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Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy - Part II

Archive: 16 posts

Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy - Part IIRyhas
Search for the second Council Member in the Cave of Descendants! Another level geared toward exploration of the world. Can you find all the secret passages?
Here's Part II to the Commander Keen saga. If you feel like crawling through a cave filled with traps, secret passages, and enemies, give it a go!

If you haven't already played Part I, head on over here (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=32124-Commander-Keen-Goodbye-Galaxy-Part-I) and try it out! Also, Part III (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=35103-Commander-Keen-Goodbye-Galaxy-Part-III) is finished, so give that a go too!

I'm happy to give feedback, so F4F away!

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss258/daneeyul/LBP%20Keen/APhoto_1-1.jpg
The Cave of Descendants lies on a mountainside far to the north.

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss258/daneeyul/LBP%20Keen/APhoto_6.jpg
The darkness holds traps...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss258/daneeyul/LBP%20Keen/APhoto_7.jpg
A door? To where?

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss258/daneeyul/LBP%20Keen/APhoto_8.jpg
Not all rocks are as friendly as they appear!

--Changelog--
-Couldn't see the full scoreboard, so moved it a bit
-Made the mushrooms slower, so they should be easier to get around
-Made the pit in the middle of the level (with the two platforms, one above the other) harder to die in by sudden spiking
-Level is much lighter.
-Added camera angles to avoid horrible death by leaps of faith and sudden shankings
-Switched most checkpoints out for infinite checkpoints
-Fixed the five falling platforms, much easier to climb now
-Fixed a small bug with a point bubble getting in the way of a platform
-Adjusted a multiplayer checkpoint issue by the up/down door. Shouldn't cause weird problems anymore
-Adjusted the checkpoint in the middle (by the two spikes) to be infinite, and have a wider on-radius
-Upgraded the point amount for donuts and ice cream cone points.
-Turned player tracking down in some camera angles so multiplayers can see the spikes		2010-08-13 22:46:00

Author:
Ryhas
Posts: 179

OK, part 2, here we go!

Please forgive me if I'm a little brief, but I posted this once and it didn't take.

I liked the outside and the "press up" style doors. I've pressed "up" on lots of doors in LBP and never had that happen. So good job on that.

On the downside, the level was reeeally dark, and I had a hard time seeing where to go. I wish I could see the creatures better too, because the ones in part one were fun to look at.

I don't know if this level was rushed to get up behind part 2, or if my noobish skillz are getting the better of me, but I died a lot. Infinite checkpoints would be wonderful. I'd really rather not say how many times I had to retry, but by my third, my Sacky was getting very trepidatious about those hidden rooms, because a few of them contained spikes and death, and he wanted nothing to do with any of that. :eek:

There were also a couple of moving platforms which could use some more light on them, near the red key. It was a fairly long drop and not the easiest climb up... especially when you have to do it over and over again and it's hard to see the platform. Your lighting is your deal though. Either our eyes or our TV's are set very differently, LOL.

Once I finally knew the level well enough to do everything without dying much, I was relieved that it was relatively short, but a little embarrassed that it took so long.

I liked your first level, and I like you, and I want to be able to replay this series... especially if you take a couple of my suggestions..... So you got a heart. Only four stars though, due to the frustration factor.

Wow... I think I said it better this time. 		2010-08-16 05:50:00

Author:
SpeedyMcKnuckles
Posts: 331

OK, part 2, here we go!

Please forgive me if I'm a little brief, but I posted this once and it didn't take.

I liked the outside and the "press up" style doors. I've pressed "up" on lots of doors in LBP and never had that happen. So good job on that.

On the downside, the level was reeeally dark, and I had a hard time seeing where to go. I wish I could see the creatures better too, because the ones in part one were fun to look at.

I don't know if this level was rushed to get up behind part 2, or if my noobish skillz are getting the better of me, but I died a lot. Infinite checkpoints would be wonderful. I'd really rather not say how many times I had to retry, but by my third, my Sacky was getting very trepidatious about those hidden rooms, because a few of them contained spikes and death, and he wanted nothing to do with any of that. :eek:

There were also a couple of moving platforms which could use some more light on them, near the red key. It was a fairly long drop and not the easiest climb up... especially when you have to do it over and over again and it's hard to see the platform. Your lighting is your deal though. Either our eyes or our TV's are set very differently, LOL.

Once I finally knew the level well enough to do everything without dying much, I was relieved that it was relatively short, but a little embarrassed that it took so long.

I liked your first level, and I like you, and I want to be able to replay this series... especially if you take a couple of my suggestions..... So you got a heart. Only four stars though, due to the frustration factor.

Wow... I think I said it better this time.

Well, since you're the (pretty much) first review, this is really more than I expected, so thanks! And yeah, this level was a tad rushed (done in a week). However, I've already got two of your main problems (lighting and less death) on my mind and have been slowly tweaking the level over time (it's hard without any reviews, though, so now I have something to start off with). At any rate, this is one of the least good Commander Keen levels in the original (and one of the hardest), thus making it difficult to translate to LBP (I've actually already made it significantly easier than the original )

I'll make sure to put infinite checkpoints in. It's just a matter of not being lazy so I can make small ones to fit in the level.

It's possible our TVs are different (I have an HDMI LCD monitor, which, while small, has good visibility), but I'll definitely make sure to work on the lighting. I have a couple cool ideas already in the works, and playing around with the different colors is kinda fun anyway.

Anyway! I'm away from the PS3 until this evening, but I'll start working on the level then! Thanks for the honest review, I know giving criticism can be difficult. No worries though, I appreciate it.

(and the next level will be much better lit )		2010-08-16 15:25:00

Author:
Ryhas
Posts: 179

I'm glad my feedback was helpful. I hate to say anything negative, but I'm learning to buck up and tell folks like I see it... especially on a site like this where we're all striving to do better at something we love!

Looking forward to the update!		2010-08-16 17:48:00

Author:
SpeedyMcKnuckles
Posts: 331

You have it in two parts, so rather than make two posts, I'll just sum up both parts in one post. Alright, here we go...!

Commander Keen Part 1:
----------------------------------
Rather than do what I normally do, I'm just going to write in paragraph format. Usually, I shy away from levels like this, since I usually dont know the ref material, etc. This level, however, was absolutely fantastic! I dont know how well it resembled the Commander Keen series, but I do know after playing this level, I sure am "Keen" to see this game in action (Woo pun!) The amount of secrets in this level are crazy. I've never had so much fun exploring! Seriously, I wanted to explore everywhere! I even got lost at one point XD But it was so much fun. I explored so much, I got 1st place at the end.

I saw no problems with this level at all. It was just pure fun, plain and simple. It wasn't hard, but who cares about challenge, when you're too busy having a blast? Man, talk about a great level! I'll be playing this one again, since I missed a few secrets, and didnt explore the upper part! I'm sure you can gues what I gave the level XD

Commander Keen Part 2
----------------------------------------
I'm not going to lie to you. I liked part 1 more than part 2. Anywho. There's more fun to be had in this spelunking adventure! Lots of areas to explore, and lots more danger than the first! Maybe I just rushed right through it, but this level felt a lot shorter than the first. I tried exploring everywhere, but I basically made this face: D: When I saw the scoreboard. Some of the rock monsters (I couldn't make out what they were because my TV's brightness is shot) had a tendency to get stuck on rock formations. It's a good thing they only occupy one layer, cause I thought one of em trapped me at one point.

Another one actually fell over after I slapped myself for not finding the red gem. Ah, but speaking of gems, this is a beautiful level in terms of design and gameplay. How accurate a rendition it is to the game, I do not know, however I will say that it is a very good level! And I must now see this commander keen game for myself. As I am quite sure it is very "nifty keen" (pun ftw #2)

Overall, 5 stars and a <3! Jolly good work sir!

Now if you could, please check out my new level! It doesn't have any love yet
The Burning Forest (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=33408-The-Burning-Forest)
Thanks for creating fun stages! It was a blast! 		2010-08-18 19:29:00

Author:
Laharl
Posts: 152

It looks really good! I'll play it as soon as i can, please f4f my ac2 level 2010-08-18 20:08:00

Author:
jrg_carrion94
Posts: 18

Hey there!

Sorry it's been a while to wait for your feedback - I've been a little busy!
Anyway, nice level! May I say that you have a knack for character design? I played both levels in the series so far, and I really enjoyed both of them. You're really good at character design - I wasn't too sure about the character in the first of the 2 levels, but I love how the senator looks, and in the 1st level, and really liked the trees, and their human like features.
You have some nice puzzles in there - and I found some of the speech quite witty (In both levels). I liked the gem stones, but I did get a little annoyed when I was near the end, and then it says I need a gemstone, so I had to go all the way back. I did find the level a little short, but I definatly think it deserves way more plays than it has at the moment - it seems like it's a very underrated level.

You have some nice alternative pathways in there - Maybe that's why I felt it was a little short - because I guess there are probably a couple of ways I could have gone about playing the level, in terms of different paths I took. I'll be sure to play again, and see if I can find anything new!

Nice level! Hearted!

2010-08-20 03:10:00

Author:
standby250
Posts: 1113

Hey there!

Sorry it's been a while to wait for your feedback - I've been a little busy!
No biggie!


Anyway, nice level! May I say that you have a knack for character design? I played both levels in the series so far, and I really enjoyed both of them. You're really good at character design - I wasn't too sure about the character in the first of the 2 levels, but I love how the senator looks, and in the 1st level, and really liked the trees, and their human like features.
Thanks! Wow, that makes me pretty happy (though don't worry... guy in the yellow clothes? He's long overdue for a makeover ). Part of it is I'm modeling them after the original game (especially the trees), so I don't know if I can take all the credit. Still, I'm glad you liked them!

You have some nice puzzles in there - and I found some of the speech quite witty (In both levels). I liked the gem stones, but I did get a little annoyed when I was near the end, and then it says I need a gemstone, so I had to go all the way back. I did find the level a little short, but I definatly think it deserves way more plays than it has at the moment - it seems like it's a very underrated level.
Again, thanks! And yeah, actually I added that little bit of speech where it tells you to go get the yellow gem... largely because I didn't want the player to climb ALL THE WAY UP and then be like... oh crap... I don't have it. And yeah, it's short... largely, again, because I'm basing this off an old DOS game... if I'd added another level, it'd be waaaaay too long. I'm really glad you think it's underrated... it means a lot.

You have some nice alternative pathways in there - Maybe that's why I felt it was a little short - because I guess there are probably a couple of ways I could have gone about playing the level, in terms of different paths I took. I'll be sure to play again, and see if I can find anything new!
Do! Both levels have lots of secret rooms!

Nice level! Hearted!
Woo! Thanks man! I really appreciate the feedback and enthusiasm! Part III should be coming in the next few weeks (depends how much college ruins my time... )		2010-08-20 05:30:00

Author:
Ryhas
Posts: 179

Shoot. One of the rock monsters flipped right outside the layer switching door. I couldn't progress.
EDIT: Happened again.

+ Nice decoration of the score bubbles. Prize bubbles give the player more points, so maybe change the ice cream score bubble to a prize bubble?
+ Sinking platforms.
+ Bubble chains
+ Doors that shoot up.

Only negative was that rock monster.
Rated 4 because of that since it happened twice.

Short review one part one:
Liked it better because...It has less caves, I'm not a big fan of caves in games. And that stone material looked great.
I must have played it too much as a kid, as I instinctually jumped down in that building! Scary to think things like that are still in your subconcious. O_O
Got 1st on the scoreboard btw.

In both levels, the characters are great (the one that sparked my memory was the rock monster), and the seemingly simple gameplay mechanics transfer well to LBP. (I'm sure it took a bit of tweaking to get them right though).
Like that rock that fires flames. So simple, but it works so well.
I played the original way back when, and during your levels I was thinking: "Oh I remember those trees/poo slimes/mushrooms/rock characters!".
So you must have captured the spirit well. 		2010-08-20 06:53:00

Author:
midnight_heist
Posts: 2513

Shoot. One of the rock monsters flipped right outside the layer switching door. I couldn't progress.
EDIT: Happened again.

+ Nice decoration of the bubbles. Prize bubbles give the player more points, so maybe change the ice cream score bubble to a prize bubble?
+ Sinking platforms.
+ Bubble chains
+ Doors that shoot up.

Only negative was that rock monster.

Short review one part one:
Liked it better because...It has less caves. And that stone material looked great. Got 1st on the scoreboard.
Dang, I never had problems with the rock flipping in front of the door. I'll see what I can do. I think putting it forward a layer should do it.

And that's a great idea for the ice cream! I kept wanting ways to give the player more points for those, and it didn't cross my mind *how* I'd do that. Thanks!

I'm glad you liked both of them! And thanks for the useful feedback, I appreciate it. I'll be sure to make some fixes over the next few days.

Any level you'd like me to give feedback on?		2010-08-20 07:06:00

Author:
Ryhas
Posts: 179

Dang, I never had problems with the rock flipping in front of the door. I'll see what I can do. I think putting it forward a layer should do it.
Should do!

And that's a great idea for the ice cream! I kept wanting ways to give the player more points for those, and it didn't cross my mind *how* I'd do that. Thanks!
No prob. =D

I'm glad you liked both of them! And thanks for the useful feedback, I appreciate it. I'll be sure to make some fixes over the next few days.

Any level you'd like me to give feedback on?
Nah, maybe just take a look at my "future monkey city" thread (link in sig)? No biggie if you don't post.

Keep up the good work.		2010-08-20 07:35:00

Author:
midnight_heist
Posts: 2513

Hey, thanks for playing The Mystery of Mystery Island.

First of all, you are really good at making enviroments. This looks really crisp and clean!

positives:
+the glowing eyes was clever!
+I like how score bobbles look like power ups, gives me a good idea (which I am going to steal from you )
+Like I said, the environement all looks so crisp
+crazy smoking mushrooms

Suggestions:
-when you get the keys, you could have a bit of a cutscene cam showing where the door is or something, because I had no idea where the yellow door was. I got completely lost
-the falling panels could give you just a little more time to make the jump
-took me ages to work out that I could run to the side in those arched doors. I kept trying to press up like in the other door(which was great by the way)

Honestly, there isnt much to fix at all, looking back at my suggestions, none of them would really make the level better, just different. Overall I think you did really well to make it feel like an old schoo gamel. Kind of felt like playing Bubba 'n' Stix or even Super Metroid again!

Seriously, sorry I couldnt give more constructive feedback, I just loved it

:star::star::star::star::star:		2010-08-20 10:20:00

Author:
Joburg87
Posts: 56

Hey man, thanks for letting me stop by and see pt. 3 in the works. Looks great!

I went back and played pt. 2 again before I logged out, and the infinite checkpoints are a BIG help. Your little guy that warns about going up without the yellow key didn't say anything this time though. Is that on purpose? Maybe you accidentally activated it in create mode and forgot to reset. Happens to me all the time. Just a heads up. 		2010-08-20 18:18:00

Author:
SpeedyMcKnuckles
Posts: 331

Hey man, thanks for letting me stop by and see pt. 3 in the works. Looks great!
Thanks, and no problem! Feel free to stop by anytime.


I went back and played pt. 2 again before I logged out, and the infinite checkpoints are a BIG help. Your little guy that warns about going up without the yellow key didn't say anything this time though. Is that on purpose? Maybe you accidentally activated it in create mode and forgot to reset. Happens to me all the time. Just a heads up.
Good, glad the checkpoints help. And yeah, the wall creature conversation only triggers if you forgot the yellow gem, no worries. 		2010-08-20 20:38:00

Author:
Ryhas
Posts: 179

Thanks for checking out my level.

Commander Keen is an old game I never got to play to be honest, but I've gone and watched the source material on youtube and it certainly looks like you've nailed it. Of course, everything looks better in your levels, especially the backgrounds. You are very creative when it comes to recreate actions from Commander Keen that can't be done in LBP (getting inside houses, climbing up ropes, picking up keygems), and you managed to keep the old platformer feeling intact. Also, your spaceship is awesome. I wish you could spend more time flying in it. The amount of detail in both levels is impressive when you have seen the original game.

I must admit that I liked the first part better, simply because it's set out in a forest while the second level is set in a dark and repetitive cave. But since your source is the original game, I guess there's nothing you can do about it. Still, they are worth playing whether you're a fan of Commander Keen or not, if anything for the sake of good old platforming.

Both levels get :star::star::star::star::star: from me and I've hearted the first part.		2010-08-20 22:21:00

Author:
Flynn
Posts: 17

Well i have already made my feedback:

For me the level is a bit confusing, sometimes i don't know what to do
Visuals are good
I enjoyed playing it
I died a lot xD

Well finally i have to say that is a good level and i put 4 stars 		2010-08-21 15:53:00

Author:
jrg_carrion94
Posts: 18


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