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Horror Level Contest

Archive: 33 posts


Alright then! I was playing through a few "scary" LBP-levels and to be honest... They were not scary at all. Then I thought to myself if it's even possible to create horror in this game. I realized that if there is a slightest possibility of LBP being scary at all, then the best way for me to find this is to create a contest, challenging you to create a scary level.

So this is me, challenging you to create a level that is scary. Like, not scary as in having lots and lots of blood and brutality in it. But truly horrifying.

Here are the rules:
-The level must be published between 1st of June and the 30th of June, then posted to this thread with the level link.
-The level MUST NOT be "only for adults." I don't want to play a level that trusts its horror to be created by lots of blood.
-The level must be made by the person who posts it here and it must not be edited after the final date of entering the contest.
-The level must be a level. Not a film, though it can have cinematic moments in it, if that's required.


Here are a few helpful tips/things I look from the level:
-It can use controlinator, but I still expect the level to have the LBP-style that makes this game what it is.
-Avoid cliches such as... I don't know, what is considered "scary" horror-wise? Being unique and making something that hasn't really been seen before is the best way to create horror. Not all cliches are bad though.
-Have a good villain! Be unique with your villain and don't be afraid to think out of the box.
-Don't forget to make the level good! Good gameplay combined with horror can be very good for the level, as it can enhance both of the aspects on their own.
-Remember to make the level engaging the best you can! I promise, I will play all the levels when it's dark outside, even though that is kind of difficult to do in Finland during summer.
-To make the level more engaging, add details to the visuals and audio, as well as good lighting to make the visuals more effective.
-Also, a helpful trick for this also is to create a level with an actual story that you move along with a good pace. This isn't necessary, but if done well it can and will make a difference
-I'm going to mention this again because it's important: remember the game you're playing! It's LBP, not Resident Evil. Keep it that way as much as you can.
-As I have found it, the best way to create horror is by using psychology. It can be helpful to know the basics...

So, is there anyone who dares to take up my challenge? I will give the top 3 LBPC-XP based on their ranking.

1) 1000 LBPC-XP
2) 750 LBPC-XP
3) 500 LBPC-XP

These amounts may get bigger, if there are more people who are going to join this competition. If the amount of applicants is low, though, I am likely to hold the join-date all the way to the end of July, but only if it's absolutely necessary.
2013-05-12 16:27:00

Author:
FreeAim
Posts: 2462


I'm totally in. I have wanted to create a scary level so very badly. XD

Question though. Am I allowed to ask for assistance on some logic technologies? To be frank, I am no good with Sackbots, and my level idea requires you to use one. So I'll probably have to ask around for an adequate sackbot respawn gizmo.
2013-05-12 17:53:00

Author:
Kato
Posts: 732


Jumpscares! Something every horror level needs but lacks. That's why they're NEVER scary. They forget about jumpscares!2013-05-12 23:01:00

Author:
Buttarms
Posts: 142


Jumpscares! Something every horror level needs but lacks. That's why they're NEVER scary. They forget about jumpscares!

Lol jumpscares are cheap. The real scare are the things that make you think and build up with suspense.
2013-05-13 02:25:00

Author:
Blackbeltnick95
Posts: 129


...
I'm totally entering this.

Gotta wipe my brow as I sweat my rust making a good level for this.
2013-05-13 05:34:00

Author:
CirkuzFr3ek
Posts: 194


LBP horror? Hmm... Alright, I'll enter. Had an idea for a side-scrolling horror, should work great with this. Count me in. 2013-05-13 06:17:00

Author:
GunslingerShane
Posts: 20


Hi . This idea is great !!! I love horrors , but becouse of my job , not so many thinks can scary me at all (i'm work in undertakers XD) . So , i'll try my best to get somethink realy worth to playing and to be realy scary 2013-05-13 08:25:00

Author:
Araxes
Posts: 36


Lol jumpscares are cheap. The real scare are the things that make you think and build up with suspense.
Don't see how, but whatever...
2013-05-13 11:52:00

Author:
Buttarms
Posts: 142


Don't see how, but whatever...

To each his own though.

Jump scares do help I guess sometimes, but relying solely on them can get, I guess, repetitive.
2013-05-13 15:32:00

Author:
Blackbeltnick95
Posts: 129


i loved the ideas gppd luck to everyone!2013-05-13 16:17:00

Author:
Five-Ate-Five
Posts: 197


Jumpscares can be OK if they are worked out well. Just make sure that they make sense and you see them coming (because otherwise they won't be scary). Don't tell what's coming in advance though, just tell that SOMETHING is coming.

Or, as the best horror is created, show, don't tell.

Also, you may have outside help, if most of the level is still created by you. However, only get this help for sackbots or music, if you will. Or, if you prefer, create it by yourself.
2013-05-13 17:27:00

Author:
FreeAim
Posts: 2462


I have a level that does have a horror aspect to it; but the main theme is not horror. Out of curiousity, would I be able to submit it?2013-05-14 12:48:00

Author:
Buttarms
Posts: 142


Count me in.2013-05-14 15:59:00

Author:
elfmirfkin
Posts: 26


Crap, I have a terrifying horror level in plans, but with lots of other projects it's too early for this. I hope there will be another horror contest in the future. "Midnight" shall be the scariest level ever! 2013-05-14 20:51:00

Author:
Schark94
Posts: 3378


I have a level that does have a horror aspect to it; but the main theme is not horror. Out of curiousity, would I be able to submit it?

As far as my mind goes, if it's scary, it can count. But remember not to publish it until 1st of June at earliest!


Crap, I have a terrifying horror level in plans, but with lots of other projects it's too early for this. I hope there will be another horror contest in the future. "Midnight" shall be the scariest level ever!

Looking forward to that, even if I have to wait a few months... or years. Also, I like that title. "Midnight..." Simple, but effective.

Oh, contestants, remember to name your levels well!
2013-05-14 20:51:00

Author:
FreeAim
Posts: 2462


I've started work on some tech for my level. Its Title is "Close Your Eyes."

It may only be subjectively scary. I can play through the infamous 1408 level without blinking, but the recent Amusement Park at the Center of the Earth level for the Ugly Level Project, I felt to be profoundly disturbing.
2013-05-14 21:51:00

Author:
Kato
Posts: 732


What's truly horrifying... last piece of pie.2013-05-15 01:28:00

Author:
Wafflegod345
Posts: 74


What's truly horrifying... last piece of pie.
Agreed! I don't really care for cake that much, but pie... I think you've hit a gold vein!

I've started work on some tech for my level. Its Title is "Close Your Eyes."

It may only be subjectively scary. I can play through the infamous 1408 level without blinking, but the recent Amusement Park at the Center of the Earth level for the Ugly Level Project, I felt to be profoundly disturbing.

Really? I may just check it out, then. Funny name. Anyway, about your level, if it is scary for me, I count it scary enough.

Also on unrelated news, I would like to inform that I have currently made some drawings about my own next level, that is also horror. NO, it won't be part of this contest. What would be the point in that? Anyway, it's still in the drawing phase and I still have the story to write for it before I can start with creating it. I just say that if the concept works as I plan, it will be truly terrifying, engaging and would still have that LBP feel to it that I like about in levels in general.

Good luck to all the contestants! Glad to see there are so many who were inspired by this.
2013-05-15 20:59:00

Author:
FreeAim
Posts: 2462


Question for folks. My current WIP for this contest is something of a survival challenge. You only get 1 chance, and if you fail you hit the scoreboard. However, I've been debating adding in checkpoints.

Pros to Checkpoints:
1. It will make the level easier.
2. I won't feel like I've gotten lazy on the level by avoiding a Sackbot Respawn.
3. It will make the level less frustrating, with fewer rage-quits.

Cons to Checkpoints:
1. Enemies can follow you anywhere, and may spawn camp checkpoints.
2. Checkpoints are so game-ish they may ruin the immersion.
3. Making a Sackbot Respawn work the way I want it to is a pain in the butt. XD

Arguments Either Way:
1. The level contains no platforming hazards. (No spikes, fire, plasma etc.)
2. I was considering implementing an "EASY" difficulty option on the menu which spawns an alternate set of enemies that will never get close enough to hurt you.
3. It's not going to be very scary if there's no consequences for tro-lol-lol-ing through, but that limits the audience.
2013-05-16 19:45:00

Author:
Kato
Posts: 732


Hmm , in my opinion You shouldn't make any checkpoints . Maybe better will be make health bar ?2013-05-16 20:57:00

Author:
Araxes
Posts: 36


Hmm , in my opinion You shouldn't make any checkpoints . Maybe better will be make health bar ?
This is a horror contest, why not a scare bar? A holo with a head more and more frightened or simply heartbeats accelerating? And when the sackbot is scared to death... well...
2013-05-17 11:16:00

Author:
Djibees
Posts: 189


A health bar would be a nice idea if not for the fact that the monsters are intended to brutally murder you if you get too close. I want your sackboy to feel vulnerable and alone because he's going to look dorky tromping around with a creatinator on. I might be able to conceal the checkpoints behind set pieces you can't get to until you die, and give the monsters a berth around them. Or if a health bar feels necessary, I could conceal it when not in use via holograms/sticker panels, and have the enemies die once they touch you, so they can't infinitely maul you to death.

I'm just concerned because I thought my boss in VR Virus was easy, and I have trouble with these enemies sometimes. Gung-ho is NOT the way to go with them the way they are, and they still only have a move speed of 1.0 XD They're brutal.
2013-05-17 13:43:00

Author:
Kato
Posts: 732


hmm , and that's why i'm think about health bar , it give's U better control on how hard monsters should be .Checkpoints behind set pieces are still only checkpoints , and like You said it's not so scary when person don't fear death . IDK how your project is build so it's hard to suggest somethink.2013-05-17 14:58:00

Author:
Araxes
Posts: 36


All right, I've got the solution. There won't be a difficulty selector, but we will have limited checkpoints. When you get killed by an enemy, the enemy will also die. So even if you get killed, there's still a chance you can make it to the level's end.

But. These aren't going to be infinite checkpoints, so if you die 4 times in a row, it's game over. And there aren't going to have checkpoints all over. So there's definitely going to be more than 4 enemies between checkpoints at certain areas. That said, they only take one shot to defeat. So hopefully the player will be careful, and stay calm, since ammo has a 5 second recharge.
2013-05-21 18:04:00

Author:
Kato
Posts: 732


Okay, from tomorrow on, I'll be taking applications, if you've got the level(s) ready. Good luck to all the contestants 2013-05-31 19:37:00

Author:
FreeAim
Posts: 2462


I'm about halfway done with mine. : D All the tech works, minus a few indicator adjusments (such as a way of knowing when you've killed an enemy), all the event logic, a few details, and there MIGHT end up being a different finale now that I'm having to completely remake the final boss from my main project. (Which leaves Ver. 1 with no home! Oh noes! All that work!)2013-05-31 20:09:00

Author:
Kato
Posts: 732


Sorry for the double post, here is my entry. XD

Link: http://lbp.me/v/kvyrny

I THINK I've worked out all the bugs. Anyway, I was able to beat it. I didn't Ace it on my first run due to stupidity on my part. There are these deadly barrier you gotta shoot and I herp-derped right into one.

I have a feeling people are going to WANT to die a few time just to see the monsters. XD

Enjoy! <3

http://ib.lbp.me/img/ft/25bd485777cd5dcc1f45366bf593309f6bfdab7c.jpg

http://ib.lbp.me/img/ft/8cbf38826d1541aed318eaeadf70dfefa2044dde.jpg

http://id.lbp.me/img/ft/10d065313360537064daf58feea4a0b5a1741946.jpg
2013-06-09 18:20:00

Author:
Kato
Posts: 732


Uuuh, looks creepy.2013-06-09 21:24:00

Author:
FreeAim
Posts: 2462


I had to make a small update to the level. It didn't change any of the content really. There's just now a difficulty selector so if people want the story alone, they can get it with a No-Dying run on Easy. Or if they want to challenge themselves, there's also Normal and Hard mode. The only thing this does is change they type of enemy to spawn per location, but there are still the same spawn locations, numbers, and creature defeat tactics in all places.

Easy: You can seriously just walk right past every enemy without firing a shot. None of them will ever hurt you.

Normal: Exactly the same as it was on first publish. Some enemies are easy, some, will actually kill you, and rarely some will jump behind you.

Hard: Almost EVERY enemy is a threat and a lot of them will teleport behind you. Going through hard mode means being very slow, very patient, and sometimes luring enemies into lit pylons. The only exceptions are this one enemy type called Spirals which on every difficulty exist only so you can occasionally get a glimpse of a monster.

I also removed the shadowy barriers, both because of complexity issues, and because there's no tutorial telling you to shoot them. I know somebody would eventually have rage-quitted from walking into one anyway. XD If you die, enemies in that zone respawn, so it would have made some folks upset to have to redo a section for an arbitrary barrier in the way.
2013-06-11 19:37:00

Author:
Kato
Posts: 732


Due to the lack of applications, the deadline is extended until the end of July.

Have a scary time creating your horror levels/games and remember to be creative! The horror is important, but so are the other aspects of the game!
2013-06-25 12:28:00

Author:
FreeAim
Posts: 2462


I don't LBPC as much as littlebignetwork so I have a question. The LBPC XP your giving out. How does that work? Do you give away some of the XP you already have?2013-06-26 15:39:00

Author:
MusicMan234
Posts: 82


I don't LBPC as much as littlebignetwork so I have a question. The LBPC XP your giving out. How does that work? Do you give away some of the XP you already have?

Sorry for delay.

Basically, yeah. That's pretty much how it works.

As for it seems there won't be more applications, which makes me very disappointed, "the winner" will be... Well, the one person who actually submitted their work. I'm still going to wait until the end of July, but I doubt it'll do any good.
2013-07-16 09:48:00

Author:
FreeAim
Posts: 2462


Wish I could be a part of this, I've read a lot of acclaim for "horror levels" which turned out not to abuse the use of blood but instead be nothing more than lots of dark and maybe a cutesy occasional robotic scare, but that's not to say they weren't any good, just not scary as they like to claim. A good horror level relies on the build up of suspense, disturbing imagery or events and why not a good old fashion terrifying fright every once in a while? I hope the LBP community hasn't given up on horror levels, I used to make some that kind of freaked me out. If I had a working net I'd abuse this contest like crazy.2013-07-17 16:01:00

Author:
Ironface
Posts: 432


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