Level Review: "Tomb Raider: LittleBigTemple" by marcocatena

"Tomb Raider: LittleBigTemple"

I found this level while surfing Youtube's Little Big Planet channel. I was drawn to the level because it looked like a level created by a Media Molecule designer. The clip on Youtube was edited, so I was skeptical how the overall level design would be like. Here is the video posted on Youtube:

So I proceeded to search for marcocatena's creation in the LBP Community. To my surprise, he is a veteran level designer with several published levels already (others levels will be reviewed in the future).

"Tomb Raider: LittleBigTemple" successfully recreates the Tomb Raider game/movie environment in the Little Big Planet style. The design of the level is well thought out, and the use of materials are thematically coherent. The level's horizontal and vertical linear progression is very easy to follow. No messy multi-path maze. The level had a finished look right from the start. The quality of the way things are put together is superb. No jagged edges on the objects or visible patch work. I was able to immerse into the experience immediately. The use of different camera angles was also important in presenting the environment to the player.

The player enters the game over a small waterfall and river creek. As you proceed further you will encounter a waterfall as the backdrop over a broken stone bridge. Marcocatena's use of glass elements to depict calm flowing water is simply ingenious (slow moving plane of rippled glass combined with water sound and gas elements makes for a perfect combination in this case).

The design of the ruin is very well conceived, using predominantly the stone palette, you really can't sense how vast this temple ruin is until you actually experience it. The linear progression is not only horizontal, but it takes advantage of the vertical planes as well. The same scenic element at a lower levels of the game, is used to create additional obstacles on the upper planes (i.e. columns that you might be walking pass by in the lower level, becomes island steps that you will have to skip on when you get to the higher ground).

Booby traps makes this game very enjoyable. They are strategically sprinkled through out the level. Some are in plain sight and obvious, others are hidden, but all of them gives the player just enough time to think and get out of trouble. Wobbling columns that shifts when you step on it, rolling fire giant balls and logs, disappearing steps, walls that closes in on you. [spoiler alert] A very memorable scene in the game is near the end when you fall into a chamber with spikes on the side walls with no apparent way out. Suddenly, the walls start to slowly close in on you (I particularly appreciated the 1/2 a second pause after you dropped into the chamber before the walls started to move, a very cinematic approach). Remind you, at this stage of the game, you've already survived numerous booby traps along the way, so instinctively you are prepared for the worst. You see in the background a proximity switch (a regular LBP gamer will know that the switch is there for a reason), so you are desperately jumping up and down trying to activate the switch hoping to stop the advancing spiked walls. Just when doom is eminent, a trap door on the floor opens and you fall into a sacrificial chamber below. Only if LBP had more dramatic music score for situations like this...

There were some clitches that I found:

1. Near the entrance of the temple where you encounter the first fire log rolling obstacle, there is a section of the floor that changes material creating a joint line on the floor. That joint line created a bit of a log jam if you accidentally stumble over a fire log at the right location, the pile up makes it impossible to jump over and you will be forced to restart the level.

2. The spiked wall chamber, once you drop into the sacrificial chamber below, if you do not have the D-pad control all the way to the right, you will find yourself on the left side of the sacrificial table after your fall. Unfortunately, the table is "just" tall enough that you will not be able to jump over it which will force you to commit hari-kiri and restart from the previous check point.

I recommend everyone to give this level a try and not get discouraged by the level of difficulty in getting pass certain stages. After all, nothing in Tomb Raider is ever easy right?

I rate this level as follow:

Overall Impression: A

Replay Value: B+

Story Line: B

Craftsmanship: A

Prizes and Gifts: B

Level Review: "The Scale of Earth's Time and Space" by Armyless

"The Scale of Earth's Time and Space"

Following up Armyless's level "Iittle Big Dreamer (v 2.2)", he takes a 180 degree approach on his next level. "The Scale of Earth's Time and Space" is the first "educational" level i played on LBP. It is a quick visual lesson about our solar system and earth's creation. From the solar system's planet size comparison, to a very interesting way to depict the geological time line of our planet earth. The level has a common thread from the beginning to the end. The linear horizontal progression (vertical at times) of the level is relaxing to navigate. It is one of those "sit back, relax, and enjoy the show" kind of level.

Elements used in the level are very simple. There are some notable moments. In planet earth's geological time line, there is a part where the use of "fairy lights" and emitters created a very convincing lava spewing scene from the earth's core. It that was a visual treat (I will have to borrow this idea in my future levels).

I give this level as follow:

Overall Impression: C+

Replay Value: C

Story Line: B (For its educational purpose)

Craftsmanship: B-

Prizes and Gifts: C

Level Review: "Electric Avenue" by ba55tyd

"Electric Avenue" by ba55tyd

This level came recommended by a fellow LBP player, Larazoom. Since she does not create any levels, she spreads the word for others.

Electric Avenue is a simple horizontal/vertical platform level using predominantly MGS level components. I do not believe there is a storyline behind the level, but to go from point A to B. The craftsmanship of the level is very precise and clean. However, at times, it is a bit monotonous since the same elements are used over and over again (i.e. rotating barrels all over the level). Very good use of lighting elements so the phosphorescent lines of the MGS VR wall panels glow in the dark. [spoiler alert] There is a stage where you get to run across several wobbly platforms to get the the paintball gun fight. Going from left to right on the wobbly platform was easy, but returning was a pain (we will get to that later). The paintball gun fight was dissapointing. The lack of camera angle use (you couldn't see who was shooting at you), and the lack of design on the "blocks" shooting back did not make the gun fight sequence enjoyable at all. There was no purpose to the gun fight with the exception of activating a lever to have a platform drop down and open up the path to continue on with the level (we will get to that a bit later too). You are forced to return to where you came from. Going on the wobbly platforms from left to right was challenging, if not frustrating in the beginning. However, with a little bit of practice and making sure you always jump from the center point of the platform to platform, you should be able to make it in one piece.

I did not finish the level because i got stuck right after the vertical ladder at a glass bridge that blew up before I was able to get across it. What was interesting about this part, was it suddenly had a change in the look and feel of the level. Instead of an endless MGS VR wall panels, it became more rustic and grimy. I am not sure if the end was on the other side of the bridge, but I was sure discouraged to proceed after having gone thru the wobbly bridge 4-5 different times. I might try it again after my frustration had faded.

Final note, do not attempt to play this level with multi-players. You will end up watching one player most of the time because one will advance further than others which will kill off your partners. There is no co-op areas.

I give this level as follow:
Overall Impression: C+
Replay Value: C
Story Line: D
Craftsmanship: B
Prizes and Gifts: C

Level Review: "Little Big Dreamer (v 2.2)" by armyless

"Little Big Dreamer (v 2.2)"

I found this fellow LBP creator, Armyless, last night while reviewing some of the feedbacks from people who played "The Mine" or "SWAT - The Plane". I would have to say, Armyless is now one of my hearted LBP level designer. The vision of his LBP levels are not conventional (Armyless - please forgive me if I generalized your gender by using "his" in this review) , they are a bit "out there", but this "out of the box" approach is what attracted me to his levels.

"Little Big Dreamer (v 2.2)", I believe, is his first published creation. The storyline is about your character trying to help someone or thing to fall asleep, since its been up playing LBP for days (I thought that in-game comment was hilarious). The antagonist or the "bad guy" of the level, Dreamweaver, will try to prevent you from accomplishing your task.

The elements used to create this level is very eclectic. Armyless seems to use almost everything that he had at his disposal (at the time) to create this level. I am especially interested in his use of "floating" elements and glass. [spoiler alert] My favorite stage of the game would have to be the part where you build the bridge to cross an electrified path using "counting sheeps". At first, I could not figure out what was going on... To the left of the screen you constantly see "Z"s flying off; a platform with footsteps; a sticker with "R1". To right of the screen, you find a button with a weird circle sticker; an electrified path; a suspended moon. After testing some sequence combinations, I realized that you are to "fling" the "Z"s toward the suspended moon to make a counting sheep appear. The sheep will push the circular drum (after you push the button on the left) over the electrified path to build a bridge, so you can get to the other side. Wheew! That was a mouthful. Can't really describe it, so I made the video clip below (thanks to armyless for allowing me post this clip). After you figure out the process, sit back and enjoy the bridge building, and ponder... "How the hell did he come up with the mechanics to make this happen? And what was the idea that triggered this particular design?".

Immediately after the bridge, is the battle against the Big Boss, Dreamweaver. You are on a movable suspended platform where you have to shoot Dreamweaver using the paintball gun, while he is shooting back at you like a mad man. Some how in the middle of this madness, there is a logical way to beat Dreamweaver. Good thing there is a double life check point on the suspended platform (This was a good touch to prevent players from getting frustrated and give up early in the battle). Unfortunately, for me, I was shot as my final paint pellet hit Dreamweaver, preventing me to move on and get my deserved reward (score bubbles will spewing out from above). A draw, in a classic pistol dual. This did not discourage me from wanting to go at it again. So the second time, I was prepared. Here is the video clip (again, I thank armyless for allowing me to use this clip).

Some criticism... There is a box of score bubbles near the turning eyes in the beginning that I have no idea how to get to. Also, I didn't particularly understand the need for the room with two floating elements. I was able to pull the grey floater out, move in front of it and proceed to the next check point. Maybe if the two floaters was to exchange places? If that room was omitted or simplified, it might make the game play smoother.

I hearted the level. Armyless, please send me news on your next level when it is ready! Keep on Creating!

I give this level as follow:
Overall Impression: B+
Replay Value: B
Story Line: B
Craftsmanship: B-
Prizes and Gifts: C

How to Ace The Garden Level - First Step

Level - The Garden - First Steps

Have you aced this first level and unlocked and pirate hook and pirate eye patch?

1. Make sure you have the rainbow color shoe in your inventory. Play the level if you don't have it.
2. About a quarter of the way through, you will encounter a floating cardboard where you can place the rainbow shoe.

3. Place the rainbow colored shoe on the shoe shaped cardboard, and the race gate will lower automatically.

4. Continue with the level until the collapsing bridge, the raibow colored shoe had triggered the flying bird to lower, which now you can use as a swing the clear the bridge.


Now go claim your aced level prize!

Level Review: "Leo's Haunted Castle" by Sideshoweric

"Leo's Haunted Castle"

I thought the level was much better thought out compared to "Leo's farm". There were alot of elements in the game that were very ingenious and unique. The level is very simple in its layout, but still had its puzzling moments. Example, [spoiler alert] I thought the table on the second floor of the first part of the castle was the way to get to the roof, so I kept on trying to climb out the window to get to the roof, until the timing of the draw bridge coming up made me realized that I was going at it the wrong way.

[spoiler alert]I am not sure if there was a different way to get to the "sofa moving" room aside from coming down from the roof... But the sofa moving part was pretty ingenious, you gave the player just enough hints (like the photo taking). It really makes you think... "why is this couch so special that warrants a photo".

The middle part of the castle, at the towers, was ok, but i thought something else could have made it more mysterious than have to climb up to come right back down again. If there was something that you need to get (like the key similar to the next tower), it would have been pretty nifty... but i don't think it hurts from the storyline.

Similar to the corn field in Leo's Farm, the cemetary part was very well thought out. The spiders and the tombstone forces you to have to take advantage of the different "planes" of the LBP world.

Music goes very well with the level design. I wouldn't categorize it as "cute" (leo's farm was "cute"). I just wish the level got more exposure and play time.

I hearted the level, and will spread the word out, maybe sideshoweric will get more recognition and more play time. Good job!

I give this level as follow:
Overall Impression: B-
Replay Value: C
Story Line: B
Craftsmanship: B+
Prize and Gifts: C

New LBP Level: S.W.A.T. - The Plane

what it better than to welcome the new year with the posting of a spanking new level called S.W.A.T. - The plane.

Synopsis
You are agent Sackboy, part of the elite SWAT team for Sackville. One, you are called to the Sackville International Airport to resolve a highly volatile hijacking situation. Flight 101 of Sack Airline, was commandeered mid-flight by masked hijackers. The plane was forced to land at the airport. This is the window of opportunity the SWAT team was looking for. Your mission is to infiltrate the plane, clear the plane of any explosives, and eliminate all hijackers.

Initial publish date: 12/26/08
Level play status: 4 hearts; 13 plays (1/3/09)

Please leave a comment in the game or here. I welcome any suggestions, clitch issues, and constructive criticism to make the level more playable and enjoyable by all.