The newest episode of our Community Spotlight has arrived! For those of you who are out of the loop, our Community Spotlight is a bimonthly collection of our favorite levels for both PS3 and PSP posted by our members. All of these levels have been added to our site within the last 2 weeks, so you're getting a taste of some of the latest and greatest we have to offer.
Note: We've got two new things to share with you this week:
- First, the spotlight crew would like to welcome it's newest members: rtm223 & Killzonequinn07. Welcome to the team!
- Second, we have an all-new section for showing off a few extra levels each week. When you finish playing this month's great levels, check out our new 'Also from the Showcase...' section, which is located at the bottom of each individual platform's section. This section exists because we wanted a way to share levels that stand out in one way or another, but may not hit the high standard required for a full Spotlight. We plan on doing this from here on out, but, as always, we're always looking for your feedback, so don't forget to leave your thoughts about this new feature!
PS3 Spotlight
The Fantastical Adventure 2- The Safari Chase by killzonequinn07/killzonequinn07
Continue your journey to retrieve the Queen's crown from the sneaky no good monkey, who has raided a Meerkat's Dwelling! Get the Crown back for the sake of The Queen. And while doing so, save the Meerkats' home!
Puzzle Rooms [1P] by SneakySteve1983/SneakySteve1983
Clever layer manipulation, great diversity of platforming and all around fun wrapped up in a cute level is what you can expect when loading up this level. More of the same great characters and good material choices make it look great too. Moderately difficult, it will appeal to players who have been playing for a while but not so frustrating that newer players can't make it through either. It's an all around fun level that will make you smile!
KZQ makes another fantastic entry in what is shaping up to being one of my favourite level series on LBP. This time he gets the player to carry a key throughout the level in a HUGE variety of different ways. Bearing in mind the plane limitations of carrying objects, KZQ has done a brilliant job at keeping this fresh throughout. The graphical style still harks back to the Mm levels and the characters are simple but effective. Roll on part 3!
The second installment of this series, KZQ continues his fun, Mm style adventure. It's sure to keep you smiling throughout as you traverse the tricky, yet rewarding platforming areas. Point bubble enthusiasts will definitely feel the need to achieve the high score. Be good to your circle friend, as he will prove to be an excellent partner.
Funky visuals and solid gameplay make for a great all-round adventure in this story-driven series. Whilst this feels very much like a level from the original story mode, KZQ has enough unique twists to keep it fresh and exciting. Don't leave your NPC buddy behind though, or you won't be getting very far.
KillzoneQuinn strikes us for 6 once again with another quality Mm spin-off level. Goofy characters, lovely environments and some excellent dragging gameplay are guaranteed from the start. A simple plot in no way detracts from the great gameplay, something for everyone in this level.
A puzzle level where the aim is to complete each rooms puzzle to progress to the next.
INNER CIRCLE by TonyTwoGunz/TonyTwoGunzA thinker of a level, the puzzles in this one will make you experiment and analyze to make it through. Clever use of the paintinator and cool plasma reflecting lenses were real highlights for me. Color coded doors will give you clues but ultimately it takes a bit of critical thinking to solve these puzzle rooms. Very enjoyable to play and satisfying to finish!
A truly original puzzle level. There are SO many puzzles on LBP that to make something that stands out is becoming very difficult indeed. The bizarre thing is that the ideas here appear so simple that it's amazing we haven't seen them before. In reality of course, SneakySteve has been working on this level for months. The ideas that appear effortless have been tweaked for a very long period of time, and a clever teleportation system allows you to move between rooms, carry objects on multiple planes and open up new areas. My one complaint about this level is that it finishes while I'm in full puzzle flow! SneakySteve - we demand more!
This is what a puzzle level is all about. It's hard to believe some of these puzzles haven't been done before. This level ramps up the difficulty gradually through each room you pass, making you think harder to get through that sought after exit. Very Reminiscent of Comphermc's Aperture series but also different in so many ways. Great puzzles, great pacing and most importantly, great fun!
Steve is indeed sneaky! His Puzzle Rooms will have you dusting off that brain of yours if you haven't used it in a while. But don't worry, as KZQ already said, the difficulty increases smoothly as you pass each test. You will quickly adapt to each new challenge, using what you have learned from previous rooms to help you continue to the next. If you like a challenge that is a change of pace from the usual LBP levels, then this one is certainly for you!
I don't exaggerate when I say that this is one of the most impressive and well crafted puzzle levels you'll ever play. Some unique and inventive gameplay mechanics will always give us the basis for a great level, especially when they mesh as well as they do here. But SneakySteve brings it together perfectly in his level, with an intuitive learning curve and just enough difficulty to keep you constantly thinking, but never frustrated.
Simple visuals contrast against the stark, complex puzzles present in a number of different rooms created by SneakySteve – but that’s what you expected just from the name. What more I can add is this one is fun, addictive and will require at least one brain (sorry Grant, alcohol has rotted your brain). Can’t say much more except that people who enjoy trying challenges will love this!
This level is made to be fun and is not too difficult, so everybody can enjoy it! I had an idea for a level a while back where everything was basically built inside lots of interconnecting circles. No story, just a fun platforming level. I made the level with only two materials. They seem to work well together in my opinion and i got the look i was going for.
Atomic Assistance by LadyLyn1/ladylyn1Stylish and streamlined, this geometric inspired level is a pleasure to play. Just the right amount of challenge and innovation, it keeps your attention focused on the gameplay which is fresh and never feels repetitive. A great example of a level that is all about the function and fun without neglecting style or craftsmanship.
Take a level by MrsSpookyBuz, crank the speed down a couple of notches, and wind up the puzzle ratio a wee bit and you're just about hitting what Inner Circle is. This level has a simple look using an underused material to great effect. The 3D glitch circles create a lovely backdrop in which to house some really enjoyable gameplay. As Tony says, it's not too difficult, but it's a great level to play with friends that requires a bit more thought than the average platformer.
Jumping, grabbing, pushing and swinging doesn't get much better than this. This is like mother-misty level in terms of gameplay, but with a more unique visual style (has made me fall in love with that sponge btw) and throw in some extra fun visuals, you have a pretty good formula for an awesome level!
Inner Circle is simplistic in nature, yet complex in its stylish gameplay. It's the perfect blend of fun platforming and interesting visuals. Don't just take our word for it; go play it!
Sometimes you don't need tons of detail to create a great aesthetic as TonyTwoGunz demonstrates in this fantastic puzzle-platformer. But the stylistic visuals take a back seat to what this level is all about: just good simple fun! Running, jumping, grabbing, pulling, swinging, shooting... You name it, this level has it; awesome variety with great pacing tying it all together.
Well TonyTwoGunz, welcome to the inner circle of talented creators with a spotlighted level – and boy did yours deserve this! Simple visuals, lovely platforming and even some great puzzles thrown in for good measure. I haven’t seen a circular level so good since Spookybuz[z] was still hanging around, and that’s quite a compliment!
'Atomic Assistance' is a two player level set in a post-apocalyptic setting. You must use your wits, and your partner, to make it to the center of the desolate city. Work together as a team and you might just make it there... I doubt many actually will.
Shoot! Jump! Die? by Jackofcourse/JackofcourseGreat explosions and electric effects spark the fun of this beautifully dark level. Industrial and apocalyptic in theme it's got excellent sound design and some very clever 2x challenges. Really cool level to play with a pal!
BOOM! With one of the best LBP explosions I have ever seen, Ladylyn announces that he is back with another winner. What his Myst level lacked in visuals, this level has in excess - it looks absolutely stunning - AND the gameplay is no pushover either. The heavy city backdrop, complete with power cables, cityscapes and factory smoke, creates a brilliantly depressing atmosphere in which 2 players must work together to advance. With the recent x2 tournament, it takes something a bit special to stand out in the 'partnership' levels - ladylyn does it brilliantly.
Two player levels are my favourite kind of level. This one doesn't disappoint at all. With explosions galore right from the start, you know you're in a level that's had plenty of thought put into it. Great gameplay ideas along with some of the best 3D glitch work I've ever seen, this has to be a winner. It's Post-Apocalyptic for two players, but is different enough to hold it's own. Go play it now! I guarantee it will blow your head off!
When I first saw this level, the only word that came to mind was “wow.” Realistic explosions, mysterious environments, an airship... this is a visual masterpiece. But that's not all it has going for it. It dares you to overcome all of its innovative two player puzzles. Don't expect to be hand-fed the solutions to the puzzles. Just be observant as you progress... which is not hard to do considering how great everything looks!
It is basically a challenging platformer with lots of paintinator goodness! As most of you know I'm a massive fan of straight forward challenging platformers, so I thought it was about time I did my own take on one! Now I've had people say that it's very challenging, and I've had others say that it's not that bad. I think the reason it's varied so much is because pretty much all of it is paintinator based, and peoples skill level with the gun differs greatly!
The Strange Adventures of Dr Nocte Chapter 3-A New Bounds Chapter 3-B The Crying Soul by Duckywolf/DuckywolfJack must really believe in truth in advertising, because his latest offering's title says it all. You'll shoot, you'll jump, and yes most players will die, at least a few times. Experienced players and those that fancy themselves hardcore LBP'ers owe it to themselves to take this challenge on. Really cool futuristic design makes it cool looking but it's charm is all about the challenge!
..deep breath...jump to the right..plummet towards electric floor... aim gun left and down...pray... fire quickly and accurately....land on the emitted platform...breath in and out rapidly... jump again before the platform disappears..pray x2....pull off another accurate midair shot...and realise that this is only ONE of MANY nasty challenges JoC has laid out in front of you. Good Luck.
Jackofcourse returns yet again with a very different level. It has the true jackofcourse style we've all come to love along with some of the best use of the trusty paintinator I've ever seen! You have literally seconds before you will be hitting the sparks. As satisfying as it is genius. We are beginning to see how versatile this creator really is!
Jackofcourse will have you running at full speed, turning around in mid air, firing a round or two from the paintinator, and landing on a platform that will advance you to the next area; assuming your aim is good enough! This is one of the few levels that will have your heart pumping as you face its many challenges. It will force you to quickly become nothing less than a Jedi, but once you've mastered each challenge you'll be begging for more!
If I'm to be honest, I'm really not a fan of paintinator-based gameplay... So when I tell you I absolutely love this level, that should give you an idea of just how good it is. Your heart will be pounding as this level forces you to simultaneously jump and shoot with precision - lose focus for a second and you're dead. Jack's truly outdone himself with this one, as he branches out from his more traditional gameplay style. For extra replay value, this level is hilarious in multiplayer, for those of you with a mean streak!
There’s only so many times you can read this – Jackofcourse has hit the winning formula once again… this time with the good old Paintinator! Jack sure shows some skill to be creating a level this fresh after the Paintinator was released such a long time ago. Which begs the question – why have you waited this long to play this jackofcourse level!?
Finally comes the third chapter of this saga. Accompany Nocte to its next destination ... Easter Island. But the island itself is a place full of mysteries and dangers. This chapter has been divided into two parts so to not leave out any of the areas planned.
The Bunker 2 by poms/pomsSurreal surroundings and a slowly unfolding plot line make these two levels a memorable experience. There's some strange but unique platforming going on in these which fits the mood Duckywolf has crafted in this series. Great lighting effects that accentuate the story line are abundant and extreme camera angles that showcase deep, sprawling landscapes will leave an impression with players. Can't wait to see where this series goes next!
Something I’ve rarely seen in a LBP level – huge giant stone heads – are found in this level. And they really set the scene for sprawling landscapes, beautiful visuals and some crazy antics. Another excellent addition to the series, now crank out another!
“You’re back in THE BUNKER, but your way out seems to be locked…”
Double Trouble by BlahYourHamster/BlahYourHamsterFrom the opening of this level, floating in water of questionable sanitation, you might think you're in for a totally different experience than what you get. You soon find yourself in a labyrinth of corridors full of bombs, barricades and plenty of challenges to overcome. Brilliant teleportation tech, explosive action, a challenging boss and some cool water based platforming await you! Plenty of action for one or a group too.
Poms seems to have a knack for choosing the most unusual places for our Sackboys to explore, and this level is no exception. You will indeed need a strong stomach for the opening section of this level, but you will also need nerves of steel for the completion, because by the time you meet the boss those ‘questionable substances’ will be the last of your worries. Filled with fun and danger throughout, you will never look at a sewer the same way again.
One of the highest rated LBP levels of all time (bar ramp) gets a sequel, and it more than lives up to its prequels levels. Teleporters, fireballs and beautiful visuals are slammed together and beautifully crafted to create one of the best gameplay-filled levels of 2010!
A level in Create Mode which requires 2 players to complete!(watch video)
A Green Sunset: Five Part Series by gocubsgo2 & TOWERS_85_87/gocubsgo2We've seen levels made to be played in create mode before and we've seen our fair share of two player levels as well, but I think this is the first time I've seen the two put together. Trusting your partner is key in this co-op level, especially if your the one without the power over gravity. Spiky death is everywhere if you don't watch your step or have a pal with a steady hand. It's interesting to be able to see all the wires and mechanics but still have to think your way past obstacles. Also it's a novelty to not have any checkpoints!
This level saves you around $100 to simply experience a similar gameplay mechanic to that of the Playstation Move. A two player level in create mode at first sounds quite silly, but as one player hovers while the other stays grounded, you work together like never before. Use the powers of create mode to freeze time, move obstacles and solve puzzles to reach the End. A very unique experience through a beautiful level.
Need something innovative to keep you and a friend entertained? Well look no further than this clever little level set in create mode. Simple visuals just add to the brilliant gameplay and crafty ideas. It’s funny, enjoyable and includes some genius ideas – not one to miss!
Our post-apocalyptic series, "A Green Sunset," is now officially published and waiting to provide you with playing pleasure. It follows a main character by the simple name of Kid, who, together with a companion revealed in Part 3 of the series, traverses the giant post-Armageddon wasteland that is now America.(watch video)
Tower Heights by Chicoleunis/ChicoleunisStory telling through the memories and train of thought of an apocalyptic survivor makes for a memorable level series. The setting is appropriately decayed and surreal and I love the almost graffiti styling of the details and environments. Very poetic in it's own way, the characters and plot will haunt you after playing through it.
This level's story and atmosphere really captures the essence of being lost in a world that has crashed around you. Great visuals and great dialogue create a very unique journey through the destroyed ruins of a modern city. These two wonderful creators have composed an epic tale that all will enjoy all the way through.
This is probably one of the most original series in LBP to date. You find yourself in a desolate, war-scarred city, in which you will have to use the broken environments to your advantage. The way the story is delivered reminded me of Rorschach's journal entries from Watchmen. Unlike most LBP levels, the story in this series is the focal point. Everything else is just icing on the cake. So if you appreciate a good story surrounded by detailed environments, then I highly recommend this level.
"Tower Heights" is a platformer through a huge tower full of obstacles, challenges and fun!
Also from the Showcase...Warm woods and soft green sponges make this a relaxing level on the eyes and the gameplay is just as mellow. A somewhat Asian styling keeps the level looking simple but clean as you make your way around jumping, swinging and timing challenges. Great with a group it's easy enough to finish but getting maximum bubble combos will require a keen eye and quick reflexes.
Need to chill out? You've come to the right level. Chicoleunis has done well to create a friendly level, while still keeping the gameplay flowing and fun. Traverse through a massive tower where you will see beautiful visuals, a great layout, and there are also some challenging obstacles to overcome, without the player ever getting frustrated. A platformer that's full of quality and charm!
If you are feeling in need of a break from explosions and fights, then give this quiet gem a go. A simple, attractive platformer where you start at one end and end up at the other, and how easily you get there is all down to your very own skill and timing with those jump and grab buttons. A relaxing challenge is not easy to pull off, but here it is a great example from our very own LBPC showcase.
Chicoleunis has created a complex and intricate Japanese tower as the setting for this calm and sedate platformer. But don't get too comfortable as you gad around here - the occasional challenging sections mix up the pacing and will be sure to keep you on your toes!
Played everything in the Spotlight and still looking for more?
These levels stand out from the crowd for a variety of reasons, so be sure to check them out!
- c_mckamey is showing great potential as a new creator. You can check out his first levels here and here.
- Reading Fun for Kids with Alphabet prize! is a great resource for helping pre-school children learn to read.
- Alphabet Soup plays with your perspectives with an original 'top down' view.
- There are some really innovative explosive puzzles in Pyrostilskin's Cave
- abp_andi is another first timer that really impressed us, you can check out his level here
PSP Spotlight
A Dingo Down Under by amazingflyingpoo/amazingflyingpooSackboy returns to The Down Under to find a new crisis has arisen. Help Sackboy to solve the mystery of the missing dragon egg and save The Down Under.
Solid Journey by Spark151/Spark151In this fifth Down Under level by Cambridge Studio... Oh, wait. This is by amazingflyingpoo! This fantastic extension of Story Mode will have you running, jumping, and swinging through the outback on a fiery adventure to avoid the wrath of a very grumpy dragon. This level has it all, from eye candy to action to puzzles. It even has a lightly singed koala or two.
This is fun, witty and oh so pretty. This wonderful level is full of charm, great ideas and burnt Australian wildlife. A must play if ever there was one. This level is a wonderful unofficial Add-on to the Down Under levels, with a little bit of the orient thrown in. Now go find that egg!
This level feels like a continuation of story mode! I wish they were all this fun and quirky. AFP has shown he can match the story mode levels in terms of gameplay, stickering, character dialogue, and layer usage. The most fun I've ever had playing a PSP level and one I'm sure to revisit again and again. Do not miss this one!
Crikey! That’s not a crocodile mate, that’s a dragon! Find out what happens when a mother dragon finds out her egg has been replaced by that of a Dingo. Teeter, leap, swing, rush, and spin as you try to rescue the adorable cast of highly flammable characters without sizzling yourself. Can you handle the heat, or will mama eat barbecued kangaroo and koala kabobs?
Testing... Testing... You want to be a soldier? Well, it'll involve a brain.
Tera Cota by VelcroJonze/VelcroJonzeMake the awesomeness stop! Great levels seem to fall from Spark151's pockets like loose change... Ah, here's another! This Metroid-esque adventure will have you platforming, puzzle solving, unlocking doors, battling baddies, and shooting lasers from your very own pint-sized spaceship. Finish off the experience with a truly epic scramble for survival against a rising pool of lava, and don't forget to pick your jaw up off of the floor when you're done.
Who doesn't love a little cave exploration? When it's on another world it's even more fun. Great layer usage in labyrinth-style corridors make this level feel really big, and you never know whats going to pop out to try and end your adventure early. Cool sci-fi characters and weaponry to do battle against alien critters keep it cool and fun!
Lose yourself in this beautifully rendered foreign world by Spark151, both figuratively and literally. As you enjoy the dynamic and out-of-this-world gameplay, make sure to keep track of your steps as you weave in and out of its rocky and desert landscapes. After conquering the hostile alien natives and mapping the area, you might just want plop a tent under the cloudless sky, overlooking the majestic planets in the distance.
Cardboard Chaos!! Created using only paper materials.... well, mostly.
Volcanoe of the lost rubies by spok22/spok22If you're like me, you can't get enough of VelcroJonze's signature gameplay and quirky-but-awesome level layouts. Satisfy your desire for all things cardboard with this pulpy paradise, and go for the top score while you enjoy relaxing tunes and soothing visuals. Fly through the air, swing from the ceiling, and build those point combos - but beware of paper cuts.
Cardboard has never looked so cool! Fantastic example of simple materials used to their fullest in terms of contrast and texture, this is one cleanly designed level that'll make you wish everything was corrugated. Let the mad cap flinging around the screen begin!
Understated luxury awaits you in this out-of-the-box level by VelcroJonze. Fiercely torn apart and diligently glued back together, corrugated cardboard takes on a simple elegance to foreground elaborate gameplay. Lose yourself in a trance to hypnotic urban beats, but be sure to snap out of it before those hidden catapults fling you to a patch of spikes!
The level takes place in a volcano/aztec temple type setting. There is plenty of platforming and a couple of puzzles throughout the level. And of course let's not forget the crystals. There are hidden crystals, five to be exact, scattered throughout the level.
Also from the Showcase...Get ready for a platforming adventure of epic proportions! Grab onto some of the coolest gameplay concepts this side of a buried tomb, and keep your little button eyes open for cleverly concealed rubies. Put on your best spelunking outfit and dive in!
Veins of fire set in black lava make for a high contrast and cool setting for some seriously difficult PSP platforiming. Your thumb and R fingers may ache after playing this one but it's got spectacular visuals and secrets to find. If you're up for the challenge it's a hot little level to play!
Rubies aren’t the treasure of this volcano; the unique platforming experience is the real gem! Strategy, perfect timing, and a hint of luck are the tools to overcome the obstacles adorning this cavernous behemoth, so be sure to pack those in your backpack before descending down the fiery belly of the beast in search of precious rock.
Played everything in the PSP Spotlight and still looking for more?
These levels stand out from the crowd for a variety of reasons, so be sure to check them out!
- If you like PSP levels that bite back, check out XenonHMW's thumb-busting Trials of the treasure god.
- Curious about great visuals and a fun story? A curious Sack by indie_r3cords is what you're looking for.
