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INSECTOIDS: A Retro Arcade Survival Level ***SPOTLIGHTE*******

Archive: 34 posts


INSECTOIDSM_R_Enigma

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4333172405_e567e0189b_o.jpg

INSECTOIDS! is an retro arcade survival that was inspired by the classic, Space Invaders. This level uses an extremely efficient state of the art logic system to control the enemies that gradually increase in difficulty over the span of 3 minutes.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4333172379_93ab687077_o.jpg

We begin our journey to the past with a transmission from headquarters. Insect-like spacecraft are invading the planet & it's up to you to stop them.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4333172349_b905e61380_o.jpg

The objective is simple. Quickly move side-to-side to avoid enemy fire and press the R1 button to return fire of your own.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2744/4333914528_0fcf88ef96_o.jpg

Your tank utilizes a state of the art HUD system mounted in front to indicate your armor status. Take too many hits, and it's game over for you.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/4396914657_ff15d762e7_o.jpg

A newly updated merit system can now rank your status.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4397680788_11741c4369_o.jpg

February's Top Ranked Champions!

1.) xsci550rs 13,490pts
2.) M_R_Enigma 12,447pts
3.) Lampie95 11,805pts
4.) Taatero 10,307pts
5.) Apecheese 8,940 pts

In honor of their glorious battle, I hereby deem these soldiers the Heroes of Insectoids!
2010-01-31 05:23:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


These pics look great. I'm going to have to play this first thing tomorrow. I have a feeling the same might hold true for Cubbage also...2010-01-31 06:15:00

Author:
Thegide
Posts: 1465


Not sure what you meant by cubbage, but i forgot to mention that i'll feedback up to 10 ppl max. Just leave a comment & i'll play your lvl. Sorry I can't do more, but I prefer quality to quantity.2010-01-31 06:26:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


Cubbage is another member here who created the Splat Invaders Saga last year, a tribute to Space Invaders. Sorry, I didn't get much time to play yesterday, I'll try to catch this one tonight.2010-02-01 17:42:00

Author:
Thegide
Posts: 1465


I played this a few days ago bofore my PS3 died and though it was one of the best space invader type levels I've played.

The design was great and it worked very well.

I just thought it was a bit too difficult and didn't last long enough because of that as unlike space invaders there is nothing to hide under for shelter from incoming fire. Also I never actually saw the HUD so I didn't know how much life I had left. That is probably because there was so much plasma coming down at times it was just too hectic to have time to look for a HUD.

It's great fun and I hope to get another PS3 soon and play it again. I just wish it was a tad easier.

If you haven't already played it then F4F on my Sheriff Sack 2 level would be great. Thanks.
2010-02-01 17:56:00

Author:
mistervista
Posts: 2210


Enigma,

I tried to give your level a play today. I say tried because I made four attempts to get into the play field only to be crushed during the elevator sequence every time. I followed your instructions and did not move once in the elevator. You might want to go check it out... I think something is broken.
2010-02-02 02:18:00

Author:
Thegide
Posts: 1465


Now I had no problems with the elevator, but mistervista is right, you need shields or to have less plasma fired at once because at one point I put the pad down as the sheer volume of green orbs coming my way was totally unfair and unavoidable.


still fun tho
2010-02-02 02:42:00

Author:
cthulhu82
Posts: 211


Thank you for the feedback. The level is designed to increase the number of shots fired as time progresses. After 3 minutes, the shots have reached their maximum. As far the HUD system, I decided to place it directly onto the tank to avoid crashing into things with it on the side. You may have noticed the lights turning off with every hit taken. I'm working on a better way to transit the player to the tank at the moment, but honestly i've never had the experience you had Thegide. The final boss is in the making, so unfortunately this level functions as a survival. Thanks for playing.2010-02-02 17:55:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


Hmmmmm.... arcade inspired gameplay? I'll check it out tonight!

EDIT: Ok, played it. Very cool! I dropped into 3rd place.

My only suggestion (if you ever revisit this type of game) is to find a way to make it fair all the way through. I ended up going all the way to the right and killing the aliens as they came in, rather than going back and forth... mainly because once the aliens start shooting at you, your spaceship is too bulky to dodge if the enemy fire multiple plasmas at you. So, the speed of the plasma dropping should be balanced to the size of your craft and the distance you can see above to make it always possible to dodge.

I gave it 4 stars and a heart. Great idea, and I hope you expand on it.
2010-02-02 18:05:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430


this looks really good! i'll check it out tomorrow.
by the way, i got larger in-game pics by hosting them from imageshack using the URL. i think...i'm pretty sure that's the reason!
2010-02-05 21:09:00

Author:
trip090
Posts: 1562


I played this a bit more - it has definately improved. Adding the shields definately adds more strategy to it and helps even up the odds of being hit. Nice job! Had a thought.... maybe make the shields appear again after a bit once they're destroyed? I this would encourage the player to stay a bit more in the middle and make it more fair when the aliens shots start getting faster.

Regardless, very fun and addictive game.
2010-02-06 05:09:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430


i've just finished playing it and all i can say is...wow! i really enjoyed it! the logic behind it all must be pretty good. i felt as if i was playing an INSECTOIDS game or something and not littlebigplanet. the building quality was great too(i look for that sort of thing) and the effects really worked.

as for constructive criticism, i can't really think of anything. maybe in the teleport chamber instead of using gas use a plasma ball instead to get a cool sci-fi glowy effect. that's just me trying to think of something. five stars!
2010-02-06 08:11:00

Author:
trip090
Posts: 1562


I love this kind of levels that have a retro-style graphics.
I must say that your level is really well done and very funny.
It would be very nice if you could only have to insert some different enemies
however, a very well made and original

Congratulations!
2010-02-06 10:11:00

Author:
pirmaut
Posts: 99


I enjoyed it. All I really have to say.
Only a little criticism I can give: when I got hit on the gun it didn't SEEM to count. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not. And before going in the elevator, there seemed to be some really cool retro sounds going on, which you abandoned for the MGS music.
Really great level.
2010-02-06 22:24:00

Author:
JellyWeasel
Posts: 64


looks like something like space invaders or galiga,
i'll chek it out later, im aleways in for some oldscool arcade games
but there hard do to right in lbp
2010-02-07 16:15:00

Author:
ptwob
Posts: 99


ow jah, i played it today, and its just excelent. the ship moves so smoothly and is the perfect shape for dodging those bullets.
maybe you could make the bariers respawn after a wile to, or make a big ship fly over for extra points like space invaders...
i dunno if you even have space to pull this of, but just some ideas
2010-02-08 19:55:00

Author:
ptwob
Posts: 99


I've just given it some thought and I think power-ups would help even the score. I might republish today, so keep your eyes peeled for the ver. update.

EDIT:
O.K. so the new version is online. It now has specific points in the game where you can pick up a power up. Thanks to ptwob for his suggestion.There's just 18 more days until the competition is over! I'm having trouble designing the final boss so if anyone has some suggestions, I'm listening.
2010-02-08 20:50:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


The clock is a ticking....

I'm still looking for input on a final boss. Perhaps, I'll post it in the Help section.
2010-02-11 17:45:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


Good place would be in the "Projects" section.2010-02-11 18:47:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430


Thanks for the heads up!2010-02-11 22:42:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


I love the retro look and feel of this level, it's incredibly well designed. 5*

From what Enigma showed me, there's still plenty of thermo left for future add-ons. I say go all out; Add a host of new powerups: Shields, maybe a burst shot requiring the player to charge prior to use by holding R1, extra hitpoints etc.

As for a boss idea, what about a large 'Queen' Insectoid that has a couple of different attacks and spawns a row of regular insectoids that act as a shield.
2010-02-11 23:38:00

Author:
Unknown User


Alright folks, there are now 15 days left to enter the competition. So I think I'll start naming the prizes. Here's how it goes, everyone to make it into the top 5 on March 1st will receive hearts for their valiant efforts. In addition, they will have their names published here on this thread. The top 3 will have their choice of a number of custom objects designed by yours truly. The grand prize winner will receive a key to a copyable level containing a supply of arcade logic devices and objects!l

So don't give up, and shoot for the High scoreboard!
2010-02-13 18:21:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


Just got playing this several times AGAIN. Ok, NOW you have 5 stars from me (actually, I gave you 5 stars to begin with in-game, but felt there were some things that could improve it). The power-up made all the difference to me. It gave the gameplay that "I've got to survive long enough to get a powerup so I can kick some insectoid tushy" feel to it. Getting that powerup and wiping out a bunch of bugs at once is really satisfying!

Since your'e having a contest, I wouldn't mess with the current design too much. but I'd love to see a few additions if you do a sequel:

Some different enemies that appear after a while.
Maybe a way to get shields back after a while
A boss

I'd love to see a full-blown game out of this rather than a challenge level
2010-02-13 23:34:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430


I love retro arcade levels - and this one does not disappoint. Very slick, very smooth and very addictive. Nothing much to add really, except well done on a great level.

I had a few goes and managed to sneak into 6th on the scoreboard. But I'll be back!

Great stuff, hearted!
2010-02-14 22:48:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492


I played this earlier today, it was fantastic! Please don't make the game easier, those old games were always nice & tough. If people complain then consider making an easy version for them, with enemies that shoot flowers & infinite lives & a point system where everyone is in first place.2010-02-14 23:03:00

Author:
ApeCheese
Posts: 369


Thanks for the advice. Actually I prefer a harder game because it gives you a challenge. I had to make some alterations to the logic to fix some bugs, but it should be better now. As for making multiple enemies, I wanted to do that from the start. It's just I haven't figured a way to do that yet. Also the tank needs a shield. If anyone got an idea, I'm all ears here.

Also I wanted to give a shout out to the person who beat my high score. I'm glad to see others who share my passion.
2010-02-15 02:28:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


INSECTOIDS got spotlighted! Thanks to RoseScythe for pointing that one out.

11 days left in the competition. Who will be the victorious?
2010-02-17 21:35:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


Great level man, will attempt contest.2010-02-22 22:28:00

Author:
Babkockdood
Posts: 26


I love the design its so pretty and fun^^ great job I won't to try building ^^2010-02-23 00:26:00

Author:
cooki
Posts: 27


We're down to the last 5 days and the competition's getting intense. Last time I checked the top score was over 13000 pts! I've improvised the system a bit to fail-safe against possible cheating. Another addition is the charge shot mechanism. All you have to do is hold the R1 button for a few seconds and a massive curve shot can be deployed.

The competition ends 2/28/10 at 11:59 PM Pacific Coast time. Winners will be notified the following day.

I know everyone's probably going to hold out to the last minute like ebay, but remember to take the upload time into effect.
2010-02-23 23:39:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


That's a classic game! I won't forget to play it!2010-02-24 04:04:00

Author:
Reldude445
Posts: 2


Due to the unforeseen problems with the Playstation Network, the Insectoids competition will be temporarily postponed until Sony can resolve these issues. Thank you for your patience.

Enigma 2/28/10 20:25hrs Pacific Time

EDIT:

Now that the problem has been resolved I've extended the competition until next Sunday 3/7/2010 at 11:59 Pacific Time. Hopefully everything goes well this time around.
2010-03-01 04:26:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


What's the word on the competition?2010-03-12 21:31:00

Author:
Unknown User


The competition for February has come to an end! Winners have been notified and have until Sunday to claim their prizes. See the original message for the listing.2010-03-12 21:55:00

Author:
M_R_Enigma
Posts: 161


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