Archive: 3 posts

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So I'm designing a level on paper and so far I have very generic LBP platforming for it. There's the basic jump from platform to platform to jumping over spikes. I've also added some basic bounce pad stuff in the level design. Thing is, I'm not so sure if people will find my level fun to play because the platforming is somewhat a bit basic, So I am asking what makes a good platforming level appealing to people? Will people find this fun. And can anyone give some platforming ideas?

2012-08-11 06:14:00 Author: Unknown User

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Contraptions are always interesting to watch, no? Also, it must look good. The looks have to fit the type of gameplay you have. For example, if you have a fast paced platformer with lots of bounce pads, then it would be a good idea to give it a futuristic visual theme. The music must also fit the theme. If chosen well, then the music will really alter the sort of mood you have going. If you were to have 3 or more pieces of random music in one level, that would really kill the mood. If you have a slow paced level, then it is a good idea to make your obstacles force you to time your actions. If you had a slow paced level with no timing needed at all, then it would be really easy and boring. If you have a fast paced level, then timing in your obstacles wouldn't be a good idea. What I mean isn't that you should be able to randomly press buttons at any time, what I mean is that you shouldn't have to wait too long for obstacles to move into the right positions. I have personally made a slow paced platformer and a fast paced platformer before. What I've really noticed in both is that people really appreciate the nice colour combinations I used. For example: blue, orange, and chrome go beautifully together. http://if.lbp.me/img/ft/4ef840f0844a74630589b9426fa5666715d57545.jpg And warm shades of brown go well with yellow. http://ia.lbp.me/img/ft/fea00206c23288a44638de58dda0c2e5dcdada67.jpg The above pictures are both from my levels. Just so you know.

2012-08-11 10:54:00 Author: Kaboosh99 Posts: 359

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Kaboosh points out that colors and materials can go a long way to helping the experience. You might feel like the level is dull on paper, but in the game it comes to life. So don't worry too much! It also helps to think about PIG: Punishment Interaction Goal Simple, basic advice, but you'd be surprised how well it focuses your design. Example: jumping over some spikes. The Punishment is obvious (the player dies and respawns). The Interaction is obvious (jump over them). The Goal (reward) is obvious (the player gets past the spikes to the next area). That's your basic structure, and it's a fine start. Now start playing with the balance. Make the punishments higher by removing checkpoints. Make the goals a little higher by adding score bubbles. Players are already naturally conditioned to a low to high PIG structure, thanks to decades of platformers. Reinforce that conditioning or break it! You'll find audiences who enjoy both styles. LBP is a platformer at heart and everything is built to contribute to that. So you don't need to overthink it. When completely at a loss, just add more stuff the further into the level you get! Heh heh heh. EDIT I design levels with multiple paths (high interaction) and very low punishments, to let the player explore. Even punishments come with goals, usually in the form of secret points or areas. Trying to break the design is fun, and I anticipate that and reward it. Interestingly, Kotaku just posted an article about secrets and hidden surprises in platform games (http://kotaku.com/5934170/the-best-super-mario-surprise-ever-made) that might inspire your level design. That's just one approach, though.

2012-08-13 05:17:00 Author: Unknown User

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