Metal Gear Sackboy - Unraveling Stitches

So here's the deal...I'll check out your levels and provide some feedback if you can do me a favor and give one (or both) of mine a quick run through. Both of my levels are Metal Gear themed and everything is my original work (except for a couple of the enemy turrets in Act 1 which from the MGS pack... I'm currently designing more baddies). I'm hoping that players can provide me with any trouble spots, quirky camera angles, buggy areas, etc. so that I can improve the levels.

http://i2.lbp.me/img/bl/0728ac296069...12ef6be09d.png

Each level requires about 10-15 minutes to complete and I ask that you take your time and explore. I've hidden many of my creations throughout the levels in prize bubbles to encourage exploration.

I really want some solid feedback... I noticed an increase in plays, likes, and hearts in recent days, but I want some feedback so I know how to improve them. So don't be shy people... Speak up!

Act 1 involves driving a tank through an enemy infested town on your way to an enemy fortress. Once there, you've got to work your way to a captured soldier that has intel on a new weapon being developed by the enemy. Here are some pictures to help gain your interest...
http://i0.lbp.me/img/ft/770cf5303789...2cf5ae7a1d.jpg
http://i4.lbp.me/img/ft/0c4d7d972e0b...f79aa3f784.jpg
http://i0.lbp.me/img/ft/5b0557a62b6a...f79c129388.jpg
http://i1.lbp.me/img/ft/751bb48d80c7...16079f53f3.jpg
Act 1's link is...
http://littlesigplanet.com/sigs/leve...rium/1/sig.png


Act 2 picks up the very night where Act 1 concludes. Drive the Stryker into the mountains and explore the nearby buildings on foot in search of Sgt. Sterling's stranded squad. Here are some pics to hopefully get you to play the level...
http://ie.lbp.me/img/ft/84e73c8d2489...31a13468b4.jpg
http://i2.lbp.me/img/ft/cf2477cd57ce...c5d19f855b.jpg
http://ic.lbp.me/img/ft/4ece76b8bf20...3df4b6a162.jpg
http://id.lbp.me/img/ft/57dc5d3b801d...1910d022d5.jpg

Act 2's link is...
http://littlesigplanet.com/sigs/leve...rium/1/sig.png

http://lbp.me/v/ct90qb

Happy gaming!

I've played the first and it's good. The tank is pretty good, I really appreciate it, but once it's sliped on the ground when I've destroided a build. Also when i've used the sticker "Level 1", I've taken the lift, but after i didn't understand what to do...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dante3vergil

I've played the first and it's good. The tank is pretty good, I really appreciate it, but once it's sliped on the ground when I've destroided a build. Also when i've used the sticker "Level 1", I've taken the lift, but after i didn't understand what to do...

---

I'd love to help but I'm a bit confused about where you got stuck. Your post was a bit confusing, sorry. I do see that you made it to the elevator and to the first floor. Once there, you'll need to head to the right and use the paintinator to activate the rotating platforms. The underside of the platforms are electrified so you'll have to time your jumps accordingly. The next room has a couple of enemy turrets you'll have to waste. Head up the stairs and get the 2nd Floor Key Card. You'll see some score bubbles just to the down and to right of that key card in a little tunnel. There's a sensor switch in there that should help you out.

The tank was cool. And I got a kick out of the toy soldiers. I ran them over, only used the gun for the buildings. I will have to come back to finish. I don't colect community prizes so I popped the badge bouble but did not have it as a switch trigger. The opening sequencer triggered a second time on me, maybe run it off a start count up timer. I'll have more for you later.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by one-mad-bunny

The tank was cool. And I got a kick out of the toy soldiers. I ran them over, only used the gun for the buildings. I will have to come back to finish. I don't colect community prizes so I popped the badge bouble but did not have it as a switch trigger. The opening sequencer triggered a second time on me, maybe run it off a start count up timer. I'll have more for you later.

---

Thanks for the play through! So because your settings are set to not collect community prizes you couldn't continue the level because the stickers are required to progress... Hm... I never considered that. I suppose I should put some sort of disclaimer in the description. I have heard about the counter bit in other threads... I keep meaning to go back and fix that... I'm not sure if it'll let me though since the thermometer is maxed out (both levels actually). And I'm not too familiar with the logic of the sackbots so I'd have to fiddle with it for a while.

will queue. also asked the mods to delete your other thread as you wish to use this one.

Came back and played more. The platforming once I got inside got my attention. I like when I have to think to get through a level. And the look of things was very good, which made me wonder about the background choice as you are in the tank. It felt like I was in a different level. And I definitely liked the indoor platforming way more. Having to find the key cards to use the elevator is a good idea. I still did not finish. It was late and I got tired I didn't even get to use the c-4. I think you are using switch triggers in a creative way.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by one-mad-bunny

Came back and played more. The platforming once I got inside got my attention. I like when I have to think to get through a level. And the look of things was very good, which made me wonder about the background choice as you are in the tank. It felt like I was in a different level. And I definitely liked the indoor platforming way more. Having to find the key cards to use the elevator is a good idea. I still did not finish. It was late and I got tired I didn't even get to use the c-4. I think you are using switch triggers in a creative way.

---

Thanks for the play through! You know, if you made it to the C4 then you were on the home stretch... The next floor up is a short one and then you're done. As for the background choice I considered handcrafting something similar to what I did in Act 2 but the thermometer is maxed out as it is. I'll think it over.

Nicely done what I was able to play. I got stuck in both levels and wasn't sure how to progress further.

In Act 1, the tank segment was very fun. The toy soldiers were funny and the explosive buildings were a (wait for it...) blast! When it got into the interior of the buildings I was impressed with the design. It was well thought out. I especially liked how you had to use stickers to go from floor to floor. That was very Metal Gear like (with the key cards). But I got stuck in the 2nd floor where there were 3 rotating platforms you had to jump across. I could never make it to the third platform. I tried many, many times and could never make it. I didn't know if I was doing the right thing or was just not jumping correctly at it. Anyways, I had to call it quits at that point. Let me know what I need to do and I'll go back and try again.

Also, I ran across a small bug in (I think was) the first floor. The room where there are 2 wall turrets. When I first went in the dissolve material never vanished and the turrets were blocked so I couldn't shoot them (or them me). All I had to do was exit then reenter the room and it worked fine. Just a weird bug.

Act 2 I didn't get so far. I did like the use of the codex sticker to get help. But I didn't figure out what to do very quickly with the cipher enemy at the beginning. The camera was positioned a little high so I didn't notice to codex sticker spot very easily. So maybe move the camera down just a little or zoom out slightly. Again, interior of buildings were well thought out. Once I got into the first room though (with the hidden wall turrets just after that cipher enemy), I died several times and the nearest checkpoint was all the way outside. It would have been more convenient to put a checkpoint and paintinator just inside the doorway so the travel back wasn't so annoying (I died several times, so all those walks back add up). Unfortunately, I got all the way to the top floor of the building then got stuck again. I have no clue what to do.

One thing I can suggest, and has been suggested to me a lot, is to add arrow stickers along walls in your levels to help guide players through tough spots to let them know they're going the way you intend them to. The arrows are fairly subtle, so I don't think they'd ruin the theme of your levels or anything.

Fill me in on what to do in those spots and I'll try again. Nice job though!

Thanks for the detailed feedback! I really appreciate the time you took to both play through the levels and then type out your thoughts. I'll tackle your concerns in chunks...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s****y2167

But I got stuck in the 2nd floor where there were 3 rotating platforms you had to jump across. I could never make it to the third platform. I tried many, many times and could never make it. I didn't know if I was doing the right thing or was just not jumping correctly at it. Anyways, I had to call it quits at that point. Let me know what I need to do and I'll go back and try again.

---

I designed both levels to have optional areas that are separate from the main path of the level. The third platform that you speak of is how the player gets access to the Level 1 Key Card. This sticker isn't necessary to complete the level; rather, this sticker can be used on 3 doors and 1 elevator which will give the player access to additional prize and point bubbles. (You'll need the Level 1 Key Card if you want the Level 2 Key Card) I made that third platform difficult to traverse on purpose... It does take some precise timing to cross. In this particular room you'll need to get the circular key (red tag) from the upper left into the slot on the floor. Take care of the enemy and proceed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s****y2167

Also, I ran across a small bug in (I think was) the first floor. The room where there are 2 wall turrets. When I first went in the dissolve material never vanished and the turrets were blocked so I couldn't shoot them (or them me). All I had to do was exit then reenter the room and it worked fine. Just a weird bug.

---

I put that dissolvable material there to free up some space in my thermometer while in create mode... I'll get rid of it, no worries. Thanks for the heads up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s****y2167

Act 2 I didn't get so far. I did like the use of the codex sticker to get help. But I didn't figure out what to do very quickly with the cipher enemy at the beginning. The camera was positioned a little high so I didn't notice to codex sticker spot very easily. So maybe move the camera down just a little or zoom out slightly. Again, interior of buildings were well thought out. Once I got into the first room though (with the hidden wall turrets just after that cipher enemy), I died several times and the nearest checkpoint was all the way outside. It would have been more convenient to put a checkpoint and paintinator just inside the doorway so the travel back wasn't so annoying (I died several times, so all those walks back add up). Unfortunately, I got all the way to the top floor of the building then got stuck again. I have no clue what to do.

One thing I can suggest, and has been suggested to me a lot, is to add arrow stickers along walls in your levels to help guide players through tough spots to let them know they're going the way you intend them to. The arrows are fairly subtle, so I don't think they'd ruin the theme of your levels or anything.

---

This part in Act 2 is another optional area. I created two buildings in that first area. The one of the right (the one you entered) holds a few prizes and a secret you'll have to find but nothing regarding the main path of the level. The building on the left will hold what you need to clear the tunnel below. I'll be sure to tweak the camera angle in that spot to make it easier to spot the CODEC access point. The camera angles are what I need the most feedback on (especially with 2 or more players). As for the distant checkpoint... I agree that its a bit far away but I wanted to really utilize the whole air drop bit... I do remember running back and forth many times myself during testing...It can be annoying. I'll think of how to remedy this while still maintaining the purpose of the CODEC and air drop...

Thanks again for the detailed feedback! I'll give your Save Al's Pants level another shot tomorrow sometime and I'll get back to you with feedback. Cheers!

I really enjoyed these levels. The gameplay was engaging and reminded me of the official MGS pack, and the plot was nicely included and stayed consistent throughout both of the levels.
My only problem would be the some of the pre-made enemies. It would be nice to see some of your own foes or bosses in there.
However, I did spot a few enemies I've never seen before, and my first assumption was that you made them. So kudos. BUT, with the flying white drone-spotlight things after the service elevators, there's a problem. Out of stupidity and curiosity, I jumped onto one attempting to ride it into the sunset, but I grounded it. You might want to make it so that players cannot alter the path or altitude of that enemy.
Overall, I really liked it. I gave it a yay. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sackpapoi

I really enjoyed these levels. The gameplay was engaging and reminded me of the official MGS pack, and the plot was nicely included and stayed consistent throughout both of the levels.
My only problem would be the some of the pre-made enemies. It would be nice to see some of your own foes or bosses in there.
However, I did spot a few enemies I've never seen before, and my first assumption was that you made them. So kudos. BUT, with the flying white drone-spotlight things after the service elevators, there's a problem. Out of stupidity and curiosity, I jumped onto one attempting to ride it into the sunset, but I grounded it. You might want to make it so that players cannot alter the path or altitude of that enemy.
Overall, I really liked it. I gave it a yay. :)

---

Since these were my first two levels I had to whip up what I could regarding enemies... I began by recreating the simple baddies from LBP1 and then went from there. The ones that you don't recognize from the LBP main story are my original creations so thanks for the kudos regarding that matter. I'v got a few enemies that I'm working on still that I'll be incorporating into the next level.

As for the Cyphers (white drones)... I'm still trying to figure out how to get them to work out perfectly... I did add electrical areas to the top and bottom of the Cypher which are attached to motion sensors that activate when touched to simulate the blades of the propeller that gives the drone flight to help combat hitchhikers. To get the Cyphers in motion I attached four colored tag switches to simple mover tools... Do you know a way I can then make it so that the player can't throw the Cypher off course?

Really enjoyed the level feedback was left on lvl whenever you get the chance to read.. Also thanks for the info I'll try fixing the gravity part!

Ok, finally got to go back and try again.

I managed to finally get the C4 in Act 1 and made my way up to the 3rd floor, but then immediately got smoked by one of the missiles as I jumped over the gap. Should have paid attention. Anyways, the nearest checkpoint was on the second floor by the elevator - which is a problem because the elevator was up at the 3rd floor - so I had no way of getting back up to the 3rd floor and using the C4 on whatever it was I needed to. I had to quit from there. I suggest putting a checkpoint by the elevator on every level.

Also in Act 1 it took me a very long time to figure out I needed to ride the rotating circle thing on the outside to reach the red tag/key on the second floor. I don't know how you want to help guide players to your intended paths, but I almost quit again in frustration - luckily I found my way up there nearly on accident. And the wall turrets in the first floor I found an easy "dead zone" - if you run up underneath the turrets before they start firing at you, they can't hit you if you're too far underneath, and it was easy to destroy them with no worries. Maybe you can increase the degree rotation on the wobble bolt?

On to Act 2 - either you changed the camera with the cipher, or I just knew what to look for this time, but I could clearly see the codex sticker spot very easily now. I cleared out both buildings on the left and right, got the C4 in the left building - but then had no clue what to do from there. By goofing around I figured out you can blow up the doors with the C4 and get some goodies, and find a secret basement area. So that was a fun discovery.

The part where you have to jump to the roof of the right building by climbing the boxes in the top floor was a bit tough. That last box before you can grab the ladder (or whatever) at the top is just large enough to make it easy to not be able to jump up on. Maybe you could make that a tad smaller so it's not so frustrating trying to jump up there? Also, when I did finally manage to get up there, I accidentally slipped back down, then it made it extra hard to jump back up for whatever reason. And for whatever reason, I had to use the "man cannon" twice, and both times I must have missed where you wanted me to go because I ended up dropping back down to the beginning location where the ciphers were. I couldn't bare the hassle of climbing all the way back up there again at 2 in the morning, so I quit from there.

I really do enjoy your levels - the exploration and discovery of finding what to do was unexpected and there aren't many levels that allow players to do that - so props to you for making intricate level designs to encourage this and challenge people. Just some of the jumps are asking a little too much, and some checkpoints need to be adjusted or added so backtracking doesn't get too severe. Also, I ran into a repeating conversation with a person in the main base in Act 1 (in the basement with the tanks, I decided to turn back and go to the top floor to explore, then when I came back the army guy wanted to go through his explanation all over again), and there was a repeating camera pan in the third floor of Act 1 (when it shows what obstacles you need to pass through to get across the floor).

Hope this helps, I'll try to complete your levels again next time I'm on -- I know I've got to be able to use the C4 to blow up stuff other than closet doors!!! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s****y2167

Ok, finally got to go back and try again.

I managed to finally get the C4 in Act 1 and made my way up to the 3rd floor, but then immediately got smoked by one of the missiles as I jumped over the gap. Should have paid attention. Anyways, the nearest checkpoint was on the second floor by the elevator - which is a problem because the elevator was up at the 3rd floor - so I had no way of getting back up to the 3rd floor and using the C4 on whatever it was I needed to. I had to quit from there. I suggest putting a checkpoint by the elevator on every level.

---

Thanks! While LBPCentral was down I actually spotted the problem on my own... It was a mini-checkpoint that wasn't triggering when the player walked by... I remedied the situation if you want to give the level another shot. Since you have the elevator stickers you won't have to do the first two floors all over again. That third floor is the home stretch... Once you're out of there you're practically done.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s****y2167

Also in Act 1 it took me a very long time to figure out I needed to ride the rotating circle thing on the outside to reach the red tag/key on the second floor. I don't know how you want to help guide players to your intended paths, but I almost quit again in frustration - luckily I found my way up there nearly on accident. And the wall turrets in the first floor I found an easy "dead zone" - if you run up underneath the turrets before they start firing at you, they can't hit you if you're too far underneath, and it was easy to destroy them with no worries. Maybe you can increase the degree rotation on the wobble bolt?

---

Yeah... I've been considering putting some arrows to lead the player... I've got to clear up some room on the thermometer because its always harping at me to stop putting things in the level. As for the turrets, I think I'll take you up on that suggestion. I've played with a couple of people online that do that very thing... Darn those crafty sack people.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s****y2167

On to Act 2 - either you changed the camera with the cipher, or I just knew what to look for this time, but I could clearly see the codex sticker spot very easily now. I cleared out both buildings on the left and right, got the C4 in the left building - but then had no clue what to do from there. By goofing around I figured out you can blow up the doors with the C4 and get some goodies, and find a secret basement area. So that was a fun discovery.

The part where you have to jump to the roof of the right building by climbing the boxes in the top floor was a bit tough. That last box before you can grab the ladder (or whatever) at the top is just large enough to make it easy to not be able to jump up on. Maybe you could make that a tad smaller so it's not so frustrating trying to jump up there? Also, when I did finally manage to get up there, I accidentally slipped back down, then it made it extra hard to jump back up for whatever reason. And for whatever reason, I had to use the "man cannon" twice, and both times I must have missed where you wanted me to go because I ended up dropping back down to the beginning location where the ciphers were. I couldn't bare the hassle of climbing all the way back up there again at 2 in the morning, so I quit from there.

---

I did adjust the Cypher camera and the camera when battling the wall mounted enemy to make things easier for players. I must commend you on the C4 discovery! Glad you enjoyed it. (Act 1 has a couple of secret areas... not sure if you found them or not) I think I will make the box a hair taller to aid in the jump up to the roof (another hidden area). Once you grab the door just hold it until it opens all the way and then let go. From there just jump on up. The "man cannon" wobbles on its own and stops once you stand on the launching platform. If you let it go all the way down and then hop on you should be fine. Regardless of all of this info on the building on the right, that particular building is totally optional. Once you get the C4 from the other building you can head on down to the tunnel and clear it of the road blocks

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by s****y2167

I really do enjoy your levels - the exploration and discovery of finding what to do was unexpected and there aren't many levels that allow players to do that - so props to you for making intricate level designs to encourage this and challenge people. Just some of the jumps are asking a little too much, and some checkpoints need to be adjusted or added so backtracking doesn't get too severe. Also, I ran into a repeating conversation with a person in the main base in Act 1 (in the basement with the tanks, I decided to turn back and go to the top floor to explore, then when I came back the army guy wanted to go through his explanation all over again), and there was a repeating camera pan in the third floor of Act 1 (when it shows what obstacles you need to pass through to get across the floor).

Hope this helps, I'll try to complete your levels again next time I'm on -- I know I've got to be able to use the C4 to blow up stuff other than closet doors!!! :)

---

Thanks for the constructive criticism! Your words have been very helpful indeed. (I thought I fixed the repeating conversation.... Hm... I'll give it another look over. Thanks again!

Hi hi! Just started playing the first level, I'll give you a point by point feedback, no return required, call it a freebie :)

To Improve: Col Everett needs a one shot on his intro speech - walking away to the right and then passing him again will trigger his speech twice. This is beyond irritating when it's a long intro.

Good: The little niches to explore for extra score bubbles etc are a nice touch :)

To Improve: The section with the tank was a bit long, and not really all that challenging. Limiting the shots is something, at least it stops people from filling your play thermo with emissions, but it either needs some more excitement, or part of it needs to be cut (all in my opinion only of course) in order to stop it feeling like it's dragging too much. More fast-paced, high tension gameplay required if you ask me.

Good: That being said, the tank drove well enough, was responsive and didn't bug out on me. It might benefit from a little bit of remodelling to make it look even better though :)

To Improve: In the sections with the two turrets firing at you, it's incredibly easy to duck under the highest turret and paintball it into submission. Perhaps change it pattern or put in an obstacle to stop players from getting that close, and force them to use the ramp at the back, or to duck behind the cover and take pot shots.

Good: The last section before sgt sterling was a nifty little puzzle - a little easy, but nicely done.

All in all: Kinda cool, nice job - it could do with some more excitement in places, but this is a pretty decent little level :)

I felt that it could be a really spot on level if you added more detail personally te i was busy so when it said i required a key card i couldnt go back and get it that might be something to think about

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Razortehkill

I felt that it could be a really spot on level if you added more detail personally te i was busy so when it said i required a key card i couldnt go back and get it that might be something to think about

---

The key card is hidden behind the stairs you climb to get to that elevator door... You can even see it through the black glass material...

I agree with you on the detail bit... The thermometer is maxed out (I keep getting those warnings every few seconds in create mode). I've been considering splitting it into two levels with a level link to alleviate some of that but I dunno...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rialrees

Hi hi! Just started playing the first level, I'll give you a point by point feedback, no return required, call it a freebie :)

To Improve: Col Everett needs a one shot on his intro speech - walking away to the right and then passing him again will trigger his speech twice. This is beyond irritating when it's a long intro.

Good: The little niches to explore for extra score bubbles etc are a nice touch :)

To Improve: The section with the tank was a bit long, and not really all that challenging. Limiting the shots is something, at least it stops people from filling your play thermo with emissions, but it either needs some more excitement, or part of it needs to be cut (all in my opinion only of course) in order to stop it feeling like it's dragging too much. More fast-paced, high tension gameplay required if you ask me.

Good: That being said, the tank drove well enough, was responsive and didn't bug out on me. It might benefit from a little bit of remodelling to make it look even better though :)

To Improve: In the sections with the two turrets firing at you, it's incredibly easy to duck under the highest turret and paintball it into submission. Perhaps change it pattern or put in an obstacle to stop players from getting that close, and force them to use the ramp at the back, or to duck behind the cover and take pot shots.

Good: The last section before sgt sterling was a nifty little puzzle - a little easy, but nicely done.

All in all: Kinda cool, nice job - it could do with some more excitement in places, but this is a pretty decent little level :)

---

Thanks for the detailed critique! I finally addressed that pesky repeat dialogue that plagued the level... I had some destroy tools on them attached to various sensors but it was still an issue for many people. I used the counters that a few people had mentioned and I think its all cleared up.

As for the tank bit its intended to be a humorous segue between the base and the enemy fortress. I had the army men shooting tiny explosives but the wiring of the tank kept getting destroyed (even though the tank was fully intact... Its an area I keep tweaking every few days because I do want it better...This being my first level it will always seem below par for me since I keep improving my creating skills... Act 2 is a lot better than Act 1 in many aspects.

The tank is the latest version out of some 15 different models (the broken down one is close to the original). I agree that the aesthetics of the tank could use some TLC... I'm open to anyone who wants to help out. I've got a two player and three player version stored in my workshop... But more than one or two people on this level gets difficult (they often run around like chickens with their heads cut off).

I tweaked that torrent section as per another person in this forum but I guess that electrified base needs to extend outward a bit more... Consider it done.

I do appreciate your help on this. I went ahead and took the liberty of queueing up a few of your levels anyway. Cheers!

you're welcome! happy to help anyone who takes criticism as well as you do :)