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Tales from Steam City: Union Freight

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Tales from Steam City: Union FreightBlanchrocker
Its winter time time in Steam City, and as an employee of Union Freight, coming up to christmas, its your job deliver the 'Great Tree', but an evil plot is about to unfold.
You are an employee of the massive supply company called 'Union freight', every minute, these supply trams whizz through Steam City, delivering goods, but coming up to christmas, its your job to deliver the 'Great Tree', which marks the start of christmas. however, an evil plot is about to unfold, Steam Citys' most notorius villian, the 'Machiniac' is planning to steal the 'Great Tree', and therefore stealing christmas, forever. Until, you decide to take matters into your own little sack hands, and rescue the tree. YOU, are christmas' last hope. Good luck, and enjoy :star: oh, and i would like to thank Trindall for this excellent video NOTE: the video shows the entire level.
lbp.me link (http://lbp.me/v/t10b8m)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqN4jX31Nrw		2010-11-06 13:57:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

Alright another Steam City level. I'll check this one out the next time I'm on LBP1.2010-11-06 16:48:00

Author:
JustinArt
Posts: 1314

Feedbakz!!!

It was a fun level, with great visuals and some fun gameplay. I really can only nitpick here. When you first go into the factory, I thought the lighting changed a bit too fast. Maybe slow it down a bit? I though the visuals in the factory it self were good though, nice use of the 3D tool. The dialougue was a bit corny at times, especially the conversation with the Mechanic. I thought the ending was a bit lackluster though. When I walked in that room, I immediately expected an awsome boss battle, but ended up just walking away with the tree. I expect you ran into thermometer issues?

However, it was still a solid 4 star level, with a heart from me.		2010-11-06 22:04:00

Author:
booXely
Posts: 654

wow , looks great , i will play it 2010-11-07 09:35:00

Author:
TOXIC_KILLA_
Posts: 147

thanks booXely for your feedback, i didn't want to make the level too serious, have a bit of a laugh, and yeah im a bit dissapointed with the end myself, there was going to be a mech boss battle but my thermometer wouldn't allow me to place anymore, everything after the first factory was thermo-glitched (the factory itself took up 3/4 of the themometer), and though i had thermo spare, it wouldnt let me , however im gonna make a short level soon that will show the proper 'unseen' ending that i originally wanted , oh and ill change the light setting too.2010-11-07 10:06:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

Feedback:

Positives:
+Snowy steam theme looked really good
+Train that goes through the city is awesome
+3D layer usage looked good
+Buildings were okay
+Visuals looked great
+Scenary was good
+Gameplay was great

Negatives:
-The ending when your at the boss, I think it could of been more of a challenge like facing the boss and after defeating him take the tree like that instead of going in and just taking the tree away with ease.

Overall the level was a must play::star::star::star::star::star: <3 normally I never had gave a heart out unless it meet the style I like and I love using 3D and if its used the right way then you got my attention. Good job and keep up the good work.		2010-11-07 23:04:00

Author:
Sabre_
Posts: 653

Okay so I played all of your steam city levels but here is feedback from this one.

Positives:
?Loved the theme.
?I must agree with Sabre_ that the train is awesome!
?Consistent and fun gameplay
?the Background buildings were awesome.
?Good visuals and scenery (loved the snow)
?The platforming and effects were nice.

Negatives:
?Despite loving the comedy in the end with the boss i was actually hoping for a fight.

I gave it 5 stars and a heart just because I liked it.
And i liked the series so you earned one too.		2010-11-08 20:36:00

Author:
TheAffected
Posts: 626

Blanchrocker,

Your level was was absolutely incredible. This is the best I have seen in regards to using the glitch layering, with the background matching its forefront, it simply got me immersed in your level. Not only was it graphically awesome, but it was filled with even more awesomeness. The door opening from your bedroom to busting down the crates to enter or exiting ducts were again, just awesome. The train, well, awesome and the vehicles, well yeah, awesome.

Tales from Steam City: Union Freight = Pure Awesomeness

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

Sorry I couldn't give you any constructive criticism, I don't think it needed any! Would love your thoughts on my own level, thanks and great, excellent, awesome level!

UPDATE: So I ended up playing the level a second time showing its awesomeness to my wife and I did notice some magnetic keys to the left on the elevator in china town. Cheers!		2010-11-09 04:14:00

Author:
John82wa
Posts: 221

Thnx everyone, glad you like it, and thnx John82wa, i check out them switches in my other level 2010-11-09 08:39:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

Visually very nice, but the gameplay, level length and story fell well short of your last level, and my expectations.
With your last level you proved you can create lengthy fun gameplay, I implore you to bring this back with your next level/s.

Visual focused levels are all surface, and no core. The core of gameplay is what matters...to me anyway.
It's like biting into a hollow apple. It looks great, but ultimately unsatisfying. 		2010-11-09 08:59:00

Author:
midnight_heist
Posts: 2513

I played your level. Here is my take:

Pros:
Visuals were good and well done.
Story was very well thought out.
The level itself was very fun to play.

Cons:
Gameplay a bit short. I was having fun playing and then...it's over.
No Boss Battle. I was anticipating one.

Just a thought:
If the thermos is preventing you from adding anything else (like the boss), maybe you should make a Part 2 to this level. Kind of implement them together so that you will have what you wanted in your level.

Overall, a great level.

My F4F level -- The Oil Refinery		2010-11-09 18:04:00

Author:
Garak101
Posts: 101

Thnx everyone, glad you like it, and thnx John82wa, i check out them switches in my other level

So I foolishly played the 'already' spotlighted level, NOT the one your looking for feedback from.....hehehe.....oops. But it was very good

Will take a look at the CORRECT one, Union Freight when im on next


EDIT: Okay, so I actually played the correct level this time and I would still have to agree with what I said earlier...Still very very good. My daughter watched me play and she followed along intently as I read the dialog to her, she ended up playing it herself and she thought it was pretty darn awesome as well (who cares if she's 4, her opinion counts as well )

There is really no difficulty to the level and its too bad that you can't release a series in whole so that the peeps who want a taste for more action can get it when they face off with your villain. That way your individual level isnt judged off of those elements, but rather as a segment to an excellent story.

I noticed a few things playing through, when you enter the factory where the train is getting worked on (nice touch with the welder) there is a very simple crane that you hold onto and it slides to the right ever so slightly to lower a prize bubble. It appeared that one half of the claw was cardboard while the other was rusty metal. In this same room, the checkpoint raises up and the piston is visible, looking very out of place.

I dont know if it was intentional, but you have a rod holding up the duct system (on the right side only) that the train crashes into and half of it falls. Seems a little out of place, perhaps have another rod to the left of it attached to the ceiling but swinging a little to the left and right for the impression it was holding the other half of the ducts that came crashing down...

Any other suggestions would be the use of snowfall towards the very end. After all, you just saved Christmas!

I gave it :star::star::star::star::star: and <3 for the level and <3 for you as creator.

Superb Work!

(And if you have time, would still love to hear your thoughts and opinions on my level. Looking for that constructive criticism )		2010-11-09 18:17:00

Author:
John82wa
Posts: 221

Ok everyone thnx for the feedback, ill look into everything you have said, and i will be makin part 2 for this level soon, which will include the boss battle so be on the lookout for it soon. And in response to John82wa's comment about a series, i would do something like that, but the 'Tales from.......' levels are meant to be 1 off levels set in city, with my main level 'Steam City', being the first of a three part series, but i suppose i could create a new series as well , and just a side note to midnight_heist, i found your comment a little harsh 2010-11-10 19:39:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

... and just a side note to midnight_heist, i found your comment a little harsh
I'm only harsh because I care.
People who are good at making gameplay (like you in your last level) are rarer than people who can make good visuals (a dime a dozen imo).
When I see creators like yourself sacrificing gameplay for visuals it makes me sad inside. You are wasting a precious gift.
Gameplay is the core of video games, without it, games wouldn't be any fun. Are your favourite games the new ones with great graphics, or those older platformers where gameplay is the focus?
Even if your fav game is a new one, I'll bet it you love it for the gameplay.
Back in the day it was all about the gameplay because we didn't have the technology for nice graphics. Now that we can have that tech, it doesn't mean we should ignore the very thing that made games fun the first place, the gameplay.

I feel some people are just blinded by the visuals, letting the gameplay slide. I won't let you off that easy.

Did I say gameplay enough?		2010-11-10 21:01:00

Author:
midnight_heist
Posts: 2513

I'm only harsh because I care.
People who are good at making gameplay (like you in your last level) are rarer than people who can make good visuals (a dime a dozen imo).
When I see creators like yourself sacrificing gameplay for visuals it makes me sad inside. You are wasting a precious gift.
Gameplay is the core of video games, without it, games wouldn't be any fun. Are your favourite games the new ones with great graphics, or those older platformers where gameplay is the focus?
Even if your fav game is a new one, I'll bet it you love it for the gameplay.
Back in the day it was all about the gameplay because we didn't have the technology for nice graphics. Now that we can have that tech, it doesn't mean we should ignore the very thing that made games fun the first place, the gameplay.

I feel some people are just blinded by the visuals, letting the gameplay slide. I won't let you off that easy.

Did I say gameplay enough?

I played this one and the first thought that came to my mind was" Why am I playing it when I just watched the entire game played on the thread?". Really awesome detail in the game and some real clever puzzle ideas. I agree with Midnight in the sense that you're looking for honest feedback not sycophants who will tell you what you want to hear. If I could give you feedback on your post too, the video is supposed to be a teaser not the entire entree. How did you get it so sharp though? You've got the hard parts down pat, just need to work on level delivery and "receiving" if you know what I mean.		2010-11-11 00:24:00

Author:
KILLA_TODDZILLA
Posts: 653

The video looks awesome! Well done Trindall

I can smell a spotlight 		2010-11-11 07:34:00

Author:
mutant_red_peas
Posts: 516

Yes, i appreciate honest feedback, Its difficult to keep makin set-pieces that look amazing and that add to the gameplay as well, looks like i need to sit down with paper and pen and REALLY think hard about it, i'll try to put all this into my new level, so thanks for the honest feedback and a side note about the video, my friend Trindall recorded it for me, im sure he would tell what he uses if you PM him 2010-11-12 08:14:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

Nice, another Tales from Steam City level, I will check it out tomorrow night.2010-11-12 10:10:00

Author:
Unknown User

Beautiful level you have there. Love how you made all of the scenery and especially the machines. The platforming was smooth and very fun. Also liked all the action like when the train busted through the building. Was expecting a boss though. Felt like wierd ending the level with you taking the tree and he sits there and cry but i did enjoy it too because it was funny but i would rather he showed some resistence. Very well made level and plus im a sucker for steampunk now . 5 stars and a <32010-11-12 20:27:00

Author:
L1GhTmArE
Posts: 519

Hey there,
I played your level the other day and I thought it was pretty good. I still think it fell short of Late Arrivals, that level is just so brilliant it is a hard act to follow. The tram crashing part was pretty amazing, probably my favorite part of the whole level, but in the section after that I ran into some trouble. I don't know if I caught it between updates or something, but the grabbable things on the track near the three prong thing on a piston were not being emitted the first 4 times I played through the level. I got frustrated, turned it off, and the next day tried again and BAM! there they were. Also in this same section, the bolt holding the fan up was too loose, I kept getting the fan stuck against the wall and it wouldn't turn anymore, no matter what I did to try and free it. Maybe try tightening the bolt more of glueing the peices down and leaving the bolt there just for show. I still liked the level a lot, but again, not as impressive as Late Arrivals, great job though.4*s and a heart.		2010-11-15 01:05:00

Author:
Unknown User

oh right okay, ill check that out later, see whats goin on there, thnx 2010-11-15 09:53:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

Another great "Steam City" level. The visuals looked brilliant thanks to amazing layer glitches, snow effects, and detailed vehicles. The gameplay mechanics are great too thanks to some great ideas like the crashing tram. Overall, It's as impressive as the late arrival one. 5 :star:s and a <3.

If you like, play and F4F "The Hero Chronicles LV8 Phantom Planet part 1 and 2".		2010-11-17 02:27:00

Author:
JustinArt
Posts: 1314

First off I love the tram crashing through the wall, for whatever reason, I'm not quite sure why, but that part of the level really increased how much I liked the it. When I first entered I really didn't know what to expect but as I played through the level, I began to like it more and more. I thought you did a great job creating an interesting and atmospheric environment visually. I also loved seeing this type of environment in the winter time. I thought the gampelay was fun and matched the environment. Overall great level, definitely hearted!2010-11-29 05:17:00

Author:
zynax555
Posts: 170

Thnx so much for all the positive comments 2010-11-29 13:28:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

Hi Blanchrocker!

I've played your level and must say it's very funny!

+ Very good visuals
+ Good gameplay and camera angles
+ Nice 3D layer effects
+ It has a story and funny conversations
- The end is a bit too trivial as you don't have to fight the bad guy.
- Maybe it's a bit hard to find the hidden entrance near the snow man.

4 stars from my side, keep up the good work!		2010-11-29 17:44:00

Author:
jenne1980
Posts: 56

Hey Just returning the F4F! And I really like this level! it was so fun. And here is the feedback:

- The visuals are incredible and I loved the use of the 3D layer glitch
- The ideas with the christmas theme was really nice but you should consider changing it after christmas
- I did think there was going to be a boss but then when I realised there wasnt it was a bit of a shock
- At the point before the bandits, we got stuck because we didnt know where the require all switch was, so possibly have a timed pop-up which shows you were to go.
- At the end we kinda broke the tram and the wheels broke and covered the scoreboard.
- On that note I think that the ending has set it perfectly for a sequel! which would be brilliant
- I definetly think it deserves more plays for how epic it is!
- I really liked the set-pieces and obstacles which were very cool and unique

I <3 and rated :star::star::star::star::star: because it was one of the best levels I have played in a while

Thanks for the feedback on my level!		2010-12-08 21:33:00

Author:
AssassinatorRFC
Posts: 715

Why the heck every villain tries to steal Christmas? I think it's some kind of tradition.
Anyway, your level is simply brillant. A great union of atmosphere, visuals and gameplay. I really enjoyed it, expect... the end. Where is my boss battle? Every villain must fight before giving back Christmas.
So, here's a little pros and cons list:
PROS
+ Great atmosphere and visuals
+ Good gameplay, with a very nice use of scenic parts.
+ Some parts are really beautiful: the escape of the villain, the part when the minions shoot you...

CONS
- I would have expected some kind of boss fight
- A little short, but not so much.

Great level, congratulations. :star: :star: :star: :star: :star: <3
I'd like if you tried my level for F4F: "The Long Night of Mr. Krom" by xDante95x. You can find the thread clicking on "My Creations" under my nickname. 		2010-12-20 15:05:00

Author:
Dante95
Posts: 504

Thanks everyone for the feeback XD, i will definately try your level Dante95, i just watched the trailer and it looks very good 2010-12-21 11:08:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

Cool level!
I though you nailed the steam-punk atmosphere. Was that a pressure gauge on the stove in the beginning? Nice!
Overall the attention to detail was incredible.
I liked the scene where the train gets shot down.

I have to say though that I think it would have been nice if the boss had put up a little bit of a fight when I took his precious tree. His dialog was great, so that made up for it a little. His threat to return in LBP2 was funny.

I like the idea of have a specific location be the setting of multiple stories. I need to go play the other Steam City levels now.
:star::star::star::star::star:
<3		2011-01-07 17:20:00

Author:
skumchunk
Posts: 57

Hey Blanchrocker just want to say that this was brilliant.
I really enjoyed the winter effect over the city added a whole new dimention to the Steam City series.
I didn't really think this level lacked because there was no boss battle as it seemed to me to be more of a christmas special then a proper steam city level which made it stand out from the rest.

Definately the train crashing was the best part of the level.

Also great work on the lighting effects i really felt like my house i started in at the begining was worm and cosy compared with the outside city. Great effect and work good on you. Can't wait for the next part. Maybe a undercity level a more dark and bad part of town would be interresting experience with steam powered sewer rats, i would like to see that. I've actually been working on ideas for steampowered creatures but havent made any full models yet as i went more to creating Bioshock type steam stuff sort off (WIP) dont know if i will carry on with them but your work has given me some interesting ideas making me think i should keep building them although i'm running out of room on my world. Might need to creat another profile.

Wish i thought of steam city concept thanks for the great games i had alot of fun playing them and will get my friends to play them aswell.		2011-05-24 12:27:00

Author:
Lordwarblade
Posts: 761


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