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ARABESK : The Spell of RahSack [Part1]

Archive: 43 posts


http://lbp.me/v/40ek6b



http://images.gamekult.com/blog/imgdb/000/000/582/637_3.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEIIt5KhvkY
Teaser recorded and edited by comphermc


My first official LBP2 level!

This is the first of a 2 or 3 parter, that mainly introduces you the story, the characters and also the (simple) controls and gameplay. It's divided in 2 levels : the cinematic intro and the 1st gameplay level.

Some platforming and some action, in a level that I wanted very cinematographic (cutscenes and voice acting).
This first gameplay part is not very long due to overheating thermo, I had to cut some bits, but I hope you'll enjoy it anyway!

That is all I think!
Thanks very much for playing, and let me know what you think or if you encouter some problems!




http://images.gamekult.com/blog/imgdb/000/000/584/273_3.jpg

http://images.gamekult.com/blog/imgdb/000/000/584/275_3.jpg

http://images.gamekult.com/blog/imgdb/000/000/584/274_3.jpg

http://images.gamekult.com/blog/imgdb/000/000/584/276_3.jpg

http://images.gamekult.com/blog/imgdb/000/000/584/277_3.jpg

http://images.gamekult.com/blog/imgdb/000/000/584/278_3.jpg


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Notes

• 1P only : to avoid lag and level linking problem, please play on your own.
Also, set your profile to auto-reject joining friends, as the notifcation message stops the voice acting....

• Echo bug : sometimes, randomly when the level begins, the echo settings don't work.
If you feel the sound is flat, please restart and it will work normally!

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Special thanks to :

• Comphermc : for all the logic help and gameplay improvements! He made all the ideas work perfectly and cleaned up my poor logic attempts! It was great and motivating having you around... ! Thanks a lot!!

• Claptonfann and Leklack : for the voice acting. Claptonfann did a great job on the intro, his voice sounds perfect! Leklack also, nice job on the outro! I know I've been picky, so thanks a lot for your patience you both!

• Highlightnotes and comishguy67 : for custom musics.
Hilightnotes created an awesome upbeat oriental tune, called "Arabian colourings", which is the main music theme of the level(s)!
Comishguy created a really nice, calm and smooth music piece, that will fit perfectly in Part 2!
I'm really thankfull for this, and I love what they have done!

• Anyone who have been around, and helped in a way or another, especially mrsupercomputer and littlebigdude805. Thanks!

<3
2011-08-11 01:48:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486


Oh Em Gee!

Great level, Daj! It's taken you long enough, but it was well worth it. I apologize for all the stress I've caused you trying to get you to finish and publish this masterpiece!
2011-08-11 02:04:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338


That's right folks it is out, you've read the thread, you have waited, then you waited some more, but now it is finally out

This fine piece of cinematic and sackbotics is the result of one Frenchmen and many many months of toiling in create mode. Daj has been putting his heart and soul in to this since LBP1 and has yet to stop. This level and cinematic is extremely enjoyable and probably the best example of a well put together cinematic intro. The voice acting is fantastic, the use of camera angles is dramatic, and the sounds are immersing. None of that is lost even in the playable level itself. Daj has put a ridiculous amount of detail in to this level. On several accounts I advised him to reduce the amount of material and detail for the sake of the thermo but Daj wouldn't spare anything for his masterpiece. This is my favorite work in LBP to date and it pained me to see it go unpublished, if Daj had held out and decided to publish all the parts at once I just don't know what I would do. It has been a long LONG time in the making and it is relieving to see it finally out for the public to play. I hope everyone here gets the chance to play this. It is a real refreshing treat for the community.
2011-08-11 02:04:00

Author:
Littlebigdude805
Posts: 1924


I've seen this level when it was only an idea, a project. Just a couple of thoughts here and there. Now that it is officially published, I can say it lived up to my expectations and even more!

This level features everything a true dedicated player or creator could ever dream of. It took a lot of time, it was probably the longest creating process I've ever seen but it was totally worth it. LBD steals the words from my mouth by saying the details are really what makes this level a masterpiece.

Daj, I salute your patience and dedication for this amazingly fun and dramatic level. 'd and a lovely <3
2011-08-11 02:33:00

Author:
Chump
Posts: 1712


Can't wait to play it daj!
I tried to wait yesterday, but I fell asleep
2011-08-11 06:59:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112


:O That looks amazing!

/scraps plans for Persian level
2011-08-11 07:29:00

Author:
Syroc
Posts: 3193


I've heard alot of happy tweets about this one. Will try it out this evening and provide you with some feedback if I have any Looks great!2011-08-11 08:07:00

Author:
Mnniska
Posts: 531


You've really outdone yourself, this is the best level to date! You created an extraordinary level here that has just the perfect amount of every aspect. Not other than that the level makes me speechless, truthfully speechless.2011-08-11 08:46:00

Author:
tanrockstan34
Posts: 1076


awesome work really well deserved MM pick just played it and i like it alot ur work with the extra layers is amazing add to that very clever game play.
this lvl look and plays very good 5 stars from here and a heart=) Cheers


Ps please give my new lvl a check its the first in the series and it took forever to make^^
2011-08-11 12:08:00

Author:
tjaldex225
Posts: 69


wow, the pictures look great. I didn't get the chance to play last night, was just too tired. Will play it today though. Congrats on the MM pick!2011-08-11 14:38:00

Author:
biorogue
Posts: 8424


Aw I thought I was to first to congratulate daj on the mm pick anyways really great level, very fun and clever platforming. What really blew me away was the visuals in this, espcecially the 3d background, I played through the level halfway before realizing that the bg wasn't just a mm one, that was a really cool shocker for me, it was seemlesss and fit just right. Great fun and I didn't encounter any bugs, great fun and really cool sackbot logic going on there, look for some of that in my upcoming level..2011-08-11 18:31:00

Author:
damaz10
Posts: 771


Gratz on Mm pick! This level is amazing, the story, all the action and the epic environment are perfect.2011-08-11 18:38:00

Author:
Sport_dude
Posts: 622


Seriously dude, this level is amazing. You put so much detail into this it's ridiculous! I remember for that poster contest you made a thing for this, and since then I had been anxiously awaiting this level haha. Really, really impressive, glad it got picked. 2011-08-11 18:46:00

Author:
Jayhawk_er
Posts: 403


I can't fault this Daj, it's just brilliant. I played it thru quick this morning, but had a more relaxed second play tonight to really admire all the smaller details and just appreciate it. It's such a great blend of gameplay,story and visuals, and it's a perfect cocktail of all 3. LOVE!2011-08-11 22:22:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156


(Earlier today, in another part of the forum...)

Uh oh, another better-looking arabian themed level, I'd better get mine out fast!

Doh, too late!
2011-08-11 22:35:00

Author:
Rogar
Posts: 2284


Thank you very much guys! Glad you enjoyed it!
:blush:
2011-08-11 22:47:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486


I absolutely loved the cut scenes in this, cool story and interesting camera work. The horse in the beginning was amazing, looked like the mane might have been leaf decos. You picked a great spot to end this part as well...now how long will we have to wait for the next? 2011-08-12 04:25:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214


I've read about this, it's getting a lot of praise. Hope it lives up to its hype! Queued!2011-08-12 05:02:00

Author:
OcamposMoon
Posts: 135


Such a fantastic level! I have seen word of this on the forums before and wanted to check it out, and so glad I finally did!


The horse in the cut scene was jaw dropping, then the level itself... wow. I was blown away. There were a few places where I got caught up and one place where I got frustrated. I thought the the high jump was 'X+L2+R2' so I couldn't get past the high chandeliers for a while. I eventually worked out that it was actually a double jump.

So I guess you could say user error, but I seem to remember the prompt sort of saying at the same time. I'll be playing this many times again so I'll check it for myself, again awesome stuff.

Not to mention a fitting return of Mm Picks to have such which quality work instantly.
2011-08-12 08:15:00

Author:
Mr_Fusion
Posts: 1799


I've just seen your intro cinematic and after it was over I thought...

I have just seen something awesome right in front of me.

The voiceovers, first off, were in good quality (and not just in sound quality) and the cinematics were worth taking pictures of. The sack NPCs were well-designed, and the Sultan was so cold-bloodedly villainously believable. The details, and the glitches you used to acheive such a worthy feat did live up to the hype.

I did not give you a <3 because it's overhyped, but I gave you a for a masterpiece, and I hope to see more of that in the beginning level.

If possible, could you try to play my new level Funoranium? Give some feedback whenever possible. Thank you!
2011-08-12 08:21:00

Author:
OcamposMoon
Posts: 135


This one deserves that pink ribbon without any doubt.
It's cool to see that you have alwats preferred outstanding quality over quantity, making your works always unique and engaging.
Keep awesome stuff coming, with your quiet but steady pace and keep us dreaming.
2011-08-12 12:09:00

Author:
OmegaSlayer
Posts: 5112


Thanks a lot for the kind words, guys!



There were a few places where I got caught up and one place where I got frustrated. I thought the the high jump was 'X+L2+R2' so I couldn't get past the high chandeliers for a while. I eventually worked out that it was actually a double jump.

Ah ok I see! Maybe I can be more clear about this, but I thought it was obvious enough.
As for the places where you get stuck, can you be more precise?

Some people are leaving comments that they get lost, or get stuck, or that the level broke... but they don't say where or why... :/
Dunno, I tested the level so much and it's globally very linear so I dont see how you can get lost, or stuck.

If anyone have examples, please let me know so I can try to clarifie or fix the problem(s)! Thanks
2011-08-12 13:52:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486


I did not give you a <3 because it's overhyped [...]

I'm confused by this.

Why the hell does public opinion change the personal value of the level to you? Look, I don't have a problem if you don't heart levels on principle or whatever, but why would a level being popular mean that you want to not like it? It's not a competition, and this mindset confuses me immensely. If you meant to say that it wasn't that great, then I'm equally confused.
2011-08-12 15:03:00

Author:
comphermc
Posts: 5338


As for the places where you get stuck, can you be more precise? Some people are leaving comments that they get lost, or get stuck, or that the level broke... but they don't say where or why... :/
Dunno, I tested the level so much and it's globally very linear so I dont see how you can get lost, or stuck.
If anyone have examples, please let me know so I can try to clarifie or fix the problem(s)! Thanks


I really wouldn't worry about it...some folks will always get stuck no matter how obvious the route is. There were a few places in this level where it took me a few seconds to determine the route (like the broken window you have to move into the front layer to proceed to the left), that just makes the level more enjoyable...you should have to experiment and figure some things out...it's not like there are thousands of different alternatives...can I go left, can I go right, can I jump anywhere, anything to grab, etc.

IMHO this is the pinnacle of level design...you sir have really depressed me as my efforts seem like rubbish compared to this masterpiece...change nothing, it's perfect as it is!

* Another spot that maybe gives people trouble was after swinging on some lanterns moving right, you end up in a little alcove and need to move into the back layer to go left (character goes behind a thin layer for a spell). I think the explicit layer changes are probably the places that give people trouble...who knows?!?

btw: You could try sending PSN messages to the people that had trouble...as long as the comment/review isn't incoherant ravings I found most people to be really helpful.
2011-08-12 16:16:00

Author:
fullofwin
Posts: 1214


Who is this Daj guy? I mean where the heck did he come from? Some supermarket level and a circus? Oh and those amazing photoshopped sack costumes that even made Mm go "HUH?! How'd he do that!?? WE DO THAT!!!??!" Well after all that, I just can't take some creator like that seriously...

I do hope you realize I'm kidding!!

So this is now done!? Cool.. I will have to give it a go soon. Not too surprising about the Mm pick. I think I peed myself the first time you showed me the intro awhile back. lol

Congrats Daj.. most deserved and congrats that you finally got this one done. I hope you now realize what we have all said and thought about you. You are one awesome creator!

I will return and let you know if I could break anything. Especially anything I hate that Comph might have had a hand in.
2011-08-12 16:49:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383


I'm confused by this.
Why the hell does public opinion change the personal value of the level to you? Look, I don't have a problem if you don't heart levels on principle or whatever, but why would a level being popular mean that you want to not like it? It's not a competition, and this mindset confuses me immensely. If you meant to say that it wasn't that great, then I'm equally confused.

Awww, my Hero...!! lol
Don't worry Matt, I know what you mean, but it's ok, he liked the level and gave his reasons, I have no problem with that. Better than a sad face and a "it sucks" comment


I really wouldn't worry about it...some folks will always get stuck no matter how obvious the route is. There were a few places in this level where it took me a few seconds to determine the route (like the broken window you have to move into the front layer to proceed to the left), that just makes the level more enjoyable...you should have to experiment and figure some things out...it's not like there are thousands of different alternatives...can I go left, can I go right, can I jump anywhere, anything to grab, etc.

IMHO this is the pinnacle of level design...you sir have really depressed me as my efforts seem like rubbish compared to this masterpiece...change nothing, it's perfect as it is!

* Another spot that maybe gives people trouble was after swinging on some lanterns moving right, you end up in a little alcove and need to move into the back layer to go left (character goes behind a thin layer for a spell). I think the explicit layer changes are probably the places that give people trouble...who knows?!?

btw: You could try sending PSN messages to the people that had trouble...as long as the comment/review isn't incoherant ravings I found most people to be really helpful.

Thanks a lot! Well funny because I have just improved the places you're talking about! More light and few bubbles for visual hints... hope it will help!



Who is this Daj guy? I mean where the heck did he come from? Some supermarket level and a circus? Oh and those amazing photoshopped sack costumes that even made Mm go "HUH?! How'd he do that!?? WE DO THAT!!!??!" Well after all that, I just can't take some creator like that seriously...

I do hope you realize I'm kidding!!

So this is now done!? Cool.. I will have to give it a go soon. Not too surprising about the Mm pick. I think I peed myself the first time you showed me the intro awhile back. lol

Congrats Daj.. most deserved and congrats that you finally got this one done. I hope you now realize what we have all said and thought about you. You are one awesome creator!

I will return and let you know if I could break anything. Especially anything I hate that Comph might have had a hand in.

Aww..come on lol thank you :blush:
Really hope you will enjoyed it, but be careful everything Comph had a hand in, I had a hand in too, I bugged him a lot to get things done the way I wanted.....so yeah....better be kind! lol
2011-08-12 17:18:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486


Really hope you will enjoyed it, but be careful everything Comph had a hand in, I had a hand in too, I bugged him a lot to get things done the way I wanted.....so yeah....better be kind! lol

lol... I think extra points for making Comphy suffer.
2011-08-12 17:25:00

Author:
jwwphotos
Posts: 11383


I really wouldn't worry about it...some folks will always get stuck no matter how obvious the route is.

Yes, yes yes and yes. It doesn't matter what you make, someone somewhere won't be able to do it, and you'll get a frowny for your troubles. You make things easy enough for everyone and you challenge no-one.
2011-08-12 19:16:00

Author:
julesyjules
Posts: 1156


Well... I haven't read all the prior comments and reviews, so I don't know if everyone else will agree (and if so, hopefully this won't be old, tired news by now), but here goes...

WOW. This level is fantastic. The gameplay, the voice work, the cinematics, the story... all top-notch, professional-grade work. It plays like a dream. All the mechanics work naturally and seamlessly within the level, and the tutorial gradation of skills is both cleverly and clearly presented. The voice acting is some of the best I've seen in an LBP level. The story is well written and artfully laid out. As our hero reads the letter that has brought him to the palace, I literally had goose bumps... from an LBP cut scene! Wow!

But all of that is mere drivel when I try to find words to describe the design and artistic quality of Arabesk. LBP attracts several key groups of adult and/or high-end creators, chief among them being Engineers (electrical, mechanical, and software), and Graphic Artists. We've seen some great stuff coming out of this latter group, but this one may well take the prize. It is so hauntingly beautiful. And the architecture that leads back to the gameplay element never seems contrived or forced. It all seems a natural - even organic - part of the world that Daj has created for us, in which we are privileged to partake in a great adventure.

Oh, and did I mention that it's fun? Just good, clean fun.

Well done, sir. (When can we expect the next installment??)
2011-08-13 06:48:00

Author:
v0rtex
Posts: 1878


Just played both parts, loved them, but I'd really love to know where people are getting that space background/material/whatever it is that you have in the first scene, because I've seen it used 3 times before in other levels and I have yet to find it.2011-08-13 10:32:00

Author:
Unknown User


@ Vortex :
Thanks a lot, I 'm so glad you enjoyed it! I really appreciate your kind words :blush:
As for part 2, I'm gonna try my best, even if real life changes might get in the way...

@DudeManBro :
Thanks... Well I really dont remember where you get that space material in the story mode...
You can check LBPCwiki for that : http://wiki.lbpcentral.com/Story_Levels_(LBP2)
2011-08-13 15:50:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486


@comphermc
Sorry man, didn't realize you had a hand in making this...No wonder why it was so good!
2011-08-13 17:54:00

Author:
OcamposMoon
Posts: 135


The level was AMAZING!!!!!! I enjoyed it really much and it is one of my favorite levels! The logics was really good, gameplay was awesome and the whole level was outstanding! Congrats on MM pick.2011-08-13 21:35:00

Author:
himoks
Posts: 734


I really love this level. I'm amazed because you're not just a great artist but you're also great at cinematography. It was sooooo professional. I'm crazy about architectural elements and your attention to those details was magical. I'm so glad I heard about this level.

I also have to say that your sound was perfect. How was Claptonfann able to come across so clearly? I've had trouble with voices in levels myself, so I was amazed how clearly this turned out.

I cannot wait for the next one!
2011-08-14 00:21:00

Author:
TheCountessZ
Posts: 537


I also have to say that your sound was perfect. How was Claptonfann able to come across so clearly? I've had trouble with voices in levels myself, so I was amazed how clearly this turned out.

Logitech-brand USB mic. Seems to work ok, more or less
2011-08-14 05:10:00

Author:
claptonfann
Posts: 228


It was great.2011-08-14 10:50:00

Author:
BasketSnake
Posts: 2391


Cool, you finally got some of this beyond-awesome epic published! Mm picked too! Congratulations Daj!

I've got it queued and I plan to check it out later today.
2011-08-14 11:47:00

Author:
Ungreth
Posts: 2130


I think WOW sums it up pretty accurately. Proffessional... yeah that too! It is truly a sight to behold. I only got through the intro because the load lasted for about 5 minutes and I abandoned my quest to rub shoulders with a LBP God! (I will return.) Amazing story telling Daj.

Ya know making a nifty poster is one thing, but this level looks and plays even better. You've made me proud just being a member here along side you. I can not think of a more worthy Mm Picked level. You've done us all proud, and more importantly, yourself proud. Keep up the great work!
2011-08-16 03:16:00

Author:
Gravel
Posts: 1308


Thanks for all the last posts guys! Much appreciated

@Gravel : Your comment about the diamond in the rough pin made me laugh..yeah it's kinda weird..anyway thanks for the kind words!
2011-08-19 23:01:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486


Sorry for coming in a bit late to the game, but I just wanted to say congrats daj on finishing and releasing this. I know you worked a very very long time on it, and it turned out spectacular. When I made the piece of music for Part 1 I didn't know exactly how it would be used in the level, but I love the placement of it and am honoured to have made some music for such an amazing piece of gameplay and art.
Thanks for putting in so much effort to bring this amazing level to LBP2!
2011-08-22 05:49:00

Author:
hilightnotes
Posts: 1230


comphermc and dajdaj03. The epicness is too overwhelming! 2011-08-22 10:39:00

Author:
Roneranger
Posts: 415


Sorry for coming in a bit late to the game, but I just wanted to say congrats daj on finishing and releasing this. I know you worked a very very long time on it, and it turned out spectacular. When I made the piece of music for Part 1 I didn't know exactly how it would be used in the level, but I love the placement of it and am honoured to have made some music for such an amazing piece of gameplay and art.
Thanks for putting in so much effort to bring this amazing level to LBP2!

Thanks a lot!
I mean your music is so great, you really captured the feeling I wanted to give (epic drums beats...)!
It motivated me to make a level at least as good as it sound!

And people love it too, the level has many reviews complimenting the music!

2011-08-22 21:50:00

Author:
dajdaj03
Posts: 1486


Ah yes, the music. Masterfully composed and used exceedingly well in the level. The whole piece was simply exquisite!2011-10-22 08:56:00

Author:
RainbowtipsFort
Posts: 144


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