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Vectroids (MM Picked!!!!!!)

Archive: 68 posts

Hello!


Well, it's been a while since I published a level. Obviously, I'm pretty excited about the LittleBigPlanet2 tools and I wanted to release something interesting for my first released level.


So, here's the project:

Build a complete arcade game with all the trimmings, deep and challenging game play, and a lot of replay value. I wanted to build a game similar to "Asteroids", however I didn't want to the result to be simply a smaller LittleBigPlanet version of the original. I didn't want to create simply a survival challenge where I randomly throw objects at the player until they die. I wanted to build it bigger and better, with additional game play elements not found in the arcade version.

The Result? Vectroids!

Vectroids Features:

7 stages
2 unique power ups
Wrapping asteroids (controlled by several hundred emitters)
Many unique enemies in addition to the standard Asteroids enemies
A 5 life system
Custom designed destruction for every different enemy
Some pretty planets and stars in the background
A round scrolling screen
A few additional surprises if you survive long enough....

Have a go and let me know what you think! Here's some low-res images for you to enjoy:

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/CubbageC/Vectroids/Vectroids6.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/CubbageC/Vectroids/Vectroids3.jpg

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/CubbageC/Vectroids/Vectroids2.jpg
http://lbp.me/v/xrebq7		2011-02-13 00:43:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Queued. Been looking forward to your first LBP2 shooter!2011-02-13 00:53:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Also queued. I've been looking forward to seeing what you can create with the new LBP2 tools.

My F4F level is in my sig.		2011-02-13 01:31:00

Author:
Entity
Posts: 274

Great work! Very polished and a cool look with the vector holo shapes. I was skeptical of anyone creating an arcade game in LBP2 that was actually fun to play...but you certainly pulled it off. The powerups added some nice variety. I found the controls a little awkward at first (for some reason I kept wanting to aim with the right stick) but I got use to them.

Anyway a fun little diversion to end today's create session with...I'm really liking the "recent activity" menu.		2011-02-13 01:52:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214

Vectroids (http://lbp.me/v/xrebq7) by CuzFeeshe

Design:
The design was good with really bright and vivid retro colours, which as stated in other reviews i love.
The ship was good as it is a retro style game and needed a retro style ship, anything else would of looked out of place so i think you go it spot on.
The outline effect on everything was genious, it really took me back to old school gaming days, when gaming was about having fun and letting off steam so on this point i award :star::star::star::star::star: for Design

Sound:
Sound again was good, retro arcade style with not one blip in any of the actions you preformed, just a suggestion tho maybe add a few more SFX in or maybe add a music track in the background, but not very loud.
So for that reason only :star::star::star::star: for Sound

Gameplay:
gameplay is amazing, i played it 3 times in a rown and i will deffinatley be going back at some time to play more, lots of re-playability in any game like this, but you can see the effort that has been put into the level and it makes me want to play it more, deffinatley :star::star::star::star::star: for Gameplay

Overall:
my overall opinion of Vectroids is its a great little top down Retro fun game, that i guarantee people who appreciate the older arcade style games will love and want to play again and again and again.
Everything is down to a T, and alot of work and effort has been put in, and apart from one other minor factor (for me) this would of gotten a perfect score, but its awarded :star::star::star::star::star: for Gameplay

Other:
Nothing to add :star::star::star::star::star:

Overall star rating is
:star::star::star::star::star::star::star::star::s tar::star::star::star::star::star::star::star::sta r::star::star::star::star::star::star::star:
24 STARS

I hope you like my review, check my siggy for my review thread i have just started, do you mind if i post this up on that thread? Also on the recomendations page.
Also in spirit of F4F please review my level in my sig also.
thanks.		2011-02-13 02:33:00

Author:
steadler
Posts: 180

Hey CCubbage, took a run through this one tonight. Very impressed. I loved the title screen, very nice! I only played it twice, so I'll be back for more of that fantastic gameplay.
Great work man!!		2011-02-13 02:42:00

Author:
smasher
Posts: 641

Quite a fantastic throwback to a classic arcade game!


PROS: Vivid color palette and faithfully recreated vector graphics really bring the nostalgia factor while the power ups and enemy variety add a new twist. The sheer number of emitters required to get wrapping meteors is rather impressive and shows the authors commitement and dedication. The intro scroll over the text is classic and made me enjoy playing the game prior to even playing it.

CONS: The toolset's inability to teleport the player makes a screen wrapping spaceship impossible. This caused me much duress as I attempted to screen wrap at full throttle more than once. This isn't an issue with the level, so much as the rules of Asteroids are ingrained into my synaptic response.

Suggestions: Nothing, I think it is an absolute winner as it is. The amount of time you must have spent on it is readily apparent and it is an instant classic. Hearted and smiled upon.


Please give me feedback on the 2 part level in my Sig as per F4F, thanks in advance and keep churning out the awesome!		2011-02-13 03:18:00

Author:
Unknown User

Thanks, Steadler, for the nice review! You can certainly put it up on a review thread.


Sound again was good, retro arcade style with not one blip in any of the actions you preformed, just a suggestion tho maybe add a few more SFX in or maybe add a music track in the background, but not very loud.

Strange - there's a music track in the background - and, in fact, I change the track several times during gameplay later on. There should also be quite a bit of sound effects.

I have your level queued up for next time I'm on - definately tomorrow.


CONS: The toolset's inability to teleport the player makes a screen wrapping spaceship impossible. This caused me much duress as I attempted to screen wrap at full throttle more than once. This isn't an issue with the level, so much as the rules of Asteroids are ingrained into my synaptic response.

I totally agree. The reason I didn't wrap the player ship, however, was for a different reason - the toolset allows it, however when I wrap the asteroids since I can't make them come out at the exact angle from the emitter on the other side of the screen, I realized the ship could die cheaply coming out from the other side of the screen. I ended up going with the round arena just to change it up from Asteroids enough to make the design forgiving.

I've queued up your level to check out!		2011-02-13 04:23:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Hmmm... Ccubbage somebody?

Yeah.. I'll play it. 		2011-02-13 04:38:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Strange - there's a music track in the background - and, in fact, I change the track several times during gameplay later on. There should also be quite a bit of sound effects.

I have your level queued up for next time I'm on - definately tomorrow.


It was late, like 2:30am lol, i straied to hear it but maybe my TV was too low, i should of taken that into account, and i will replay that again today at higher volume levels to get the best experience possble in this game.
Sorry for the mistake in my review and congratulations at a 25 star review when i notice i am wrong, good start to my reviewing here at LBPCentral.com.		2011-02-13 09:28:00

Author:
steadler
Posts: 180

will play it ! cannot wait 2011-02-13 09:52:00

Author:
TOXIC_KILLA_
Posts: 147

After admiring possibly the coolest intro screen I have seen in LBP I was quickly brought back to my childhood in the best possible way with flashes of Asteroids on the Atari 2600. I knew I would be in for something special!

This level is old-school in every sense of the word. Games like this would often seem unfairly tough but with each playthrough the player would recognize their mistakes and adjust their strategy (and man is there a lot of strategy here!). Strategic thrusts, subtle drifting, knowing when to stay still, knowing when NOT to go for that enticing power-up beckoning in the periphery. The level encourages replay and it becomes addictive once you grasp the nuances of the design. This is one of the few mini-games where I actually care about my place on the scoreboard and will keep playing until I have a respectable position (currently 6th)

Visually this does everything right, a pure throwback to the glorious arcade games of yesterday. Great choice of blue for the basic asteroids, green spaceships were cool, the red mother ship really stood out when it came boosting onto the playing field and seeing those white ships come attacking upon it's destruction was very cool indeed. I love the destroy animations which are very faithful to the classic. I am guessing you used about a million emitters to make this all work?

Ultimately this level is a must play and an instant classic. I already consider it amongst my top 3 mini-games and I suspect I will keep playing in in hopes of achieving the top spot. Fantastic work, here is a heart and a smile 		2011-02-13 10:59:00

Author:
OCK
Posts: 1536

Wow! This looks amazing!

Queued!

(feedback will be left here after I play)

Little creators have the ambition to vastly improve a classic arcade game. I can't wait to play it, it looks completely awesome!		2011-02-13 11:05:00

Author:
mutant_red_peas
Posts: 516

Very good game! The visuals and sound effects were spot on! If it wasn't for the score counter at the top-left of the screen, I would've forgotten I was playing LBP.

It took me a while to get used to the old-school controls, though. That's probably due to playing hundreds of twin-stick shooters. Nice to see you're doing something different. 		2011-02-13 11:54:00

Author:
Entity
Posts: 274

hehe... I beat OCK! In fairness it took me 21 trys

just got to a very cool section where it all changes before dying... now I'm going to have to try again another 20 time to see what the heck was going on there!		2011-02-13 15:03:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

Looks great! For sure going to play.2011-02-13 15:46:00

Author:
The Adventurer
Posts: 13

hehe... I beat OCK! In fairness it took me 21 trys

just got to a very cool section where it all changes before dying... now I'm going to have to try again another 20 time to see what the heck was going on there!

I'm up for some friendly competition so I vow to pass you on the scoreboard before the days end. 21 tries? That's what I call dedication I am very curious to see what surprises there are further in the level so that alone warrants further replay.

EDIT:

Took me about 8 tries but it's done, your turn The level just started changing but I was down to my last life and nerves got the best of me. I want to see what happens next!!!		2011-02-13 15:49:00

Author:
OCK
Posts: 1536

I played your version of this during the beta. I was impressed by the visual improvements you made to it. It takes some getting used to the fact that its not a twin stick shooter as I'm so used to playing these days. I never played the arcade back in the day but it seems you might have improved upon the original game. I liked all the added bonuses and powerups that were added since the beta version. The whole feel of the game is very polished it could almost pass for a PSN download lol. Anyway I could get addicted. Hearted for sure.

If you get the chance, try "Jersey S'mores" for F4F. Thanks.		2011-02-13 17:14:00

Author:
antman
Posts: 84

ill be back on it after dinner been looking forward to playing it again. i am then changing my review to 25 stars for the mis-understandinng on my part about sound.2011-02-13 17:21:00

Author:
steadler
Posts: 180

I hate to have to ask this, but how are you destroying the little tiny blue asteroids? They seem to be capable of hitting my ship for a tick or two after I've blown them up. Lost quite a few lives due to my odd play style of not moving at all and shooting whatever's closest - one of them will be right next to me, it'll explode, and then I'll explode as it moves closer for a tick or two before actually disappearing. I had to change how I play to actually dodge things I know I could have shot out of the way.

The music was very quiet for me as well.

I'd also like to see more bugs in the red section - it was a little boring just drifting through with nothing to shoot.

But those issues are inconsequential as I had a blast (once I figured out I had to dodge earlier than normal), especially in that last wave. <3
Between this and Vertigo you've single-handedly got me hooked on LBP. 		2011-02-13 18:37:00

Author:
Loius
Posts: 342

This is now an official NM Pick. NM for NinjaMic.2011-02-13 18:44:00

Author:
Unknown User

Played this a couple of times and managed to get into 2nd place! Stage 7 gets a bit crazy.

This is a fantastic level, very highly polished and most importantly it's just great fun. The visuals are nice (love how all the asteroids break apart), the sound effects are good, and in fact the whole experience was good. Hearted it and I will definately come back to try and take the number 1 spot on the leaderboard.

A few feedbacky-type things to mention:

I like how you can skip the intro. The intro is good but it's always more important to jump right into the action in my opinion.
Kind of related I also like how you've got two control schemes, but you have to sit through the intro to change it. Well actually you don't have to as I realised a few tries later, you can press square during the intro and then skip it, but I didn't realise this at first. Maybe first make it skip to the controls/info screen, then X again to go to the level? Or even allow the control scheme to change whilst you're playing.
The delay whilst respawning took a bit long. Not sure if it's like this for complex logic reasons or just to provide a break, but it felt a bit too long.
Stage 6 was really interesting. But after you defeat the enemies the pace really slows down as you wait for the red wall-thingy to leave the screen. Maybe a couple more enemies here?
Not a big issue, but I'd like a way to earn extra lives, maybe one at 10,000 points, 25,000, 50,000, 100,000 etc.


For F4F, I'd appreciate it if you could take a look at my Close Encounters fo the Herd Kind level in my sig. It is multiplayer only though.		2011-02-13 19:30:00

Author:
Nuclearfish
Posts: 927

I never played the arcade back in the day but it seems you might have improved upon the original game. I liked all the added bonuses and powerups that were added since the beta version. The whole feel of the game is very polished it could almost pass for a PSN download lol. Anyway I could get addicted. Hearted for sure.

Thanks! Yes, I tried to take the original Asteroids, use the same basic mechanics, and improve on it quite a bit. I didn't want to do a "little version" of another game. I've got your level queued up and ready to go!


I hate to have to ask this, but how are you destroying the little tiny blue asteroids?

Generally, I've found if I destroy something and in the same logic sometimes the emitters and other logic on the object fail. On every object in Vectroids, the destruction happens .01 seconds after the explosion starts.... which, by the way, when I went back and played the original asteroids seems to fit pretty well. If you shoot something too close to you, you seem to get destroyed.


The music was very quiet for me as well.

I'll see if I can kick it up a touch - I'm playing it on a high end 7.1 surround system, and right now the pumping of the music in the background sounds about right. It's possible on other people's systems they aren't hearing it the same.


I'd also like to see more bugs in the red section - it was a little boring just drifting through with nothing to shoot.

I may leave this idea the same, but change up that last part a bit. I agree with you, but the pattern you have to fly through I felt would be too difficult with too many bugs running around. I have an idea of something I'd like to do - I'll probably implement it tonight. If it works, I can have more bugs and such.


Between this and Vertigo you've single-handedly got me hooked on LBP.

Thanks! Vertigo is one of my favorites still - too bad it completely broke in LBP2....


Kind of related I also like how you've got two control schemes, but you have to sit through the intro to change it. Well actually you don't have to as I realised a few tries later, you can press square during the intro and then skip it, but I didn't realise this at first. Maybe first make it skip to the controls/info screen, then X again to go to the level? Or even allow the control scheme to change whilst you're playing.

Yeah - I JUST put the additional control scheme in because I was getting tons of messages from people who didn't like the controls.... although they are faithful to the original Asteroids - I get the feeling that generation may be disappearing.... I never meant to have 2 control schemes. I may go back and do what you suggest as time allows, but I'd rather people experience the classic controls. The rotator controls just don't feel right to me.


The delay whilst respawning took a bit long. Not sure if it's like this for complex logic reasons or just to provide a break, but it felt a bit too long.

I believe there was a logic reason for this... I honestly just can't think of what it is at this point. In fact, it's possible the reason doesn't exist anymore now that a lot of the logic is refined. I'll have to lower the time and see if I get any strange side affects.

I added your close encounters level to my queue - can't believe I missed that one.


Thanks, guys! This has been the best release I've had in a really long time. I think I'm not more in my element with LBP2 - I was fighting LBP trying to do my gameplay ideas until I wore myself out.



EDIT: Ok, made the respawning quicker, upped the music volume a bit, and added a sound when you change the control scheme at the beginning.		2011-02-13 20:07:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Yeah - I JUST put the additional control scheme in because I was getting tons of messages from people who didn't like the controls.... although they are faithful to the original Asteroids - I get the feeling that generation may be disappearing.... I never meant to have 2 control schemes. I may go back and do what you suggest as time allows, but I'd rather people experience the classic controls. The rotator controls just don't feel right to me.

Ah, didn't know you'd only just put that in. Yeah, I prefer the rotator controls, it seems more natural to point where you want to aim. I guess that's why it's good to have the option because everyone will always have their own preference. 		2011-02-13 22:08:00

Author:
Nuclearfish
Posts: 927

same as Asteroids

Yeah, that's pretty likely. I remember having some issues with Asteroids too. Ah well. I've figured out how to dodge early now, so it's no big deal.

Hooray, #1 score! <3
That won't last long.		2011-02-13 23:19:00

Author:
Loius
Posts: 342

Balls in your court OCK!

This is for the record the most addictive minigame I've played in LBP2.... Im killing your play heart ratio... but hey... I can't help it.		2011-02-14 00:18:00

Author:
wexfordian
Posts: 1904

This is for the record the most addictive minigame I've played in LBP2.... Im killing your play heart ratio... but hey... I can't help it.

Heart ratio doesn't matter anymore - they're showing the unique players now. That actually makes me want to fly over to England and give the designers of LBP2 a big, wet kiss..... but I'm afraid I might get arrested....		2011-02-14 01:03:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

This is such a great level...I like it more each time I play. I think I'm 3rd now...that last stage gets crazy. I tried the rotator control scheme...classic is defintely the way to go. I get sad every time the tripple shot wears off...love that powerup! 2011-02-14 01:58:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214

Yup, good stuff.
It's real fun when your in a pickle, and you're boosting all over the place.
Personally I feel the menu could be better, and totally agree with NuclearFish about the skipping into the into, but everything else is great.
And thanks for putting in the joystick rotator controls. Having the option is great design.
I use to hate it when invert aim wasn't an option in shooters.

#2nd place btw Maaaad skills (http://knowyourmeme.com/i/000/052/812/original/Deal_with_it_dog_gif.gif?1275684729).		2011-02-14 07:25:00

Author:
midnight_heist
Posts: 2513

Holy Shnikies!!!!!! I just realized this got MM picked!!!!!!!

(and NM picked!!!!!!)

(... does a little dance around the room wondering if I'll be able to pay attention at work today... )		2011-02-14 13:11:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Bah, I am no longer in the top 10, looks like it will be a busy week! I'm coming for you Wex

Congrats on the MM pick, well deserved 		2011-02-14 13:18:00

Author:
OCK
Posts: 1536

Holy Shnikies!!!!!! I just realized this got MM picked!!!!!!!

Congrats! This level really deserves the nod...and this bodes well for MM picks in general! Althought the NM pick is probably the more coveted honor. 		2011-02-14 13:19:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214

Congrats on the MMpick Cuzzy!
I'm playing this as soon as I get online... can't wait!		2011-02-14 15:54:00

Author:
poms
Posts: 383

Well this was certainly something different... and I liked it! I'll be aiming for the top 10! Or at least the top 100...

Congrats on the MM pick!		2011-02-14 17:48:00

Author:
blizzard_cool
Posts: 752

Congrats on the MM pick CCubbage When I finally get some free time I'm going to play the heck out of this one.... you know how it is.2011-02-14 18:15:00

Author:
Morgana25
Posts: 5983

Really good stuff I played it before when I just randomly saw it on the community pages with just a handful of plays on it.

You pulled off the vector graphics perfectly and the intro is great, I have no problems with it. I was wondering why it barely had any views and if it'd be MM picked, and looks like my question was answered Congrats!		2011-02-14 18:19:00

Author:
Foofles
Posts: 2278

Great level, but the traction of the ship is pretty bad.

VISUALS:
The visuals of the level looked spectacular. It has solid retro style ships and cool background. Cool opening title too.

SOUND:
Good retro sound effects and usage of "The Cosmos" interactive music.

GAMEPLAY:
The gameplay is like an retro shooter game with a new background twist. As I mentioned before, the traction of the ship is repetitive, making it harder to dodge the asteroids.

OVERALL:
This level is a blast, and congrats to this level for being picked by Mm. A yeah vote and a heart.

F4F "Cybernetic Adventures Alpha"		2011-02-14 20:05:00

Author:
JustinArt
Posts: 1314

Great level, but the traction of the ship is pretty bad.
Totally appreciate your viewpoint.... but I sat down with the original Asteroids and played them side-by-side for several hours in order to get the behavior of the ship to be perfect. Part of asteroids has always been the feeling that you're floating - when I was a kid and used to pump quarters into it, I hated to start drifting because I knew once I started it would be hard to stop.

I also realize there will be a LOT of people who won't appreciate this and be used to some of the current "forgiving" shooters, but part of the point of this game is to keep the strategy element of floating, not shooting all the big asteroids into little ones all at once, and thinking throughout the process. Once a player realizes this, and puts the time into practicing the nuances of the drifting and powerups, this level becomes extremely addicting.

I know it kind of looks like it, but this isn't a quickie game - to enjoy is is gonna require a bit of time.

I'll queue up your level right now. 		2011-02-14 20:20:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Q'd

Awesome

Cackfog		2011-02-14 20:32:00

Author:
cackfog
Posts: 59

PLAY MY LEVELS, DEFEND KFC IS A FPS and SHOCK EFFECT IS A PLATFORMER!!!! JOURNEY OF DESTINY 3 HAS MULTICHOICE!!!

Umm..... dude, I think you have the wrong forum.... have you tried LittleBigWorkship? 		2011-02-14 20:55:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Well I just had my best run, beat wex's score by 250 points lol (ball in YOUR court friend ). I have to say that the part with the spiders is pretty killer. You need nerves of steel to navigate through those red corridors!2011-02-14 22:25:00

Author:
OCK
Posts: 1536

look great, i like how everything is made of lines as it suppose too and animation are moth compare to other remakes of astroieds and i really liked the intro2011-02-15 05:13:00

Author:
Shadowriver
Posts: 3991

Thanks... Although I just Modified the section with the bugs. I changed the map to something a bit more accessible, and added some more bugs. Should be more fun now. Also, it accelerates faster past this section near the end so the player isn't waiting so long2011-02-15 05:15:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

LittleBigWorkship?

Workship or Sweatshop?

...and yeah I 2nd that this plays like the original every time I've ever played a port of it 100%... minus the tracball. The drift was always meant as a lofi oldschool 'use your imagination' feeling of leaving the stability of earth's orbit and going into a spiraling drift of zero G, and you nailed that by putting the planet dead center.		2011-02-15 06:35:00

Author:
Unknown User

Darn, the I is right next to the o...... Oh well, I doubt he came back to read it anyway. Noticed he was also posting that message on level comments.....

Yeah, I've had a lot of comments on how crummy the controls are, but I think it's either not understanding the classic gaming sensibilities or treating it as a throw-away experience. I'm leaving it the way it is. If they want twitch action modern controls, they can play Blast Zone.		2011-02-15 12:21:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Hi CCubbage, i knew this level would get MM picked, its amazing i aint really had time to play it lots, i think about 10 times in total but its a level i will always go back to lol, have you had a chance to try out space blast 3d yet?
if not dont worry if you cant or dont want to mate its no problem lol

also could you please pm me on how you made your ship (cursor) sort of "drift" been trying to figure it out but i cant haha.
here is the thread link if you wanna check it out i have vastly updated it
https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=48956-Space-Blast-3D-1.0-Final-Release-%28With-Video%29

thanks again mate,
Steadler		2011-02-15 12:36:00

Author:
steadler
Posts: 180

Love this level. Very rewarding if you take the time to know it and has such a high replay value. You could even be fooled into thinking this was a PSN game with such crisp graphics and detailing. A+ level and very deserving of your MM pick. Congrats!2011-02-15 13:24:00

Author:
L1GhTmArE
Posts: 519

Totally spot on Ccubb, it's fantastic to play and has that trademark replayability factor of yours all over it. I'm really glad you stuck to your guns and kept the physics and controls of the original, it wouldn't be half as good or tense without the drift. Every time I fired off my thrusters, that mild panic sets in, I love that aspect of the game.

Nabbed a place somewhere in the teens, but I'll be gunning for a top ten spot when I get the chance.		2011-02-15 15:04:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156

Man I don't know how I missed this. I'll throw it in my queue ASAP! Now if only I could come up with a viable excuse to leave work early..... 2011-02-15 15:53:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Very rewarding if you take the time to know it and has such a high replay value. You could even be fooled into thinking this was a PSN game with such crisp graphics and detailing.
Thanks! Means quite a bit coming from someone with as much eye for detail as you. I actually have a "L1GhTmArE"-a-thon planned pretty soon after seeing a couple of your levels.


I'm really glad you stuck to your guns and kept the physics and controls of the original, it wouldn't be half as good or tense without the drift. Every time I fired off my thrusters, that mild panic sets in, I love that aspect of the game.
You know.... that's EXACTLY what I was thinking when I designed it. I remember that feeling in Asteroids when you hated to start moving forward, because you knew from that point on your were committed to furiously dodging and floating. Don't worry - I'm definately not going to take out my favorite part of asteroids for popularity. What good does curtailing to an audience do if you end up hating it yourself?

And actually, I'm getting pretty good results - I'm getting a lot of random appreciative comments from folks that lived those days, and are excited that someone recreated the experience properly. Of course, it's speckled by those comments such as "Controls Suck - this shouldn't be an MM pick". But I'm just enjoying that I got under their skin.... 		2011-02-15 18:13:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Dude, its people like you who make LBP2 so freakin awesome! I'm so in love with this game and I wonder just how long I will be playing it. Awesome level dude.2011-02-15 18:32:00

Author:
Krondelo
Posts: 136

Grats on the mmPick!

I'm really glad you put the original controls in along with the drift...it really adds that extra challenge. Sounds were great also, really made me feel like I was standing at the cabinet!		2011-02-15 18:51:00

Author:
Chazprime
Posts: 587

Congrats and all that, I suck at this game, lol. Definitely great stuff considering it hearkens back to the old school arcade shooters of the 80s like before. I'll definitely give it a couple more gos considering I can't stand not getting a decent score on your levels. =P2011-02-15 19:08:00

Author:
gevurah22
Posts: 1476

Finally played it! Well I am one of those who "lived those days" haha... I spent too many coins on that arcade.
Looks like LBP2 was made for people like you, as you were actually the best in LBP1 making those arcade recreations ))
The level is fantastic, and I have no complains about the controls. I didn't expect to get any screen limit as you could get mad in the arcade bursting the ship up and down screen. But once I got used, I think it's an improvement. And the power ups were genius.
I still have to replay it to try to put my name in the highest scores. Well done Cuzzy!!		2011-02-16 06:54:00

Author:
poms
Posts: 383

Well I jumped back into this to move up the scoreboard and was very dismayed to see I had fallen from 13 to 46 lol. I am now back in the top 20, was 2000 points away from beating your score Cuz when a little asteroid crept up behind me and took my last life

Great changes in stage 6, more accessible yet still challenging. As others have already stated it's good that you stuck to your guns with the controls. Those of us who know how the original plays know this is EXACTLY as it should play. Those who don't will get used to it or find something else to play 		2011-02-16 13:33:00

Author:
OCK
Posts: 1536

The level is fantastic, and I have no complains about the controls. I didn't expect to get any screen limit as you could get mad in the arcade bursting the ship up and down screen. But once I got used, I think it's an improvement. And the power ups were genius.

Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it! I've noticed a lot of kids complaining about the controls, or complaining about the drifting... even got some hate mail! . I'm glad there's still some folks out there that remember those days. I had considered doing a wrapping of the ship from one end of the screen to the other... I just don't think I could do it better than the way it works now.


I am now back in the top 20, was 2000 points away from beating your score Cuz

Yeah, some of these players are getting INCREDIBLY high scores. I looked this morning and saw Allieran's (Loius on this site) high score, and did a double-take. Before releasing I had a single run at about 140,000 and felt like a Ninja - but 164,000??????

The biggest key is the spinning powerup - after perfecting your piloting skills it's timed so you can knock out virtually every rock in the entire screen in one big shot. When on level 7 it's crucial to clean up constantly and not let too many rocks start flying around. Sometimes the carrier ship is a distraction more than a point-getter.		2011-02-16 14:08:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

I'M SO ASHAMED!!!!!

I actually didn't like the original controls I wanted to.. I really did! *sigh* I eventually switched to the other set of controls and had a much easier time with aiming. I played it several times until I finally thought, "I'm just not good at these kinds of games." After that thought I randomly got the "score in the top 5%" trophy lol Still, my score is nothing to brag about.

Aside from my incompetence, Vectroids is amazing! I love the design, the simplicity of the enemies, and the way it makes you feel that you need to keep trying to better your score. The music in the beginning title sequence made me laugh - I felt the 'epic-ness' that you were going for - great choice. I'm sure I'll be back for some practice, but I doubt I'll be going for those top scores

I gave it a smile and a heart. Well done 		2011-02-16 18:17:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

I actually didn't like the original controls I wanted to.. I really did! *sigh* I eventually switched to the other set of controls and had a much easier time with aiming. I played it several times until I finally thought, "I'm just not good at these kinds of games." After that thought I randomly got the "score in the top 5%" trophy lol Still, my score is nothing to brag about.

Aside from my incompetence, Vectroids is amazing! I love the design, the simplicity of the enemies, and the way it makes you feel that you need to keep trying to better your score. The music in the beginning title sequence made me laugh - I felt the 'epic-ness' that you were going for - great choice. I'm sure I'll be back for some practice, but I doubt I'll be going for those top scores

NO NO NO!

You don't get off THAT easy! Pick up your controller, wipe the tears from your eyes, and GET BACK IN THERE! Do you realize how many times "Jeul_Dragon" had to play to get his current score of 124,850? DO YOU? 71 TIMES! That's right! And he's only in 4th place! You don't get to the top of a CuzFeeshe leaderboard after 1 or 2 times - you've got to WORK AT IT! It could take hours, or even days of constant practice!

Now, change out of that pink tutu, pour yourself some coffee.... AND GET BACK IN THERE!
..
..
..umm..... sorry.....


2 great quotes right below each other that sum up my MM picks experience:

Nhyte:
Everything about this asteroids remix is amazing. The controls even better than I remember the original did, and with the alternate control scheme I was doing things asteroids could only dream of. By stage 4 I was making up moves, naming them, and shouting them when performed. Then there's the progression of enemies (and other environmental hazards that cannot be stopped by the power of mere mortals) makes this the best "Retro" game on LBP2

killedBADLEY:
sucks.		2011-02-16 19:25:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

NO NO NO!

You don't get off THAT easy! Pick up your controller, wipe the tears from your eyes, and GET BACK IN THERE! Do you realize how many times "Jeul_Dragon" had to play to get his current score of 124,850? DO YOU? 71 TIMES! That's right! And he's only in 4th place! You don't get to the top of a CuzFeeshe leaderboard after 1 or 2 times - you've got to WORK AT IT! It could take hours, or even days of constant practice!

Now, change out of that pink tutu, pour yourself some coffee.... AND GET BACK IN THERE!

Yes Sir! lol I'll definitely keep trying. Thanks for the pep talk 		2011-02-16 22:57:00

Author:
Powershifter
Posts: 668

Great work on the Mm pick, a well deserved one too, though my skills at this one was pretty horrible> I'm not really a fan of the astroids minigames on LBP2 so far but with your new vectoids it became a game that I constantly replay...

I'll start of at the start, awesome and I mean AWESOME! entance for the level, first time I played it I had to replay the level beause I wanted to see it again (and because I didn't see the start). Great menu work there you really now how to use logic dont you, one problem I had though was that I really couldnt control my space ship, it was just too hard for my hands that lack of skill. I ended up just sitting in the same spot, ignoring the powerups and shoot but shortly died when the game became challenging. Great use of detail in the ships and astroids. Though when I did die it wasnt all bad beacuse I got to see the wicked scoreboard and flying squares at the end (dosent sound that exciting does it?). Anyway great work lived you level.

I gave this level a big Yay! and a heart, a level I'll always remember

Could you F4F my level Ruins of Albion, even though its a Little Big Planet level I wouldn't want to see a good F4F got to waste

Edit: and if you want to be one of my beta testers for upcomming levels just message me		2011-02-17 05:29:00

Author:
nillrecuring
Posts: 104

Thanks for checking it out! Yeah, the astroid controls take practice. Always have.... I used to feel exactly like your feedback when I was a kid and used to pump quarters into it. If I wasn't getting "controls suck" messages, I would feel like I did something wrong. But.... Once you get used to the controls its extremely rewarding. Had one guy play it 105 times in a row yesterday.

I've queued up your level for tonight - it looks great!		2011-02-17 12:15:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Told ya I'd get in the top 50! (Actually I said top 100 but whatever...)2011-02-17 15:42:00

Author:
blizzard_cool
Posts: 752

I just can't get enough of this level! Every time I boot up into community mode now, I'm all over Vectroids at least three or four times. Hats off!2011-02-20 13:54:00

Author:
Bercilak
Posts: 117

I love the classic arcade look! It's cool how the asteroids start breaking into hundreds of pieces and force you to hit them at the exact right time so they won't crash into your ship. Great job on creating an amazingly fun and challenging level with a simple classic design 2011-03-02 18:22:00

Author:
Bender
Posts: 75

oops... forgot to head back to comment. Sorry 'bout that!

First off, congrats on the Mm pick cub. Most deserved for sure. I think one of the coolest recreations ever done of an old favorite of mine. You even captured the ship breaking apart perfectly. The only thing I could think to improve it is to wire me up a big huge red fire button and mount it somewhere like on the original game. lol

It also looks like you are recycling the broken asteroid bits back around which just amazes me. Are you just tracking how many bits that leave untouched and pop them in again?

...well, regardless amazing fun and loved it. Can't wait to see what you pull from your bag of fun next time. 		2011-03-02 18:33:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

I love the classic arcade look! It's cool how the asteroids start breaking into hundreds of pieces and force you to hit them at the exact right time so they won't crash into your ship. Great job on creating an amazingly fun and challenging level with a simple classic design

Thanks! Yeah, I've always loved asteroids. I was trying to get that "frenetic" feel of the original where you really have to use strategies to progress. I was pretty excited to see the LBP2 engine could handle the hundreds of little pieces flying without slowing down.


It also looks like you are recycling the broken asteroid bits back around which just amazes me. Are you just tracking how many bits that leave untouched and pop them in again?

Actually, to get that effect I did it the hard way.... hidden behind the scenes is about 100 small pieces of holo mounted on another piece of holo using a motor bolt... each with 3 emitters - 1 for each size of asteroid. When a piece of asteroid hits one of them, the asteroid destroys itself - and the emitter emits another asteroid of the same size back onto the other side of the screen so that the asteroid wraps.

It was pretty painstaking to do this - I think there are between 300-400 emitters alone to take care of the wrapping of the 3 sizes of asteroids.... plus all the emitters to take care of initially emitting the enemies.... I'm NEVER placing them again... 		2011-03-03 03:59:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Actually, to get that effect I did it the hard way.... hidden behind the scenes is about 100 small pieces of holo mounted on another piece of holo using a motor bolt... each with 3 emitters - 1 for each size of asteroid. When a piece of asteroid hits one of them, the asteroid destroys itself - and the emitter emits another asteroid of the same size back onto the other side of the screen so that the asteroid wraps.

It was pretty painstaking to do this - I think there are between 300-400 emitters alone to take care of the wrapping of the 3 sizes of asteroids.... plus all the emitters to take care of initially emitting the enemies.... I'm NEVER placing them again...

Wow... that is incredible. Quite a bit of work, but the result is awesome. 		2011-03-03 12:16:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383

Actually, to get that effect I did it the hard way.... hidden behind the scenes is about 100 small pieces of holo mounted on another piece of holo using a motor bolt... each with 3 emitters - 1 for each size of asteroid. When a piece of asteroid hits one of them, the asteroid destroys itself - and the emitter emits another asteroid of the same size back onto the other side of the screen so that the asteroid wraps.

It was pretty painstaking to do this - I think there are between 300-400 emitters alone to take care of the wrapping of the 3 sizes of asteroids.... plus all the emitters to take care of initially emitting the enemies.... I'm NEVER placing them again...

That sounds incredible ......... and incredibly troublesome

I'm making a shooter level that also uses quite a bit of emitters and it's a pain especially when i realize i messed up something.		2011-03-03 13:27:00

Author:
Vergil
Posts: 155


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