Home    The Vault    Archive    Community Spotlight Archive    Creator Spotlight Archive
#1

Creator Spotlight 8 - coyote_blue

Archive: 68 posts

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/images/creator_spotlight.png

coyote_blue
The Enigmatic Engineer
Interview conducted by MrsSpookyBuz (http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/member.php?u=3896)

For those who know him, coyote_blue remains an enigma. He's the glitch in your imagination, he's the fleeting shadow just beyond your field of vision. His knowledge, wisdom and application is easy to see, but hard to summarise. His killing blows are delivered not only by the sword, but by his cutting wit. Hold on tight, folks, this is gonna be one heck of ride...


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



http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/images/creator_spotlight/coyote_blue/coyote1.jpg
Beautiful visuals await you in coyote_blue's Lone Ninja series


The Low-Down

What video games did you enjoy playing before LBP was released?
I play everything Bioware releases, most things Ubisoft, Naughty Dog, and Insomniac release, and nothing with a sport prominently featured on the box. I also only buy one first-person shooter every 18 months or so, just to remind me that I generally hate them, no matter how impressive they get. Modern Warfare 2 is a particularly creepy gem... it actually makes most of the veterans I know uncomfortable. Remember kids: violence is only fun until it's real!


What was the first full level you ever built? And what was it like?
What is now Lone Ninja 4 is based on my first level. I had just bought MGS, and I knew ZERO about logic, thermo, or anything. I was highly proud of a dissolve Sackboy-shaped brick, painted black with the Mm ninja stuck on it, that threw shuriken in ONLY ONE DIRECTION...so you could sneak up on the guy from one side, then drag him into a pit of spikes...THAT ACTUALLY KILLED HIM! My genius couldn't be stopped. I had a highly bizarre paint-gun fight versus an Oni (not the story Oni), and the original Bullet Train to Heck - Sakunaga flew up on a single winch, which broke off at the top. He was supposed to fall back into his castle and explode, without killing the player, which he did AT LEAST 22.37% of the time. Genius, I tell you. I have no idea why I deleted that one.

The original Sakunaga, with Pink Wrestler face and electric combat boots, is still on display in my Moon. I keeps it real.


What levels have you published to date?
Lone Ninja Episode 1: The Holy Sword Kaminarito
Lone Ninja Episode 2: Lessons of the Thunder God
Lone Ninja Episode 3: Race to Ninja Village
Lone Ninja Episode 4: Assault on Sakunaga Castle
Lone Ninja Episode 5: Trouble at Sakigahara
Lone Ninja Episode 6: A Thousand Lives a Day
AETHERNAUTS! "Maiden Voyage"

Which of these is your own favourite? And why?
Tough call. Lone Ninja 5 was the level that ended up closest to my original idea. Lone Ninja 6 is probably my favorite, though, because the player can trigger a Bad Ending. ESPECIALLY if he can't be bothered to read. And yes, I meant to say HE. Girls read.

Are there any other creators who inspire you?
You did. I played through Hyper Cube series and learned some very important things about what makes LBP fun, and I made a conscious decision not to try and take Mm all the way out of my levels, as some folk do to "increase realism"...dude, we're freakin' sacks running around, here. I think MotherMisty's work is another example of Fun for Its Own Sake.

Which is not to say that moody levels aren't awesome. I remember a series called "Little Big Land", where the first thing you see is a sack-wife hurling herself into the sea to avoid some nameless evil. I ended up echoing that in Lone Ninja 3. NinjaMicWZ's LOST IDOLS Zero is still the best "tone poem" I've encountered: "You're on a boat, in a storm. Deal with it."

Miglioshin and deftmute are probably the best examples I'd point out for How to Make Difficult Fun. You'll note that neither of them have a single level with the word HARDEST in the title.

GrantusUK proved with the "Woveneye" series that what I was planning for Lone Ninja, was doable.

Morgana25 still makes me jealous of her lighting effects.

CuzFeeshe showed me how to thread a mini-game into a storyline.

Wexfordian is more of a "Muse"... I never know what to expect from his latest, but it always knocks me for a loop.

Matt82's "Eddy Mitter" is one of the reasons AETHERNAUTS exists. He proved that LBP's "mythos" has a lot of room for interpretation.

TheSeraphor's one to watch...LittleBigFantasy isn't the first attempt I've seen at turn-based combat, but I think the series will eventually become one of the best. I hope he keeps at it.

I hope KornDawwg finishes The Perpetual Distance.

Sasuke's "Mukashi Mukashi" and the triple-authored "Shinobi Moon" series are anime-action levels that caused me to try and up my own game.

What’s the worst thing that’s happened while creating?
The thrown furniture of Lone Ninja 6 is my permanent enemy. I've rebuilt that scene at least 20 times, and called in bigger switch-nerds than myself (I'm looking squarely at YOU, LogicPack team), and it STILL breaks about 2% of the time, for no particular reason.

I also hate lifts. Even if you make everything stiff on a grid, you can't make the lift flush with the sides of the elevator shaft - eventually, that thing will get stuck.

What’s your pet hate in LBP?
Tech: The level search engine, and how one gets on it, is broken. LBPC shouldn't be absolutely essential to my finding good levels, but it is. See the next question for my thoughts on a fix.

Players: Griefing. If you put an insult on the photo uploader, moderate someone out of spite, or give a level 1 star because you think that's funny, you are being evil. Pure and simple. I don't care about your excuses or explanations, that you were just bored, or that it's not a big deal. I don't care that you probably will never be caught. Enjoying the suffering of strangers is evil, and if you're doing it, you need to look that fact right in the eye, and decide if that's who you want to be.

I have come to forgive bad stuff that happens because of dumbness. We're all dumb in our way. So H4H is forgiveable, even if it causes problems. Level spamming, in light of the broken search engine, is understandable. And do we actually expect most younger players NOT to want Prize bubbles that fart? Or Bomb survival? Or to want to copy others who are doing something well?

If you worked for Media Molecule, what tool/object/material would you have liked to see developed?
Pipe Dreams:

- Destroy level search/ajudication process and start over. Remove all tags that JUDGE a level - "Rubbish" does not give me useful information, either in Create Mode, or as a player.

- Replace with nothing but descriptions - "Platformer", "Horror", "Comedy", "Hoists".

- Let the Creator choose three of his own tags before publishing, and let his choices be weighted for three people. Head start on the trolls, and H4Hers won't bother doing the extra work anyway.

- Let the Creator set an age range for his own level. We already need it - a lot of levels are too hard, or focus on chopped up doll parts covered in red paint. Don't censor - prepare. Let users filter by age range.

- If a player wants to praise or bash a level, he ought to do it in Comments, to the author's face. If the author gets ornery and picks a fight about it, all Block Sender and Good Grief rules already apply.

- Replays only count as plays from the scoreboard. No more making things impossible just to increase your plays.

- Take control of stars away from players. Make it an algorithm instead: More hearts than plays = 1 star. Player did not complete, no heart = 2 stars (player vote cannot count multiple times). 1 play, completed, no heart = 3 stars. Complete play, heart = 4 stars. More than one play + heart, or play/comment/heart = 5 stars. More than 3 plays = 4 or 5 stars.

- Auto-search level descriptions for "H4H" and "Heart for Heart". Any levels that have these phrases, or that are exact copies of existing levels, will be deleted when the Cool Levels time expires. Trust me - that guy's gotten his trophy and moved on, anyway...and now he's cloggin' up my server. Isn't a million levels a high enough number for you?

- New search parameters: Highest Plays to Hearts Ratio; Most Replayed. Then story levels don't compete with survival challenges. With stars handled by math, they'll mean something again.

- Handle Powerup. On selecting an empty crater, you would choose "new level" or "new handle powerup". "New Powerup" would give you a much smaller, more restrictive create mode, and a handle. The handle would have only one tweak setting: "Swing" or "Trigger", which would change Sackboy's R1 animation between "slap" and "paintinate". The handle would also have a switch wire, obviously, but it could only wire to emitters, winches, or pistons on the handle object.

- You mount anything that fits in thermo to the handle, and save. The object can then appear in levels as a powerup. For physics purposes, the object would be the same as a paintinator, mostly not there. It's the best way I can think of to put swords and stuff into LBP - which trust me, thousands of players are already doing - without Mm having to specifically add melee weapons, and therefore sanction any kind of "serious violence". And hey, if you wanted to make a Sheep Launcher, or a Magic Wand that produces rocket cheetahs, you could do that too.

More Doable:

- Add a tweak setting to Magic Mouths: Trigger on Close. Boss taunts you, then attacks as soon as you hit circle. Would also make "cutout acting" more dynamic and watchable. xkappax doing Wish Fulfillment comics on LBP, anyone?

- Make Dark Matter and Dissolve "disappearable" would do the trick. I'm tired of messing with all those slivers.

- More interactive music objects. I will keep paying for it. I promise.

- A Font Pack. No more Kidnapper Font when you write a message on a level to the creator and upload it.

If Mm wants me to sign away the IP rights to any of those ideas, I'd do it in a minute, and not even ask for a cut. (I probably already did that by agreeing to the EULA.)



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

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/images/creator_spotlight/coyote_blue/coyote2.jpg
Amazing boss-fight time: Prove yourself, Ninja!


Digging Deeper

You have a fond interest in mythology, including Japanese history and folklore. Was it this interest that inspired you to create the Lone Ninja levels?
No. Most ninja levels involve running jumps from one tiny piece of glass to another over a flaming electric spike. That might be fun for other folk, but not me. I made Lone Ninja so I could sneak up on enemies and NOT jump on their heads.

Once I knew I was making more than one level, I needed a storyline. And I physically can't write a Japanese fantasy story without attempting to put Shinto in there.

Aethernauts is mythology for its own sake. Sinawava Canyon is a real place, where the Paiyute used to worship Old Man Coyote. The ship at the end is modeled after a Tibetan thunderbolt (which is also coincidentally in Uncharted 2). The level has a secret bubble area taken from the Epic of Gilgamesh. My Nerd Meter is always maxed.

In addition to the great look and feel of the series, the six Lone Ninja levels contain some stunning, unique ninja moves as well as imaginative multiple boss fights. How difficult was it for you to get these right and what particular problems did you encounter?
Refer to my earlier answers on "first level" and "most epic fail". The most important part of any of the moves, though, is to balance excess, player control, and unintended consequence. If it's not excessive (Bad guy flies in the air, something explodes unneccessarily), it's no fun. If I do too much, it's a roller coaster, and not what I'm trying to do. And if the player manages to use my machinery and gets killed or thrown out of the level, it's no fun.

So, from the mythical, beautiful landscapes of Japan, you took us to the clinical, sterile setting of outer space in the first part of your new series, Aethernauts. Was this extreme contrast an easy transition to make, and was the introduction of LBP water a curse or blessing?
Coyote Moonbase is what it is because none of the Mm backgrounds fit, and I didn't want to go "stars on black field" any more than I had to. I picked three solid colors and repeated them - military and paramilitary groups often have unit colors. Old Man Coyote is known for flashiness and poor taste, so I picked Mayan gold for his base color, then consulted a color wheel to complete the "Native American Vegas Showgirl Mercenaries in Space" effect I was looking for.

For the Away Team Mission episodes, each dream Coyote Corps visits will obey its own "fashion laws." If Remiel Outseam ever visits LittleBigNihon, it will look just like Lone Ninja does.

As for water... I just have to decide whether a particular level needs it. Pirate levels are now easier to make, and I'm going to have to go back and fix water where it appears in Lone Ninja.

Water's fun to have, but I haven't caught myself saying "Dude! Now I can do X" yet.

And where can we expect our valiant Aethernauts to take us in the future?
Anywhere. Because it's a TV show format, each episode can have a different focus. "Like a Sack Shot Into Space" will be a space shooter. "In the Garden of the Serpent Goddess" will be just there. I'm also thinkin' Ragnarok, maybe Celtic myth... After that, I'll mostly just try to avoid whichever Dragon of Myth Morgana is working on. I so wish I had made Dragons of Myth: Egypt myself! (*jealous twitch*)

Are you a creator who sees a single level or project through to its end, or are you happier working on a variety of levels at the same time?
Yes.

Ha ha ha!

Are there any real-life experiences that have either helped or hindered you while playing and creating on LBP?
I got my BA in Theatre. I studied directing. I was already in love with storytelling, but the education taught me a lot about how to take the great idea out of my mind and put it out there in a form someone else can enjoy. I studied Shakespeare, and when I learned how much of a sellout he was, I stopped being disdainful of selling out. Selling out is only shameful when it erases your unique voice in the process.

There's no point in getting angry at other peoples' tastes. If I want people to stop skipping cut scenes or text, I have to make the text worth sitting through. If I'm fed up with playing a particular type of level, I need to be willing to provide an alternative.

My internet is bad where I live, and that changes the way I interface with LBP. I don't do multiplayer much because it's difficult to do here. I wish I had more "nights with the mates" stories about listening to you giggle over voice chat, like the others. (*fat tears*) I'M SO DEPRIVED! (*sniffle*) I'LL NEVER FIND THE CRAIC!

And maybe you wanted me to mention the 'fought-in-a-war bit', too. Let's just say that it refines the mind. Confronting mortality forced me to make a lot of choices about what matters to me, to fight vigorously for those things, and to stop burning energy on things that are not on that list.


And finally, if you had the opportunity, would you be a Bond villain or a Doctor Who monster?

Bond villain. Bond villains usually have power and attractive hangers-on...Daleks are eighteen inches tall, and spend their lives filled with hate inside a pepper pot. This is a choice? I've got a tougher question that I pulled from a radio show here...

You can have one superpower, and you are the only person in the world who has it. You can choose flight, or invisibility.

Flight allows you to fly anywhere within the Earth's atmosphere, at speeds of up to 250 mph. You can only carry what you could carry while standing normally. Invisibility turns what you're wearing invisible, but anything you pick up afterwards becomes visible, and you still make noise.

Which would you choose?


They're both impressive. But if I had a choice, I'd still choose to be a Lone Ninja!


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



http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/images/creator_spotlight/coyote_blue/coyote3.jpg
One of the many crazy moments from
coyote_blue's Aethernauts: "Maiden Voyage"

Our Conclusions

This creator is difficult to summarise, and I'm struggling to recall the right word. But if there's a creator who I'd like to be with in an English country pub, and have a few conversations over a few pints, it would be coyote_blue. He's astute, polite, witty and wise, but perfectly warm and endearing. His levels are crafted by skill, care and patience, and without exception turn into involving, exciting showpieces. If you have a few minutes to spare, then I suggest you DON'T play his Lone Ninja series or Aethernauts. For to spend a few rushed minutes with these works of art will not do them justice. If playing cheap bomb levels is like going to Burger King, then playing coyote_blue's levels is like dining on a banquet of finest cuisine. Play them and you will experience true excellence. Ooh, I've remembered the word... immaculate.		2010-01-16 02:29:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

Very nice interview, and funny too!2010-01-16 02:46:00

Author:
warlord_evil
Posts: 4193

Congratz on the interview coyote-blue! I should go play one of your levels!
Also, great interview as usual MrsSpookieBuz!		2010-01-16 02:52:00

Author:
Drakora
Posts: 392

Wow - really excellent interview of one of the more enigmatic creators around here Cool. I think that was one of the best answered interviews too - such an articulate and thoughtful guy. Nicely done Coyote_blue.

pssst - I can sell ya this practically new, barely used, only used to light the way to church on Sunday set of spotlights and LED's coyote_blue..... such a bargain. Seriously, come hang out some night if you can get the internet to cooperate and I'll try my best to give ya a boot camp on how I do my lights.		2010-01-16 02:55:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

I've heard of coyote_blue before but I don't think I've played any of his levels, reading this interview really peaked my interest as well as the pictures. I'll have to check them out asap, great job on both the interview and the creator picked!2010-01-16 03:02:00

Author:
TheFirstAvenger
Posts: 787

Great interview there Spooky and Coyote. Quite the entertaining read. That's quite the tall order of LBP changes you've listed there...

Thanks again.		2010-01-16 03:12:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Wow, what a fantastic interview! Funny thing is, coyote_blue is more enigmatic to me after reading this interview than ever!
Oh, and I totally agree on all of coyote's clever ideas for improving the rating system of levels played in LBP. I hope MM is listening.		2010-01-16 03:34:00

Author:
Kendan
Posts: 56

Loved this Spotlight like all the others. Everyone has their own unique personality 2010-01-16 03:44:00

Author:
Night Angel
Posts: 1214

@Morgana - I'll take you up on that one of these days. And you'll have to tell me what's on exhibit down there at the flying-wing art museum you got up there.

@Kendan, comphermc - I didn't expect all that to make it. I just said everything I could, 'cause I knew it would be my only shot. And comphermc, I just want to put it on the record again: All Mine! is so good it hurts my feelings.

@all - I see a lot of people ducking the question. Flight, or invisibilty? (http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=178)

Thanks to CC and Dame Spooky for the opportunity. CC still owes me a donate button. And Cmdr Buzworth? "Immaculate"? Ain't that laying it on a bit thick?

Not that I mind...(*is smug*)		2010-01-16 04:13:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

congrats on the spotlight, Im loving your new series Aethernauts 2010-01-16 04:29:00

Author:
Littlebigdude805
Posts: 1924

Great interview once more, congratulations to Coyote as well!!

EDIT: Fascinating revelation, I always thought you were female for some reason!! Sorry about that!!:eek:		2010-01-16 05:41:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

Ok - I'll jump in on the flight -vs - invisibility question. I'd go for flight. If I never have to suffer through airport security again that's the super power for me. That plus invisible - meh - so you can spy on people big woup. I don't think knowing what people do when they are alone would make me any happier or feel better about my species 2010-01-16 05:54:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

And comphermc, I just want to put it on the record again: All Mine! is so good it hurts my feelings.

Hey, mister, this is your moment, not mine [insert All Mine! pun]. My time will come...

Thanks, though.


@all - I see a lot of people ducking the question. Flight, or invisibilty? (http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=178)

Oh, absolutely flight. Travel is just such a nuisance. Being invisible would be nice and all, but I don't gain anything but creepiness and increased ability to steal stuff.

2010-01-16 05:55:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Nice interview... although I haven't played any of coyote_blue's levels.2010-01-16 09:58:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Great interview!
I have played the Lone Ninja levels, and they were awesome, so I will be sure to check out the aethernauts level too.

Between flight and visibility I would choose flight, as I would spare the environment for a lot of CO2.		2010-01-16 10:01:00

Author:
moonwire
Posts: 1627

Another great interview! I've always enjoyed reading coyote blue?s sometimes mordant but always interesting posts in the various Social Groups (although perhaps it was coyote blue?s membership of the Ladies Group which got Zwollie confused into thinking he was female!) but thanks to MrsSB for giving us this opportunity to dig deeper.

Lone Ninja 5 has always been one of my all time favourite lbp levels and I?m really looking forward to seeing where he takes us with the Aethernaut series ? one thing I've learned from coyote blue is that anything with Old Man Coyote behind it will never be dull!		2010-01-16 10:04:00

Author:
shropshirelass
Posts: 1455

This is pretty much an unknown creator to me XD. I should play the levels XD XD XD XD XD2010-01-16 11:51:00

Author:
BasketSnake
Posts: 2391

"Immaculate"? Ain't that laying it on a bit thick?

Not that I mind...(*is smug*)

'Immaculate' is just my honest opinion, buddy. If it makes you feel any better, add another pint to the tab! Maybe I should've mentioned the fact that you're male, too!

Seriously, I also forgot to mention that you're your own biggest critic, and you have that steely determination that gets the job done. But underneath all the wisdom and resolve is a kind-hearted, caring and supportive guy who I'm extremely proud to call my friend.		2010-01-16 12:41:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Hey, thanks to both of you for yet another excellent creator spotlight! And congrats to you, coyote, on being so ace that you've been put under yet another spotlight I hear you about the tweakable music packs. It's one of my favourite LBP things and I would pay for more as well. Much more. I mean I wouldn't pay much more but I'd like much more to have to pay for... :S

Flight. I have had too many dreams over the years where I've wanted to get away and try to fly and just can't - and my hair looks great blowing in the wind

Thanks again, coyote and MrsSpooky xD		2010-01-16 12:46:00

Author:
BabyDoll1970
Posts: 1567

Very good spotlight! Congrats to coyote_blue and all invovled! 2010-01-16 14:08:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

One from left field:

Hey! I didn't see this one coming... YAY! ( Don't know why after playing Aethernauts ) But all along this creator spotlight process I've been willing to hold Spooky responsible for the sometimes 'meatless' bones I'm given... same questions each time out and to be frank, digging deeper is usually more spade-worthy than back-ho... but after this?!? There is so much to digest here... Real thoughts... candor, depth, something to discuss, mull-over, OUCH my brain is hurting!

I guess it really does take two to tango.

Two-in-a-row Spooky, keep up the great footwork.

So congratulations Coyote! Thank you for being so open and giving.

edit: flight. no questions asked.		2010-01-16 14:31:00

Author:
Gravel
Posts: 1308

I loved Planet X, Ladylyn. I'd gush about Whichever Way the Wind Blows, but that's been done in a lot of places already.

I love the word mordant. But I love getting Shropshirelass to read Coyote Blue even more.

And I definitely need to work on this marketing angle. What is that now - three people thought I was a girl, and five have never heard of me? Thanks again for the exposure, Dame Spooky, I clearly needed it.

And do me a favor...spotlight one of these "never-heard-of-ye" guys soon, so I can come back and troll their thread. 		2010-01-16 14:48:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

Oh, YAAAAAY! Congratulations on the well deserved spotlight coyote_blue! The inner workings of the mysterious coyote_blue finally revealed! Actually, not always so mysterious, the great moral compass and tell-it-like-it-is straight-shooter that is coyote can also be seen in the social group conversations, but it is a real delight that his sense of humor, wisdom and awesome personality can be on display here as well. The Lone Ninja series is a classic example of someone who takes real pride in what they do and The Aethernauts, well, that is going to be another classic series, I can tell!

What can I say MrsSpookyBuz, another great selection and another extremely intriguing interview! How do you do it?!!! You and coyote having a conversation in a pub? Isn't that how this interview was done?

Thank you both for this amazing read!		2010-01-16 16:42:00

Author:
ScoutsBoo
Posts: 63

Agree with all the previous comments! Excellent interview! Wonderful levels!

Flight all the way! Although....		2010-01-16 16:48:00

Author:
Aselrahc
Posts: 185

invisibility definitely,

great read!! (although I'm not technically part of the logic pack, but i get what your saying )

EDIT::: Just realized how smarmy that sounded		2010-01-16 17:25:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

I must say that I never heard of coyote_blue before, :blush:
and so I think I never played any of his levels...
I'll try to play some later tonight!

Anyway, congratulations! Very good and interesting interview (as usual)!		2010-01-16 18:41:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

Make me a level, Kernel, and I'll name drop you specifically.

Dajdaj: Gypsy Circus was beautiful and fun. Cheers, mate.

As for ScoutsBoo, thanks, and I might want to ask you how your video rig works.

And you should put your Land of Crumb in your sig, Aselrahc. I kept that "I like pie!" sticker for a long time in popit.		2010-01-16 18:42:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

Congratz on the interview coyote-blue! I should go play one of your levels!



I've heard of coyote_blue before but I don't think I've played any of his levels


Nice interview... although I haven't played any of coyote_blue's levels.


This is pretty much an unknown creator to me XD. I should play the levels XD XD XD XD XD

To all the above: you've heard of him now, so do yourselves a favour and play his levels...



And do me a favor...spotlight one of these "never-heard-of-ye" guys soon

I just did!

2010-01-16 19:43:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

I loved Planet X, Ladylyn. I'd gush about Whichever Way the Wind Blows, but that's been done in a lot of places already.



Thanks!

Unfortunately I wont be on a ps3 for 2 months but i'll make sure to play ur levels wen i can!		2010-01-16 19:58:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Congrats on the Spotlight, CB. Aethernauts is great! And I like seeing the progression of learning that takes place from LN 1 - LN 6. If you want to revamp them, fine, but not necessary. And bravo for holding the "hrumphing" down to a minimum during the interview, but I feel that's due to your respect for "Dame Spooky" than anything else.

Great interview MSB, especially given what ya had to work with. LOL.		2010-01-16 20:45:00

Author:
thanatos989
Posts: 248

Congrats on the Spotlight, CB. Aethernauts is great! And I like seeing the progression of learning that takes place from LN 1 - LN 6. If you want to revamp them, fine, but not necessary. And bravo for holding the "hrumphing" down to a minimum during the interview, but I feel that's due to your respect for "Dame Spooky" than anything else.

Great interview MSB, especially given what ya had to work with. LOL.

Lol and thanks, thanatos!

I'm guessing a suitable repost is coming from coyote... 		2010-01-16 20:50:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

oh noes, he says wish fulfillment instead of with fulfillment lol.

interesting interview.		2010-01-16 22:08:00

Author:
Voodeedoo
Posts: 724

Another great interview with another great creator. Excellent questions, answered really well as always.2010-01-16 22:36:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

coyote_blue is a great guy, and a great creator. Not only do I love his stuff, I love his outlook on life. And boy, his humour is sharp!

Yo, coyote, we have spare rooms here and I'll supply the bourbon - you and Mrs coyote just need to supply yourselves with 2 weeks vacation. You're welcome anytime!

2010-01-16 22:37:00

Author:
SpookyBuz
Posts: 29

coyote_blue is a great guy, and a great creator. Not only do I love his stuff, I love his outlook on life. And boy, his humour is sharp!

Yo, coyote, we have spare rooms here and I'll supply the bourbon - you and Mrs coyote just need to supply yourselves with 2 weeks vacation. You're welcome anytime!



I love bourbon, AND could do with a holiday 		2010-01-16 22:43:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

I love bourbon, AND could do with a holiday

You're more than welcome, Grant. If you can supply nibbles, you're in!

2010-01-16 22:45:00

Author:
SpookyBuz
Posts: 29

We're on. Call it a date 2010-01-16 22:53:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

This is why I love LBPC. Every weekend, either the Community Spotlight or the Creator Spotlight just keeps me coming back. It's a testament to all the hard-working folk involved in this site.

To coyote_blue: I've just spent maybe an hour playing your entire Lone Ninja series. They are among the most immersive, amusing and enjoyable levels I've played. You have an eye for detail, and I really hope this deserved Spotlight gives your work some more attention. And more thanks for answering the questions so openly.

To ConfusedCartman and MrsSpookyBuz: Apologies for repeating myself, but I really look forward to these Spotlights and enjoy these interviews, and I know I'm not alone. I understand the mix of Community/Creator Spotlights every week, but is it not possible to have more? I know this sounds a bit greedy, but they're brilliant.		2010-01-16 23:02:00

Author:
LBP--Sentinel
Posts: 31

Yo, coyote, we have spare rooms here and I'll supply the bourbon - you and Mrs coyote just need to supply yourselves with 2 weeks vacation. You're welcome anytime!


Crikey! I go for a shower and all of a sudden I live at the Holiday Inn!


You're more than welcome, Grant. If you can supply nibbles, you're in!


Double crikey! Disclaimer: SpookyBuz is paying for all this! But actually, what he says is true - you're welcome any time.



To ConfusedCartman and MrsSpookyBuz: Apologies for repeating myself, but I really look forward to these Spotlights and enjoy these interviews, and I know I'm not alone. I understand the mix of Community/Creator Spotlights every week, but is it not possible to have more? I know this sounds a bit greedy, but they're brilliant.

Thanks very much, Sentinel. These Spotlights are great fun, as are the Community Spotlights. Unfortunately, they do take a bit of time to put together. I honestly think that the split we have at the moment is more or less the right time frame - one week Community Spotlight, one week Creator Spotlight. I hope that both Spotlights will be enough to fill your appetite.		2010-01-16 23:27:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Great and funny interview with a guy who's levels always make me laugh, and thats one of the biggest compliments i can pay. Thanks and well done coyote!2010-01-16 23:36:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Great interview! Coyote_blue is single handedly re-designing LittleBigPlanet!


For those of you who haven't played his levels - I'm a fan! The first time I played a lone ninja level, I was hooked. I had never seen the mechanics involved - throwing drama and inventive ninja moves into a level in a way that I would NEVER have thought!

Great job, man. You definately deserve a creator spotlight.		2010-01-16 23:56:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Sorry to go slightly O/T, but just a quick question...

I've given thanks to more or less everyone that's commented here, but the thanks have disappeared. Seems the same on Cartman's opening post, too. There are no thanks anymore.

Any reason?		2010-01-17 11:20:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Yeah spooky my rep just dropped but maybe its just teething problems with the new uprgrade 2010-01-17 11:23:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

It's not just my hands, Ccubbage (AKA LunarLandingBarrel-Master), but thanks.

As for Dame Spooky: you heard the man. No take-backs! Sounds like I need to start stockpiling leave time, and get my racing-nerd buddy to loan me a right-side steering wheel car...for purely study-related purposes, of course.

I've been noting there's sometimes a cooldown period for thanks. I've seen people answer threads in real-time with no thanks button, but then I come back and it's there.		2010-01-17 14:41:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

Great interview now i have to go play some of your levels2010-01-18 00:02:00

Author:
Unknown User

Oh, it's great to see that you were spotlighted!

You know that I've been pretty much following your work since the very start, and the good thing about it is that it just got better AND better! (not to forget mentioning BETTER!)
Seriously, the lone ninja series sure do stand out in my hearted list.

And Aethernauts didn't dissapoint. Oh boy, I truly loved some of those trials.
Specially that one that I managed to cunningly break by suing the paintinator in cunning ways!

All in all congratualtions, you are a clear example of a well deserved spotlight.		2010-01-18 00:20:00

Author:
Keldur
Posts: 628

Whoops! I thought I had posted here so please excuse the late reply!

Amazing and wonderful interview of an awesomely cool creator. Inspirational stuff by any sense of the word. Truly an honor to read and so happy to see you get a spotlight! Congrats!


Many thanks to MrsSpookyBuz the Empress of the interview! Such a delight to see these and am constantly impressed by your thoughtful questions and kind words on what has been a feast of info on my favorite creators!

Thanks again and congrats to you both! Well done!		2010-01-18 00:59:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Very enjoyable read, I'll have to play some of your levels some time...

And I pick invisibility. Flight can be achieved by technology already, and I'd only use it to get to work and back a bit faster, while invisibility will allow me to get some work done without being bothered. Or was I supposed to pick up a super hero career? 		2010-01-18 15:14:00

Author:
Rogar
Posts: 2284

Very enjoyable read, I'll have to play some of your levels some time...

And I pick invisibility. Flight can be achieved by technology already, and I'd only use it to get to work and back a bit faster, while invisibility will allow me to get some work done without being bothered. Or was I supposed to pick up a super hero career?

I think you gotta take technology out of the equation... satellites allow us to see without being seen now... don't know if its cost-effective to launch a personal satellite... but I for one don't want to do anymore work either.

Still a great interview Spooky!		2010-01-19 00:03:00

Author:
Gravel
Posts: 1308

I find that most people who pick invisibility think that way - it's valid to argue that flight is maybe a quaint superpower. It would be charitable to say that invisibility choosers are pragmatists.2010-01-19 04:34:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

The changes Coyote suggests for ratings, tags and stars are raised time again by the community and would be consistent with MM's overall LBP ethos - of encouraging creators be they amateur or expert. Minimalizing animosity in the community can only make economic sense to Sony and MM. For every friend I have in LBP another has left because of the problems Coyote reitterates.

Great interview, and I'll check out more Coyote levels. From what I've played so far, I remember thinking - well balanced and FUN boss fights. Epic scale to his projects and fantastic art. A thermo wizard!		2010-01-19 17:48:00

Author:
Tanuki75
Posts: 172

Woo-hoo! I didn't expect to see a reference to my LittleBigLand series in there Great interview you two!2010-01-20 13:39:00

Author:
amazingflyingpoo
Posts: 1515

I'm a total junkie for anything to do with ninja's and feudal era warfare... so I always liked the Lone Ninja series. and what I liked most about it was that it promoted the idea of being a ninja iconically and in terms of gameplay... not just in theme and challenge. The big splash style finishers, stealth kills, lore, charisma, and stylishness of it made it feel less like an Islands Level expansion, and more like a fanzine of Lone Wolf and Cub, Ninja Scroll, or Blade of the Immortal.2010-01-20 16:46:00

Author:
Unknown User

@ Tanuki75 - that means a lot to me. Your OutRun series is probably my favorite vehicle series on LBP.
@ amazingflyingpoo - Yep, that's you I was talking about. I encountered you and NinjaMicWZ at about the same time. Gore doesn't always translate well into LBP, but moodiness does, and both of you guys can bring that to the table in spades.

Which is why I think that search overhaul is so important. I'm not going to sift through every bad Silent Hill level to find RoseScythe's awesome Silent Hill level. That hurts me and RoseScythe both. (The level in question isn't at that PSN...I forget which one it is.)

I hope the queue thing is almost done, at least...being able to link LBP to LBPC would really plug a hole. Once that's done, I might even join some archaeology expeditions...what gems are already in that pile of a million Poo Survivals, waiting to be unearthed and catalogued?		2010-01-21 02:29:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

I'll keep this short and sweet, coyote, the first time I played lone ninja episode six I was completely overwhelmed. It was teeming with innovation the whole way through, and I couldn't wait to play the others. I've never ever played another level where I felt like those stickered sack-cutout pieces of cardboard had real personalities. I played the whole series through, #1-6, and the more I played it the more I loved it. I never had a chance to say it on the threads, so I'll say it here. Great levels, all six of them. You're an amazing creator. Stay that way. 2010-01-21 02:58:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

Wow another important addition to my creators list, whom I would have never known had it not been for these great spotlight articles. My browsing methods are most hearted,most rated and Cool pages. When bored I go on newest levels and play all unamed levels lol.

Nothing more I can add to what already has been written. Finally a guy that hates first person shooters and loves insomniac,naughtydog aka platforming games like jak n daxter,ratchet n clank.

Simply loved the ninja levels( I mean just look at my psn ) Personally speaking a very helpful chap. 		2010-01-21 04:19:00

Author:
Apu
Posts: 17

Hi everyone, I'm new here AND I LOOOOOVE LBP!♥2010-01-21 15:57:00

Author:
Matto-kun
Posts: 6

Can anyone here help show me the ropes? ~?2010-01-21 15:59:00

Author:
Matto-kun
Posts: 6

Can anyone here help show me the ropes? ~?

Hello, and welcome to LBPC! I'm sure there are plenty of people that can show you the ropes, but this isn't really the right place to ask. Why not post a thread in the Introduction Forum, or the 'Find Other Happy Gadders' section.

2010-01-21 22:30:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Depends on what you're lookin' for, Matto-kun. Kaiyote-sempai is ready for you. Send me a PM sometime if you have a question.2010-01-22 03:26:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

It would be charitable to say that invisibility choosers are pragmatists.

Well, that or perverts. 		2010-01-23 14:30:00

Author:
Rogar
Posts: 2284

Nice Spotlight .2010-01-23 15:23:00

Author:
bakscratch
Posts: 258

Great interview with a great creator!
Thanks for the name drop btw.		2010-01-23 16:38:00

Author:
Deftmute
Posts: 730

Well, that or perverts.

I just wanted to be invisible! I would be able to go on LBP without my mother knowing		2010-01-23 17:59:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

Apart from being such a creative guy, he's down to earth too. From all the creators i commented he actually replied and thanked me. Go play his stages there good.2010-01-24 04:37:00

Author:
Holyshield
Posts: 24

On name-drops: I caught a bunch of people by surprise by being spotlighted. This tells me that name-dropping is the right answer: it's another way to get people to play creators who haven't been spotlighted with a level recently.

@Rogar: I said that invisibility choosers could CHARITABLY be called pragmatists. Calling them perverts, accurate or not, isn't very charitable. Ultimately, both choices show an inherent flaw: I chose flight, which makes me frivolous and impractical. Why would I want to fly at all, except to have more power to wander back and forth to places I could already get to, if I had time and money?

@Kernel: So you're saying you only want to be invisible to commit MINOR crimes. Get started building that red lightsaber now...

@holyshield: I always play levels if people comment on mine. If someone spams my comments block, they get one play, and maybe a nasty-gram.		2010-01-26 14:30:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

@Kernel: So you're saying you only want to be invisible to commit MINOR crimes. Get started building that red lightsaber now...

No... Yes... No... Well at least i wouldn't do anything bad bad		2010-01-26 17:38:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

Locked and archived. 2010-02-14 23:42:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729


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.