Baja Off Road Racing Challenge

..well, here goes. I am new here and truthfully, I am a bit nervous posting this after seeing all the amazing talent I have seen on this board. Many of you I have been huge fans of since first checking out the community creations on LBP. I would be most honored for you to take a look and getting your comments.

Baja Off Road Racing Challenge - jwwPhotos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-WCE...e=channel_page

This is basically a fun racing game for 1 to 3 players though a 4th can attempt to ride along! It has 3 stages... more truthfully, 2 stages with a 3rd one tossed in for fun.

I wanted to do something a bit different from my other two levels that I may showcase here as well. The idea came about as I saw quite a few mario kart and other racing levels that I didn't feel were very good. I wanted to take a bit more scenic and interesting approach along with giving the player a bit of car control to actually race each other as well as to hopefully make it a bit more fun.

I was hoping to add quite a bit more scenery and gags, but the dreaded thermometer pretty much killed that idea! Although I was able to optimize and stick a bit more in here and there.

Anyway, your comments are much appreciated.

Thanks so much!!! - jww (psn - jwwPhotos)

http://lbp.me/v/pc45f0

Fantastic level to play, was great fun (even in one player). I found it to be tremendously well polished over all, but there was like two things that did stand out.

First race, black car's track. It has more dips than hills, and (after a few tries) one of them does tend to flip the black car over more than the other two do. Nothing major really, just remember it being a bit of a harsh drop.
Lastly, some of the camera angles were quite cool... but I think it might have been better for one on the 2nd track (if I recall correctly) to follow the cars a bit. It just seems to jerk into position and jerk back to normal as the cars move past it too fast.

5*'ed and hearted.

Welcome to the forum!

I played this last week and found it to be very enjoyable. It's one of the better race levels that I have played and was pretty fun. The only suggestion I would have is to add a few more decorations and detail to the tracks (I loved the tumbleweeds), but since you have limited thermo, I understand that might be out of the question.

Anyway, it's a simple, but fun race level and I think you did a great job!

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Originally Posted by Sirinden

Fantastic level to play, was great fun (even in one player). I found it to be tremendously well polished over all, but there was like two things that did stand out.

First race, black car's track. It has more dips than hills, and (after a few tries) one of them does tend to flip the black car over more than the other two do. Nothing major really, just remember it being a bit of a harsh drop.
Lastly, some of the camera angles were quite cool... but I think it might have been better for one on the 2nd track (if I recall correctly) to follow the cars a bit. It just seems to jerk into position and jerk back to normal as the cars move past it too fast.

5*'ed and hearted.

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Thanks Sirinden!

Really appreciate your comments! I had a time making the first lane (black truck) cooperate. Everytime I tweaked it, the thing was way too tame or it was way too easy to flip. It can be done, but you are correct it takes a bit more input to get it to behave. I will see if I can revisit that a bit more.

Never noticed the camera angles being jerky.. I will have to take another look. My biggest thing was to get the angle for the sun and moon to be seen and possibly I have the camera target area a bit wacky for the other lanes.

I will take a look at your level as soon as I have a chance!

Thanks again!
jww

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Originally Posted by mrsupercomputer

Welcome to the forum!

I played this last week and found it to be very enjoyable. It's one of the better race levels that I have played and was pretty fun. The only suggestion I would have is to add a few more decorations and detail to the tracks (I loved the tumbleweeds), but since you have limited thermo, I understand that might be out of the question.

Anyway, it's a simple, but fun race level and I think you did a great job!

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Thanks mrsupercomputer!

Really appreciate the kind words and thanks for the welcome!! Glad you had fun playing it!

I might be able to add a few stickers here and there. The tumbleweeds seemed to work ok with the seaweed stickers and gave them some depth. However, those stickers by themselves on the "sand" for example, I was really torn as it sorta looked out of place. Wish there was a dead grass looking sticker, but what is fun about this game is seeing what you can make work! I might try creating a few custom stickers and see what I can come up with. I was originally hoping to have cactus on all the thin layers, but as I have a thin layer keeping the wheels on the truck, I was a bit limited.

Was there a particular level you were wanting me to look at for you to repay your kindness?

Thanks again!!

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Originally Posted by jwwphotos

Was there a particular level you were wanting me to look at for you to repay your kindness?

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Nope, you can play which ever one sounds like fun to you! Hope you enjoy it!

mrsupercomputer... I just played Basilisk Bog.

That was simply incredible and I am now a huge fan of your work. I will be checking out the others asap. I had not had the pleasure of playing your levels before and so happy that I have. If you like I can comment on your level showcase thread if you have one, but my words would pale in comparison to anything you must already have already gotten.

I have revisited my level last night and found I was able to gain a bit of thermometer. I will be adding some much needed decoration and detail to the tracks.

Thanks so much for your help!

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Originally Posted by jwwphotos

mrsupercomputer... I just played Basilisk Bog.

That was simply incredible and I am now a huge fan of your work. I will be checking out the others asap. I had not had the pleasure of playing your levels before and so happy that I have. If you like I can comment on your level showcase thread if you have one, but my words would pale in comparison to anything you must already have already gotten.

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Thanks for checking it out! I'm glad you enjoyed it. You don't have to leave feedback, but if you do, you can simply click on the links in my signature. That will take you to the showcase thread for that particular level.

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Originally Posted by jwwphotos

I have revisited my level last night and found I was able to gain a bit of thermometer. I will be adding some much needed decoration and detail to the tracks.

Thanks so much for your help!

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Cool! Let me know when you republish and I'll check out the new version!

If you're going to play mrsupercomputer's other levels, you may want to tape your jaw up. Your jaw may start to get a little bruised when it drops 2 more times
:D

I was going to check this out and give some feedback. Would you like me to wait for the changes?

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Originally Posted by CCubbage

If you're going to play mrsupercomputer's other levels, you may want to tape your jaw up. Your jaw may start to get a little bruised when it drops 2 more times
:D

I was going to check this out and give some feedback. Would you like me to wait for the changes?

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LOL! Yeah, I see what you mean! ..I found a pillow so my jaw had a soft landing.

Oh cool! No.. go ahead if you like! I doubt I will be able to complete all the changes for a few days as I have a few other projects I really need to get done. I am curious to see your thoughts as it stands right now if you have a chance to take a look.

Thanks!!

Okay, I just checked this one out. I really liked it. The vehicles handled nicely, the tracks were well designed and required constantly watching what you're doing, and since you split it up into 3 sections it was a decently long race.

Interestingly, my favorite part was the last leg of the race in the hover-type vehicles. Quite a bit different from other vehicles I've driven in LBP.

Now.... just a couple thoughts in case you do a follow up or plan on revisiting a few things in this level - one of the things I generally look for is originality. So, for instance, custom characters (non-MM-content) and terrain types. I've seen other very similar experiences, and I'd love to see where you could take this idea into uncharted territory.

For instance, the vehicle in the last leg of the race - very cool vehicle. Could you have a race in an alternate-reality setting featuring that vehicle, and also combine it with some interesting platforming?

Regardless, you've built a great racer that fits in with the general LBP audience very well, so kudos! Very enjoyable.

If you wanted to check out one of my levels, probably the Splat Invaders series is the best.

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Originally Posted by CCubbage

Okay, I just checked this one out. I really liked it. The vehicles handled nicely, the tracks were well designed and required constantly watching what you're doing, and since you split it up into 3 sections it was a decently long race.

Interestingly, my favorite part was the last leg of the race in the hover-type vehicles. Quite a bit different from other vehicles I've driven in LBP.

Now.... just a couple thoughts in case you do a follow up or plan on revisiting a few things in this level - one of the things I generally look for is originality. So, for instance, custom characters (non-MM-content) and terrain types. I've seen other very similar experiences, and I'd love to see where you could take this idea into uncharted territory.

For instance, the vehicle in the last leg of the race - very cool vehicle. Could you have a race in an alternate-reality setting featuring that vehicle, and also combine it with some interesting platforming?

Regardless, you've built a great racer that fits in with the general LBP audience very well, so kudos! Very enjoyable.

If you wanted to check out one of my levels, probably the Splat Invaders series is the best.

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Thanks so much! Appreciate your help and insight! I am really happy that you enjoyed it.

I try to stay away from MM content, but have not attempted many custom characters. Good thought.. I will attempt some next time.

Actually, I originally was working with the hover craft / pod racer thingys to be in another race type level. I then decided to toss them in for the last stage of this one as I thought a 3rd stage with the same vehicles would be a bit boring. Plus the thought of smashing into straw bales at high speed for a big finish just amused the heck outta me.

I really like your idea of building some platforming around them instead since after this level, building another race level would be really boring to me. Awesome idea! Thanks!!

I will take a look at your splat invaders tomorrow and report back. That sounds pretty cool.

Thanks again for all your thoughts and ideas! This place is so cool !! I am having a blast!

Take care!

looks cool, i'll try to play it today or tomorrow, i just hope i don't forget....

5 Stars and heart'd but heres some things that i would add or change to make it more interesting and funner to play because honestly i think its very bland :(

it was pretty much the samething all through, just hold gas it would be nice if u had to slow down or stop to get passed a certain part so u dont just hold r1 to go. - this is a problem with alot of lbp levels and races u either just run through it and press or hold r1 with no skill really needed. it would also be nice if u could change up the track cuz its really just like everyone other one ( no ofence ) and u should add some more baja style things. because its mostly just bumps, add some cliffs! or add a sensor that would disconnect the wheel when driven over and they a helicopter would have to come over and drop a switch that would place the replacements.

i played tube racer ( u should sreach it if u havent played it ) and theres parts that are tricky and u have to stop a certain part or ur out of the race. thats the things that i think make a level worth playing. :)

it also would be nice if u had more diffrent style trucks because then it looks more interesting and could add replay value since the truck could be so diffrent u might wanna try them all.:hero:

i think its a great little baja remake just as i said very bland and if u add some of the stuff i said it would be more baja looking. :)

( also this is the first time i actually spent time to do a feedback for a level o.O Yey me! :) )

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Originally Posted by 01philip01

5 Stars and heart'd but heres some things that i would add or change to make it more interesting and funner to play because honestly i think its very bland :(

it was pretty much the samething all through, just hold gas it would be nice if u had to slow down or stop to get passed a certain part so u dont just hold r1 to go. - this is a problem with alot of lbp levels and races u either just run through it and press or hold r1 with no skill really needed. it would also be nice if u could change up the track cuz its really just like everyone other one ( no ofence ) and u should add some more baja style things. because its mostly just bumps, add some cliffs! or add a sensor that would disconnect the wheel when driven over and they a helicopter would have to come over and drop a switch that would place the replacements.

i played tube racer ( u should sreach it if u havent played it ) and theres parts that are tricky and u have to stop a certain part or ur out of the race. thats the things that i think make a level worth playing. :)

it also would be nice if u had more diffrent style trucks because then it looks more interesting and could add replay value since the truck could be so diffrent u might wanna try them all.:hero:

i think its a great little baja remake just as i said very bland and if u add some of the stuff i said it would be more baja looking. :)

( also this is the first time i actually spent time to do a feedback for a level o.O Yey me! :) )

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Thanks for your comments. Very interesting thoughts!!

Mostly it started out as an experiement to see what does well in the general population. I was a bit dissappointed at how well my last level did and was amazed at how well levels did that had big globs of goo for vehicles and flat tracks where the only skill was insuring you reacted well at the starting gate.

I wanted folks to have a bit of a challenge against each other as well as be able to finish. Their times based more on how they navigate the terrain with the left joystick on the nose of the truck. Bascially more of a true race without gimmicks. I had the track much tougher, but found that in testing whoever flipped lost as the other two would just leave them. I wanted it to be closer finish and add to thus add to the excitement. ..at least it was for me while play testing it with folks.

I will keep your suggestions in mind if I ever do another one as I would rather do it more of a platformer that did have some sort of rescue helicopters, incoming ufo's, cliffs and explosions. ..maybe like a chase scene thing with an attack helicopter blasting the road behind you etc.. or maybe having to stop for a train or boulders crashing down.

Appreciate your thoughts and thanks again!!

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Originally Posted by jwwphotos

Thanks for your comments. Very interesting thoughts!!

Mostly it started out as an experiement to see what does well in the general population. I was a bit dissappointed at how well my last level did and was amazed at how well levels did that had big globs of goo for vehicles and flat tracks where the only skill was insuring you reacted well at the starting gate.

I wanted folks to have a bit of a challenge against each other as well as be able to finish. Their times based more on how they navigate the terrain with the left joystick on the nose of the truck. Bascially more of a true race without gimmicks. I had the track much tougher, but found that in testing whoever flipped lost as the other two would just leave them. I wanted it to be closer finish and add to thus add to the excitement. ..at least it was for me while play testing it with folks.

I will keep your suggestions in mind if I ever do another one as I would rather do it more of a platformer that did have some sort of rescue helicopters, incoming ufo's, cliffs and explosions. ..maybe like a chase scene thing with an attack helicopter blasting the road behind you etc.. or maybe having to stop for a train or boulders crashing down.

Appreciate your thoughts and thanks again!!

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:P np
that would be cool ^
and why dont u add a cliff or something? then everyone would have to get of the truck and flip it. it adds some challenging, i always wanted to see how it would look like when it would flip it self :(

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Originally Posted by 01philip01

:P np
that would be cool ^
and why dont u add a cliff or something? then everyone would have to get of the truck and flip it. it adds some challenging, i always wanted to see how it would look like when it would flip it self :(

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Hmmm... yeah.. if they all had to do it around the same section, that might be kinda cool.

Problem is.. I just got done decorating a bit more and adding a new custom character to replace the MM ones.. my thermometer is done and had to back out a few things. I will have to save your thoughts for another level.

Thanks again for your help! Was there a level of yours that you wanted me to take a look at?

Take care!

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Originally Posted by jwwphotos

Hmmm... yeah.. if they all had to do it around the same section, that might be kinda cool.

Problem is.. I just got done decorating a bit more and adding a new custom character to replace the MM ones.. my thermometer is done and had to back out a few things. I will have to save your thoughts for another level.

Thanks again for your help! Was there a level of yours that you wanted me to take a look at?

Take care!

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Not really....
i have weird levels, like "Worlds Shortest Level/Race" and a playstation level. >_<
and i made a photo gallary xD but meh they arent really any levels.

i want to make a racing one but i dont know how to make the roads equal for each of them xD

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Originally Posted by 01philip01

Not really....
i have weird levels, like "Worlds Shortest Level/Race" and a playstation level. >_<
and i made a photo gallary xD but meh they arent really any levels.

i want to make a racing one but i dont know how to make the roads equal for each of them xD

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Ahh.. Well.. only suggestion I have is trial and error. For me it was plenty of error over the trial. ;)

Tried this out today. I thought I was pretty good. your vehicles are well designed and built.
I love that when they flip you don't have to restart. I also like the three stage thing. overall It's a very fun level for everyone. great work!!!

you could check out my level (mountain marathon) thanks.