LittleBigPlanet – Over 3 Million Community Levels!

[FendersRule]

I just got Yellow Head!

[STARSCREAM]

I played some created levels and got some items such as joker costume but don't see them when I want to make my guy wear it. Are these only available if/when playing with others online???

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by STARSCREAM

I played some created levels and got some items such as joker costume but don't see them when I want to make my guy wear it. Are these only available if/when playing with others online???

No one can give you a costume in a created level - it was probably just a photo/sticker to show you how to create it on your own.

[FendersRule]

I should mention that it takes TIME and DETERMINATION to build a REALLY good costume. Just look at mine from a couple pages back. You won't find anything to top it, because I've spent hours and hours perfecting them. There is no one size fits-all sticker, you have to be really creative.

[PA_Kid]

Originally Posted by toefer

Thanks to you too for the tips. Around the time you posted this (I just read it now) I was actually over at my TV working on the level. One of the things I changed was I added a metal block near the first two gears, which should help people from getting crunched. As mentioned earlier, I actually had this there a while ago, but the gears kept breaking, so I took a lot of things down, and re-built it all, but forgot to put the metal guard back in place.

Played it with the change and it worked perfect. (I only died once in the gears with the plate there, but the I also died once in Connect Four - I'm just talented like that. )

One trick I noticed for not getting crunched (though I can't really explain this in the level in any simple way) is to just hit R1 if you think you are going to get stuck. If there are any sponges nearby, sackboy will grab them, and you'll pop out to the middle plane again.

I'll have to remember that.

Well, hopefully I can get my cagematch done today. I've figured out all the doors, the double-life check point in a roof hatch, my point bubble emmiters, and my round timers/triggers.

Now I just have to set all the timers and connect them together.

Also created a Fire Flail, but I couldn't figure out how to use the elastic to make an electric tipped whip.

The plan is going to be for 1 weapon to drop each round, then I'm going to reward one for "No Lives Lost" and one for collecting all three round rewards. (but of course anyone here can just grab them from my testlab if they have a need.)

[CYMBOL]

Anyone?

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

Can anyone explain to me how to sychronize emitters in Creation? Pretty please?!

Anyway, I was creating my level - and I showed my kid my "Spinning Wheel Maze" - he said, "OMG, that's awesome!!!"

Later, my wife walked in and saw me working on one, she said, "What is that?" - I showed her and explained it to her, she said, "That's crazy!" When, I explained that this was only one of four, she said, "Are people even going to like going through all of that? You better give them lots of prized and points for that."



I think I went overboard again. I finished my fourth and final maze wheel this morning - now, all I have to do is create the Boss battle (if the themometer lets me) and I'll be done.

Although, I have to admit, I am seriously considering not even finishing these. My first Winter Wonderland level has 47 hearts after a little over 200 plays and went down to 3 stars the other day. I don't think people appreciate the work that went into making it snow (first and only LBP level to have snow that I know of), and the Jack Frost race, and the emitting villians, etc. etc.

I'm just beginning to wonder if it's worth all my hard work. I enjoy making it, but to have only 200 people play it in over a week (after republishing a good number of times), and over half basically not appreciate it - well, not much incentive to continue.

Although this new Winter Wonderland level is fairly short - I believe I've created something quite original that I haven't seen done in LBP before - so, no matter what, I'm proud that my levels have featured things not done by anyone yet (that I know of).

Anyway, back to work - please let me know if any of you have some tips on syncing emitters. Thanks,

[AikonEnt]

Originally Posted by FendersRule

I just got Yellow Head!

You'll probably need to go to the doctors to get that fixed

[BorrowedTime]

CYMBOL,

This is a personal opinion, but I hope you do finish this series. I've really enjoyed what you've done so far.

The problem, I think, for most people is the difficulty level. This is just an observation on my part, especially given the number of plays/completions my levels have garnered... which is practically non-existent. Through 3 levels and a combined 360, or so, plays I think less than 30 people have actually finished them... combined. You'd think that people want to be challenged a little. I've said it before, and I'll say it again... "I'm not the best platform gamer out there." But I've managed to, at the very least, complete every level I've played on LBP, and I figure if I can beat these levels... anyone can.

I guess creating levels becomes a question of sacrificing "the vision" vs. "over-simplified gameplay". Maybe it's reflective of society in general. People come up against a challenge, and instead of putting a little effort into using their brains to overcome it, or putting their heads down to push through, they just give up. Unwilling to try and complete the level, they quit and don't bother to heart/tag/comment on a level which is what would push your level closer to the front page and more plays.

This rant is being fueled by "Movies That Shook the World" on AMC right now. I'm watching this episode about "2001" and Stanley Kubrick and the early criticism he faced, and perhaps I'm drawing some parallels here. lol

[toef]

Originally Posted by BorrowedTime

CYMBOL,
I guess creating levels becomes a question of sacrificing "the vision" vs. "over-simplified gameplay". Maybe it's reflective of society in general. People come up against a challenge, and instead of putting a little effort into using their brains to overcome it, or putting their heads down to push through, they just give up. Unwilling to try and complete the level, they quit and don't bother to heart/tag/comment on a level which is what would push your level closer to the front page and more plays.

I agree. I do it myself.

For some reason I'm not willing to accept a challenging user generated level the same way I will a Mm level within story mode. I can die on The Bunker a few times, and not mind. I don't fault Mm at all for it.

Yet, when the same things happens on a user-created level, I find myself blaming the creator for making a "stupid" level, and sometimes just quit out of it.

So it's as if I don't like challenging levels, but at the same time, I hate the levels where you don't have to do anything (where you basically just run from the left to the right with a minimum of button presses, and then the level is over).

I think the difference is that maybe I feel as though the story levels have all been meticulously created, and tested over and over again, whereas I tend to assume all user-created levels are not. Obviously there are exceptions, but it's easier to generalize.

If there seems like there is a point to getting past an obstacle, then I'll always keep on going, and try to get through the level (user created levels included). But if it seems like the only thing to look forward to after one frustrating obstacle is another frustrating obstacle, then I'm likely to just quit out, give it 2 stars (or whatever I angrily determine to give) and then never look back.

I've noticed somewhat of a difference on my Chaplin level between the number of people who played it, and the number of scores at the end. While I'd like to hope that the difference is solely based on the few people that liked it playing it a few more times, I imagine at least part of the difference is due to people seeing it, not liking it, and just immediately quitting.

I've actually thought about going back and adding more random platforming elements to the parts of the level in between each scene, but I'm not sure I will. Partly because I didn't want to do that originally, and partly because my thermometer is just about full, so I'm not sure I would even be able to.

[STARSCREAM]

I have found my first frustrating level in story mode, that stupid jalepeno level.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by STARSCREAM

I have found my first frustrating level in story mode, that stupid jalepeno level.

Uh oh - don't proceed then - you have some "Infuriating" levels ahead.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by BorrowedTime

CYMBOL,

This is a personal opinion, but I hope you do finish this series. I've really enjoyed what you've done so far.

Thanks, I appreciate it. We'll see what happens with this next one - I think you guys will find it interesting. You can really see my mind at work on this one. Just look at the four maze wheels. First one was a simple idea - next one a bit complicated with a switch - the next with four chambers and 4 switches - and the last is just a trip: however, based on my wife's recommendation the fourth one was toned WAY down in complexity. (Basically, after the first two chambers it's prizes and making it out.)

Again, thanks,

Originally Posted by toefer

I agree. I do it myself.

For some reason I'm not willing to accept a challenging user generated level the same way I will a Mm level within story mode. I can die on The Bunker a few times, and not mind. I don't fault Mm at all for it.

Yet, when the same things happens on a user-created level, I find myself blaming the creator for making a "stupid" level, and sometimes just quit out of it.

So it's as if I don't like challenging levels, but at the same time, I hate the levels where you don't have to do anything (where you basically just run from the left to the right with a minimum of button presses, and then the level is over).

I think the difference is that maybe I feel as though the story levels have all been meticulously created, and tested over and over again, whereas I tend to assume all user-created levels are not. Obviously there are exceptions, but it's easier to generalize.

If there seems like there is a point to getting past an obstacle, then I'll always keep on going, and try to get through the level (user created levels included). I've actually thought about going back and adding more random platforming elements to the parts of the level in between each scene, but I'm not sure I will. Partly because I didn't want to do that originally, and partly because my thermometer is just about full, so I'm not sure I would even be able to.

I think that is a great observation to go along with BorrowedTime's. However, having a story element hasn't seemed to help my Winter Wonderland level - again, maybe cause it didn't get "finished", people were off-put. Who knows.

But I totally understand what you mean about playing a user-created level vs. MM. When I'm in a MM level and can't find a way out - I know I missed something - when I play a user created level, I'm tempted to quite and figure they messed up something. Great insight toefer - and I am guilty of that myself, sometimes.

I just find it crazy when people tag levels with "brilliant", when all the guy did was paste his Story Mode items in the level.

I'm not sure what fate awaits my Winter Wonderland levels (it's hard to imagine all that work and time for 200 plays and 40 hearts - just doesn't seem worth the countless hours.) Whatever I decide to do there is one level I MUST build. It is dedicated to movies and has a really fun story. Can't wait to get to it! Although, it could be over a month before I even get started depending on the Winter levels fate.

Interesting commentary guys.

[STARSCREAM]

Why exactly are they taking down the movie levels and such that have stuff like star wars in it? Isn't the point of the game so you can create whatever YOU WANT and make your own level. . I know maybe they are worried about copyright issues and such but still.

[toef]

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

I'm not sure what fate awaits my Winter Wonderland levels (it's hard to imagine all that work and time for 200 plays and 40 hearts - just doesn't seem worth the countless hours.) Whatever I decide to do there is one level I MUST build. It is dedicated to movies and has a really fun story. Can't wait to get to it! Although, it could be over a month before I even get started depending on the Winter levels fate.

Just make sure (if you want people to like/play it) that it's not about movies from 70 years ago.

Looking forward to it (and hopefully the rest of the winter wonderland story).

Originally Posted by STARSCREAM

Why exactly are they taking down the movie levels and such that have stuff like star wars in it? Isn't the point of the game so you can create whatever YOU WANT and make your own level. . I know maybe they are worried about copyright issues and such but still.

Conspiracy theorists would also add that Mm wants to release themed levels for people to pay for, and it'd be hard to release something like, say, a Metal Gear Solid level if people can easily just go play other versions for free.

I don't agree with that, but they might still think it.

Also, according to some quote (which I think was posted a few pages back), all levels that have been removed have been removed through being "good grief"'ed, within the game. So apparently Mm isn't scouting levels, and taking down things based on copyright issues, and instead might only do that if it's brought to their attention (maybe the people who own the copyrights are the ones who reported them...who knows).

[FendersRule]

I like playing older movie levels. I like the 2001 level, I even have it hearted.

However, I do agree that user created levels shouldn't be "hard". They should be challenging, and unique and creative.

However, I still cannot find any user level TO THIS DAY that is as addictive as "Ninja Training".

No one can call themselves a LBP king unless they beat this level.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by toefer

Just make sure (if you want people to like/play it) that it's not about movies from 70 years ago.

Looking forward to it (and hopefully the rest of the winter wonderland story).

Haha - no - they'll all be "popular" movies - and definitely all filmed during a time when "color and sound" were not state-of-the-art.

Well, good news-bad news on my Winter level (Part II):

I have about 3% left till I'm done - the bad news is, I never got to the Boss Battle.

I'm about out of room on the themometer and have decided not to even try it.

So, I have decided NOT to add a Key to Part I and instead, at the end of Part II - you will be given a key which will unlock the Boss Battle (which I have yet to make). I will post both once they are done.

As I mentioned, I added a lot of things to my Test Lab today: and even posted some photos (ala stickers) for anyone to see what my new level will look like. If you look for my character in some of those pics - you begin to get the idea of how large some of those maze wheels are.

[toef]

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

Well, good news-bad news on my Winter level (Part II):

I have about 3% left till I'm done - the bad news is, I never got to the Boss Battle.

I'm about out of room on the themometer and have decided not to even try it.

So, I have decided NOT to add a Key to Part I and instead, at the end of Part II - you will be given a key which will unlock the Boss Battle (which I have yet to make). I will post both once they are done.

On the bright side, you could now make the boss battle really hard, since people can't get mad if they die, and have to start the level all over.

[air_max]

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

....
But I totally understand what you mean about playing a user-created level vs. MM. When I'm in a MM level and can't find a way out - I know I missed something - when I play a user created level, I'm tempted to quite and figure they messed up something....

this is one thing that i have experienced with other people's levels, and in the levels of my own.

in order to produce a level that everyone will play, it can't be frustrating, almost at all. there is little motivation to replay a level if you get absolutely dominated by one part in the level unlike in the levels from the story. some of my better levels just don't get played that much because i know i made them too hard at parts. and the same goes for myself. if im playing a level, and if there's even one part that i deem unnecessarily hard, i give up.

this is what i have come to believe distinguishes a great level from a good level, and gets a lot of people to play/heart your level:

1. it can't be too hard--pretty much beatable for most people without having to restard
2. it has to be creative--people are sick of doing the same things over and over in each level.
3. it has to be pretty--in the best levels the publishers took time for aesthetics, for music, for anything that separates it's levels from the rest.

now, i haven't been able to create a level like this, because thats a tall order. but for the people who have created levels with these aspects to them, its very noticeable and the level of enjoyment from those levels approaches the story levels (if not exceeds in some occasions.)

[silversnake]

Caliblue ... any news on your level's moderation ? I"m still waiting for mine

And for those who weren't able to play my first level , please play the 2nd version. I made some tweaks from the original to make it run smoother. LittleBigRandom 2.0 Thanks!

[caliblue15]

Originally Posted by silversnake

Caliblue ... any news on your level's moderation ? I"m still waiting for mine

And for those who weren't able to play my first level , please play the 2nd version. I made some tweaks from the original to make it run smoother. LittleBigRandom 2.0 Thanks!

No news.. haven't checked, been studying for a test I have tommorrow, then right after that I have to start Studying for finals.