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Stella Deus: Episode 1: The Rescue of Chuck Amiga!

Archive: 23 posts

EDIT: NO LONGER DOING F4F FOR THIS LEVEL. BUT THIS WAS A HUGE VENTURE AND TIME SINK FOR ME, SO ALL PLAYS AND HIGH RATINGS ARE APPRECIATED (but only if you actually liked it!) BUT I WANT TO SAVE ALL FUTURE F4F'S FOR MY NEXT LEVEL.

Level name: Stella Deus: Episode 1: The Rescue of Chuck Amiga!
Search username: @superezekiel
No. Players required: 2

(VIDEO) Warning: SPOILERS!
YouTube - STELLA DEUS! Episode 1 - Rescue of Chuck Amiga

thanks Vanemiera

After months and months of working on this level on and off, I finally got enough inspiration to sit down and put the finishing touches on the level. I'd say it's about 97%, with the rest of my level sprucing to be some signs near the end, and any tweaking based on feedback.

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk286/superezekiel/SDep101.jpg

It's a 2 player co-op level (You can bring 3 or 4, might make things easier/more fun!) with an intriguing, epic story that's just beginning with this level. I have a lot of plot points written out and into the gameplay, so future levels will definitely expand the characters, and the strange going ons you'll encounter.

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk286/superezekiel/SDep102.jpg

I'm hoping that it came out to be a really fun 2-player experience that you NEED a friend to complete it with, and know that the 2 player puzzles and 2 player action sections will be much better in Part 2 and onward.

The main theme behind Stella Deus is, of course, the duo that takes down the baddies, but I'm also going for that old, over the top, mid 1900's movie style of EXCITEMENT and ADVENTURE! While having my story told throughout, I'm also trying to have an underlying "You're in a movie, this is just a set." theme as well, with some breaks from "reality" here and there if you look in the right spots.

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk286/superezekiel/SDep103.jpg

Some side notes:

- The bus part at the beginning WILL BE TRICKY. But it's way too fun once you get the hang of it, so I most likely won't be changing it. Just be fast, and ALWAYS have someone on the roof of the bus!
- There is a secret area, and if you find it, your end score will show it.
- All text at the end is temporary until I figure out how I'm doing my custom text + logo.

http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk286/superezekiel/SDep104.jpg		2009-02-15 07:27:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

A coop level? Nice! I will try it today with my friend, then i will give you feedbacks 2009-02-15 14:31:00

Author:
Dante95
Posts: 504

Thanks! And let me know if my puzzle hints (the markings on the walls) are too cryptic. I tried to keep them thematic, but I might have made them a little too hard to understand. If you have any problems, let me know!2009-02-15 14:38:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

I playied this level now with my friend, and we have a lot of fun! You did an excellent work!
The story is nice (but why a mule is a doctor? O.o xD ), and the co-op puzzles was wellmade. I enjoyied expecially the bus, it was a little hard but funny. Another thing: when we was on bus, we didn't the final puzzle in time, and we falled in the gas, then we restarted the level. Maybe someone gets bored and doesn't restart for this! Maybe it's better to lose a life, not to get Game Over ^^ (but personally i prefer the Game Over, it gives much fun and difficult to the level ) Then, the coop puzzle with the "moving sponges", with one player upside taht can stop the sponges, was a little hard to do. We did it with a little of luck, but we didn't understand what to do there. ^^"
The "coop mosnters" are a good idea, but you can beat them in 1 too, cause they fall very easily Overall, i enjoiyed all the level, the co-op was coll and funny, and the level has a good lenght. Maybe you can get a better grapich, adding stickers or particulars
5/5 stars and hearted
I wllbe happy if you can try my level Sack Quest (link in the sign), and then give it feedback in the topic! Thanks 		2009-02-15 16:29:00

Author:
Dante95
Posts: 504

Thanks Dante! I intentionally wanted the bus to be at the beginning, easy to get to, but also a level ending part, to make it all the more hectic I might change a few things, maybe add in an easy mode switch that spawns a movable checkpoint so if you die, you don't have to start all over, but for now I'll leave it as it is (since i find it so much more fun when you're rushing to do well at it, which i think you agree with )

I'm also thinking of redoing some parts of the sponge pillars to make it a little more co-op oriented, and a little better directed. It shouldn't be too hard, but I'll put my thinkin' cap on to make that area better.

And I'm glad you noticed they were co-op enemies !! That makes me so happy. I'm going to do some editing and see if I can make them way more bottom heavy so they don't fall as easy as they do, so thanks for mentioning that. But I'm glad you noticed the setup for 2 people to take on each one

Also, I'll be doing my best to throw some extra decorations around to spice things up a bit. I put a lot of effort into the entrace of the Temple of Light, but you're right that other areas could definitely use some sprucing up.

Thanks for you comments, and I'll add your level to the list of levels I'll be playing when I get home 		2009-02-15 17:37:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

OK, I got a little bit throught his level but there was one problem with me personally - I just don't have another person to play with. The level looked cool, and I definately think the 2 player puzzle elements was well done, but I couldn't finish it this way.

Maybe in the near future I could play it through with someone.		2009-02-16 04:25:00

Author:
CCubbage
Posts: 4430

Whenever you get the chance too, that'd be great. I'm really hurting for some feedback on this level, since it's my first real level since the game has come out. I feel like I can't continue on with part 2 without knowing more about what's wrong with part 1... don't know if that makes me crazy or what, but I'm a little obsessive like that >.>2009-02-16 17:55:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

UPDATED:

- Added extra visual flair. Hopefully there's no slowdown from it, but I wanted to make the caves and temple seem a lot older than they looked.

- Added pictures of the current build in the OP, to hopefully garner a little more interest.		2009-02-17 15:25:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

I'll try it tonight. 2009-02-18 13:16:00

Author:
JackBurton25
Posts: 116

Sweet Can't wait to see what you think.2009-02-18 23:19:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

i went to go play it, but just like CC, i dont have anyone else to play with. hopefully i can get someone to play it with me

i did like the mule/scientist and the spawning area looked cool (when you die).		2009-02-19 09:03:00

Author:
RickTheRipper
Posts: 345

You guys could play together! Lol. And thanks, I love that mule head so I just had to do something with him. And there's that first spawn point after the entrance there, but I keep finding that it doesnt activate all the time, even though I plop you right in front of it. Is this a game glitch or something? It's really confusing.2009-02-19 13:55:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

sometimes spawn points don't work and the best way to fix it is to delete it and create a new one. if the new one won't work, try moving it a little bit.2009-02-19 14:00:00

Author:
RickTheRipper
Posts: 345

I'll probably mess with the checkpoint some more, but only as long as the thermo doesn't bust in the middle of me messing with it.

I added my custom logo to the end of the level, and even though I had hopes of changing more of the end level text, my thermo is about to go kablooey. So unless you guys and gals report any bugs for me, the level is completely finished!

But, I still need feedback regarding anything in the level for future installments. So I await some more thoughts and opinions on my level.		2009-02-19 23:34:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

Me and Ninja went through it although we didn't finish. I still 4 starred and hearted.

The bus section and the switches at the beginning are great. Falling into the gas is funny as it is auto lose. The bridge was the hardest part and where we ultimately lost. Ninja managed to get through it and then burned himself on a torch. -_-

Didn't really find anything wrong or bugged. Oh yeah, we managed to blow up the top of the bus and then we weren't able to get out.		2009-02-19 23:54:00

Author:
Voltiare
Posts: 646

That's the punishment for hitting the bombs before detonating them. Looking at it now, that section has to be hard as crap for a regular player, and pretty punishing, but I mostly play this with my 2 friends (seperately, thus my love for co-op levels) and it's always a blast to play it with them, so I'll probably keep it the same.

And what part of the bridge is so hard? I might go back and fix anything I can if possible. There's actually a secret spot RIGHT in that section if you can find it too.

Either way, thanks for the feedback I'm glad you liked the bus section, as it's still my favorite part. Means a lot coming from you too!		2009-02-20 01:43:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

I got across the bridge only once, and died doing something on the other side...

...but, if you could eliminate the gaps between the planks, and only keep the ones where it breaks, it would definitely be easier. I suppose that's not platforming though, because you have to jump on the way to cross it without falling through - the choice would be yours on changing that.

I want to give this level another try as we were having a blast (I know I was anyway), it had tons of very well designed areas, and alot of inventive puzzles, and some cool looking environments. The dialogue was funny, and the silliness of it was really enjoyable. The donkey-faced scientist is right up my alley, and the "minor nuisances" puzzle made me lol.

There was alot of things that would kill us without reason, like the moving pieces of the bus, and like he said, on our final restart the sponge on the bus blew up so we just gave up. I don't object to the idea of being punished for being slow and whatnot, but I think if you could tweak a few things and eliminate any hassles and hitches for people to run around having fun. I know how hard it is to tweak the camera on a level like this, and how hard it is to make any substantial changes but I just wanted to say I think it's a really fun and entertaining level, well designed and just needs some tweaks as time goes on - just like any other good level.		2009-02-20 02:20:00

Author:
Unknown User

Sorry for the wait superezekiel. None of my friends were online this week. I tried to play with two controllers, but that was not a big success...



Maybe I'll try it with NinjaMicWZ when I'll see him online this week-end.		2009-02-20 13:20:00

Author:
JackBurton25
Posts: 116

I got across the bridge only once, and died doing something on the other side...

...but, if you could eliminate the gaps between the planks, and only keep the ones where it breaks, it would definitely be easier. I suppose that's not platforming though, because you have to jump on the way to cross it without falling through - the choice would be yours on changing that.

I want to give this level another try as we were having a blast (I know I was anyway), it had tons of very well designed areas, and alot of inventive puzzles, and some cool looking environments. The dialogue was funny, and the silliness of it was really enjoyable. The donkey-faced scientist is right up my alley, and the "minor nuisances" puzzle made me lol.

There was alot of things that would kill us without reason, like the moving pieces of the bus, and like he said, on our final restart the sponge on the bus blew up so we just gave up. I don't object to the idea of being punished for being slow and whatnot, but I think if you could tweak a few things and eliminate any hassles and hitches for people to run around having fun. I know how hard it is to tweak the camera on a level like this, and how hard it is to make any substantial changes but I just wanted to say I think it's a really fun and entertaining level, well designed and just needs some tweaks as time goes on - just like any other good level.

It's so weird, I just hold right on my analog stick and I get across just fine (until the planks that collapse, of course) yet everyone else i know (even my friends when im playing with them) tumble off of it every time. I'll go in and shorten as many strings as I can there, as the only jumping I want people doing are to avoid the collapsing boards.

And yeah, I still have some camera tweaking to do The end part of the bes got messed up after I had to do some camera changing (the camera use to be on the bus, but I couldn't get unique views in the beginning area with it like that).

And I think I'll get rid of the punishment for hitting the bombs, because I have bombs emit right above you whenever you hit those, so it rips apart the bus. I'll keep the pillars, but get rid of the emitting bombs to hopefully make things a little easier and less frustrating.

But thanks for all of the kind words I'm glad you like the humor, I just lol everytime I see that donkey's face. And it means a lot coming from you AND Voltaire. If you guys enjoyed the level, then it really adds a lot of confidence for me moving onward. And I really take all of this feedback straight to heart. Even if I like something, if other people have problems with it, I'll tweak it, because my main goal for this series is to have 2 friends playing together, enjoying the scenery, the setting and having a crazy good time working together.

I wanted to add more story pieces into the level, but I ran out of space quicker than I thought I would too. so it gets a little dry towards the end, but Part 2 have a lot more intervals of quick dialogue, to keep things steady.

Also, in Episode 2 (different than this Episode, which is all about the caves and temples) I plan on using the jetpack/paintonator idea, and I was going to call it the "Ragnarok" technique it sparked a lot of ideas, and you guys did a freakin amazing job pulling it off, so I had to give props where props are due.

Thanks for the great feedback, man. I'll go in now and tweak the bridge and some camera places. If there are any levels you'd like me to give you feedback on, lemme know.


Sorry for the wait superezekiel. None of my friends were online this week. I tried to play with two controllers, but that was not a big success...



Maybe I'll try it with NinjaMicWZ when I'll see him online this week-end.

I've only managed to play it with 2 controllers once, and that was with a lot of planning.. lol

But yeah, whenever you get to it is fine Just have fun when you do!		2009-02-20 16:08:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

me and ekelrock played through this earlier ezekiel and kept getting stuck at the part where the bus falls into the gas pit, and you are supposed to jump off the top it seems. we just cant seem to make it out of the top in time, and it takes away all you lives when you fall into the pit. i know you said your thermo was pretty full, but if there is any way you could implement a moving checkpoint at that part, i think it would help, because unfortunately it made it inpassable for us, and we tried it like three times. i just hate getting to a part of the level that AUTOMATICALLY takes away all your lives if you fail ONE small task 5-10 minutes into the game. just not very fair i think.(the bus falls into the gas with the checkpoint, so you keep respawning in the gas). i let ekel come share his thoughts on his own later. let me know when this is fixed so i can play it again, but as it stands, and im just being honest, i am not the type of person to keep playing a level i cant pass, and im not that bad, so if i cant pass it im sure others have also had trouble. hope this helps!

and i do think some of the guiding stickers you used were too cryptic. i don't mind he use of mouths to catch my attention, so maybe you could use some to help the story along, and also to give some kind of instruction(maybe your captain is radioing instructions is just an idea). try to check out my level if you get a chance and havent already! it should be in my signature.		2009-02-21 10:24:00

Author:
xThaVIOLENTonEx
Posts: 26

I'll just let you know a little clue about the bus part. Make sure somebody is ALWAYS on top. Have one person detonate all of the bombs (just grab the glowy things and they tend to lead you the right way) and then have someone just sit on top until the end, so they can grab the last one right before the bus falls. It's the most basic, and least fun way, but it'll get you past the area

I know it's a hard part, but I always have a ton of fun with it, so I say keep trying and then continue onward! I'm working on making Part 2 a lot less punishing though, so look forward to that at least.

Thanks for the feedback and I'll give one of your levels a try when I get home from work tonight.		2009-02-21 14:20:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120

I played it and didn't pass the bus part >.<

My partner and I got some problems with the door to get in the top of bus, a bit tricky. The explosives part took some time to discover what to do, not real a problem, but the plataforming to get in the switch is very challenging and any error is fatal, making you restart the level. Tried more than 10 times and didn't pass it >.<
The idea is really cool, but I think this part can be a bit easier, maybe not punishing the player with a game over...

The visuals, for what i seen, looks to be awesome, loved the transition of the city to jungle.

Tomorrow I will try to get in the end :kz:		2009-03-11 23:36:00

Author:
Unknown User

I didn't notice you bumped this! Thanks, you also reminded me that I have some F4F's to give back, and that I never got rid of the bomb emitters. I'll try and make things a little easier next time, but I think it's the end part that's getting most people. Gotta have someone on top of the bus that whole time or you failed it!

But other than the extra bombs that emit to destroy the bus, I'm gonna leave the level as it lies. I'm moving on to a much more beginner friendly, but also more inventive level next

And thanks for the comment about the visuals, I was really hoping I nailed some parts There's a particularly time pretty part a little after halfway in the level that I'd love for you to see.

But I'm glad you're liking it for the most part 		2009-03-15 02:15:00

Author:
superezekiel
Posts: 120


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