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LORD OF THE RINGS : ?The Bearer - Part I: Incipit? - SPOTLIGHTED -

Archive: 48 posts

Hi everybody,

It is now time for me to reveal to the members of this forum my last project and levels.

OVERALL PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The whole project is called ?The Bearer? and is a series of levels constructed under the theme of The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien. In this series, it is useless to search challenge in the firsts levels, since the difficulty and gameplay challenge will be increased progressively level after level, as Sackboy Frodo get closer to the end of his hard journey, in the Mordor?
Then, the first two levels are contemplative and their purpose is to give stars in the eyes (and not cramps in fingers). The ?Part I? level is the only one that is unlocked for everybody and you will find the Key for the ?Part II? in it. And the key for Part III, will be placed in the Part II level?until the last level. I actually don't know how many level will be necessary to complete the Frodo?s journey?. Initially I was projecting 4 levels for ?The Bearer?, but since the Part I and Part II are complete, I think it will probably needs at least 8 levels?
Let?s me now present you the First level of the series:

Level: ?The Bearer ? Part I : Incipit?
Creator: Takelow
Location: New Zealand
Type: Contemplative level (TEASER) / Tribute to ?The Lord of the Rings?
Difficulty: *
(*: not challenging! ?*****: Very hard!)
Gift: Custom items , KEY for ?The Bearer ? Part II: The Ring?
Multiplayer: The level support multiplayer (no multiplayer gameplay section per se however), but was designed for ONE PLAYER.

EDIT: The Part II had been temporarily unlocked. It will be until further notice.

OVERALL LEVEL DESCRIPTION:
When I first had the idea of a series of levels concerning LOTR (I must admit that it is my wife fault? She asked me to look again the Peter Jackson?s movies during Xmas holidays? just when I was thinking : What will be my next project??? ).
Altought the idea was very incitative for me, I was wondering if I would be able to construct something visually interesting. LOTR movies are strong references for a lot of people, and their visual value is awesome and extraordinary! Hard references! So I opened an empty moon place and start some test for environments and overall artistic orientation, with one thing in mind: Is this reminding of LOTR for the player? After several hours of test, I started to like what I have done and decided to transfom this ?test level? in an ?introductive level?.
This is how ?The Berear - Part I : Incipit? was born?
So, I polished the level and guided my constructions to give at this level a function of Teaser (as movies teaser). Its purpose is only to immerse the player in the LOTR universe of my levels slowly, giving him just little touch of what he could wait for the next levels in term of visual references. It is really a teaser. It's second purpose of course is to give you the key for the Part II?
In term of storyline, you will start the level in a strange library and quickly meet an unconventional Book. Actually, the One Book? It will propose you to take a rapid overview of what have been written on it. So enter the Book world and open your eyes?

VIDEO Review:

Thanks to Aeroblue for taking the time to record this review

YouTube - LBP Level Review: "The Bearer: Part 1 - Incipit"


PICTURES:

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1839

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1838

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1836

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1835

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1834

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1832

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=217&pictureid=1831

Now, if you want TO KNOW AND SEE MORE about PART II and III take a look here:
The Bearer - Part II : The Ring (https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=p=123463#post123463)
The Bearer - Part III : The Fellowship" (http://https://lbpcentral.lbp-hub.com/index.php?t=t=8698)

Finally I would like to gratefully thank OCK here for its critical help in playtesting this level and for these very useful advices It is the second time you do such a thing for me : Thank you a lot! 		2009-01-16 23:12:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Wohoo!! Finally a LOTR level ^^"

Gonna try them out tommorow! Need to sleep. >,<		2009-01-16 23:48:00

Author:
Senrir
Posts: 126

Probably your best work so far.

Pros:
+The Lighting, omgygosh, the lighting... how can such beauty be put to words...
+The story was awesome, even though it was copied from LotR.
+The detail was great! I especially loved the books.
+Gameplay was good, it was fun to do, and not just a story.
+The letters that you used to spell everything with looked amazing!

Cons:
-Some switches were visible. (Ya, that's right, only ONE con!:hero

That was an amazing, detailed, epic level. One of my all time favourites. I'm excited to see the next level (Which I'll get to right now and get some feedback for that.)

AMAZING job! 5 stars, and hearted!		2009-01-17 00:02:00

Author:
Kog
Posts: 2358

I have been waiting for this for a long time and I am happy you finished and published it. I played it earlier today, here are my thoughts:

Your description of this being contemplative and like a movie teaser was spot on. It often did feel like I was playing a movie trailer and I mean that in a very good way. I don't remember playing a level in LBP that conveyed a similar feeling so thank you for that.

I am a big LoTR fan having read the books and of course watched the movies and I really loved all the references that acted as a "preview" of things to come. The elven forest, Rohan, the mines, it is all here and everything has a style that is your own but still true to the movies/books. Great job!

I have written this once before but I will do so again: you are a Master of Lighting! There is no other creator that I know of who has perfected the use of lighting quite the way you have. My favorite parts with this level in particular was the use of blue spotlights in the mines (simply stunning) and the lighting used for the Elven section (it was so bright, beautiful and magical that it was almost too much for my eyes lol) but really the whole level has amazing lighting that impresses throughout.

Love the logo, love the logo, love the logo. What more can I say?

The books you made at the very beginning, especially the open story-book, were fantastic and perfectly constructed. Your custom creations always bring a smile to my face.

The part near the beginning where you are pulling the ring from the pond was ingenious and so true to the LoTR story. I also love the water bubble effect you created here, very impressive.

I enjoyed the ending the "Eye" was perfect. I loved your use of logos again here

Suggestions:

- There are prox switches at the beginning and at the very end that are visible.

- At the section where you use the jetpack to pull the ring from he pond it is possible to fly all the way up (outside) and see the construction of the room. Shortening the chain length will solve this problem.

- Color your checkpoints

- At the section that says "Nine men....)" it is possible o bypass the electric rings by walking in the background and maybe this was not your intention.

Really amazing work once again. 5 stars and hearted! I will play part II this evening and get back to you with my thoughts then. 		2009-01-17 04:11:00

Author:
OCK
Posts: 1536

Gotta say, Takelow - you are an absolute MASTER at visuals. I'm a big LOTR fan, and I absolutely loved this. It may have been designed as simply an introduction with a little gameplay, but I enjoyed every minute.

My list of issues locked EXACTLY like the previous post, so I kind of wish I had read it first....

The only thing I can add is the magic mouth near the end looked a little out-of-place among your other work. I would personally rather see a statue face or something there. But that is an extremely small request (I wasn't even sure whether to mention it, but there it is...)

Great work!

Now over to the part II which I played at the same time...		2009-01-17 05:15:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Probably your best work so far.
Pros:
+The Lighting, omgygosh, the lighting... how can such beauty be put to words...
+The story was awesome, even though it was copied from LotR.
+The detail was great! I especially loved the books.
+Gameplay was good, it was fun to do, and not just a story.
+The letters that you used to spell everything with looked amazing!

Thank you



Cons:
-Some switches were visible. (Ya, that's right, only ONE con!)

I will fix this soon


That was an amazing, detailed, epic level. One of my all time favourites. I'm excited to see the next level (Which I'll get to right now and get some feedback for that.)
AMAZING job! 5 stars, and hearted!

WOW, i didn't expected such reaction, but i must admit that i love that! Thank you


I am a big LoTR fan having read the books and of course watched the movies and I really loved all the references that acted as a "preview" of things to come. The elven forest, Rohan, the mines, it is all here and everything has a style that is your own but still true to the movies/books. Great job!

What you wrote here OCK is very important for me. It was actually my main challenge as a creator... Make something coherent, with correct visual reference. Thank you OCK


Suggestions:

- At the section where you use the jetpack to pull the ring from he pond it is possible to fly all the way up (outside) and see the construction of the room. Shortening the chain length will solve this problem.

Yes, we ever talk about this point in private. I tried to increase the lenght of this jetpack and didn't see that it allows player to see the construction of the room. I will shortened it in the next update, the second jetpack being sufficiant to bring the ring out.


- Color your checkpoints
Oh... It is done in the Part II and... i forgot in the Part I...


- At the section that says "Nine men....)" it is possible o bypass the electric rings by walking in the background and maybe this was not your intention.
Lol... you touch one of my personnal answer in this level...I don't know if i block the second and third plane to increase the challenge here (which is not really the purpose), or if i must consider the "shower" of rings as pure visual experience. I will think about this...



Really amazing work once again. 5 stars and hearted! I will play part II this evening and get back to you with my thoughts then.

Thank you a lot


Gotta say, Takelow - you are an absolute MASTER at visuals. I'm a big LOTR fan, and I absolutely loved this. It may have been designed as simply an introduction with a little gameplay, but I enjoyed every minute.

Thank you


My list of issues locked EXACTLY like the previous post, so I kind of wish I had read it first....

So, my answers will be exactly the same that above


The only thing I can add is the magic mouth near the end looked a little out-of-place among your other work. I would personally rather see a statue face or something there. But that is an extremely small request (I wasn't even sure whether to mention it, but there it is...)

You absolutely right. But my answer is in one word: Thermometer!
I will see what i can do here with stickers (you know how custom elements take high % of thermo).


Now over to the part II which I played at the same time...

I saw your critical feedbacks and answered in th thread 		2009-01-17 19:11:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

intro part 1 was awesome very profesional looking, like a game of its own

grammer errors on level description and on titles '' takelow present'' should b ''takelow presents'' sorry bout the nitpicking but u have potential and it looks more professional with good spelling

visible magic mouths and switches btw

part 2:

this level is excellent, (liked the mountain bit, challenging but fun) fix these and it will be excellententer ( i new word i just made to describe ur level lol )

first lever on top of house was annoying to reach, i had to topple a tree.
gandalf grammer mistakes.
a lot of things need gluing, ( fireplace for one ).
lever on chandeliar kinda hard to find n i dont understand y its there of all places.
****!! im playing the level as i write this and the ring just broke in the elevator that sam rides on

im sure the level continues 2 be awesome bt i couldnt b bothered 2 continue again

my level
silent hill 2 REBORN ( parts 1 and 2 )

rip into it, i want my levels 2 be great		2009-01-17 21:25:00

Author:
talmasca
Posts: 196

Hi talmasca,

First of all, thank you for the feedbacks and the kind words. I'm really happy that you found my level "very professional".


grammer errors on level description and on titles '' takelow present'' should b ''takelow presents'' sorry bout the nitpicking but u have potential and it looks more professional with good spelling

OMG! What a shame to do gammer error in such a title screen, even if the english is not my maternal language (actually i'm french)
I made an update of the level and correct the "Present" in "Presents". Thank you for this .
Concerning grammar and spelling errors, i must take more time to detect them and correct them (i mean, for this i must take a look to my scolar english book...). Btw, if you detected errors on specific words, please, tell me (as talmasca done with the present"s"), it will be very useful for me.


visible magic mouths and switches btw
I fix some of them in the update of this morning. Thank you. I didn't find the time to replay the entire level yet. But i will do it as soon as possible to verify that there is no visible switch remaining.


part 2:

I think you didn't see it, but I have open a specific thread for "The Bearer - Part II : The Ring". It will be very more easy for me if comments about this one will be post in the specific thread. Thank you by advance



first lever on top of house was annoying to reach, i had to topple a tree.
Actually there is TWO very easy ways to reach this lever WITHOUT topple the tree (i didn't give you the answer here as it is a part of the level "secrets" to find). Actually, i must glue this tree because what you have done is not the way it must do.



gandalf grammer mistakes.

Same answer that above


a lot of things need gluing, ( fireplace for one ).
I will see that, thanks.


lever on chandeliar kinda hard to find n i dont understand y its there of all places.

I said that the level was a ** challenge. Not a 0* challenge
There is things you must found by observation of the level. I don't like to give the player all the solutions of my levels...they must explore a little bit to progress... It is a personnal choice.


****!! im playing the level as i write this and the ring just broke in the elevator that sam rides on
Oh, to bad!
Actually, i agree that if the ring is on the border left of the elevator, there is some chance that it been destroyed when the elevator go up. In an update i made this morning, i changed the material of the elevator, i made a trench in the right border of the elevator (in order to block the ring) and i changed the Sam dialog. It is not the best modifications that could be do here, but it is the best i found for the timle i disposed this morning.
I will update this more deeply tonight


my level
silent hill 2 REBORN ( parts 1 and 2 )

rip into it, i want my levels 2 be great
Be sure i will play and comments your levels.
EDIT: it is done. Your levels are great. I will write my comments soon in your thread 		2009-01-18 10:52:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Played both and ****.... they are good.
Ok seriously, beautiful design and just great use of lights...
I'm kinda short for words now.
I'll come back a give u my full opinion on the stage.		2009-01-18 19:11:00

Author:
blizzard_cool
Posts: 752

Thank you Blizzard, I'm anxious to know more about your opinion
BTW, i made a minor update yesterday (i removed some invisible switch and fixed some issues in the start area section).

Any new comments and suggests would be really appreciated 		2009-01-19 07:02:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Sweet level, dude. Very slick.

Everyone has already said everything I would say, but keep up the good work and I'm glad somebody talented is doing the LOTR the right way.		2009-01-19 08:00:00

Author:
Voltiare
Posts: 646

I'm glad somebody talented is doing the LOTR the right way.

Thank you for these kind words
I really appreciate it 		2009-01-19 12:41:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

You have some very nice set design and custom objects in this level, Takelow... I love the books and the quills, the dwarven temple, and the elven shrine. I've been meaning to do a lifesize tabletop level involving books as one of the background pieces and you beat me to it

I like how you were able to find a way to summarize the whole story, and really do an homage to it... you made a short, fun level designed for fan service, which I like. I wish more of the environment was as detailed as my favorite pieces, but I know how the thermometer is - if you want more than 4 rooms you have to foresake some detail (which I hate doing too :/)

I'm about to play part 2, but this is another pretty original approach to level design from you, as always.		2009-01-19 12:45:00

Author:
Unknown User

Hi NinjaMicWZ,

I am happy that you loved my level!


I wish more of the environment was as detailed as my favorite pieces, but I know how the thermometer is - if you want more than 4 rooms you have to foresake some detail (which I hate doing too :/)

It is a choice here. What about my next levels of the series if i give you all, at the first level? lol
As stated in the description of the level, i just would like give you slight touches in this level. I didn't represent The shire in part I. But if i had do such things, it would not be with the same level of details that in The Part II. If it was the case, there were no surprise anymore once you played this one.
So, yes, here you trully have "slight touches" of what you can expect for the next

Nevertheless, you was right, my thermometers is 99% full (the panels with text take a big % of it) for part I as well as for part II 		2009-01-19 18:39:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Loved it Takelow. I meant to comment on this when the level was still fresh in the brain, but alas I took too long. Anyway:

Your custom creations are amazing. The books, the pens, the title, the everything. This is to be expected from you of course haha

Telling the story about the distribution of the rings to the dwarves/elves/humans was epic. Especially liked how you integrated platforming into those parts and then proceeded to show a human/dwarvish and elvish environment after each. Just awesome, awesome planning! And then afterwards I got tingles when you fall and come upon the words "THE ONE RING" or something along those lines. Totally epic.

Great work man, I'd have more to say but things aren't so fresh at the moment. 5 stars/hearted		2009-01-20 02:33:00

Author:
Neverynnal
Posts: 374

Telling the story about the distribution of the rings to the dwarves/elves/humans was epic. Especially liked how you integrated platforming into those parts and then proceeded to show a human/dwarvish and elvish environment after each. Just awesome, awesome planning! And then afterwards I got tingles when you fall and come upon the words "THE ONE RING" or something along those lines. Totally epic.
Great work man, I'd have more to say but things aren't so fresh at the moment. 5 stars/hearted

Thank you a lot. I would like this level to be epic. It was, for me, the best way to promote the whole series.
So i am happy with your comments 		2009-01-20 09:56:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Incredible, the storytelling mixed with great aesthetics really makes this one stand out. Your approach is the PERFECT way to bring Lord of the Rings to LBP. It all starts on a bookshelf. It's just pitch perfect. and don't think I didn't love and appreciate the little piece of Howard Shore's theme music beneath the lake! Incredible.

A few suggestions/issues:

At the title "Incipit", I wasn't sure where to go - to the right looked a bit steep so I tried left. There was a small round boulder, which I was able to push, and then promptly fell through the level all the way to the ground below. Whoopsies!

One or two more checkpoints would be nice, particularly in the dwarf area.

I had BIG troubles with the elf region. The glass platforms were hell on me for whatever reason, and I wasn't sure where to go so I kept trying to get to the very top. grabbed the sticker, kept falling, kept climbing, kept sliding and falling some more. eventually I noticed the branch and figured it out. I wouldn't have minded if it weren't for the glass though. Never a big fan of glass platforms in ol' LBP.

In Mordor, I fell from the giant ring winch, and it just really seemed to take a while to get a second chance to go back. For a minute I thought I was screwed, and the thing wasn't going to take off again, but eventually a did. Maybe just tighten that up a bit for klutzes like me who fall to their dooms? (MOUNT dooms... baaah...)

I'm off to play Part 2 right away because I loved this level so much.		2009-01-20 11:20:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Hi Teebonesy,

First of all, thank you a lot four your great feedbacks, i appreciate it a lot


At the title "Incipit", I wasn't sure where to go - to the right looked a bit steep so I tried left. There was a small round boulder, which I was able to push, and then promptly fell through the level all the way to the ground below. Whoopsies!

Oh, i must forgot to glue it. I will for the next update.


One or two more checkpoints would be nice, particularly in the dwarf area.

I thought this level was not challenging. But i think i can add a checkpoint .


I had BIG troubles with the elf region. The glass platforms were hell on me for whatever reason, and I wasn't sure where to go so I kept trying to get to the very top. grabbed the sticker, kept falling, kept climbing, kept sliding and falling some more. eventually I noticed the branch and figured it out. I wouldn't have minded if it weren't for the glass though. Never a big fan of glass platforms in ol' LBP.

I see. Actually, i found the glass was looking very well with the visual and created this gameplay section. However, during playtesting, i observed that the climbing was difficult with this. In order to keep the glass visual but ameliorate gameplay, i added invisible black matter thin layers on some of the inferior glass plateform (until the branch). The upper part is a kind of secret area giving the player a custom gift. So i decided to keep the glass (and then, a little bit of challenge for this optional way) here.
I think i will add element to show more the branch (perhaps a single well oriented spotlight would be sufficiant)


In Mordor, I fell from the giant ring winch, and it just really seemed to take a while to get a second chance to go back. For a minute I thought I was screwed, and the thing wasn't going to take off again, but eventually a did. Maybe just tighten that up a bit for klutzes like me who fall to their dooms? (MOUNT dooms... baaah...)

Lol...
You fall, you pay


I'm off to play Part 2 right away because I loved this level so much.

Thank you a lot
I will respond in the thread later.

Btw, i played your The Movies level once again today. Comparing with the first time, it seems to me that the level was GREATLY improved (in term of lenght, but also with two more movies...)... Am i dreaming?
I will replay it the next couple of days with a pen in the hand in order to give you detailed feedback 		2009-01-20 21:58:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Btw, i played your The Movies level once again today. Comparing with the first time, it seems to me that the level was GREATLY improved (in term of lenght, but also with two more movies...)... Am i dreaming?
I will replay it the next couple of days with a pen in the hand in order to give you detailed feedback

Hmm... I think you must have been dreaming! It's always had 3 movies, but I have added a ton to the level visually (mostly to the trolley ride) over my updates and tweaks.

For the dwarf section, you're absolutely right, it's not a difficult area, but if you do happen to die by fluke (for me, i was trying to take a photo - it's usually when I try to take photos that I die), you wind up at a checkpoint that's much farther back then you expect. My rule of thumb is to put a checkpoint right before every major obstacle. This definitely makes things a bit easier on the player, but the way I look at it is, checkpoints don't actually affect the difficulty of the obstacles at all, they merely reduce the frustration of having to repeat areas. But it's true that I'm not very good at this game anyway. There are some great levels out there that I've never been able to finish. Aye yi yi.		2009-01-21 08:16:00

Author:
Teebonesy
Posts: 1937

Hey,
I LOVED your level.
It was brilliant how you changed them from the films, (as in, it started in a libary/book shelf).
Everything was beautiful, everything from the books to the writing. The story was captivating (even if it was Lord of the Rings :L).

I am a MASSIVE lord of the rings fan, and you certainly done it justice.

5/5 *
Hearted Level
Hearted You		2009-01-21 19:04:00

Author:
FatalScene
Posts: 7

I absolutely loved this level! This is already in my top five!

You got in so much detail I didn't think would be possible, the custom LOTR style lettering was brilliant. You really captured the feel of the movies, it felt just like the intro sequence.

My minor criticisms are:

- After the "Nine rings for men" with the falling rings, I found the platform section in the house a bit frustrating - they just felt a bit too small and the gaps a bit too big (but this is just my personal preference)

- Grammar, I know your English isn't your first language. I can't remember all of the occasions, but at the end it says "Or will you let it here and continue your own road? It is now your choice little sackboy..." I would change let to leave

I don't have any levels for F4F, however as you are a master of lighting - take a look at my laser level (see my signature below for details), you might want to use them in one of your future levels.		2009-01-21 20:47:00

Author:
EastwoodAndy
Posts: 70

Hmm... I think you must have been dreaming! It's always had 3 movies, but I have added a ton to the level visually (mostly to the trolley ride) over my updates and tweaks.

Oh, i am sorry. I thought.
How could i have forgot my first play in this wonderful and original level?


My rule of thumb is to put a checkpoint right before every major obstacle. This definitely makes things a bit easier on the player, but the way I look at it is, checkpoints don't actually affect the difficulty of the obstacles at all, they merely reduce the frustration of having to repeat areas. But it's true that I'm not very good at this game anyway. There are some great levels out there that I've never been able to finish. Aye yi yi.

I added a checkpoint in this section



It was brilliant how you changed them from the films, (as in, it started in a libary/book shelf).
Everything was beautiful, everything from the books to the writing. The story was captivating (even if it was Lord of the Rings :L).

I am a MASSIVE lord of the rings fan, and you certainly done it justice.

5/5 *
Hearted Level
Hearted You

Thank you a lot, i appreciate your comments


I absolutely loved this level! This is already in my top five!

You got in so much detail I didn't think would be possible, the custom LOTR style lettering was brilliant. You really captured the feel of the movies, it felt just like the intro sequence.

Thank you.
Concerning lettering, some gift bubble contains these letters. And these are cpyable.
I project to use the same typo in all my Bearer levels, and to offer as a gift the complete alphabet (a,b...z) in the last level of the series.


- Grammar, I know your English isn't your first language. I can't remember all of the occasions, but at the end it says "Or will you let it here and continue your own road? It is now your choice little sackboy..." I would change let to leave

It is done, thank you a lot


don't have any levels for F4F, however as you are a master of lighting - take a look at my laser level (see my signature below for details), you might want to use them in one of your future levels.

I played, loved, hearted and wrote a few words about your level!
I usually NEVER re-use others custom elements in my levels. But i KEEP yours and be sure i will use it in a next production ("Way of Light 2"?). Thank you a lot

EDIT (2009.01.31): The level had been updated with changes for near all the suggests this thread contains so far. Thank you a lot for yours feedbacks		2009-01-31 16:46:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Hello TaKe,
My apologies for this long absence on LBP central....Days are more and more short, so i have no time to play !!!
However, long ago, I played your level "incipit" and I have was once again dazzled! At this time, some bugs was present but since everybody played and commented it, i think it's perfect now.
One more time you have done a impressive work !

Just a little comment: I don't know if it has been highlighted but at the beginning, when the old book speak to you, the speeches kinematics could be perfectible and you could hide the sensor.

Thank you TaKe !!		2009-02-01 09:38:00

Author:
ZaNy
Posts: 12

I had a chance to play his again tonight and I wanted to let you know I like the changes you made with the "9 rings to the men" part. One thing I did notice is at the beginning your first logo has two visible dark matter studs in the corners. You can simply create SINGLE layer dm and attach it to the back of the logo, out of sight (I do this all the time in my levels). Just a suggestion to make what is already a fantastic level even more polsihed.

I also managed to grab the number two spot on the scoreboard (after you of course) 		2009-02-02 14:20:00

Author:
OCK
Posts: 1536

However, long ago, I played your level "incipit" and I have was once again dazzled! At this time, some bugs was present but since everybody played and commented it, i think it's perfect now.
One more time you have done a impressive work !

Thank you ZaNy for playing the level and for your kind words. I think most of the suggests of the thread had been answered in the last update.


I had a chance to play his again tonight and I wanted to let you know I like the changes you made with the "9 rings to the men" part.
Thank you for the initial advice. I feel it is better now.


One thing I did notice is at the beginning your first logo has two visible dark matter studs in the corners. You can simply create SINGLE layer dm and attach it to the back of the logo, out of sight (I do this all the time in my levels). Just a suggestion to make what is already a fantastic level even more polsihed.

It is funny, i replayed the level today and also noticed this!
Initially, my cams was more focused in this section and these circle of dark matter wasn't visible. I adjusted the camera latter, but didn't detect the problem immediately. I will hide them in the next update. Thank you


I also managed to grab the number two spot on the scoreboard (after you of course)

Well done OCK. For the highest score, you must absolutely find the little secret way with bubbles (ONE RING) ... Trees are also a good source of points...

EDIT: I have removed the visible dark matter on the first logo 		2009-02-05 19:10:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Will play yor series this weekend and give you detailed feedback!2009-02-07 02:15:00

Author:
Mattrick
Posts: 214

Hey Takelow, I had a chance to replay the first Bearer level tonight. You really did a fantastic job on the look of everything. I especially liked the water near the beginning. I could write pages on what was right, as have many before me, but my eyes are growing heavy so I'll just offer a few suggestions.

I noticed some grammar and spelling mistakes. Nothing major. If you're interested in fixing them, let me know and I can make a note of any changes needed.

I had a little trouble with the glass in the elven section. I read one comment above where you said you put rubber over it, but it still seemed slick.

Each time I've played, I got stuck in the ring immediately after the water. Would it be possible to move the ring to the middle plane so you can jump out?

I can't remember what happened the first time I played through (took the ring) but there didn't seem to be any dire consequences to not taking the ring.

Really a fantastic tribute. Looking forward to part 3.		2009-02-07 04:00:00

Author:
larryjoe701
Posts: 68

Hi larryjoe701,

Thank you for your comments and suggests, i really appreciate it.
I will update the level soon and fix the bug you mentioned.

Concerning the ring at the end, if you take it, there is an elevator that is activated and you must visit the upper part of the last cave (where you must place the ring in a trench to continue) and you obtain the key for Part II (that is actually now totally unlocked...). If you don't take the ring, you take the other part and don't get the key.

The Part III is now 75% done. Perhaps i will be able to publish it next week... 		2009-02-07 19:29:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

I played both chapters last night.

First, let me just say that they are beautiful, and I love the direction you're taking the narrative.

That said, I got REALLY frustrated once in each level.

In the first, at the elves portion, I didn't see that I was supposed to go right, and I took forever trying to climb that glass tower. Let me just say that "ice" is not something that the physics of LBP does well and that it should be used sparingly if at all. Anyway, I eventually got up to the top just to find a prize bubble, and there was cursing involved. I also managed to get the ring out of the ring chamber at the end (because I thought that's what I was supposed to do), and I died just to respawn in the ring chamber with no way out.

In the second, in the Shire, some of the tree platforming over on the left was aggrevating. It wasn't challenging platforming, which I appreciate. Rather, it was trial and error trying to jump on small round surfaces. I also hate jetpack puzzles, but that's just personal preferance...but I'm not sure how well they fit into the subject matter.

Overall, top notch stuff, and I five starred both...but it was based mostly on presentation. Criticism is meant to be constructive. Cheers!		2009-02-07 22:37:00

Author:
frizby
Posts: 89

Hi Frizbi,

Thank you for your feedbacks, i really appreciate.
I am happy you loved the level and that you concerns are only about very minor points in the levels (even if it seems that these minor point VERY FRUSTATED you...Hmm)

Concerning the elves portion of the first level, it is here a personnal choice. Climbing on the top of the monument is hard, i admit, but it is optionnal and is rewarded by bubbles point and a custom content bubble. And the correct way (that is very easily accessible) is clearly showed by a cinematic bubble speech. You probably miss it ;p

Concerning the second level, the left section is also optionnal and give to the player a sticker and bubbles. It is just a four jump platform section and i am so use with it that i have any problem to progress here. But thank you to mention it, i will change this because it is not my intention to be frustrating here.
For the jetpack puzzle, i don't see at all which you mean. I used a lot the jetpack in my previous level, but i don't see a jetpack puzzle in "The Ring"...		2009-02-08 08:23:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

I'm sure I missed the direction on the ice tower. I think I remember the ice being rounded at the edges. If you made it square, it might be a little less aggrevating.

I doubt I was clear about the ring chamber, but the door that opens when you put the ring in its holder needs to come down a bit faster. I doubt you want people to be able to take the ring out of that chamber. Just speed up the door piston (I assume) a bit.

In the Shire, don't I need that sticker to progress in the level?

You didn't do a ton of jetpack puzzles, but there are a few. I loved the jetpack in the water, but otherwise, it seems like an odd fit with LotR.

And let me reiterate...the visual presentation you've put together here is beyond anything I'd ever dream of doing. I can't commend you enough for that.		2009-02-08 17:31:00

Author:
frizby
Posts: 89

I doubt I was clear about the ring chamber, but the door that opens when you put the ring in its holder needs to come down a bit faster. I doubt you want people to be able to take the ring out of that chamber. Just speed up the door piston (I assume) a bit.
Oh OK. I am sorry but i didn't understand. Ok i see now and will do something for this with the next update. Thank you for the suggest


In the Shire, don't I need that sticker to progress in the level?
Not really. The stickers only gives you extra points.


You didn't do a ton of jetpack puzzles, but there are a few. I loved the jetpack in the water, but otherwise, it seems like an odd fit with LotR.

Hm... I am not totally agree. I think jetpack is a gameplay element. But if i follow your idea, no jetpack, no paintinator....isn't this mean NO LBP?
For exemple, i totally refused to use the Paintinator for the reasons you said above: i thought it didn't fit the theme. Concerning Jetpack, it is a very easy way to allow the player to take the ring and move it in the air. It is very usefull with my level design. And i think that it is not chocking at all... But it is subjective point of view here


And let me reiterate...the visual presentation you've put together here is beyond anything I'd ever dream of doing. I can't commend you enough for that.

Thank you a lot. I appreciate your kind words

Finally, i can tell everybody that read this thread that "The Bearer - Part III : The Fellowship" has never been so close than you... I think that a couple of hours of more work would be sufficient before publishing... Today? Tomorrow? Check the showcase 		2009-02-10 06:28:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Totally awesome level!! I played both part 1 and part 2. Sorry if i get some of the feedback confused.

PROS:
- The custom content was killer in both!
- The books and opening sequence really put a personal touch that helped emerse yourself in the level.
- The detail in the books and pens was really nice
- The water level was cool, almost wanted a little more
- The Shire was so cool with their little houses and the fish jumping in the water!! very nice detail@
- Excellent use of lighting, i liked the Sun shining on the one jumping section...very nice throughout


CONS:
-Some of the jumping sections were really tough...dont' mind tough jumping sections, just some of the intial starts were so hard to get going it kind of slowed the gameplay down too much for my taste
- Not sure which one had Grandol the Gray take you across the electric piece with his horse and buggy but there is a typo in his message. should say "other possessions" and it says 'othe possessions' missing an 'r' on the end of the word other and I think you had an I in lower case "i" in the next message
- on several occasions I was able to jump inside the ring...keep hitting jump and get real high in your level and see stuff...I also used this to get over the electric fences where you are suppose to leave the ring behind. May want to make that smaller so you can't jump inside of it.
-On part II I was able to push the column forward until it fell, couldn't get the ring to the door so I used the jump in the ring and float over technique to finish the level

Overall awesome levels and I can't wait for part III.

Hearted the level and creator and gave 5 stars on both! Very nice work and attention to detail!!		2009-02-10 18:05:00

Author:
Mattrick
Posts: 214

I played this the other day, but forgot to add some impressions. Most of my praise and criticisms have already been brought up by other users, but I still wanted to add that I really enjoyed this level. I'm amazed that you are able to pull these off so quickly Takelow! Especially with the amount of detail and creativity that you put into it! This level had me from the moment I appeared on the bookshelf. Good job!2009-02-11 00:31:00

Author:
mrsupercomputer
Posts: 1335

I played this when you published it. Since everybody already commented, I won't go in too much details. Just to let you know that it's an very cool level. What I liked the most :

+ The introduction.

+ The fonts you created are awesome!

- If I remeber correctly, there's part with a jetpack. It does not fit in the Lord of the Rings universe for me. Even if we are supposed to be underwater...

Tr?s beau travail mec, je suis un fan de Tolkien et ton adaption de son oeuvre dans le monde de LBP est g?niale. Je vais essayer l'autre partie ce soir!



5 stars, hearted! 		2009-02-11 15:31:00

Author:
JackBurton25
Posts: 116

Hi,

Thank you all for your comments. I appreciate it a lot


- If I remeber correctly, there's part with a jetpack. It does not fit in the Lord of the Rings universe for me. Even if we are supposed to be underwater...

Yeah, i already answered about this point.
Does LBP style fit LOTR? Certainly not.
Does a LOTR level in LBP may stay close to LBP gameplay basics? I think so.
It is my point of viewand altought i absolutely refused to use paintinator in these levels, i choose to use jetpack. I repeat that my levels are all near to be 100% full, and i had to find a way to allow the player moving the ring in the air easily if necessary.
So i totally assume the choice of using jetpack and i willcontinue for the next levels


Tr?s beau travail mec, je suis un fan de Tolkien et ton adaption de son oeuvre dans le monde de LBP est g?niale. Je vais essayer l'autre partie ce soir!

Merci beaucoup!! J'esp?re que les partie II et III te plairont ?galement

Unfortunately, i didn't find the time to play your Left Behind Part II level yet(actually, i played it once, but can't finish it because of my son...), but be sure that i will write my thoughts in the thread as soon as possible 		2009-02-17 17:28:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

I tried this level today and after swimming through the water and getting the ring, I couldnt get past the ring to continue the quest because everytime I did, it would pull me inside of the ring. Then I would have to manuver back into the water and get out of the ring, using the back plane in the water, and then it would happen all over again. Why does it seem no one else is having this problem? Any suggestions?2009-02-26 00:49:00

Author:
mrjoeyman
Posts: 217

Hi,

I don't clearly understand your problem but it seems that you are the first to have such problem...
At this stage, you can directly grab the Ring when it is coming down andbring it near the block of the right (with the ring sticker). The second possibilities is that if you don't touch the ring at all until it touch the sand, it will detach from the chain and you could bring him easily to unblock the way 		2009-02-26 07:19:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Yeah I got the ring unattached no problem. When I take it out to the right, and it lays on the floor against another object, I couldnt get past it. I will try it again and see if I have better luck.2009-02-26 15:51:00

Author:
mrjoeyman
Posts: 217

Strange...
However, you can leave the ring in the water after the block with sticker disappears... It is actually useless to take it with you outside of the "lake".
I hope you will be able to pass this section, because most of the level is after it 		2009-02-26 18:48:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

I went back and left it in the "water". As has been said it is very visually excellent. My favorite part of all that I played in the trilogy was where I had to move the "desk" to the right end of the room to use the jetpack to lift the ring over it and resume. I think there should be more things like this in the levels. Things that make you think.2009-02-26 23:39:00

Author:
mrjoeyman
Posts: 217

I liked it quite a bit, the only problem is that there isn't much gameplay to this first one (although you do mention that). The lighting is some of the best lighting I have seen in a level, it makes me realize that I need to put lighting in my level, besides just the few lamps on strings.

+Great to look at
+resembles a library very well
+cool ideas

-barely any gameplay

F4F: any of the levels in my sig		2009-02-27 03:34:00

Author:
cornontheCOD
Posts: 150

Hi everybody,

I am happy to post in this forum again, since i was absent for a long time due to work!!
I have now some time to play videogames and LBP. I will continue my series of level "The Bearer".

I saw that there is a lot of new people around here and i found it great!! So i hope that some new players could be interested in this series of levels. Then, I added an Aeroblue video in the first post of this thread.
There is actually three fully playable levels in the Bearer series and I am currently workingt on the fourth (i will published it in two or three week i guess).

Feel free to write a comment or two if you played and enjoyed (or not!!) these levels		2009-06-23 08:03:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

Snap! This next next level in this series is being created! I'm DYING to see it.2009-06-23 13:39:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

all 3 of these levels are great. really capture the feel of the books well. can't believe parts 2 and 3 have so few plays...2009-06-24 17:25:00

Author:
ZipCity
Posts: 208

all 3 of these levels are great. really capture the feel of the books well. can't believe parts 2 and 3 have so few plays...
Yeah... you have to remember these levels were created before the changes to the cool levels, so there was no way to get a LOT of plays.

(I feel like I'm saying "ya know, back in MY day.....")

This series should be re-released into the new system. Considering the subject matter and quality, I would bet they have a pretty decent chance at page 1 of cool levels.

By the way, ZipCity - if you haven't yet, go try Takelow's other levels - this is some mighty impressive stuff. Don't let the 3 stars dissuade you - most of them got 3 stars because they can be challenging, not because they are lower quality.		2009-06-24 18:04:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Thank you for the kind word...

The fourth part is currently in good way, but it need a lot of polish and a little bit more work to be ready 		2009-06-29 15:33:00

Author:
Takelow
Posts: 1355

I will give this :star::star::star::star: because of the amazing atmosphere and finishing detail! One thing I found was that the gameplay could have been smoother in some areas, such as the jumping on glass blocks right before you go up the tree. If there was an option for 4 1/2 stars, I would give it to this!2009-08-04 22:50:00

Author:
pocoroo
Posts: 14


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