The Sandy Isles

[Arthurtilly1]

The Sandy Isles
High up in the sky, there are some ancient, overgrown sandy islands that seem to shimmer at nighttime. Mario has used the Super Sling Star in the top of the castle to go exploring there, who knows what he might find.

Shine Count: 3
Level Type: Platforming, Desert
1-Up Count: 2
Coin Count: 64

Code: Select all

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[lordpat]

Je like it, je like it beacoup. The gameplay was a bit on the boring side, I would like some moving blocks or moving platforms here and there, but the level was fun nontheless. The level was a bit on the short side, but I know that levels with multiple shine sprites are hard to make since they lag more. I am a fan of non-linearity in SM63, so that is why I encourage you to continue this style. Graphically the level stood up pretty well, I liked the vines and the islands, I think some rocks would help a bit though build the atmosphere. Also it took me a bi to figure out how to get those mushrooms, which is great!
That makes for a 4 star rating from me, keep up the awesome work and looking foward to what you have next!
With care,
~lordpat

[Supershroom]

Why are there so many short levels? :<

I mean, it's a decent one, decor and gameplay are fairly okay, but tiling is rather thin, even though these are supposed to be islands ... but islands don't have to be so small. Also, it seems impossible to get the Sandfall Shine (that thing with the cannon) - as the ceiling is too narrow, you get shot out into the air and die. Playtest!!!

3 stars from me. You can do better, I suppose.

[nin10mode]

Why are there so many short levels? :<

I mean, it's a decent one, decor and gameplay are fairly okay, but tiling is rather thin, even though these are supposed to be islands ... but islands don't have to be so small. Also, it seems impossible to get the Sandfall Shine (that thing with the cannon) - as the ceiling is too narrow, you get shot out into the air and die. Playtest!!!

3 stars from me. You can do better, I suppose.

Nah, it's possible. You just need the right angle and you'll bounce right into it.

I approved it because I could tell he paid adequate attention to the platforming, even if it's still simple. It actually reminds me of a lot of my initial levels, which are long gone and left with no trace.

[Supershroom]

Ooops ... looks like I'm the one who doesn't playtest enough ... rating stays the same, nice platformer but could be really more elaborated

[Raiyuuni]

It's time to playtest my overkill template. *late*

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The Sandy Isles
~ by Arthurtilly1 ~

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Fun - 6.5/10
★★★★★

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Even if individual Shines were rather easy by themselves, and even if it means you have to load a level all over again, it does not jeopardize your level, for its size. In fact, it makes fully exploring it less of a chore, as it almost feels like a genuine Mario mini-course. Props for that.

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Graphics - 3/5
★★★

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Good use of tiles in the beginning, even with the heavy cutoff where you could have used solid tiles instead. Item platforms were poorly executed more often than not, such as with the log bridge, the door immediately afterwards, and solid platforms tilted too much. Lastly, decorations were also well used. You might want to put just a little more into it if your machine allows, but there's no need to overdo it.

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Other - 3/5
★★★

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[0.5] Once again, kudos for level authenticity.
[0] No lag.
[0.5] Your usage of the platform teleport glitch was convoluted, as the arrow was redundant. If the player is engaged enough to pry into every corner of your level for useless mushrooms, he wouldn't like you to make it easy to him out of the blue.
[0] Song choice.

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Final Score - 12.5/20|★★★★★

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i

On your first level, you showcased relatively reliable building skills. You might want to rely on that a little more. Also regarding the shortcut, I haven't playtested it this far, but there may be another way up there: triple-jumping off the isles beyond the Sling Stars with Luigi. Finally, if the generic SM63 level themes do not suffice, the forums are an endless source of level themes. We have a thread dedicated to user playlists, and a list of every contest being put together, all of which link you to their respective Vaults.