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The Ship Yard

Archive: 29 posts

Hey everyone, I have recently posted my new level, The Ship Yard. It is a platformer that takes place mostly underwater, and should be multiplayer friendly. I am relatively new to creating in LBP though, so I would like any advice more experienced creators have to offer, so I may improve the level to the best of my abilities. (I am going to work on a better level icon too) Feedback on any of my levels is much appreciated, and helps me get better at creating. I will also play your level and give feedback if you wish. Thanks!
http://lbp.me/v/xjqs6e		2011-02-08 01:28:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

Wow! That was both a humbling and an inspiring experience. This is easily MmPicked quality. It's one of the most well designed water levels I've played in any game.

I wish I had more constructive advice. The only problems I had were very nitpicky. The difficulty is definitely up there, but the infinite checkpoints offset it greatly. Also, getting to the last platform with the wave was a bit tricky, but far from impossible.

The oxygen points were perfectly placed. They kept the tension of the level without making you frustrated. It was also beautiful to look at. The nautical theme carried well throughout. A++ work.		2011-02-08 02:26:00

Author:
alexstone108
Posts: 15

Thanks very much! When I next log on I'll take a look at the platform at the end and make that bit easier. Thanks again!2011-02-08 02:31:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

I added your level to my queue, I will try it when I come back from work and I will review it. Try mine too! http://lbp.me/v/xgsskq2011-02-08 02:52:00

Author:
CuthbertAllgood
Posts: 10

Not bad...nice visuals and some very tricky underwater gameplay. I would suggest a few more air vents throughout...especially in the area with the three purple keys. I liked the idea of floating mines...I've never seen that before and got even better when they actually started chasing me down. Good times.

Shawn		2011-02-08 03:21:00

Author:
shawneboi
Posts: 221

I don't usually like water levels very much, but you did really well on this one. I liked that there were a good bit of secrets and scoring opportunities and the theme was really good. It gave a slightly confusing (but not too much) claustrophobic feel that works well with the theme. The only issue I could potentially see people having is the difficulty. However, I thought it was fine and the hardest sections were the mine sections which get easier the more you die. However, based on this, I think it might be a good idea to reward players who manage to get through without detonating many mines. Perhaps a hidden area that opens up with prize bubbles for anyone who manages to make it through. Another thing I noticed is that the keys in one section worked well for taking out mines. You might be able to add a secret area that is completely block off by mines that the player needs to drop the key into to get through. Once again very good job. If you have the opportunity, I would appreciate if you could try my level as well (only one I have posted here).2011-02-08 03:26:00

Author:
waffledogRTK
Posts: 22

That was really good! This should have way more plays than it does. *Looks* Oh, you only published it three hours ago. Well, hopefully it has more plays soon.

I liked the style and the use of materials. The way stuff is held together with string can sort of move around freely is neat. Also, the use of score bubble chains was good.

You might try replacing the strings on the mines with winches, since that will give them a chain graphic. If you give them zero strength they'll act the same as a string.

I wish the water controls were a bit better... (Not your fault of course.) In any part where I wanted to swim slowly, if I released X, I would keep going in the direction I was going, and run into whatever I was trying to slow down to avoid.

Could you try making the mines on a bit less of a hair-trigger? Like hook the impact sensor up to a 0.1 second timer and see if that makes them a bit more forgiving?

The weird octopus about halfway through confused me, I couldn't tell if it would hurt me if I touched it, so I swam around it. Right after that there was a little glowing area, and I couldn't tell what that was supposed to be. I tried going in there by grabbing, and then I realized I was running out of air so I swam ahead.

I liked how parts one and two used the same scene, so you had some continuity. I didn't notice it at first.

Good use of the 3D layers glitch, not too over-exaggerated.

Will you please play my Cave Story level? Thanks!		2011-02-08 04:43:00

Author:
phort
Posts: 74

Wow, thanks for the feedback everyone! I just played all of your levels and left feedback in their forums respectively. I will take a look at adding more air vents and fixing a few glitches. I would give the player a bonus for not detonating any mines, but I'm not sure if that data could be tracked between the first section and its sub-level. And giving the mines a timer delay wouldn't exactly help, it would just detonate the mines in .1 second instead of immediately. But I will space them out a little more and see if that helps. Anyway, thanks a lot!2011-02-08 17:50:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

The perfect example of a platformer done right.

Apart from being one of the best platformers i have played in a long time (i mean it), this also has to be the most unique and creative.

The way you have structured the level is fantastic, completely submerged from start to finish, including expertly placed checkpoints, bubble supplies and obstacles. I found myself actually enjoying the challenge of platforming, whereas mostly the LBP community just chuck out levels full of obstacles that are only slightly different than each other. The variety you have incorporated is excellent, and specific things caught my eye, like the bombs that react to you being in their vicinity, or the little challenges like the clam and pearls.

I loved the way you had the doorways to new areas hidden, i barely noticed any of them until I had unlocked them.

As always i appreciate good lighting and attention to theme the most. You did both excellently. The lighting created drifting moods as it changed subtly throughout the level. It also aided my path by showing me the areas i needed to progress to.

As far as theme goes, you have managed to create a huge world from such a small amount of style. All of the details fitted in perfectly and complemented the level as a whole.

It would be nice to see some bonus/hidden score bubbles or point yielding challenges. Little things stowed away, maybe a hidden room accessed through a closed chest that needs a specific key to be opened. Im sure you could easily create some suitable mini-challenges for such areas.

Other than that there is nothing else that i can see improving the level!

Incredibly good job.

If you have the time please take a look at my mini-game, link in my sig.		2011-02-08 20:45:00

Author:
Steve
Posts: 134

Awesome, i've added this level to my queue, i'll play it later tonight or tommorow.
In return, please try my level and comment honestly.

http://lbp.me/v/xk-j9v

Thanks!		2011-02-08 20:51:00

Author:
Unknown User

You're level was awesome mate, probably my favorite 'under water' level I've ever played. I only had two problems with it.

The key section: I have major gripes with this sections.

First off it doesn't really fit into your whole atmosphere. It all felt very mystic and mysterious. And then there are three glowing purple things that make no sense what so ever? Huh?

Secondly, you can easily just drop the key onto bombs to explode them, granted though you do have to first get past them.

Third, once you get all three keys onto the platform it plays a short movie showing you what opens. And that's fine, but while it plays you're still losing oxygen. so when the short cutscene ended, I only had 10 seconds of breath left. I went anyways figuring you would have thought of this and placed a bubble emitter. I was wrong and died though. So perhaps put one there, just a thought.

Other than that great level man. 		2011-02-08 22:35:00

Author:
LukeCF
Posts: 790

Thanks for the great feedback everyone. I will try your levels and leave feedback in their forums when I get the chance.

I attempted to make those purple keys look like pearls, as that was my original intention; however, it seems most people didn't take them as that. (I made them out of brushed steel, with a material key to allow grabbing) The lights on them were for looks, but also in case you dropped one out of sight. I'll try to change their material up a bit and change the lights to make them fit in more. And I originally tried to find a solution to not having your air depleting while the cutscene was going, but the best I could do was tweak gravity during that instance so your sackperson doesn't float up into a mine while it was playing. Perhaps I'll shorten the cutscene duration. And I agree there should be an air vent inside the cave, I'll put one in.

I like the idea of having a sort of side-area for points, so I'll look into that as well.

Thanks everyone!		2011-02-09 01:57:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

Excellent work! Had a great environment (totally a shipyard ^.^), and I love how the level doesnt "hold your hand" the whole way through.. Great design + nice challenge = fantastic gameplay!2011-02-09 02:36:00

Author:
Turkeyntz
Posts: 88

Alrighty, I have added a small room which branches off of the main course towards the end. This room is full of homing mines, but at the top is a chest filled with tons of point bubbles. I also made modifications to some of the sceanery and added air vents where needed.

RacingCreed: I thought your level was awesome, it reminded me of the tower of whoop level. It never got too difficult (for me anyway), but it wasn't easy either. I didn't really run into any problems, except maybe make the intro camera activate sooner. If you put a tag sensor somewhere, then right before you play the level put the corresponding tag in its range, you can trigger an event before the players even come out of the checkpoint. So you could hook up your camera to that. Just my two cents though.

Thanks again everyone.		2011-02-09 03:09:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

Wow. I almost don't feel worthy to leave a full feedback, but I know how much I appreciate detailed comments, so here goes:

Playability

As I said on my review, this is easily the best community water platformer I've played. The hazards are diverse whilst reminaing in keeping with your theme, and I absolutely loved the idea of the mines that sensed you nearby and moved towards you - it really added another dimension and ramps up the difficulty as you progress.

I also loved the area with the pearls to open the gate. It took me a minute to find the first key, (having completely missed the first through my own stoopidity) and then I was on a roll. Having them made of metal also keeps the stakes high, as even though you can use them as a shield against the mines, it still drags you around a bit and forces you to take care on the controller. Love this.

The whole level kept me interested all the way through, and I found it challenging, but not impossible. That's what I'm after in a platformer. Great job!

Looks

Stunning.

I could leave it at that really, but I won't. Considering how you've limited your material palette, you've done a great job with this. The limitations force a theme, and you keep everything tied in very well with lighting, and mood. It felt like a shipyard from start to finish, and the use of mines (lost underwater, forgotten by most) felt right.

Rating

Superb yay from me.

F4F

If you're able to review versus levels, I'd really appreciate some constructive feedback on mine. linky (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=48444-Little-Big-Robot-Wars-Versus)		2011-02-09 07:39:00

Author:
rialrees
Posts: 1015

Thanks a lot! I played your level, and I must say, I was impressed! (I turned on another controller to see what it was like) From the intro of the robots and the menu to the actual gameplay, I could definately see multiplayer being a blast. Everything played flawlessly for me, so good job! There's really nothing I noticed that needed any reworking. Maybe just make the menu select able to move up as well (not sure how hard that would be though). Awesome level!2011-02-10 01:19:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

Hey there. Just played this level and I really enjoyed it. It was a very good water platformer and the detail and thought behind it really showed through.

I really wish there as another checkpoint when you enter the level link after the first one. There is a space where you swim through 8-10 ways to die. Although, I must say when I finally navigated and made it to the next checkpoint the sigh of relief and elation that occurred made it worth it.

The Blue mines were wonderful. I think it may have been my favorite part of the level. I think it was an excellent and innovative utilization of the follower mechanic. I wasn't expecting it, and even when I was it made it all the more thrilling to swim so close to death.

I also enjoyed the logic puzzle. I think not because of its difficulty, I think it was the scavenger aspect. I knew what you wanted in the little cups, but I had to seek them out and they weren't sitting around all obvious. I think this was a pretty refreshing spin on something that I had seen before not executed quite as well.


I would really appreciate it if you could take a run through my F4F level - the details are below in my signature. Thanks!		2011-02-10 19:54:00

Author:
Jaydetiger
Posts: 64

Thanks for the great feedback! There is a checkpoint just before the first set of blue mines, however it is a little more out-of-the-way than I intended it to be. I will change it to activate with a player sensor, as it seems several players are passing it. I tried out your awesome level and left feedback in its thread. Thanks again!2011-02-11 03:53:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

+ I liked that this level had two parts and they were filled with different stuff. Not a lot of repetition here for its length.
+ I liked the mines that followed you.
+ I liked the chest you added. It was really satisfying finding it.
- Not a fan of spikes and water. It is hard to tell if your touching the spikes. I died a lot when I swear I wasn't touching them.

F4F https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=48072-Circus-Minimus-Maximus&p=766846		2011-02-11 14:05:00

Author:
OrangeTroz
Posts: 90

I played this level last night and really enjoyed it. The art was fantastic. Consistent and well thought-out throughout. Looks professional and is better than many of the MM Picks.

I found avoiding the mines to be quite tricky, especially the moving ones. However because the checkpoints were infinite and usually quite nearby, it didn't matter. In fact I found myself in a few places purposefully detonating the mines so I could slip through on the next try. Perhaps making the mines respawn with the player would be a good idea, if you don't want to go the finite-life-checkpoint route.

I also found it a little too difficult to get out of the water at the very end -- perhaps make the crates more buoyant, or the jump more forgiving. Was quite close to giving up, which was a shame as I thoroughly enjoyed everything else.

J		2011-02-12 07:40:00

Author:
PetPirate
Posts: 8

Added to my queue, will play it later tonight hopefully. F4F is in my sig, thanks 2011-02-12 11:38:00

Author:
agsrule
Posts: 89

So I just played it, heres my review:

Positives:

- nice visuals
- fun gameplay (and I don't like water levels that much, but it was great fun!)
- well combined "oldies" with new stuff (like the following bombs)

Negatives:

- sometimes I was a bit confused and lost the overview

I scream 'Yay', just for you!

F4F: https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=48028-The-Forest-of-Dreams-Wake-Up-!		2011-02-12 12:18:00

Author:
RedShadow_88
Posts: 100

Pros: Well designed level with a clear direction. I had fun playing this level and the feeling of swimming around a bunch of old sunken ships was there. I especially liked the part where you go into the caves.

Cons: The visuals as clean as they were felt a little stale after a while. I'm not sure how your thermo is doing but I think it would be cool to add some different wood textures to change things up a bit. I think it would be cool to add some more sea life too like eels, sharks, etc.

Conclusion: I't is a nice series of traditional side scrolling. The puzzle elements are there and I think it could add a lot to throw some variety like a chase scene or a current moving the water up and down that forces the player to move with the current to avoid hazards.

If you need help making some sea life I'm up for it. Just send me a pm on the forums 		2011-02-12 17:07:00

Author:
Siljin
Posts: 76

Thanks a lot everyone. My thermometer is full-to-bursting on the first stage, but the second one has a little more room. I'll see if I can tweak some stuff and add more... things!

I would have the mines respawn, but I'm not sure how I would get them attached to string again. And remember, dying deducts your score, so there is still sort of a penalty for running into them.

I shall also attempt to add more sea life, as was mentioned. Perhaps in the background layers, or in unreachable locations. (But they'll have to be in the second stage)

Thanks all for your great feedback, I will give your levels feedback when I next get the chance. Thanks again!		2011-02-12 22:15:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

Thanks for feedback on my Blackjack level! Here's my low-down of yours...

Overall, this is the best sea-themed level I've played since Distress In Ocean, brilliant stuff. The art design is excellent throughout, I loved in Part 2 when you had the eyes following you from caves, and the electric eel and crab. The air bubbles are spread at just the right intervals to make them challenging but not frustrating, while the difficulty level is perfectly balanced. As others have said, the blue mines were a really unique touch and a nice challenge. Perhaps the only bit I would change is the puzzle with the three purple cylinders - I figured out I had to move them somewhere, but the actual location wasn't very well highlighted. I would maybe include a short cutscene indicating this, or just use a different type of design to make it more obvious.

Added to hearted and a yay, great work and look forward to seeing what you're working on next 		2011-02-13 16:22:00

Author:
agsrule
Posts: 89

Thanks for the feedback, I added a small billboard over the three pearl slots that further indicates what you must do. Thanks again. (P.S. 100 plays! Thanks to everyone who gave the level a play!)2011-02-14 16:50:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

For any of those interested, I have just published my next level, Wood's Edge Ruins. Here is the thread link.
https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=49912-Wood-s-Edge-Ruins
If you liked The Ship Yard, I heartily recommend you give Wood's Edge a try. Thanks!		2011-02-17 22:40:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97

shipyard part 1 was fun
Airvents were well placed and scenery was enjoyable while i played
Shipyardpart 2:
there was an area with lots of tracking mines that i couldn see while swimming up to avaoid		2011-02-20 06:03:00

Author:
TSFRJ
Posts: 249

Alrighty, when I get the chance I'll adjust the camera view there. I have to take in consideration that as well as going up, you need to swim back down, so seeing below you is important too. Thanks for the feedback!2011-02-20 12:06:00

Author:
Jdsfrog
Posts: 97


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