Re: 18th Level Designer Contest
Posted: April 13th, 2012, 4:28 pmIs Brando's LDC starting today?
"My Judgings!": show
MP3 Amplifier-A Universitas Creaturarum Mirabilis
Fun-8/10
I enjoyed part 1. The maze was very well done, with the blue/red coins. Very clever. The story section done was excellent, with the moving block astrology being incorporated cleverly. The section in Yellowstone was a great finisher to part 1- great platform/maze gameplay.
Part two, however, kind of dampened the experience. While the maze was clever, the story was too… not quite preachy, but you told us all the things that needed to be done instead of being able to do those things. I know there was the time crunch but at the end it leaves you feeling as if little was accomplished, and the words could have been better with action backing them up.
When you get to play, though, it was very fun to play. For that, I applaud you.
Graphics-5/5
Congratulations. You succeeded in creating your own little world. ^_^ It looked otherworldly when needed and more earth-like when needed. Incredibly well rendered graphics, nice usage of plants and tiles. The atmosphere was perfect for your level. Applause for you.
Other-3.75/5
-1 The lag was bearable until the neighborhoods. There, it was worse, and avoidable. What you should have done was put the maze in a separate transition from the first neighborhood, and it is completely possible to in the planning. Unavoidable lag is fine if it doesn’t kill. Avoidable lag that screws up gameplay is a double killer.
+.5 I do love original names like yours. ^_^
+1.25 Fantastic block usage and even better blue block usage.
Overall-16.75/20
Despite a lesser second half, the first shines with special Amp-brand ingenuity. Well done.
Karyete-Sky Blitz Docks
Fun-8.25/10
I do quite enjoy your platformers, when done right like this. It’s a great skill boost from your earlier work in such a short time. While not as flawless as before (awkward movement and jumps, as well as confusing navigation) there’s still an underlying simplicity and its subsequent enjoyment factor. Your concept was great and it was pulled off quite well.
Graphics-4.5/5
A very unusual concept pulled off with respectable skill. It brings to mind, in some places, a combination of Mushroom Edge (NanTheDark) and bits of Shroomsday (Avolerators, 9th in WITBLOAT) with plenty of original factor. Although some places look awkward, I’d say you accomplished your goal.
Other-3/5
-.5 The restart door at the end didn’t work. Which sucked for me.
+.5 No lag. Good job!
Overall-15.75/20
Not as flawless as your other works, but with a substantial enjoyment boost. Props.
Yoshi Boo 118- MMMMMMMMMM
Fun-9.25/10
It could be overbearingly frustrating at times, but my god, what a level this was. I didn’t expect that much at first, but this was a thrill ride if there ever was one. The giant puzzle was freaking incredible. I’ll be honest, I had to do a fair share of cheating due to there being a deadline, but I covered pretty much all of it in my failures and I look forward to making a casual play through it sometime soon.
The boss was incredibly clever as well, with a nice mini-puzzle added in. The final leg, however, damn the infuriation and seventyfive restarts/start point movements, was ingenious. A maze/platformer through all the destroyed ruins of everywhere you just traversed- a totally clever idea done incredibly well. In fact, this whole concept level was very well pulled off remarkably.
The main complaint I have, the thing preventing this from a 10, is how overly excessively hard it was, especially part 3. I understand difficulty, but I really think you suffocated the playthrough with just way too much hard (mostly in the last part.) Give us some slack next time. Otherwise, one of the better levels I’ve seen, ever.
Graphics-4.5/5
Best usage of toy blocks I’ve ever seen- in fact I enjoyed all the oddities in your design- scattered plants, odd tilesets, all that good stuff. Arodnap looked pretty crummy though, I’ll admit, but otherwise it was a great looking level.
Other- 4/5
-1 Pretty much every other sling star in your level absolutely failed and instakilled you. Improper connections and constant restarts. Consider that we have to wait two minutes to load your level and we pretty much want to drag you on the floor and use your tongue to scrape our toilets, that’s how pissed we are.
-.5 Game slowdown and autodeath when getting squashed by the Thwomp feet in the boss battle.
+1 Credit has to be given to just how much effort is put into your level- especially that incredible puzzle.
+1 The theatrical touches were very nice- by that I mean the moments that felt cinematic. The inspired music choices, those scenes that just looked beautiful (falling through broken tapestry at the end of the prologue, being lowered to the ground by Arodnap’s head) brings a very movielike experience.
+.5 While I was let down just a bit by the flimsy ending, the story was very well executed.
Overall-17.75/20
Although not without glaring flaws, this is a level unlike any I’ve ever played before. Deserves a very high place.
SomeOne
Fun-4/10
I can tell you had fun making this, but unfortunately it’s very easily a beginner level- a decent level for what it was, but it’s not really anything we’ve seen before in the slightest. A good early attempt but you’ve a ways to go. I don’t foresee you placing high in this contest. Sorry.
Graphics-2/5
Delfino Plaza music does not a level make, buddy. :/ The tiling was the main complaint- usually entirely drab. I admire your nice attempt at foliage but they were placed awkwardly. The ice was interesting, but could have been implemented more interestingly.
Other-4/5
+.5 For good spirited dialogue- I can tell you enjoyed making this.
+.5 Cause, hey, at least Delfino Plaza fit well.
Overall-10/20
Don’t get deterred, I placed next to last in my first contest. You just need practice, and to put more effort into your levels. Then you’ll be fine.
Nin10mode
Fun-10/10
I had a ton of fun in this level, but it wasn’t in the thrill ride I JUST OUTRUN THIRTY MOFOIN BULLET F’IN BILLS BEEEEECH kind of way. This was one of the most fun levels I’ve played, like, ever, because it’s the perfect balance of platformer, puzzle, easy, challenging, relaxing, invigorating, puzzling, clear- it’s really just the perfect balance of everything you want in a level, a very rare thing to ever accomplish in any gaming type thing. I’m proud of you, good sir.
Graphics-4.75/5
And damn me it looked great too. You always joke about the legendary 6/20 over your 7th LDC, but that was because things were too ruined. Again, balance here. I loved the eloquent tile blends here, and even if it was a bit off in some areas, it looked beautiful, to say the least, especially in the last room.
Other-4.25/5
-.5 There were avoidable instances of getting squished in the level in many areas.
+.75 Excellent, excellent music choice. *saves to library*. It actually was a good balance to the level, it kept me calm when otherwise I would not be.
+.5 I actually love that Runouw level you based the fire room off of. Good reference, and it looks just as great.
+.5 Great usage of disabled blocks for excellent mindtrickery.
Overall-19/20
Unless Jesus Christ comes by and submits a last minute entry, or they love my level waaaaaaaay more than I expect, you’re the definite winner of this contest, and I don’t feel ashamed losing to you for a moment.
NyansIsAPyro
Fun-7.5/10
I love simple sky platformers with little tiles. I placed my first LDC with a sky platformer with no tiles. It’s harder than it looks to do well rather than mediocre, so I’m glad to say that while it’s not extraordinary, it’s a very well done sky platformer level with a rather high replay value. Well done.
Graphics-3.25/5
Simply done- these levels never look that sexy but this one looked pretty organized, so I give you props for that.
Other-3/5
Overall-13.75/20
It’s refreshing to see levels like these, and while they’re rarely gamewinners they’re a treat nonetheless. Hopefully reign over the portal will make up for any LDC losses you may incur cause this is a well done level.
AzErOtH-Space Rock Galaxy
Fun-8/10
The red coin hunt was pretty good as far as they go. Nothing too extraordinary in this level but a nice play nonetheless. The main problem I had was that some of the red coins were annoyingly hard to get, but I don't think it's that bad of a problem.
Graphics-4.5/5
Some of it looked out of place, mainly the orange block maze, but I loved the layout of the space rocks and how that looked. Expert tiling and suitably minimalist decor.
Other-3/5
+.5 Nice hidden silver star hunt. I noticed you used my idea from Roaming Celsius. ^_^
-.5 The transition along the bottom didn't work right- the return trip kills you from lack of ground connection.
Overall- 15.5/20
While not remarkable in gameplay, the graphics were very good and deserve great marks.
Doram-Island Paradise Escape
Fun-9/10
A winning idea, for sure. Possibly could be the winning idea. I love the concept and how it was incorporated into this level. Perhaps a bit too sparing of a use, but it still made this a fun, easily replay able level.The platforming was great, as for the actual level. Smooth, easy to connect, no overly difficult gimmicks. It also still has that casual Doram feel to it, which is great to see in a level with a fresh concept.
Graphics-4.5/5
I personally would have liked to see a bit more foliage, but just a bit, as the level looks great with the minimalism it has in most parts. The tiling was excellent, especially in the valley, and you pulled off the different environments with precision and ease.
Other-4.25/5
+.5 I loved the shortcut. It's not hidden, but it's hard to get, which makes you curious and drives you to bust your arse fifty times trying to get up to it. Even easier when you have the hidden FLUDD, which is a nice touch.
+.25 You bring to life a spirited Mario. Well done.
+.5 Easily one of my favorite 1-Up Hunts incorporated into a level, although it does kind of let you down in some places where you'd expect another path. Ah well.
Overall-17.75/20
Easily your best level to date, and a sure placer in the contest.
SuperMIC
Fun-8.25/10
A very out-of-the-box platformer, it’s surely one of the more original levels out of the bunch. I liked the concept very much. The execution needed a bit of work- while it’s not as rough as prior works, it still had many instances where fine-tuning would have been useful. Also, it was a bit overly frustrating, although constant checkpoints helped with that.
I also found interesting the amount of designers you reminded me of. There was some elements of MICrophone, of Venexis, of Runouw himself, and some others. Worry not, though. This was definitely a well rounded SuperMIC level through and through.
Graphics-3.75/5
A bit too much reliance on disjointed parts of unconnected tile that looked out of place, and the ones that were put together looked a bit iffy, for instance, I wasn’t a fan of the rooms stacked on top of each other and the mess the items created through the level. Otherwise, though, I rather liked the atmosphere the level brought.
Other-3/5
-.5 Some of the little details could have been ironed out- I wasn’t a fan of the gates closing on the doors when we already had the timer to contend with. Also, a lot of the platforms dragged you down with them, rendering you immobile.
+.5 A nice checkpoint system.
Overall-15/20
Not your best work- while your other works were ambitious but sloppy, this one was slightly less so in both areas. Nevertheless, a pretty good piece.
BrawlerEX
Fun-9.5/10
Sometimes it’s nice to have platformers that are simple and gimmick-less but still are a ton of fun to play instead of just pleasant. These two levels were those kind of levels, and I appreciated that. They had clever little bits that made you think and rigorous jumping sections, as is enjoyable. These would have been professional grade levels if not for the flaws I will be mentioning in other.
Graphics-4.75/5
The tiling was excellent, as well as the item placement. It looked natural, completely natural, which I enjoyed immensely.
Other-1.75/5
-1.5 UNFORTUNATELY, there were many instances of little details that made it impossible to proceed without cheating. Not just hard, impossible. Things that should have been playtested and thought out better. Jumps could not be completed in many areas, and it dampened the enjoy ability of the level.
+.75 Very good alternate music choices for the levels.
-.5 I appreciate the attempt to have a story, but this one just felt flimsy and last-minute, to be honest.
Overall-16/20
Damn the fact that you didn’t playtest this properly- these were two very good levels and would have placed well otherwise.
Yoshi999
Fun-5/10
I hope this isn’t all we see from you, these multipathed levels. The first time it was fresh and cool, but this time it just felt like a rerun- in fact, not even that. The platforming was not nearly as good here- it was stale and not very original. Needed work, although I could say it wasn’t very bad, just boring.
Graphics-2.5/5
The tiling was too blocky and uninspired, looking very natural and, again, just like your last level like this.
Other-2.5/5
-.5 An instance of tiling crushing you to the point that the level is impossible.
Overall-10/20
You need to try new ideas and branch out more- this literally feels like a less superior clone of your last level.
MushYoshi
Fun-6.25/10
I’ve seen this level from you too many times by now. Two-path fast-paced Sonicesque level with the same structure and elements every time. It’s a fun level, sure, and this didn’t really have any problems but this is a freestyle contest, which should have dared you to do something different. You didn’t, you did more of the same, which disappoints me.
Graphics-3/5
At least it looked good, but, again, it looked almost identical to your past levels. It’s almost scary how similar in structure they are, right down to the blocky cliffsides and open spaces and little variation in tiling.
Other-3.75/5
+.5 Nice choice in alternate music
+.25 I do quite like the way you got the sling star to shoot you straight into the shine sprite- you rarely see that good of an alignment.
Overall-13/20
Please try something more original next time. You’re a good, clean designer, but you’re starting to get boring.
DarkBlaze
Fun: 8.75/10
I’ve gotten on two people’s cases for making the same ol’ same ol’. I think there’s a hint of that in your level, but it isn’t that big of a deal because you gave it enough variety on the same kind to keep it fresh, and it was an enjoyable level nonetheless. It’s a balanced, well thought out platformer level that looks very professional, plays very professional and has no bugs or qualms. Well done.
Graphics-4.5/5
Not as impressive as last time but I still love and admire your tiling like nothing else. There was some cutoff and the blend wasn’t very clean, but I loved it otherwise.
Other-3.75/5
+.75 Again, your music choice is a great one. I’d not have thought this would have worked, and yet it did.
Overall-17/20
It is going against very tough competition this go around, nevertheless it’s a great play.
Bomberman101
Fun-6.5/10
Pretty good level. It had a pretty retro feel, although all in all there wasn’t that much spectacular about it. Seeing as you were going up against very hard competition I don’t think this will really stand up. Don’t get down on yourself, though, it was still pretty fun.
Graphics-4/5
I liked the tiling in this level, especially in the castle- a bit unnatural in some spaces but very intriguing. It could have used a bit more plantlife in the mountains, but otherwise a pretty good level.
Other-2.25/5
-.75 I could skip nearly the entire second level due to a faulty door, and I couldn’t get to it otherwise.
Other-12.75/20
Not the greatest of entries but it still has its perks.
Gmdragon11
Fun-8.5/10
Good platforming, good platforming indeed. A great amount of difficulty without being overbearing, which was good to have. You pulled a couple of ♥♥♥♥ moves, but otherwise I enjoyed this play.
Graphics-4.75/5
I thought this level was incredibly beautiful. There was some noticeable cutoff, but otherwise it really was a great looking level. The tileset blends were ingenious, the décor was done better than the usual, and the roundabout path made for a very convincing ruin level.
Other-1.5/5
-1 Going an entire section to be led back to the start is a good way to get people to dislike your level and probably explains why Nworlds ragequit.
-.25 Didn’t think the alternate music fit. I think Krook’s March fit it amazingly well, but the Lost World theme didn’t feel right.
-.25 Malfunctioning pipes and level transitions.
Overall-14.75/20
It would have been a great level had you not royally screwed us over at the end.
Nworlds
Fun-8.5/10
I liken this level as a mix of retro SM63 levels, from the days of 24 and Four, the modern age of steampunk-like block bosses with the typical dash of Nworlds fun thrown into it. The first section was a simple, none-too-difficult or pizzazz-like beginning. The second section was frustrating because the easy section was frustratingly hard and the hard section was frecken brutal. I did like the idea of creating the tower that you had to scale to get to the end- confusing, but a good touch. Overall though, it was just way too difficult and that frustrated the hell outta me.
The boss, however, was incredibly fun. I enjoyed it a lot- it made you test not only your platforming but your maneuvering around the blocks- I was delighted to see that my tricks worked and I wasn’t dying all the time, but there was enough of a challenge to make it a tough fight. It’s not often you get to see blocks used as just that- blocks- and this level as a whole showed how they can be used just as they are and it does that very well. I applaud you for that.
Graphics-3.5/5
The graphics needed some tweaking, though, although I can’t fault you all that much because around the boss and such there wasn’t much you could do. I disliked the overabundance of metal rooms, especially in places where there were open environmental spaces which would have been much preferential to the constant minirooms of part 2 and somewhat in the boss. You chose well with your tiling, though, and the first part looked good.
Other-3.5/5
-.5 I miss the days when bosses were menacing, not cracking lame jokes and looking like dolts. Mechatron annoyed me in this matter, because you couldn’t take him seriously.
+.25 I liked the sparse ‘stars’ in the background of part 1.
+.5 Good alternate music choices.
+.5 I can’t see myself having the balls to take the time run version, but the option is original, as well as a Youtube video showing how it’s done.
-.25 Being squished by the blocks could assist you, helping you up a space or two.
Overall-15.5/20
Where it succeeds, it succeeds well, but where it does not, it’s noticeable. Great block usage, uneven difficulty.
King
Fun-7.75/10
Not a tremendous amount to offer except quirky, unusual platformer gameplay, although it has one of your better secret shine hunts which upped the fun.
Graphics-4/5
Pulls off the space junk theme well, although it still felt a bit iffy and forgettable.
Other-2.75/5
+.25 Gotta give you a quarter for the Calvin and Hobbes Reference.
-.75 Fatal flaws with the sling stars- at one point it permits you to skip an entire chunk of level (lava) and at another towards the beginning it kills you.
-.25 Your launching at the beginning can end up in a freak accident sometimes by knocking you under the mushroom and to death.
+.25 Also laughed at the ‘awkward’ comment when you get to the out-of-reach shine.
+.25 Not to mention the space log. ^_^
Overall-14.5/20
Not your best level or most memorable, but a smooth play with memorable dialogue.
Drayano
Fun-5.5/10
I’ll hand this to you- you thought big, and this had potential. Unfortunately this was kind of a drab play with interesting moments that was rendered impossible by technical malfunctions.
Graphics-3/5
It looked good as an idea, but there was some cutoff, misplaced items and other such things that hindered it, specifically around the castle areas.
Other-2/5
-1.5 Rendered incomplete because there was a tile glitch that warped a good chunk of your titles to the top of the screen. It’s a shame, but you’re kind of told many times from many people to playtest your level before you submit it to make sure nothing happened. If you’d have done that, you could have at least made a way to speed edit it and you wouldn’t be losing points. Also, there were many jumps that were impossible to make, so unfortunately I couldn’t make it that way.
+.5 Like I said, in a contest where a lot of people took a wide theme and made a generic level, you tried doing something out of the box, and I admire that.
Overall-10.5/20
Playtest, playtest, playtest. You have the ambition, it’s just the technical you gotta work on.
SuYo1141
Fun-7.5/10
I am utterly confused by this level. I mean, I can gather bits and pieces of what it means, but it had neat enough platforming portions mixed in with puzzling empty spaces with different types of Greek symbols and a very cryptic ending. I told myself to play it again, see if I could figure it out. Then I realized, you sly devil. You’re making us play again, learn more about the level, by confusing us the first time. I dunno, but I think it worked.
Graphics-3.25/5
It could have worked better- there was some cutoff, although inevitable, and it relied a lot on empty spaces. But the atmosphere was very interesting.
Other-4/5
+.5 You did a great job on the lettering with the cave tiles.
+.25 Kinda multiple paths- a lot of exploring to do.
+.25 Interesting wall jumps.
Overall-14.75/20
It’s definitely something.
Volcove
Fun-9.25/10
I think that why you get so much love is because you make your levels with a perfectly professional quality. That is to say, you get every technical aspect correct most, if not all of the time and still provide a wickedly fun experience. This level was no exception- the ideas, true, were familiar to you, but taken to improved levels for the most part.
I think my favorite part of the level was the water puzzle- it was incredibly clever, and it made you think without spending twenty minutes there. I also liked that- no matter what route you chose, the level itself didn’t get any harder but your aid or task did. This means that you test your skill on a completely base level which is a neat touch.
If anything, I was kind of let down by the ending, which you had somewhat forewarned me about, mostly because you used, once again, the Castle Crush type of final boss. I’ve seen that many times before from you and honestly think it was accomplished better in, say, Parallel Spires. Nevertheless, it wasn’t a big damper and I enjoyed the level as a whole nonetheless.
Graphics-4.5/5
The last part looked pretty iffy, in the aforementioned crush sections, and it didn’t look up to usual excellent quality, but still looked very good. I especially liked the second part and the water puzzle. The cave tiling was also very good.
Other-4/5
+.5 Good alternate music, especially the first.
-.5 I do have to mark you for bullet spam at the very end. I understand their being more bullets to be trapped with you, but having twenty four invincibullets all at you at once pinning you against the wall lags you up and is generally unfair.
+.75 When I did see the unusual, epic patterns the bullets took, however, I realized that there was something I forgot in Dark- to make my bullet bills COOOOL. Damn. I also really liked the staircases.
+.5 Neat Multipath.
+.25 Although we don’t see him much, a menacing boss, finally. You’re the only one, it seems, to make a villain I can take seriously.
-.5 I can’t say I was too fond of the ending, to be honest, but I guess it fit. Just seemed to be kind of a letdown. The final boss as a whole needed something more… worthy of the buildup. But I understand time was an issue.
Overall-17.75/20
Hmm, with me you tie with Doram and Yoshi Boo. This means you could get 5th. ^_^ Nevertheless, I enjoyed this play immensely, aside from the ending. Another Volcovian success. Luckily other people kicked more ♥♥♥.
MoD's personal ratings
1st-Nin10mode-19/20
2nd-Yoshi Boo 118, Doram, Volcove-17.75/20
5th-DarkBlaze-17/20
6th-MP3 Amplifier-16.75/20
7th-BrawlerEX-16/20
8th-Karyete-15.75/20
9th-Nworlds, AzErOtH-15.5/20
11th-SuperMIC-15/20
12th-GMDragon11, SuYo1141-14.75/20
14th-King-14.5/20
15th-NyansIsAPro-13.75/20
16th-MushYoshi-13/20
17th-Bomberman101-12.75
18th-Drayano-10.5
19th-Yoshi999, SomeOne,
Fun-8/10
I enjoyed part 1. The maze was very well done, with the blue/red coins. Very clever. The story section done was excellent, with the moving block astrology being incorporated cleverly. The section in Yellowstone was a great finisher to part 1- great platform/maze gameplay.
Part two, however, kind of dampened the experience. While the maze was clever, the story was too… not quite preachy, but you told us all the things that needed to be done instead of being able to do those things. I know there was the time crunch but at the end it leaves you feeling as if little was accomplished, and the words could have been better with action backing them up.
When you get to play, though, it was very fun to play. For that, I applaud you.
Graphics-5/5
Congratulations. You succeeded in creating your own little world. ^_^ It looked otherworldly when needed and more earth-like when needed. Incredibly well rendered graphics, nice usage of plants and tiles. The atmosphere was perfect for your level. Applause for you.
Other-3.75/5
-1 The lag was bearable until the neighborhoods. There, it was worse, and avoidable. What you should have done was put the maze in a separate transition from the first neighborhood, and it is completely possible to in the planning. Unavoidable lag is fine if it doesn’t kill. Avoidable lag that screws up gameplay is a double killer.
+.5 I do love original names like yours. ^_^
+1.25 Fantastic block usage and even better blue block usage.
Overall-16.75/20
Despite a lesser second half, the first shines with special Amp-brand ingenuity. Well done.
Karyete-Sky Blitz Docks
Fun-8.25/10
I do quite enjoy your platformers, when done right like this. It’s a great skill boost from your earlier work in such a short time. While not as flawless as before (awkward movement and jumps, as well as confusing navigation) there’s still an underlying simplicity and its subsequent enjoyment factor. Your concept was great and it was pulled off quite well.
Graphics-4.5/5
A very unusual concept pulled off with respectable skill. It brings to mind, in some places, a combination of Mushroom Edge (NanTheDark) and bits of Shroomsday (Avolerators, 9th in WITBLOAT) with plenty of original factor. Although some places look awkward, I’d say you accomplished your goal.
Other-3/5
-.5 The restart door at the end didn’t work. Which sucked for me.
+.5 No lag. Good job!
Overall-15.75/20
Not as flawless as your other works, but with a substantial enjoyment boost. Props.
Yoshi Boo 118- MMMMMMMMMM
Fun-9.25/10
It could be overbearingly frustrating at times, but my god, what a level this was. I didn’t expect that much at first, but this was a thrill ride if there ever was one. The giant puzzle was freaking incredible. I’ll be honest, I had to do a fair share of cheating due to there being a deadline, but I covered pretty much all of it in my failures and I look forward to making a casual play through it sometime soon.
The boss was incredibly clever as well, with a nice mini-puzzle added in. The final leg, however, damn the infuriation and seventyfive restarts/start point movements, was ingenious. A maze/platformer through all the destroyed ruins of everywhere you just traversed- a totally clever idea done incredibly well. In fact, this whole concept level was very well pulled off remarkably.
The main complaint I have, the thing preventing this from a 10, is how overly excessively hard it was, especially part 3. I understand difficulty, but I really think you suffocated the playthrough with just way too much hard (mostly in the last part.) Give us some slack next time. Otherwise, one of the better levels I’ve seen, ever.
Graphics-4.5/5
Best usage of toy blocks I’ve ever seen- in fact I enjoyed all the oddities in your design- scattered plants, odd tilesets, all that good stuff. Arodnap looked pretty crummy though, I’ll admit, but otherwise it was a great looking level.
Other- 4/5
-1 Pretty much every other sling star in your level absolutely failed and instakilled you. Improper connections and constant restarts. Consider that we have to wait two minutes to load your level and we pretty much want to drag you on the floor and use your tongue to scrape our toilets, that’s how pissed we are.
-.5 Game slowdown and autodeath when getting squashed by the Thwomp feet in the boss battle.
+1 Credit has to be given to just how much effort is put into your level- especially that incredible puzzle.
+1 The theatrical touches were very nice- by that I mean the moments that felt cinematic. The inspired music choices, those scenes that just looked beautiful (falling through broken tapestry at the end of the prologue, being lowered to the ground by Arodnap’s head) brings a very movielike experience.
+.5 While I was let down just a bit by the flimsy ending, the story was very well executed.
Overall-17.75/20
Although not without glaring flaws, this is a level unlike any I’ve ever played before. Deserves a very high place.
SomeOne
Fun-4/10
I can tell you had fun making this, but unfortunately it’s very easily a beginner level- a decent level for what it was, but it’s not really anything we’ve seen before in the slightest. A good early attempt but you’ve a ways to go. I don’t foresee you placing high in this contest. Sorry.
Graphics-2/5
Delfino Plaza music does not a level make, buddy. :/ The tiling was the main complaint- usually entirely drab. I admire your nice attempt at foliage but they were placed awkwardly. The ice was interesting, but could have been implemented more interestingly.
Other-4/5
+.5 For good spirited dialogue- I can tell you enjoyed making this.
+.5 Cause, hey, at least Delfino Plaza fit well.
Overall-10/20
Don’t get deterred, I placed next to last in my first contest. You just need practice, and to put more effort into your levels. Then you’ll be fine.
Nin10mode
Fun-10/10
I had a ton of fun in this level, but it wasn’t in the thrill ride I JUST OUTRUN THIRTY MOFOIN BULLET F’IN BILLS BEEEEECH kind of way. This was one of the most fun levels I’ve played, like, ever, because it’s the perfect balance of platformer, puzzle, easy, challenging, relaxing, invigorating, puzzling, clear- it’s really just the perfect balance of everything you want in a level, a very rare thing to ever accomplish in any gaming type thing. I’m proud of you, good sir.
Graphics-4.75/5
And damn me it looked great too. You always joke about the legendary 6/20 over your 7th LDC, but that was because things were too ruined. Again, balance here. I loved the eloquent tile blends here, and even if it was a bit off in some areas, it looked beautiful, to say the least, especially in the last room.
Other-4.25/5
-.5 There were avoidable instances of getting squished in the level in many areas.
+.75 Excellent, excellent music choice. *saves to library*. It actually was a good balance to the level, it kept me calm when otherwise I would not be.
+.5 I actually love that Runouw level you based the fire room off of. Good reference, and it looks just as great.
+.5 Great usage of disabled blocks for excellent mindtrickery.
Overall-19/20
Unless Jesus Christ comes by and submits a last minute entry, or they love my level waaaaaaaay more than I expect, you’re the definite winner of this contest, and I don’t feel ashamed losing to you for a moment.
NyansIsAPyro
Fun-7.5/10
I love simple sky platformers with little tiles. I placed my first LDC with a sky platformer with no tiles. It’s harder than it looks to do well rather than mediocre, so I’m glad to say that while it’s not extraordinary, it’s a very well done sky platformer level with a rather high replay value. Well done.
Graphics-3.25/5
Simply done- these levels never look that sexy but this one looked pretty organized, so I give you props for that.
Other-3/5
Overall-13.75/20
It’s refreshing to see levels like these, and while they’re rarely gamewinners they’re a treat nonetheless. Hopefully reign over the portal will make up for any LDC losses you may incur cause this is a well done level.
AzErOtH-Space Rock Galaxy
Fun-8/10
The red coin hunt was pretty good as far as they go. Nothing too extraordinary in this level but a nice play nonetheless. The main problem I had was that some of the red coins were annoyingly hard to get, but I don't think it's that bad of a problem.
Graphics-4.5/5
Some of it looked out of place, mainly the orange block maze, but I loved the layout of the space rocks and how that looked. Expert tiling and suitably minimalist decor.
Other-3/5
+.5 Nice hidden silver star hunt. I noticed you used my idea from Roaming Celsius. ^_^
-.5 The transition along the bottom didn't work right- the return trip kills you from lack of ground connection.
Overall- 15.5/20
While not remarkable in gameplay, the graphics were very good and deserve great marks.
Doram-Island Paradise Escape
Fun-9/10
A winning idea, for sure. Possibly could be the winning idea. I love the concept and how it was incorporated into this level. Perhaps a bit too sparing of a use, but it still made this a fun, easily replay able level.The platforming was great, as for the actual level. Smooth, easy to connect, no overly difficult gimmicks. It also still has that casual Doram feel to it, which is great to see in a level with a fresh concept.
Graphics-4.5/5
I personally would have liked to see a bit more foliage, but just a bit, as the level looks great with the minimalism it has in most parts. The tiling was excellent, especially in the valley, and you pulled off the different environments with precision and ease.
Other-4.25/5
+.5 I loved the shortcut. It's not hidden, but it's hard to get, which makes you curious and drives you to bust your arse fifty times trying to get up to it. Even easier when you have the hidden FLUDD, which is a nice touch.
+.25 You bring to life a spirited Mario. Well done.
+.5 Easily one of my favorite 1-Up Hunts incorporated into a level, although it does kind of let you down in some places where you'd expect another path. Ah well.
Overall-17.75/20
Easily your best level to date, and a sure placer in the contest.
SuperMIC
Fun-8.25/10
A very out-of-the-box platformer, it’s surely one of the more original levels out of the bunch. I liked the concept very much. The execution needed a bit of work- while it’s not as rough as prior works, it still had many instances where fine-tuning would have been useful. Also, it was a bit overly frustrating, although constant checkpoints helped with that.
I also found interesting the amount of designers you reminded me of. There was some elements of MICrophone, of Venexis, of Runouw himself, and some others. Worry not, though. This was definitely a well rounded SuperMIC level through and through.
Graphics-3.75/5
A bit too much reliance on disjointed parts of unconnected tile that looked out of place, and the ones that were put together looked a bit iffy, for instance, I wasn’t a fan of the rooms stacked on top of each other and the mess the items created through the level. Otherwise, though, I rather liked the atmosphere the level brought.
Other-3/5
-.5 Some of the little details could have been ironed out- I wasn’t a fan of the gates closing on the doors when we already had the timer to contend with. Also, a lot of the platforms dragged you down with them, rendering you immobile.
+.5 A nice checkpoint system.
Overall-15/20
Not your best work- while your other works were ambitious but sloppy, this one was slightly less so in both areas. Nevertheless, a pretty good piece.
BrawlerEX
Fun-9.5/10
Sometimes it’s nice to have platformers that are simple and gimmick-less but still are a ton of fun to play instead of just pleasant. These two levels were those kind of levels, and I appreciated that. They had clever little bits that made you think and rigorous jumping sections, as is enjoyable. These would have been professional grade levels if not for the flaws I will be mentioning in other.
Graphics-4.75/5
The tiling was excellent, as well as the item placement. It looked natural, completely natural, which I enjoyed immensely.
Other-1.75/5
-1.5 UNFORTUNATELY, there were many instances of little details that made it impossible to proceed without cheating. Not just hard, impossible. Things that should have been playtested and thought out better. Jumps could not be completed in many areas, and it dampened the enjoy ability of the level.
+.75 Very good alternate music choices for the levels.
-.5 I appreciate the attempt to have a story, but this one just felt flimsy and last-minute, to be honest.
Overall-16/20
Damn the fact that you didn’t playtest this properly- these were two very good levels and would have placed well otherwise.
Yoshi999
Fun-5/10
I hope this isn’t all we see from you, these multipathed levels. The first time it was fresh and cool, but this time it just felt like a rerun- in fact, not even that. The platforming was not nearly as good here- it was stale and not very original. Needed work, although I could say it wasn’t very bad, just boring.
Graphics-2.5/5
The tiling was too blocky and uninspired, looking very natural and, again, just like your last level like this.
Other-2.5/5
-.5 An instance of tiling crushing you to the point that the level is impossible.
Overall-10/20
You need to try new ideas and branch out more- this literally feels like a less superior clone of your last level.
MushYoshi
Fun-6.25/10
I’ve seen this level from you too many times by now. Two-path fast-paced Sonicesque level with the same structure and elements every time. It’s a fun level, sure, and this didn’t really have any problems but this is a freestyle contest, which should have dared you to do something different. You didn’t, you did more of the same, which disappoints me.
Graphics-3/5
At least it looked good, but, again, it looked almost identical to your past levels. It’s almost scary how similar in structure they are, right down to the blocky cliffsides and open spaces and little variation in tiling.
Other-3.75/5
+.5 Nice choice in alternate music
+.25 I do quite like the way you got the sling star to shoot you straight into the shine sprite- you rarely see that good of an alignment.
Overall-13/20
Please try something more original next time. You’re a good, clean designer, but you’re starting to get boring.
DarkBlaze
Fun: 8.75/10
I’ve gotten on two people’s cases for making the same ol’ same ol’. I think there’s a hint of that in your level, but it isn’t that big of a deal because you gave it enough variety on the same kind to keep it fresh, and it was an enjoyable level nonetheless. It’s a balanced, well thought out platformer level that looks very professional, plays very professional and has no bugs or qualms. Well done.
Graphics-4.5/5
Not as impressive as last time but I still love and admire your tiling like nothing else. There was some cutoff and the blend wasn’t very clean, but I loved it otherwise.
Other-3.75/5
+.75 Again, your music choice is a great one. I’d not have thought this would have worked, and yet it did.
Overall-17/20
It is going against very tough competition this go around, nevertheless it’s a great play.
Bomberman101
Fun-6.5/10
Pretty good level. It had a pretty retro feel, although all in all there wasn’t that much spectacular about it. Seeing as you were going up against very hard competition I don’t think this will really stand up. Don’t get down on yourself, though, it was still pretty fun.
Graphics-4/5
I liked the tiling in this level, especially in the castle- a bit unnatural in some spaces but very intriguing. It could have used a bit more plantlife in the mountains, but otherwise a pretty good level.
Other-2.25/5
-.75 I could skip nearly the entire second level due to a faulty door, and I couldn’t get to it otherwise.
Other-12.75/20
Not the greatest of entries but it still has its perks.
Gmdragon11
Fun-8.5/10
Good platforming, good platforming indeed. A great amount of difficulty without being overbearing, which was good to have. You pulled a couple of ♥♥♥♥ moves, but otherwise I enjoyed this play.
Graphics-4.75/5
I thought this level was incredibly beautiful. There was some noticeable cutoff, but otherwise it really was a great looking level. The tileset blends were ingenious, the décor was done better than the usual, and the roundabout path made for a very convincing ruin level.
Other-1.5/5
-1 Going an entire section to be led back to the start is a good way to get people to dislike your level and probably explains why Nworlds ragequit.
-.25 Didn’t think the alternate music fit. I think Krook’s March fit it amazingly well, but the Lost World theme didn’t feel right.
-.25 Malfunctioning pipes and level transitions.
Overall-14.75/20
It would have been a great level had you not royally screwed us over at the end.
Nworlds
Fun-8.5/10
I liken this level as a mix of retro SM63 levels, from the days of 24 and Four, the modern age of steampunk-like block bosses with the typical dash of Nworlds fun thrown into it. The first section was a simple, none-too-difficult or pizzazz-like beginning. The second section was frustrating because the easy section was frustratingly hard and the hard section was frecken brutal. I did like the idea of creating the tower that you had to scale to get to the end- confusing, but a good touch. Overall though, it was just way too difficult and that frustrated the hell outta me.
The boss, however, was incredibly fun. I enjoyed it a lot- it made you test not only your platforming but your maneuvering around the blocks- I was delighted to see that my tricks worked and I wasn’t dying all the time, but there was enough of a challenge to make it a tough fight. It’s not often you get to see blocks used as just that- blocks- and this level as a whole showed how they can be used just as they are and it does that very well. I applaud you for that.
Graphics-3.5/5
The graphics needed some tweaking, though, although I can’t fault you all that much because around the boss and such there wasn’t much you could do. I disliked the overabundance of metal rooms, especially in places where there were open environmental spaces which would have been much preferential to the constant minirooms of part 2 and somewhat in the boss. You chose well with your tiling, though, and the first part looked good.
Other-3.5/5
-.5 I miss the days when bosses were menacing, not cracking lame jokes and looking like dolts. Mechatron annoyed me in this matter, because you couldn’t take him seriously.
+.25 I liked the sparse ‘stars’ in the background of part 1.
+.5 Good alternate music choices.
+.5 I can’t see myself having the balls to take the time run version, but the option is original, as well as a Youtube video showing how it’s done.
-.25 Being squished by the blocks could assist you, helping you up a space or two.
Overall-15.5/20
Where it succeeds, it succeeds well, but where it does not, it’s noticeable. Great block usage, uneven difficulty.
King
Fun-7.75/10
Not a tremendous amount to offer except quirky, unusual platformer gameplay, although it has one of your better secret shine hunts which upped the fun.
Graphics-4/5
Pulls off the space junk theme well, although it still felt a bit iffy and forgettable.
Other-2.75/5
+.25 Gotta give you a quarter for the Calvin and Hobbes Reference.
-.75 Fatal flaws with the sling stars- at one point it permits you to skip an entire chunk of level (lava) and at another towards the beginning it kills you.
-.25 Your launching at the beginning can end up in a freak accident sometimes by knocking you under the mushroom and to death.
+.25 Also laughed at the ‘awkward’ comment when you get to the out-of-reach shine.
+.25 Not to mention the space log. ^_^
Overall-14.5/20
Not your best level or most memorable, but a smooth play with memorable dialogue.
Drayano
Fun-5.5/10
I’ll hand this to you- you thought big, and this had potential. Unfortunately this was kind of a drab play with interesting moments that was rendered impossible by technical malfunctions.
Graphics-3/5
It looked good as an idea, but there was some cutoff, misplaced items and other such things that hindered it, specifically around the castle areas.
Other-2/5
-1.5 Rendered incomplete because there was a tile glitch that warped a good chunk of your titles to the top of the screen. It’s a shame, but you’re kind of told many times from many people to playtest your level before you submit it to make sure nothing happened. If you’d have done that, you could have at least made a way to speed edit it and you wouldn’t be losing points. Also, there were many jumps that were impossible to make, so unfortunately I couldn’t make it that way.
+.5 Like I said, in a contest where a lot of people took a wide theme and made a generic level, you tried doing something out of the box, and I admire that.
Overall-10.5/20
Playtest, playtest, playtest. You have the ambition, it’s just the technical you gotta work on.
SuYo1141
Fun-7.5/10
I am utterly confused by this level. I mean, I can gather bits and pieces of what it means, but it had neat enough platforming portions mixed in with puzzling empty spaces with different types of Greek symbols and a very cryptic ending. I told myself to play it again, see if I could figure it out. Then I realized, you sly devil. You’re making us play again, learn more about the level, by confusing us the first time. I dunno, but I think it worked.
Graphics-3.25/5
It could have worked better- there was some cutoff, although inevitable, and it relied a lot on empty spaces. But the atmosphere was very interesting.
Other-4/5
+.5 You did a great job on the lettering with the cave tiles.
+.25 Kinda multiple paths- a lot of exploring to do.
+.25 Interesting wall jumps.
Overall-14.75/20
It’s definitely something.
Volcove
Fun-9.25/10
I think that why you get so much love is because you make your levels with a perfectly professional quality. That is to say, you get every technical aspect correct most, if not all of the time and still provide a wickedly fun experience. This level was no exception- the ideas, true, were familiar to you, but taken to improved levels for the most part.
I think my favorite part of the level was the water puzzle- it was incredibly clever, and it made you think without spending twenty minutes there. I also liked that- no matter what route you chose, the level itself didn’t get any harder but your aid or task did. This means that you test your skill on a completely base level which is a neat touch.
If anything, I was kind of let down by the ending, which you had somewhat forewarned me about, mostly because you used, once again, the Castle Crush type of final boss. I’ve seen that many times before from you and honestly think it was accomplished better in, say, Parallel Spires. Nevertheless, it wasn’t a big damper and I enjoyed the level as a whole nonetheless.
Graphics-4.5/5
The last part looked pretty iffy, in the aforementioned crush sections, and it didn’t look up to usual excellent quality, but still looked very good. I especially liked the second part and the water puzzle. The cave tiling was also very good.
Other-4/5
+.5 Good alternate music, especially the first.
-.5 I do have to mark you for bullet spam at the very end. I understand their being more bullets to be trapped with you, but having twenty four invincibullets all at you at once pinning you against the wall lags you up and is generally unfair.
+.75 When I did see the unusual, epic patterns the bullets took, however, I realized that there was something I forgot in Dark- to make my bullet bills COOOOL. Damn. I also really liked the staircases.
+.5 Neat Multipath.
+.25 Although we don’t see him much, a menacing boss, finally. You’re the only one, it seems, to make a villain I can take seriously.
-.5 I can’t say I was too fond of the ending, to be honest, but I guess it fit. Just seemed to be kind of a letdown. The final boss as a whole needed something more… worthy of the buildup. But I understand time was an issue.
Overall-17.75/20
Hmm, with me you tie with Doram and Yoshi Boo. This means you could get 5th. ^_^ Nevertheless, I enjoyed this play immensely, aside from the ending. Another Volcovian success. Luckily other people kicked more ♥♥♥.
MoD's personal ratings
1st-Nin10mode-19/20
2nd-Yoshi Boo 118, Doram, Volcove-17.75/20
5th-DarkBlaze-17/20
6th-MP3 Amplifier-16.75/20
7th-BrawlerEX-16/20
8th-Karyete-15.75/20
9th-Nworlds, AzErOtH-15.5/20
11th-SuperMIC-15/20
12th-GMDragon11, SuYo1141-14.75/20
14th-King-14.5/20
15th-NyansIsAPro-13.75/20
16th-MushYoshi-13/20
17th-Bomberman101-12.75
18th-Drayano-10.5
19th-Yoshi999, SomeOne,
