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Journey to the Temple

Archive: 24 posts

Journey to the Temple - Part Ischm078
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/schm01978/APhoto_7.jpgJourney to the remote sanctuary of Mission Viejo to investigate rumors of a recent earthquake. Go on an adventure as you discover a long-hidden secret uncovered by recent events! This level is mainly a platformer meant to be played by a single player, and I rated it as "Medium/Hard" difficulty.

(Journey to the Temple is my first published level and part of nearly a three to four month effort on my behalf. I'm hoping to make two more levels in the series to round it out a bit. I'm a bit of a slow creator.)
Hey everyone,

So, I've just published my very first level! Anywho, I'd appreciate it if you guys took a look and offered me some feedback.

If you'd like feedback on your level, please let me know!

Now, moving on. Keep in mind it still needs a tad bit of work here and there and I'm also looking to improve gameplay, visuals, etc. where needed. I will be republishing as the final touches are made. There's a couple more things I'd like to add, but so far it's a working level that I enjoyed making. The only thing that is lacking in this level is a puzzle, at which my many attempts to create one were unvariably unsuccessful.

So, if you could leave a couple comments on the specific areas below, I'd appreciate it!



Gameplay
Visuals and Aesthetics
Glitches or Bugs

Here's some more pics to give you a better idea!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/schm01978/APhoto_1.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/schm01978/APhoto_2.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/schm01978/APhoto_3.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/schm01978/APhoto_5.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/schm01978/APhoto_6.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/schm01978/APhoto_7.jpg

Special thanks to RTM for his demitter switches and Steven Spielburg/George Lucas for Indiana Jones.

Edit: Fixed my 10 legged spiders. Added some scenery to the underground portions. Updated the level checkpoints. Now open for F4F.		2010-06-29 06:11:00

Author:
schm0
Posts: 1239

wow looks great, i should play it when i have the chance and give you some feedback...2010-06-29 06:56:00

Author:
LegendDarkKnight
Posts: 52

Thanks for the compliments, LDK!

I've got some internal feedback (thanks Aya!) and I'll be making some changes to the level later this evening. So, if you're helping me out with some critique here's a few changes that will be made in the next couple of hours:


Layer shifting in the mission portion can cause players to jump on the candles inadvertantly. I'll be adding some thin gas layers to cover the gaps and prevent this from happening.
I'll be troubleshooting the censored text of Padre Rodriguez. He's a dirty, dirty man, apparently.
Initial "crypt" flame jump section is a little bit too tight. I'll be adjusting this to keep it difficult but make the margin of error a bit more forgiving.

Potential changes:


Initial crypt sequence may be a bit too dark. I'll need some more feedback on this though... what do you think?
Also, the rolling logs may be a bit too difficult. This will also need some more feedback.

Thanks in advance for the helpful comments!		2010-06-30 03:06:00

Author:
schm0
Posts: 1239

This level looks interesting I will play it wend I have the time

Also dude Im wondering can you F4F my level and I F4F yours it wound be fantastic if you can do this for me

here is my level thread: https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=29356-Sackboy-And-The-Demantoid-Crystal-%28part1-2%29		2010-06-30 03:14:00

Author:
Arnald23
Posts: 1843

I haven't given up on you, Schm0. I played it just now, and it's as technically sound 'a first level I've ever seen. The work you've done with the materials and tools is fantastic. The characters and spiders were well done as well.

If there's a complaint I have it's that you haven't done much in terms of stickering and decorating. This level could be fantastic with some TLC from the sticker section of your popit. The story was well done - simple yet effective, and the platforming was mostly butter. The trees gave me a few niggles.

Also, expect a few angry gadders at your single-life checkpoints.

Anywho, I gave it 5 stars and hearty.

2010-06-30 05:07:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338

I haven't given up on you, Schm0. I played it just now, and it's as technically sound 'a first level I've ever seen. The work you've done with the materials and tools is fantastic. The characters and spiders were well done as well.

Thanks, comph!


If there's a complaint I have it's that you haven't done much in terms of stickering and decorating. This level could be fantastic with some TLC from the sticker section of your popit. The story was well done - simple yet effective, and the platforming was mostly butter. The trees gave me a few niggles/Yeah, I plan on going back and adding some more "flora" using stickers and perhaps a few flower objects, but I want to use them in a subtle way that isn't repetitive or bland. The trees had a lot of tweaking on my part due to the fact that Sackboy can't simply climb up the side of one, or jump "branch to branch" so to speak without switching layers. I could probably revamp them a bit with the use of some launch pads and/or more lifts.... hmm, food for thought.

Edit: I've gone back and added some of the crack stickers to the Mission area to make it look more dilapidated/destroyed. I also went in and added some roots to the underground portion (thanks to damaz10 for the suggestion.)


Also, expect a few angry gadders at your single-life checkpoints.

Anywho, I gave it 5 stars and hearty.

Yeah, I tried to emphasize precision in the platforming sections so that the player understood that they should plan their jumps carefully. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to just up some of the single-life ones to double.

Thanks for the stars and feedback!

Edit: I've gone in and modified a couple of the checkpoints to make them doubles... More plays = more finishes = more feedback!		2010-06-30 16:26:00

Author:
schm0
Posts: 1239

Hey man I just played your level today and let me tell you it was incredible for your first level it was pretty good you should see my first level :eek:

You level is really nice I like the visualization but there are some problem with it too.

In the start of the level I think you should create a background it wounded be nice if you can create a old temple and put it in the background. Also the big trees in the level you can put a small layer in the back so you can have more tree branch in the tree also put some decoration in the level specially in the tree.

Also I agree with comphermc you need to change the single life check point to double or infinite life check point because I dies a couple of times.

The story and the character are good and the music and the gameplay as well.

Extra: you see in the underground part of the level were you have the fire in the floor and they are big piece of steel going up and down trying to kill you, I think you should put a small fire lantern in the big piece of steel just like I did in the end of my level with all the lantern it really nice

Overall score.

Visualization: :star::star::star::star:
Puzzle/Gameplay: :star::star::star::star:
Music: :star::star::star::star::star:
Story: :star::star::star::star::star:
Originality: :star::star::star::star::star:

I gave this level a :star::star::star::star: and a <3 it was really good but you need to work on some stuff.		2010-07-02 03:34:00

Author:
Arnald23
Posts: 1843

i played the level. its amazing, i really liked it and expecting the second one now.2010-07-03 14:54:00

Author:
LegendDarkKnight
Posts: 52

Hey man I just played your level today and let me tell you it was incredible for your first level it was pretty good you should see my first level :eek:

You level is really nice I like the visualization but there are some problem with it too.

In the start of the level I think you should create a background it wounded be nice if you can create a old temple and put it in the background. Also the big trees in the level you can put a small layer in the back so you can have more tree branch in the tree also put some decoration in the level specially in the tree.

Also I agree with comphermc you need to change the single life check point to double or infinite life check point because I dies a couple of times.

The story and the character are good and the music and the gameplay as well.

Extra: you see in the underground part of the level were you have the fire in the floor and they are big piece of steel going up and down trying to kill you, I think you should put a small fire lantern in the big piece of steel just like I did in the end of my level with all the lantern it really nice

Overall score.

Visualization: :star::star::star::star:
Puzzle/Gameplay: :star::star::star::star:
Music: :star::star::star::star::star:
Story: :star::star::star::star::star:
Originality: :star::star::star::star::star:

I gave this level a :star::star::star::star: and a <3 it was really good but you need to work on some stuff.



So You gave it 92/100 (I figured it out from the stars... ) 80 is 4 stars 100 is 5 stars. Seeing as the score is over 90 I think you should have given it 5 stars. Anyway, I am getting back into LBP after a long break from playing levels so I will check this out soon. 		2010-07-03 16:22:00

Author:
moleynator
Posts: 2914

Well, I've taken a hiatus from vacation (actually, I can't sleep, so I've snuck down to borrow the laptop =D) to jump on so it was nice to see some of you getting out to play the level. I'll take a look at the individual comments in more depth and continue to add improvements. It's definately still in a beta phase, so there's tons more I can do to improve.


Hey man I just played your level today and let me tell you it was incredible for your first level it was pretty good you should see my first level :eek:

You level is really nice I like the visualization but there are some problem with it too.

In the start of the level I think you should create a background it wounded be nice if you can create a old temple and put it in the background.

I'm not too familiar with the layer glitch, and I'm fairly sure I'm going to leave it alone for now. What I may do is revamp the lead-up to the initial tree sequence, as I thought that walking inside of old logs was a pretty cool concept, which showed up again in my swinging logs section.


Also the big trees in the level you can put a small layer in the back so you can have more tree branch in the tree also put some decoration in the level specially in the tree.I am planning on adding something to the entire tree portions, including having it be on two planes and not so plane-shifty. I'll see what I can do this week.


Also I agree with comphermc you need to change the single life check point to double or infinite life check point because I dies a couple of times.All single life checkpoints (with the exception of the first one, where it is literally impossible to die unless you find a squishable corner to jump into) will be changed or are already changed to double life checkpoints.


The story and the character are good and the music and the gameplay as well.

Extra: you see in the underground part of the level were you have the fire in the floor and they are big piece of steel going up and down trying to kill you, I think you should put a small fire lantern in the big piece of steel just like I did in the end of my level with all the lantern it really nice Like cut out of the actual pillar? Hmmm... I'll take a look-see.


Overall score.

Visualization: :star::star::star::star:
Puzzle/Gameplay: :star::star::star::star:
Music: :star::star::star::star::star:
Story: :star::star::star::star::star:
Originality: :star::star::star::star::star:

I gave this level a :star::star::star::star: and a <3 it was really good but you need to work on some stuff.
So You gave it 92/100 (I figured it out from the stars... ) 80 is 4 stars 100 is 5 stars. Seeing as the score is over 90 I think you should have given it 5 stars. Anyway, I am getting back into LBP after a long break from playing levels so I will check this out soon.

I will take your score of 92 to the bank! 		2010-07-06 03:50:00

Author:
schm0
Posts: 1239

Outstanding first level! I have to agree with Comph on the decorating, this level would look even better than it does with a little bit of stickering. Sound gameplay and great story. Keep it up!2010-07-06 19:04:00

Author:
shawneboi
Posts: 221

Well, in response to Comph's and several other's comments, I went and added some flora and some moss to the blocks, trunks and tree branches. I also have been fine tuning a couple things here and there, such as the wobble bolts I somehow left on, a couple unglued items (:O) and tidied up a bit. I wanted to add some final touches to the ending, as well, such as a shake cam and some emitted falling rocks, but want to do it in a way that looks dramatic and not cheesy. If anyone has any further tips or suggestions, please let me know.

And remember, since the 4th is over, F4F is still open!		2010-07-07 06:20:00

Author:
schm0
Posts: 1239

For a 1st level, it'ds brilliant.

The characters and the spiders were cool and the scenery was, at times, actually very nice. Good level. :star::star::star::star:		2010-07-07 12:18:00

Author:
talbot-trembler
Posts: 1114

I played this with Compher the other day and really enjoyed it. It's a great first level and really, it's quite an impressive level overall. I loved the design of the characters and the pacing of the level was great. It felt like an epic adventure!

Most of my criticisms or suggestions have already been mentioned, so I'll just say that I thoroughly enjoyed it! Well done and I look forward to more levels from you!		2010-07-07 12:44:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer
Posts: 1335

Played it. Twice. Only because I wanted to respond to the topic but forgot about the level. Anyway, brilliant level. Practically every bit of scenery was very well placed and the enemies/obstacles were well placed, too. The spiders were cool. It wasn't too short but it didn't have as much of a length as I thought it would. It also ended a little abruptly. But it's nice to see it'll be a series. Looking forward to Part 2. The use of non-infinite checkpoints was a smart choice for this level, too.

:star::star::star::star: and a <3.

https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=29656-Red-Sector-S-(Part-1-of-Extermination) Something to leave feedback on if you want.		2010-07-07 13:18:00

Author:
Force Ten
Posts: 60

Hey man thanks for the great feedback on Sky Temple (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=28941-Sky-Temple). Oh and BTW the link to this thread in your signature is broken, you might wanna update that. It was my pleasure to play your very impressive Journey to the Temple. I am working on a jungle level atm as well you should check it out with me some time, link is in my sig. Ok here we go:

Likes:

Music, dude I totally used those drums for my Jungle level!!
Initial impression of scenery is very good!
Well written dialog, a pleasure to read.
Tree trunks are amazing did you draw those?
This is your first level?! The game-play is great!!! This platforming rivals some of my best levels!
The mission looked GREAT!
The monk with the lisp lol!


Suggestions:

Hide those strings!! Make vines with green wood if you want it to appear they are hanging from something.
I was searching for your level and there are a lot of Journey to the Temple Titles, better make that ICON really eye-catching.
Wow that is a long jump at the end, I am not saying make it shorter, but a better take off point would be nice.
Visual splendor seems to diminish at the part with the big rolling rock, also the music there reminds me of that part in the story levels. I would spruce up that run and change the music to make the sequence more your own.

I had a great time playing this, it flows smoothly and has a nice difficulty. I almost died at the rolling log part and if i was with more people we prob wouldnt have made it. recommend Infinite life CP there. Wicked cool level man keep up the good work!

:star::star::star::star:<3

-DT		2010-07-15 04:05:00

Author:
dTOtheTEE
Posts: 183

Review~ Review~ Review~~~!!!

Ahem.

The Good:
----------------
+ For your first level, this is absolutely stunning! I can tell you're not the kind of person to stop without it being perfect, huh?
+ The platforming was good. I would definitely rate this as hard, mostly because of lives.
+ Good visuals in the beginning!

The Bad:
---------------
- There were a few parts...where I nearly tossed my controller xD That part with the flying log where you have to make the jump to the sponge to swing across is only -just- doable. I actually game over'd there the first time D:
- The rolling flaming logs were rather a pain. The second set of them near the top, you cant see the new ones forming, because the part of the level is in the way
- The inside of the ruins looked kind of bland. I recommend more stickers and decorations.

For your first level, this is a crowning achievement! My first is still up, and...well...xD Anyways, this is something to be proud of. Fun gameplay, which is pretty challenging. A few parts are very difficult and frustrating, but it only make you appreciate the victory that much more when you accomplish it

Overall, I give you a :star::star::star::star: and a <3 Great work!

If you have time, please play my level!
https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=30124-The-Shining-Clock-tower-of-Dreams
Having a mod play it would be....really awesome
Thanks in advance!!		2010-07-15 04:30:00

Author:
Laharl
Posts: 152

The level ran pretty smooth it was satisfying....

Positives:
- Character Design
- Temple
- Rolling ball chase
- Platforming

Negatives:
-(not 2 serious) but building close to ground but the way you did it was good so.
-Guess was kinda short.... inside the temple was pretty koo but ended kinda short

Overall level was Good:star::star::star::star:		2010-07-15 07:59:00

Author:
Sabre_
Posts: 653

t'was good. The sounds were correct, the gameplay was fast and swift. Love it. Keep up the fine work...2010-07-16 13:47:00

Author:
snaker
Posts: 68

A very fun level! The decoration and lighting were nice too: It was especially nice seeing a temple level that wasn't entirely built of the 'temple stone' material!

The final chase was a little annoying though, with the camera angle and low lighting making the final jump difficult to time, but I still gave it five stars.		2010-07-16 15:36:00

Author:
chimpskylark
Posts: 335

- There were a few parts...where I nearly tossed my controller xD That part with the flying log where you have to make the jump to the sponge to swing across is only -just- doable. I actually game over'd there the first time D:
- The rolling flaming logs were rather a pain. The second set of them near the top, you cant see the new ones forming, because the part of the level is in the way
- The inside of the ruins looked kind of bland. I recommend more stickers and decorations.

Yeah, the hard parts are, well... hard. I didn't want to make an easy level. And believe me, the level has gone through several iterations making it a bit easier already. All of the checkpoints have been updated to double life for this reason.

The log jump just needs to take advantage of momentum. Try waiting until the log is nearing it's "peak" and the jump is actually quite easy. As for the logs, yes it can be confusing and frustrating, which is why I put in the arrows. The camera is pulled out as far as I can get it without revealing some logic and/or hidden bits, and when it was focused in closer it was more difficult to tell where you were supposed to jump next.

Not sure what kind of stickers to put inside, as the main emphasis is supposed to be on the lighting... I'll take another look and see if something fits in there. The last part I left undecorated on purpose since I was originally planning on making a few pits of burning wood or something there, but left it unfinished. It's about a 10-15 second sequence that you're supposed to run through, anyways.


A few parts are very difficult and frustrating, but it only make you appreciate the victory that much more when you accomplish it That was the intention all along, so that makes me happy.



Negatives:
-(not 2 serious) but building close to ground but the way you did it was good so.
-Guess was kinda short.... inside the temple was pretty koo but ended kinda short

Yeah, I didn't want to stay too close and I really like the background close to the ground. Higher-up you get rooftops and one of the story elements was an earthquake, so... that's where it all started. And as for a longer level, I am already working on Part II... The levels are designed on purpose to be on the shorter side as a personal preference.


t'was good. The sounds were correct, the gameplay was fast and swift. Love it. Keep up the fine work...

Thanks for the feedback!


A very fun level! The decoration and lighting were nice too: It was especially nice seeing a temple level that wasn't entirely built of the 'temple stone' material!

The final chase was a little annoying though, with the camera angle and low lighting making the final jump difficult to time, but I still gave it five stars.

A little lighting can make any material look a bit different. Most of the entire level is basic rock and basic metal. The chase sequence and jump are not supposed to be easy, but I can definitely look at improving the camera.

Thanks to everyone for their feedback!		2010-07-17 20:23:00

Author:
schm0
Posts: 1239

Hi Schm0

I love temple themed levels and I will play this level later this day - the style looks cool from what I see on the tiny screenshots

If you like, try my "The Forgotten Tomb Of Memsut" in advance (no F4F - my thread is too old and there is no need to bump it LOL) - it was my first level project so the look is very "clean" because I didn't use a lot stickers/deko, but there are some really cool plattforming- and fun-elements.

I will post some feedback about my "journey" to your level asap :-)

Greets Neo		2010-07-18 09:24:00

Author:
(___NEO___)
Posts: 206

Viejo Means Man in spanish.... But I'll give it a try. Seems really fun! 2010-08-16 05:43:00

Author:
pilsburydoughboy55
Posts: 236

Viejo Means Man in spanish.... But I'll give it a try. Seems really fun!

Actually, it means "old" when used as an adjective, as in this case. But that's ok! I'm glad you paid attention!

You are correct that when used as a noun it means "old man."

http://translate.google.com/#auto|en|viejo (http://translate.google.com/#auto%7Cen%7Cviejo)

Let me know what you think of the level, and I'll try to give you some F4F if you like!		2010-08-16 16:10:00

Author:
schm0
Posts: 1239


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