Archive: 17 posts

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As the title states, I'm not very good at making platformers. In fact, I barely make them. I'm trying to get good at making them, but I don't know how to start. I don't know how to start the platformer, what the gameplay should be like, or anything. Tips would be greatly appreciated, but I might be able to learn more if someone created a platformer right in front of me.

2015-02-24 22:04:00 Author: gurren009 Posts: 2592

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Ooh, an open ended question like this is tough... You could add me, as I specialize with platformers. Do you have a specific theme in mind? Because different themes allow for different types of gameplay. Examples: In a forest, gameplay with vines or leaves could be interesting. Or in the air, gameplay with clouds or rain would fit the theme. As for the execution, that's something you need experience with to use well. I could help you there. Sorry if I didn't help much, but this really isn't the type of question that can be answered easily. There are no formulas, but there are general do's and don'ts which you should learn if you want to make platformers often.

2015-02-24 22:40:00 Author: L1N3R1D3R Posts: 13447

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I just added you And yeah, answers and tips won't do it. I think I need some visual instruction like a video or something. As for the level theme, I've been think of a mechanical platformer with use of the boost boots.

2015-02-24 22:56:00 Author: gurren009 Posts: 2592

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I always find using a theme for ideas is great; however, I always add visual implementation of the theme for last. Paper and pen can be good but never underestimate the power of just trying stuff in create mode! Just get out some cardboard and start trying things. There are some pretty nifty things you can do with tools that have been around since LBP1 (and have been improved), so start there if you're lost. Also realize that if you're starting out (like me ) about 80% of what you create will be crap. You start to learn what is good and what doesn't work and you begin to learn how to adapt what sucks into something great.

2015-02-25 01:23:00 Author: koltonaugust Posts: 1382

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Those are some good tips! However I think my problem is that I don't know how to start a level or how to continue it. I think I'll need a visual representation of this. Is it ok if I add you and see how you create levels? I'm on PS3 btw

2015-02-25 05:13:00 Author: gurren009 Posts: 2592

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I believe we're already friends but I don't really create on LBP3 as much. Also I'm not too experienced with platformers as I've mentioned but I'm willing to create with you since I'm on PS3 as well! My schedule this semester is pretty packed and I'm working on my vita level but I can make room if you want to make a schedule.

2015-02-25 05:46:00 Author: koltonaugust Posts: 1382

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I'm occupied on weekdays, but weekends could work. I am on PS3, by the way.

2015-02-25 14:10:00 Author: L1N3R1D3R Posts: 13447

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A good way to start would be to make small sections of gameplay. If you want to make a level using Boost boots then make small sections that use the boots in fun, interesting and challenging ways. When you have a load of sections you can start assembling them into a level. Choose the sections that are the best and don't feel that you need to use them all. The added advantage of producing levels this way is that it's pretty easy to rearrange your sections until you get the 'flow' of your level right. Once you're happy with the layout of your level you can start adding art and audio.

2015-02-25 15:00:00 Author: fluxlasers Posts: 182

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What I've been thinking is that maybe I should always start with a basic layout, like cardboard. I should build the machanics and stuff sepearately, like you guys suggested. Then finally I'll add the decoration and materials. I've always gotton scared of making platformers because I thought you had to build the mechanics and art at the same time. I've now learned otherwise - - - - - - - - - - Btw, on weekdays I'm mostly occupied from morning to 4 pm. On weekends I'm more free

2015-02-25 20:32:00 Author: gurren009 Posts: 2592

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Btw, on weekdays I'm mostly occupied from morning to 4 pm. On weekends I'm more free Is it scary that my schedule is practically the same? (Except I play more on the weekend than on weekdays. Expect me then!)

2015-02-25 23:05:00 Author: L1N3R1D3R Posts: 13447

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I think I need more help. I've been trying some of your advice in my levels but they just aren't good enough. Can someone join me in create mode? - - - - - - - - - - Also, I don't know how to connect the parts of levels together.

2015-02-26 02:11:00 Author: gurren009 Posts: 2592

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I'll be available around 4pm Central Time (-6:00) tomorrow (thursday).

2015-02-26 05:41:00 Author: koltonaugust Posts: 1382

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I'll be available around 4pm Central Time (-6:00) tomorrow (thursday). Ok. Is your PSN Koltonaugust? I'll add you

2015-02-26 10:38:00 Author: gurren009 Posts: 2592

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I always find using a theme for ideas is great; however, I always add visual implementation of the theme for last. Not the worst idea to wait, but I often will do some basic decoration in chunks. Sometimes the decoration can inspire gameplay elements. Like you lay down some werky bits as decoration and then wonder if that could be implemented as part of a moving platform. Also, you theme may help determine how your level starts. Is there going to be a plotline? Are you starting cold or will there be a cut scene to start the level? Are you running from something? Chasing something? Avoiding something? Will there be things falling from the sky? Rising from the ground? Is it just a platformer or will there be a threat? Is the threat natural like an earthquake or brush fire or is the threat an enemy? Will the threat have minions? Will they be monsters? Robots? Fuzzy bunnies with swords? Will you construct the minions or use sackbots with costumes...or both? Will their be a boss battle? Is the level timed? The theme can also determine how you construct an element. Are you going to use spikes in that pit or electrified material? Is that moving platform a conveyor belt or logs on a river? Is light coming from a ray of sunshine or a spotlight? Just some things to ask yourself before you start.

2015-02-26 14:01:00 Author: Biv Posts: 734

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It was great playing koltonaugest! I learned a lot about platforming!

2015-02-26 23:36:00 Author: gurren009 Posts: 2592

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Yeah it was fun! Like you lay down some werky bits as decoration and then wonder if that could be implemented as part of a moving platform. Yeah, decorations can definitely inspire especially when you're stuck. The main reason I am for gameplay before decorating is so that you can apply Computer Science techniques (lol copy and paste) for things that you will use later. Some platforming things are better when unique but some are very useful for a variety of situations so it's best to keep them around.

2015-02-27 02:20:00 Author: koltonaugust Posts: 1382

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In all honesty I might have to start selecting the materials, stickers, and decorations I'm going to use for my level. I was stuck as to where to put the stickers and decorations this one time when I had all my materials lol.

2015-02-27 02:37:00 Author: gurren009 Posts: 2592

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