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Old Existence by O-Tera

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Old Existence

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1190/5159160284_bcb3bd974b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55176054@N05/5159160284/)
[/url] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55176054@N05/5159160284/)
CREATED BY: O-Tera
REVIEW BY: John82WA

'Old Existence' statistics reads 702 plays and a mere 73 hearts as of today's date, November 8th 2010. Most likely, those numbers would certainly signal a level on the rise with true potential being published just a short few months ago. But the thing is, this level was first published in August of 2009. Yes, over 1 year ago and has had its most recent update in November 2009. With that being said, is it poor exposure that's holding a great level a secret or is it just another mediocre entry into the LBP universe? Lets dive into the, 'Old Existence' and find out whats so special about this little known level...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/5159160274_272dfd4435.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55176054@N05/5159160274/)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/55176054@N05/5159160274/)
The first thing you notice when you dive into this level is the simple use of materials. You won't find several materials or surfaces to look at nor a grand title that some of the famous levels of today use. What 'Old Existence' brings to the table is not entirely a grand epic adventure or a graphical presentation to blow the socks off of veteran LBP gamers, but what O-Tera did do, is brought an excellent action/platformer to us with the actual feeling of, well, action!

Graphics are like I mentioned, not fantastic, but the Egyptian feel and sense of age was done quite well. You traverse over old ruins, platforms, statues, and over spikes. The enemy's that you approach in the level are simple but feel authentic to the world. There's really no use of rough metal or industrial material, mostly just organic materials to keep with its theme. The final boss battle was certainly a treat. Again, it was simply done, but it didn't need to be overly complicated. Textures on the boss were done well and while it was quite stationary, it had the versatility to keep you on your toes.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/5159160282_018545470a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55176054@N05/5159160282/)
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/55176054@N05/5159160282/)
The Sound and music was one that left a little to be desired. There were no audible environmental sounds as O-Tera stuck mostly with the musical score to build up anticipation to it's final conflict in the end of the level. Naturally, anytime you hear the Metal Gear Solid battle soundtrack pop on, you know your heading into something that won't be too friendly on your little sack person. It did however, match the music to the level appropriately and stuck with one soundtrack only up until the final moments.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1123/5159160318_ce4fbf6d78.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55176054@N05/5159160318/)
[url=http://www.flickr.com/people/55176054@N05/] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/55176054@N05/5159160318/)

Game Play was the biggest strong point in 'Old Existence'. It was done absolutely fantastic. The platforming was simple and not difficult, it was the stationary enemies that made this one interesting. The Paintinator was your friend all throughout, shooting your enemies while they hurl out plasma balls in your direction. O-Tera didn't use much in way of the layering system as the level broadly used one layer only with the exception of an escape route from your enemies attacks or an occasional spot to obtain score bubbles. The final boss was exceptional and very well balanced. With plasma balls, missiles and something a little extra you will need to see for yourself. Luckily you have an infinite life checkpoint just prior to facing this versatile boss. With awareness and the keen eye to finding its pattern, you just might get by with only a life or two....if your lucky.

Final Thoughts of 'Old Existence' is that it was a general build up to an excellently done boss battle. While everything else left a little to be desired and the length was quite short, it was an action game at heart. If you like good action and a great boss, this one is for you. If not, its still worth the look...

It's truly a shame no more updates were completed with this level as this one could be a hands down 5 star level but unfortunately with its few shortcomings,
I rate this level :star::star::star::star:

Thanks for reading the review! Please let me know if these Reviews interest you.

John82wa
2010-11-08 20:40:00

Author:
John82wa
Posts: 221


Wow, nice writing here. It's a well-produced review.

Do you happen to take review requests?
2010-11-09 10:20:00

Author:
figuer39
Posts: 108


When I first started this I was a little hesitant to doing any sort of review for those on LBPC. Feedback is slightly different as your 'looking' for constructive criticism. Most of the time, I look at review's as a final conclusion to a finished level.

So I will take a look at it and write a review for others, but I highly recommend getting F4F first because I will treat it as a completed level by its creator. So, to answer your question, yes I will just let me know which one and I will try to do it as early as I can.

John82wa
2010-11-09 18:09:00

Author:
John82wa
Posts: 221


Oh, worry not, my level is definitely on its final version ever. I've already had a good share of F4F and I've polished everything I would potentially polish. I just want to read your thoughts about playing it.

Well, my level is a jumping challenge level that gets progressively harder as you go on. If you want to play the full experience, I recommend you to set the game so you can pick up prize bubbles.

Level name: Onion Gale
PSN: NiKfY

Thanks for picking it up, dude. Awaiting for your review.
2010-11-10 09:19:00

Author:
figuer39
Posts: 108


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