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Cirque de la Nuit *SPOTLIGHTED*

Archive: 43 posts

Cirque de la Nuitladylyn1
As an ex-tightrope walker (having had a nasty accident) you suffer from a case of severe circus-phobia In fact it's so bad that your dreams are haunted by the accident and circus in general.
This story based level takes you through the dream world and gives you a chance to free yourself from the fear and anxiety you associate with the circus. Consequently there are two different endings.



Notes:

1) All speech is timed so there is no need to skip any of the speech bubbles.
2) Difficulty- Medium.
3) Prefer less players. Best with just single player.



Here are some screens:

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18795

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18797

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18796

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18798


A special thanks goes to everyone who helped me endlessly test the level.

Thanks, Ladylyn1		2010-07-03 21:26:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

The level has now been published 2010-07-03 22:44:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Looks quite interesting!

I'll check it out before I start to work on my new level later 		2010-07-03 22:49:00

Author:
SupaSack34
Posts: 180

Thanks! Hopefully it will be a little bit more than 'quite' interesting 2010-07-03 23:53:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

This looks awesome! I'll give it a try tonight. 2010-07-04 01:52:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity
Posts: 5208

Hope you guys got round to playing the level

I've had a very positive response from players already so if you're in the majority I think you're gonna like it 		2010-07-04 10:10:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Was awesome!! I gave it 5 stars and will heart it when I have the chance

I thought the clowns were constructed perfectly and i really loved the trapeze section ()

:star::star::star::star::star: <3		2010-07-04 10:13:00

Author:
Kern
Posts: 5078

Great, a circus level ! There's not enough circus levels.

I'm playing it this afternoon (yes, it's 12:00 here). Your horses look fantastic ! (...though a bit evil )		2010-07-04 10:41:00

Author:
Oddmania
Posts: 1305

WOW....It was great!!! Some parts I don't even know how you did it, like when the rope snapped :S Hearted, 5 starts & I'll be looking out for your levels ;D
[I'll edit this when I play your level again, I'll have my laptop next to me so I can write a full review]		2010-07-04 12:08:00

Author:
liamdaniels
Posts: 85

This level has the best story I've ever seen in a level. Perfectly told and the atmospheric visuals accompany it brilliantly. Very professionally built. Loved it.2010-07-04 15:08:00

Author:
KQuinn94Z
Posts: 1758

Loved it.

So did I ! The atmosphere has really been studied, I think it's the strong point of the level I enjoyed it a lot as I've never found clowns funny but rather...worrying. The puzzles, platforming bits, the boss battle, everything's enjoyable. I'll probably play it again later, as I didn't manage to defeat the boss the first time... 		2010-07-04 16:21:00

Author:
Oddmania
Posts: 1305

I played it last night and it was great. I loved how you made it like a nightmare with a creepy horse and evil clowns. If it has clowns, they gotta be evil. I loved how you used a grabbable rope as a tightrope to stand on and the boss felt impossible to beat since I kept getting burnt so I lost my gun and then the enemy showed up which made me want to return to my pod but I tried a little longer and luckily it just ended for me. I'll have to play again another time for the other ending by killing that clown with the chainsaw. Great level though. :star::star::star::star: 2010-07-04 18:58:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity
Posts: 5208

Thanks for the review guys Its good to see a lot of people are enjoying the level.

You hit the naill on the head Oddmania, the main thing is the atmosphere... this in turn is set up quite well by the speech imo.

It's worrying me that most people do not manage to defeat the boss. I have therefore actually made the boss fight shorter by one cycle but have made the flaming finger part easier (slower). Therefore it will give people a better chance at defeating the boss but those who aren't so good won't get bored and frustrated as easily because it will finish earlier.

Thanks again guys and I look forward to hearing more reviews from others 		2010-07-04 22:44:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Just played through this (TWICE!) and I must say, you did an excellent job with the atmosphere and storytelling! The boss battle was fantabulous also! I managed to snag both endings in my two play-throughs (I defeated the clown the first time, and purposely lost the second time) and the endings were well-suited.

Fantastic level here!

5 stars! (I don't remember if I gave a heart, but I'll have to go do so!)		2010-07-05 02:04:00

Author:
iGotFancyPants
Posts: 1355

Wow that's messed up... brilliant and messed up. I thought I hated clowns before. lol2010-07-05 02:48:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Simply put, this level was like if you went to the circus while being high on drugs.

It looked good. What am I saying? It looked extremely good. I very much liked the "background" that you used for it. Those typical red and white looked terribly good. You also pulled some very, very cool tricks there. Making the platforms circular gave it a unique feel, and also did the fact that some sections were built all around a tightrope. I really liked that. It was a "What a smart idea, why didnt I think of that" moment.
I also liked the gameplay, even if at times I found it somewhat hard. Actually, thats why I liked it; hard gameplay is my thing. In all honesty, it became somewhat frustrating at times, but was overall enjoyable.
The boss was a cool one. It really was. The way he used his hand to kill you in oh so many way was very cool. I was a bit unsure about what to do at first, but after a few deaths it became clear.
Have I mentioned that I played the level with DajDaj, and that we all pointed out to him that some parts really resembled his? I mean this as a compliment, by the way. The simple fact that you could tell that you inspired certain parts of your level on his, goes to show how pretty your looks.

I have few nitpicks, though. First, the character design. I feel that it as kinda... I dunno. I really didnt like the plain colors you used on them, and I thought that their shapes didnt really look well; not as good as the rest of the level, at least. I'm afraid this includes the boss. You really could use more stickering, I believe. Still, I have to point out again that overall the level looked very good, specially because of the circus feel.
The other nitpick is about that wooedn PotC material choice, the one made of wooden beams. You used it right in some place, but in others it just felt... well, wrong. I am specially thinking of those tall, circular platforms. I believe that a metarial with a much simple tecture would fit better there.

But gah, what the hell. This was an incredible level and I lovd every bit of it. Way to go, Ladylin!
5 stars, and I'm not sure if I remembered to heart it D:

EDIT: Forgot to say... would you mind doing some F4F in here? (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=29599-Chinatown-s-Bear-Shaped-Problem) Thanks in advance!		2010-07-05 11:21:00

Author:
Keldur
Posts: 628

Lets start with something else..
some stuff I have noticed in the editor but forgot to mention.

First of all, your logic,
Logicwise there is no real problem with it, but you can significantly improve, minimize and optimize your logics.
Rtm's blog's can be a real eye-opener even if you do not understand everything of it:
rtms blogs:
http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/entry.php?866-Waste-Not-Want-Not-Part-1

Also, I noticed that you put DM inside your objects, but glueing dm against an object is just as effective, even better,
it will not generate more corners on your object.

I think thats about it.
That said,

I really liked this level, the horse looked awesome and even when it does it looks cool going down.
You got a real knack for calm soothing and suiting enviroments, this is especially well done in the second room where you have to grabswing around.

I could have aced it... if that "curseword here" carriage/trailer didnt got to me
But you fixed that so no problems there.. anymore!
I personally really liked the narrative, for me it emerged me even more into the theme and feel of the level.

5 stars and hearted, I enjoyed this level in many ways!		2010-07-05 12:34:00

Author:
Luos_83
Posts: 2136

Those pics you've added look so crappy they just dont represent the actual awesomeness of that level
a very captivating atmosphere! People dont play this level, experience this piece of art!
This level's got my heart!		2010-07-05 13:45:00

Author:
TOBSn08
Posts: 143

I joined a friend almost at the end of this level, and from what I've seen, it looks really nice! I'll try to give it a go tonite 2010-07-05 15:05:00

Author:
javi haguse
Posts: 744

Sounds and looks like a great level. I'll take a peek! 2010-07-05 19:05:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

Thanks everyone, I actually don't have my ps3 atm so I cannot update the level for a couple of days.

That being said I will address a few problems when I return home.

@Keldur: My materials and stickers thermo aren't maxed so I have some room to mess about with other the platforms and clowns.I liked the look of the last boss Was it the face or the fingers or the little man with the chainsaw?

@Luos: logic wise, it does its job and i dont really think the level needs any additional sections. Having said that, I'll read rtm's blogs so i know for next time

@Tobsn08: Oh which pictures didn't you like? Its difficult to capture the in-game feel with the small pics anyway. I've already removed the one of the demon horse cos I didn't really like the look of it.

Anyway, thank you all again for playing. Glad to see you enjoyed it 		2010-07-06 06:43:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

You probably know by now, but that was awesome...2010-07-06 22:43:00

Author:
talbot-trembler
Posts: 1114

@Keldur: My materials and stickers thermo aren't maxed so I have some room to mess about with other the platforms and clowns.I liked the look of the last boss Was it the face or the fingers or the little man with the chainsaw?

My bad, I really should have specified that. It was the stickering I believe; It made the boss look flat. I believe that would be easily avoidable by just adding some stickering detail. Anyway, this is your call. Dont let my comment sadden me, though; as I said this is an outstanding level, and I'm just nitpicking. Do please keep your amazing work up!		2010-07-07 09:09:00

Author:
Keldur
Posts: 628

Hi Lyn! lol
Very well made level, loved the detail and the way you were high up with the clowns on the rope and stands.
It wasn't just about a circus background really as it have different atmosphere's throughout the level.
5 Star level Well done		2010-07-07 21:26:00

Author:
Fenderjt
Posts: 1969

My bad, I really should have specified that. It was the stickering I believe; It made the boss look flat. I believe that would be easily avoidable by just adding some stickering detail. Anyway, this is your call. Dont let my comment sadden me, though; as I said this is an outstanding level, and I'm just nitpicking. Do please keep your amazing work up!

I've had an idea which involves using a thack material for the teeth and mouth to give the boss a little more depth. When I get home, I'l have a little experiment and see what I can do. Also Im sure a few more stickers and objects will help his appearance go along way.

Thank you for the input! I love some constructive criticism, haha I just happened to be quite pleased with this boss Still im sure it can be improved and so I will try my best when I return!


@Fender: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the level. The majority of the backgrounds are of the classic circus stripes but the global lighting setting changes all that in game
Once again, ty for playing!		2010-07-07 22:19:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Finally i managed to play this level and it is awesome! The visuals are perfectly polished and the fame-play is fun. Awesome job!
*5 and a heart.		2010-07-07 23:27:00

Author:
ferrrch
Posts: 429

I've had an idea which involves using a thack material for the teeth and mouth to give the boss a little more depth. When I get home, I'l have a little experiment and see what I can do. Also Im sure a few more stickers and objects will help his appearance go along way.

That is exactly what I meant but what I failed to put into words!		2010-07-08 09:05:00

Author:
Keldur
Posts: 628

I got the two endings.2010-07-08 09:44:00

Author:
Eronninja13
Posts: 637

Thanks guys! Congrats Eronninja13, im pleased to hear you enjoyed the level enough to play it twice! Haha Keldur dont worry about it... I'll have to invite u over sometime and let you free with stickers on my boss' face 2010-07-08 20:48:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Hi Lady! I actually played your level a couple days ago, but I never posted! Sorry!

When I played, I think it broke. . .

I was on the part where your riding the rollers and I missed the last platform.
When I tried to do it again, something was happening and the platform that i was supposed to land on ( I think I was supposed to anyways) was covered by a big clown head so I couldn't land on it. Then the screen went dark and I couldn't tell what I was doing .

I'll have to play it again in order to see what the rest of the level is like		2010-07-09 05:39:00

Author:
SupaSack34
Posts: 180

Hi Lady! I actually played your level a couple days ago, but I never posted! Sorry!

When I played, I think it broke. . .

I was on the part where your riding the rollers and I missed the last platform.
When I tried to do it again, something was happening and the platform that i was supposed to land on ( I think I was supposed to anyways) was covered by a big clown head so I couldn't land on it. Then the screen went dark and I couldn't tell what I was doing .

I'll have to play it again in order to see what the rest of the level is like

Oh dear, looks like you managed to activate the sensor switch without it activating the checkpoint! I'll look into this when I return and see what I can do about it... that area was particularly nasty to get right. Sorry :/		2010-07-09 06:09:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Got to say, I really enjoyed the fact that a deep, in-depth story has finally been told successfully with LBP's meagre tools. Theming was veeeery nice too, really unique to have a circus-themed level, especially where all the clowns are out to get you

I did have the same problem as SupaSack but it didn't really matter. The only thing that got slightly annoying was the fact that you couldn't skip the cutscenes once you'd already played, and you went back to get the second ending. Perhaps include a skip button for players who've already read the story?

Anywho, I still loved this level very much. :star::star::star::star::star: + <3 for unique theming, superb story and a rather cool horse demon. 		2010-07-09 06:34:00

Author:
Holguin86
Posts: 875

Absolutely Brilliant level! The clowns, the design, the story! It was all fantastic. There was hardly any minor parts apart from the boss fight. It was quite slow as the paintinated showed every 2 mins nearly. However everything else was great. Amazing title sequence, awesome horse chase and the music definately suited the theme. You should be up on the creator spotlight if you haven't before. Your levels are a huge inspiration espically Planet X. 5 stars and <3

:star:Thanks for making awesome levels like these! :star:		2010-07-09 10:01:00

Author:
Barnsy_AKA_ash
Posts: 293

That was one of the best levels I played in a long time. I loved it.

I managed to kill the end boss in the first go, and I consider myself to be 'meh' at LBP, then I think most people will be able to aswel. Gotta love that boss.. it fit the level perfectly. Like a real proffesionally built boss in a published game.

It's a shame that I had to cancel my circus ticket after playing this level though!

Don't worry bout F4F.		2010-07-09 17:23:00

Author:
AgentBanana
Posts: 511

Thanks everyone Im loving the feedback

Ok so some big updates are just about to go online:

1) Background material change from cardboard to blue wood... a few people commented on not liking the carboard effect.
2) Fixed the problem with not activating the checkpoint at the large clown that eats you.
3) New music for the boss, having just purchased the excellent Marvel kit (would quite like to add here that I changed the entire timing of the boss just to accommodate this music so that it climaxes just before the rope is cut. some of you might have noticed that the intro music is also timed to stop appropriately )
4) Messed about with a few more stickers on the boss face and hands.		2010-07-10 01:17:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836

Hello ladylyn1!!

Wow, this level was so good. Those clowns were super creepy, and the level was so very polished. I could tell you put your heart into this. The story was awesome, and the way you told it was so cool, this is one of my favorite stories in lbp now. The gameplay was sweet too. Tight rope walking was well implemented, and the platforming was lovely. My favorite part was the three launchers that put you up to the zip wire. That was so fun and it looked great too. I must say this level looked exceptional with the materials you used and your lighting.

I found nothing bad at all with this. It was a total joy to play.

Five stars and a heart and one for creator. I had you hearted as creator a while back, but my old ps3 crashed and I had to start all over again with my ps3 slim, so I got you now. <3

Congratulations on a well deserved spotlight too.

Running from the clowns.....
-VJ

Edit - Oh, my psn is not VelcroJonze on ps3 it is samiamiamsam.

Bye bye.....		2010-07-11 21:08:00

Author:
VelcroJonze
Posts: 1305

Finally played this level, haha.
Pretty cool.
I found the boss hard (didn't get one shot in), but I imagine it's easier on the replay because you know whats coming. The pace was too slow for me (in both story/gameplay) to replay any time soon, but i'll be sure to replay sometime to get the other ending.
4 stars from me. 		2010-07-25 23:07:00

Author:
midnight_heist
Posts: 2513

Oh, I played this level a few days ago and totally forgot to leave feedback! There really isn't much to say though. It was just a unique, pretty, fun level. The thing that stood out the most was the amazing character design. The characters were very, very nice. The gameplay itself wasn't anything spectacular, but it was fun and challenging.

:star::star::star::star::star: and <3		2010-07-25 23:20:00

Author:
piggabling
Posts: 2979

Can't believe I didn't post... this level evokes such a strong emotional response in its tone... I must have left feedback on the level itself... probably went something along the lines ...

The best ART I've ever played on LBP. The prose was best bar none and the timing gave it a very mellow dramatic meter. I loved the boiler puzzle (I'll call it)... and was startled (eerily startled) by the artist to artist nod you gave Dadja as you 'evil-y' reinterpeted 2 of his landmark circus-scenes and turned them on their ear. I also felt a tinge of familiarity at the trapeeze, but, then again... what else are you really gonna find at the circus?

I thought the boss and clown designs fit perfectly with the vision of the level... but boy would've I liked to take a shot at that giant clown-head...

5 star must play... I say that full well admitting I would NEVER had been able to beat that boss alone... This level has a ponderous (and perfectly fitting pace) and then slams you right at the very very end HARD! After experiencing both endings-- you would be hard pressed to drag me back again without atleast a little moaning... (I'm all too familiar with how that goes...)

Long-short. Astonding piece of ART that must be experienced to consider oneself a worldly Gadder! An astounding nightmare.		2010-07-26 20:26:00

Author:
Gravel
Posts: 1308

This level is great. It has an atmosphere that goes well with the story and it has great gameplay. My favorite part is running from the horse.2010-07-27 20:05:00

Author:
Unknown User

I GOT NIGHTMARES!
Not really. Really authentic o_<
If there was a "like" button. I would click it.		2010-07-27 20:27:00

Author:
Melted_Gummybear
Posts: 162

Excellent level, especially for any Coulrophobics out there!
Yeh if you dont already find the circus creepy, be prepared to be put off for life!
The horse part at the beginning is really intense and an incredible opening sequence
A must play		2010-07-28 15:56:00

Author:
AccumulationNone
Posts: 58

Thanks everyone for the great response.

The level has had a few minor tweaks but no one will care about them

It has also been spotlighted!!!

Oh, and I found a video of the level posted on the internet.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xe1yxf_littlebigplanet-cirque-de-la-nuit_videogames		2010-07-29 23:52:00

Author:
ladylyn1
Posts: 836


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