Archive: 28 posts

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A while ago, in a long long far away land called 2008. October to be exact, I started this project. With the help of my fellow friend OCK, I was able to come up with this theme/story for my level. This is infact my first serious level, The Darkness was actually just a test, a test of how well I could use the tools, put together as a level. But this is putting all my skills I have so far (not much unfortunately ) to the test. I started this a while ago, but I didn't get far, mostly because I lost interest in LBP, mostly because of all the bugs. Well, I was pretty far in my level, about 10% into it, which isn't much I know, but the time and effort I put into that 10% was soo high it's ridiculous. So I heard about all the bugs, and I was creating one night, I got the too complicated message, so I decided to delete little squares, so I can put the lights in, without making the object more complex. So I did it, about 4 hours of work right here. I saved it, published it locked, and went to sleep. Next morning I wake up, get on LBP, and find out that all my layers, different materials, my little squares containing the lights, had merged together, forever destroying my level, since my object was as one, and it was obviously going to be too complex. I had it with LBP, and decided to quit until Edam had arrived. Anyways, back to the story. So, now that Edam has arrived, I've gotten back into creating my level, I haven't gotten far, maybe 9% give or take. But it's looking pretty good, and I decided to open one of these threads, for two reasons. 1 - I can keep track of what I have done, I'll probably have a journal type thing in this thread. 2 - I can get motivated to finish this, maybe with your help. But overall, I started feeling "left out" not creating in LBP, while all of you are having fun creating and what not, half the threads are about creating and I always felt left out. So I want to get better, you have no idea how motivated I am. So without further ado, a little description about my level ( Not giving too much ) Name : Enchanted Trees (Might change it if I get better suggestions or come up with a better name) Difficulty : Varies from the path you take Theme : Basically a forest, but the whole level is based inside a giant tree. Description : I won't give too much away, but when the level starts off, your inside a small tree. There isn't much story on how you got there... yet. ( I will probably make a Prelude level or something, we'll see how it goes. ) So yeah, you spawn in a tree, and decide to wander around the forest, mystical things happen before your eyes as you walk around the forest, and you find a tree, the tree is HUGE, you have to find a way around, and the only way around of course, is through it. The level will be pretty ordinary, except the fact that it will have several paths, and these paths will intertwine with each other, each path will have a different colored light signifying the difficulty, it will range from very easy, to extremely hard, and each path has it's own amount of bubbles, hard paths have more obviously, and easy paths have less. You can take whichever path you want, but you will never stay in that path, the paths sometimes all meet up and merge into one, and then part again, so you always have a chance to maybe start off on an easy path, then go into a hard one. Blah blah blah. Ideas/Criticism/Suggestions are all welcome. Here are some pictures I took, yeah it doesn't look all that great but it is technically my first level /excuse. Oh and by the way, the level will be very dark, the pictures just didn't come out good with the darkness so I lit it up, try to imagine a dark level with these pictures please. http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp312/Whaaaaale/100_1318.jpg This is the tree you spawn in, It's pretty ugly in my opinion, but creators always think that. Tell me what you think! Be honest too please. http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp312/Whaaaaale/100_1348.jpg Remember, it'll be dark, and some mystical stuff happens here, kind of like the intro if you will. http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp312/Whaaaaale/100_1347.jpg The Gigantic Tree's branches, you will have to do some platforming on them, but it's only a little. http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp312/Whaaaaale/100_1346.jpg Two different paths here, red is harder than white, but it rewards you with more bubbles. Although you can't really tell from the picture, Ohh wait, there's three bubbles on the red path, and only one on the white? See it!? Do ya!?!?!? http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp312/Whaaaaale/100_1345.jpg A bigger view of the two paths, hopefully you can tell that the red path is a bit harder, I hope... http://i423.photobucket.com/albums/pp312/Whaaaaale/100_1343.jpg And finally, one picture of the paths at night. Looks pretty good right? I hope so... So, that's that. I hope you like what I've got so far, remember... Ideas and Suggestions welcome! Oh and by the way, this is the first of probably two levels, in a series, the story takes place with some fairies you meet later on, but as for the first level, you have to get to the fairies, through the tree. Sounds lame but I kind of like it. And there might be, like I said, a prelude. So 2 for sure, maybe 3 levels. Thanks for taking the time by the way. I appreciate it! EDIT: Alright, I did a little more work, not much, as I had a huge project in English that took up all my free time, but I did some work. The level is locked, you'll need to get a key from another level which is code locked, whoever is interested in playtesting for me, please send me a PM and I'll send you the code. Just go inside the level and move the switches in the order I give you. Takelow and OCK, I will PM you the code. Thanks for all your help by the way guys. Credit goes to Jaeyden for the machine, it wasn't working the way I wanted it so I had to tweak it, but thanks for it anyways!

2009-02-13 06:37:00 Author: Whalio Cappuccino Posts: 5250

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judging from the pictures I'd say that it looks rather good, if you don't take into account that the trees look very bulky as they were made with only the square tool. Use the corner editing tool, it will give your trees a much more natural look. I am also working on a forest level and i discovered a really cool forest like visual effect that you can get using rows of thin layer trees and giant spotlights, first make some different rows (screens, i don't know how to explain it ) of trees (just the trunks) that stand pretty close to each other, make sure that they end higher up than the player can see and attach them todarkmatter. Then place them on two thin layers close to each other in the background and place a giant weak green spotlight set to foggy high over them. This will give you a really cool gloomy forest effect where you see the first row of trees clearly and then the second row only shows faintly, this will really give you the illusion of being in a great forest. Hope it helped!

2009-02-13 07:04:00 Author: Marklin80 Posts: 458

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Hmm I like that idea, if only I didn't use all three of my layers already. Well thanks anyways! I'll probably use it in the second series, and yeah I know what you mean about my trees, I did only use the square tool, that's pretty much all I used, I don't know why, but I'll try to make them look a bit more natural, thanks for the tip!

2009-02-13 07:34:00 Author: Whalio Cappuccino Posts: 5250

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I am happy to see you have resumed work on this and I know it is going to be special. Needless to say I am always available to help/playtest, just let me know

2009-02-13 08:24:00 Author: OCK Posts: 1536

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Wow, the level looks great! I will be happy to playtest it. Did you ever published it?

2009-02-13 08:26:00 Author: Takelow Posts: 1355

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Wow, the level looks great! I will be happy to playtest it. Did you ever published it? What do you mean? Have I published it yet? Well, seeing as how it's only 10% done, no I haven't. Unless I completely misread your post (which happens often.) And thanks Takelow and OCK, means a lot coming from you two.

2009-02-13 08:29:00 Author: Whalio Cappuccino Posts: 5250

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Sweet looking level man, I'm excited to see how this goes. now i kinda want to try and make a forest level, after this and the enchanted forest level i just played... I'll keep an eye on it man!

2009-02-14 02:25:00 Author: TJapan Posts: 225

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Hi Whaaaaale, We can't meet online these last time. Is it possible to got the key already?

2009-02-16 08:19:00 Author: Takelow Posts: 1355

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I think it looks very good, but on the last three pictures it looks like the pathways are a bit too square and strait. Apart from that, looks really darn good. You should split it into three parts. Part 1 - The Roots, Part 2 - The Trunk and Part 3 - The Canopy. anywayz, really looking forward to it, I'll be checking this post now and again.

2009-02-16 16:00:00 Author: olit123 Posts: 1341

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Your level looks pretty great! I will definatly want to try this one after its done. Please let me/us know when it's finished! I like the idea that its multi-path the most.

2009-02-17 17:46:00 Author: lk9988 Posts: 1077

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Alright, I did a little more work, not much, as I had a huge project in English that took up all my free time, but I did some work. The level is locked, you'll need to get a key from another level which is code locked, whoever is interested in playtesting for me, please send me a PM and I'll send you the code. Just go inside the level and move the switches in the order I give you. Takelow and OCK, I will PM you the code. Thanks for all your help by the way guys. Credit goes to Jaeyden for the machine, it wasn't working the way I wanted it so I had to tweak it, but thanks for it anyways!

2009-02-20 05:37:00 Author: Whalio Cappuccino Posts: 5250

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I'd like to playtest, too. From the pictures, though, I say you need more background. But you did mention that haven't touched the other layers, right?

2009-02-20 18:24:00 Author: uzman Posts: 209

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Go go go man... never give up. Looks like its coming along nicely. Marklin has a good point about the corner edit tool. Can't wait to see your progress.

2009-02-20 18:29:00 Author: Thegide Posts: 1465

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-The lift at the start should go back to the bottom in case Sackboy falls off. -The "hard path" was really hard. Takes a few tries to accomplish:arg: -I would like it if the trees and it's branches are curving and not straight. In fact, if possible, everything made out of wood in this level would be nice if it was curving. But that would be too much work. -I love the multiple path factor. -More swinging. This is going to be a great level when it comes out.

2009-02-21 07:34:00 Author: uzman Posts: 209

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-The lift at the start should go back to the bottom in case Sackboy falls off. Yeah, I believe I added a checkpoint on the lift, if not it will be there. But I can't have it go back because it kind of will get stuck if it returns. Kind of weird, can't explain it... -The "hard path" was really hard. Takes a few tries to accomplish:arg: I hope this is a good thing. -I would like it if the trees and it's branches are curving and not straight. In fact, if possible, everything made out of wood in this level would be nice if it was curving. But that would be too much work. I'll try to add some curve and more life to the trees. Thanks for the suggestion. -I love the multiple path factor. Good, the level will be based around this with more branching paths later in the level. -More swinging. The platforming just started, don't worry friend there will be swinging... This is going to be a great level when it comes out. I hope so.

2009-02-21 08:26:00 Author: Whalio Cappuccino Posts: 5250

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For the record, i did not finish the hard path:blush: oh and more trees!:eek:

2009-02-21 16:50:00 Author: uzman Posts: 209

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For the record, i did not finish the hard path:blush: oh and more trees!:eek: I guess, it's too hard then? Or maybe I'll leave it like that, since it is the hard path.

2009-02-21 19:40:00 Author: Whalio Cappuccino Posts: 5250

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BTW, you said your going to playtest my unfinished level, right? Details are in the PM i sent you.

2009-02-22 00:34:00 Author: uzman Posts: 209

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BTW, you said your going to playtest my unfinished level, right? Details are in the PM i sent you. Yeah, I'll do it when I have time. I'm kind of busy.

2009-02-22 01:39:00 Author: Whalio Cappuccino Posts: 5250

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I love what you have so far and I have a lot of praise to give but right now I will focus on suggestions that will help improve the level: - I think it would look cool if you set the fairylight to foggy and added some sort of decorative element to it. - Add a checkpoint to the lift and line the right side of your map with gas. When I reached the top I jumped to the right and fell down on top of your tress where there were all these swicth boxes and dark matter. Checkpoint and gas will solve this problem. - The camera angle during the moving fire blocks path made it a bit tricky, some tweaking here would help. - I love the lighting but I would make it recessed. In other words, add some single layer gnarled branches directly in front of the LED's. This way the lvl will not lose it's natural, organic feel while still retaining that wonderful lighting. These branches would also add a nice visual element that does not get in the way of the player. That's it for now. The level is going to be incredible so keep up the good work! Let me know when the next build is ready to test

2009-02-22 02:33:00 Author: OCK Posts: 1536

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Alright, giving feedback as I play. I may repeat some of what OCK said bug-wise, hopefully not. -If you jump off the first lift to the right, you can land in some trees and switches and also between the game's wall and your level. Use some gas or a wall to block this off. -When I reached the top of the first 'branch' I didn't notice the swinging branch right away. Try setting a shorter pause. -After reading the sign, I went up and over the tree and fell down to a x2 thing. Weird, the first time I played through, there was a wall blocking me from the checkpoint. The second, there was a clear path. No idea what happened. -I think you should make more use of the thin layers inside the tree and outside. It's somewhat bland. The trees need more 'life'. When they're made completely with the square tool they look very angular, and not like trees. -Your lighting is okay, but nothing amazing or revolutionary. Try using more greens and hiding the red & white LEDs. They don't fit the 'tree' look in my opinion. With a little work, this level could become phenomonal.

2009-02-22 04:04:00 Author: Unknown User

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Judging from the screens, I think it looks nice, but maybe change the fire for spikes and/or gas for a more organic look. The fire looks messy. I think you should try the level: Mystery mine by Geosautus. This level has a lot of tree-house type parts, that may inspire you and your level.

2009-02-22 06:24:00 Author: dkjestrup Posts: 672

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Judging from the screens, I think it looks nice, but maybe change the fire for spikes and/or gas for a more organic look. The fire looks messy. I think you should try the level: Mystery mine by Geosautus. This level has a lot of tree-house type parts, that may inspire you and your level. Will try to check it out, thanks.

2009-02-22 06:28:00 Author: Whalio Cappuccino Posts: 5250

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Another level is Overgrown Palace by Doc Rock 64 (I think that's his name). The trees in this level lot more organic than yours, maybe it will also help. By the way, I'dd add some big foggy spot lights throughout (dunno if you already have) to create the effect of light breaking through the canopy.

2009-02-26 08:24:00 Author: dkjestrup Posts: 672

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Hi Whaaaale, I played the level yesterday. I don't know if it is normal, but i found the level very very dark (not like your pictures). Moreover, i had the same problem three times: after the start i took the wood "elevator", then i felt down in the trees and at the level of the start area. Then, the elevator was gone...Huuuu Unfortunately, i didn't had the time to playtest it more. Btw, the start area looks good with beautiful tree's, but as i have said, i found it very too dark Is this a bug? Did you change the obscurity level and forgot to change it? Did i missed something? Nevertheless, i will replay it as soon as possible for more complete and precises feedbacks

2009-02-28 07:42:00 Author: Takelow Posts: 1355

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Love the pics man, any time you need a play test just send me a PM.

2009-03-04 16:12:00 Author: Hexagohn Posts: 335

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Whaaaale, are you here???

2009-03-10 20:19:00 Author: Takelow Posts: 1355

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Wow, those screens are amazing.. The third one looks a wee bitty naff compared to the others (imo) but the rest are ace

2009-03-10 21:01:00 Author: Pinchanzee Posts: 805

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