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2016 Reviews anyone?

Archive: 19 posts


Message me on PSN for a review! Or just let me know the name of the level (please provide level link via LBP.me). I'll be as detailed as the level is, the more time I spend in it, the more I will write about it. Preferably, any new or under-played levels would be much appreciated to review.

DISCLAIMER: I will say that I am critical when it comes to LBP3 platformers, because LBP1 has been made in 2008, there has been years of time for players to develop their platforming skills in various ways. Some platforming mechanics should almost be staple, like the crusher, the wobbly poles, the swings, etc. But say if you show me a LBP3 platformer level, I expect LBP3 powerups to enrich the platforming experience... and pretty much everything else LBP3. If you feel overwhelmed by LBP3 and have the older games, don't be afraid to downsize your production tools to be more cross compatible, and make levels faster. Thousands of people still play lbp1 and 2, don't forget them.

Also i've decided to not review any levels you are showcasing. Don't be greedy.

This is why i'm doing reviews for you guys, maybe it will make you a better level developer, a more serious one.
2016-08-11 23:29:00

Author:
Lucidess
Posts: 42


Hi Lucidess,

thats a fine offer! Currently I have no level you could review for me, but when my "Solar One" will get published, then ...
though you will have to write a novel cause its a hybrid of a music gallery and a pairs minigame with some movie sequences...

...the more time I spend in it, the more I will write about it.

Thanks for your great willingness and have a fine weekend, Jürgen^^
2016-08-12 03:12:00

Author:
CuriousSack
Posts: 3981


I think it's fair, some levels have replay value which can extend the shelf life of any level, and it's getting to the point where the game has been out long enough. Creators should have enough time now to pump out something truly awesome, especially with that fancy dynamic thermometer!2016-08-12 16:16:00

Author:
Lucidess
Posts: 42


I got something for ya! I Calle it "Secret lab" i'm not smart enough to put level links so you'll hafto find it the hard way. Have fun GoodBye 2016-08-12 18:25:00

Author:
DungkieSlush
Posts: 14


Secret Lab Lv1 (Platformer)
By: DungkieSlush

Presentation:
I really enjoyed the camera work. The intro had a nice "rotating" door, and the crushers had the camera shake which was rather on point. It's grungy, in a good way!
Lots of great sound and ambience, the lighting was very well placed and good choice of colors too. It had a very lava-ish feel to it, like something big was being forged. The lighting in some places were a bit off, and the camera work wasn't entirely perfect, but that is just my opinion at that point.

This level could use story and mini cutscenes to flaunt the quality of the assets and environment you have produced, but it isn't required. The name and description could use an overhaul. Have you tried a text search on "secret lab"? thousands of levels are named a secret lab.

Gameplay:
It's a straight up platformer with no leaking out of the level, and the difficulty is rather chill compared to what could be done. It follows a formula similar to the original story levels, where there's a checkpoint before any difficult obstacle, and they are not infinity checkpoints either! This is what platform levels should be like really, where there is still a threat of losing all your progress, but is so utterly fair that you can't be mad at the level for ruining your ace. I tried to ace it and died a few times, totally my fault.

Wall jumping was subtlety added into the level platforming, allowing you to jump up and around most areas to get where you had to go, which was a very nice touch!


Summary:
So, if you like feeling the good kind of burn, you won't be dissapointed. so it's worth playing (or queue) and waiting for part 2 to come out. Maybe with a bit of comments from others will get it done faster.


Not review related but your levels are found on lbp.me if you want to link it to me instead, but it's okay. I found your level by text searching your user name, not the level name. Sorry for not adding pictures, i'll add them on request!
2016-08-13 18:54:00

Author:
Lucidess
Posts: 42


Wow, Lucidess, this is a really fine and detailed review, thanks a lot! And now I'm rather curious to play this level on my own!
Many greetings, Jürgen^^
2016-08-14 10:38:00

Author:
CuriousSack
Posts: 3981


Holy moly! That review really Tucht My heart. I don't think I can thank you enough "Lucidess" i've been kinda leasy With the prat 2, guess I should shake a leg and get on With it. Thanks again 2016-08-14 20:57:00

Author:
DungkieSlush
Posts: 14


could you check out the mystery of tempo kingdom? i would appreciate if you did 2016-08-20 02:39:00

Author:
blueblur98
Posts: 60


Hey, hey! A review that doesn't include: "This is boring" "Ur a butt" or even "Rate up if you played wth 2 ppl xD"?

Sign me up!

In all seriousness though, there's not a lot of reviews that give constructive criticism anymore. So I may contact you at a later date. Many thanks, Sir_monacle
2016-08-22 07:35:00

Author:
Sir monacle
Posts: 4155


Okay blueblur98, could you please add more checkpoints in your level so I can play it without feeling like you are just trying to screw me for time with deaths and lots of backtracking. I respect that you dedicate the level to LBP japan but.. yeah.. do I have to be the guy to say what a level should look like or something? i'm not being a jerk right? Is it okay to say that you should just work really really hard on level making before you want me to push through an entire level like that? Just trying to take the level for face value without trying to insult anyone here. Take example from the offical MM levels, or I'm open to teaching people but they must be willing.. an absolute must.

You did use the quest tool which is a plus, your strong points are your story developing skills thats for sure.
2016-08-23 16:23:00

Author:
Lucidess
Posts: 42


Mind trying out my new level, Phoenix arises 2? It's alittle long about 30 min + hopefully that isn't too much. It's a top down vertical scroller shooter.2016-08-24 15:16:00

Author:
xxGIRxx
Posts: 24


So I updated my original post with a disclaimer, I hope everyone reads it when they want a review from me... I'm not all sugar and honey

Neon-Forest
By: Addictex

Presentation:
I really like the badge, it's really pretty and I think it's one of the best parts about this level, nice first impression! The custom music rocks, any level with custom music should be worth playing, being a composer is harder work than you might think, and some don't even have the aptitude for it, like me!
This level starts out rather swamp themed, with the water level just inches above your sack feet while you traverse through the many bridges and mushroom cap things that help you navigate through the weirdness. You are greeted by a sack fellow that looks like a swamp dweller, which gives you some insight on what to do next. Next thing I knew, I was traversing through some tricky sewer platforming, and pushing my way through no matter what the odds. When I got to the end, I couldn't believe I made it. It was a guantlet I tells ya. The amount of stickers and decorations used is very well delivered, every bit of it makes the majority of the levels appearance. It gets kinda steampunky in the sewers too.

Gameplay:
The difficulty ranges from easy to extremely difficult, I will go into detail on a few areas later with pictures.
The swamp platforming is rather chill, right up until the mushroom caps get a bit loose as you try to jump on them, they will tilt. The barrels sitting in the water was quite sketchy to jump on to because of the layer switching. (Personally I don't like layer switching, thats just beef I have with the game itself, it's no one's fault.). I liked the rail parts where I was flying through the swamp forest, and the 2 button sewer puzzles which were making me feel silly after completing them.

The hardest part was crossing the lighting sackbots that would follow you. My controller is a little wonky so it was very hard to layer switch! Spent the most deaths there probably.

http://id.lbp.me/img/ft/b8d2d2d0fbb2635f1116edcf1a3ee4dbe23441e4.jpg

Summary:
It's long, story driven, and rather atmospheric. It reminded me of traversing through the swamps of Morrowind, but the water is lava! haha. I feel like the story and platforming was delivered in even amounts, theres a fair bit of cutscenes and dialogue to keep you well entertained for awhile. Best played with friends!

I'm setting aside the part of the review in which I feel is negative, but more so constructive criticsm on how to make better platforming levels. I'm basing this on my experience and all the MM levels. I enjoy paying attention to the gritty parts, they teach me much about camera transitions, delays, lighting, audio/visual queues, and so on.


- This level feels rather oldschool for what it could be. Making this an LBP2 level would of made me feel a little better about it because the load times for LBP3 with a PS3 is horrendous, and you used 2 level links in this level. Theres no access to sackpocket, no quests, and no other characters other than Sackboy being used, with a little bit of rails.
- Backtracking was not being supported by any camera logic. I did see an arrow at one point but overall.. I
http://i1.lbp.me/img/ft/e01e9a8c88ed0b3eb3ccb3cad1f07b5f52f2916a.jpg really hate to say it but it was just badly implemented, and after you made me backtrack out of the Dynamo, I was feeling rather frustrated that it's the third backtracking part in the game. Took an hour longer than I expected to finish because of dying and figuring out where the sewers is. I enjoyed the challenge but again, the camera work was not supporting the platforming which is SO essential to me. The camera work would probably be more fixed up if you were playing with other people because it would zoom out more, which isn't really a good fix.. thats why I recommended 2 or more players for this level though. I feel like the level was well tested, but it got repetitive after awhile.
- No visual queues for grabbing things like ladders and boxes is making players quit half way through. It's important to fix stuff like this, I learned the hard way, trust me.
- Checkpoints were placed in decent spots, it didn't feel consistent though.
2016-08-26 06:39:00

Author:
Lucidess
Posts: 42


thanks lucidess! i didn't even think about the lack of checkpoints when testing,i'll be sure to add more. also,who do you think stole the music stars?2016-08-26 09:51:00

Author:
blueblur98
Posts: 60


Thank you Lucidess I really appreciate the feedback and it will help me for my next level. It's so nice when you get such a detailed review of your levels thanks for playing and glad you enjoyed it.2016-08-26 11:26:00

Author:
Addictex
Posts: 175


alright! more checkpoints were added!2016-08-30 01:56:00

Author:
blueblur98
Posts: 60


I'll check it out..

Anyone else want to get in on this while i'm still breathing? Or maybe while the LBP servers are still up? tick tock.
2016-09-07 00:12:00

Author:
Lucidess
Posts: 42


Hi Lucidess,

when my "Solar One - we're not alone..." will be done, then I will be glad to get a review from you! But it still will need some weeks!

Many greetings, Jürgen^^
2016-09-07 08:12:00

Author:
CuriousSack
Posts: 3981


Still not finished this level Solar One?2019-01-10 14:00:00

Author:
Mouflarr56
Posts: 18


I have to confess that its still not finished! And I had put it in my long queue of still to finish projects! But currently I'm working on my new music gallery, in which I've transported some elements of my "Solar One" projects! I'm making good progress and hope to be able to publish it soon.

Many greetings, Jürgen^^
2019-01-12 10:26:00

Author:
CuriousSack
Posts: 3981


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