Killer Castleby ZackyFun: 6 out of 10Comments: I will thank you for this- you followed the rules and did it right. You did a simple, pure platformer and didn't break any of the rules while still bringing a SMB sort of Castle Nostalgia. So why is the score lower than expected?
Well, really, it's because there's such a thing as too simple and too run of the mill, and that, unfortunately, is what plagues this level. The platforming is too simple; nothing makes it stand out. You have highlights in the last metal section and the maze, but overall it's simply mediocre with qualities that are too simple and too commonplace.
Graphics: 3.5 out of 5Comments: Well, as before, they aren't overly nice, but you do avoid pitfalls of cutoff and it looks decent, especially in SMB influences.
Other: 2.5 out of 5Comments: There is lag in some parts of the level, mainly ones with coin containing breakable blocks that are unnecessary. It's not catastrophic but it is annoying, of about 11FPS. Those blocks are unnecessary, so it's a big inconvenience that could have been avoided with coinless breakables or plain blocks. -1
You did incorporate a moving block without creating machinery. A nice touch. +.5
Overall: 12 out of 20Ruling: It was much too plain, but it is a well constructed level, with little lag, SMB influences and obedience to the rules.
Platform Hillsby mushroomarioFun: 7 out of 10Comments: It wasn't remarkable, but it was good. You had nice platforming, which is essential. However, it didn't flow well and it wasn't memorable. When you're competing in a competition, you need to be memorable.
Graphics: 3 out of 5Comments: It was somewhat plain in graphics and tiling, and the flow wasn't great, but it looked nice, with balanced vegetation and other such things.
Other: 2 out of 5Comments: The whole level lagged somewhat, with 10-12FPS. This could have been avoided with a level transition, which would have gone perfectly in the middle. -1
Overall: 12 out of 20It wasn't the best you could have put forward, and it lagged, but it was clean with good platforming.
Molta Tunnelsby KaryeteFun: 7.5 out of 10Comments: I think you had inspired platforming, if not unforgettable. I liked the elements of the level, sort of a cross between SMW's Vanilla Cove and SM63's Hazy Maze Cave but still original. Like I said though, not the best it could have been. Just that little extra oomph would have helped.
Graphics: 4 out of 5Comments: The graphics were nice. Good tile work, although a little more vegetation would have helped. There were some bland spots though.
Other: -1 out of 5 (I hate having to do that)
Comments: You broke the rules two times. The first was your usage of signs- they did point out locations but locations didn't mean a thing in this level. It was useless and not according to rules. -1.5
Also, there were two shine sprites and- I think- multiple paths. Not cool. -1.5
Aaaaaand apparently the start position was off. -1
Overall: 10.5 out of 20Ruling: If you had followed the rules, you may have stood a chance. But you didn't, so you probably won't.
Blocky!by JSlayerXeroFun: 5.5 out of 10Comments: I really wanted to love this level. But it wasn't as great as I expected. The platforming peaked in some places and was frightfully bland in others. The breakable block maze was a bad idea- it's been done a million times and made it lag like hell. Overall, it needed originality- this is faceless in its worst parts.
Graphics: 3.5 out of 5Comments: Nothing fancy, but that was somewhat the point- it looks and feels like SMB underground in places. Nice job.
Other: 1.5 out of 5Comments: Really bad lag by the breakable block maze and bad lag in others. I don't want my computer crashed.
Overall: 10.5 out of 20Ruling: If you had worked on making it more original and less laggy, you would have done better.
Easy as ABCby DoramFun: 9 out of 10Comments: Ah, here we go. This level was definitely crafted by someone who loves platforms. It wasn't entirely original, but it was fun. The block crusher was very reminiscent of Valley Of Bowser 2 in SMW (sic- right level?) and the Pipe Maze? Ingenious. I loved that to death. It was such a great, organized twist on the pipe maze where you just randomly choose between pipes. People need to take notes on that.
Graphics: 4 out of 5Comments: For the most part, it looked great. Your tiling was excellent in places and, again, the pipe maze was gorgeous. However, the cave was a definite weak spot. The tiling was at its best, if not too geometric instead of natural, but the detailing was almost nonexistent. I don't mean shower it with frilly flowers, but put more than one in the entire maze.
Other: 3 out of 5Comments: While not significant, there was lag, and the loading time was somewhat long but it wasn't that laggy, so it's just my computer. -.5
Again, the shout outs to Mario levels did shine through, and I appreciated that. +.5
Overall: 16 out of 20Ruling: You are every bit as much a platformer lover as you state yourself to be, and it showed. It needed a bit here and there, but you're often at top form here.
Follow the Butterfliesby ~MP3 Amplifier~Fun: 8.5 out of 10Comments: Great platforming. I had a lot of fun playing this level, a lot of fun. About the gimmick- I think it was smart to make a gimmick; a lot of levels have them. (I.E. in SMW2-Yoshi's Island, every level had a specific gimmick.) It was incredibly subtle, but nice and intriguing. The platforming, for the most part, is the star though.
Graphics: 4 out of 5Comments: I think the graphics were quite well done- you did the right amount of vegetarian. The tiling was lacking in a few parts, and combined with the beautiful vegetation, looked kind of odd. Butterflies add a nice touch.
Other: 3 out of 5Comments: The level did take a long time to load up, and once crashed Flash. For me, 30 seconds. -.5
However, the level had the least lag thus far out of all the entries. Ran beautifully. +1
The sign is funny in its mistake- it says "Follow the Butterflies" like we didn't already read the title. But it's just funny, no points taken away.
Watch your downward platforming- it's very easy (and I've made that mistake too) to make it so your downward platforming can be skipped over with a well placed fall. -.5
Overall: 15.5 out of 20Ruling: A well done gimmick with great platforming that needed some tiling touchup and a bit of work on making sure it loads well, although that's hard to avoid.
Fire Zoneby NworldsFun: 3 out of 10Comments: This should have been as good as it looked. But the platforming was horribly synched- it was borderline impossible, for me at least, to clear across it, and was overly frustrating. The platforms all sink at the same time, and when that happens, you're effed, because you're stuck in a sea of lava for 10 seconds. The platforming was bad, and it sunk the level. Also too much skelegoonie spam ruined almost every jump I made.
Graphics: 4.5 out of 5Comments: There wasn't much of it, but the graphics looked very good. The cave tiles meshed well, there was enough vegetation, and the tiling itself was great. It looked like a barren fire field.
Other: 3 out of 5Comments: Nothing to add here.
Overall: 10.5 out of 20Ruling: It is an outright shame this level didn't play as well as it looked.
Finisby MessengerOfDreamsFun: 10 out of 10Comments: Obviously, you are a god at levelmaking, sir. Your platforming and reimagining of world 1-1 in a time of crisis was a brilliant one that told a powerful story. It was wonderful.
Graphics: 5 out of 5Comments: ♥♥♥♥ brilliant. The decay is pulled off well and the detailing was balanced with the rocky world.
Other: 5 out of 5Comments: +1 for the gorgeous, impactful music.
+1 Just cause it's so brilliant you deserve a 20.
Overall: 20 out of 20Ruling: You, sir, are truly a revolutionary. Best Level I've ever played
THE ABOVE REVIEW IS A BLATANT TROLLING. DISREGARD IT AND LET ME HAVE MY FUN, DAMMIT. XD
PLEASE DO NOT CALCULATE THIS TO THE REST OF MY SCORES. I KNOW THAT YOU'RE TIRED, BUT STILL, DON'T DO IT. 
OR I'LL... BE SEVERELY ANNOYED!
MoD
The Great Sanctuaryby RepublicFun: 6 out of 10Comments: What you did do right was provide some great challenges, a smooth enough flow, and good ideas without glitching.
What you did wrong was making it very, very, very unneccesarily hard. And I don't mean clever hard. I mean spamming the hell out of the goombas and enemies, making unpassable lava rooms, and platforming that was just stupid fast. Also, I'm not sure how loyal you were to the theme; you did follow most of the rules, but it didn't feel that much like Mario, just another good SM63 complex level, which is often very different.
Graphics: 5 out of 5Comments: However, let's get this straight. The graphics are gorgeous. The observation tower was excellent, the tilework was brilliant, the sanctuary was picture perfect. The graphics were top of the line gorgeous.
Other: 2.5 out of 5Comments: You placed excessive amounts of unnecessary signs. -1.5
The shout out to Ayrayen's level in the pipe section. +1
Overall: 13.5 out of 20Ruling: This is one of the more breathtaking levels I've played in a long time. But you can't neglect gameplay for that, not at all. I had a hard time deciding whether I wanted to keep going or I wanted it to end already.
The Other Side of Forgotten Landby Koopa YoshiFun: 8 out of 10Comments: Some of the platforming was unnecessarily hard and disjointed (meaning that you can't make one jump to another for an unprecedented reason), the majority of the platforming was very skillful and very well done. It was an exciting challenge that I did not expect. Props.
Graphics: 4.5 out of 5Comments: I really liked the bare bones structure of the level- usually that's mediocre to me but you pulled it off in an odd sort of way. The use of the desert structure tiles made the level feel very authentic. I also liked the detailing- the tree with platforms about halfway through was an epic touch.
Other: 3.5 out of 5Comments: I don't think that last sign was necessary. -.5
The music fit the level quite well, I liked it. +1
Overall: 16 out of 20Ruling: This level surprised me in how good it was- it took a little bit of time to see but it really was a great experience.
The Hauntby OranjFun: 8.5 out of 10Comments: You really did a great job at ensnaring me into this level. It felt like a true cave level taken to the next tier. There was some less impressive platforming parts, but some really good platforming, and you just captured how a level should feel.
Graphics: 4 out of 5Comments: There are some clumsy or claustrophobic parts of the level that don't look great, but you captured the essence of a haunting cave, as well as creating a very good castle (although that was where a lot of the claustrophobia took place.)
Other: 3.5 out of 5Comments: There was some incredible lag in the castle, which is a shame. No where else, though. -.5
I have to spoil you with props for the music. It really cemented the atmosphere of the level, and I simply love the track now. Kudos. +1
Overall: 16 out of 20Ruling: I think the level truly captures the theme remarkably. It did need some ironing out and some touch ups in platforming, but overall it was a very well constructed entry.
Progressionby SuperMICFun: 1 out of 10Comments: *sighs* *runs hand through hair and grabs forehead in frustration*
SMIC... what the hell happened? My God... you're one of the best level designers out there at the moment. How did you manage to make this level so bad?
Let's go through the two reasons.
1. The lag was unbearable. I mean, this computer sucks so I can expect 15FPS at average. But my average was 6 and if not 6, 2. That's unplayable. And it was because, for one, you didn't space your level transitions that well at all.
2. Also, the platforming was bad. The jumps didn't connect- for instance, you had a big gap in the koopas, and the only way you could pass was randomly spinning all the way to the left. Like we're supposed to figure that out. And what's worse, you incorporated either typical ideas (super star and breakable floor) or plain LP spam ideas (over bullet bill spam.) It wasn't original, it wasn't entertaining and it didn't even work well.
There were some portions where the platforming counteracted itself. In one part, I was killed by lava, pendulums and two flipping platforms, AT THE SAME TIME! Overall, you didn't prooftest your level to see if your platforming synched and connected, and that destroyed it.
3. Lag. I don't mean subtle lag. 10FPS on a library computer and 2 FPS on a normal computer. No level transitions, really?
Graphics: 1.5 out of 5Comments: Look, just because this is a platformer, doesn't mean that you can simply throw a brick here and there and call it a day. It looks too bare. I can understand coordinated bareness but you have little tile design- there's squares thrown out randomly- and it doesn't look the least bit together. Overall, it doesn't look good at all.
Other: 2 out of 5Comments: There were some useless signs- If I see a line of bullet bills, I'm sure as hell going to avoid them. -1
Overall: 4.5 out of 20Ruling: This was entirely underwhelming. You need to come back next contest with a level up to your capabilities, because I can't believe I have to say SMIC was at the bottom of the pack.
Pyramid Of Timeby paperluigiFun: 4.5 out of 10Comments: You strike me as someone who's grasping how to make good levels, but isn't quite there yet. The platforming was typical fare and not too original, but for what it's worth, not that bad.
Graphics: 2 out of 5Comments: There were smooth lines and there was cutoff, and not that much detailing. And this level needed it.
Other: 3 out of 5Comments: No bugs to point out, or none memorable.
Overall: 9.5 out of 20Ruling: None too remarkable, but it is a good start to a good career.
Grass Zone (Grassy Zone) by Yoshi999Fun: 7.5 out of 10Comments: This was surprisingly a nice play. Not that you're a bad LDer, but that on the surface it doesn't look like much. But you understood a platformer quite well, and I got some distinct SMW vibes through this level. I enjoyed the platforming and the elements, and while it wasn't incredible, I enjoyed it.
Graphics: 3.5 out of 5Comments: It needed just that bit more, but the tilework was nice, and you did add in a respectable amount of detail. Again, it really captured that SMW feel.
Other: 4.5 out of 5Comments: Perhaps the level so far closest to the theme and breaking no rules. +1
That slingshot to the shine sprite was my favorite moment of the levelplaying for some reason, because it really brought a SMW vibe (instead of pipes and the finish line thingy. +.5
Overall: 15.5 out of 20Ruling: It wasn't "wow" but it was "ahh." And by that, I mean, it was a breath of simple, fresh air that truly felt like a platformer.
The Road in the Sky by Nero the DemonSlayerFun: 6 out of 10Comments: Oh ho ho. You sure showed us, didn't you?
But, obviously, this isn't a gamewinner. It's pleasantly simple, but the platforming is typical and just throwing out random clouds doesn't make you a contender. But, yes, it had a simple SMW1 feel and I liked that.
Graphics: 4 out of 5Comments: It isn't exactly sexy, but the simplicity was balanced with nice detailing and lack of cutoff. Well done.
Other: 3 out of 5Comments: Nothing to add, really.
Overall: 13 out of 20Ruling: For five minutes, it was a decent level, but not a true entry for a competition, is it?
Goomba Valley by KingFun: 9.5 out of 10Comments: ...THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT.
Absolutely amazing. I enjoyed it more than I thought I could enjoy a level. I'm just... amazed at the amount of effort you put into the platforming, it felt like true Mario straight from Shigeru (sic) himself. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Graphics: 4.5 out of 5Comments: It looked stunning. It went a bit overboard with detail but not too much, and it avoided any lag, so that's a plus. You knew how to make it look like Mario.
Other: 3 out of 5Comments: No other notes to make here.
Overall: 17 out of 20Ruling: Even if not my highest rated entry, truly the most fun entry I've played thus far.
Danger Prymaid Pt.1 by gmdragon11Fun: 8.5 out of 10Comments: I liked it. It was a solid, well put together pyramid level, which you don't see often enough nowadays. I had a lot of fun traversing it.
Graphics: 4.5 out of 5Comments: Very good graphics. They reminded me of an aspiring Fourinone, as a matter of fact. You're certainly not up to his standards (but only cause he's, like, the god of levelmaking) but you have done a great effort in graphics.
Other: 3.5 out of 5Comments: I'm adding this note in the revisions, but I had a strong urge to replay this level, stronger than anyone else's. That's going to add value to it. +1
Overall: 16.5 out of 20Ruling: It was a nice, respectable effort that shows the skill you carry and shall increase in.
around the world by JellonatorFun: 5 out of 10Comments: On one hand, nice platforming. On the other, you really gotta pay attention to those nuances. Enemy spam, unneccesary FLUDDs, and other little taboo mistakes really bogged it down.
Graphics: 2.5 out of 5Comments: On one hand, it looked relatively nice. On the other, again, the nuances. Bad tile meshing, especially with the snow and cage, floating fludds due to timer bricks, and the goddang little things struck again.
Other: 1 out of 5Comments: You... really gave the desert area no chance to shine. -1
The transitions between worlds had no refinement and was incredibly jarring. Especially from snow to castle. -1
Overall: 8.5 out of 20Ruling: It's a nice enough level. It just got completely screwed by little details that you need to pay attention to.
Classic Mario, Revamped by MystFun: 9 out of 10Comments: I'm most certainly not being biased here- I immensely enjoyed this level. You really nailed it. The platforming was brilliant and it felt like a plethora of Mario games influencing the level- the flagpole and dynamic of SMB, the bonus pipe of SMW/SMB3 (I could give you a whole sphiel on how happy I was to see that) to the sort of Cosmic Witch type guide of SMG2- it was a tribute masterpiece.
Graphics: 4.5 out of 5Comments: When you said you knew nothing about the level designer and asked me the most simple questions that had me facepalming... I was certainly not expecting this. Did Ven help you, Mysti? :3 Because this looks absolutely amazing. The tiling is top notch, the atmosphere is top notch and the detailing is brilliant. I am deducting half a point because there was a bit of disorganization and the tile work of the bonus room is incomplete and you can see the outside. But nothing major.
Other: 3.5 out of 5Comments: Now this caused a bit of debate between all of us- the sign guide. I, on one hand, loved it, but Volcove pointed out that you may have been a bit unnecessary on some of the instructions. I was a bit torn as to what to do, but we let it slide, as it is instructions, and I will go out on a limb and give you kudos for the incorporation. It feels so much like a real game with that quirky, lovable, daredevil, concerned, refusing to make a maze pun guide helping you through it. Like a first Mario level to a game. +1
However, it still can be "construed as plot," as Doram says. So, -.5
Overall: 17 out of 20Ruling: It's simply marvelous. You didn't blow out, you kept it simple, heartwarming and classic. A treat for Mario fans. (And seriously, Ven was DRIVING you somewhere when you made this?)
Realm of the Heavens by VolcoveFun: 9 out of 10Comments: I have... a powerful attachment to this level. It's simply amazing, and for once, half of the fun comes from the concept in itself. In this level, you introduced something... otherworldly, unlike anything I've ever played before. The heavens were simply brilliantly scuplted and brilliantly platformed, but it still felt like Mario- true, it's unlike anything I've seen in a Mario game, but... this would be a great new level. I mean, the room with the moving walls (SMW Morton's Castle, am I right?), the idea of using spinning platforms like boosts, it was all remarkable, and I applaud you.
There is a reason you have one point under ten, and that is because while I accept that it is supposed to be challenging, you have somewhat of an enemy spam. They're all over the place, especially where you want them the most, provoking some frustration and F Bombs. But it's not terrible, however.
Graphics: 5 out of 5Comments: I think I covered this in fun. Perfectly executed.
Other: 3 out of 5Comments: This is entirely insignificant, but as far as alternate music went, yours was ok, but I found
this to make the level seem incredibly epic. Think of it as a souvenir.
Overall: 17 out of 20Ruling: Frankly, I should be putting a trophy here. Well done, honorable sir.
Mushroom's Edge by NanTheDarkFun: 9 out of 10Comments: You tried to bring out a parkour style of level, and by god you succeeded. This distinctly reminded me of the flash game Canabalt, with you trying to run across the buildings as best as you can without falling, but being able to recover (unlike Canabalt.) Really, you brought a game within a game, and it showed, but was still a platformer.
Graphics: 5 out of 5Comments: Bottom line, you brought the feel you were going for, and it was AWESOME! It really was what made the level.
Other: 2 out of 5Comments: There was some lag in there, and with a fast paced level, lag ruins it. But it wasn't significant. -.5
I'm not sure about the authenticity to the rules the block structures have, but I think you've straddled the line just enough to only grant you a -.5
Overall: 16 out of 20Ruling: It was a bold, innovative idea that was executed nearly flawlessly.
My 14th LDC Entry by MICrophoneFun: 8 out of 10Comments: The platforming was disproportionately frustrating at times, but it was very good, and quite fun when I wasn't swearing out the world. Maybe I'm just a bad game player...
Graphics: 4.5 out of 5Comments: Looks gooooooood! (Oh it looks good!) I really admire how balanced everything looked, but you really did the cave tiles justice. It did look a bit awkward, what with sudden lava and that big empty space in the cave, but the big circles just looked spectacular, and it was a very good looking level.
Other: 2 out of 5Comments: Ow, the spinners pinched me! -.5
What a gorgeous level title. -.5
Overall: 14.5 out of 20Ruling: Hmm... you know, the 14.5 doesn't really do this justice. It was just some frustration and technicalities that got in the way, but it was a good level.
World 9 - Ghost House by BuffoonerFun: 8 out of 10Comments: I thoroughly enjoyed how much this reminded me of SMW in many ways. The platforming was distinct, the layout was just spot on, and every detail screamed SMW, and it was a fitting tribute. And for the most part, it was fun. The ghosts weren't that threatening in some parts (they don't follow you and you can occasionally outrun them easily), but it was a great tribute with great platforming and great fun.
Graphics: 4 out of 5Comments: I think the bareness of the level did look a bit awkward in some parts, but it's forgivable since it's a SMW Ghost house tribute and they do often look very bare. The cave also looked very excellent, and your tilework and architecture plan was very good.
Other: 3 out of 5Comments: Nothing to add, really.
Overall: 15 out of 20Ruling: A knowledgable, loyal tribute to the SMW Ghost House from someone who knew what he was doing.
In the Pipe by Star kingFun: 7.5 out of 10Comments: I really like what you did with this idea. It was intriguing and pulled off quite well. You really made it play authentically. There could have been a bit more challenge, and incorporated more platforming, but other than that, it's a very good concept reveal.
Graphics: 5 out of 5Comments: Seamless. All I have to say.
Other: 3 out of 5Comments: Nothing to add
Overall: 15.5 out of 20I think this level was more a high-concept E3 esque reveal than a serious entry, but for what it's worth it's quite grand.
Posted: September 1st, 2011, 7:30 am
) GM was 4th, but I definitely sensed that he had good potential and enjoyed his level a lot.
This is the second entry that Volcove liked a lot more than any of the other judges did.