LBL 4 in 1 - Archaic Ascension (video)

LBL 4 in 1 - Archaic Ascension by Duffluc
My entry for the LBL 4 in 1 epic-ness competition. After a bit of a rough crash landing, Sackboy stumbles upon a tall, imposing gothic structure. Could this me the Mm Tower everyone is talking about?

Hey all

This is my newest level, inspired by gothic architecture that is often found in old churches and the likes. I started this level mostly to practice building without use of the 3D glitch, since most of my levels in the past have relied on it for impressive visuals. Once the LBL 4 in 1 contest was announced I decided that it could fit the Piggy in the Middle Theme so I finished it up just in time to enter it, wish me luck!

The level focuses on exploration and puzzles. There's a few puzzles for you to solve and most of the platforming takes a bit of thinking to get through. There's also 5 hidden treasure chests which you can try to seek out. If you've got any trouble finding them and want some help, I might post some hints :p

Here's some pics!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4.../APhoto_54.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4.../APhoto_56.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4.../APhoto_57.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4.../APhoto_58.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4.../APhoto_59.jpg http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4.../APhoto_52.jpg

And now, a video! (Thanks Gilgamesh!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78k-q97RkIU

Please leave feedback if you play it! I'll feedback your level ASAP, and will be doing as many F4F's as I receive :)

Those visuals look epic, I'll play this ASAP! :)

This level is awesome! Your level design and architecture make for a very immersive level that's an absolute blast to play through. I also liked how unlike your other levels you didn't rely on 3d layer glitch to get a large expansive feel; I always like seeing that in levels. You should definitely make more of this theme!

I also have one question, that being: were you inspired by any Zelda games when making the lights reflect off the mirrors? It reminded me a lot of Zelda games.

Will you please give me feedback on my LBL 4 in 1 - The Realm of the Ancients: II; Journey to MM Towers, link is in my sig, thanks.

Oh its published now is it? I'll have a looky, and then you will has to play mah LBL levels too :P

Oh, it's out! Awesome :D I'm pretty busy but I'll give it a play when I can.

I was thinking the same with my levels. I was also going to try a MM type level. I will surely check this out asap :D

Awesome level Duffluc. The visuals and gameplay are magnificent and the ideas of the gameplay are really professional. It's funny that I played the exact similar level Zynax555 made except with different visuals and gameplay. My favorite part of the level would have to be the puzzle where you move the circles to light up all 4 pillars. Overall this level deserves 5 :star:s and a <3.

Play and F4F "The Hero Chronicles LV7 Dragon Ruins"

Thanks for the feedback all, I'll have your F4F's done ASAP. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zynax555

I also have one question, that being: were you inspired by any Zelda games when making the lights reflect off the mirrors? It reminded me a lot of Zelda games.

---

Hehe yeah, that's one of the places that inspired me. The mirror puzzle has been a staple in a lot of games, and I thought I would borrow the concept for my level. Zelda is one place I remember seeing it. The most recent I can think of is Uncharted, there was a mirror puzzle in there too. I've even seen it in LBP before, in one of Kiminiski's levels, I think. :p

First off, I loved the intro, the level set the mood as soon as it started! The lighting was fantastic too, and I was right about the visuals. :D Another small detail that I loved was the use of custom switches, I rarely see it but I always smile when I do. My favorite part was the ending. Overall, nice job, I gave the level :star::star::star::star::star:. :)

:star::star::star::star::star:<3 This is a beautiful piece of work Duffluc, with some mind bending puzzles and well polished feel to the whole level. I may be up against you in the PITM category but i would mind losing to this. Nice work :hatsack:

Okay, I played it and here's what I thought.

I thought the visuals were great and loved the gothic theme to it. I also liked how you had secret areas with points and how it has a lot of gold and a treasure place and a little secret counter like Morgana has in her Dragons of Myth levels. There are some fun little things in this level like grabbing onto the thing to pull it down and being quick to get on the platform and get up, making the light all shine at the circle, be careful and fast on the flipping half circles and more although not much of a challenge since there aren't any hazards, at least I don't remember any. It's still a fun level and although there aren't any hazards I loved the different contraptions plus I really liked the gates you added. :star::star::star::star::star: and a <3 Great job Duff :D

Yet another great level! The visuals were amazing! You did a good job of blending it from the template into your level and then back to the template.:p
The gamplay was also very good, all the parts where you had to do something before something moved out of the way were perfectly balanced, my only complaint would be that it was easy to jump out the side of the back and forth stairs at the end.:(
The puzzles, now that is where this level gos way beyond most! The first puzzle with the turning wheels is one of the coolest things I've seen in the game! Very creative.
One little bug was that when you finish the wheel puzzle the magic mouth that gos off after it doesn't stay long enough for you to read it.:(

Amazing level! Definitely has a shot at winning. Five stars and a heart!

F4F: Harry Potter Dueling Club (link in my sig.:p)

Yea I agree with Justin about the circle puzzle. It took me awhile but I was distracted too because I had 2 other players jumping around pressing things. :( Its funny how the help button comes up. I ignored it lol until I got it. I also like the platforming on the bell-pillar. The light pu zzle was well done too. I think you did pretty good creating on the original layers. Had lots of fun in it. Will definately play this again on single player :D 5 stars <3

Could you try out my level Umbra Valley: A Lost Soul? Link is in my signature :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by X-FROGBOY-X

First off, I loved the intro, the level set the mood as soon as it started! The lighting was fantastic too, and I was right about the visuals. :D Another small detail that I loved was the use of custom switches, I rarely see it but I always smile when I do. My favorite part was the ending. Overall, nice job, I gave the level :star::star::star::star::star:. :)

---

Hehe glad you liked it. The beginning and end were actually templates that we had to use for the competition. To be honest I really didn't like them lol, didn't think they fit the theme at all,so I'm glad you thought they did!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by OKINGO

:star::star::star::star::star:<3 This is a beautiful piece of work Duffluc, with some mind bending puzzles and well polished feel to the whole level. I may be up against you in the PITM category but i would mind losing to this. Nice work :hatsack:

---

Thanks man, that really means a lot! Good luck to you in the competition! :)

Thanks to evereryone else for the feedback, I'll work on the F4F's once I return from work tonight. I'll see what I can do about the stairs at the end of the level and make sure they're easier to climb. And yeah, the puzzle at the beginning is also not very multiplayer friendly hehe, especially if more than 1 person is pushing buttons at once :p

Hehe, ok, just played through the final, final version! There were some really great puzzles throughout and I especially liked the mirror room!! :p Wow, your level really did seem to capture the feel of gothic architecture, with the lighting and pointed arches all drawing the player’s attention upward. Hehe, the only thing missing would’ve been a good rose window! :p Anyway, really awesome job on the level and best of luck in the competition! :D

This level is amazing, played it last night with you! 5:star:s and a <3 for deffo

Great Visuals and Gameplay!

Had a chance to play this today - and it was a very cool journey m8!!!! The visuals are cool, the obstacles are nice and there are some really cool elements in here, like the light-breaking room - very cool ! I don't know if the judges at LBL want to see a more detailed story during the play, but I really liked what I saw. For me, this one is the one to beat - and that will be a tough event for the others ! This one will be among the top 3.... and maybe there is a tiny little shiny crown in sight :-) congrats to a great level duffloc.

:star::star::star::star::star: and a <3 and sorry, this time, no <3 for the creator.... cause you already have a <3 from me hehe

well, don't know if you mind playing my LBL 4 in 1 entry as well - it's a co-op and I think it could be among top 5 as well ;-) so if you find some time & a buddy: enjoy!

Greets
Neo

Alright, I'll give you my play-by-play review!

The visuals... are absolutely, positively stunning. Maybe some of the most beautiful I've seen in a LBP level.

I love the rotating puzzle!

So I'm pretty much totally engrossed... to the point where I keep forgetting to comment. I have not yet hit a part I don't like, and I'm loving this.

Mirrors = awesome! Channeling Wind Waker, I see. ;) I don't know if you want to keep those two wobble/motor bolts visible on the top two mirror things though. Regardless, this has to be one of my favorite puzzles in all of LBP now.

It kinda cracks me up how much better your level looks than the beginning and end provided.

Anyway, wow... that's definitely :star::star::star::star::star: and a <3, no doubt.

Well, I feel kind of strange asking you to review my level after yours... but if you'd kindly leave feedback on my level, Commander Keen: Goodbye Galaxy - Part III, I'd appreciate it! The link is in my signature. Thanks!

This level is totally epic!

I loved the visuals were so great and original, you did an exceptional job in lighting use :p The great material mix gave the level the perfect atmosphere .

The game play was awesome, i think all those rotating puzzles were incredibly unique, this including all those cool contraptions and clever game play. I liked the fact that you hid the bubbles in rooms like if they were treasures.

Overall i rated the level :star::star::star::star::star: tagged artistic and hearted <3, good job!
Good luck in the competition but with this level i think you'll surely beat it:p

I loved it! The transitions you made between the templates was beautiful and so crisp and natural. The non use of the 3D layer glitch actually surprised me. The choice of materials was very nice, and I enjoyed the puzzles.

+ Theck levers!!
+ Granite wall used properly for once
+ Nice use of gargoyles
+ VERY good blending
+ I just noticed the torches
+ How did you get that many treasure chests in??? I only found one. :P

Overall, great job, Duffluc! Might win, you never know. :)
:star::star::star::star::star: and a <3. Tagged "beautiful". I've already given you an author heart, so... :p

If you have the time could you play my LBL 4-in-1 Boss Entry: Steelhead? Much appreciated!