Top 10 LittleBigPlanet 2 levels of 2013 so far: FreeAim's picks
So I figured I would make a top 10 level list of this year so far (as it is the first of May and therefore the first third of the year is behind us). I can only mention those levels I have played so far and these are entirely based on my opinions and what I feel are the best of this year so far. Also know that I have not played every level there is, so there that is. Therefore I am 99% sure that some of you will disagree with me and unless you are Judge Dredd, that should be enough. Anyway, here goes my "top 10 levels of 2013 this far"-list.
Hero Academy by katoregama
This level has a great visual style, interesting story and clever use of some of the most popular gameplay mechanics I can think of. What could be better (except for the 9 next levels, in my opinion)?
Wish by Rickyyea
This level has some very clever use of interactive music tracks, great gameplay and an ending, which I can call the best moment in any LBP2 level of this year so far. I can only suggest everyone to play this great, energetic and inspiring platformer.
Tower of Ginger by pickled-punk
Pickled-punk is one of my favourite creators in LBP like... ever. This level is a great example why. While his skills have got significantly better over time, his cute style has always remained the same. The style is not the only reason why this level is here, as it is a great fun to play with the creator-curator pictures, fast and funny platforming moments, great racing moment near the end and an amazing amount of details. Play this level now, if you haven't.
GunRun by MEDIAZz
Easily the second best level/game that was made after a flash-game this year so far. The fun, addictive gameplay that is near-perfect in terms of recreating the original, or even better makes this game amazing and its energetic soundtrack and visual style promote it up here. If only more flash-games were recreated into LBP2 like this!
The Abandoned Caverns by Arastho-- Arstapo-- Arastoph?
Yeah, the name is difficult and I couldn't copy-paste it, so it may have gone wrong. HOWEVER this level is pure brilliance. It really creates an atmosphere that makes you feel like you are down in the cavern and the best part of this level is definitely the underwater part, which is flawless in execution. I am not kidding, this level is just amazing.
Smurfy's Hidden Objects (Wild West Edition) by Greensmurfy
I am not a big fan of the genre, but I can recognize a brilliant level/game when I see one. We have reached the point in the list where I can no longer explain in words just how awesome these levels/games are, so I can only say... Play this now, if you haven't. No, play this now even if you have already. It deserves it very, very much.
Full Metal Tilt by RtooDee2 (R2D2)
Brilliant gameplay, fantastic new mechanic, amazing visuals to behold... This level's got it all. The execution of the concept this level is going for is created flawlessly and therefore it deserves more praises than I can give it for it. This is not a level. This is an experience that you want to experience.
Contrast by alistair26 (aka. Ali-Star)
If the length of the level would equal the quality, this one would be on number 1# spot easily. That is not to disrespect this meisterwork, as it is not only a great combination of puzzling and creativity and chilling atmosphere, it's also an amazing level/game in its own right. When it comes to its genre, this level/game has from little to no competition (apart from the GunRun). This is a game which you will not finish on your first play, but the genius save-system makes this game something you can play for hours. And that is something I call fantastic!
Like Stardust by se-mi92
Brilliant, beautiful, brilliant, amazing, brilliant, enchanting, brilliant, dream-like and brilliant. This level is a great combination of near-perfect gameplay and almost perfect visuals and simply fairy-tale-like atmosphere all over. This is an amazing level and the second best of this year (so far)!
Lamb & Wolf by Ungreth
Those who know Ungreth's earlier work (not including me) may be shocked by just how bright the style of this level is. However, this level is so amazing that I can't describe it in words... So here I go describing it in words. This level's gameplay is inspiring, fantastic, unique, thrilling and very, very clever. The sneak-gameplay is just as well done here as the picture-book-like art-style, not to say that the music is a perfect fit and it truly enhances the mood. It is a must-play experience for everyone who likes this game to begin with.
So there is my list, my silly little list. These are still only my opinions and certainly there are people who feel another way about the levels this year. So, I may ask, what are your top 10 lists of levels this year so far? Something you don't agree with or especially agree with? Feel free to post your comments below!
PS: There are a few levels that just missed the list. Here is a quick list:
Two Much of a Goo Thing by shookie-monster, Compass of Time by Jauw2, King Karl's Crown Conundrum by dolphins-R-lame (which they aren't) and, last but not least, Bounce of Galaxy! (Platformer) by LBPCreatorkit.
Sure there were other great levels out there, but these are the ones I feel like deserving a place on the list, which they sadly didn't get.