LittleBigPlanet – Over 3 Million Community Levels!

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by toefer

I feel bad who traded for/bought a Kratos costume code, thinking that the GameStop preorder was the only way to get it. Now any/everyone can get it for $1.99.

Yeah, I thought that too. Also, some people rushed buying this (I know I did) just to get the "exclusive" costumes.) Still it is a very nice surprise for those who missed out - or had to make their "Sophie's Choice" of LBP costumes.

True, but what I meant was that I generally just take an idea that already exists (Chaplin movies, a Connect Four game, etc) and LPB'ify it.

I see. Well - that would mean coming up with your own game (or a type of game.) I think Puzzle Wheels is my only "original" level, in terms of "gameplay". I have very few plays (over 200), but I've gotten some really great comments of the level - from, "That is the best LBP level I've seen", to "Dude, I'm still spinning, you have to make more and make them insane!!!!"

So, I'm really appreciative that people "got" what I was going for. But I have to admit - Puzzle Wheels was a happy accident. I wanted to add an obstacle (in my level that crashed) - and thought of a spinning wheel to jump through. Which made me want to make a more varied and difficult one after - before I knew it, it had grown into its' own kind of level and gameplay (which I hadn't seen anywhere else). Of course, that probably has to do with me not knowing when "enough is enough".

I don't know how to come up with an original level - I think original concepts are happy accidents - hopefully, you'll have an accident soon.

I think in general I've been trying to think of a non-Wizard of Oz idea, to make a level out of, only because I kind of want to make/publish one more level, to have something new out there, before burying myself in the Wizard of Oz levels (which I would probably avoid publishing until at least having 2 done, but preferably having them all done).

My new level is going to be 2 levels with a key. Unfortunately, the thermometer jumped out of nowhere and surprised me (sort of, I knew it was going to punish me, but hoped it wouldn't be bad - oh well). So, I decided I would have to split it in two - I just wish I knew ahead of time because I would have designed this level differently.

Still it's hard having one on the back burner for a few weeks while tinkering with the other. Not sure how'd you'd wait till 3 were done.

[Goodintentions]

for those with thermometor issues rmember the thermo seems to mostly fill from too many MOVEABLE parts .. my level was right at full i was messing around making things look better and i happened to glue down a small piece of wall and sudenly the thermo dropped to almost half full so i proceeded to add a lot more to it .. i found what happened was that gluing that one wall piece actually glued a LOT of pieces together thsu freeign up a ton of space ..

[fsavoie]

I've just start to build my first level but that thermometer seems to fill real quickly. I just built a baby crib (its quite large) and a couple of objects and I'm already at 30%! and that was only for the intro!! no gameplay yet! I don't get why, I've seen pretty huge levels out there. Is there a way that objects takes less "heat" on the thermometer?

[fsavoie]

Originally Posted by Goodintentions

for those with thermometor issues rmember the thermo seems to mostly fill from too many MOVEABLE parts .. my level was right at full i was messing around making things look better and i happened to glue down a small piece of wall and sudenly the thermo dropped to almost half full so i proceeded to add a lot more to it .. i found what happened was that gluing that one wall piece actually glued a LOT of pieces together thsu freeign up a ton of space ..

Cool you just answered my question 1 minute before I've posted it!

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by fsavoie

I'm already at 30%! and that was only for the intro!! no gameplay yet! I don't get why, I've seen pretty huge levels out there. Is there a way that objects takes less "heat" on the thermometer?

Thermometer Killers:

• Movable parts - (as mentioned above by goodintentions). That includes, objects not glued down, but also actual moving pieces (spinning wheels, etc.)
• Capturing objects and pasting them - if you build a robot and want many of them "Copy" it, don't capture then paste multiple times.
• Pasting Objects won from LBP or Community levels - same thing, if you want/need something - paste ONE, then copy that object. Pasting multiple captured objects DESTROYS your thermometer space. Don't believe me - go paste 25 objects and watch your thermometer go up to half or more. Now, go paste one object. Then copy and paste for each object, 25 times and see that your thermometer is a fraction higher. You can copy and paste almost an entire section of your level with little consequence.
• If you can make your own object instead of pasting a captured object - do it.
• Emitters - this falls into "moving parts AND captured objects. Not much you can do about this; however, sometimes attaching a switch that activates it only when someone is in the vicinity - can reduce your thermometer a few fractions. (Instead of leaving you emitter turned on the entire time the person is playing.)
• Shapes - keep your shapes simple if possible. The more tiny corners the more space - shave off the jaggies and keep your shapes simple. Glue squares and triangle together (instead of pasting inside of each other to make a bigger shape). This will also help keep you from getting the "This Shape Is Getting Too Complicated" message - which will keep you from being able to manipulate it anymore.
• Super-Large Shapes - again, if you need a MASSIVE square - glue together 4 smaller squares. You might think, "But I don't like the lines showing"; however if you look at MM's story levels you'll see many "seams". Rarely do they have large solid objects.
• Materials - different materials use more space. There is no rhyme or reason here - (meaning you can't judge by looking). Every time you add a different kind of material your temp goes up. Also, certain materials (fabrics with elaborate designs) take up even more space. Change the materials to get the look you want for your level, but watch the temp and decide if that space eating fabric is worth it.

That's the basics. Hope that helps some people.

[toef]

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

Yeah, I thought that too. Also, some people rushed buying this (I know I did) just to get the "exclusive" costumes.) Still it is a very nice surprise for those who missed out - or had to make their "Sophie's Choice" of LBP costumes.

Imagine what would happen if they sell the Nariko costume for $1.99, considering some people paid as much as $50 (or more) for the code on eBay.

[jamclaur]

I wonder if it will be the same GOW stuff or something new...

[fsavoie]

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

Thermometer Killers:



That's the basics. Hope that helps some people.

Thanks for the help!

[PA_Kid]

Originally Posted by toefer

Imagine what would happen if they sell the Nariko costume for $1.99, considering some people paid as much as $50 (or more) for the code on eBay.

I'm assuming that's a forgone conclusion now - otherwise you have two exclusives with only one being not that exclusive. To be honest that's the only bright side of the GoW thing to me.

Toefer, I had a substantial multipart idea that I wanted to try and have a lot of stuff conceptualized in my head - but it's on the shelf until I finally finish my cagematch level (know what I need to do to finish and test it, but been having trouble getting motivated).

If you're interested shoot me a PM and we can discuss more, but since my plan was for the other thing to be 5-7 level linked I'd be up for splitting it and colaborating if you're interested.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by PA_Kid

Ibut it's on the shelf until I finally finish my cagematch level (know what I need to do to finish and test it, but been having trouble getting motivated).

Hey! Yeah! Where is the cage match?!

And you still haven't played my levels The Great Race or Puzzle Wheels - you've got a lot of catching up to do buddy!

[CYMBOL]

Hey Stephie - check your PMs.

Sent my 2 cents about the beta test on your latest level.

[Ukujiku]

Hey Cymbol, got to play most of your levels the other day. They are very awesome and I hope you do continue the winter wonderland series. With the wheel level I couldn't even get into the last wheel it was moving so fast. Still great levels and I hope you keep it up.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by Ukujiku

Hey Cymbol, got to play most of your levels the other day. They are very awesome and I hope you do continue the winter wonderland series. With the wheel level I couldn't even get into the last wheel it was moving so fast. Still great levels and I hope you keep it up.

I really appreciate you taking the time to comment on my levels. Thank you very much.

As for the 4th wheel - were you aware that if you grab the "grabbable material" that it will reel you in? It's not a jump inside like wheels 1 & 2. Once you get a hold on it, keep holding till you're reeled inside the wheel - then travel further inside from there. Once you go in a ways, you basically can't fall out (much like wheel 3).

I hope you give it another shot - cause wheel 4 is my personal favorite in design and gameplay - besides, there is no other way to become a Puzzle Wheel Master than going through wheel 4, "The Four Corners".

Either way, thanks for trying out my levels and the comments.

[blu-rayfan101]

Thats alot on DLC!!! Can't wait to get my hands on some of that.

[PA_Kid]

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

I really appreciate you taking the time to comment on my levels. Thank you very much.

As for the 4th wheel - were you aware that if you grab the "grabbable material" that it will reel you in? It's not a jump inside like wheels 1 & 2. Once you get a hold on it, keep holding till you're reeled inside the wheel - then travel further inside from there. Once you go in a ways, you basically can't fall out (much like wheel 3).

I hope you give it another shot - cause wheel 4 is my personal favorite in design and gameplay - besides, there is no other way to become a Puzzle Wheel Master than going through wheel 4, "The Four Corners".

Either way, thanks for trying out my levels and the comments.

Heh, I was going to ask the same thing - I kept trying to jump in but the wheel would launch me up. I'm trying to get back into LBP after being away completely a few weeks and that was the first thing I tried hopping back in. It was a lot of fun. Died a lot at first getting the feel for it, but completed it in one play (through wheel 3 at least). On my last life I chickened out and took the exit.

I'll have to try it again. You should make a sticker at the end that lets you make it a race (like the MSG level). After the first try, racing would spice up the first 3 wheels.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by PA_Kid

Heh, I was going to ask the same thing - I kept trying to jump in but the wheel would launch me up. I'm trying to get back into LBP after being away completely a few weeks and that was the first thing I tried hopping back in. It was a lot of fun. Died a lot at first getting the feel for it, but completed it in one play (through wheel 3 at least). On my last life I chickened out and took the exit.

I probably need to put a magic mouth letting people know to "grab on and not let go" to be reeled in. I did mention in the beginning of the level that entrances and exits will have grabbable material - but maybe I should remind the player - it is a really long level after all.

I have the grabbable material available on the third wheel as well.

I'll have to try it again. You should make a sticker at the end that lets you make it a race (like the MSG level). After the first try, racing would spice up the first 3 wheels.

Aaagh! Where were you when I was beta testing - that is a brilliant idea. It would take a large redesign now though (and I would feel bad - there are some guys that have been playing the levels again and again to get the high-score - they have it now and I think it's pretty unbeatable. They might kill me if I added race gates! )

I didn't want to add them initially because I felt the level was hard enough and I didn't want people to feel like they had to hurry - but your suggestion would have been a wonderful addition. Who knows - I may add it. . .

[Stephie_is_a_dork]

Originally Posted by CYMBOL

I probably need to put a magic mouth letting people know to "grab on and not let go" to be reeled in. I did mention in the beginning of the level that entrances and exits will have grabbable material - but maybe I should remind the player - it is a really long level after all.

I have the grabbable material available on the third wheel as well.



Aaagh! Where were you when I was beta testing - that is a brilliant idea. It would take a large redesign now though (and I would feel bad - there are some guys that have been playing the levels again and again to get the high-score - they have it now and I think it's pretty unbeatable. They might kill me if I added race gates! )

I didn't want to add them initially because I felt the level was hard enough and I didn't want people to feel like they had to hurry - but your suggestion would have been a wonderful addition. Who knows - I may add it. . .

I think I would have to beat you to death with my controller if you added race gates! Puzzle Wheels needs no spicing.

[master_8ball]

I need 5 more hearts as a creator to get the platinum trophy.
Any help would be great!
PSN- Daver420

Thanks.

[CYMBOL]

Originally Posted by Stephie_is_a_dork

I think I would have to beat you to death with my controller if you added race gates! Puzzle Wheels needs no spicing.

Not only am I NOT going to add race gates to Puzzle Wheels - I'm taking them out of ALL my level!






But yeah, that's kind of the reaction I thought I would get if I had initially incorporated them. I think the level offers enough challenges without having a countdown running the whole time. But if I ever do make "Puzzle Wheels II - Wheels Gone Wild" , I do plan to take PAKid's advice and make a switch trigger to get at the end of the level for those who want to try and get the high score. (A lot of people seem to go to different boards trying to get the high scores; even have friendly rivalries going on with others - I never knew.

[Stephie_is_a_dork]

*giggles* Are you afraid of "moi"? I was (mostly) kidding. Don't take race gates out of The Great Race, it would be silly. But if you added gates to Puzzle Wheels, I'd have to play it over and over to get a higher score, which would make my cute little sackbunny throw up. You can definitely add race gates to Puzzle Wheels 2, since I haven't played it yet!