Community Spotlight Episode 41

[ConfusedCartman]

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.

PS3 Spotlight
Seeking the Meaning : Prologue & Seeking the Meaning : Part 1 - The Temple Mire by Asbestos101/asbestos101

Unable to scientifically, mathamatically or logically work out the answer to the question "What is Fun?", one sack presents his radical plan to the Scientific Commitee of Greater Sackdon. In order to answer the question, the young sack is traveling to meet the Great Tree, a wise being that has existed for millenia. First however, he must pass through the Temple Mire...

Well, here we have a superbly crafted temple level that doesn't involve jumping over spikes stuck to the floor! Excellent use of decorations and materials, unique platforming elements and a few great puzzles thrown in to boot! I'm looking forward to the next instalment!

Holguin86

What really impressed me about these levels is the unique visual style Asbestos101 has managed to create. Eclectic, lush and lovely use of decorations and materials kept me distracted from all the dangers about. Fun platforming in the second level has me really excited to see where this new series is headed!

Morgana25

These 2 levels are the start of what appears to be an excellent series. The 'quest for fun' is an entertaining 'scientific' journey across various lands to discover what fun really is. asbestos has got a really good eye for a puzzle, and sections which appear to be straight forward actually require a little bit of thought before they become passable. He uses the 3D glitch constantly but subtley which gives a tremendous feeling of depth without being overpowering. The characterisation is excellent, the materials and shapes are well chosen and constructed. A quick glance at the screenshots will show you how much visual talent this creator has. The levels are short, but leaving the player wanting more is always a good choice. I certainly want more!

TheAdipose and Clarie

LBW5 - Zombification by OneEyedBanshee/OneEyedBanshee

Survive a zombie horde as long as you can.

There have been a lot of zombie survival levels out there but there's just something about this one. The camera placement is dramatic and the play area is decorated with just the right balance of eye candy and practical openings to see those brain craving monsters coming at you from all three layers and both sides! Additionally the headshot requirement and the fact that your toast no matter what layer the zombie that gets you is in make it very challenging!

Morgana25

Since the release of LBP, people have tried to make challenging zombie survival levels, but I’ve certainly never played anything that even comes near to the precision of this level. How long can you fight off these well designed zombies, and will you be the one to get that difficult high score? Definitely not one for the faint of heart.

Coxy224

Zimbonia by xX-Delirium-Xx/xX-Delirium-Xx

The king of the skeletons has gone insane and wants to turn you in to a yummy poptart! Can you stop King Bonie?

Witty dialogue and character design elevate this level from enjoyable to memorable. You have to see the wonderfully rendered skeletons and marvel at how they move in the level. Fans of pop tarts should probably check this out too. Silly and creepy all at the same time!

Morgana25

Funny and scary in equal measures, this Halloween themed level is great fun, if not exactly seasonal. A mix of green ghosts and skeletons will keep you on your toes throughout, culminating in an impressive boss. This level makes use of the whole playing field, so expect to traverse vertically as well as horizontally in your quest to save your fleshy people from becoming pop tarts. Sounds a bit strange? Well in the best possible way, it is.

TheAdipose and Clarie

Here lies a level with charm, humour and excellent platforming. Travel your way through the beautiful Zimbonia, a land inhabited by skeletons that are willing to give you a helping hand to reach places. The integration of skeletons within this level is outstanding, making this a level for Halloween freaks and LBP players alike!

Coxy224

Temple Of The Ages by Dan930930/Dan930930

Journey through an ancient, perilous temple full of traps and scary contraptions. Solve the mystery of this timeless temple! 1 Player Preferred due to lag.

Short but very very sweet, this level packs a punch! The obstacles feel fresh and new and are just the right difficulty. The corner editor has been used very well here, really giving the impression that you're running through an aged temple. The decorations and little details also give an LBPized impression of realism. Excellent stuff!

Holguin86

Sackboy sized corridors, rooms and obstacles make this temple an adventure that's just the right size. Great materials add texture and dramatic lights add pops of pretty color to this level full of spikes, swings and fire. It won't take you ages to finish it but the time you'll spend in it is very rewarding.

Morgana25

This is by no means the first temple level to grace the LBPC showcase, but it is certainly worth a play. Dan930930 integrates his materials beautifully and creates a temple with depth and atmosphere. It's a dangerous quest you are about to embark on, and it will test your timing skills no end, but don't give up because rewards are plentiful.

TheAdipose and Clarie

Ah the temple, nearly every creator ever has made one in some form, but there is rarely one as good as this. Platforming goodness through winding pathways to reach the much sought stash of gold. This may be similar in theme and plot, but this is near the top of of my list of the best temples! That's an achievement!

killzonequinn07

Roller INC by comphermc/comphermc

You've been sent to downsize Roller INC, but one old man is not going down without a fight. Watch your step as Roland has turned Roller INC into a veritable death trap! This level is very hard, so you will get the best experience if playing alone.

Oh my ... this level is very tricky, but boy are you treated with some awesome gameplay here! You'll need nimble sackfeet to navigate through this plethora of plasmafied pitfalls - that is, if you're not distracted by some sweet visuals along the way! Great platforming, great look, great boss - what more could you ask for?

Holguin86

Comphermc makes players earn their eye candy in this nail biting and tightly wound level. Precision and timing are the key along with patience, skill and observation. Give it the time and attention it deserves and you'll be rewarded. Play it like a regular level and you'll be ready to throw your controller in a barrel! It's one of my favorite levels of all time, from LBPC's resident mod with mad creation skills.

Morgana25

I like to complete a level before I’ve left a comment for it, and I almost wasn’t able to complete this in time to do it. Brutally hard but totally rewarding, hop, jump and you’re your way through this level before confronting a beastly boss. Good luck to all who attempt this.

Coxy224

Complete epicness in one level. Simple as that really. Mind boggling challenges involving rollers nearly cause you to get dizzy, but it's all worth it as this incredible level is probably the most fun you will ever have on the playstation 3.

killzonequinn07

Post-apocalyptic 2 by anpostteller/anpostteller

Picking up right where part one left off, Post-apocalyptic 2 continues the fight against the hostile machines in this explosive and action packed epic.

The master of the explosion is back with a sequel to his imersive level Post-apocalyptic. More awesome lighting, more brilliant sound design, and more crazy good 3D glitch work. The price for all this eye candy means it's a short but very sweet level!

Morgana25

I never thought that I would describe a shooting level as ‘pretty’, but that is exactly what this one is, as it somehow manages to merge the drab grey apocalypse with some rather beautiful lighting effects. This level is dramatic and fast paced, but in contrast with other shooters it is also fair, as the hit points are set at a realistic level and it rewards fast footwork and timing.

TheAdipose and Clarie

If you’ve played the first, you know what to expect here – beautiful lighting, excellent material usage and amazing visuals, all coupled with fun, albeit simple, gameplay. Don’t expect it to last long, but savour every minute of this masterpiece.

Coxy224

Rarely a level comes along that makes you stop and say "wow" to be put in a lighter way. Visual perfection makes up for the shortness of this level and it really amazes you how intricate the detail is, from the brilliant explosions to the tiny sparks floating into the sky. I said it before and I'll say it again. Wow!

killzonequinn07

Meerkat Pirate Island by GoreLoke/GoreLoke

You start off on the shore of "Meerkat Pirate Island," an island inhabited by mysterious Meerkats. In order to stay on their beautiful Island you are forced to beat their challange (race). You jump, swing, and swim your way to the finish line to find a plethora of Meerkat Pirates awaiting your arrival. The leader Meerkat congratulates you on your victory and invites you to their feast.

More fun platforming with a sense of humor is on display in this sequel, Adorable and seemlinly harmless merkat's populate this world full of fun challenges to take on. Can you beat the clock and prove your choice material? Check it out and bring the catsup!

Morgana25

What I love about this level is that it takes the failsafe water themes and music, and manages to make them look and feel really fresh and new again. The platforming is fun and pitched at a good accessible level, yet it has sufficient challenging moments throughout to please the most nimble of sackboys.

TheAdipose and Clarie

Sleep Teleportation is no Laughing Matter by Nuffles/Nuffles

Sackboy has a serious medical condition that causes him to teleport during sleep.

What dreams to sackboys have? When they have sleep teleportation it seems they go to wonderfully blue worlds full of lovely lights and plenty of danger. Experience this serene and interactive level from Nuffles and feel refreshed in the morning.

Morgana25

It’s hard to tell at times whether this Sleep Teleportation is a dream or a nightmare. At first glance you would be forgiven for thinking you are in for a restful snooze, with calming lights and serene music, but watch your step because this dream world is not quite as… dreamy…. as it first seems. I would also advise that you don’t play this when you are actually sleepy, because you will need to do some very hard thinking to wake up from this one.

TheAdipose and Clarie

Wooden Platforms by ferrrch/ferrrch

This level i based on a pure platform gaming experience only made of wood and some glass. I hope you enjoy this level a lot. For making this level i had to use aya's thermometer tutorial because my level got overheated. In this level you can see a nice combination of lights.

Great platforming elements and that ticking race clock keep the pace of this level just right as you manoeuvre past swinging platforms, spiked traps and jetpack tunnels. Score bubble placement keeps you hunting for combos (and can often punish you for being too greedy!) The lighting is very clever too. An all round fun level.

Holguin86

If warm wood tones, soft glowing firelight and minimal shapes are your thing, check out this level from ferrrch. Easy to moderate in difficulty it reminds me of the simply designed but solid and fun platform levels from the early days of LBP. A Classic never dies and it's your job to keep your sackboy alive and jumping in this wonderfully woody experience.

Morgana25

This level pretty much does what it says on the tin, and goes to prove that less really can be more when it come to materials. The glass and wood combination works nicely together and so does the lighting. However don’t let that distract you, there are also many spiky perils ahead of you so be on your guard for this fun platformer.

TheAdipose and Clarie

Wooden platforms does exactly what it says on the tin. It's a great platforming level, and it is made out of wood. Clean crisp visuals meets fun and intriguing gameplay makes this level all it needs to be; an enjoyable experience. What more do you want?

killzonequinn07

Ghost of Sparta - The final showdown by kn0cked-0ut/kn0cked-0ut

The ending of my series, hope you enjoyed it! Get ready for one last fight against the god of the underworld. Lets see if you come out alive...

The journey is at an end and what an end it is! A boss battle as big as hell itself awaits players who venture into this level. Multiple stages you need to pay attention and think through if you want to win the day. Limited life checkpoints really put the pressure on too. Think you have what it takes to bring down the god of the underworld?

Morgana25

We finally reach the end of this compelling and genius saga, but after this tense, giant boss battle you’ll be begging for more. The pressure truly is on now as you look to destroy the lord of the underworld in this beautiful level. It’s time to become a hero….

Coxy224

Dragons of Myth: Iceland by Morgana25/Morgana25

This level is a continuation of my Dragons of Myth series. This chapter takes you to Iceland where you'll find characters from Norse mythology.

It's always exciting to see what world Morgana will light up next, and this beautiful depiction of Iceland is no disapointment. Starting you off gently, she guides you through some of the prettiest cold spots I have ever seen. The mythological characters are a sight to behold, and as the pace of the level builds and builds you will be treated to some excellent winter fun.

TheAdipose and Clarie

You should all know what to expect from Morgana’s levels by now – an epic tale, enough lights to keep false daylight for the whole of America, and a level of amazing proportions. You get all of that and more as you travel to Iceland in this latest instalment of Morgana’s Dragons of Myth series, and you’ll be glad you turned your PS3 on to play it as you struggle through the platforming and eventually make it to a superb ending.

Coxy224

Also from the Showcase...
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!

• Cool visuals and neat glitch work is on display in Ultimate Reality by XVoodeedooX
• LBP Game Changers - Rank 3 - River Rush! by Richasackboy: for solid gameplay and nice visuals.
• Impressive engineering and very MechWarrior feeling action in SackMech series by Jirugameshi
• Catch this up and coming level designer before everyone else does with The Hero Chronicles LV2: Twilight Towers by JustinArt.

PSP Spotlight
Boot Camp by The Forgotten/Jysgdcv

Journey through the army's new training course. Avoid rifle fire, drive an army truck and get through the obstacle course in time! (watch video)

The Forgotten brings us a level that, ironically, we won't soon forget. Outstanding corner editing, memorable characters, and excellent visual tricks make this grungy military obstacle course shine. Run, jump, drive, and dodge as you go for the best time. I said MOVE IT soldier!

Taffey

War is a terrible, terrible thing - and so are most of the levels named 'Boot Camp' that you'll find on the community moon (just try, there are LOADS!) but luckily The Forgotten has managed to win himself a mention in dispatches for this distinguished level. Just remember that PSN: Jysgdcv (v. memorable) because you seriously won't want to miss this one.

salieri

Okay all you maggots! You’re in the army now, and it’s your job to power through this clever assault course by The Forgotten. And if you don’t five stars and heart then you’ll be kicked out – because this level is an amazing example of a race level.

Coxy224

Flat Down Journey by Spark151/Spark151

Wake up... Wake up... What happened to you? Where's Kent? (Part 2 of Journey)

It's always a good day when a level from Spark151 shows up in the Level Showcase. Continue the sci fi saga from Solid Journey as you explore alien worlds and delve sprawling caverns in this undeniably excellent off-planet adventure. Do I have something stuck on my visor? Oh, it's a giant alien.

Taffey

Lil' Racer by VelcroJonze/VelcroJonze

It ain't the Indy 500.

VelcroJonze wows us again doing what he does best. Available in both frantic race gate and slow scenic stroll versions, Lil' Racer is one level I just keep coming back to for my daily fix of platforming perfection. Slick gameplay and clean visuals round out this short but spectacular experience. The Indy 500 only wishes it had bubble chains like this.

Taffey

Race levels aren’t rare on PSP, but ones as well designed as this one certainly are. With arrows pointing you in the right direction, you’d think this would be easy, but to truly hit the high score you’ll have to hone all your skills in this corner editing masterpiece.

Coxy224

Rust Over & Die by carlosgrss/CARLOSGRSS

YEARS have passed. In a surreal world full of Greed & Hate... Rust Over & Die. Humanity Vanished... You are a mere Sack puppet. Hope lies with you. It's Time. (watch video)

Abstract meets awesome in this latest creation from the always-impressive carlosgrss. By the time you reach the scoreboard you'll have enjoyed acres of scenery, miles of backtracking, and one very talkative rock. Dark, industrial tones combined with deliciously wicked platforming round out this epic experience. Say hi to the rock for me, will you?

Taffey

This level is one of the longest levels on the PSP, and it’s all due to some excellent planning and loads of backtracking. In a level GrantosUK would be proud of, you’ll traverse an open world moving obstacles and flying through challenges. Believe me, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Coxy224

In a cross-platform reference that few will understand, you'll be left asking "Who is GrantosUK"? I don't really know but this is a pretty excellent level so I'm sure he'd have every right to be proud. (...sorry GrantosUK)

salieri

PSP Spotlight Special Feature: Survival

There's been so many PSP survival levels lately, we gave them their own section! We've hand picked the very best survival challenges from the past month and featured them here for you to enjoy.

Air Raid by Captain Rule/Captain-Rule

"Bomb survival" at its best! Protect your freshly washed cars from the inevitable.

Having apparently peered into my very soul, Captain-Rule has created a masterpiece survival challenge themed around my own personal deepest, darkest fear. Tears of laughter build up almost as quickly as the point bubbles as you scramble to protect your beloved fleet from a particularly poopy predicament. Time to buy stock in umbrellas.

Taffey

This level is both humorous and at the same time lays down some fantastic ideas, executed in a fantastic manner. You must stop any bird poo reaching your cars, but this becomes much harder when bombs begin to drop. Difficult, but very rewarding, you’ll be coming back to this for a long time.

Coxy224

Botafumeiro by salieri/SalieriAAX

Collect benedictions while avoiding the mighty swinging thurible - Botafumeiro. (watch video)

Wikipedia to the rescue! Learn what the Botafumeiro is, what it does, and why it makes such a fun survival challenge. Spectacular visuals and addictive gameplay combine to create a truly enlightening experience. I've never had this much fun being pummeled by a religious artifact.

Taffey

Botafumeiro. It’s hard to say, but incredibly fun to play. This challenge is amazing visually and no less fantastic in the gameplay department. Avoid the swinging danger by grabbing the “safe zones”, but you’ll also have to make a break for it if you want points!

Coxy224

Frostbite by Fastbro/Fastbro

You are a Space soldier located on the Great Mars Base. Your crazed Sergeant has ordered you to enter the crate dispatching room. How long can you survive? (watch video)

Ice-covered crates? Check. Electrified conveyor belt? Check. Mentally unstable leadership figure on an alien world ordering you to your eventual death? Check. This maddeningly addictive survival challenge is a great example of a simple concept executed perfectly. Looks easy, you say? Just try and get the top score. I dare you.

Taffey

I heard the cursing all the way from Taffey’s house when he was playing this, but it wasn’t enough to stop me continuously coming back for more and more of this genius survival challenge. The premise is simple, but it’s nigh-on impossible to reach the top scores, but such is the mark of an excellent survival challenge.

Coxy224

In Search of Idols by Coxy224/Coxy224

Travel to a distant rainforest/ruin and try to score as high as possible with a single life! Find as many idols as you can, and grab them for more points. (watch video)

It's a platformer! It's a survival challenge! It's..... In Search of Idols. Avoid hazards by the bushel and seek out hidden idols in this brutal-but-brilliant creation by Coxy224. Watch your step and keep an eye on that score multiplier as you try to make it to the end in just one life. Ah, it hurts so good.

Taffey

They say that the devil makes work for idol... uh... Unlike my consistently false-starting attempts at punning proverbs, Coxy224's survival challenge actually goes somewhere. Yes, no longer confining you to a single screen or room, Coxy takes the survival challenge out of the box like a really original cat letting the level out of the bag before it's hatched. But take care, because pride comes before a grizzly, spiky death and a score bubble in the hand is worth 10 points.

salieri

Love Lost Sonata by jeffcu28/jeffcu28

This is a tale of lost love. A bride abandoned at the altar haunts her mansion, awaiting the return of her lover for revenge. With an assault to anyone who enters her sorrowful estate, will you survive her disembodied wrath? (watch video)

Who says a survival challenge can't have an epic introduction, a compelling story, and even its very own theatrical trailer? jeffcu28, that's who. Do your Last Dance on a pendulous chandelier, but remember: LBP has no fury like a spectral bride-to-be scorned. With that I'm all out of fancy words, so stop reading and go play this level now!

Taffey

There’s no love lost for Jeff after he’s created this excellent survival challenge, in fact he’s going to be loved even more! A twisting tale of death and sorrow accompanies this frantic challenge, but how long can you survive before the widow gets you?

Coxy224

Magical Forest (Survival Challenge) by ali985/Alismuffin

It seems that oh so generous wizard has given all his bubbles away and he needs them for a magical spell. Now he could get the fairies to help, but they're just trouble makers. So he's called upon all sackfolk to venture through the forest in search of bubbles. How much can you gather? (watch video)

Alismuffin's ever-popular Magical Forest now comes in survival challenge flavor! Help your pal the wizard collect score bubbles in a beautiful never ending forest that's a real treat to get lost in. Wait, is that the same tree I just saw a minute ago? I could swear I'm going in circles.

Taffey

You know that dream where the wizard makes you run around the ball of trees to your inevitable death? This is similar, but much more fun.

salieri

Remember that dream where you forgot your trousers? This level is much, much better! Run around and around trying to keep gaining score bubbles, but watch out for bombs as they can end the level for you in this stunning challenge.

Coxy224

One Way Ticket by Bovrillor/Bovrillor

Stay on the train and catch the falling score bubbles... Better look out for overhanging branches too! It's all about the High Score! (watch video)

Board the cutest little train you've ever seen and go for a dizzying ride around a very little (big) planet. Hop between the cars and collect floating point bubbles on your journey to sheer pandemonium. Next time I'm buying a ticket for a seat INSIDE!

Taffey

A new experience both for the PSP and this whole spotlight is encompassed in one of the cutest survival challenges I’ve ever played. Travel around on top of a train and collected points until you are knocked from the roof. A simple premise that leaves for hours of fun.

Coxy224

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!

• A broken toy gains a whole new purpose in Silver 39_7's Turbo! Pack themed Circuitball.
• Check out the excellent control scheme on a side-scrolling spacecraft shooter Spok22 calls simply Level 1.
• Pigs will fly before you find a more charming challenge than famouscustard's Pork Chop. (watch video)

[Plasmavore]

Great choice of levels again spotlight team! *thanks*

[VelcroJonze]

Wow!! Thank you so much for this great honor spotlight team, you guy's are so awesome!!!

Huge congratulations to the other spotlighted levels and their creators.

[Coxy224]

Phew, this was a really big one for me - PSP and ps3 - now I know how Morgana feels!

Lovely levels, I enjoyed every last one of them, special thanks to the spotlight crew for spotlighting my level too

[Morgana25]

Congratulations creators! Lots of great levels this time around. Keep 'em coming!

@ The crew - thanks for including my level It's an honor to be selected and it's much appreciated!

[OneEyedBanshee]

Hah thank you so much for that, really kind of you. Is it me or is there a tonne of levels this time round? Great work everyone be sure to check out the ones I haven't played yet when I get a chance. Gonna kill Frogboy for that top score it's freakin' impossible to beat! Cheers again spotlight crew!!

[Taffey]

Congrats creators! There seemed to be no end to the awesome levels this time around - I am officially suffering from fun overload.

Great job everyone!

[AbstractSam]

Congratulations.

[Joruto]

Yay Asbestos101 u rock!!!
And *Cof* I tested Seeking The Meaning *Cof*

[Gilgamesh•]

Wow, some really great looking levels both on the PS3 and PSP side of things. Congratulations to all of the spotlighted creators, I'll be sure to check all of these levels out.

A big thanks to the spotlight team for their continued dedication and diligence, and also thanks for the honorable mention.

I would like to ask a small favor of the creators if I could. If you could capture your level key and put it in a prize bubble somewhere at the end of your level, that would really help to get some momentum for an idea I've been working on, which I think could benefit the LBP community greatly if it takes off : http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/sho...idea-Share-Key

Don't feel obligated to participate, but I would be really grateful if you do. In return, I'll try to set up a PSN to publish a level containing all of the level keys I collect here. Unless there are any objections of course.

[jump_button]

not had alot of time to play this week will have to jump into them all

[Silver39]

Fantastic selection as usual. And so diverse, too, it appeals to many. I see a few I'm gonna check out for sure.

[famouscustard]

Thanks for the Nod! Thanks as well for all your hard work, you guys do a great job

[Emogotsaone]

Nice spotlight! I was kinda expecting my Pinball Survival to be up there though... Guess i have to keep trying.

[piggabling]

Nice picks spotlight crew! A pleasure to look through!

Congrats to all the spotlighted levels and creators! Always well-deserved :]