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Cthulhu in the Basement!

Archive: 14 posts

Hey guys I'm new to the community and just published my first level, "Cthulhu in the Basement!". It looks like it was only being displayed on "cool levels" for a total of about ten seconds so I thought I'd make a post about it in hopes that someone might think it sounds interesting and take a look. It's basically a setpiece level, like walking through a haunted house, there's no platforming, and I created all of the creatures in it by hand, some painstakingly. It took many hours to complete and I put a lot of love into it so I'd very much like to get some feedback on what folks like and don't like, and really just get some people playing it if possible. Thanks in advance if you happen to check it out, and if you like it feel free to add me as a friend since I currently don't have any LBP friends. Cheers!

P.S. My PSN u/n is Eagledare also.		2008-12-09 17:08:00

Author:
eagledare
Posts: 6

Just finished it. Ohhhhhhhh boooooooooooy, where do I be-gin?

Alright, let's start with appearance:

Creepy atmosphere to begin with, and as you progress manages to maintain itself as a very creepy atmosphere, which is really good until you hit the half-way mark on the level and everything after that is just plain silly. Like, overly silly, you kill Cthulhu by pressing a button, then ride Vamp-Elvis's car into zombies, which 25-30% of the time causes your "souped up ride" to go skyrocketing into space, usually somewhere you don't want to go because you are trying to hit the exit. If the stage had maintained it's eerie atmosphere, this would've been the superior redeeming quality, but it let go a little early

Next we have the actual stage components:

....No we don't, there aren't any. That stuff got lost in the construction process. Someone stole it. Guess you will have to settle for a stage that can be beaten by simply holding the right direction for a while, jumping up a dangerless flight of stairs, falling in a hole, pushing a button, then jumping in a car and pulling a lever...and only landing on the exit 70% of the time.

Finally, the creature design, which doesn't matter quite as much since you don't actually fight anything:

Overall, a good majority of the creatures present are incredibly simplistic, or "reskins" of other objects in the story modes. Cthulhu was the masterpiece of the stage, and normally would've been really cool had it not been born with the most freakishly large set of eyeballs I've ever witnessed in this game.

So, am I going to point out anything good about this stage? Yes, sure why not. For what it's worth, the first half of the stage really got me riled, I felt like it was going to be amazingly awesome finding Cthulhu and getting destroyed by it, and seeing the randomly waving tentacles on the other side of the right hand wall was the ticker that said "Oh god this will be fun". So pretty much everything before the scientist that has a crabclaw was great buildup, but the rest of the stage under-performed massively.

Final score:
3.5 / 10
It's not really a level, it's an interactive photograph that moves on occasion. At the very least, it certainly looks like someone put a good deal of work into it, but there is no moment more fitting for me to inquire "work smart not hard"

Keep at it dude, the first one is always the hardest. Also, if it seems like I'm just being an ***, please understand that I view all levels equally and objectively, I don't immediately assume that any level is better than another until it proves itself otherwise.		2008-12-10 06:01:00

Author:
Shining Aquas
Posts: 353

Just finished it. Ohhhhhhhh boooooooooooy, where do I be-gin?

Alright, let's start with appearance:

Creepy atmosphere to begin with, and as you progress manages to maintain itself as a very creepy atmosphere, which is really good until you hit the half-way mark on the level and everything after that is just plain silly. Like, overly silly, you kill Cthulhu by pressing a button, then ride Vamp-Elvis's car into zombies, which 25-30% of the time causes your "souped up ride" to go skyrocketing into space, usually somewhere you don't want to go because you are trying to hit the exit. If the stage had maintained it's eerie atmosphere, this would've been the superior redeeming quality, but it let go a little early

Next we have the actual stage components:

....No we don't, there aren't any. That stuff got lost in the construction process. Someone stole it. Guess you will have to settle for a stage that can be beaten by simply holding the right direction for a while, jumping up a dangerless flight of stairs, falling in a hole, pushing a button, then jumping in a car and pulling a lever...and only landing on the exit 70% of the time.

Finally, the creature design, which doesn't matter quite as much since you don't actually fight anything:

Overall, a good majority of the creatures present are incredibly simplistic, or "reskins" of other objects in the story modes. Cthulhu was the masterpiece of the stage, and normally would've been really cool had it not been born with the most freakishly large set of eyeballs I've ever witnessed in this game.

So, am I going to point out anything good about this stage? Yes, sure why not. For what it's worth, the first half of the stage really got me riled, I felt like it was going to be amazingly awesome finding Cthulhu and getting destroyed by it, and seeing the randomly waving tentacles on the other side of the right hand wall was the ticker that said "Oh god this will be fun". So pretty much everything before the scientist that has a crabclaw was great buildup, but the rest of the stage under-performed massively.

Final score:
3.5 / 10
It's not really a level, it's an interactive photograph that moves on occasion. At the very least, it certainly looks like someone put a good deal of work into it, but there is no moment more fitting for me to inquire "work smart not hard"

Keep at it dude, the first one is always the hardest. Also, if it seems like I'm just being an ***, please understand that I view all levels equally and objectively, I don't immediately assume that any level is better than another until it proves itself otherwise.

Okay, well I suppose I should start by saying... thanks? I wanted the level to come off as campy, not just creepy. Although it is silly I was expecting people to get a laugh or two out of it, but that isn't some people's brand of humor I suppose. I always figured since the interactive parts came after the scientist that those parts would be most interesting overall. One thing I have to disagree with outright is the "reskin" comment. I didn't reskin anything in the level. Every creature was created by hand, from the pop ups in the house to the dragon, Cthulhu, scientist and the zombies. All created by hand. The level perhaps does need a few more interactive moments, but I knew from the start it would be more of a cinematic kind of level. There is enough frustrating spike pit/lava pit platforming in the story mode that I was pretty much totally opposed to putting anything like that into the level by the time I started working on it. 3.5 seems pretty harsh considering almost every level I've played has some sort of game breaking omission and consists of 100% *actual* reskinned creatures, usually just sackboy cutouts with big pixelated stickers. Not saying bad levels make mine great, but I think all of the original components of my level in addition to the fairly high level of polish should warrant a notch or two higher. I respect your opinion, though.

Anyway, thanks for the comments. I'll tweak the car and consider redesigning certain sections so the level feels more cohesive, especially the fight with the big guy.
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Ahh, also it seems your level involved frequent deaths according to the boards. Maybe that's why my level seems boring to you? 		2008-12-10 20:37:00

Author:
eagledare
Posts: 6

lmao @ and I have a crab arm

Not bad, but the above post is right about the simplicity of the stage... and I find the blockiness to be a bad thing, but your creature creations and your neat emitter effect at the beginning was great. The Atmosphere was definitely cool... the cthulu was awesome, and I like the emphasis on dialogue and entertainment but it's lacking replay because of the brevity and emptiness of the level. I like the inclusion of Elvis believe it or not... great way to end it, or would be if it were longer. This felt like a really cool B movie that Bruce Campbell would be in. Revisit it as time goes on and flesh it out into something with depth of play... I can tell you've got a knack for creatures so run with that idea.		2008-12-11 01:24:00

Author:
Unknown User

While I think Aquas was a little harsh he was right about something. There really isn't any prospect of death in the entire level. No chance to fail. I spose some could argue that death is not needed in levels, but like anything that involves creativity there are the elitists and populists with varying degrees of taste. Also, I was looking forward to a boss fight and was deeply disappointed when I merely had to press a button.

On the positive end of things, I thought your hand-made characters were really well done and as Aquas said, the atmosphere at the beginning was very well done. However I would have tweaked the darkness and added some mist for a spooky feel to it.



Anyways if I was to give it a rating 6/10. Good show bud and keep at it.		2008-12-11 01:28:00

Author:
Neverynnal
Posts: 374

I know I'm harsh, but I'm generally a cynical critic when it comes to any kind of review. By the way, I know of these levels you speak of where there is nothing but reskins, and I compiled a list of them review them all as a whole and it came out with a 1.0 /10, so honestly your level isn't nearly as bad as their stuff was, but at the same time it just didn't really feel like an actual level to me.2008-12-11 01:53:00

Author:
Shining Aquas
Posts: 353

lmao @ and I have a crab arm

Not bad, but the above post is right about the simplicity of the stage... and I find the blockiness to be a bad thing, but your creature creations and your neat emitter effect at the beginning was great. The Atmosphere was definitely cool... the cthulu was awesome, and I like the emphasis on dialogue and entertainment but it's lacking replay because of the brevity and emptiness of the level. I like the inclusion of Elvis believe it or not... great way to end it, or would be if it were longer. This felt like a really cool B movie that Bruce Campbell would be in. Revisit it as time goes on and flesh it out into something with depth of play... I can tell you've got a knack for creatures so run with that idea.

Ninja you hit the nail on the head with the B movie comment. Glad someone picked up on it. You guys are all correct about the lack of punishment or death in the level. But honestly there are so many punshing levels that have been created for LBP I think there is room for something a little more passive, almost like a short movie. There are LBP levels featuring calculators, races, etc, where dying isn't really an option either, and I think that can work to a level's credit. If anything the lack of overall interactivity might be an issue, and the replayability is definitely low, since the next play through it's like a story you already know the ending to. I appreciate your constructive comments very much, and both you and the poster below you came across with a balanced critique and a positive attitude instead of a bitter internet nerd rapefest. Aqua, sorry dude, but I played your level, and I don't think you should be handing out reviews, period. Especially such scathing ones. Anyway, here's to improvement, all around!		2008-12-11 01:57:00

Author:
eagledare
Posts: 6

Aqua, sorry dude, but I played your level, and I don't think you should be handing out reviews, period. Especially such scathing ones. Anyway, here's to improvement, all around!

For the record, when I presented my level, I gave it plenty of pluses and minuses. I know the faults of my own level, and adhere to them, and I have been working on it for the purpose of making it better, but my level isn't designed for the purpose of being absolute eye-candy (well, not right now anyway ), but a challenging tough level which requires a degree of platforming skill. Heck, it's even in the title "Trial of Skill".

I understand that your level is passive. That's fine, but there has to be very stimulating elements about it to make it worthwhile. Passive levels are by definition something to puzzle the mind, and make one think to a degree. By that mindset, it also means a lot more work and creative thinking are required to make an amazing passive level.

But hey, if you really think my level is that bad, go post a review in the topic for it. I'll take any criticism with good grace and it might even give me a better idea of what needs to change (or at least improve). That's generally why I review, to give people an idea of what was liked and not.		2008-12-11 02:05:00

Author:
Shining Aquas
Posts: 353

I just think this is how it usually goes.

Hardcore Platforming, doesn't need that much eye candy because it's worth it just for the challenge.


Passive Levels, need to be detailed, if I play a level without a challenge, I want to see something AMAZING. Something that will put me in awe ( For example, LittleBigCalculator anyone? )

That's just my two cents. 		2008-12-11 02:22:00

Author:
Whalio Cappuccino
Posts: 5250

Hey, I played your lev again with a friend, and I like the zombies you added. It makes the level alot more complete feeling and solidifies the "camp horror" feeling you were going for. Quick fun... not so serious this time.2008-12-11 05:59:00

Author:
Unknown User

Shining Aquas: Giving a critical review is never bad, as long as you are presenting solutions to the problems you are addressing. Reading over your review, it seems that you do that most of the time, so kudos! Just keep in mind: if you are willing to dish out harsh reviews, be willing to accept harsh reviews as well.

eagledare: I didn't actually play your level, but I have some advice for you: when a critic takes the time to write out an extended review like Shining Aquas did, it's usually for one of three reasons: a) your level was completely horrible and he wanted to express how disgustingly awful it was, b) there was massive potential to your level, but it falls short overall, or c) it was amazing in every way. It seems that b) is the case in this scenario, which is really good news for you. Take the criticism Shining Aquas provides and apply it; don't let the negativity get to you. You'll grow as a creator if you can manage that.		2008-12-11 06:12:00

Author:
ConfusedCartman
Posts: 3729

I just think this is how it usually goes.

Hardcore Platforming, doesn't need that much eye candy because it's worth it just for the challenge.


That's just my two cents.

Nobody want hardcore platforming tho, I only make hardocre levels and they have no plays, poor reviews and deroigotry comments.

I make my levels aceable (I can ace it yet haven't finished the story levels yet and haven't got one level to 100%), yet only 4 people have finished (when i last looked) 'Fortress of the teeny tiny electric death crabs'.

People want easy mode levels they can romp or trophy levels, nothing else.		2008-12-11 11:15:00

Author:
Piratepete
Posts: 110

Yup...I just recently made a continuation of my "Knight's Tale" saga and I made the boss relatively hard...I got like 4 hearts and 80 plays. I know the level isn't that bad and it isn't THAT hard to beat because I can ace the thing.

Just the LBP Community generally has severe ADD and can't sit down and play a level through after dying once or twice. Really gets on my nerves those dumb trophy levels that my mentally retarded dog could create...sigh		2008-12-11 15:37:00

Author:
Neverynnal
Posts: 374

Shining Aquas: Giving a critical review is never bad, as long as you are presenting solutions to the problems you are addressing. Reading over your review, it seems that you do that most of the time, so kudos! Just keep in mind: if you are willing to dish out harsh reviews, be willing to accept harsh reviews as well.

eagledare: I didn't actually play your level, but I have some advice for you: when a critic takes the time to write out an extended review like Shining Aquas did, it's usually for one of three reasons: a) your level was completely horrible and he wanted to express how disgustingly awful it was, b) there was massive potential to your level, but it falls short overall, or c) it was amazing in every way. It seems that b) is the case in this scenario, which is really good news for you. Take the criticism Shining Aquas provides and apply it; don't let the negativity get to you. You'll grow as a creator if you can manage that.

Criticism is necessary for growth, that's obvious. If you'll notice some of the other posters had complaints about the level which I accepted wholeheartedly because they presented them in a respectful manner. My complaint is the tone of Aqua's review was overly and unnecessarily harsh. I do find it a little concerning that as a mod you totally overlooked that and jumped straight to a "he doesn't take criticism well" stance. His level isn't particularly popular, not that mine is, but because of that the unwarranted venom kind of comes off like sour grapes. As I said, no problems whatsoever with criticism, in fact I've already implemented a few of the changes discussed here. I know the internets are serious business, but maybe a encouraging a little courtesy wouldn't be a bad thing.		2008-12-11 16:37:00

Author:
eagledare
Posts: 6


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