The Shining Clock tower of Dreams

[Laharl]

The Shining Clock tower of Dreams by LaharlKun
This is my very first "serious" level, where I spent many sleepless hours working on it. You are about to embark on a journey through a clock tower, where dreams become real, and the sky is the limit. Wander through the dreams of others, as you explore this ethereal dreamscape of wonder. This stage is best played with 1-2 players.

While this was created by me, it need be said that AeroForce22 helped so much, that he may as well be a co-creator. Also, this stage is very reliant upon the text. Please be sure to read all of it to get the full experience of the level.

I will do my best to F4F, but I am only available on weekends. I apologize if I do not get to you right away. Please enjoy the level!

Welcome to the Tower

A bit of machinery

A mysterious voice...

Dive into the dreamscape...

In the ethereal, anything is possible...

Even 2x Players is possible.
Special thanks:
Yarudark/Silverleon: For your inspirational speech you gave me, when all hope was lost. I was honestly going to give up on creating ever again. Your words still ring in my ears, and if it weren't for you, this level wouldn't even be here. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

AeroForce22: You probably could have been doing a lot of other things, but instead you opted to help me with my stage, and deal with every single noobish mistake I made. I think 40% of the time I was creating this stage, you were there

Morgana25: For existing. What, that's not good enough? Alright XD. I'm including you because your levels inspired me to continue my work! What more of a reason for a thank than that? You also happen to be my LBP Idol

Last but not least, jump_button: Ever since I first played your levels, I was wowed for weeks. All I could think about was those stages, and how much I loved them. You're probably the biggest inspiration I've ever had on LBP. You're the greatest person I've never met :P

[shawneboi]

...ok...i couldn't finish the level...im sure its possible...but after spending about 10 minutes on one obstacle i had to give up. The area where you are on the spinning cogs trying to get through the electrified metal...the cogs are too big and too slow. I kept hitting the side while holding onto the spinner trying to get the momentum...and the speed was not enough to get up to the next cog. And when i finally did get up...i was just swung into the side again by the following cog...which im sorry to say pushed me over the edge. I'm not usually one to quit...i enjoy a challenge...but this one was a little bit frustrating.

Sorry

Shawn

[Laharl]

You actually aren't supposed to use the momentum on that part. They move slow so you can stand on top of them and jump to the next cog. However, I'll fix this, as this was not immediately obvious.

Edit: The section with the cogs and electricity has now been fixed so that you can use momentum to reach the top. I have tested each cog to make sure you cannot get zapped while holding on to them, or squished by the side wall. Thanks for the feedback!

[Grim-421]

I really enjoyed this level. The idea was great and the narrative was excellent to help along story. The criticism I have is against visual of the tower. it is relatively simple with the only material used is the rusty metal. Although things brighten up as you enter the dream portion. "Lighting the way with paint" was shear genius. I don't know if that has ever been used before but that was definately my favorite part and earns your level and a .

P.S. I managed to make gears that interlock and don't break! U can find them as the level completion reward for my level series http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/sho...on-Devastation
Please try it and tell me what you think. Thanks!

[Laharl]

I really enjoyed this level. The idea was great and the narrative was excellent to help along story. The criticism I have is against visual of the tower. it is relatively simple with the only material used is the rusty metal. Although things brighten up as you enter the dream portion. "Lighting the way with paint" was shear genius. I don't know if that has ever been used before but that was definately my favorite part and earns your level and a .

P.S. I managed to make gears that interlock and don't break! U can find them as the level completion reward for my level series http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/sho...on-Devastation
Please try it and tell me what you think. Thanks!

Thanks for the feedback! I'll get to your level shortly.

This is where I struggle the most, is visuals ^^ I couldn't think of what other material to use :/ I actually posted a thread on that issue. Do you have any suggestions of how I could go about improving the visuals? What materials to use, etc.?

[AeroForce22]

Hey Larharl. ^o^ Once I can get this level to load (lol) I'll play through it with all the new additions you made after I left last night and I'll let you know what I think. So far, yes, there are visual issues but there isn't much you can honestly do about that since the majority of the level is...well, one object. xD

If it's the way I remember, I'd probably rate it with because the gameplay and story were good. ^o^ Just visuals need work and I'm sure in your future levels you'll definitely see them progress (I certain do every level I make).

(And there's no need for crediting me. xD I only did a few minor things. ^o^)

[Grim-421]

Well the first thing I recommend is that you never have the walls, ground, floor, and ceiling, the same material. here are some quick example i made to help me explain.

Here is close to what you used for the tower. Notice how the walls connect to the cieling and floor. this makes a very amateurish and simple feel to it.


Now here you can see that every part of the area is made of a different material. Even though they are different it still keeps the theme of the tower. Notice that the third level is unacessable. This adds a layer of depth then just having all three walls open.

(Materials used: Floor-Concrete, Background-Brown rusted metal, Ceiling-Weathered wood, Pillars-Grey rusted metal)


Lighting is very important to set the mood. You did very well with that but there is a next step. This lighting is unimportant for the level but helps to show the background and cogs that are important for your level. Also notice the use of the vent decoration.



Stickers are also very important but way more subtle. Look in the previous picture at the crack that adds realism. My favorite stickers are the ones under realistic because they are so flexable to use. look at this shot of the floor where I spammed the black smuge sticker.


i hoped this helps. just play a lot of levels and notice the subtle but important features that creates the setting.

[Laharl]

@Aero: You're more than deserving of your spot as co-creator

@Grim: Ohh...I see. That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the help! I'll certainly keep that in mind. Oh and, I am actually an amateur at making stages ^^

[L1GhTmArE]

The Goods:
+ The intro is good. Feels like your inside of a clock
+ The spinning cog area is fun! Spinning is always good. Also you cameras were spot on until the top.
+ Level's very atmospheric. It sucks you into the level.
+ Dialogue is excellent. I was drawn into the script. (is the narrator(?) supposed to be god or the spirit of time or something?
+ Dream area is very good. The sideways trees were brilliant if you read the dialogue before hand.

Improvements:
- You need a custom level badge! It'll bring alot more plays if you do.
- I think you need a cutscene right after the intro because I thought there was more but I ran right off the edge XD
- The top of the spinning cog area in the beginning need a a camera. I could barely see I had to throw myself over there.
- The large spinning sponge need a camera pointing to where to land at. Couldnt see where to go. Its right after the moon/earth section.
- Also needs a checkpoint in the same section. If you die you have to walk all the way back.
- more decorations. some areas looked bare.

This level was awesome! Do you right plays or scripts? If anyone is reading this, this is a must play for people who like story driven levels. The gameplay is pretty good, too. I gave it 5 stars and a definately and a Moody tag. Im glad I played this level. Ill have my friend sabre_ to play it as well since he loves scripted levels. if you need help with a level badge I could give some assistance

[Laharl]

The Goods:
+ The intro is good. Feels like your inside of a clock
+ The spinning cog area is fun! Spinning is always good. Also you cameras were spot on until the top.
+ Level's very atmospheric. It sucks you into the level.
+ Dialogue is excellent. I was drawn into the script. (is the narrator(?) supposed to be god or the spirit of time or something?
+ Dream area is very good. The sideways trees were brilliant if you read the dialogue before hand.

Improvements:
- You need a custom level badge! It'll bring alot more plays if you do.
- I think you need a cutscene right after the intro because I thought there was more but I ran right off the edge XD
- The top of the spinning cog area in the beginning need a a camera. I could barely see I had to throw myself over there.
- The large spinning sponge need a camera pointing to where to land at. Couldnt see where to go. Its right after the moon/earth section.
- Also needs a checkpoint in the same section. If you die you have to walk all the way back.
- more decorations. some areas looked bare.

This level was awesome! Do you right plays or scripts? If anyone is reading this, this is a must play for people who like story driven levels. The gameplay is pretty good, too. I gave it 5 stars and a definately and a Moody tag. Im glad I played this level. Ill have my friend sabre_ to play it as well since he loves scripted levels. if you need help with a level badge I could give some assistance

Wow, I couldnt help but smile and laugh as I read that. You give me too much credit I don't write professionally, but it is something I've looked into. Writing is a hobby of mine that I've had since I was 6. I'm always writing short stories, and coming up with them. It's my dream to write and publish a book. I'm more of a word artist than a visual artist if you can't tell xP

Also, I'd appreciate it if you could help me with making a personal sticker! That would be very helpful. I actually...don't know what to make XD Oh and thanks so much for the feedback! I'll go fix those problems right away!

[L1GhTmArE]

Yes! I loved the plot twist. I loved the whole script. If your level was this good then I know your book would be. Also I found 1 secret in the tree area. Very clever . As for the badge I think I have something in mind I can make.

[Laharl]

Hehe, there are actually 4 secrets, 3 of them can be done with one player, but the other one requires 2 See if you can find them all....

[TheAdipose]

Good level. luos, clarie and I played through last night. Gameplay and variety is excellent, but the visuals are holding you back. I liked all the cogs and objects, but there were a lot of bland walls. consider varying your textures or putting crack stickers and stuff like that around. Even simple things like borders or strips through textures can make a big difference.
Clarie was especially a big fan of the level. the b&w stuff made a good contrast too. Keep creating - and if you have the thermo - redo this level. It definately has spotlight potential with a re-edit.
adi

[Laharl]

Good level. luos, clarie and I played through last night. Gameplay and variety is excellent, but the visuals are holding you back. I liked all the cogs and objects, but there were a lot of bland walls. consider varying your textures or putting crack stickers and stuff like that around. Even simple things like borders or strips through textures can make a big difference.
Clarie was especially a big fan of the level. the b&w stuff made a good contrast too. Keep creating - and if you have the thermo - redo this level. It definately has spotlight potential with a re-edit.
adi

Sp-spotlight!? Surely you jest! I'm just an amateur. Theres no way this could be spotlight material....^^ I mean...wow. *is at a loss for words* Thanks so much for the feedback! I dunno what to say other than I'll be sure to go make things more visually pleasing!!

[Puffi1182]

Nice work,
I love the story. It´s like a movie...great.
You have also some great special effect there.

4 Stars and a heart

Please play one of my level, too.

The Evil Pyramid is part 4 and Mystery Castle part 5 of my adventure series

Mystery Castle
http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/sho...Mystery-Castle

The Evil Pyramid
http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/sho...e-Evil-Pyramid