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The Cursed Clock Tower

Archive: 29 posts

http://lbp.me/v/yxyby8

The Cursed Clock TowerStellakris

Help rid the monks of the evil creature living in the attic of their clock tower. A steep, vertical ascend with a classic boss fight at the end. Might contain some frustrating jumps.
There are a lot of levels named 'clock tower'. Look for the one with my PSN (Stellakris), the icon of a clock with roman numerals on the second or third page of the search results. Or search for my PSN ID and the level is right there. I finished it a few weeks ago, but keep updating it with improvements.

Due to tall heights, it is easy to get separated from fellow players in this level; it is best played solo.

Some screenshots:

http://i.imgur.com/oMUd0.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ViAhb.jpg0

http://i.imgur.com/mu1Jp.jpg


Though it is my first submission here, don't hold back with your feedback. Thanks!


EDIT: I updated the level!
- Name slightly changed to a less generic "The Cursed Clock Tower"
- R1 stickers applied
- Unnecessary arrow signs removed
- Floor is now pretty
- Boss plasma attack nerfed
- Sponge block replaced by something more fitting the environment
- Adjusted the area around the pendulum slightly (it is a tough jump)
- A few other bugs
- Added a small joke where Quasimo tells you to meet the boss

Feedback of course still appreciated.

EDIT: now with video, courtesy of Trindall (http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/member.php?3569-Trindall).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBEwixJA9S4		2010-11-12 14:33:00

Author:
Antikris
Posts: 1340

I don't know why no one else has played this yet, it was loads of fun! The puzzles were puzzling, the visuals orginal and very well thought out, and the boss was very fun too! The only thing I have to say about it is the floor. I know you can't fix it now, but it just bugs me when you see the level floor, especially when it's a blank template.

It was still a great level however, :star::star::star::star::star: and a <3, very nice job!

For the F4F, would you mind playing the level in my sig? Thanks! 		2010-11-12 21:50:00

Author:
booXely
Posts: 654

Great level. I loved the use of the stain glass windows, they added so much to the level. I still have no idea how you accomplished that effect (unless you live a house with a ton of windows). The sense of height in the tower was amazing, I really felt like I was climbing something huge. I loved how one thing would go down, and another would go up. It made what would have been lackluster puzzles very clever and innovative.

I didn't even notice the blank floor until my second playthrough.

:star::star::star::star:		2010-11-13 13:46:00

Author:
Jaslow
Posts: 775

The pics look great...I'll give this one a go the next time I'm on! Welcome to LBPCentral by the way!

Edit: Really enjoyed this one. Original design and epic visuals accent this puzzling plat former!

Thanks...

Shawn		2010-11-13 14:39:00

Author:
shawneboi
Posts: 221

What an awesome level !
The pictures posted here were already attractive but the level was really a surprise for me.
Here are some feedbacks :

The good :
- The character design (simple but efficient)
- The stained glass window of course (how did you do that ???)
- All the pulley,weightstone and cog maginery (very inventive).
- The wood scaffolds
- The good choice of materials
- The whole architure (window frames, columns, etc)
- The pendulum (quite polished) and the bell (quite realistic)

The less good :
- With such a great level design, I would expect something else than the basic arrow stickers (but it's not a big deal)
- I would rather replace visible grabable switches by R1 stickers
- The design of the movable block is a little bit odd and out of place according to me
- Is the fire attack of the boss avoidable ? Because I didn't manage to dodge it once
- The first scaffolds collapsed when I walked in it and then I couldn't climb anymore
- The first time I went until the boss, the check-point didn't shine and as a result when I died (because of the fire attack remember ) I re-spawned in front of Casimodo with no pulley to go back to the boss
- Maybe the name of your level is too general, there is lots of levels with the same name on the community and it would be a shame if your level suffers from that.

Anyway for me this level is a masterpiece, It goes directly in my top-10
So I put a deserved :star::star::star::star::star: and <3 of course.
I would be curious to know your view on my level below, give it a chance someday if you have time, thanks.

Great job !		2010-11-13 17:43:00

Author:
onisdream
Posts: 80

Feedback:

Positives
+Windows looked really good in the level
+Characters were well done
+Design overall looked really nice
+Boss fight was fun and had no problems with that and like the idea of it

Negatives:
-Switch is showing on the lift that comes down after your press the button (minor problem)

Overall the level was very good::star::star::star::star:
F4F My level: SteamJunk		2010-11-13 18:55:00

Author:
Sabre_
Posts: 653

what an awesome level... totally unique vertical design, where falls set you back. some simple grab and swing and lever stuff, and you have some great character design there. obviously what stands out is how you complimented your very cool architecture with those amazing eyetoy caps. don't know how you got those so clean and perfect, but wow, good job. this was very fun multiplayer too. you really never left the context of the environment to fit in platforming obstacles, so they always fit the theme and mechanics. gotta respect that.2010-11-13 20:30:00

Author:
Unknown User

This has got to be one of the best levels Ive played all week. The platforming and problem solving is really good. Love your character design and your level design. Even though you used the ps eye for the mosaic, its still incredibly used and it set your level apart from others. The boss battle was well thought out but i do feel like you cant run from the plasma balls. The cover is too small and since the plasma come at an angle theres no where to run. Other than that it was a flawless level to me. 5 stars and a <3 definately.

In return can you play my level Steampunk Skallywags? The link is in my sig.		2010-11-13 20:34:00

Author:
L1GhTmArE
Posts: 519

Wow this level is superb! Everything looks outstanding; I'm especially impressed by your attention to detail in architecture and custom stickering. The character design looks great and works well with the level. It's cool to see that you cleverly integrated them into the platforming of the level too. You also did a great job of creating a large sense of scale, much like the game Shadow of the Colossus. Now onto the actual gameplay. First and foremost vertical gameplay is some of my favorite when it comes to platforming games, so that was a plus right of the bat. You did a great job of taking your chosen theme and transforming it into a platformer. The gears of the clock is a good example of that.

The boss fight was simple yet well designed making it feel satisfying to play. I like how even though you are barraged with plasma balls, they're still dodgable. My only complaint about the boss is that you can get spawned from the checkpoint and instantly die if he's right below it, which happened to me once.

Overall I think the level is fantastic in every aspect. Great job!
Edit: I just thought maybe you could've came up with a more original or interesting name rather than, "Clock Tower." I don't think it represents your level well.

F4F on my "Cumulus Paradox." Link's in sig, thanks.		2010-11-13 20:47:00

Author:
zynax555
Posts: 170

OMG!! this level is truly amazing, never seen such detail in a building, my wife who is a fan of the church of Notre Dame for its architecture has been amazed by your performance, and it really is impressive stained glass are perfect, the whole level design is phenomenal, i loved creating characters, fun, original and well knew how to make a familiar story a wholly independent story but fun, the game-play is fascinating.
The idea of scaffolding old and vertical path within the range is perfect, i have no words to say that your level is one of the best i've seen all the time it takes LBP 1 between us. Got a great job here and deserve to be famous, i would like you to level him into a spotlight.

Wellcome to LBPC. I've given :star::star::star::star::star: and obvious <3		2010-11-14 15:31:00

Author:
psyntens
Posts: 562

Wow! Your replies are so kind. I 'm overwhelmed; it is my first major level. I am only just starting with the free shape tool and since I am still bad at it, I decided to do an architectual level, so I could avoid the tool. The stickers are made with the eyetoy indeed. Originally I wanted to draw them myself (either with on paper or with the free shape tool), but I underestimated that part. I took snapshots of hires photos instead.


The only thing I have to say about it is the floor. I know you can't fix it now, but it just bugs me when you see the level floor, especially when it's a blank template.

I started off with the boss and his room and worked my way down. When I hit the floor I tried to select everything and move it all up a bit, which didn't work. So I settled with the Garden theme and its stone floor. But when I later added the stained glass stickers, the Garden background obscured a lot of detail in the windows. I'll have a look at it again and hope I won't break it if I cut it from the floor.


- The pendulum (quite polished) and the bell (quite realistic)

Originally ,I used the History pack's chinese bell, but that felt out of touch and I enjoyed making it myself. I like to think it taught me to appreciate "not perfect but just realistic enough". Also, only with a custom made bell could I make it into an obstacle with sound effects.


I would rather replace visible grabable switches by R1 stickers

It was only recently that I discovered this convention. I'll do that. I don't have that sticker in my inventory yet, by the way. Where is it found?


- The design of the movable block is a little bit odd and out of place according to me

I know what you mean and I'll see what I can do. I enjoy puzzles and obstacles that have some type of realism to them, some kind of practical use. Like the bell and the gears. The movable block does not match that train of thought and I only added it at the end, when it became clear that the jump without one is too hard.


- Is the fire attack of the boss avoidable ? Because I didn't manage to dodge it once

Yes. There is a small spot under the left wooden beam that you can hide under.


- The first scaffolds collapsed when I walked in it and then I couldn't climb anymore

I have seen that happen before. I don't know why I didn't glue that together...


- The first time I went until the boss, the check-point didn't shine and as a result when I died (because of the fire attack remember ) I re-spawned in front of Casimodo with no pulley to go back to the boss

I didn't know yet of spawn points that you can wire to and activate, but I do now. I will fix that.


My only complaint about the boss is that you can get spawned from the checkpoint and instantly die if he's right below it, which happened to me once.

I wanted to change that at one point, but the alternative was to have the spawn point inside an alcove in the wall. That would make for an alternative place to hide from the plasma and the moving boss. I like the idea of not being save standing still, so I accepted this glitch.


- Maybe the name of your level is too general, there is lots of levels with the same name on the community and it would be a shame if your level suffers from that.

Maybe I will repost it under a less generic title. It is however much easier to find someone's map by searching for their PSN handle instead of the map title, I noticed.

Thanks for reviewing my level! I'll take a look at all of yours.		2010-11-14 17:12:00

Author:
Antikris
Posts: 1340

It was only recently that I discovered this convention. I'll do that. I don't have that sticker in my inventory yet, by the way. Where is it found?
See this useful thread (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=23748-The-Complete-Guide-to-Secret-Materials-and-Stickers&highlight=laser+Metal+Gear+Solid)

Good luck with the promotion of your level, I hope you will be spotlighted 		2010-11-14 17:46:00

Author:
onisdream
Posts: 80

Likes:
-You've probably heard this a ton, but the stained glass is amazing. So detailed!!
-Camera angles were well placed
-Creative and challenging platforming (i.e. the cogs)
-Very cool how the pill like things had a weight to them and when they were pushed off the platform moved up
-Fun boss fight, very unique for a shooter boss with it motion and attacking pattern was cool

Improvements:
-Nothing from what I saw

Overall it was a really great level :star::star::star::star::star: and <3

Please feedback my "The Distant Crystal: Part 2"		2010-11-15 03:13:00

Author:
bmoney2310
Posts: 187

Whoa check out those pics, I'll definately be playing this later 2010-11-15 10:35:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

Wow, is that stained glass just glass material and stickers? It's gorgeous.2010-11-15 13:15:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115

Wow, is that stained glass just glass material and stickers? It's gorgeous.

Here are two shots from an earlier phase, without the stickering, showing what is material and what is not.

http://i.imgur.com/7f1r9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nPzLZ.jpg		2010-11-15 13:25:00

Author:
Antikris
Posts: 1340

Here are two shots from an earlier phase, without the stickering, showing what is material and what is not.

http://i.imgur.com/7f1r9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nPzLZ.jpg

They don't look that bad, but I'm glad you used the stained glass!		2010-11-15 15:33:00

Author:
booXely
Posts: 654

Really good job, beautiful, challenging, and fun.

Pros:
+the clock mechanics were cool
+the atmosphere, felt larger than life
+the glass was detailed

Cons:
-mentioned earlier, the floor
-I fell down near the clock and the raised ramp inaccessible

:star::star::star::star::star:and<3ed

great job and enjoyed the play

*as for F4F, I have several levels under "my creations".		2010-11-15 18:17:00

Author:
sascha_winter
Posts: 163

AMAZING, i played your level this morning and it was excellent, very different and original. You got everything right with the detail, the old wooden scaffolds, the pulleys, the clock and all the cogs, well done. The boss fight was good ( i loved how the colour changed when he done his fire attack) and well excecuted. And how can i forget the beautiful stain-glass window, and the sweet looking monks, a very well polished level. I give it :star::star::star::star::star: and a <3, and a <3 for you too. Well done

F4F, you could try my older level Tales from Steam City: Late Arrivals (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=36326-Tales-from-Steam-City-Late-Arrivals-*SPOTLIGHTED*) which also has a mini clocktower 		2010-11-16 10:59:00

Author:
Blanchrocker
Posts: 142

The hunchbacks are very well designed and have an excellent charm behind them and as for the stain glass windows, they are amazing and look really realistic. The camera angles are amazing as well and really wow you when you see the windows in full. Although the windows are amazing I think the rest of the scenery could do with a bit of work, even though the blandness of the scenery highlights the windows after a while it gets kind of dull, maybe adding some lights or decorations could brighten it up. The spikes were a nice trick but maybe add a checkpoint to just before them so that you don't need to cross over again. Have to mention those windows again they are just incredible. The platforming is hair raising mainly due to the sense of scale this level has when you get far up the tower and the cogs are the same as the windows in that they look really realistic and add a great artistic value to the level. I had to restart the level because I feel off at one point and a platform had risen up so I couldn't jump onto the cog to get up to the next level. The way the bridges work at the clock face is really neat and fits in well to the overall feeling of the level although the blue block does look a little out of place. The bell and the way it gets louder as you get closer to it are very well designed and look amazing. The effects and design of the boss fight are brilliant and really give the tension during the boss fight a boost but there could be more order to how the laser balls come down as it was very hard not to lose a life during them but the other attack of the bosses is perfect and the atmosphere change really leaves you with a sense of accomplishment. Overall this level is fantastic, it has amazing atmosphere, brilliantly designed artisic set pieces and platforming. There are a few flows but not enough to not make this a 5/5 and a heart. Well done dude.2010-11-16 18:48:00

Author:
shotgun_69
Posts: 157

Played this today. The monks are the first MM quality NPC's I've seen outside an MM level. Stained glass windows are breathtaking. Window frames and architecture in general is beautiful. Great gameplay that sticks close to the theme and title of the level. Great bossfight (if you find a way to nerf his laser attack a bit).
5 stars and heart+heart creator 		2010-11-16 19:12:00

Author:
SeanyC-SeanyDo
Posts: 115

Updated the level thanks to all your feedback. Details are in the original post.2010-11-19 21:50:00

Author:
Antikris
Posts: 1340

Thank you for playing my level. For F4F, here's my evaluation of yours. I'm writing this as I play it, so I don't forget

OK, the windows immdiatly stand out as amazing. I had to use the sticker tool to see how you did it (very good for PSEye pictures, which I've heard are low-quality). Loved the clock effect on the bit you had to grab (when one goes up and the other goes down). Lift is very nice. Also, I noticed at the bit before the big gears and the music intensified, there was a regular checkpoint. I would change it to Infinate, just in case. I'm not sure what to do at the big gear bit. I followed the arrow, but I'm standing on a lift (I think) and nothing's happening. Got it, climbed up a gear. I would make that a bit more obvious for dim people like me xD

I went to grab the pendulum on the right of the screen, but I fell down, whixh was annoying, and now I can't stand on the lift to climb up like I did before. OK, I restarted, I think I was stuck. Noticed more non-infinite checkpoints. They can be annoying in multiplayer, believe me. Turns out the thing I was going jsut gave a prize, which was also annoying. OK, at the bit with the ringing bell now. Swinging on the bell is a great idea, but I kept falling down. Again, probably my own stupidity. The boss was very unexpected, it seemed to suddenly appear. It's very good and original though, I like it. Well, that's it.

Overall, a very nice, original level. It's a bit fustrating at times, but it's probably just because I'm not very good. The ending was sort of abrubt, but I imagine with that amount of detail thermo was an issue. :star::star::star::star::star: from me 		2010-11-25 20:53:00

Author:
kirbyman62
Posts: 1893

Oh wow, this level looks stunning!
Just from those pictures, im already really interested in the level!
Definitely a 5:star: from me!		2010-11-27 21:26:00

Author:
Dialgax07
Posts: 94

Just from the photos, it looks visually outstanding. I'll give this a play when I've got the time.2010-11-28 00:43:00

Author:
eagerneph
Posts: 1536

Hey man forgot to ask can you give me some feedback for me new level. The link is below ta much.2010-11-28 14:44:00

Author:
shotgun_69
Posts: 157

Added a video to the original post.2010-12-01 09:40:00

Author:
Antikris
Posts: 1340

Many thanks for such a brillant level. I love the windows of the cathedral and the atmosphere in this level.2010-12-01 14:53:00

Author:
Unknown User

This looks interesting. Added to the list.2011-03-07 01:30:00

Author:
SnipySev
Posts: 2452


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