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LBL 4 in 1 - Archaic Ascension (video)

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LBL 4 in 1 - Archaic AscensionDuffluc
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/duffluc/APhoto_55.jpgMy entry for the LBL 4 in 1 epic-ness competition. After a bit of a rough crash landing, Sackboy stumbles upon a tall, imposing gothic structure. Could this me the Mm Tower everyone is talking about?
Hey all

This is my newest level, inspired by gothic architecture that is often found in old churches and the likes. I started this level mostly to practice building without use of the 3D glitch, since most of my levels in the past have relied on it for impressive visuals. Once the LBL 4 in 1 contest was announced I decided that it could fit the Piggy in the Middle Theme so I finished it up just in time to enter it, wish me luck!

The level focuses on exploration and puzzles. There's a few puzzles for you to solve and most of the platforming takes a bit of thinking to get through. There's also 5 hidden treasure chests which you can try to seek out. If you've got any trouble finding them and want some help, I might post some hints

Here's some pics!


http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/duffluc/APhoto_54.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/duffluc/APhoto_56.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/duffluc/APhoto_57.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/duffluc/APhoto_58.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/duffluc/APhoto_59.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d43/duffluc/APhoto_52.jpg

And now, a video! (Thanks Gilgamesh!)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78k-q97RkIU

Please leave feedback if you play it! I'll feedback your level ASAP, and will be doing as many F4F's as I receive
2010-09-06 16:27:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402


Those visuals look epic, I'll play this ASAP! 2010-09-06 17:11:00

Author:
X-FROGBOY-X
Posts: 1800


This level is awesome! Your level design and architecture make for a very immersive level that's an absolute blast to play through. I also liked how unlike your other levels you didn't rely on 3d layer glitch to get a large expansive feel; I always like seeing that in levels. You should definitely make more of this theme!

I also have one question, that being: were you inspired by any Zelda games when making the lights reflect off the mirrors? It reminded me a lot of Zelda games.

Will you please give me feedback on my LBL 4 in 1 - The Realm of the Ancients: II; Journey to MM Towers, link is in my sig, thanks.
2010-09-06 18:17:00

Author:
zynax555
Posts: 170


Oh its published now is it? I'll have a looky, and then you will has to play mah LBL levels too 2010-09-06 18:28:00

Author:
Asbestos101
Posts: 1114


Oh, it's out! Awesome I'm pretty busy but I'll give it a play when I can.2010-09-06 21:03:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity
Posts: 5208


I was thinking the same with my levels. I was also going to try a MM type level. I will surely check this out asap 2010-09-07 00:51:00

Author:
L1GhTmArE
Posts: 519


Awesome level Duffluc. The visuals and gameplay are magnificent and the ideas of the gameplay are really professional. It's funny that I played the exact similar level Zynax555 made except with different visuals and gameplay. My favorite part of the level would have to be the puzzle where you move the circles to light up all 4 pillars. Overall this level deserves 5 :star:s and a <3.

Play and F4F "The Hero Chronicles LV7 Dragon Ruins"
2010-09-07 01:57:00

Author:
JustinArt
Posts: 1314


Thanks for the feedback all, I'll have your F4F's done ASAP.


I also have one question, that being: were you inspired by any Zelda games when making the lights reflect off the mirrors? It reminded me a lot of Zelda games.

Hehe yeah, that's one of the places that inspired me. The mirror puzzle has been a staple in a lot of games, and I thought I would borrow the concept for my level. Zelda is one place I remember seeing it. The most recent I can think of is Uncharted, there was a mirror puzzle in there too. I've even seen it in LBP before, in one of Kiminiski's levels, I think.
2010-09-07 02:10:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402


First off, I loved the intro, the level set the mood as soon as it started! The lighting was fantastic too, and I was right about the visuals. Another small detail that I loved was the use of custom switches, I rarely see it but I always smile when I do. My favorite part was the ending. Overall, nice job, I gave the level :star::star::star::star::star:. 2010-09-07 02:14:00

Author:
X-FROGBOY-X
Posts: 1800


:star::star::star::star::star:<3 This is a beautiful piece of work Duffluc, with some mind bending puzzles and well polished feel to the whole level. I may be up against you in the PITM category but i would mind losing to this. Nice work 2010-09-07 02:14:00

Author:
OKINGO
Posts: 84


Okay, I played it and here's what I thought.

I thought the visuals were great and loved the gothic theme to it. I also liked how you had secret areas with points and how it has a lot of gold and a treasure place and a little secret counter like Morgana has in her Dragons of Myth levels. There are some fun little things in this level like grabbing onto the thing to pull it down and being quick to get on the platform and get up, making the light all shine at the circle, be careful and fast on the flipping half circles and more although not much of a challenge since there aren't any hazards, at least I don't remember any. It's still a fun level and although there aren't any hazards I loved the different contraptions plus I really liked the gates you added. :star::star::star::star::star: and a <3 Great job Duff
2010-09-07 03:00:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity
Posts: 5208


Yet another great level! The visuals were amazing! You did a good job of blending it from the template into your level and then back to the template.
The gamplay was also very good, all the parts where you had to do something before something moved out of the way were perfectly balanced, my only complaint would be that it was easy to jump out the side of the back and forth stairs at the end.
The puzzles, now that is where this level gos way beyond most! The first puzzle with the turning wheels is one of the coolest things I've seen in the game! Very creative.
One little bug was that when you finish the wheel puzzle the magic mouth that gos off after it doesn't stay long enough for you to read it.

Amazing level! Definitely has a shot at winning. Five stars and a heart!

F4F: Harry Potter Dueling Club (link in my sig.)
2010-09-07 03:49:00

Author:
SackRacer77
Posts: 153


Yea I agree with Justin about the circle puzzle. It took me awhile but I was distracted too because I had 2 other players jumping around pressing things. Its funny how the help button comes up. I ignored it lol until I got it. I also like the platforming on the bell-pillar. The light pu zzle was well done too. I think you did pretty good creating on the original layers. Had lots of fun in it. Will definately play this again on single player 5 stars <3

Could you try out my level Umbra Valley: A Lost Soul? Link is in my signature
2010-09-07 05:17:00

Author:
L1GhTmArE
Posts: 519


First off, I loved the intro, the level set the mood as soon as it started! The lighting was fantastic too, and I was right about the visuals. Another small detail that I loved was the use of custom switches, I rarely see it but I always smile when I do. My favorite part was the ending. Overall, nice job, I gave the level :star::star::star::star::star:.

Hehe glad you liked it. The beginning and end were actually templates that we had to use for the competition. To be honest I really didn't like them lol, didn't think they fit the theme at all,so I'm glad you thought they did!


:star::star::star::star::star:<3 This is a beautiful piece of work Duffluc, with some mind bending puzzles and well polished feel to the whole level. I may be up against you in the PITM category but i would mind losing to this. Nice work

Thanks man, that really means a lot! Good luck to you in the competition!

Thanks to evereryone else for the feedback, I'll work on the F4F's once I return from work tonight. I'll see what I can do about the stairs at the end of the level and make sure they're easier to climb. And yeah, the puzzle at the beginning is also not very multiplayer friendly hehe, especially if more than 1 person is pushing buttons at once
2010-09-07 13:42:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402


Hehe, ok, just played through the final, final version! There were some really great puzzles throughout and I especially liked the mirror room!! Wow, your level really did seem to capture the feel of gothic architecture, with the lighting and pointed arches all drawing the player?s attention upward. Hehe, the only thing missing would?ve been a good rose window! Anyway, really awesome job on the level and best of luck in the competition! 2010-09-07 15:25:00

Author:
koneko
Posts: 95


This level is amazing, played it last night with you! 5:star:s and a <3 for deffo

Great Visuals and Gameplay!
2010-09-07 15:53:00

Author:
Bang126
Posts: 157


Had a chance to play this today - and it was a very cool journey m8!!!! The visuals are cool, the obstacles are nice and there are some really cool elements in here, like the light-breaking room - very cool ! I don't know if the judges at LBL want to see a more detailed story during the play, but I really liked what I saw. For me, this one is the one to beat - and that will be a tough event for the others ! This one will be among the top 3.... and maybe there is a tiny little shiny crown in sight :-) congrats to a great level duffloc.

:star::star::star::star::star: and a <3 and sorry, this time, no <3 for the creator.... cause you already have a <3 from me hehe

well, don't know if you mind playing my LBL 4 in 1 entry as well - it's a co-op and I think it could be among top 5 as well ;-) so if you find some time & a buddy: enjoy!

Greets
Neo
2010-09-07 17:25:00

Author:
(___NEO___)
Posts: 206


Alright, I'll give you my play-by-play review!

The visuals... are absolutely, positively stunning. Maybe some of the most beautiful I've seen in a LBP level.

I love the rotating puzzle!

So I'm pretty much totally engrossed... to the point where I keep forgetting to comment. I have not yet hit a part I don't like, and I'm loving this.

Mirrors = awesome! Channeling Wind Waker, I see. I don't know if you want to keep those two wobble/motor bolts visible on the top two mirror things though. Regardless, this has to be one of my favorite puzzles in all of LBP now.

It kinda cracks me up how much better your level looks than the beginning and end provided.

Anyway, wow... that's definitely :star::star::star::star::star: and a <3, no doubt.

Well, I feel kind of strange asking you to review my level after yours... but if you'd kindly leave feedback on my level, Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy - Part III, I'd appreciate it! The link is in my signature. Thanks!
2010-09-07 19:41:00

Author:
Ryhas
Posts: 179


This level is totally epic!

I loved the visuals were so great and original, you did an exceptional job in lighting use The great material mix gave the level the perfect atmosphere .

The game play was awesome, i think all those rotating puzzles were incredibly unique, this including all those cool contraptions and clever game play. I liked the fact that you hid the bubbles in rooms like if they were treasures.

Overall i rated the level :star::star::star::star::star: tagged artistic and hearted <3, good job!
Good luck in the competition but with this level i think you'll surely beat it
2010-09-07 20:04:00

Author:
ferrrch
Posts: 429


I loved it! The transitions you made between the templates was beautiful and so crisp and natural. The non use of the 3D layer glitch actually surprised me. The choice of materials was very nice, and I enjoyed the puzzles.

+ Theck levers!!
+ Granite wall used properly for once
+ Nice use of gargoyles
+ VERY good blending
+ I just noticed the torches
+ How did you get that many treasure chests in??? I only found one.

Overall, great job, Duffluc! Might win, you never know.
:star::star::star::star::star: and a <3. Tagged "beautiful". I've already given you an author heart, so...

If you have the time could you play my LBL 4-in-1 Boss Entry: Steelhead (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=35115-LBL-4-in-1-Steelhead-Act-4-The-Steel-Dragon)? Much appreciated!
2010-09-08 00:26:00

Author:
Richasackboy
Posts: 619


thanks again all for the feedback. I'm really glad that for the most part there aren't any issues with the first puzzle. I was pretty worried that it would scare people away or that it wasn't all that fun which is why I put in that timed skip button, but glad that it's liked. I've got most of the F4F's done save for yours ferrrch and rich, I'll get them done soon as I log on next. Thanks again!2010-09-08 01:42:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402


Yeah, I kinda chickened out on that one. Wasn't quite sure if that was meant to happen because the puzzle was actually impossible, but then I thought, why would Duffluc make an impossible puzzle? I then realized that I had missed out on some awesome puzzle solving. Extremely worried about the logic you mustve used for that. Anyway, I loved this level. It had such nice, sort of simple but complicated visuals and lovely lovely lovely gameplay. Probably my favorite gameplay based level from you, now I think of it. 2010-09-08 02:18:00

Author:
Richasackboy
Posts: 619


hehe the secret to the puzzle is the fact that one of the buttons only moves one of the wheels, which means that wheel should be solved last. Soon as you figure that out its easy. The concept was actually borrowed from a similar puzzle in Assassins Creed II lol. While not the same, that's where that puzzles inspiration came from. 2010-09-08 03:17:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402


epic level Duffluc! really enjoyed playing it.
Great visuals
Nice platforms, great use of materials and lights.
:star::star::star::star::star: and <3! good luck
2010-09-08 03:32:00

Author:
Joey
Posts: 758


Well, the first puzzle wasn't a really challenge as I played it - as you mentioned: one grab only rotate one disk so it should be obvious after grabbing each of the four what the player has to do :-) I love that room. This is a pretty cool obstacle where you have to think a bit - and this is very rare on these days - also at the LBL-contest: most of the co-op levels there is just button-pushing without some, well more, complicated ideas for obstacles. Using the brain can never be a fault hehe.... thumbs up duffluc!!!2010-09-08 16:53:00

Author:
(___NEO___)
Posts: 206


Archaic Ascension

Positives:
I really liked your tower entrance and portcullis. Nicely done! I really liked your puzzles, the first spinning circle, puzzle, the three switch puzzle, the reflected light puzzle, etc.

The level was really fun to play, and I loved your scoreboard.

Suggestions:
The first mouth I came to had a typo. You typed "There's now way I'm going to make it.." when I think you meant "There's no way...".

I thought the end of the level could have had a lot more decorations.

Gameplay: :star::star::star::star:
Puzzles: :star::star::star::star::star:
Story: :star::star::star:
Asthetics: :star::star::star::star:
Overall: :star::star::star::star:

Please F4F Pyrostilskin's Mine (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=33949-Pyrostilskin-s-Mine). Thanks!
2010-09-08 22:07:00

Author:
RoharDragontamer
Posts: 397


Another awesome level from my friend Duffluc2010-09-09 02:11:00

Author:
Rynofire
Posts: 158


Thanks Joey, Rohar, Ryno. Ill get to your requested F4F's asap.


Archaic AscensionI thought the end of the level could have had a lot more decorations.

Hehe the beginning and end of the level are actually templates that were designed by the contest, and therefore cannot be modified. I wish I could spruce them up a bit lol but sadly, not allowed. Im thinking maybe after the contest adding my own beginning and end to polish the level off.
2010-09-09 05:34:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402


Hehe the beginning and end of the level are actually templates that were designed by the contest, and therefore cannot be modified. I wish I could spruce them up a bit lol but sadly, not allowed. Im thinking maybe after the contest adding my own beginning and end to polish the level off.

Sadly is right, then. It was the first 4 in 1 bookend level I've reviewed so I apologize for my ignorance. . I look forward to your feedback.
2010-09-09 14:53:00

Author:
RoharDragontamer
Posts: 397


Your Gothic tower is just beautiful! That dark granite and the snow go perfectly together and then you soften the starkness with some gorgeous lighting - really lovely. The treasure rooms make a nice contrast with their warmth and enclosed, almost cosy feeling.

The puzzles were beautifully done and looked stunning too. The one with the mirrors reminded me of kiminiski's Tomb Raider - Helgardh level (one of my favourite ever levels!) and you created the same atmosphere of mystique and ancient grandeur.

The gameplay with the puzzles and the treasure hunt was fun and absorbing. I managed finally to find all 5 chests so I'm now sharing top score with you in single player - yay!

I only had one minor niggle (and it is very minor). There were some layer switching issues, the most annoying being in the first treasure room where it's really hard to get the 5x multiplier simply because it is so difficult to jump properly into the chest.

Finally, it would be great if you could, as you mention, change the beginning and the end after the competition is over because the pitm ones really don't do the level justice.

:star::star::star::star::star: and a <3 My favourite of all your levels so far.
2010-09-09 22:17:00

Author:
shropshirelass
Posts: 1455


Okay, I've mentioned your level on my blog, hope this gets more plays 2010-09-11 05:59:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity
Posts: 5208


Thanks a ton for the review Shropshirelass! I've managed to resolve the issue with the layer switching, and am getting to work on a new beginning and end now. I'll publish the updated level after the competition is over, but that's not for another month or so, sadly. It means a lot to me to hear that it's your favorite of my levels, because It's my favorite of my levels too lol. I'm glad that you, and hopefully others as well, fell the same way!


Okay, I've mentioned your level on my blog, hope this gets more plays

Thanks a ton! I hope so too lol.
2010-09-11 09:04:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402


Great level there, Duffluc! Overall, it was a very enjoyable level. In the course of visuals, completely outstanding! There were beautifully placed correct, great material use, and the gargoyles were a great fit! Gameplay-wise, its was nearly spotless. I say nearly spotless because some points, such as the part with the two gargoyles rotating 90 degrees back and forth was just a tad too difficult near the end of the obstacle, but I managed to pass through it. I liked the element of treasure chest, even though I never ended up finding one until it said "treasure chest found". Anyways, I gave it a well deserved :star::star::star::star::star:!2010-09-12 03:27:00

Author:
Phosphorus15
Posts: 463


i love the middle 3/5ths of the level's look with the use of points and curves in the ornate windows and gates, and the fantastic celtic looping thin layers on moving spheres (the lock was epic). it felt like a really polished and pretty temple/fantasy level there. almost like snow queen 3 mixed with jackofcourse's multi-input mechanics and platforming.

i don't know what the details or requirements for the 4 in 1 were, but i think the beginning and end felt a little shoehorned in even though the concept of getting to mm towers was really cool. the middle section's epicness could use that space for some lighting effects, point opportunities and whatever else can be managed - maybe a little more sound sequencing on any moving mechanisms as well - that'd turn it into a faster paced fantasy romp imo. all in all a great play though, haven't played many of the 4 in 1's yet, but so far this was the best.

started playing oddysee series, and that stuff is really awesome, so i have to catch up on all your levels after this.
2010-09-13 16:08:00

Author:
Unknown User


Awesome level!

The visuals were great and you really managed to capture the feeling of exploring a strange temple. I loved the mechanisms and the custom switches used for the puzzles.

I recorded a video of the level:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78k-q97RkIU

Gave this level :star::star::star::star::star: and a <3.
2010-09-14 00:37:00

Author:
Gilgamesh
Posts: 2536


Wow, so I found this the other day when I was bored for a second, so I just surfed the cool pages...and recognized your name. I don't have much to say that hasn't been said earlier in the thread, but I mainly wanted to say that your architecture was superb and your inclusion of little secret treasure rooms was very well done and fun....I'll play it again soon to try and find them all.2010-09-14 05:10:00

Author:
Lockstitch
Posts: 415


Thanks for the feedback all! I'm very glad you liked the level.


i don't know what the details or requirements for the 4 in 1 were, but i think the beginning and end felt a little shoehorned in even though the concept of getting to mm towers was really cool.

Lol couldn't agree more. The beginning and end were templates all entries have to use. they took about 1/5th of the whole thermo, and after the competition I plan on releasing a revised and updated version that should add a lot more to the level. I couldn't even really blend them in better, because the thermo as it is now is absolutely maxed. Thanks!


Awesome level! ... I recorded a video of the level

Wow, I can't thank you enough! That's absolutely awesome, I really appreciate that hehe.

And thanks Lockstitch and sackfedora, glad you enjoyed the level!
2010-09-14 09:51:00

Author:
Duffluc
Posts: 402


I know this was for a contest, but are you planing to make another level with this theme?2010-09-23 11:24:00

Author:
Rynofire
Posts: 158


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