Nifflas' Support Forum

Released Games => Knytt Stories => Topic started by: sergiocornaga on May 12, 2012, 17:06:27

Title: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on May 12, 2012, 17:06:27

Both submission and voting for this competition have ended! Without further ado, here are the results!

In 6th place:
toenail - The World is Changing (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5273.0) with 24 points!

In 5th place:
Purple Ink - The Tree of Life (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5684.0) with 40 points!

In 4th place:
ixMarcel - The Tower of Lightning (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5537.0) with 41 points!

In 3rd place:
SecretGlitch - Dark Sea 2 (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5355.0) with 62 points!

In 2nd place:
Fubaka - Cosmic Meltdown (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5855.0) with 69 points!

In 1st place:
Talps - I Dreamed of the Sky (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5416.0) with 78 points!

Congratulations to all participants! Prizes have been sent out, which truly draws this competition to a close. Hopefully you all enjoyed it as much as I did. Perhaps the competition will return some day.

Spoiler: For denizens of the future, here are the original competition details (click to show/hide)

Introduction!
I'm sure many who have dabbled in Knytt Stories have dreamed of creating an epic level; a vast world incorporating monumental themes, generally too ambitious to see completion. Some of you have even released such levels, but I would like to encourage the completion of further examples with an extra-long Knytt Stories level competition!

What's eligible?
Levels made for any version of Knytt Stories (including mods) are acceptable. Entries would ideally be classified as large, but this is not a strict requirement. If you've already begun work on a level that even vaguely fits this description, I totally endorse completing it and submitting it to this.

How long do I have?
The competition was open for nine months. The deadline, 12 February 2013, has now passed! No further entries will be accepted.

Are there prizes?
Yes! Entries are ranked based on the votes of the community and are eligible for free games and other prizes.

Spoiler: Prizes were as follows (click to show/hide)

1st Place:

• One copy of Humble Indie Bundle V.
• One copy of Indie Gala Bundle 4.
• One Dota 2 Steam key.
• Choice of up to three miscellaneous Steam game keys.
• Sergio will attempt to make a small Knytt Stories level based on your request.

2nd Place:

• One copy of Indie Gala Bundle 4.
• One Dota 2 Steam key.
• Choice of up to three remaining miscellaneous Steam game keys.

3rd Place:

• One copy of Indie Gala Bundle 4.
• One Dota 2 Steam key.
• Choice of up to two remaining miscellaneous Steam game keys.

4th Place and beyond:

• Choice of up to two remaining miscellaneous Steam game keys until there are no more keys or no more entries.

Spoiler: Prize details (click to show/hide)

Humble Indie Bundle V contains (downloads + Steam keys):

• Amnesia: The Dark Descent (+ soundtrack)
• Bastion (+ soundtrack)
• Limbo (+ soundtrack)
• Psychonauts (+ soundtrack)
• Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP (+ soundtrack)
• Braid
• Lone Survivor
• Super Meat Boy

Indie Gala 4 (generously contributed by plural) contains these games:

• Alien Shooter (Steam key)
• Alien Shooter 2: Reloaded (Steam key)
• Altitude (Steam key)
• A.R.E.S: Extinction Agenda (Steam key)
• Disciples II: Gallean's Return (Steam key)
• Really Big Sky (Steam key)
• Steel Storm: Burning Retribution (Steam key)
• DeadEnd: Cerebral Vortex (download)
• Lunnye Devitsy (download)
• Wake (download)

And these music downloads:

• Mr. Pineapple - The Really Big Sky OST
• Giraffage - Pretty Things EP
• Giraffage - Comfort
• The Flashbulb - Opus at the End of Everything
• The Flashbulb - Arboreal
• I'm Cwazy - Dubstep'n'Stuff EP
• Kr1z + F-777 - ReMotion Vol. 1

Dota 2 keys generously contributed by Salmoneous.

Miscellaneous Steam keys include:

• The Adventures of Shuggy
• Avernum: The Great Trials Trilogy
• The Binding of Isaac (+Wrath of the Lamb DLC)
• Cave Story+
• Delve Deeper (+DLC)
• Dota 2
• Dungeons of Dredmor
• Eversion
• Gemini Rue
• Hoard
• Indie Game: The Movie
• Krater
• Noitu Love 2: Devolution
• Oil Rush
• Osmos
• The Path
• Rock of Ages
• Runespell Overture
• Shank 2
• Shattered Horizon
• Sugar Cube: Bittersweet Factory
• Super Meat Boy
• Time Gentlemen, Please!
• Unmechanical

On voting:
Voting remained open until 26 March, which allowed one week to devote to each level. Votes were submitted to me via PM in the form of a list of all six entries arranged from favourite to least favourite. Points were assigned based on position in the list - first place votes receive 6 points, second place votes receive 5 points, and so on.

Spoiler: Here is an example of the format votes should follow (click to show/hide)

Quote from: alternate reality Nifflas' Support Forum

1. Headgrinder - Well Built Level
2. Healy - You Have to Put the Juni in the Void
3. plural - Orienteering
4. egomassive - Television, Tractors or Kindling
5. R Hunter Gough - Meshes of the Afternoon
6. rhetoricstu - Don't Lick the Natto

If you have submitted a level, you should still vote, but make a list of five only - do not list your own level. Voting will earn your entry 5 bonus points, so as long as everyone who entered votes, the playing field will be level. I hope this method sits right with everyone; please speak up if it doesn't. Otherwise, good luck to all the entrants!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on May 12, 2012, 21:11:46

I think it is a great idea, but I know I am probably not going to enter, what with a small level still to finish as well as a medium that I expect will take me a year.  :P

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Raicuparta on May 12, 2012, 21:28:00

I really want to make a level like this some day, but its too hard to predict if it would ever be finished.
I'll certainly try, and if I can come up with an interesting concept, I'll try it. From what I learned with KS so far, the hardest part is finding ways to prevent myself from losing interest, and at the level of epicness you seem to be aiming at, it could be quite a challenge for me.
I hope that more people show interest, maybe this thread could be used to share some status posts and discussing our levels, to keep the knytters and everyone else interested.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: BeamishBoy on May 12, 2012, 21:50:03

I'd love to try; seeing as I've only made mini-levels in the past, it would probably be smarter for me to start off by making some medium-sized levels first. If I do so and feel comfortable with the size, I'd probably start something for this challenge.

If people are planning to do this challenge, I'd support their posting updates here to help with the motivation side of things (both for them and for us lazy people reading their updates.)

Cool idea!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Healy on May 13, 2012, 01:33:09

I have a question: would games you already released a demo for be eligible? I have two games that I released demos for that I might finish for this.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on May 13, 2012, 03:24:18

Quote from: Healy on May 13, 2012, 01:33:09

I have a question: would games you already released a demo for be eligible? I have two games that I released demos for that I might finish for this.

That's totally OK by me.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: ixMarcel on May 13, 2012, 07:56:26

I want to make an epic story, but not now. I'm having troubles with making The Tower of Lightning. My computer is horrible... I will make an Epic Story after releasing current level.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: egomassive on May 14, 2012, 18:57:34

I'm in. I've already started making it, and I've been planning to make it since my last epic level, A Knytt in Time. Here's the preview thread for The Tree of Knowledge. (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5182.0) My goal is to complete it before Knytt Within a Deep Forest which Should be well before this deadline. However, I've lately been distracted by the creation of a level editor. We'll see how it goes.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Klavierspieler on May 15, 2012, 21:51:24

I'll sure give it a shot. :)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: egomassive on May 16, 2012, 07:00:18

Welcome to the forum Klavierspieler. Have you made a Knytt Stories level before? Most people don't have success making large levels on their first attempt, but it has happened. Good luck with the level and the competition.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on May 17, 2012, 00:08:05

Hmm, well I'm close to finishing 'I Dreamed of the Sky', and I have three other things I'd like to work on. Can I enter more than one level? (Since it's nearly done, I'd like to enter 'I Dreamed of the Sky', but it'd also be nice to have some motivation to get the others done).

In the spirit of the endeavour, I might try and complete the two-thirds-done epic I never finished but developed between 'Eurydice' and 'I Dreamed'.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on May 17, 2012, 05:23:07

Quote from: Talps on May 17, 2012, 00:08:05

Hmm, well I'm close to finishing 'I Dreamed of the Sky', and I have three other things I'd like to work on. Can I enter more than one level?

You sure can.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: SecretGlitch on May 18, 2012, 02:44:46

I don't know if this would be considered acceptable since it was mostly done when this competition was started, but if it is then I suppose I unintentionally have an entry for this, Dark Sea 2 (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5355.0).

I was unaware that this was going on, but since I coincidentally just finished a giant level, why not enter?

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Klavierspieler on May 19, 2012, 01:13:41

Quote from: egomassive on May 16, 2012, 07:00:18

Welcome to the forum Klavierspieler. Have you made a Knytt Stories level before? Most people don't have success making large levels on their first attempt, but it has happened. Good luck with the level and the competition.

Thank you!

I have made Knytt Stories levels before. However, I'm not sure, on beginning an epic-sized project, that I want to do this anyway: I like having a real life.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: toenail on May 20, 2012, 16:03:15

Like SecretGlitch, my level was mostly done when I first saw your competition.
Is it eligible ?

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on May 20, 2012, 17:40:14

Levels you have worked on prior to the announcement of this competition are eligible. I would even accept previously finished and released levels if they are noticeably updated for this competition.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Salmoneous on May 29, 2012, 10:46:25

this here should like be mailed to all those people who worked on levels but never got around finishing and left community. who knows, maybe we'll get some old abandoned levels :)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on June 20, 2012, 17:22:41

I just gave the original post a much needed update. Check it out for prize announcements. (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5308.0)

Quote from: Salmoneous on May 29, 2012, 10:46:25

this here should like be mailed to all those people who worked on levels but never got around finishing and left community. who knows, maybe we'll get some old abandoned levels :)

I wouldn't feel comfortable doing such a thing, but if there are specific people you'd like to inform about this competition you have my blessing.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Raicuparta on June 20, 2012, 17:41:28

Some nice incentives there, even though I already have most of them.
I really hope this competition gets a lot of participants, I am getting excited :D

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: egomassive on June 20, 2012, 19:20:16

I guess I'll have to join Steam, if I place in the top 5. I better finish my Something with Snow scenes and get back to my epic endeavors. *gives a star to SC for kick-starting us*

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Fubaka on June 21, 2012, 01:01:51

I'd like to participate, though I haven't even started such a level yet.

I do have an interesting idea kicking around, though...

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on June 22, 2012, 23:57:05

I hereby would like to officially enter my level, 'I Dreamed of the Sky (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5416.msg57852#msg57852)'.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on December 12, 2012, 07:40:40

The proposed deadline for this competition is in two months. Is everybody who was planning to enter still on track?

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Polana on December 12, 2012, 12:08:06

I am thinking about it, but I am not sure if I will manage to do it (still making tilesets) and if my level will be good and epic enough.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Salmoneous on December 14, 2012, 09:21:36

Prizes nicceeee!  :O

I may enter...  :shifty:

Quote from: sergiocornaga on June 20, 2012, 17:22:41

I wouldn't feel comfortable doing such a thing, but if there are specific people you'd like to inform about this competition you have my blessing.

naaah, stupid idea, sorry.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: ixMarcel on December 14, 2012, 15:51:27

Can my level "The Tower of Lightning (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5537.0)" enter that competition?

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on December 14, 2012, 16:05:48

Quote from: Polana on December 12, 2012, 12:08:06

I am thinking about it, but I am not sure if I will manage to do it (still making tilesets) and if my level will be good and epic enough.

I would suggest entering anyway... there's an extremely high likelihood of getting a prize, after all!

Quote from: ixMarcel on December 14, 2012, 15:51:27

Can my level "The Tower of Lightning (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5537.0)" enter that competition?

Sure can! I've entered it.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: egomassive on December 14, 2012, 22:26:21

I'm withdrawing from the competition. :( I've busied myself with other projects, and haven't made much headway. But rather than withdraw, I think I'll use the contest deadline to motivate me.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Purple Ink on December 15, 2012, 01:23:45

I guess I'll enter my level The Tree of Life (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5684.0) so there's some more choices.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on December 15, 2012, 03:37:40

Quote from: egomassive on December 14, 2012, 22:26:21

But rather than withdraw, I think I'll use the contest deadline to motivate me.

I wish you the best of luck, then.

Quote from: Purple Ink on December 15, 2012, 01:23:45

I guess I'll enter my level The Tree of Life (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5684.0) so there's some more choices.

Good, I was hoping you would!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Fubaka on January 19, 2013, 22:47:00

You know what, I might as well enter my upcoming level, Cosmic Meltdown into this comp as well.  It should be done by the deadline, and it's quite a big level at that.  I've been working on it, on and off, since October 2011!  XD

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on February 04, 2013, 16:51:09

This competition is currently set to close in about a week. Does anyone think I should extend the deadline, possibly by a large amount? There are some great entries currently, but I was (and still am) hoping for a lot more!

Oh, I also added a lot more Steam games to the prize list. There are currently more prizes than can be distributed among the current number of entries. If that's not incentive to enter, I don't know what is!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Polana on February 04, 2013, 17:47:05

I'll give it a try with entering my level Gustav's son. It is not epic or large, but it has some custom stuff and funny guy in the cave. Someone must be last...
No, what was I thinking... I should make another fixed version and that will not be done in time, so I am leaving competition. Sorry.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Marximillian on February 04, 2013, 19:01:36

I think the deadline should be extended a little! I hear on the olivevine that one of my favorite level-makers is approaching the completion of a secret and complex level.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Healy on February 06, 2013, 04:00:56

I could do with maybe a month's extension. I'm busy finishing my level for the night competition, but I really want to finish OMGT: Gaiden after that.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on February 08, 2013, 01:24:50

At the risk of sounding selfish, I'd feel a bit put out if it was extended; in a competition with actual cash-valued prizes, I feel things should be run more tightly than in the casual KS competitions.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Fubaka on February 08, 2013, 02:04:16

I agree with Talps.  I feel like my time spent ensuring that my level was finished before the due date would be somewhat squandered if said date was extended like this.

My suggestion would be to simply start up another contest if you want to see more entries.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: egomassive on February 08, 2013, 06:14:49

I'm totally not going to finish anytime soon, so don't wait for me. *hangs head in defeat*

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Purple Ink on February 08, 2013, 09:50:00

I agree with Talps too. I think some people worked hard to meet the deadline and it's kind of a slap in the face to them to extend it.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Polana on February 09, 2013, 11:51:18

Quote from: sergiocornaga on February 04, 2013, 16:51:09

Oh, I also added a lot more Steam games to the prize list. There are currently more prizes than can be distributed among the current number of entries. If that's not incentive to enter, I don't know what is!

What about another round of the competition, Sergio ? (In case you still have more prizes than entries).
I think the competition is good idea and if there are people who worked hard to manage it in time and other who did not succeed, it would be bad to waste the prizes but also little unfair to extend deadline.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on February 11, 2013, 03:24:45

So, who all finished with entries for this competition?  Could you edit 1st post with links to their level?

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on February 11, 2013, 14:21:28

I must admit I'm surprised to see this many negative reactions to the proposal of an extension. I never felt this competition was set up to run more tightly than our regular ones, given that the rules allow levels started long before this competition, and the first post always mentioned the possibility of an extension. My hope was just for this competition to inspire the creation and recognition of more levels with prizes as an added incentive, but I admit their inclusion does make fairness an issue.

Since it seems like more people would be upset if I extended the deadline than if I left it, the original deadline stands. Anyone still wanting to enter has 45 hours left to get their level in. Check this countdown for the current time remaining (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/to?iso=20130212T235959&p0=1890&fg1=000&fg2=000&msg=Epic+KS+Level+Competition+Deadline). As Fubaka and Polana suggested, I'll try to run another one of these competitions in the future for those that feel left out by this turn of events.

Quote from: Polana on February 04, 2013, 17:47:05

No, what was I thinking... I should make another fixed version and that will not be done in time, so I am leaving competition. Sorry.

This saddens me, but I will withdraw your entry from the competition if that's what you want. Think it over a little, anyway!

Quote from: Headgrinder on February 11, 2013, 03:24:45

So, who all finished with entries for this competition?  Could you edit 1st post with links to their level?

Actually, the list of entries has been in the first post for several months. I just unspoilered it to make it harder to miss.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Polana on February 11, 2013, 20:56:55

Quote from: sergiocornaga on February 11, 2013, 14:21:28

Quote from: Polana on February 04, 2013, 17:47:05

No, what was I thinking... I should make another fixed version and that will not be done in time, so I am leaving competition. Sorry.

This saddens me, but I will withdraw your entry from the competition if that's what you want. Think it over a little, anyway!

I will make something more epic (and better) for next round (if there will be some). So sorry and thanks for your kind words.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on February 11, 2013, 23:02:16

Ah!  Because of the statements about not continuing the deadline, I was under the impression it was over.  I'm also surprised at the desire not to extend the deadlines.  At any rate, I was asking for a link of completed levels, but now that I know the deadline hasn't hit yet, I'll just be waiting.  XD

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on February 11, 2013, 23:17:15

Quote from: Headgrinder on February 11, 2013, 23:02:16

Ah!  Because of the statements about not continuing the deadline, I was under the impression it was over.  I'm also surprised at the desire not to extend the deadlines.  At any rate, I was asking for a link of completed levels, but now that I know the deadline hasn't hit yet, I'll just be waiting.  XD

Oh, I'm sorry! I missed the entire point of your post. I will edit in links in a while.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: toenail on February 12, 2013, 23:17:21

Thank you for the reminder on the competition.
It gave me some incentive to add the custom umbrella I wanted to try in one of the temples.
Just in time for the competition !

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on February 13, 2013, 12:22:44

Time's up! No more entries will be accepted. Voting details have been added to the first post.

Spoiler: Or you can just click here. (click to show/hide)

The competition has now closed! The follow levels were submitted:

• Fubaka - Cosmic Meltdown (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5855.0)
• ixMarcel - The Tower of Lightning (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5537.0)
• Purple Ink - The Tree of Life (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5684.0)
• SecretGlitch - Dark Sea 2 (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5355.0)
• Talps - I Dreamed of the Sky (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5416.0)
• toenail - The World is Changing (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5273.0)

Now it's time to vote!

Voting will be open until 26 March, which gives you a week to devote to each level. Votes should be submitted to me via PM in the form of a list of all six entries arranged from favourite to least favourite. Points will be assigned based on position in the list - first place votes will receive 6 points, second place votes will receive 5 points, and so on.

Spoiler: Here is an example of the format your vote should follow (click to show/hide)

Quote from: alternate reality Nifflas' Support Forum

1. Headgrinder - Well Built Level
2. Healy - You Have to Put the Juni in the Void
3. plural - Orienteering
4. egomassive - Television, Tractors or Kindling
5. R Hunter Gough - Meshes of the Afternoon
6. rhetoricstu - Don't Lick the Natto

If you have submitted a level, you should still vote, but make a list of five only - do not list your own level. Voting will earn your entry 5 bonus points, so as long as everyone who entered votes, the playing field will be level. I hope this method sits right with everyone; please speak up if it doesn't. Otherwise, good luck to all the entrants!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Marximillian on February 13, 2013, 18:41:51

From niffchat:
(09:36:01 AM) Marx: Examine the entries carefully though, every level should get a fair amount of attention
(09:37:09 AM) Marx: Unless it sucks, but there's no way to fix that and you should keep playing in case it gets better anyway

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on February 14, 2013, 12:49:36

It's funny because it's true.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: willxinc on February 15, 2013, 00:05:21

Gonna be playing through each of the Compo levels, recorded as an LP,
So far I finished Cosmic Meltdown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy_dE9Snv50)
(Warning, > 1 hour due to me failing at some key parts as well as attempting to get a secret that I seemed to have mis-timed.)
Next'll probably be "I Dreamed of the Sky" by Talps.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: ixMarcel on February 15, 2013, 10:25:07

I'm going to vote:
1. I dreamed of the sky by Talps
2. Cosmic Meltdown by Fubaka
3. Dark Sea 2 by Secret Glith
4. Tree of life by Purple Ink
5. The World is Changing by toenail

I can't vote for my level, can I? ;)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on February 15, 2013, 17:41:00

Quote from: ixMarcel on February 15, 2013, 10:25:07

I can't vote for my level, can I? ;)

That's right. Also, while I suggested votes should be sent as a PM, posts in this thread are fine too.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Purple Ink on February 17, 2013, 04:12:00

Quote from: willxinc on February 15, 2013, 00:05:21

Gonna be playing through each of the Compo levels, recorded as an LP,
So far I finished Cosmic Meltdown (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy_dE9Snv50)
(Warning, > 1 hour due to me failing at some key parts as well as attempting to get a secret that I seemed to have mis-timed.)
Next'll probably be "I Dreamed of the Sky" by Talps.

I really enjoyed the LP and look forward to the others. Pretty cool idea to LP them all.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: KG on February 18, 2013, 01:23:58

Well I voted.
You got that right, Sergio?

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on February 18, 2013, 08:25:10

Quote from: KG on February 18, 2013, 01:23:58

Well I voted.
You got that right, Sergio?

Sure did!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on February 18, 2013, 13:02:26

Ok, seriously, what is the deal with me and mediafire???  If I couldn't download ANY of your levels, I'd understand, but it is only Tree of Life and I Dreamed of the Sky that doesn't seem to work for me.  I can only guess it is the incredible amount of spam on their site that is driving my anti-ware crazy and shutting down the whole thing.  Very annoying.  :/  Is there seriously no better file share server for you guys?  Google docs maybe?

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Purple Ink on February 18, 2013, 14:09:47

Oh. Okay. Here's a link that should work. Didn't want a ginormous link so I used tinyurl. Let me know if anyone has trouble with this one.

http://tinyurl.com/b7stefj (http://tinyurl.com/b7stefj)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: ixMarcel on February 18, 2013, 15:11:41

I also updated my downloads. Here You can download from mirror (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5537.msg58959#msg58959)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: pfrangip on February 18, 2013, 15:58:31

sergiocornaga, Thanks for hosting this competition! Looks like it has pushed some people to release some great levels that they wouldn't otherwise have released. Before seeing this, I had already played 4 of the competition levels and I've already downloaded and started on the other two.


Fubaka - Cosmic Meltdown
ixMarcel - The Tower of Lightning
Talps - I Dreamed of the Sky

These levels I played before I knew of this competition. All are definitely top-notch and there is some stiff competition here!


toenail - The World is Changing

Tried playing this before, as well. As far as I'm concerned, this level is glitched to the point of being broken and unplayable past a certain point. Great potential, though.


Purple Ink - The Tree of Life

Just started this one. My initial run through is that it is a professional, open-ended world with a LOT to do and explore! (Not a big fan of 80s music but whatever  :sick:)


SecretGlitch - Dark Sea 2

DAMN, Dark Sea 2 is hard! But it's rewarding, professionally done, artsy, and has some very clever puzzles. I'm just wondering who would put Power Station controls on the other side of so many lasers and robots and explosives and mazes  :) .


I'll vote when I finish these two. Hopefully I don't have to cheat to finish Dark Sea 2!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Marximillian on February 18, 2013, 17:53:39

How many votes have you gotten so far?

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on February 19, 2013, 09:49:29

Thanks to those who updating your links.  Hope I wasn't too winy.  :/

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: SecretGlitch on February 19, 2013, 20:04:29

I voted. Apologies to anyone trying to play my level when it's at a far higher difficulty than they can manage. I was planning on having a playthrough recorded before now but I don't have the time. Oh well, go into the editor or cheat if you must or do what you can.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on February 20, 2013, 01:10:37

Sorry about that, Headgrinder. I need to choose a better file host in case the KS archive fails me again.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on February 20, 2013, 06:32:10

Quote from: Marximillian on February 18, 2013, 17:53:39

How many votes have you gotten so far?

There have been eight votes so far, although three are awaiting adjustments before they will be counted.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Marximillian on February 20, 2013, 17:52:33

Quote from: sergiocornaga on February 20, 2013, 06:32:10

There have been eight votes so far, although three are awaiting adjustments before they will be counted.

Whaaat, that's it? I was thinking this'd be more of a big deal.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on February 20, 2013, 23:46:02

I have 2 kids and am working overtime... so I'm trying to get through them but it will probably still take me a few weeks.  :/

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on February 21, 2013, 01:14:57

I have education and a large writing project. I've barely started on these. :(

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Fubaka on February 21, 2013, 03:38:42

Alright.  I have casted my votes.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: pfrangip on February 23, 2013, 04:08:56

Just finished Dark Sea 2 and the story mode of Tree of Life. Dark Sea 2 was definitely LUNATIC and I had to add a few save points here and there to keep myself sane... especially the end sequence. I'll be casting my votes shortly.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Purple Ink on February 23, 2013, 14:04:27

Am I the only person who played DS2 normally? :huh:

I do have to admit that there were times when it did make me want to learn how to cheat in KS.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on February 23, 2013, 23:34:57

Yeah, I haven't finished it yet, but it is one of those levels where I either cheat or I just don't play it.  I do NOT have anywhere NEAR the requisite skills.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on February 24, 2013, 00:20:28

I tried to do DS2 normally. I was over half-way when I finally gave in and whipped out the cheats. The problem is that once you activate them, it's impossible to stop yourself using them. :(

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on February 24, 2013, 01:42:09

Once I die 20 times in a row, I turn them on.  :D  After that it is more like 10 times in a row... until I just want to move on.  But I actually have been getting better.

Oh, sorry.  Off topic.  :oops:

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Purple Ink on February 25, 2013, 14:24:48

So I was watching willxinc's LP of The Tower of Lightning and I realised that all of the levels for this competition should be considered at least "Hard" and found that kind of funny.

Anyway, I'm curious. Are you going to cast a vote, sergio? Or are you just playing overseer?

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: pfrangip on February 25, 2013, 16:01:15

Quote from: Purple Ink on February 25, 2013, 14:24:48

So I was watching willxinc's LP of The Tower of Lightning and I realised that all of the levels for this competition should be considered at least "Hard" and found that kind of funny.

Anyway, I'm curious. Are you going to cast a vote, sergio? Or are you just playing overseer?

I honestly can't think of a non-environmental level other than the original Nifflas' stories that would qualify as "Normal" by his standards, given how ridiculously easy they were.

Quote from: Talps on February 24, 2013, 00:20:28

I tried to do DS2 normally. I was over half-way when I finally gave in and whipped out the cheats. The problem is that once you activate them, it's impossible to stop yourself using them. :(

What, Talps, _you_ need to cheat? I thought you could beat UPPER LEVELS without dying!!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on February 25, 2013, 16:14:05

Quote from: Purple Ink on February 25, 2013, 14:24:48

Anyway, I'm curious. Are you going to cast a vote, sergio? Or are you just playing overseer?

I'll definitely vote if I manage to find time to thoroughly play each level. I know I'll probably never be able to legitimately beat a couple of the entries, though...

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on February 25, 2013, 19:42:20

Maybe I could have gotten through 'Dark Sea 2' if it wasn't so long. I don't know. Been a long time since I tried it.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: willxinc on February 25, 2013, 19:58:45

Am I the only one that beat all the levels without cheating? (albeit over a very long period of time)

Also, vote submitted, and now working on recording the other levels still (decided to speed-run them first and take note on general atmosphere / design).

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Purple Ink on March 03, 2013, 12:04:44

I beat all the levels without cheating or editing or whatever. :)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on March 24, 2013, 13:23:31

The deadline for voting looms! (http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/to?iso=20130326T235959&p0=1890&fg1=000&fg2=000&msg=Epic+KS+Level+Competition+Voting+Deadline&csz=1)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: pfrangip on March 25, 2013, 15:20:40

I already casted my votes about a month ago, but I just want to say that in retrospect, some these levels are among the best that the community has to offer. Great job to everyone, and the competition was stiff.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Noumenon on March 27, 2013, 02:07:42

I'm only taking my first steps at KS level designing so I'm no expert, and I've not played all the levels on this thread so it would be wrong to vote in any case, but I just wanted to say that I just finished playing through I Dreamed of the Sky and really enjoyed it. I'm a writer (unsuccessful for now) and a good story is one of the first things I look for in games, so this was a very satisfying level. It reminded me of Hugh Howey's WOOL series, which I would call a complement. Anyway, to Talps, well done from me!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: SecretGlitch on March 27, 2013, 04:09:01

@Noumenon: There's a perfectly good thread to post in instead of this one (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5416.0) about Talps' fine level. Especially since you aren't voting or commenting on other entries. [/nitpick]

To all the entrants, I gotta say good job at putting more huge levels out there. Those are always the ones that people look forward to and never get released.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on March 27, 2013, 13:09:12

Voting is over! The results are in! (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5308.0)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: pfrangip on March 27, 2013, 16:42:41

Quote from: sergiocornaga on March 27, 2013, 13:09:12

Voting is over! The results are in! (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5308.0)

(Thanks again for hosting this, Sergio.)

Spoiler: In depth review of each level (click to show/hide)

  :w7: Congratulations Talps!  :w7:

To everyone else, all I have to say is that for me, these were practically ALL top tier levels, better than most other Knytt Stories Levels and definitely better than most platformer levels for other games. Every single one of these was a genuine pleasure to play. Even Toenail's World is Changing probably would have had a shot at ranking if he hadn't been so ambitious with it and had more polish. In the order I rated them:

toenail - The World is Changing
Again, great job with your first level. Please don't be discouraged, and keep making levels. You were so ambitious with this level that I think you rushed it... but it really has a lot of potential. Honestly, I would LOVE to play and review a full, fixed, polished "World is Changing." I think that you have a lot of great potential as a level designer, especially with some of your more creative challenges.

Purple Ink - The Tree of Life
This level was a lot of fun for me, but a little frustrating in some places. I especially loved the seasonal challenges, and I was especially frustrated by the long distance between saves on the "surface". I really liked the dark underground forest creepy maze thing. Honestly, I would put this level right at the same level of enjoyment as Nifflas' original levels, which is to say GREAT and definitely in the top 20% of Knytt Stories. In my opinion, the only reason you didn't score higher was because of some really tough competition from world-class level designers.

ixMarcel - The Tower of Lightning
Wow. I think you're the REAL winner of this competition because this was your first level. It was honestly a lot of fun and a great challenge. The story was a little... bland... but the challenges were fun and clever and new, the pace was good, the environments interesting to explore, and the details kept me looking to find more. (There were some inaccessible areas that you can see that I kept looking to find.) It was polished, bug free, and just... fun to play. Isn't that what it's all about? I really hope you keep making levels so that I can keep playing them.

Fubaka - Cosmic Meltdown
This level is so complex and has so many secrets and secrets within secrets that I know I haven't even scratched the surface of it. You've got a deceptively routine, yet impressive and fun and troll-worthy, level the first go around, which balloons into an entirely different experience with new challenges based on different abilities and different paths depending on which secrets you find. I've never seen anything like this before or since and part of me marvels at his genius while the other part stares in confusion at the idea that, I as the player, have to sort it all out. Even Nifflas himself, with his reputation for long, elaborate secrets doesn't even come close to matching this level of hidden depth.

SecretGlitch - Dark Sea 2
I reviewed this one in detail already (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5355.msg62541#msg62541), in short, one of my new favorite levels of all time.

Talps - I Dreamed of the Sky

http://www.valvesoftware.com/jobs/job_postings.html

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on March 27, 2013, 17:35:12

Wow, thanks everyone for voting for me! I'm really amazed I won; I didn't vote myself but I thought there was some really tight competition; particularly 'Dark Sea 2' with it's awesome art and 'Cosmic Meltdown' with it's massively high quality.
So thanks again those who voted for me, and big well done to the other competitors. I think Polana would have been in with a good chance, too, if she'd had the confidence to submit 'Gustav's Son': that's another great level.

Um, big thanks to people who helped me create my level, with tilesets, technical advice, beta-testing, file hosting and anything else! *Dissolves into typically weepy Oscar acceptance speech*

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: SecretGlitch on March 27, 2013, 23:40:54

Number three, that's for me.

Good job everybody. For me, a lot of the levels weren't my thing, but the ranking the levels seems very fair. An extra round of applause to all of those who got through my level but only played it because of this contest.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Fubaka on March 28, 2013, 00:50:48

Thank you for giving me second place!

To be honest, I knew Talps was gonna win.   :P

And to all the people who found and played through the big secret, you have a special place in my ventricles.  <3

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on March 28, 2013, 02:11:36

Ew.

I didn't have the patience, so I'm safely outside your ventricles. (Sorry, just not my kind of level.)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: pfrangip on March 28, 2013, 02:40:09

Quote from: Talps on March 28, 2013, 02:11:36

Ew.

I didn't have the patience, so I'm safely outside your ventricles. (Sorry, just not my kind of level.)

This surprises me, as Cosmic Meltdown is probably the most like your own levels that I've seen. About the same length, same level of difficulty (Very Hard), and a compelling narrative. I suggest you give at least the initial Secret Passage a shot, as it increases the difficulty and the length considerably.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Talps on March 28, 2013, 03:26:10

If I could find 'em, I'd try 'em. I don't really have the patience for checking every wall for secrets.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Fubaka on March 28, 2013, 04:28:42

Quote from: Talps on March 28, 2013, 02:11:36

Ew.

I didn't have the patience, so I'm safely outside your ventricles. (Sorry, just not my kind of level.)

Yeah, I understand that it is a bit too hard for some people.

I think you will very much enjoy my next level though, when that comes out. (In possibly 3 or more years :P)

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: SecretGlitch on March 31, 2013, 16:48:56

What's the story with the prizes? I haven't gotten PM'd yet.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: sergiocornaga on March 31, 2013, 17:00:07

SecretGlitch, I'm sending the PMs out one-by-one so that the list of available Steam keys is accurate for each participant. Talps is done, I'm just waiting on a reply from Fubaka.

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Purple Ink on April 07, 2013, 02:37:25

Congrats everyone, especially Talps. :)

These were some great levels!

Title: Re: Epic KS Level Competition
Post by: Headgrinder on April 07, 2013, 22:49:13

Yeah, congrads all.  Very cool competition.  I Dream of the Sky and Cosmic Meltdown work top notch, and the others were very enjoyable as well.