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Creator Spotlight 10 - comphermc

Archive: 99 posts

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

comphermc
The Logical Choice
Interview conducted by MrsSpookyBuz (http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/member.php?u=3896)

To say comphermc's talent lies simply with logic creation would be a gross understatement. His skills in the technical side of LBP are quite rightly well regarded, but look beyond the switches and wires and you'll find a veritable treasure trove of fun, well-designed levels. Is he simply addicted to AND/OR gates? Does he produce mathematically sound gameplay? Or indeed, is he actually human?!! Let's ask him a few questions and find out...


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



http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/images/creator_spotlight/comphermc/allmine.jpg
It's addictive, it's nerve-wracking, it's super fun! It's comphermc's All Mine!


The Low-Down

What video games did you enjoy playing before LBP was released?
Oh Geeze! I was all over the place before LittleBigPlanet. I have always been a fan of the Grand Theft Auto games, and I even bought a PS3 just for the release of the latest. In retrospect I didn?t even enjoy the game that much, but it put me on the path to owning LBP. In addition to that, I've played the standard ?big name? games for the PS3 (I don't own any other consoles) like Killzone 2, Uncharted 1 & 2, Ratchet and Clank, etc. I was addicted to the game Portal for over a year, playing user-created maps and whatnot. I feel like that has really helped with puzzly-type creations in LBP. I was also really into the game Skate 2 for a few months, but then I started playing LittleBigPlanet for keeps. I haven?t been able to play any other games for more than a week since.

What was the first full level you ever built? And what was it like?
Haha. Over my winter holiday from University, I spent many, many hours creating a level, as I had gotten the game as a gift. It was mostly just learning the tools and whatnot? and it was terrible. I got the dreaded ?failed to load level,? so I remade it from scratch. Not much better the second time around. I published for half a second and then deleted it from shame ? it was a sort of Indiana Jones type level, but with no direction or consistent theme. I then tried to make a Portal tribute level but just couldn?t hack it. It didn?t feel like Portal, didn?t look like Portal, and surely didn?t look good. At this point, I took a few months off from creating to play other games (besides, it was lacrosse season and I didn?t have a ton of time) and came back to it one day to collect all the prizes. I fell in love with the game all over again and created Sack Ninja Training. So that?s what I consider my first full level. For anyone who hasn?t played it, it's a bit on the difficult end. It's not terribly long since I didn?t really understand at that point how long the levels should be, but I do have fun playing through it from time to time. It was ?inspired? by the Islands levels that MM created.

What levels have you published to date?
Sack Ninja Training
Aperture Science: Sackboy Chambers (Part 1 of 3)
Aperture Science: Sackboy Escape (Part 2 of 3)
Aperture Science: GlaDOS Confrontation (Part 3 of 3)
Brain Chain Mini-Game Survival Challenge
All Mine! A Canyons Adventure
Cap?n Sackbeard?s Booty (Online Create with rtm223, OmegaSlayer, and GrantosUK)
Brain Chain 2: Industrial Bounce
A handful of tutorial levels.


I was also part of the LBPC Logic Pack team, for anyone who isn?t aware!


Which of these is your own favourite? And why?
Definitely All Mine! This was a level that was created at the peak of my ability. I am always learning, and thusly I feel that my levels are continuously improving. For me, All Mine! was just a great mix of a variety of gameplay elements ? all of which was a very conscious design choice. This was also, hands-down, the level that I spent the most amount of time on. It all started back in August. We had just began with the Logic Pack, so I was learning a ton about logic from rtm?s sexy brain (*wink*). I went on a vacation out East (Boston, New York, Rhode Island) with my family and girlfriend, and this meant leaving LBP behind. Instead, I whipped out a sketch pad and drew up plans for a Canyons themed level. In reality, the only thing that remained from those initial sketches was the 3-lap race. Anyone who has played the level knows exactly what I?m talking about? It was actually amazing how well it fit into place. While I?m talking about it, I may as well thank mrsupercomputer again for his help with the level. He?s an idea man, that one. We?d spend hours just hovering in Create mode, he tossing out ideas, me shooting them down. That chase at the end would?ve been much less exciting had he not helped out. Thanks, bud!


Are there any other creators who inspire you?
Oh, of course! Creators like jackofcourse, mrsupercomputer, Javi_Huguse for their visuals, GrantosUK for his backtracking and smart level design, julesyjules for his fantastic lighting (no offense Morgana!), and rtm223 for his great logic work. I tried to mimic these creators in their respective areas of expertise to create All Mine! and I hope I could hold a flame to what they do.



What?s the worst thing that?s happened while creating?
I've been surprisingly lucky thus far. As stated above, my first level got the failed to load level bug, but I've only had it happen that one time [on a level that actually mattered]. I guess the worst thing that happened was that the Intermediate Logic Pack level started to show signs of the 160 hour bug (which I don't think is truly related to the time spent in create mode). We sort of had to stop tweaking at that point for fear of what might happen. I took that level under my wing for a month, so to see it potentially fall apart was nerve-wracking. But, no ? I save often and always publish a back-up online. Now that we can save backups to our HDD, I do both. You can never be too careful.


What?s your pet hate in LBP?
Um? there are a lot of little things, but a pet hate? I've learned to work around most of the finicky-ness of LBP, so I don't even notice most of the annoying stuff anymore. If I had to choose something it would the sound and screen effect of rewinding, or the noise the game makes when the game is paused. I?m not sure why those things were added in? I don't feel like they benefit creators in any way.


If you worked for Media Molecule, what tool/object/material would you have liked to see developed?
Sticker Cutout Tool. Next question!

Naw, but seriously, I've grown to love making custom stickers for use in my levels, and it would be amazing to be able to cut them out as desired. I would also take an Image Import function any day of the week, but I understand the potential legal ramifications of people using copyrighted material.



http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/images/creator_spotlight/comphermc/brainchain.jpg
Feel the pressure! Play comphermc's Brain Chain Survival Games. But no cursing!



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


Digging Deeper

You're one of a rare breed of LBP creators, in that you're a great level designer AND you're very handy with the 'ole logic? Does any aspect take precedent, or is it important that these aspects compliment each other? And how did both aspects actually come together with your work on the Logic Pack?
Wow, tough question. When I started creating in LBP I was all about expressing all of these great ideas to the rest of the world. In my efforts to achieve this goal, I realized that I would need more tools than what we are given by default. Enter logic. For me, the role of logic is to just expand the toolset at my disposal when creating levels. I don't use logic for the sake of putting it in the level. In fact, if I could avoid using logic, I would surely do so! That said, I've found that using logic effectively can allow more complete control over the level and a player?s interaction with it. So, while I preach that using logic isn?t essential, I can?t foresee myself ever making a level without a plethora of logic behind the scenes. There are just too many neat things you can do with the right combination of logic.

With the respect to the Logic Pack, we really had two goals: to show the players our low-thermo, simple logic gates and to show the player how gameplay and logic can be very intertwined. We consciously tried to make each demonstration unique to the others. This was to show the player how using logic can immensely expand the toolset I mentioned above. Sometimes it can be difficult to fully utilize these new tools, so we hope that we did a satisfactory job of showing the various uses of logic. Also, it looked pretty...


[B]I'm a big fan of your Aperture Science trilogy - the clean, almost-sterile environments, the secret, ominous atmosphere - wonderful stuff! How did you approach this series, and indeed, was it always planned as a series?
Aw, thanks! For me, the [eventual] series was just an effort to transform a game I loved (Portal) into the context of another game I love. I had seen tributes done that were much more faithful to Portal, but I wanted to do something that felt like a great mix between the two. As for creating the sterile environment and ominous atmosphere ? that was all emulation. The puzzles were mostly unique, but the setting was completely inspired. It was originally intended to be a single level (go figure), but about halfway into my thermo I came to the realization that it wasn?t going to fit! I conceded and decided to split it into two levels. After finishing the first, I made the final boss in its entirety. My plan was to work backwards to fit the two levels together. Much to my dismay, the boss fight took up nearly half of the level. I conceded again and went with a trilogy.


Next up, an apology... I'm afraid I have to confess that I cursed you many times while playing your Brain Chain Survival level! It's simple to play and difficult to master, it's addictive, and it's genius! How did you come up with the concept, and how important was it to you to make it different from many other survival challenges?
Well, to be honest the idea arose before my idea to make a survival challenge. There is an obstacle at the end of Sack Ninja Training that is two columns of brains being emitted upwards. I got the idea from a brain-bouncing level and thought it might be fun to emit them. I love bouncing around on them, so I had the brilliant idea to make a level out of it. One Friday morning last summer, I woke up and cranked it out. Yep, all of it. It took about 6 hours to make (the idea is actually very simple). The sequel was quite a different experience. It was much more fun to make, and allowed my creativity to run wild in terms of visuals. It also serves as my 'Badge of Honor' as it is my first 3 star level. Thanks Cool Pages!! Hehe. As for other survival challenges, I didn?t even think about them. I had no idea that others would have as much fun as I did on them (well, fun is relative, huh?). So, yeah ? go stomp some brains!


And from one genius level to another - All Mine! Two words for you - bloody brilliant! Your thoughts on the level?
Haha. I love this level. It truly is one of my favorites, even if that sounds conceited. As I said above, I had the idea to make a Canyons themed level before I even went into create mode. The MM Canyons levels were a huge inspiration for me, but I wanted to see if I could take it to the next level. Shockingly enough, this level almost didn?t happen. I hit a creator block at the point in the level where you stumble across the facility (whatever it is!). At first, it was going to be entirely created with the red/brown wood ? which in retrospect might?ve been boring. I got a bit of inspiration from rtm?s Subterranean Setbacks? why can?t there be an arbitrary facility underground somewhere? It was always my plan to have a sort of chase at the end, but that whole idea was slow to develop. I guess I got a bit of inspiration from the end of Mulberry Woods by mrsupercomputer. Big, cartoony machinery chasing the player is always fun! Finally, I took a lot of inspiration from GrantosUK. His use of backtracking and secrets are amazing; hence their presence in All Mine! I?m just happy to belong to the group of creators who have good levels, but with a low(er) number of plays.


A question about you - you're studying hard for your future vocation, you're a moderator here on LBPC, you're a logic guru, helper, creator, player... the list goes on. How do you organise your time?
I don't. I procrastinate. A lot. When I should be doing homework, I end up surfing the forums or playing LBP. It's really not good, but I somehow manage to get most of everything done. In fact, I have to wake up early to go tutor tomorrow morning, but I?m writing this instead? Heh. I know that I spend way too much time playing LBP, but I keep getting ideas! Once I hit a creator?s block I?m sure I?ll slow up a bit, but until then? Full steam ahead! I?m sure you all understand? right?

I don't think you specifically meant for me to go into this, but you did mention ?helper? in that list. Ever since Online Create was released, I love going into other people?s level and helping them out a bit. Whether it be logic help, or idea help, or just distracting them by placing captured objects all over the place. I've been feeling extra ?helper-y? as I approach my ?future vocation,? which for those who don't know is to become a high school math teacher. Should be fun!



What can we expect from comphermc in the future?
Well, I have officially begun re-creating the third level in my Aperture Science trilogy. I wasn?t happy with how it turned out, so I?m giving it another go. It's about half finished at the moment, but things have taken a turn towards something else. I just played StarCruiser with Javi Haguse and mrsupercomputer and thought to myself, "You know, this level would have been infinitely better if the gameplay wasn't 'Move to X, move to Y, move to Z, stay alive, the end.'" So, I've started another level that is inspired by the visual style of StarCruiser, but with my own 'unique' flair. Who knows if I'll be able to pull off 'better gameplay,' but at least I'll try. I'm really happy with how it looks, and production is going very quickly. Expect my best visuals yet, but with more attempt at my lame humor... As a treat, there's a little photo below of the work in progress!

I?d also like to someday do a re-imagining of another MM level. I?m thinking something from the tundra... Or maybe the Islands...

And, as usual, expect there to be a ton of logic stuff going on. Maybe I?ll replace a few of the tutorials I have up now, as some of them are outdated.


[B]And finally, you're trapped in a locked room with no exits. In this room, there is rtm223, CCubbage, mrsupercomputer and ConfusedCartman. Logically speaking, who would crack up first?!!
mrsupercomputer. Easy. Then rtm223 would somehow reason a way out of the room and we?d be fine... once we calmed mrsupercomputer down.


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http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/images/creator_spotlight/comphermc/comphwip.jpg
EXCLUSIVE! Sneak peek at comphermc's impressive work-in-progress.

Our Conclusions

It's no exaggeration to say that comphermc is a busy guy. Nonetheless, his LBP output is always of the highest standards. From the fiercely addictive and on-the-surface simplicity of his Brain Chain Survival levels, to the immersive sophistication of All Mine! and the Aperture Science series, you have a creator who's a whole lot more than 'someone who's good at logic'. His visual design and gameplay don't follow the standards, they set the standards. He's also a team player, and someone who genuinely enjoys helping others. And as well as being a moderator here on LBPC, he somehow finds the time to produce excellent tutorials that can be freely used by anyone who has the sense to read them. So, comphermc IS a superb logic maker, but I believe that his talents are multi-faceted, and his skills go far beyond those little green wires.		2010-02-13 23:58:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

you can tell the rest of the logicpack people and the mods of LBPC are going to be spotlighted next. Then, the level reviewers.2010-02-14 00:13:00

Author:
Voodeedoo
Posts: 724

Wow that Brain chain level looks good. I haven't played it These creator spotlights always make me see members slighly diffrently lol.2010-02-14 00:17:00

Author:
Doopz
Posts: 5592

very nice, and i remember playing the portal levels before he became really well known and now a moderator...glad to see things are going so well for him and i look forward to his next masterpiece2010-02-14 00:19:00

Author:
Shadowcrazy
Posts: 3365

Great interview! It was and interesting read, I think I've only played 2 of those levels, All Mine being my favorite for it's epic and inspiring boss towards the end section. And what is this "160 hour bug"?2010-02-14 00:26:00

Author:
TheFirstAvenger
Posts: 787

Excellent interview! An incredible level designer and a logic-head, to boot ^_^

Of course, it's always a bit disheartening to see such amazing work from an amazing creator (in comparison to mine), but comph's a good inspiration and always willing to help others and show them a trick or two. He's basically rtm's apprentice, and I hope to be his

Congrats on the spotlight, bud. You earned it :3		2010-02-14 00:28:00

Author:
claptonfann
Posts: 228

Brain Chain 2 and All Mine! are my favourite levels from comph!
Good to see you finally got spotlighted.		2010-02-14 00:29:00

Author:
Fredrik94
Posts: 342

Cool! Congratulations comphermc !

Great interview! It's nice to know a little more about you and your work 		2010-02-14 00:54:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486

Nice interview.2010-02-14 00:59:00

Author:
SLS10
Posts: 1129

Awesome stuff! And his up and coming level has the funniest dialogue ever seen in LBP 2010-02-14 01:02:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Yeah Awesome interview and awesome answers

Also I'd like to say that level will be awesome, it has everything... Better keep quiet, Dont want comph editing my posts...		2010-02-14 01:06:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

Excellent interveiw MrsSpookyBuz and one of my favorite creators too! I've been so fortunate to have been able to pick comphermc's (also sexy) brain about stuff in my own work and he's really the real deal and such a generous creator and teacher. I've been in like with his work since his Apeture Science levels and in Love with All Mine! since he published it. One of the greats for sure!

Congratulations comphermc - totally deserved!		2010-02-14 01:35:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Thanks guys! It appears that I've shown too many people that half-finished level! *glares at Jack and Kernel*

Also, thanks Lisa for taking the time to put this together.

---

@Endless-Echo: It's a bug you get where your pistons stop behaving like normal, and will not work at quick speeds. It's been coined the 160 hour bug, since it was estimated that it takes that long for it to occur (that's 160 hours of unpaused create time). I have reason to believe that it happens much sooner than that, or is more related to what's going on with your thermo.		2010-02-14 01:45:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Awesome interview! I gotta say, when Aperture science first appeared on the showcase, I was thinking "ok, who is this guy who DARES to come up with a Portal-themed level when it obviously can't compare to Voltiare's masterpiece????".

Well, I played it and immediately found one of my new favorite creators... congratulations on the spotlight, CompherMC! You're one of those creators that is a master of.... just about everything. And a humble nice guy to boot!

It's always nice to have another creator that makes you want to dash to your console when they release a new level.		2010-02-14 02:20:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Yes, I love his work. Great choice, even though he gives me a hard time on these forums. lol.2010-02-14 02:37:00

Author:
fijski8
Posts: 159

Bravo!! Well done Compher and congrats on a well deserved spotlight! Nice to see yet another creator that I've shared some time in a pod or trading peeks in each others levels get some well deserved kudos! Getting a sneak at that new level was a real treat! Hope you let me test it for you! Purty please?

MrSpookyBuz.. truly a wonderful and fun interview. I love how you go with a round of great stock questions and then custom fit the next round to the creator. Compher's was especially fun and thanks so much for that. Fantastic job!!		2010-02-14 02:48:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Still another excellent creator! Oh and what you said... umm, I think it was something like this:

I've been feeling extra ?helper-y? as I approach my ?future vocation,? which for those who don't know is to become a high school math teacher. Should be fun!
I'd love to have a math teacher like you... gosh it would be fun and interesting at the same time.
Congrats for the Creator Spotlight 		2010-02-14 04:05:00

Author:
Chump
Posts: 1712

Great interview with a fantastic creator. I knew comph had some create skills the moment I played his Aperture trilogy, but it wasn't until I worked with him on the Logic Pack that I realized how impressive those skills really were. Not only is he able to produce quality work time and time again, but he has an ability to elevate the quality of other creators around him. I've learned a lot from him and had a ton of fun while doing it. Thanks for that comph, you're the man!

Oh, and no way I would crack first...		2010-02-14 04:15:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer
Posts: 1335

Oh, and no way I would crack first...

False. You would totally crack first.		2010-02-14 04:25:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Comphermc is a genius...I still don't see how he could procrastinate and still do so much at the same time though 2010-02-14 04:32:00

Author:
Night Angel
Posts: 1214

The 160 hour glitch used to be called the extended create bug back in the day... Still, even that's not completely true. We gotta make up a new name for it :3

And congratulations comph, you're a great creator, great friend, and all-aroung genius 		2010-02-14 04:35:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

Great read! Y'know, those boxes in that screenshot remind me of the Portal cubes...
Now you just gotta add "**spotlighted**" to you name or something and you're all set!

I have a confession to make> i've only played your brain chain 2 and Aperture Science series level 1 levels, i'll have to go play the rest of yours soon!
Also, small question: what is that locked "Aperture Science" level in your profile? Perhaps something more interesting than merely a boss remake?		2010-02-14 05:03:00

Author:
RCIX
Posts: 250

Also, small question: what is that locked "Aperture Science" level in your profile? Perhaps something more interesting than merely a boss remake?

It's the remake of the third Aperture Science level. It's vastly different from the original in terms of visuals, but I'm sorry to inform you that it's 'merely a boss remake.' Like the logo, eh? The level is way better, but I've gotten distracted with my other project, which is looking more and more like a two parter (and we all know that means it will be a three parter).

2010-02-14 05:12:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I have gotten distracted with my other project, which is looking more and more like a two parter (and we all know that means it will be a three parter).



Hurray! I'd like that 		2010-02-14 05:14:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

It's the remake of the third Aperture Science level. It's vastly different from the original in terms of visuals, but I'm sorry to inform you that it's 'merely a boss remake.' Like the logo, eh? The level is way better, but I've gotten distracted with my other project, which is looking more and more like a two parter (and we all know that means it will be a three parter).


So that means we should see the other two remade sometime what - late this year, next year? 		2010-02-14 05:17:00

Author:
RCIX
Posts: 250

well deserved comphermc

your levels were top notch		2010-02-14 05:40:00

Author:
rseah
Posts: 2701

Very cool I wish I could do all of that stuff for my levels.2010-02-14 05:49:00

Author:
Xeno_Destroyer
Posts: 72

Another excellent interview of another great member of this very cool community. Well done, Mrs SB! And congrats comph - a very deserving subject and recipient of this honor and of all this gushing praise (but since you are a mod here at LBPC, don't entirely dismiss the possibility that we're all just sucking up to you ).

Now quit cruising your spotlight thread, and get back to work!!		2010-02-14 06:21:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Great Interview! I think I've played every level Comphermc's published, and they've all been a blast. Much deserved!2010-02-14 06:44:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402

Easy one of the best hope he keep it up2010-02-14 07:51:00

Author:
jump_button
Posts: 1014

Yay for Comphy!
Congrats mate, you really deserve every bit of praise.
One of the few great creators here that is still humble and kind with everyone.
He's a wonderful buddy other than being a great creator.		2010-02-14 08:19:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112

Don't glare at me, s'not my faultyou always accept my joins (I hope it's because you are a nice guy.. I hope) anyway I helped you with your ******** well not helped just gave cconstructive criticism...


YAY for Comphy!		2010-02-14 08:28:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

Oh, and no way I would crack first...False. You would totally crack first.


Uh-oh someone call a moderator before this gets nasty, oh wait.... 		2010-02-14 10:51:00

Author:
Doopz
Posts: 5592

Excellent stuff. Thanks again for posting, CC, and thanks to comph for his patience and for being a good sport.

I'm really pleased that a lot of people enjoy the high quality levels. comph's reputation for logic may be well-deserved, but it's the overall standard of his level creation from which he should be remembered, too. You don't build levels like these on logic skills alone - it takes masses of imagination and artistry.

Well done, comph. 		2010-02-14 11:18:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Great Spotlight...again.

I love comph's work and can't wait for that next level

Btw, mrsupercomputer does seem like he would crack first :hero:		2010-02-14 12:19:00

Author:
iGotFancyPants
Posts: 1355

Another great spotlight interviewing another great player!

Your levels are top-notch, truly some of the best in LittleBigPlanet! I enjoyed playing the over and over again, they never got boring for me!
Your re-made GLaDOS level is looking great but I haven't seen it for like 3 days so you probably are almost done.
Oh and I can't wait till you make another asymmetrical part in your upcoming "series" (so I have heard) so I can come and point it out to you and you will complain it's too much work then you end up doing it and we take a ride killing ourselves in the tunnels. (Thats a mouthful)

You are definitely more "helpfully" these days, I would have gone way over the thermo is our newest level if you didn't show me those low(er) thermo switches. (Still haven't had time to wire up the switcher/or all in one yet, but I don't think it will overheat). That harness set-reset also saved my life and I don't know why I didn't think of a set-reset.

Great creator, great friend, great mod, great player and great procrastinator!

BTW, you would crack first mrsupercomuter. 		2010-02-14 12:56:00

Author:
tanrockstan34
Posts: 1076

A totally deserved spotlight to a very helpful, skilled and kind creator; I remember joining LBPC after playing his Aperture Science trilogy.2010-02-14 13:23:00

Author:
Shadowheaven
Posts: 378

Great spotlight. Well deserved and a great read.2010-02-14 13:36:00

Author:
KQuinn94Z
Posts: 1758

I really enjoyed reading this one! Not that I didn't enjoy the others though...

Back handed compliment. :blush:		2010-02-14 13:41:00

Author:
Leather-Monkey
Posts: 2266

A great contributor to the forum too, along with an awesome creator, well done Comph. And thanks for the shout out, nice that my bulbs have inspired you! Looking forward to your next one....2010-02-14 14:28:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

And finally, you're trapped in a locked room with no exits. In this room, there is rtm223, CCubbage, mrsupercomputer and ConfusedCartman. Logically speaking, who would crack up first?!!
mrsupercomputer. Easy. Then rtm223 would somehow reason a way out of the room and we?d be fine... once we calmed mrsupercomputer down.


TBH, I think we'd pretty much have to rely on ConfusedCartman to get us out of a sticky situation whilst the rest of the team prat around and slap each other But yes, mrsupercomputer would crack first

What always strikes me about comphy is his drive to learn and improve his skills in all aspects of his creating. Not just the logic, or the visuals, or the gameplay concepts but everything, to the point of pushing in a completely new direction, just so he has to learn new techniques to keep up with himself (see the heavilly free-form corner-edited All Mine, and the sublime stickering on his WIP). This push for self improvement coupled with a great critical eye and a staggering work ethic are what places him well above most of the creators out there.		2010-02-14 14:46:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Congratulations on the spotlight Comphermc. You are a very talented creator and I like you!

Great interview!

Icey		2010-02-14 14:49:00

Author:
IceMaiden
Posts: 1057

Cool interview! Congrats Compher! You deserve it 2010-02-14 14:51:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

What always strikes me about comphy is his drive to learn and improve his skills in all aspects of his creating. Not just the logic, or the visuals, or the gameplay concepts but everything, to the point of pushing in a completely new direction, just so he has to learn new techniques to keep up with himself (see the heavilly free-form corner-edited All Mine, and the sublime stickering on his WIP). This push for self improvement coupled with a great critical eye and a staggering work ethic are what places him well above most of the creators out there.



I'd kiss you right now... but y'know... these long distance things never work out... 		2010-02-14 16:25:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338



I'd kiss you right now... but y'know... these long distance things never work out...

Go on, it is valentines day 		2010-02-14 17:12:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

Great interview :kz: Also, I've played his second Brin Chain almost 300 times already... which has to be at least an hour an a half of game time on this one minigame ;-;. It's a testament to LBP when I still can't get tired of just one of thousands of good levels... and of course you made it, so /thumbs up2010-02-14 17:14:00

Author:
RockSauron
Posts: 10882

Good interview, good creator!!!

I will go and play as many levels of yours, Comphermc, as possible when I have time.

That reminds me I have played number 1 and 2 of the Aperture Science series, but not the 3!!!		2010-02-14 17:52:00

Author:
moonwire
Posts: 1627



I'd kiss you right now... but y'know... these long distance things never work out...


Go on, it is valentines day
Oh hey! Look at the time! Gotta run!		2010-02-14 17:54:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878

Oh hey! Look at the time! Gotta run!



BTW i don't have any feelings towards comph...		2010-02-14 18:03:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

And finally, you're trapped in a locked room with no exits. In this room, there is rtm223, CCubbage, mrsupercomputer and ConfusedCartman. Logically speaking, who would crack up first?!!

Surely rtm would find a way out, then have second thoughts, make it more thermo efficient, delete it, then make it even better?. In the meantime, everyone starved to death.

I've had the pleasure of working with Comph twice now, and he knows what he wants to do and exactly how to do it. Anytime I need logic help, I call on rtm or comph, and they blow your mind with what they can do, (I can make things prettier though) . When we came up with the Kraken idea for Cap'n Sackbeard I watched in awe as he worked from start to finish to make it work (I floated around drunk and watched). You've got me down as an influence, but I deleted a load of Unhearted 2 because All Mine's design was loads better than what I had, and I didnt want to be outdone.

A great guy, fair mod, and half decent at level design .		2010-02-14 18:50:00

Author:
GruntosUK
Posts: 1754

Oh, let me just thank comphermc for almost giving me a heart attack whilst playing his first brain chain challenge! But I managed to get 1,000,000 points, so it was worth it!

Seriously though, I've never, ever felt like I was going to faint whilst playing a game before. You've created something really special! As for the second one, I haven't gotten anywhere near the one million mark ...but give me time. Hopefully I won't actually pass out this time.		2010-02-14 19:32:00

Author:
Leather-Monkey
Posts: 2266

I suck compared to these guys... Better delete all my levels.2010-02-14 19:50:00

Author:
Emogotsaone
Posts: 1030

Can we not post depressing comments on a Spotlight Celebrating Comphs Awesomeness.2010-02-14 19:53:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

Thank you both! That was a really interesting read - so nice to know more about comphermc’s creative journey. And the character of the man shines through!

My personal favourite of his levels has to be the Cap’n Sackbeard’s Booty co-create level. Just amazing. My skills are not up to the others, lol!

Very well deserved spotlight!		2010-02-14 20:06:00

Author:
shropshirelass
Posts: 1455

Oh and I forgot to say: Great mod too!

I'm also loving these creator nicknames. The Logical Choice-Very clever!		2010-02-14 20:43:00

Author:
Incinerator22
Posts: 3251

I'm also loving these creator nicknames. The Logical Choice -Very clever!

Thanks so much! Those nicknames - or subtitle - almost take as long to think up as the actual questions! Glad you like them.

If you like this one, you'll LOVE the next one! 		2010-02-14 20:50:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Great, great interview. I just wish I had the opportunity to work with such talented people. ^^2010-02-14 21:52:00

Author:
jakpe
Posts: 84

Thankyou for another fascinating interview, MrsSpookyBuz x I envy (and appreciate) not only comphermc's formidable creator skills, but his ability to seemingly get so much done in the real world - on TOP OF LBP! *sighs* Oh well. Congrats, comphermc. You deserve the acclaim 2010-02-14 21:58:00

Author:
BabyDoll1970
Posts: 1567

Congratulations Comph- All your levels are of the highest quality. Colour me oh so green. All mine is a perfect creation, and Aperture Science isn't far behind... Not sure I'd ever think of you as anybody's apprentice-- but you make me feel like I should be applying for an internship! You once paid me a compliment and it made my week. (btw) Exactly how long is a level suppose to be?2010-02-14 22:03:00

Author:
Gravel
Posts: 1308

Im going to play it tomorrow I hope its good especially the Ninja One.2010-02-14 22:07:00

Author:
NinjaLukeI
Posts: 89

He really is thee person on my list to ask: "Am I building this properly?" "Is this material ok?" "Is this logic better than yours?"
Thumbs up!
http://goingconcern.com/_old/two%20thumbs%20up.jpeg		2010-02-14 23:05:00

Author:
KQuinn94Z
Posts: 1758

(btw) Exactly how long is a level suppose to be?

Well, when I say that I was inexperienced, I mean it. This was before I joined LBPC, and thusly had only played a few good levels from the community. I didn't really know what I was doing, and only used about half of the thermometer. It seemed mind boggling that you'd ever use the whole thing (or run out of level space, for that matter). Oh, to be so naive. Also, you should notice that the puzzles in there were all over the place. There was no rhyme or reason to what I was making, lol.

So, to answer your question, I would currently consider a level finished when you can no longer add anything to it.

2010-02-14 23:26:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

So, to answer your question, I would currently consider a level finished when you can no longer add anything to it.

So, apart from a rocket cheetah, All Mine! is basically the perfect level! 		2010-02-14 23:31:00

Author:
MrsSpookyBuz
Posts: 1492

Sadly, a rocket cheetah would overheat it. I can try and make some room for it, but alas... it has nowhere to go!2010-02-15 01:34:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

@comphermc: Well, I hope to be back in LBP online and back to learning from you very soon. Level design, thermo-efficient logic (including lesser-known facts about pistons, winches, emitters, trigger radii, etc), as well as any physics-based stuff that you've picked up on ;3

Can't wait to see the finished product of your boss revamp! The logic rigs in that level alone are massive! :O		2010-02-15 02:07:00

Author:
claptonfann
Posts: 228

comphermc is a complete genius and I though if a person like this can make such amazing levels why can't he have helped to make lbp.2010-02-15 11:29:00

Author:
NinjaLukeI
Posts: 89

[...] if a person like this can make such amazing levels why can't he have helped to make lbp.

Are you implying that the members of Mm are in-fact not people at all! but are robots?		2010-02-15 17:32:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

I hope i might be creator spotlighted after i release my next levels... pleaaasseeeeee =D! again great one guyz and from one of my favorite creators2010-02-15 18:00:00

Author:
Tawarf
Posts: 457

Are you implying that the members of Mm are in-fact not people at all! but are robots?

Come come now Kernel... we all know MM are people it's really Mrsupercomputer and comphermc that are skynet and that they're going to /transmission.


2010-02-15 18:02:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

It's about time Compher got a spotlight!!
Comphermc has been keeping me sane for the past few months and always gets me out of trouble when I have a problem. He's the most helpful person I know and he always keeps me in awe with his ingenious creations. He's a truly inpiring creator and one of the few that I admire.

Congrats!

Edit: Thanks for the mention!!		2010-02-15 19:14:00

Author:
javi haguse
Posts: 744

Awesome stuff! And his up and coming level has the funniest dialogue ever seen in LBP

I completely agree!! It's freakin hillarious!!		2010-02-15 19:25:00

Author:
javi haguse
Posts: 744

Shhhh.... Comph doesn't want us... Oh no here he comes!! HIDE!2010-02-15 19:39:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

*Bursts into room*

Hey! Don't make me get my moderator cap on!		2010-02-15 19:44:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Hey! Don't make me get my moderator cap on!

Does that fit under or on top of your shiny hat? Wait, it was a joke.... no, you don't have to silence me... wait! /end transmission


On Topic - glad to see you get some well deserved praise comphmerc 		2010-02-15 19:58:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

I just want to know which came first... Brain Chain Survival Challenge or Pop the Poo..... they're both fairly similar.... 2010-02-15 20:17:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

oooOOOOH... This flew under my radar. I kept thinking the "creator spotlight" announcement at the top was the PREVIOUS one. *shakes fist*

Comphermc's one of my favorite peeples around here. A very strong member of the community, able to hoist it upon his shoulders whole should the need arise, deftly balancing the ungainly sphere , and allowing just the rotten bits to spill off the sides.

Congratulations on this, a proper and lovely spotlight.

Now that that's out of the way, time to get down to business.

I'm here to buy a black market chihuahua.

No, no. Not the ones under your trenchoat.

You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones in the back.		2010-02-15 21:44:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

I just want to know which came first... Brain Chain Survival Challenge or Pop the Poo..... they're both fairly similar....

I heard brain chain was a cheap and tacky rip off of pop the poo...		2010-02-15 21:51:00

Author:
rtm223
Posts: 6497

Pop the poo? Have I missed something?2010-02-15 23:24:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I will come back and read this when i have more time.
For now, i will say that compher is my hero.
When i came to lbpcentral, he was quick to make friends and now i consider him something of a mentor.
I am honored every time i visit his moon

I just noticed this was posted two days ago.
I feel ashamed now lol.		2010-02-16 04:51:00

Author:
Deftmute
Posts: 730

Now that that's out of the way, time to get down to business.

I'm here to buy a black market chihuahua.

No, no. Not the ones under your trenchoat.

You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones in the back.

HAHAHAHAHA that is too funny!!
U actually made me laugh out loud here at work!!.. they're looking at me weird now....		2010-02-16 13:21:00

Author:
javi haguse
Posts: 744

I will come back and read this when i have more time.
For now, i will say that compher is my hero.
When i came to lbpcentral, he was quick to make friends and now i consider him something of a mentor.
I am honored every time i visit his moon

I just noticed this was posted two days ago.
I feel ashamed now lol.

Lol reason shame. That for some reason makes me laugh more than it should...		2010-02-16 13:40:00

Author:
Doopz
Posts: 5592

comphermc was one of those creators, like captaincowboyhat and Keldur, that came along later in the lifecycle of the game but just seemed to have natural knack for making extremely awesome and advanced-level stuff. His aperture science series was a moment where I was kind of like "wow" simply for the fact that someone who was relatively "inexperienced" at creating was immediately up to par or better than the majority of LBP's best creators. A natural talent, and it showed me that if the community sets standard, people will start from that level of quality if they're good enough, surpass it quickly and adapt to the status quo without having to practice and learn a whole lot. Instead of releasing a Ramp quality level, and then progressing from there, he released some of the best levels out there week after week. What you put out there comes back, two fold, as a community, and compher's total awesomeness is proof of that.2010-02-16 14:25:00

Author:
Unknown User

Pop the poo? Have I missed something?
It was a level about 6 months ago where the object was to "pop" the brains on little pieces of poop. You would bounce back and forth, popping them, for as long as possible. It made it to page 1 of cool levels. I admit, I played it about 10 times. "Brain chain" is sort of a super-high-tech version of "Pop the Poo". Picture your brains, not being shot upward, attached to little brown piles. With no additional gameplay elements.


What you put out there comes back, two fold, as a community, and compher's total awesomeness is proof of that.
Yup, this ^^. Aperture science was brilliant - and the way the episodes were tied together was really innovative (starting the next level with the exact ending of the previous one). Great stuff!		2010-02-16 14:41:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

What is the communities obsession with poo! Weirdos 2010-02-16 16:27:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

......oh yea! Also a big congratulations to you aswell! I've always been inspired by the zenlike harmonious balance of your levels elements, and the strange new gifts and glitches you like to pop in and present every once in a while to make creation so much easier! You're talent and dedication are appreciated, even if hearting you as a creator won't work for me in-game, as no one shows up in my list.... Good luck on your new project... hopefully people will appreciate it as a 5-star work of art even if there's no broken rocket cheetas in it 2010-02-16 18:55:00

Author:
miltonTPS
Posts: 126

You rock, comphermc. I remember the Portal series fondly from its level threads. They were some of the first ones I responded to that let me realize LBPC was the place to be - you were clearly here to make your levels better, and not just more popular.

Grats on the spotlight, and I really look forward to seeing your newest-latest!		2010-02-17 02:01:00

Author:
coyote_blue
Posts: 422

Wow, such an interesting and insightful read! comphermc is super efficient in everything, not just his logic tools! If this is your version of procrastinating, errr, yeah, I need some of whatever you have for breakfast! Splendid interview of a splendid creator. Congratulations on the well deserved spotlight! comphermc's levels just seem to get better and better, even though the first one was top notch to begin with! Love all your levels, and like many others have said, that brain chain one is just so.... genius concept though, just requires a better player than me! Can't wait to see this new level you have up your sleeve.

Thanks for another great installment in this wonderful series MrsSpookyBuz! Your questions are just spot on, as well as your choice of "title" for comphermc. The Logical Choice... 		2010-02-17 15:24:00

Author:
ScoutsBoo
Posts: 63

i love the Aperture Science levels!
the puzzels are awsome and the story of the level is also cool 		2010-02-17 15:34:00

Author:
Smelling-Cowboy
Posts: 668

This guy is the real deal. Awesome levels and spot on logic. Aperture Science series is nothing less than top notch. I'd like to personally thank you for all your logic work. The insight you have given the community and myself included is more valuable (IMO) than the greatest level ever made. You sir have made me "think" in logic and when I finished a 10 hour wiring job the other day, all I could think of was you. 2010-02-19 00:59:00

Author:
Jaeyden
Posts: 564

You know after playing your new level again, and seeing the ending as well, this community just hasn't stopped progressing. Honestly, this level is just at another stage in terms of visuals, polish and atmosphere. It seemed like CandyK had hit the peak when it came to visuals but this is just something else. It's married not only the visuals, but the type of mechanics that you would expect to see in such a setting. Literally nothing has been forgotten.

Comph, from what you have produced recently, you are currently the best creator in LBP no doubt. And I'm really not the type of person to say stuff like that.		2010-02-19 03:16:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Awww.... I'm blushing. :blush:

You guys are really putting the pressure on me to deliver with this level.		2010-02-19 04:50:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

*CRASHES THROUGH THE DOOR*

Umph, I lost my keys on the way over here to some bum who was trying to sell me some magic beans.
I've been banging at the door for about 4 days, now I find out there's a party going on in here?
Why didn't anyone open the frickin door?

You're all ********, thats what. It's cold and wet out here and I had to go "number 2" in the wild like an animal.
Well I finally made it in, there better be some punch left and there better be alcohol in it!! Sons of..grmbl...

*walks over to the punch bowl to find that it is empty*
I hate you all...I hate you all sooo, soooo much.

In other words:
Sorry for the late reply, another great interview with one of our top creators!!

Comphermc has proven to be much more than a "wizard of logic" as he pretty much excells in every departement.
Visuals, gameplay, lenght, flow, it is all sooo good and has even set some new standards.

How he finds the time to combine all his work on his levels and for this community with his studies, girlfriend, ect...
I have no idea, something or someone (teehee) must be neglected along the way OR the man just doesn't really need sleep and is in fact a machine from the future which means we've been talking to a piece of AI for months and which pretty much proves our skynet theory.

Creepy or plain awesome?

You decide but I'm going with a combination of those 2 as the man has scared me to death ever since they made him a mod...you don't let machines do the modding folks, it only ends in civil war which in its turn only ends in death!!

I'll have you know that I already made my "little big bombshelter", his frightening close relationship with that other mechanical evil "Mr"supercomputer pretty much proves my worst fear...they are plotting.

Those bomb survivals will have nothing on them, beware people, live life to the fullest everyday and show your loved ones that you care since it just might be your final moment together!!

Bottomline: congratulations you creepy piece of advanced software!! 		2010-02-19 09:18:00

Author:
Zwollie
Posts: 2173

Wow...
Havn't played any of your levels yet but after reading this interview and seeing the images, you're at the top of my to do list 		2010-02-19 10:50:00

Author:
Churchlow
Posts: 5

Wow...
Havn't played any of your levels yet but after reading this interview and seeing the images, you're at the top of my to do list

Comph, you're a brave guy thanking that you're on the top of his 'to do' list when he has a picture like that has his avatar 		2010-02-19 17:21:00

Author:
jackofcourse
Posts: 1494

Must.....Resist.....Urge....To Strong!....Send.....Friend invite!.....Argh! Friends list Full!2010-02-19 21:23:00

Author:
Nurolight
Posts: 918

I missed this of all spotlights while I was away?! 2010-02-20 15:17:00

Author:
Plasmavore
Posts: 1913

Seriously, how do you pronounce Comphermc?2010-03-03 04:40:00

Author:
Aselrahc
Posts: 185

Kum-Fer-Em-Sea... Compher M C

2010-03-03 05:04:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

Locked and archived. 2010-03-21 02:58:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729


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