Archive: 37 posts

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Fireball Island (LBW1) by Thegide Genre: Platformer UPDATE: Level republished after bug fixes and to update level images. If you want to re-rate the level, go for it! Fireball Island is my 4th major level and my first in over nine months. The concept for this level is based off of the 1986 board game by Milton Bradley (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4250851771_bbbb6425f7_o.jpg). The tagline for the board game is "The dimensional adventure game of pitfalls and perils!" It is set on an unexplored tropical island, the home of the primitive idol Vul-Kar. Players progress along winding paths around the island, avoiding fireballs and trying to capture Vul-Kar's jewel and carry it to the escape boat. This version of Fireball Island plays out similarly. The premise of the level is to obtain the Vul'Kar ruby, only as you start your journey you realize another jewel hunter has laid his eyes on the ruby and the race is on to claim it. The idol of Vul'Kar doesn't take kindly to jewel thieves though, and the island is set with obstacles preventing you from reaching the jewel and leaving with it. Big thanks to TheAdipose, piggabling, Luos_Desruc, and olit123 for helping me test and providing feedback. Pics are old (from development). I will update pictures later today. Village of the Island natives. Home worshippers of Vul-Kar and the guardians of Fireball Island. http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4271398769_9eab345b69.jpg Meet your badguy, a jewel thief that has come to claim the Vul'Kar ruby as his own. Hurry, the race is on: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4271399073_f8d7304f4c.jpg These nom-nom fishes are dining in style: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4272141736_9ba8e5f597.jpg Fireball alley, captures the essence of the board game - rolling fireballs (and not getting hit by them): http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/4272141468_6e9610c778.jpg Early implementation of the fireball puzzle: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4272141566_f5c5729482.jpg The idol Vul'Kar... he doesn't look too happy to see you: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4272141270_9464fae66b.jpg I will do 5 F4Fs. Hope you enjoy Fireball Island!

2010-01-26 16:28:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Hey there. Just played your level, and it's very impressive! strong visuals throughout, I loved the sea life design, the details like the swaying trees, and the villagers were very well crafted. The dynamic scenery made for an interesting level throughout. Gameplay wise the platforming was fun. I liked the part where the boulders came down and flung you up the cliffside. Complaints? there are few, but they are major ones. After pulling in the boats to the harbor, it took a while to figure out where to go. maybe have a little more direction in this spot. The puzzle was a neat idea, but the clues that you get. you cant reread them after they pop up. my friend sadly skipped the clues and we figured out the puzzle by trial and error, which was frustrating. The volcano! an intense and amazingly done scene! However, we got stuck. the face fell behind the mountain and we went with it, which in effect made it impossible to finish the level, which was too bad because i really wanted to see what was gonna happen after the volcano started errupting. I took a picture of where I mean and uploaded it so you can see it if you are wondering where I am talking about. Anyhow, I still think it was an amazing level and I gave it 5 stars because I know you put alot into it, and it shows. If you fix those things I will play it again and tell you about the end Well done! Could you please f4f my level The Aqueduct? here's a link to the thread. https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=21848-The-Aqueduct&p=379408 Thanks!

2010-01-26 17:38:00 Author: Duffluc Posts: 402

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After pulling in the boats to the harbor, it took a while to figure out where to go. maybe have a little more direction in this spot. "X" marks the spot. I'll edit the dialogue and/or add audio cues to provide more direction. The puzzle was a neat idea, but the clues that you get. you cant reread them after they pop up. my friend sadly skipped the clues and we figured out the puzzle by trial and error, which was frustrating. You're the second person to say this. Unfortunately, it looks like people are not figuring out that you CAN get the clues again, all you have to do is go back to the sleeping man. The clues are on a rotating switch that cycles speech bubbles. I'll see what I can do to make this more obvious. The volcano! an intense and amazingly done scene! However, we got stuck. the face fell behind the mountain and we went with it, which in effect made it impossible to finish the level, which was too bad because i really wanted to see what was gonna happen after the volcano started errupting. I took a picture of where I mean and uploaded it so you can see it if you are wondering where I am talking about. I know where you are talking about, but could you please elaborate on HOW you got stuck behind it? I've tried many many times to break this area but thought I had it nailed down. Did you fall behind when you first arrived? Or was it during a respawn? Please be as descriptive as possible. Could you please f4f my level The Aqueduct? here's a link to the thread. https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=21848-The-Aqueduct&p=379408 Thanks! Absolutely! Thanks for your input!

2010-01-26 18:21:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Hey Thegide!! I don't have the time for elaborate feedback but I can say that I loved what you did here, the number puzzle was brilliant and the physics platforming bit was very well done. Character were well created and had a Mm feel to them, also loved how you made it feel "handmade" Definitely 5 stars and a heart from me. The reason I pop into this thread, I was able to fall between the cracks when the volcano errupted... I don't know exactly how as it all went so fast but I was near the crystal when it got picked up by the helicopter. I fell down onto your behind the scenes stuff (the block with the rockets attached that rises) and had to pop my sackboy. Just wanted to let you know since I'm sure I wont be the only one with this problem. Well done Thegide, awesome level!!

2010-01-26 18:37:00 Author: Zwollie Posts: 2173

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Thanks Zwollie! Geez, two for two falling behind the scenes at the volcano. Hah! Ok, I'll take a close look at what's going on near the jewel. Thanks for finding it.

2010-01-26 18:59:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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I know where you are talking about, but could you please elaborate on HOW you got stuck behind it? I've tried many many times to break this area but thought I had it nailed down. Did you fall behind when you first arrived? Or was it during a respawn? Please be as descriptive as possible. So the mouth started sinking into the volcano, stuff was blowing up, and fire was raining down from the sky. The checkpoint is in the statue's mouth, right? The statue simply kept descending and then went behind what I believe was where you wanted it to stop. I was then crushed by a fiery boulder and spawned underneath the floor. Not sure why that happened, it was a little hectic lol so it was one of those "what's going on?" moments.

2010-01-26 19:05:00 Author: Duffluc Posts: 402

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Ah ok, I understand now. When the statue starts to descend into the floor, a new checkpoint auto-activates. There must be some latency in this process. It's a bit tricky because I don't want people re-activating the mouth checkpoint after the state starts to descend. I'll try to fix this. Thanks for your help.

2010-01-26 19:10:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4272141270_9464fae66b.jpg can i ask what the Mag switches are for?

2010-01-26 19:14:00 Author: Kern Posts: 5078

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Haha, simply amazing level you've got here Gide. Then again I'd recently replayed your other levels and this one is a step above the Idol of Palanchazar... or whatever that one's called (I always forget the darn name!) But yes, Fireball Island - based on a board game but this is much more engaging than anything I've ever played out of a box.. Loved most of it, the visuals felt good, and there was a great variety of platforming and puzzles which all felt interactive with the lucious environment. How I had the same proble mas above with the volcano section. If you wait until the bottom of the volcano, where the head starts to sink, jumping up will plane switch you onto the back layer as it sinks - causing you to go down with it thus being being the scenes... other that that though an excellent level :star::star::star::star::star: and a heart

2010-01-26 20:06:00 Author: Coxy224 Posts: 2645

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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4272141270_9464fae66b.jpg can i ask what the Mag switches are for? For Mag keys to trigger? Looks nice, I'll give this a play later.

2010-01-26 20:13:00 Author: GruntosUK Posts: 1754

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How I had the same proble mas above with the volcano section. If you wait until the bottom of the volcano, where the head starts to sink, jumping up will plane switch you onto the back layer as it sinks - causing you to go down with it thus being being the scenes... Arg, alright. There is actually invisible thin layer all across parts of the idol head. It should be impossible to jump into the eye sockets, onto the teeth or onto the top of the head as he sinks into the floor. The floor of the mouth is below the plane... so once you pop out of the checkpoint you shouldn't be able to go back in. Pain in the butt this is But thanks for letting me know. I'll playtest the pants off this section tonight (for the hundredth time) and see what holes I can find/patch. I'd much rather you guys break this level than the general community. can i ask what the Mag switches are for? You can ask, but I'm not telling

2010-01-26 20:20:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Nice! It's out! I'll give it a play tonight.... I've been looking forward to this! Edit: Played the final, and wow! Great job! An emormous amount of creative stuff going on in there! I was also able to fall into the "mechanics" right at the top of the volcano. Sometimes when you run to the right (where the dude is steeling the ruby) after reaching the volcano, instead of plane shifting forward you fall behind. You may be able to fix this with a bit of thin invisible dark matter or rubber so the player can't fall behind. 5 stars and a heart!

2010-01-26 20:27:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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First post updated. After much difficulty I think I've managed to fix all the volcano issues reported here. 1. Being able to jump on the idol head - my invisible thin layers were not large enough and so it was possible to land on the horns. This is now fixed, as far as I can tell from trying to jump on the head over 200 times. 2. Being able to jump into the mouth. There was a small enough gap where you could get in between the large incisors and the cheek. This is fixed. You should never be able to jump IN the mouth. 3. Plane shifting around the ruby. The dissolve support is now gone. There are invisible holders for the jewel that disappear as soon as the jewel is secure in the crane. It should now be impossible to plane shift around the jewel. 4. Checkpoint activation issues when the idol disappears. This was the headache. In the end, I had to incorporate physical destruction of the mouth checkpoint when the idol goes down or risk it being reactivated after the new one is auto-activated. If anyone still manages to get stuck in the mouth area during a respawn and fall behind the scene... please PM me! You guys are great testers!! Thanks!

2010-01-26 23:34:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Oh I didn't see that you published this when I sent the PM! I'll play the finished version soon! As for the version I played (which I believe was nearly as polished as you intended), I thought it was wonderful! A great puzzle or two, good platforming, a story.... what more could you ask for? Water you say? Well you've got some of that in the level too! Seriously, you should play this level, and you better have fun doing it, or I'll send my own flesh eating nom-nom fishes to get you!! :star::star::star::star::star: and a heart!

2010-01-27 01:24:00 Author: piggabling Posts: 2979

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Hey guys, just a quick note that I've republished this under a new slot. I wanted to eliminate out of date screenshots that were either inaccurate or depicted bugs which are no longer present. If you feel inclined to re-rate the level go for it, but no pressure

2010-01-27 03:49:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Hey, I was just checking out the competition today and I gotta say, you did a really good job. I really enjoyed your level. You must have had all the bugs fixed when I played cause it was pretty smooth. My only real nitpick, is the underwater fishes. I wanted to know what they were saying but I kept floating up out of range before I could finish reading both of them. Not sure how to fix that, but if you could find a way it would be nice. Besides that, it was pretty flawless. Your theme fit great. I really loved the snoring cave. that was cool. I'm pretty sure I hearted you, I know I gave 5 stars. If I didn't heart you I will next time I'm on. F4F Please check my level. Arctic https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=21421-Arctic-*Spotlighted*-*Updated*

2010-01-27 05:48:00 Author: Vex_Doppel Posts: 108

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Hey guys, just a quick note that I've republished this under a new slot. I wanted to eliminate out of date screenshots that were either inaccurate or depicted bugs which are no longer present. If you feel inclined to re-rate the level go for it, but no pressure Hey Played the level with my family last night and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Really like the whole "vibe" of the level, cartoonish quality and some creative set pieces. I found it polished, just the right length and above all FUN. It also flowed quite nicely and as with all "polished"l levels it probably took you ages! Also liked the fact that there was a lot of user created stuff and not just items culled from the MM library. I really liked it and we gave it 5 stars and I have hearted u as an author - nice one ;-) ps. no need to F4F

2010-01-27 09:06:00 Author: Catseyez Posts: 68

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Hey Played the level with my family last night and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Really like the whole "vibe" of the level, cartoonish quality and some creative set pieces. I found it polished, just the right length and above all FUN. It also flowed quite nicely and as with all "polished"l levels it probably took you ages! Thanks for your kind words, Cat. One of my new year's resolutions is to make my levels a little more accessible to all ages. I'm glad that you had FUN, that's what it's all about! As for creation time, this one took me four very long and hard weeks. My wife is a saint for letting me be so devoted to this project

2010-01-27 20:59:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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My wife is a saint for letting me be so devoted to this project I don't know, man.... I think getting injured on ice is a pretty lame excuse for having you get off the ps3 a few weeks ago.... Anyhoo.... I hearted it again after the republish. Would LOVE to see a quality level like this beat out the sharks.

2010-01-27 23:01:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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Just played this one. Nice level! Pretty much liked everything about it. Nice combination of visuals, puzzle, and platforming. Loved the part with the volcano. Nicely done! I just have one small suggestion. I thought the camera was a little too far left when your running from the fireball. Maybe tweak it a little to the right? It just seemed like I couldn't see very well. I didn't die though, so it's no big deal. Just thought I'd mention it. Great level!!!

2010-01-27 23:28:00 Author: smasher Posts: 641

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Thanks for your input Smasher. I'm glad you enjoyed the level so intently. I'll take your suggestion on the camera into consideration, although I've already heavily tweaked the camera to what I feel is the best balance. The camera window is already as far right as possible, and aiming more to the right doesn't really give you extra visibility. Any levels you want me to F4F in return?

2010-01-27 23:34:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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The camera thing's no big deal. It was just a thought. I wouldn't mind if you checked out Hot Pepper Hustle. Thanks!

2010-01-27 23:44:00 Author: smasher Posts: 641

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I've held off playing this level and feeding back, much like saving my favourite part of a meal until I had the time to enjoy it properly. Okay, quick things first... great level, I enjoyed it, and had no issues. This obviously isn't the most affective feedback you've had, but the reason for that is... ... the artistry on show. Sublime. Each small detail is constructed with the utmost care. My honest observation is that you're a totally stubborn, obsessed creator, who's not happy until the most microscopic detail is satisfactory. You remind me of an old-fashioned clock maker. Every intricacy is built, tested, re-built and tested again, until you're 'almost happy'. Very very good level. I think your return to LBP is a blessing.

2010-01-28 00:07:00 Author: MrsSpookyBuz Posts: 1492

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I've held off playing this level and feeding back, much like saving my favourite part of a meal until I had the time to enjoy it properly. Okay, quick things first... great level, I enjoyed it, and had no issues. This obviously isn't the most affective feedback you've had, but the reason for that is... ... the artistry on show. Sublime. Each small detail is constructed with the utmost care. My honest observation is that you're a totally stubborn, obsessed creator, who's not happy until the most microscopic detail is satisfactory. You remind me of an old-fashioned clock maker. Every intricacy is built, tested, re-built and tested again, until you're 'almost happy'. Very very good level. I think your return to LBP is a blessing. Thank you thank you, those are some very kind words there I think you've pegged my personality as a creator with the utmost accuracy. Indeed I do find myself obsessing over every corner and piston setting, but if I'm meticulous, it's because I feel my audience, you guys, deserve no less. I have the crew here at LBPC alone to thank for getting me back to my moon, so I dedicate this one to all of you. On a side note I'm glad everything ran smoothly. I guess I can be almost happy now, as you so eloquantly put it, which means I can start on my next projects. Fireball 2 looks like it's going to have to happen now, but I'll have to be patient. Too many other things in the works already!

2010-01-28 01:23:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Thanks for your kind words, Cat. One of my new year's resolutions is to make my levels a little more accessible to all ages. I'm glad that you had FUN, that's what it's all about! As for creation time, this one took me four very long and hard weeks. My wife is a saint for letting me be so devoted to this project Hey I have got a very understanding wife too - I am on the PS3 most evenings for at least 1-2 hours trying to create. I do have to turn music down cos' it winds her up after all those repeats! Lol

2010-01-28 08:54:00 Author: Catseyez Posts: 68

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In the interest of accessibility *and* on the slight chance it will help more people finish the level, I've revamped the binary puzzle. It's still a four-code endeavour, but I've tried to simplify the code to "symbols and colors". I love the original design, but I think its unreasonable to expect most people to put enough thought in to solve it. A sad moment, but perhaps better in the long run. Cheers!

2010-01-29 01:49:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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You can probably change it back after your cool levels run... if people go to your level directly they will be more apt to spend the time.

2010-01-29 12:02:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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In the interest of accessibility *and* on the slight chance it will help more people finish the level, I've revamped the binary puzzle. It's still a four-code endeavour, but I've tried to simplify the code to "symbols and colors". I love the original design, but I think its unreasonable to expect most people to put enough thought in to solve it. A sad moment, but perhaps better in the long run. Cheers! That was my favourite part of your level, a shame. I do hope you follow Cubs' advice and re-insert it when you've done your cool pages run.

2010-01-29 12:04:00 Author: Zwollie Posts: 2173

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I might do that. I didn't overwrite my backup, so it's possible. The change isn't huge or anything. The puzzle itself is mechanically no different, but instead of interpreting the clues for binary addition, it's simplified to a matching game. I've yet to see the change impact the completion rate of my level though, so perhaps something else is stopping people. The level's got a Tricky tag on it today, so naturally I'm *facepalm*. This is leagues easier than any other level I've made, and probably equivalent to the mines story levels in difficulty.

2010-01-29 17:58:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Hmmmm..... maybe you should have an I.Q. selection at the beginning of the level.... if someone has an I.Q. below 60 you can replace the puzzle with an "insert the colored circle in the colored slot" puzzle.

2010-01-30 01:56:00 Author: CCubbage Posts: 4430

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You know, I think you're onto something there.... thanks for the laugh!

2010-01-30 04:06:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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I was listening to the radio when I was playing this level a few days ago so I checked back today to hear it. You seem to have worked out the issues in the volcano - I didn't get trapped this time. Very enjoyable adventure. Some highlights: the character design of the villagers and fetching the boats. Beautiful work.

2010-01-30 20:20:00 Author: Kipmonlin Posts: 251

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Hey played it! AWESOME!! 5 stars and hearted! You asked why tricky... i saw only 500 completed out 4000-5000. wow. Well, i doubt my daughter coulda beat that level. hehe. she is 6. But as an adult! Wow!! Loved the art, atmosphere and the story. I had trouble pulling the boats to shore, then figured pushing made it way easier. Also the puzzles were too hard for kiddies. Those were REAL puzzles. lol. Not like my put ball in slot ones. lol. Thanks for the feedback on my level. And after playing yours, I am inspired to do better! Thanks for F4F. Or i would have never played this gem! MUST PLAY! for any hardcore LBP fan!

2010-02-02 00:07:00 Author: fijski8 Posts: 159

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The first version of that puzzle was even more mind racking! Regarding the boats, yes pushing them is much easier, but you can hoist them on your back with ease too. They're already all styro so can't make em much lighter without having them float above the water. Oh well. It's pretty tricky getting the difficulty right for kids, being an adult. I already toned down this level for difficulty, but yeah maybe puzzles aren't kids' cup of tea. No matter I had a lot of fun making this one. I'll be sure to let you know when the sequel is out!

2010-02-02 02:12:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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Excellent work! I randomly played LBP tonight and though about playing your level (finally). As I said in your comments, this is really my type of level. Platforming, nice contraptions, some variety and the simple story is told as much with the level as with the text bubbles. I think you also had some good visuals there and the level really felt polished. Oh and you know what is my highlight? I suppose I will be an oddball here compared to the rest of the thread maybe: I love how you hint the player at what he's having to do. Most level are only doing the "take this crate and push it there" approach you see. Now I love your sentry guy that is supposed to be checking the crates but tells you "don't tell the chief I let you take one" or something like that. THIS is the way to do it. I love that. Fun times anyways. It's good all through. I like the thrilling end to. I'll be waiting for the next one. (your swamp level might be the following to this level??) :star::star::star::star: .5 (gave 5 in-game + brilliant)

2010-02-12 06:22:00 Author: RangerZero Posts: 3901

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Seeing how I was a huge fan of the boardgame, I loved this level for nostalgic reasons. LOVED the ending. ^___^

2010-02-19 20:00:00 Author: xkappax Posts: 2569

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Excellent work! I randomly played LBP tonight and though about playing your level (finally). As I said in your comments, this is really my type of level. Platforming, nice contraptions, some variety and the simple story is told as much with the level as with the text bubbles. I think you also had some good visuals there and the level really felt polished. Oh and you know what is my highlight? I suppose I will be an oddball here compared to the rest of the thread maybe: I love how you hint the player at what he's having to do. Most level are only doing the "take this crate and push it there" approach you see. Now I love your sentry guy that is supposed to be checking the crates but tells you "don't tell the chief I let you take one" or something like that. THIS is the way to do it. I love that. Fun times anyways. It's good all through. I like the thrilling end to. I'll be waiting for the next one. (your swamp level might be the following to this level??) :star::star::star::star: .5 (gave 5 in-game + brilliant) Thanks Ranger. The swamp won't be the sequel here as it was in the works long before I realized Fireball was going to require a sequel. I had actually finished the level off as a solo project, but after some discussion with Cubbage we both agreed that the story would be better off if the thief got away, which then left the story rather unfinished. The sequel will be coming along shortly though. I don't think your favorite part is oddball at all, in fact, I'm glad you noticed this. I think this was the point where I realized I was really really happy with how the level was turning out. I was almost done and still had yet to polish the script, but then I realized there were all these great opportunities to make the dialogue part of the interactive experience. I had only a rough idea for script until the very end, but things just fell together in a very tight and coherent way. Still, I think that it worked out so well only because the level was designed with plot in mind first. Heh, preplanning FTW. For me, this level represents my best work yet. Glad you enjoyed!

2010-02-20 07:41:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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