Archive: 11 posts

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I started putting together a Metroid-inspired level. But as I pieced it together I realized that to properly include the concepts of exploration and some backtracking to find the powerups needed to proceed, the end result would probably take 30 or more minutes to complete. To me it seems that would simply be too long to hold someone's interest. I guess that's why the original Metroid had to have a password continue feature. I suppose I could put in a "save" room where you can use stickers to continue, like ladylyn did in Myst. However, someone would have to be REALLY into my level to put up with that, I think. What do you guys think is the ideal level length? I think I want to go back to the drawing board for something a little less ambitious for my first published level.

2010-03-13 19:35:00 Author: dkeesto Posts: 6

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I don't know about everyone else but i would enjoy it as a long level. I myself started working on a near reproduction of the original Metriod map as my likely 3rd level (working on 2 at same time). Maybe great minds think alike lol. It frustrates me when it seems i'm just starting to really get "into" a level then it ends. That's my 2 score bubbles anyways.

2010-03-13 23:58:00 Author: Unknown User

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Yeah, I'm thinking I'm just going to do it and maybe put a save room in. Don't worry, I'm not remaking Metroid. I'm using a lot of the same ideas, but completely original layout and bosses.

2010-03-15 05:36:00 Author: dkeesto Posts: 6

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Here's my take, If you level is 30 mins long ( a long time btw) I would think that it is not very detailed. I would rather see a level that takes me 7-10 mins and has a bunch more detail in it. Remember, quality over quantity!

2010-03-15 14:15:00 Author: javi haguse Posts: 744

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For me the ideal level isn't longer than 10 minutes, preferably 5 minutes.

2010-03-15 14:18:00 Author: Syroc Posts: 3193

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There is literally no reasonable answer to this. Some of the best levels in the game will take you well over half an hour (especially on the first run through), but some of the best levels in the game will be over in 3 minutes. The point really is that there is scope within this game and within the community for all kinds of levels. Of course, the community is filled with people whose attention spans don't reach the 5 minute mark, so depending on how much mass appeal matters to you, length is a consideration. But then there is a lot to be said for giving the mainstream community the finger and just creating whatever makes you happy. I say build for the large-scale level, and potentially even ditch the save point (see how playtesters feel about that).

2010-03-15 14:49:00 Author: rtm223 Posts: 6497

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I generally don't care how long it is as long as i'm enjoying myself. But I'd rather have 20 minutes of enjoyment than 5.

2010-03-15 14:58:00 Author: julesyjules Posts: 1156

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I think it's fine to have a level that takes a long time to complete, as long as people are made aware of this before they start playing.

2010-03-15 15:02:00 Author: Rogar Posts: 2284

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There is literally no reasonable answer to this. Some of the best levels in the game will take you well over half an hour (especially on the first run through), but some of the best levels in the game will be over in 3 minutes. The point really is that there is scope within this game and within the community for all kinds of levels. Of course, the community is filled with people whose attention spans don't reach the 5 minute mark, so depending on how much mass appeal matters to you, length is a consideration. But then there is a lot to be said for giving the mainstream community the finger and just creating whatever makes you happy. I say build for the large-scale level, and potentially even ditch the save point (see how playtesters feel about that). NO SURPRISE........ coming from the creator of a 7 hour level.. lmao Actually he's right (for a change) it all depends how mass appealing you want to be

2010-03-15 15:04:00 Author: javi haguse Posts: 744

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Except that short levels can be totally opposite of what most people want, too.

2010-03-15 15:09:00 Author: Syroc Posts: 3193

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What do you guys think is the ideal level length? Bit of a difficult question to answer, since different people will take different amounts of time to complete the same level. My answer would be: as long as it's interesting. Meaning, if you can keep the level interesting for an hour of gameplay, then that's fine. If you only really have enough interesting gameplay for five minutes, then don't pad it out to an hour with a bunch of boring bits.

2010-03-15 15:29:00 Author: Aya042 Posts: 2870

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