short side. Or maybe I was totally immersed and it felt like 2 mins in there? Anyhow, it's excellent, simple and works beautifully. Keep on the good work! Oh yeah, and you gave me that nice Idianna Jones feeling with those trap bricks! :star::star::star::star: + heart (gave 5 stars in-game) | 2010-01-16 03:01:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901 |
Great level again, jackofcourse! Great traps, fun gameplay, and just one wonderful looking level.  Left a comment on the level that just explains it all! *wink, wink* | 2010-01-16 14:12:00 Author: piggabling Posts: 2979 |
| Thanks everyone! Glad everyone is enjoying it so far. Would love to hear what others think? and how have people got on with the secret areas? | 2010-01-17 19:29:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| Well I think found most of the secret places. But then again I don't really know.... Maybe you could put a board that shows you the spots that you found? I seem to have a knack for leaving the last post on a lot of threads. I feel bad. :blush: Haha! | 2010-01-17 21:43:00 Author: piggabling Posts: 2979 |
| Well there are 5/6 secret areas (two are really near each other so not sure if it could be classed as it's own). My top score is around 4,400 so the leader isnt' too far from it at the minute. I would guess that they probably missed a secret area and may have died once or twice. | 2010-01-17 22:06:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| Well i found a couple of secret areas but i must say even without them this level is a gem, the doctor looked ok i'm not going to lie he looked ok i thought he could of probably been a little better but it was easily recognizable. The tardis though that did make me smile. I gave you 5 stars because of the visuals being perfect and the gameplay being really fun. | 2010-01-18 09:22:00 Author: robotiod Posts: 2662 |
| Hi, Jackofcourse! First of all, I want to say that I played your level 3 times already, 1 time alone and 2 accompanied by Mammet-box and Vaniemera respectively, who also enjoyed it! I'm sure this has been said before, but the only "issue" with this level is that it is short. But that's actually a good thing for you to hear, since people complaining it about being it short means that there's people wanting more! The first time I played it, the intro left me hungry. Hungry for the rest of the level! That section alone reminded me the "level bending" that you are famous for, and thus, by bringing back some tribal ruins memories, it wetted my appetite for the rest of the level. I'm glad you didn't put credits in it, I do always prefer amazing intros rather than letters. The visuals reminded me slightly of captaincowboyhat, but I guess that that is natural, since you spent so much time glaring at his levels in order to get that impossible high score. Anyways, the level looked great. Ok, no tons of lightning, but who needs that (aside from morgana) when the level is so polished. Besides, the "simple" (not really THAT simple, just not the main dish of the menu) graphics helped me to focus on the gameplay. Which didn't help my score because I stepped on most of the traps to see how they would kill me, haha..! Regarding the gameplay, you already know that it falls on the fun and amazing side. What I specially liked is that the level felt like if it had been flawlessy designed, there were no zones in which I felt slightly bored; there were always traps to avoid or jumps to make, which makes for an amazing combination. All in all, not great but perfect pacing. And you finally added a story! Not that your levels were lacking it, it's just that I do prefer having a reason for going from point A to B. Oh, and I have to congratulate Ungreth, I could recognize doctor who. I never watched the series, but my sister was addicted to those, so I kind of knew how he looked like. So after reading "doctor" in the tittle, seeing the npc and finally sighting the Dr's machine at the end -if I'm not mistaken- even I could tell what was the level about. Besides egypt. Btw, I don't see myself buying egyptian manufacturated products now, I bet they have spikes on them too. Oh, and somehow Vaniemera managed to stay out the collapsing elevator after it closed. Just thought you'd like to know. Forgetting that, the level ran smoothly and delivered a fantastic -but short!- LBP experience. 5 stars, heart and a "Fenomenal" tag. | 2010-01-18 18:04:00 Author: Keldur  Posts: 628 |
| Thanks a lot Keldur I appreciate the in depth feedback. I'm glad you like it and everything you picked up on was pretty much what I was trying to do. It's was just meant to be a quick introduction level to the series. You know I think I may have chosen a bad length for it, if it was a little longer, maybe there would be less 'it's a bit short' comments, and if it was a little shorter it may have been more obvious that it is just an introduction level and not supposed to be a 'full on' level! I know what you mean about CaptainCowboyHat's levels. It was partly inspired by that in the early planning of the level, but when you think about it...it's a pyramid style so bricks and blocks were the only logical choice really! | 2010-01-18 18:35:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| Hiya Jack thanks so much for playing meddling magpie. I've really appreciate 'famous creators' like yourself taking the time to play my level and leave your thoughts... ...ok to the doctor.... I didnt realise the title was a doctor who reference and was very very happy to see David when I entered the level. Obviously I had to have a slight pause of sadness in light of his recent departure. will the next level have david or Matt?? I have a slight complaint about some of your previous levels. Your ability to move platforms around using pistons and wheels is outstanding... but sometimes i felt that the 'cleverness' of the scenery changes took a back seat to the actual gameplay. Let me give some examples. If one of your timberland levels, there were two platforms that you jump up, then you pull a switch, the 2 platforms do a double flip with a half pike and twist and rearrange themselve higher up. I then jump up them again. It looks interesting, but the gameplay is essentially jump jump, pull, jump jump. I was really hoping to see the interest of the gameplay be as good as the interest of the visuals and the mechanics. Happily this is!! (jumping high five!) The use of secrets, traps and a narrative balances really well with your always excellent visuals. I enjoyed it from start to finish and laughed as the traps killed me in interesting ways. It perhaps is a bit short BUT I don't think thats the biggest issue - I think the narrative should actually be a little bit stronger. Maybe a couple more mouths and maybe a cut scene. You've said this is an intro level - so make it more of an intro - what's the story? what will the next challenge be? How did I meet the doctor? why am I in this temple? I think if a few of this questions were answered throughout the level, the comments of 'too short' would disappear and 'whats next??' would replace it! This level doesnt have enough of the 'intro' feel. another suggestion would be that the tardis actually lands at its next destination at the end of this level so it works as an advert for the next one. Obviously in terms of material thermo that could be a pain.. but remember doctor who itself - we always watch to the end of the credits to see what's coming next week!! To summarise, this is a really good level, which COULD be a better intro to what will be a GREAT series. You need to phone Russell T - or find a creative buddy (or i'll do it!) and get the plotlines running a little more thickly. If this feedback feels negative, it isnt meant to be - its just I had a lot of suggestions for it. Really looking forward to seeing what happens next!! ...could the doctors re-generation be done LBP style!?!? Adi | 2010-01-18 19:18:00 Author: TheAdipose  Posts: 533 |
| Thanks a lot Yeah I understand what you mean about the plot and while you could possibly be right about more magic mouths and a thicker plot would give it more of an intro feel, with it being so short it could equally end up bogging the level down and just feeling like too text heavy, and if you've read anything about my opinions on stories in LBP on this forum, you will know I am not a big fan of text heavy stuff! I do think that you are right that I should have explained a little more in this level, and my thoughts of 'it's alright, it'll all be explained in the next level anyway' is probably not well planned, as while once all of the levels have been published the series will make sense and feel 'complete', at the minute it is probably a little thin and confusing. I do think that you may be expecting a bit much in terms of story for this series though As I said, it isn't really my thing, and it will most likely be something simple to move the plot along while containing a few simple references and inside jokes for Doctor Who fans.I did consider having Matt as the doctor but I thought I'd keep it as David just because he's easily the most recognisable at the moment I understand what you mean about my 'pull switch' style, and it is something that I have made a conscious effort to move away from a little. I just love the idea of cool mechanics and watching cool things happen, but you are right, it is effectively just jumping. A big part of the fun in a lot of my levels is watching how the environment changes around you to accommodate you and your journey to the scoreboard! As for the TARDIS and new location suggestion, I definitely agree and that's what I would do if possible. Unfortunately there is literally no thermo left. Thanks a lot for playing and your detailed feedback | 2010-01-18 20:12:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| I have spotted your 'opinions' on narrative before - and played your response level to it My wife and I are NOT a fan of billions of mouths with innane banter that is just plain boring. Mouths can often get in the way of a good level and actually become frustrating and irritating. That said, I think there is a middle ground - which I tried to aim for on my magpie level. I dont think a level has to be narrative heavy to have a plot. One example might be rtm's setbacks level. Minimum mouths, but a lot of plot through what the character goes through. With your fantastic ability to (in your words) 'watch cool things happen' - why not make these 'happenings' be part of a narrative as well as shifting scenery? all of that said... simple references and inside jokes ftw!! I am of course expecting to see an adipose walking by at some point ( preferably made of floaty!) Adi | 2010-01-18 20:38:00 Author: TheAdipose Posts: 533 |
| Well... don't know what more I can say at this point than has already been stated here. I simply loved this [short], beautiful, clever, fun level. And kudos to ungreth for a fantastic NPC. I know where to go next time I need something like this! :star::star::star::star::star:, hearted and tagged Brilliant! | 2010-01-19 00:11:00 Author: v0rtex  Posts: 1878 |
| I dont think a level has to be narrative heavy to have a plot. One example might be rtm's setbacks level. Minimum mouths, but a lot of plot through what the character goes through. With your fantastic ability to (in your words) 'watch cool things happen' - why not make these 'happenings' be part of a narrative as well as shifting scenery? Heheh, I wouldn't call Setbacks the minimum of mouths, I thought it had quite a few. I agree that narrative enhances gameplay. It adds emotional incentive greater than just reaching the score board; you want to solve the mystery, aid some unfortunate soul or punish the evil. However, that doesn't necessarily mean loads of magic mouths. You can do a lot with visuals: just look at old silent movies, or mimes. For instance, no one has to tell you the princess was kidnapped by a dragon if it just happened before your eyes. But anyway, another great jackofcourse level, and now with a proper storyline! So I'm looking forward to seeing the next episode. | 2010-01-19 11:54:00 Author: Rogar  Posts: 2284 |
| I played this last night... very cool! The secrets were designed well, you cranked up the difficulty a bit. This is actually my favorite level you've done so far... especially the end with the "time booth" . To really hit the "Dr. Who" feel, you may need to have some campy robots and creatures that you introduce into future levels (maybe Wex has some left-over robots!) | 2010-01-19 13:29:00 Author: CCubbage  Posts: 4430 |
| I played this the other day and throughly enjoyed it! I'm not familiar with the Dr. Who series (I plan to watch it eventually!), but I still had a great time with the level. I really liked the visual style and I felt it looked very different from your previous levels while retaining the same Jackofcourse "feel". I don't really have any criticisms for the level with the exception of the length. It did feel very short, but since this is the introduction, I completely understand the reasoning behind that. Other than that, the level flowed very nicely and I enjoyed all the watching different contraptions and mechanism transform to create my path! Well done as always! | 2010-01-19 14:23:00 Author: mrsupercomputer  Posts: 1335 |
| Oh, I just remembered: it would be great if you could get that Dr. Who theme music in one of your levels (the finale perhaps?). That music is so great, it's my favourite thing of the whole series. | 2010-01-19 14:45:00 Author: Rogar Posts: 2284 |
| Thanks everyone. If you listen very very carefully (it's really quiet and I dunno how to make it louder) as you land in the last bit of the scoreboard, I've tried to recreate the TARDIS sound...I think considering what we have available, I haven't done a bad job! But unfortunately it's really quiet. Note: More speakers doesn't equal louder (there must be about 48 speakers in that section and it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference haha | 2010-01-19 15:34:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| Thanks everyone. If you listen very very carefully (it's really quiet and I dunno how to make it louder) as you land in the last bit of the scoreboard, I've tried to recreate the TARDIS sound...I think considering what we have available, I haven't done a bad job! But unfortunately it's really quiet. Note: More speakers doesn't equal louder (there must be about 48 speakers in that section and it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference haha Yeah, my experience with speakers is the only thing that makes them louder is positioning. The closer to center screen, the louder. If it's off screen at all, it can still be heard, but gets much quieter. | 2010-01-19 15:51:00 Author: v0rtex Posts: 1878 |
| Yeah ...I have about 48 in the centre of the screen...haha | 2010-01-19 15:58:00 Author: jackofcourse Posts: 1494 |
| congrats on the spotlight jack! I played this level a couple of days ago and it was excellent! Keep it up! | 2010-01-26 16:19:00 Author: javi haguse  Posts: 744 |
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