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[PSP] Calamity Construction by Jackofcourse

Archive: 29 posts

[PSP] Calamity Construction by Jackofcourse

As some of you may be aware this is a level that I made on the PS3. With the release of the creator edition materials it has enabled me to try and recreate it on the PSP! It has obviously been scaled down a bit and some of the things that I did on the PS3 were simply not possible. While comparisons are inevitable, I would hope you look at this as it's own level and not a 'lesser imitation'.

Hope you enjoy!

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/5-3.jpg http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/6-2.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/7.jpg http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/8.jpg
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/1-4.jpg http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n195/jackofcourse/3-4.jpg		2010-02-01 20:04:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

I just turned off my psp for the day. But I can't resist playing one of your levels!2010-02-01 20:24:00

Author:
Fastbro
Posts: 1277

Fantastic! Five stars and hearted!

Very creative gameplay and extremely polished graphics. I especially enjoyed controlling the dump truck and hope that gameplay mechanism gets expanded on in your future levels. The bar keeps rising on the PSP, and I am continually astonished with the level of innovation creators are demonstrating on this portable system. Also, it was a very good use of the back plain--it made the level feel more three-dimensional (if that makes sense). You might consider putting some of your neat vehicles as winable objects in the level.		2010-02-02 00:16:00

Author:
rimmonhouse
Posts: 15

Okey Dokey, I just got the chance to give this level a play, so here I am with some feedback for you...

I went into this in sort of a negative mind set. I was actually ho-hum about Calamity Construction on PS3 (it had a tough job following up Flaming Timberland 2), so I was even a tad bit grumpy that this was the level you decided to try to "port" over (even though you said it wasn't really a port of the level).

Anyway, all I can say is that this level is excellent. It just looks plain amazing. I really liked Scorching Scamper, but I think that this one trumps that in just about ever category. It looks a lot better (in my opinion), and I like the variety of challenges with all of the construction equipment. Some of your challenges felt really fresh, and that is always a good thing

I don't really have much more to say. As always, it felt a bit short, but I think that that will always be the case with your levels since they look so good, and I do love to have levels look good, so I'll take a short, good looking level from you any day.		2010-02-02 05:23:00

Author:
amazingflyingpoo
Posts: 1515

Hi Jack!
I like your level. It looks great and has a nice gameplay. I also like the puzzles. But i have to say that Scorching Scamper is a little bit better in my opinion.
Maybe the Sounds are better placed in that one. I dont really know what exactly it depends on.
But i gave this one 5 Stars anyway

Greetings!		2010-02-02 08:01:00

Author:
Arrestor
Posts: 363

Thanks everyone.

I decided I'd try and make this one as it is probably the level of mine that is most different. I could have easily tried to make something like Flaming Timberland 2, but I thought that in terms of visuals and gameplay Scorching Scamper was very much the PSP version of that level, so it would have felt too similar.

Calamity Construction has always been the one level on the PS3 that is different to my usual style. I'd consider it quite puzzles based (easy puzzles, but still) and you're not always on the move as much as you are in my other levels. Because of the different style of gameplay and this actually having a real theme that I had to stick to, I don't think they could really be compared.

For example, in Scorching Scamper, if I thought of an obstacle, no matter what it is was I would be able to do put it in the level and make it look like it belongs there pretty easily. With this level everything has to have a building site theme, it can't just be a generic object, it has to fit in with the construction surroundings,. Which obviously means you have a lot less scope for ideas and gameplay mechanics. However, playing within restrictions can be a lot of fun and even more rewarding 		2010-02-02 15:30:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Then maybe i just like the "Scorching-Scamper-Style" more 2010-02-02 16:00:00

Author:
Arrestor
Posts: 363

Then maybe i just like the "Scorching-Scamper-Style" more

Probably makes sense I do too in all honesty. That style of gameplay and the fast pace of it is where I feel at home and what I personally prefer to play and create. I guess all I mean is that each level should be judged on it's own merits, comparisons with levels that aren't really trying to do the same thing probably wont' work too well

Anyway, thanks for everyone who's played it so far!		2010-02-02 16:05:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

jackofcourse, you made one more great level on psp and on LBP world. My congratulations! You mastefully combine ideas from yours PS3 level with something new. Very cool! Your level is perfect example - what can be made on psp LBP - there is many cool devices and ideas. I learn a a few lessons of level creation during gameplay in you level. You did great job - my respect for you and of course 5 stars and heart and heart of creator from me you already have.

By the way - on what platform it is easy to create similar level - on PS3 with all its opportunities or on psp with its features? I can not creat on PS3 - I have not time for it at home, I only can try downloaded levels and psp is for me only way to create something - I can do it during my way to work and back home. So - what is you choice for more comfortable creation mode - PS3 or psp?		2010-02-02 17:03:00

Author:
Domik12
Posts: 838

Thanks for playing, glad you liked it!

To answer your question: If you think of it in terms of comfort and ease of use the PS3 wins hands down, with the extra functionality, bigger screen, more buttons, and less bugs etc it just allows a more stress free experience.

However, if you are thinking of it in terms of 'which is easier to make a good level', then it is totally different. On the PSP it is much easier to create a level that will be well received. This is something that has been discussed at length in a thread over in the 'Everything' section, so I won't put anymore in there. Here's the link to the thread if you want to see what others think

Thread: https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=21201-LBP-PSP-refreshing-in-comparison-to-PS3		2010-02-02 17:11:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Because of the different style of gameplay and this actually having a real theme that I had to stick to, I don't think they could really be compared.

Hey jackofcourse,

That was exactly my thought. While I was playing, I was tempted to compare it to both the PS3 version of Calamity Construction and Scorching Scamper, but that would've simply been a disservice to this thematically exquisite level. I thought you tied the gameplay with the theme ingeniously with those vehicles, and the grungy and rusty metallic textures made the construction site theme really concrete in way Scorching Scamper, although cohesive, never referred to a specific theme. On another note, I really liked the variety of gameplay you presented here with clearly defined regions of both puzzles and platforming that I felt were confounded in Scorching Scamper.

The spirit of the PS3 version definitely found its way into this level with both accuracy in some areas and tastefully-done reinterpretations in others. I recognized the beginning section from the PS3 version quite well and also some of the innovative vehicle mechanisms. However, I realize that it isn't a direct translation, and I appreciate those modifications that give this level its own breath of life. That said, this level has its own special niche in your collection of works, and I'm glad you chose to recreate this for the PSP.

Some minor issues I had was that in the beginning section with the two cranes, sometimes the back thin layer of the carriage on the second crane would get stuck with the background. I was still able to get on and continue with the level, but it looked awkward in terms of execution. The driveable vehicle was also weird in the beginning as I thought it was going to flip over. Other than that, I thought everything was well constructed on an otherwise haphazard construction site .

Here's 5:star:s, level heart, (and I hearted you already) for a fantastic job of incorporating gameplay with a theme. Keep them coming jackofcourse!

Getting my foot out of the cement,
jeffcu28		2010-02-03 01:28:00

Author:
jeffcu28
Posts: 648

jackofcourse, yesterday I forgot to mention one thing. Is it you initial idea of high speed roller? It's cool made but all other things on your level are very believable, and only roller behave as motorbike at the begining :

http://my-lbp.narod.ru/LBP/central/pic10.jpg

And one more - what temperature did you have and the end of your level?		2010-02-03 09:18:00

Author:
Domik12
Posts: 838

Heck yes it's meant to do that! Haven't you ever been on a steam roller that can pull a wheelie? 2010-02-03 10:06:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

it was cool. I asked the question just because it only things that stands out with it unbelievability on your level.2010-02-03 10:19:00

Author:
Domik12
Posts: 838

it was cool. I answered the question just because it only things that stands out with it unbelievability on your level.

Apart from the 8cm cloth creature running around 		2010-02-03 14:37:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Well now, you've got another gem here. I played this within a couple hours of you posting this thread the other day but am only just now getting around to my review. When I first noticed the thread I nearly fell over myself in my hurry to grab my PSP. (My wife says, "What's wrong, did you forget something?" I say, "No, it's just that... Well you see.... So there's this new... Yes, I forgot something.")

No surprise here: I loved it! Yet again, another totally unique and entertaining experience that somehow does just fine with no story or purpose whatsoever. (How do you do that?) I love the wacky, construction-site-gone-wrong feel of the whole level, and as usual your choice of materials and textures is excellent. I really couldn't put my finger on why this level felt so different from your others, but in reading through the posts here I realized that you had to stick to a theme! Yes, that's definitely it, and you executed it beautifully. Everything is appropriately construction-ey, and the industrial vibe you put together is one of my overall favorite types of looks. Your little vehicles are just cute as heck, and as always I really enjoyed the variety of challenges throughout. I think I liked the dump truck the best. The elevator at the end is a very nice touch and a great way to finish off the experience.

If I had to complain about something, I guess I'd say that I would have preferred Atlas by Battles for the music... but because that's out of your hands the Metropolis track works just fine. Speaking of sounds, I felt slightly wanting for sound effects here and there. Nothing is really wrong or out of place per se, but the dump truck for example is just kind of quiet. I was expecting a rumbling engine and a crash when you drop the load of bricks. The steam roller (Awesome! Love the wheelie. ) also seemed to be a bit too fast for as little noise as it made. These are extremely small nitpicky things though, and they don't detract from the level at all in my opinion. Besides, most people will be too busy marvelling at the incredible gameplay to notice.

Another easy 5 stars and a heart - Jack strikes again! Creator heart given already, NO SOUP FOR YOU. 		2010-02-03 16:59:00

Author:
Taffey
Posts: 3187

I can't really add anything... its just... outstanding...:star::star::star::star::star:2010-02-03 21:12:00

Author:
Fastbro
Posts: 1277

This is absolutely brilliant played it a couple of days ago 5 stars hearted lol2010-02-04 10:43:00

Author:
robotiod
Posts: 2662

Well now, you've got another gem here. I played this within a couple hours of you posting this thread the other day but am only just now getting around to my review. When I first noticed the thread I nearly fell over myself in my hurry to grab my PSP. (My wife says, "What's wrong, did you forget something?" I say, "No, it's just that... Well you see.... So there's this new... Yes, I forgot something.")

No surprise here: I loved it! Yet again, another totally unique and entertaining experience that somehow does just fine with no story or purpose whatsoever. (How do you do that?) I love the wacky, construction-site-gone-wrong feel of the whole level, and as usual your choice of materials and textures is excellent. I really couldn't put my finger on why this level felt so different from your others, but in reading through the posts here I realized that you had to stick to a theme! Yes, that's definitely it, and you executed it beautifully. Everything is appropriately construction-ey, and the industrial vibe you put together is one of my overall favorite types of looks. Your little vehicles are just cute as heck, and as always I really enjoyed the variety of challenges throughout. I think I liked the dump truck the best. The elevator at the end is a very nice touch and a great way to finish off the experience.

If I had to complain about something, I guess I'd say that I would have preferred Atlas by Battles for the music... but because that's out of your hands the Metropolis track works just fine. Speaking of sounds, I felt slightly wanting for sound effects here and there. Nothing is really wrong or out of place per se, but the dump truck for example is just kind of quiet. I was expecting a rumbling engine and a crash when you drop the load of bricks. The steam roller (Awesome! Love the wheelie. ) also seemed to be a bit too fast for as little noise as it made. These are extremely small nitpicky things though, and they don't detract from the level at all in my opinion. Besides, most people will be too busy marvelling at the incredible gameplay to notice.

Another easy 5 stars and a heart - Jack strikes again! Creator heart given already, NO SOUP FOR YOU.

Thanks a lot Taffey

Glad you enjoyed it. I was quite happy with how the visuals turned out. The vehicles were not easy to make for a number of reasons. There's quite a lot of detail within the shapes which isn't easy to get accurate with the corner editing tool when there's so many corners bunched close together. The other main thing was gluing, quite a lot of the parts need to be made individually to get the right look, and with it gluing to everything it took a bit of planning in working out when was the right time to glue certain piece and what order they should be done in.

I'm quite happy with the level overall, getting to the end of it I had a lot of switches and a lot of wheels that started to mess up so I got to the stage where I just needed to get it published. Without these problems I would have had a bit more time to be able to mess around and play with adding those little details that make it extra special. As you mentioned in regards to sound, all the sounds that are 'needed' are there, but there are certainly a few areas where I would have made a little more effort with them if it was made on the ps3 (or if this create mode was without the bugs I were experiencing).

Anyway, glad you liked it and thanks to everyone else who has played it and commented! 		2010-02-05 19:53:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

I just played this today, good stuff!

The visuals were interesting and kept the theme going really well throughout the level. The platforming was also solid from start to finish, with enough variety and challenge to keep things interesting. There were some interesting puzzles along the way, but they were all very easy to figure out, which is not necessarily a bad thing considering they never break the pacing of the gameplay. In the end I felt the level was a little short, but that might simply be because I wanted the level to continue going. There's definitely a lot to do and see.

Amazing level, :star::star::star::star::star: and ♥'ed.		2010-02-05 20:21:00

Author:
Gilgamesh
Posts: 2536

Just played. It's excellent stuff.
I wish I could create on the psp but I really just can't whatsoever...		2010-02-06 19:09:00

Author:
KQuinn94Z
Posts: 1758

Hi Jack, nice to see a friendly face, (and you Domik12)

Played you level, and visually it was a masterpiece just like all your others. (wanna expand a little here) Where to start????? I had the psp at 'creating' distance (IE 2 inches from my face) as i admired all the little details I think just pass some people by. Lol, how daft, but I was so impressed with the windows on the crane! Loved the 3D back to the dumpster, real nice! Enjoyed the piston that moved on the see saw. Where are all the materials from, are they from the standard game, or the 'creators edition' (which I know nothing of, and due to skimming through the main story game, have missed out on many of the collectibles) I was also puzzled at the amount of bolts used, how on earth did you get them all to stay in place? I avoid everything but pistons/grab switches, keys and sensors if i can help it, so frustrating having to constantly re-align them after their little random wanderings

So, thats my praise now my review:

A few words: Short, fun, beautiful, easy, well thought out. OK, so yeah it was short, but hey, you weren't aiming for a half hour marathon, your aim i feel was a short fun packed platformer, right? Five stars there!
I had trouble with the dumpster, because I grabbed the grabable roof AFTER i moved it out of the way, this meant I had to make quite a few trys to fill it up as the rocks on the floor prevented me getting the truck in place to receive the next load.
LOL, I LOVED the steamroller with its wheelies, made me giggle, got the humor as I knew its speed and actions were deliberate.
Not sure what else to say, other than I'd give it 8.8 out of ten for game play, 9.6 for graphics, 9 for originality, I make that a score of 91, but heck, i gave it 5 stars as four doesn't seem fare!

Good job, look forward to the next!		2010-02-07 01:39:00

Author:
Shade_seeker
Posts: 328

Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed it!

Yes, the materials are all from the creator edition.

Unfortunately bolts and switches are no different for me that they are for you. It just took a lot of patience and a lot redoing things right up until I published it (and then I just never enter that level in create mode again! )

I know what you mean about moving the dumper truck and then putting the bricks down. It is something I considered, and I worked out that the way it is now, there's no way you can break it, the only thing you can have to do if you get it wrong is replace the bricks a few times while edging the truck back in place, but seeing as you can't actually die in that part, that's my way of punishing the player for getting it wrong haha

Thanks a lot for your review and all your thoughts!		2010-02-07 01:46:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

You are very welcome Jack!

Praise where praise is due, and dito for crytisisms. They work hand in hand, and both are just as important!

Domik asked how much thermo you had left at the end, but i don't think you replied did you. was it maxed out?		2010-02-07 01:56:00

Author:
Shade_seeker
Posts: 328

Oh yeah so he did. No, it wasn't maxed out, it's around 80% I think. If I had my own way and the bugs weren't starting to get the better of me, the level may have had one more small section in it. But as a general rule this is around the length that all my PSP levels will be. I just want to create small fun levels that you can have a quick blast on while on the bus or whatever. I doubt any of my PSP levels will be over the 3-4 minute mark to be honest 2010-02-07 02:00:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Seems a shame to put so much effort into a game, and to have it all over in 4 minutes. (All that huffing and puffing, thinking, fiddling with knobs, pushing buttons, and BAM, before you've started its over lol)
There is some scope for back tracking, but I get that you want it short and sweet, no frustrations, or long trial and error play throughs, and good on you, I end up going right over to the other end of the spectrum with mine. I may replay it tomorrow, as I want to know what the fuss was about lack of sound fx (I normally play with sound off)

Laters!		2010-02-07 02:29:00

Author:
Shade_seeker
Posts: 328

all your levels are really good in ps3 too! 5 stars and heart in all your levels2010-03-11 11:58:00

Author:
himoks
Posts: 734

Today I made new video record of your level- here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjDzD-wf3t0&feature=player_embedded). It madded in full 480-272 resolution. I made it for Russian LBP community site (http://lbprussia.ucoz.ru) as example of very well madded level. And in our site I place video with PS3 version of this level for compare it. I plane to make videos of all your levels on psp to put it on our site as examples. So, thank you again for good levels and respect for perfect work!

With love from Russia
Domik12		2010-03-22 17:04:00

Author:
Domik12
Posts: 838

Thank you very much Domik! I'm glad you're finding them useful 2010-03-22 17:07:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494


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