Come one, come all, and experience the 49th episode of the LBPC Spotlight! Oh, yes! Explore the wilds of the LBP Community with your somewhat manic tour guides, the Spotlight Team!
If you'd like to look back at previous Spotlights, take a look at our Spotlight Search Engine. It archives every level we've ever Spotlighted, all the way back to the very beginning, so it's a great resource!
There are some wonderful levels this time around, so have a go or two (or twenty) and enjoy yourselves! :D
PS3 Spotlight
The Gnome Cave by Maniacolus/Maniacolus
"Enter a beautiful place where no man has been before." It's a very artsy level without a story. I wanted to create a cool atmosphere and in my opinion I succeeded. This is the best level I've made so far and definately the one I've put most effort in creating. Enjoy!
Whispering Oak by xQziCyFlaMeZxQz_/xQziCyFlaMeZxQz
Be prepared for a charming visual treat in the gnomes’ cave! Seemingly random stickers and multi-colored Christmas lights become the base of Maniacolus’ enchanting level’s visuals. The gameplay doesn’t suffer for it, either. Lots of great platforming, and the somewhat overused mine cart is fresh and fun again! There’s a very clever piece of (gnomish?) machinery after that, too, so keep an eye out. This level is just so darn cheery. So is it a cave, or an amazing abode of awesomeness (woohoo alliteration!)? I say both!
Mystery and magic await in The Gnome Cave, a splendidly crafted level from Maniacolus. While there aren’t actually very many Gnomes to be seen, the visual style is unmistakably gnomish, adding a real layer of charm to the experience. The beautiful lighting paired with the great carved look and fantastic stickering will keep you enthralled while you explore what this cave has to offer.
It is a pure platforming level. The setting kind of looks like its inside a tree. Well anyway, this level was kinda inspired by Lockstitch's "A Forgotten Realm."
The Honey Hive 3: Inside the Honey Factory (part 2 of 2) by shookie99/SX_shookie99I think we should all ask ourselves what would happen if the Gardens became overgrownto the point where they flourished their way into Africa and became one with the Savannah… I, too, asked myself this question, and the only answer I could come up with was xQziCyFlaMeZxQz’s (how on EARTH does he remember his PSN?) level, Whispering Oak. Absolutely fantastic use of decorations and stickers in a colorful, glowing, storybook fashion! Let me explain. No wait… you should let the level explain. Go play it!
The Whispering Oak: A fun and friendly land that’s superbly decorated and plays to perfection. This unique level sports fine forest visuals and some great gameplay that makes awesome use out of launch pads and moving platforms. The great atmosphere created by the natural gameplay elements and great lighting and stickering make for a fresh experience.
The final honey hive is out now. Make your way through the factory, take out a few drone bees, save the Queen, and finally put an end to the evil and sinister Stickmandude.(watch video)
Circus L'amour by ptwob/ptwobThe tradition of excellence is carried out in the last entry of SX_Shookie99's story based platformer. This time, the Queen really does need your help and it will take more than just courage to traverse through this elegant hive. One thing you'll need is an extra pair of pants as around every corner is a caution sign or a sly drone. The boss you didn't suspect is no pushover either! So, break free from your cell, gather a few points and go rescue the Queen Bee!
If you’ve played the first two installments to Shookie99’s brilliantly bouncy series, you know exactly what to expect from this level. Great gameplay involving lots of honeycomb and point combos, funky visuals that are clean and colourful, and a final boss that ends the series off with a bang. This level is a worthy conclusion to a great series that should not be missed.
The last real lbp level i wil be publishing before lbp2. It's a hectic circus with lively characterss and some challenging gameplay.
Dream Catcher II - Shadow Realm by CYMBOL/CYMBOLIf you ever enjoyed playing levels that revolved around some peoples worst nightmares, then you will LOVE this. Definitely not for the coulrophobic, but a real thriller for any normal person! Besides from the appearance of clowns *shivers* you will fancy meeting the frantic conductor and his wacky orchestra. The burly through knife expert. Maybe you'll even have a heck of a time riding on the acrobats feet and their lovely horses. As the circus dwindles to its close, the final act is a real show-stopper, because it isn't over until the fat lady sings!
Circus l’Amour is one of those rare levels that really puts you in a state of awe. The atmosphere is bang on. Great character and level design really capture the circus feel. But the diversity of obstacles that you’ll have to pass is what really makes this level stand above the others. Tight rope walkers, knife throwers, singers, dancers, trapeze artists, horses, trombones, clowns and mimes… If it’s in a circus, you’ll find it here, all brilliantly integrated right into the gameplay. This great transition from real life elements to gameplay concepts makes this one of the most unique and fascinating levels I’ve played in quite a while. Superb.
Continue the Dream Catcher's epic journey. . .
The Unknown Caverns by Barneybling/piggablingSo when I jumped in the water and was surrounded by glowing seaweed, I knew it was love at first sight. And then I saw the mirror, the big, creepy, pulsating mirror. “And that, self” I told myself, “Is how you start a level.” And then the level actually started and my jaw hit the floor. Best title I’ve ever seen, best rain I’ve ever seen, best twitching skeleton head I’ve ever seen (WHAT?! It’s true!). CYMBOL just kept throwing surprises at me, and they were all awesome. This is rare, folks. I want to tell you all about it, but that would defeat the purpose of playing the level itself. The visuals are great, the gameplay is great, the characters are great, the story is great… yeah… that’s all you need to know to play it right? Well shoo! Off you go!
Experimenting with lights and visuals can be tricky. Creating new effects that have never been seen before seems like an almost impossible task, but this level is filled to the brim with them. The superb lighting tricks that bounce off the great decorations create an atmosphere not seen in any level I’ve ever played before. The intriguing story coupled with the interesting visual style make this a level to remember.
Romp through the caves, jump some gaps, swim in some water, get some bubble combos, and search for secrets!
Play by MofoSuperVillain/MofoSuperVillainThis fun and well crafted level is a great adventure through a maze like cave. Multiple paths and lots of bubble combo opportunities, along with its polished look and fun gameplay make for an entertaining gad that you’ll really enjoy.
Right off the bat you see intricate details and a cacophony of sounds that please the ear. Tough to get bubble chains are a common sight and the highscore will be no easy feat. As you ooh and aww over the stunning use of layers for both visuals and gameplay, don't forget to look for one of the many hidden secrets. This is a level that you won't want to pass up.
This level is very similar to my motel level. It's got some puzzles but they're pretty simple. Also lots of little goodies and prizes are hidden throughout the level. If you play the level and seem to get stuck anywhere try grabbing stuff.
'Tales from Steam City' Late Arrivals by Blanchrocker/BlanchrockerA silhouetted level can often over simplify the visuals, leaving a bland and uninteresting atmosphere that doesn’t deliver on the artistic style it’s trying to reach for. But through MofoSuperVillain’s great use of decorations, fog and complex shapes this puzzling silhouette level sport that artistic flair that many levels of the same style lack. Great atmosphere and puzzles that get you thinking make this a prime example of how to do it right.
From one of LBPC's newest and up and coming creators is a silhouette level that will knock your socks off! A level that will remind you of simpler times. The soft gray fog and the black landscapes blend to bring you a one-of-a-king experience. The subtle platforming and the details display the effort put into this gem. A level you'll want to have hearted to really inspire you.
A spin-off level from my new series Steam City, this level is set in a steampunk city in which you use your free-running skills to cross the city to reach the station before the train leaves.
Marshy Dungeon of Mysteries by FreeAim/FreeAimIf you are into great visuals, gameplay and steampunk, this is the level for you! It has some great original gameplay and the visuals are just stunning. Everything looks fantastic, with excellent use of the 3D glitch to create a beautiful custom background. This level is so beautifully crafted, it deserves a place on your hearted list.
You awake in your amazing clock-tower room, somewhat ironically late for the train. So do you take the tram to the train? NO! You take the underground, off limits to citizens like yourself. To avoid being caught, guess what you get to do to bribe the policeman? Crush boxes! And ever so fun that is. In fact, the whole level is just so darn fun. The 3D glitch is used to create a highly impressive backdrop of custom buildings, but the standard layers are just as detailed! For a fun, inspired, rather pretty steampunk level, look no further than Late Arrivals.
The steam punk genre has always been one of my favorite looks, and Blanchrocker’s great take on the style doesn’t disappoint. The top notch 3D work and intricate mechanic platforms and vehicles bring this city to life and suck you right into its world. Go and treat yourself by adventuring through Steam City today.
Enter this marshy dungeon full of mysteries and obstacles.
Evil masks, puzzles, enemies, secrets, obstacles, platforming, race and more!Castle Crawler 3 by shookie99/SX_shookie99I love a good swamp level. I really do. Yet, the theme seems to be so rare. FreeAim has thus brought me much happiness and joy. He uses the frog stickers well (and of course, my favorite ivy sticker). And I’m really not sure why there are Swamp Penguins, but whatever works… whatever works. Great lighting, and great, simple, clean visuals. It’s a fun, simple romp-through-the swamp that I don’t think you’ll want to miss!
Swamp levels are just as good as any other genre. Swamp levels with charming visuals or some neat gameplay are great. A TRUE swamp level will have the best visuals and top-notch gameplay! That's what we have here; a true swamp level that is sure to dazzle. I don't know what it is about this genre of levels, but I have always loved them and this beauty could make anybody fall in love. It's cute stickers that at times may seem like they don't belong, but you can't help thinking at how well it fits in. You are in for a hippity-hoppity treat in this swampy-swamp of a level!
This moody and atmospheric level really captures a great feel as it leads you through a densely overgrown marsh and dungeon. Great gameplay that includes mulitplayer sections, spot on decorations and lighting, and lots of bubbles and secrets make this a great mulitplayer level, but don't hesitate to go and enjoy this level by yourself either!
100 years ago the evil Lord Loobeedo cast a curse on the Kingdom, thus drawing all the color from the land. Prophecy foretold of a young sack that would one day lift the curse and put an end to Lord Loobeedo. Today is that day.
Random Insanity by CreativeBlynk/CreativeBlynkGameplay’s the name of the… er… game here. Grabbing, climbing, dropping… anything and everything platforming-wise, all in the guise of a black and white castle. It just has the awesome air of an old-school platformer, except in LBP’s beautiful graphics. It all looks and plays great! SX_shookie99 even added some pretty great snow. Oh, and guess what… finish the level in black and white, and you unlock the color version, much to my pleasure! It looks just as good, if not better than the black and white version. But even if you only play the black and white, you should know it’s a fine, fine level that no platformer should pass by!
How does Shookie99 do it? Two spotlighted levels in one week, yet the quality is as high as ever! Another fantastic black and white level that feels retro but so new at the same time. The wonderful gameplay can be felt as you traverse the snowy terrain and buildings. The color version is just as good in my opinion, but you can't beat the black and white experience.
A vast, stoic and solemn citadel lay before you in this sprawling adventure through shookie99's 2nd spotlight this episode! Continuing in the tradition of their other levels, you'll find lots of great gameplay here that includes crumbling castle fortifications and tons of bubbles to seek out. The black and white atmosphere add to the experience and make this level stand above others that share a similar feel.
Pushed out another level! As usual main goal was to have fun. This level was inspired by LBP2 and a whole lot of randomness!
Bunnies Just Wanna Have Fun by Foofles/FooflesDelightful, subtly DaVinci-themed, and inspired by LBP2, CreativeBlynk brings us a simply fantastic, well-polished level. The lighting is so well done that it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, blending seamlessly with his theme, and his visuals are absolutely impressive. Every little detail is perfect. The gameplay is truly a blast, and I loved finding the lone mountain goat, standing proudly atop the exterior of the workshop (I wonder if there are more?). I think my only regret was that it... ended!
If you're up for an insanely random level of warm, polished visuals and a whole ton of great, unique gameplay then you should check out this level right away! The inspiration from LBP2 is clear, and CreativeBlynk manages to capture some of it's great platforming and ideas with the meager and unworthy tools of LBP1! So go have a blast, all while getting yourself pumped for LBP2 with this great level that's bound to be a classic!
After your ship was tossed through a storm, you approach the mystical island sanctuary of the bunnies; as long as the sacred Happy Tree stands, the bunnies will only know happiness. What could possibly go wrong?
LBL:4 in 1-Joint Effort (Co-op) by Nick930930/Nick930930More bunnies? YES! Foofles’ latest offering in the realm of rabbits is a heartening, cheery return to the olden days of LBP (there seem to be a lot of cheerful entries this spotlight; perhaps this is in response to all those apocalyptic levels?). This level went even further back, though, than LBP’s olden days… in fact, it was very Yoshi’s Island-esque, and I absolutely adore Yoshi’s Island. Everything is happy and bouncy and you go to meet the sacred Happy Tree, which then… nah, won’t spoil it for you. But it’s very funny. Grin-inducing appears to be Foofles’ specialty! If you miss the old dorky smile days, give this level a go!
Foofle's signature style is back in his new bright and bouncy level that's sure to bring a smile to your face! Tons of innovative gameplay, unique settings and visuals (that include a whole whack load of our furry friends) brilliant puzzles and a fun and varied boss make this one of his best levels yet, and one that you won't want to miss.
This is my co-op entry of Little Big Land's current competition. You need to have at least 2 players to complete the level. It includes x3 and x4 bonus rooms, secrets, and plenty of complex puzzles and obstacles. I hope this level gets spotlighted because it's definitely one of the best levels I have ever made.
Also from the Showcase...Hey man, I really hope this level gets spotlighted too. It was so fun, sitting here... laughing with my roommate as he leaps into gas for the fifth time in a row. Oh wait! Guess what? It's spotlighted! (Cue victory music). Nick930930 has certainly brought forth a level that truly assesses the cooperative spirit of you and your sidekick. (Or maybe you're the sidekick?) Either way, you have plenty chance to test your x2, x3, and x4 puzzle-solving-mettle, and I say this with huge delight. Teamwork is what this level is all about... and the end presents you with a choice that truly tests your character as well. Play it, use your head, and use the part of your brain that gives you fun!
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!
- Delve into a colorful cave of crystals in Crystal Caverns[BOSS], by Jayhawk_er.
- For some incredible platforming and amazing backtracking, gad off to Platform Incredible, by Aspherex.
- Feeling sneaky? Suave? Be a secret agent in The Spy Chronicles Part 2: Laboratory Mystery, by wolverinebball2.
- For some ridiculously clever 3D work, try Bernard's Day Out (3D), by fenderjt.
- Stand and soak in the Pirate tunes in a well-crafted piano level, pirates of the caribbean-he's a pirate(piano version), by cortster12.
- For a great factory-type sequel, check out THE FACTORY 2: Second Shift, by Vodkashots.
PSP Spotlight
Bee Keepers by SketchNZ/SketchNZ
The first level of the Bee Keepers Series. Help Wolly with a bug problem so he can get back to work. (watch video)
SketchNZ is back with another bustling series. Expect quality character and landscape design and the usual fantastic gameplay. This time you’re helping out Wolly with his bee problem – but can you save him and his lunch?
Construction equipment, check. Beehives, check. Killer platforming, check. Ridiculous amounts of awesome sauce, check. Yep, it's a SketchNZ level alright. What, you're still reading? Go download it already!
Over the last few months, SketchNZ has solidified his reputation as a top creator in the LBP PSP ranks. His latest concoction is another perfect blend of gorgeous scenery and sparkling gameplay. Help Wolly rid his construction site of those pesky bees as you climb, swing, and jump over working equipment. Has SketchNZ done it again? None of your beeswax. Go download it and see for yourself.
blueblox by nosemomkey/nosemomkey
Sackboy starts in a strange place where everything is blue, and wants to return to LBP to continue creating his levels, so... go there and help him! (watch video)
Some levels give me the blues. Nosemomkey makes a first Spotlight appearance with a great looking and wonderfully playing level that will have you singing the blues for days. Don't let the clean and cool aesthetics give you a false sense of safety, because there is some serious gameplay involved here. There's lots of hidden areas to explore and bubbles to find for the score chasers, and when you finish this one grab Blueblox The Race for more bluey goodness.
We've seen blue levels before, but none quite like this one. nosemomkey explodes into the Spotlight in style with this azure masterpiece, bringing along plenty of action-puzzler-platforming gameplay along with it. Don't miss this one or you'll be... oh never mind.
Cardboard Island by austimerr/austimerr
A quest for fame turns into a quest filled with cardboard, crabs, and coconuts! (watch video)
Austimerr shows you don’t have to use a tonne of materials to create fun and varied visuals – you only need the humble cardboard and a great grasp of the corner editor, two things Austimerr clearly has. Infiltrate the coconuts hideout, go on, it is bingo night after all.
A boss fight with a coconut. That is really all I should have to say to get you to play Austimerr's new level. But, that wouldn't be fair to the other parts of this carefully crafted, corrugated kingdom of crab and coconut. It's not easy to make things look great with only the basic materials, but Austimmer does just that. And then some. Get thrown in the middle of a heated fight between two unlikely opponents, and get ready to rumble with the cocoboss.
austimerr has created a world that is made of cardboard, decorated with bits and pieces of pure amusement, and held together with copious amounts of charm. This level puts a big grin on my face from beginning to end every time I play it, and I've been playing it a lot. Discover your own island! Platform across giant cartoony crabs! Fight evil coconuts! Honestly, what could possibly be more entertaining than that? Yeah, exactly. Go play it!
Jelly World: Snack Attack by CheezeBo, SketchNZ, Balgarino / SketchNZ
The first Community Level in the Jelly World Series made by SketchNZ, CheezeBo and Balgarino. Jelly World is under attack by Evil Mustard, Burger and Hot Dog. You must stop them! (watch video)
A level so good you could eat it… but then you’d have to lose these wonderful visuals and varied gameplay. A fantastic level from three bright members of the community, if only all co-operative projects ended up like this!
Slip and slide your way through Jelly World, a delicious new level by CheezeBo, Balgarino, and SketchNZ. Slick platforming, great character designs, and hidden areas full of point bubbles are on the menu as you glide your way to the scoreboard in this amazingly addictive amalgam of some of the most talented young guns in LBPCentral. Bon Appetit!
It's not every day your video game experience begins with you sliding down a large pile of gelatin. Weird you say? Well, you ain't seen nothing yet. Prepare to be astounded, entertained, and stricken with a fit of uncontrollable giggles as you battle evil snack foods across the most delicious battleground you could possibly imagine. Or not imagine. Regardless, before you play this one you need to know one thing: Go easy on the hot sauce.
Outrage in the Outback! by Pete1991/Pete1991
Something is going on in the outback which has one large individual scared or confused, or even both, we can't really tell. (watch video)
I am outraged.. that this level hasn’t got more plays! With beautiful sticker work and some great backtracking, there’s no reason you shouldn’t download and play this right now! Goooo, explore this fantastically crafted outback!!!
A newcomer to the spotlight, Pete1991 makes a great debut with one of my favorite levels over the last couple weeks. Gorgeous scenery, evil serpents, and fruity offerings make this a level you won't find on the server every day. Throw in a cute story and some nifty platforming and you get a killer combination that will be on your PSP for a while.
Pete1991 does the outback as well as Cambridge themselves, complete with great scenery, dangerous animals, and... fruit-based missions? (Look, if the chief wants a lime, the chief gets a lime, got it?) The only thing about this level I can't quite place is that strange section in the middle... I could swear I've played that in a level somewhere before. Well, while I'm busy figuring that out you should be busy jumping waterfalls, swinging from vines, and platforming to your little sack-heart's content. Oh, and bring us a lime while you're at it, would you? Cheers.
Windmill Isles by BlueBulletBill/BlueBulletBill
A journey through peaceful islands, mysterious caves, and who knows what else! (watch video)
B3 returns with a stunning level that’ll have you gawping! Windmills are the order of the day, and you’ll have to use them in a multitude of fun ways to progress through the beautiful environments. I was truly blown away….
Sometimes a Sackboy just wants to go home. B3 has taken amazing gameplay to new heights, and his new level is incredibly fun and a joy to look at. The opening sequence alone will have you restarting your game just to do it again, one more time. Clever puzzles and killer platforming are around every turn as you make your way from one cool obstacle to another. Can you help Sackboy make it home in one piece?
Not windmills.... WINmills! BlueBulletBill brings us a stunning nonstop action platformer with gorgeous scenery and gameplay to match. Epic cutscenes and clever puzzles will keep you wowed in a big way as you build your multiplier on your way through this fantastic level. The only thing else I can say about this one is: More please!
Also from the showcase...
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!
- Another bubbly treat awaits you in A Bubbly Forest by valmassoi.
- Explore amazing alien worlds in The-Questor's The Planet Explorer.
