The MUPPET Level (Only on LBP1)

If you were going to add "just one" I would vote on having it on top high wire to the far left above Gonzo with the Star and bubbles above. I got horribly lucky in that in one of my bad passes, I tripped the portal near the chicken and other canon. Thankfully I did as I had used up all the turns in the one that was there. Imagine having to start from there 10 times to make it BACK to that point to be able to get the next shot and making it past the broken scaffold etc...

However, I see nothing wrong with adding more seeing how some of the drops like onto Wonka Wonka Wonka are basically leap of faiths.

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Originally Posted by Gravel

I am still looking for specific suggestions to improve this level--currently I am most interested in the final area, Gonzo's section. it appears many players are now dying in this final section. That to me is unacceptable, if you got that far you deserve to finish! In a round about way Midnight Heist suggested Infinite checkpoints throughout... i sometimes think no consequence allows the player to turn off his brain. What do you think?

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I agree with Morgana - in a level where each section is a difficult challenge, and a decent score is also a goal - there's no reason not to have infinite checkpoints.

Also, with the pencil section I have a couple suggestions:

Maybe move the camera out so the player can see the "whole" picture before they start
Speed the movement of the pencils. You'd be surprised out faster fluid movement in an obstacle can REALLY kick up fun. Even if you die a few times, if a challenge feels quick people will have fun doing it.
If you really want to keep a lethal yoyo in there, maybe make it more of a pattern. For instance, move left.... drop.... move right.... drop. When you create a pattern with the movement of a lethal object, the player feels like they can study the movements and get through without dying.

As others have said, the character models and humor in this one are top knotch. If you can keep the difficulty, make a few areas a bit more clear, and get the movement of some of the obstacles going a bit more you've got a real winner here. Don't give up on it - get those areas tweaked.

I still think you should do the same for the ghostbusters level and re-release it. That was another one that was a fantastic concept, great graphics, and fun gameplay that needed toning down in a few areas to hit the sweet spot.

...in my own thread so soon but would like to address just a little something Claptonfan brought up.

There are times it easy to throw accolades around... especially on a forum like this. It goes without saying there are creators on this site who weekly, if not daily force me to create bigger and better things... and I really am a questionable creator of note, so I am sure it is the same for all of us... from the top right on down. Some of you I have had the opportunity, sack to sack, to express my Love... unfortunately for all the others, that chance may never arrive but it doesn't make it any less true.

This level would not exist if not for my dearly departed sack friend Zwollie... (he' not dead or anything- just re-discovered his world again outside of the CraftEarth, and seemingly happier for it) Zwol- would send me alot of youtube links, and he even said goodbye to me via a Muppet song. There is no denying I openly miss him and in some very weird way this level is some sort of tribute to him (it is the only way I can explain [for me] the short build time...) not to lure him back in any way, but just to say thanks... for getting me. That can be rare when you're a little left of center like me. So Claptonfann thanks for donning the costume and singing cause there really hasn't been enough of that around this place lately.

I got to go now, i hope you continue to enjoy the level.

Gravel

I would suggest you put your characters in a simple gallery level for people to look at.

Otherwise I for one will never get to see them. Even putting infinite checkpoints wouldn't help me. It's just way too difficult and frustrating. I can honestly never understand anyone who makes something really detailed and artistic but then puts it in a level that's so hard 90% of players will never see it. I just cannot see the logic in that sorry. If I had made some awesome characters as it seems you have I would want people to see them.

And if Morgana says it's hard then hardly anyone is going to finish it because horrendously difficult levels are the only one's Morgana Spotlights.

Awww - where's the love MrV? Were Icey's levels hard? :)

Can I just say, I have come to love reading Mr. Vistas' posts... I may not always agree with him but they make me laugh-- I just love it!

Back when we all played nice in the character competitions, I was a real supporter of gathering these things up... Now perhaps your right Mr.V, My moon is getting a little cluttered and I do have a nice facade... Just thought it might be a little to egotistical... I will very soon begin work on this... gallery level. It will be simple, ok maybe a little tricky maybe... [here we go again!] I got it! Simple, but the prizes will be...

I've decided, Unlimited checkpoints it is... Thank You Midnight, Ccubb, Aj, JWW, and Morgana. I will update when it is complete.

A gallery level of your characters would be brilliant Gravel. :)
No 'tricky' business please, we're not even bothered about prizes, just characters will do nicely!

This level is incredible Gravel. I love it. But sadly, I do worse with every play...maybe my next attempt will be successful.

Your creations are masterful as always, and your game play is some of the most challenging out there...which I enjoy :). My favorite part is the flying trapeze section, where I met my untimely demise. But I died laughing...or was that anguish that sounded like laughter. :)

I haven't hit the scoreboard yet, but I will, I will I say, and I'll be in the top 10...maybe...I hope.

Rick

Apologies for the sort feedback, however my time in the level was short :p

In the few minutes that I was able to play the level, I was met with the things I expect in a Gravel level: Gorgeous character designs, some tricky platforming, and some witty bits. I was able to reach the movie clappers on my first try, however I did not manage to make the jump up to the second clapper after it had moved, and had to restart the level. My PS3 then decided it was a good time to take a nap, and promptly froze, and told me it wasn't starting up again anytime soon. As I have been unable to wake it from its slumber, I decided that I might as well let it sleep in, and post what feedback I had.

So in short (pardon the pun): Lovely design, infinite checkpoints sound good to me, and I am TERRIBLY upset that I missed out on the humor to come :(
If I end up getting to play more, i'll leave more :p

The title/intro with the two old muppets was great...so was fozzy...but I have to agree with mistervista that it's a shame I can't see the rest of your characters. I also got stuck right after the pencils at the director's slate.

Not sure how to get to that check point...trying to get there flying from the pencils you smack into a wall. Hoping on the checkered columns didn't get me anywhere either. Dunno, maybe I'm missing the obvious...I did get a good photo standing on the bear's arm. :) Also give some serious thought to easing up on the gas hazzards, many times they aren't visible and you get killed just trying to figure out where to go next...

If only your talents could be harnessed for good... :(

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Originally Posted by fullofwin

If only your talents could be harnessed for good... :(

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...that's not the first time I've heard that!

Ok. Some updates. I've fit under the wire.

* Camilla's egg is now being emitted into the level. So you'll be able to smash 5 eggs now before you smash your controller. ( ( ( Although I assure you smashing eggs is not an objective.) ) )

* While not all, 90% of all checkpoints are now of the infinity variety.
( ( (So if your still trying--I'm not gonna hold you back--hopefully this should encourage some to carry forth.) ) )

* Camera was pulled out in the pencil area and slightly on the movie clapper section.
( ( ( Hopefully allowing the player more visual information to mistime jumps.) ) )

* A visible piece of dark matter was dealt with.

* Crazy Harry's detonation was made 100% reliable.

* The pencils movements were noticeable sped-up.
( ( ( Now on the surface this sounds like I just made an already hard section harder, not so... If you die often, you'll get more chances per your 60 seconds. If your hanging over the side of a pencil... the new speed may allow you to scramble back on top. With the added speed the pencil tops now fling you faster and farther... increasing the likely hood you may out of sheer dumb luck cross the chasm. Finally, in speeding up the pencils you are less likely to come in contact with the deadly yo-yo on the middle pencil crossing the chasm. ) ) )

* Pencil movements were tweaked in an attempt to lessen cheap squished deaths on the first pencil.

So, if there's a next batch of players, we'll see if that helps.

FullofWin- Your time had elapsed! When within the time frame the pillars before the klackers will move up and down as you approach-- by proximity switch. Those pillars will have to be moving to make that jump--get the most lift for your money! remember you have 60 seconds before you are forced to reset blue button... if you're not hearing that claxon... hit the button.

Scoring: My top score on my moon 25k. Here's how:

LOGO- (1400) pt combo + (50) 1 prize bubble(pb) + (40) on the "L"evator = 1490

Bad Tomatoes & Fruit flies- (100) 2pb + Secret #1 (character 4x) approx (650) + Secret #2(action approx. 3,300pts) = 5540

"A Ghost Writer!"- 2pb (100) = 5640

The MUPPET Level Clappers- 3pb (150) + (3x) multiplier + misc pts. = 6640

Manhatten Melodies- 1pb (50) = 6690

"The half-way point"- (50) = 7040

"Creator's Note"- (120) = 7160

Fozzie- succession of (2x) + (3x) multipliers + 1pb (50) = 9160

An other-worldy vista...- secret combo approx (1000) + 1pb (50) = 10210

TA-DAA! (The reveal)- 11pb (550) + secret#1 (an action)huge 14x (6700) + secret #2 (character) (3300) + misc bubbles
+ ending level bonus (3x) (7x) = 25k

Ahhh Gravel, if only I could understand a word you are talking about!

I intend to have another look at this challenge later, armed with my son and a handkerchief to bite on if only to stop myself from wailing like a banshee!

I may not say nice things about it this time, since you don't believe a word I say..........

Icey

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Originally Posted by Gravel

Can I just say, I have come to love reading Mr. Vistas' posts... I may not always agree with him but they make me laugh-- I just love it!

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Thanks Gravel. I aim to please:p

Mmmmm.... I'll play it again tonight. The pencil area sounds more fun already!

> Your time had elapsed!

Button/claxon/time limit?!? :) Guess I missed that button entirely, I assume it's near the starting check point? I'll give it another go tonight. I thought the pencils were great btw, best use of that Valentines' material I've seen (eraser). I usually got across by going jump-pad, fozzie, jump-pad and avoided the erasers/death yo-yo entirely...the vertical spot-light helps you find the 2nd jump pad...just sometimes you get pulled onto the 3rd pencil.

If you grab the eraser down on the pad, it moves the portal up where another grab switch is hiding the button you seek. ;)

Ok here's the latest, I actually managed to get passed the tomatoes, hip hip! Nobody saw that one coming, so finally I get to see the famous pencils and I see what the problem is here. It's hard!

I do however feel a little cheated since I actually managed, by some weird and wonderful quirk of fate, to get past them and thinking good grief I'm good, got over excited at the prospect of actually seeing more of the level, proceeded from the steps after said pencils only to fall off the end to the bottom of the level where to my horror all I could see was...........the bottom of the level. Shall I try again I thought to myself, no, I will go and stick pins in my own eyes, it will be less painful!

Love you Gravel!

Icey

Ice Maiden- those pins are a favourite of yours...

FullofWinn- There is more than one way to skin a cat! The area originally was to have no jump pads... but then never performed the way I saw in my head... Thanks to Ccubbages' suggestion to speed them up... I like it. There is a bit more thrill... and I think it's easier. I built the pencils to resemble 'that' pencil sticker... it was dreamed up a long time ago, I was in a full pod and someone complained how useless this was (pencil sticker) someone else complained about the futility of the History Pak (scribble noise) to my mind right there and then, an obstacle was born. I'd been waiting to use it (this was the second incarnation of it) when I stumbled on the idea of Fozzie being a Ghost-writer for the very tomatoes that Statler & Waldorf use to pelt him with... The idea really amused me.

MisterVista- Thank you for playing yet again. I inadvertently deactivated several features in my last update and Mistervista saved my bacon... thanks again!

I'm gonna try to find a clear backed sticker to alert player of drawing pad gas... if it fits.

I played this morning Gravel, and you got a big LOL from me straight away with the joke at the beginning. : )

I got through the tomatoes, then the pencils and I got as far as the musical notes (looks fantastic), and proceeded to work my way over till i got to the third clef that seemingly bounces you into the electricity randomly. At that point I decided to take a more literal and suicidal approach to getting through, and walked to the right, away from the notes and spawnpoint and managed to bypass the musical score section and landed onto Fozzie Bear. Got to the flea circus and navigated that just fine until i found a grabby that took me up vertically and unfortunately i kinda didn't know where to go from there.

The visuals and ideas here are just great, but there are two suggestions -

I think nearly all the difficulty people are having comes from throwing too much at the player at once. There are so many ideas here, but usually all happening at the same time (laugh).

There's a lot of invisible gas where invisible dark matter would have been just as good at shepherding the player in the right direction but without killing them. If there's a seemingly safe space in the level, why is the player punished for exploring? How am i supposed to know that going in this direction is actually going to kill me?

Don't think I didn't enjoy the level though, like i mentioned, there's an afwul lot to like if you can appreciate that this level prefers to plays by its own rules, lol.

Finally, It took about 30 mintues to complete! It's incredibly hard, the pencil thing annoyed me so much but then it was the flea circus! I didn't know what to do and I was so confused but luckily I completed it.

5 Stars + One Huge Heart.