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Released Games => Knytt Stories => Topic started by: Fubaka on June 13, 2012, 22:02:30

Title: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 13, 2012, 22:02:30

Greetings, everyone!

I have created this thread to give out reviews to all the new KS levels that are released on the Archive, the good and the bad, to help all of you when making your own levels.

Firstly, let me set some ground rules about how I will review these:

-I will only review new levels.  Older ones have had their time in the sun already, and I want to advise those who are still making levels.
-I will not compare reviewed levels to other user-made levels to determine the score.  It will stand on its own merit.
-If it is labelled as a beta, or as otherwise unfinished, I will not review it.
-The final score will be based on a number of factors, and will also depend on the type of level it is.  Each of these will be rated individually, and will range from 0 to 10, (0 being completely broken and irredeemable,  5 being average, and 10 being perfect)
-I will try my best to complete the level, but if it is too hard for me to complete, I will not review it.  (Sorry, Safety-like levels :P)
-These reviews will be spoileriffic, but all that information will be hidden in spoiler boxes.
-I will of course, not review it if it breaks the rules of the forum, or the archive.

If you want, feel free to join in with some reviews of your own.  Just let us know if you are not going to follow one or more of the standards and rules mentioned above.

The first review will be up shortly.  I just finished playing a new level, and am about to give my thoughts on it.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 13, 2012, 23:12:58

Map:  VP 01

Author:  VP

Type:  Challenge

Size:  Small

Difficulty:  Normal
====================

Our first specimen is a level that, at first glance, does not give much of an impression.  The icon is simply the standard juni stance, but with a rainbow background.  You might think that due to the filesize being about 750 KB, the level might feature an imported song or ambient track of relatively small size, but in actuality, that size comes from the three cutscene images, whose filesizes are much larger than they ought to be.

Playthrough
=============

Upon starting the level, you get one of those three screens, which is a random entourage of digital color effects with the phrase 'Start Game' in red and slanted.  It looks different from the default intro, but it really doesn't fare much better than it.

The game starts proper in a strange black cuboid cave with two exits.  One leads down to unknown depths, while the other leads to an outdoor area.  Choosing one of those two paths leads to an early dead end death, which is annoying for the beginning of the level.  Of course, even if you do choose the wrong path at first, the other will quickly lead you to more powerups.  The level then becomes a standard find powerups and open new paths scenario, as you revisit old areas with new tricks to gain access to new areas.

You will quickly find upon starting this level, that, while some of the areas are well-painted, many others are simply confusing and contain invisible-wall mazes.  Many tiles that look like ordinary pathing tiles are ethereal for no discernible reason, and the environmental shifts are jarring, but not in a compelling or sensible fashion.

Despite this, I did usually know where I was going and there were some arrows to help point me in the right direction.  The challenge definitely fit the bill of 'Normal', and apart from the last area, it didn't really annoy me.

End:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

The end is nothing special, either.  Once you've collected every item, you unlock the last area, reach a knytt woman and win, with another strange and somewhat hard to read screen.

Secrets:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

In the last part of the level, you are given two separate paths to take, labeled 'Easy' and 'Normal'.  Taking either will give you the yellow key you need to win, but there is one secret in the Normal path.  If you jump right from the platform that has the key, you can reach an invisible platform where the same knytt woman will be standing.  Reach her, and you will get the third screen, and go to a bonus area.  This bonus area is hardly worth it, because now you are trapped for all eternity in the screen below!
(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/165/0/4/vp_01_secret_image_by_blahson256-d53hfxk.png)

Scoring
========

Challenge:  5/10

The challenge in this level was kind of mixed.  Some of the things you needed to dodge were somewhat interesting, but others, particularly the last section, were just annoying and cheap.

Construction:  4/10

A few screens looked interesting.  Many of them were passable.  On that same note, though, there were more than a few screens that simply did not look good.  The abundance of unexplained ethereal tiles and the jarring shifts in environment also didn't help.

Exploring:  6/10

Getting around in this level was surprisingly interesting.  The progression of powerups obtained was natural, and there were a good variety of ways to get across the various screens.

Atmosphere:  3/10

There are very few screens that actually have ambient tracks.  While the KS soundtrack does play in pretty much every screen, the lack of ambient sounds leave the ears unsatisfied.

Story:  N/A

Despite the stated goal of "Explore the map, save the girl.", there is no story to speak of.  It's just running around for running around's sake.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Secret Hunting:  3/10

There is one secret in the level, but as stated above, it is entirely unsatisfying, and pointless.

Overall Score:  4.2  (Not that great)

Unless you are craving a new KS level immediately, or will play anything, you should probably skip this one.  It has a degree of effort to its design, but it simply wasn't built well enough to be compelling, and there were a lot of poor choices in the overall concept.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: SecretGlitch on June 14, 2012, 03:01:46

Quote from: Fubaka on June 13, 2012, 22:02:30

-I will try my best to complete the level, but if it is too hard for me to complete, I will not review it.  (Sorry, Safety-like levels :P)

What, no Safety reviews? I guess I'll have to do it myself.
Safety 1: 6/10
Safety 2: 5/10
Safety 3: 7/10

In all seriousness I might review any new overly hard levels, as well as maybe some retrospective reviews of lunatic levels.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 21, 2012, 03:20:32

Map:  Knytt

Author:  Creeper

Type:  N/A

Size:  N/A

Difficulty:  N/A
====================

With a name like 'Knytt' and with no custom icon, you naturally assume that what you'd get would be completely mediocre and effortless in design.  That assumption, however, would only be partially correct.  If you just passed this level up, (like most people would) you would never realize the sheer terror that this level contains.

I didn't expect much when booting this level up, but what I got... Oh boy...

Playthrough
=============

I was shown the default screen, which I expected upon starting the level.  Then the level began.  At first, it looked okay, if not a tad unprofessional.  I walked the only way I could for a good 5 screens across incongruous and uninteresting screens until I found both the run and climb powerups together.  Makes me wonder why the designer didn't simply start me off with run.  Once I got those powerups I ran back across the start to the other side, where more uninteresting screens awaited me.  Once I reached the end of the tunnel, I jumped into a statue and got inexplicably warped to a new area.

This is where the madness began...

I had seen before that there was a bit of trouble distinguishing foreground objects from background ones, but that was small potatoes compared to the main world.  On the first screen after the shift, you see floating platforms of tiles that are supposed to be in the foreground, but for some reason, are in the background!  You'll constantly see people and other moving creatures walking on air, believe it or not, (and I'm sure they never thought they could feel so free-ee-eeeee!   :P) and ceiling tiles almost never align properly, which means you can often achieve wallswim and void access on many of them.

This is especially troublesome when the level designer throws spikes at you, which are both in the foreground and background, and you simply cannot tell which ones are where.  Once you get far enough into the game, the designer starts throwing baddies at you, and it becomes clear that they didn't know how to make challenges that were actually challenging, as opposed to either too easy, or excruciatingly unfair.  In the 'challenge' sections, you are often simply jumped by eaters and dumped into pools that you could not possibly have seen coming the first time, not to mention how poorly the save points are placed.

It only got more annoying from there, with invisible death tiles to prevent you from accessing void screens, inexplicably unclimbable walls, more confusing screens with foreground/background issues, knytts who say things that are completely irrelevant, an area called the 'Black Dungeon' which I renamed the 'Lazy Dungeon' due to it just being two screens of pure blackness between the ghost land and another generic red plain, and a ghost party, which accurately describes the feel of the entire level:

(http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/172/8/d/awful_by_blahson256-d54czpc.jpg)

End:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Upon my initial playthrough, I was unable to find the ending, because it wasn't at all obvious where the path to the end was supposed to be.  After getting through the 'awful' ghost party and collecting the red key, I had reached an area with more inexplicably unclimbable wall borders.  In fact, there was an old man sitting by one who says: 'Sorry,this wall is currently unavailable to climb.' 

 :moody:

After a fruitless backtrack, which I'm sure I wasn't supposed to be able to do, I checked the editor to see where the ending was supposed to be.  At first, I thought there wasn't one at all, but eventually I found it, and headed in that direction in the level itself.  It turns out that some of the floating platforms in that region ARE climbable, even though other identical platforms on the same screen aren't.

 >(

From there, I went through a thoroughly uninteresting cave, found the yellow key, and would have been stuck again had I not seen an unfairly hidden shift in the editor.  From there, I ran through the last tunnel, got teased by the game again with hologram powerups, and found the girl again.  I won, which of course, displayed the default screen.

 :moody: :moody: :moody:

Secrets:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

There are no secrets, which is disappointing.

Scoring
========

Challenge:  2/10

The challenges in this level are very lackluster.  It is either way too easy, or just cheap in execution.  It displays laziness and a lack of willingness to test the level on part of the designer.

Construction:  1/10

It is impossible to tell if anything other than the ground is going to be collide-able or not.  There are tons of places where you can wallswim into void screens and other places where you aren't supposed to be.  Save points, shifts, and sign dialogue are all placed very poorly.  Moving creatures and knytts are often seen floating and walking through walls that they shouldn't be.

Exploring:  1/10

There is so much wasted space here.  Back-tracking is the name of this game, and, as stated above, the only real way to find the ending is to either jump at the right platform by luck, or check the editor.

Atmosphere:  2/10

Virtually no ambiance present, the KS Soundtrack is overused to the point of abuse.  The screens are generally ugly and unoriginal.

Story:  N/A

Like our last specimen, the goal of this game is to save a nameless girl.  There is nothing more to it than that, so once again, no story to speak of.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Secret Hunting:  1/10

As stated above, there are no secrets.  Ordinarily, this would constitute an N/A rating, but there are numerous areas where you'd think good secrets would be hidden, where there are none.

Overall Score:  1.4  (Awful)

Do not play this level.  It is completely unenjoyable.  Only take a look at it if you need a reference for what you should NOT do when making a level.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 21, 2012, 04:01:32

Map:  Camping

Author:  Farik

Type:  Environmental

Size:  Small

Difficulty:  Easy
====================

Today's specimen is a bit different from the previous subjects.  For one, it actually has a fully unique icon, which suggests a shooting star.  Also, with a name like 'Camping', you could really expect any sort of adventure from that scenario.

Playthrough
=============

You start the level with a scene which tells you that a meteor shower is happening, and you should go find a good spot to watch it.

When the level starts proper, you find yourself alone at a tent in a dark forest.  You start off with the run and climb powerups, and you are set loose to explore the area.  You will immediately be entranced by the atmosphere of this place, from the water to the starry night sky, all made out of COs.  (Custom Objects)  After a relatively short trek, you reach a clearing where several shooting stars can be seen, and an appropriate song plays on this particular screen.  From there, you can either keep watching, or go exploring the rest of the area.  If you keep going in one direction, you will find that you've looped around to the beginning again. 

There is no ending to this level, or any baddies to face, but that is kind of expected, considering the classification of 'Environmental'.

Scoring
========

Construction:  8/10

The level looks very unique, which its minimalistic style and heavy use of COs.  It is very soothing and fits the mood perfectly.  There are many little nuances that make each screen look very good!

Exploring:  7/10

While very small, you will find yourself looping around the level many times just to experience the setting.  I did wish that it was just a bit bigger though.

Atmosphere:  7/10

The ambiance and chosen song fits the level well.  However, I think it would have fared even better with custom sounds and music.

Story:  N/A

Apart from the notion of looking at the meteor shower, there is no story, and there really doesn't need to be one in a level like this.

Overall Score:  7.3  (Great!)

This is a very nice little level to just experience for a few minutes!  It is also a great example of using COs, both static and animated.  Check it out if you have a few minutes to spare!

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: egomassive on June 21, 2012, 20:39:32

Camping is an old level actually. It was recently added to the archive because its original link died. I didn't mean to trick you into reviewing it, but at least you got to play a good level.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 21, 2012, 23:11:26

Quote from: egomassive on June 21, 2012, 20:39:32

Camping is an old level actually. It was recently added to the archive because its original link died. I didn't mean to trick you into reviewing it, but at least you got to play a good level.

Oh that's alright.  I actually did see that series of posts regarding the uploading of that particular level, after reviewing it, of course.
It was precisely the breath of fresh air I needed after playing the other level, Knytt, and it is a very good example of CO use, so I don't mind that it wasn't technically 'new'.

Thanks for letting me know, though.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 22, 2012, 22:18:14

Map:  I Dreamed of the Sky

Author:  Talps

Type:  Challenge/Puzzle

Size:  Very Large

Difficulty:  Hard
====================

Now here is a level which many people have waited for quite a while now!  First announced nearly a year ago, the creator, Talps, has worked on this on and off ever since.  Today, it finally sees the light, and I have just finished my first playthrough.

Playthrough
=============

Upon starting the level, you are given a cutscene describing why you are doing what you are about to do.  You have lived all your life in an underground society, living off very little sustenance and being told by your leaders that there is nothing above the core anymore but death and desolation.

After enough time, and dreams of what could possibly be in the world above, you decide that you simply must see it, and begin your trek out of the underground complex you called home.

The level begins proper as you step out of the first elevator into Floor 8.  You quickly learn that there are 8 primary sub-floors between the surface level and The Core, where your society lives.  In each level, you are meant to explore the area, find the power switcher, and turn it on, so you can proceed upwards to the next floor.  While the goal is the same, the challenges you face are different on each floor, offering a nice bit of variety.

As you turn on each power switcher, you make contact with a friend from the core, named Micah, who updates you on what is happening in the Core with each contact.  You both learn gradually through the level that the leaders were wrong about what was happening in the outside world, and each floor activated brings new pleasantries to the people living in The Core that they didn't have before.

I would speak more of the story, but I will not, because you should play this level and see it for yourself!

End:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

By the time Juni reaches the top floor, the old society is completely overthrown, and Juni makes one last message to Micah.  That message is shown to us as we see her approaching the light at the end of the tunnel, and finally seeing the sky of which she had dreamed.  Barring the true ending of KG's Teenhmifnoeafgil, it is the best ending I have ever seen for a KS level.

Secrets:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

I did not find any actual secrets in this level, either in my playthrough or the editor.  However, the back-story monitors that you can find are at least somewhat hidden, and a person running through this level may not find all of them.  There were times, though, when I wished there were some actual hidden bonus rooms, and I did spot at least two places where good secrets could have been hidden.

Scoring
========

Challenge:  8/10

The challenge in this level is very well refined, and the difficulty curve fits naturally.  Nothing in this level seemed needlessly cheap, and shows that a lot of play-testing went into this!  I do get just a little tired of the same robot enemies after a while, though.

Construction:  9/10

This level is gorgeous!  Every floor is unique, with its own variety of challenges and structure.  My personal favorite is Level 1, for various reasons, not the least of which is the awesome background.  COs, while not incredibly frequent, are used to good effect on several of the floors.

Exploring:  8/10

While more or less linear in nature, this level does provide a wide variety of different places to explore in the 8 primary floors of the base.  There are also a few optional terminals to find which will relay interesting back-story for each floor, making more of an incentive to explore the floor after the power comes on.

Atmosphere:  8/10

The standard ambiances are used to great effect, and the custom sounds, particularly for when you turn the power on are very nice to hear, and definitely give this level a unique sound, as well as sight.  Most of the level uses the standard KS soundtrack, and uses it well enough, but there is one particular area that uses a custom song, which is just splendid!

Story:  9/10

Oh my!  This is the first level I've reviewed that actually has a story, and it is a really good one at that!  Throughout the level, I was generally interested in learning about the world in which this level takes place, and the updates you get from Micah over the terminals progress naturally.  There is also a very small hint of foreshadowing in the latter half of the level for a possible sequel, and the end is just about perfect for this level!

Ending Bonus: + 0.5 to final score

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Secret Hunting:  6/10

As stated above, no actual secrets can be found in this level.  If one wanted the full experience, they could hunt down all the aforementioned back-story monitors, and, as I said before, I think there should have been a few hidden bonus areas in some places.  For example, I think Talps should have placed a hidden bonus zone here:
(http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/174/d/1/secret_suggestion_by_blahson256-d54kn1b.png)
There could also be a secret somewhere in the pipes on Floor 4.

Overall Score:  8.5  (Amazing)

Play this level.  Play it as soon as you are able.  That is all I will say.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Talps on June 23, 2012, 00:02:17

Thanks! It's great to hear you're so enthusiastic about this! And thanks for the in-depth analysis; this kind of criticism is really, really valuable for a designer, and so few people go into such detail. So thanks for taking the time.

Your review does contain one inaccuracy, and it's something you mention several times.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 23, 2012, 01:54:20

Quote from: Talps on June 23, 2012, 00:02:17

Your review does contain one inaccuracy, and it's something you mention several times.

Mind telling me in a spoiler box?

Post Edit:  Thank you Talps, I suppose that inaccuracy will just need to stay that way then.   :P

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 26, 2012, 18:12:06

Map:  Juni's Great Adventures 1

Author:  Mirror Sound

Type:  Challenge/Environmental

Size:  N/A

Difficulty:  Easy
====================

==This review has been updated to match the newest release of this level from Mirror Sound.==

This level has had quite a history in the past few weeks.  When Mirror Sound first announced the level in the Previews section of the forum, I tested the first playable release.  After seeing a level with almost nothing in it, as well as a few technical issues, I left a fair amount of feedback for this user, giving tips on how to make a level memorable, as well as pointing out the technical issues present.  From there, I learned that Mirror Sound is quite new to this whole level-making business, and after showing a fair amount of reception to my advice, I was sure that when the level was actually finished, it would be quite interesting.

Well, it was interesting, I will give it that.  The first full release of the level was completely and utterly broken, with void screens and wallswims everywhere, and a botched up tileset which could only be explained by mismanagement of the Data Folder.  I made a point to demonstrate this complete mess in a review - which this one has now replaced - due to the fact that it was described as a finished level.

Quote

From the old review:
(http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/178/f/9/no_it_isn__t_by_blahson256-d551twq.jpg)
(No, it isn't...)

Now we see that Mirror Sound has made several big fixes to the level, so here I am, making adjustments to the review to match those fixes, and give it a new score.

Playthrough
=============

You open after the default 'Level Start' screen to find Juni standing outside of her tree house.  She states that today is a perfect day to go on an adventure, and from there, you set off.  You will find that you can enter your tree house, but there really isn't much to see inside of it.

From there, you wander into a cave, where the challenges and the obtaining of powerups begins.  You will find a few places to go, but many of them are dead ends.  Apart from those, this level is more or less a straight path to the end, with only a little back-tracking to be done.

You will find yourself running through a pink mountain range, a couple of villages, a waterfall cave and a large underground complex to collect the powerups you need to finish the level.  People will say things to you, but it what they say does not really factor into the level itself.

End:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

The end is still the same as it was before.  After running through every other part of the level, you obtain the Eye Powerup, which allows you to cross the lake to the left of the pink mountains, and run through a snowy village.  Eventually, you reach a house, which Juni decides she will live in and wait for JGA2. (Juni's Great Adventures 2)

Secrets:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Contrary to what I said before, there are a few secrets in this game, though they are entirely aesthetic in nature.  In most indoor areas, if you jump for the chimney in the ceiling, you can climb up into a hidden room with certain elements inside.  You can also do this at the waterfall in the green grotto area above the old man sitting next to the tree.

Scoring
========

Challenge:  3/10

With certain fixes made, the challenge fits the bill of Easy alright.  However, there are a few elements, like the spike challenge, where certain obstacles are placed in such a manner that they cease to be obstacles, and the hologram powerup is also left as nearly pointless.

Construction:  4/10

With the biggest fix made, we find that the indoor areas actually look alright now.  The library actually is a library now, and the floor is even and smooth, like it should be.

Most of the places where you could access void screens and wallswims have also been fixed, but there are still a few of those areas left, particularly if you use an umbrella at high places.

Exploring:  4/10

There is a basic degree of progress when you explore this level.  There are a fair variety of places to go.  However, once you have all the powerups. you will find very little if any incentive to go back to the earlier areas, unless you want to try and break the level, which is still possible in a few places.

Atmosphere:  3/10

With the biggest correction to the graphics done, the level is no longer a complete mess.  Screens, especially indoor ones, are built with a fair level of competency.  However, a lot of the outdoor areas are a bit empty, and there still isn't much in the way of ambiance.

Story:  N/A

Re-evaluating this level, it is at least true to the title.  Juni decides to go on an adventure and does so.  However, there really is very little beyond that, and it is a bit of a disappointment.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Secret Hunting:  5/10

There are certain places in the level where you can climb up into hidden chambers with strange and quirky props and characters within.  You will not find anything terribly helpful in these rooms though, but they are nice enough.

Overall Score:  3.8  (Shaky)

With the fixes made, this level fares MUCH better than it used to.  However, it still feels a bit empty as an experience, and there are still a few technical issues left inside.

However, it is decent for a first level.  Give it a whirl if you want to play Mirror Sound's next upcoming level.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Raicuparta on June 26, 2012, 18:50:41

Why would you waste your time reviewing a level that is clearly broken? You should have just pointed out the problems in the level thread and waited a bit for him to update it. If the product we got isn't what Mirror Sound intended to release, the review is useless.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Firecat on June 26, 2012, 22:19:11

It seems like a case of the "Saving a custom tileset on the data folder" problem.

Edit: Mirror Sound just uploaded a fixed version, attached is how the screen looks with the correct tileset

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 26, 2012, 23:01:02

Quote from: Raicuparta on June 26, 2012, 18:50:41

Why would you waste your time reviewing a level that is clearly broken? You should have just pointed out the problems in the level thread and waited a bit for him to update it. If the product we got isn't what Mirror Sound intended to release, the review is useless.

It's not a waste of time if it gets the creator to realize that the level has big problems.  I intend to change the review to match the newest release once all the game-breaking issues have been fixed.

What I am trying to do here is get new designers to realize that they really need to check for problems like these before making their 'finished' version available.  If you released a large scale project like a movie or video game into the world, only to realize that it was essentially broken, that would be a HUUUUGE problem for you.

For that reason, I believe this review is not useless like you suggest.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Gorfinhofin on June 27, 2012, 01:05:23

What if Mirror Sound doesn't read this thread? If you want to get his/her attention it would be much more likely to work if you posted in their own topic, which they are sure to check up on.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 27, 2012, 09:08:18

Quote from: Gorfinhofin on June 27, 2012, 01:05:23

What if Mirror Sound doesn't read this thread? If you want to get his/her attention it would be much more likely to work if you posted in their own topic, which they are sure to check up on.

I posted in Mirror Sound's level thread with a link to here.  I just like to keep all my reviews in one place.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Mirror Sound on June 27, 2012, 15:43:52

Quote from: Gorfinhofin on June 27, 2012, 01:05:23

What if Mirror Sound doesn't read this thread? If you want to get his/her attention it would be much more likely to work if you posted in their own topic, which they are sure to check up on.

I did read this (everytime I was fixing something, actually) and was very happy that Fubaka was nice enough to alert me about the problems in my level, because otherwise, you'd still be playing the cranky, broken version. Also, as Fubaka said (or, well, included in his review), I am an admitted newbie.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Raicuparta on June 28, 2012, 19:22:25

I said that it is useless but what I meant is that it is useless as a review. For me it seemed your intention with having a thread like this is so that people can come here, read your reviews and see if they want to try those levels based on your opinion. Solving technical problems with a level shouldn't be done through a review, it would make a lot more sense to keep that stuff in the level's thread.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on June 28, 2012, 19:35:19

Quote from: Raicuparta on June 28, 2012, 19:22:25

I said that it is useless but what I meant is that it is useless as a review. For me it seemed your intention with having a thread like this is so that people can come here, read your reviews and see if they want to try those levels based on your opinion. Solving technical problems with a level shouldn't be done through a review, it would make a lot more sense to keep that stuff in the level's thread.

Perhaps.

I did post a good deal of suggestions for Mirror Sound in the release thread as well.  I just wanted to make it clear that when you release a level as finished, you need to make sure huge problems like this have been dealt with.  That's why betas exist in the first place.  When you say your creation (whatever it may be) is ready for full release, and then do so, it is completely open to review, whether that creation is truly ready or not.

I am going to update the review now, based on the corrections that Mirror Sound has made to the level.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on July 03, 2012, 19:32:41

Map:  The Return

Author:  Dron

Type:  Environmental

Size:  Small

Difficulty:  N/A
====================

With a default icon and a name like 'The Return', you would really be hard-pressed to predict what you'd get if you were just downloading it from the KS Archive.  What you do get, however, is surprisingly decent.  Let's take a look...

Playthrough
=============

The level starts, and the only text you get is 'Juni Falls'.  From there, you find yourself in a dark swampy-looking place with the run and climb powerups already given to you.  You will of course notice that this swamp you have fallen into is in fact not one of the standard tilesets, and that is a breath of fresh air for most players upon starting a level.

Upon running around in this world, you will find a small obelisk placed above every save point, which is nice, but not entirely necessary considering the fact that this area is so dark to begin with.  You will also run into a red key if you venture immediately right, and above it, a passage leading to a four-key lock.  Thus, you know immediately what you need to do here.

If you run all over the map, you will find all the keys, as well as a high jump powerup, which you will need to get the last key.  It isn't particularly difficult, but you do get to see all the various situations that befits the swampy tileset that the level uses.  Once you have all the keys,  you pass through the gates and win immediately.

Scoring
========

Construction:  7/10

There are no major flaws in the level design, and the tileset looks nice and unique enough.  While the graphics do clash a little, it isn't anything to gripe about.

Exploring:  7/10

While this is an environmental level, you will find yourself searching for keys to get to the end.  In addition to the keys, you will find the high jump powerup, which you will also need.  It is a good way to get you as a player to explore all of the map.

Atmosphere:  5/10

The ambiance here is appropriate enough, though it lacks variety.  I guess that is okay, considering the size of the level, though.

Story:  N/A

Juni falls.  Juni returns.  Apart from that, there is no story at all, and there doesn't need to be.

Overall Score:  6.3  (Solid)

This is definitely above the average threshold for small environmental levels.  Check it out when you have the time.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: SecretGlitch on July 04, 2012, 02:24:03

I'll try my hardest to mimic your style, Fubaka.

Map:  Epic Challenge 3

Author:  James1011R

Type:  Challenge/Misc.

Size:  Large

Difficulty:  Very Hard
======================

Well I imagine this little specimen may be one that our friend Fubaka may gloss over, so I thought I’d throw in my first review of an outrageously difficult level (since I may or may not be known for making those). I am a pretty critical and objective guy, so don’t expect much in the way of using soft words for strong criticism.

Now I must say that I wasn’t all too unfamiliar with the author James here, as I played some of his prior work, Epic Challenge 2. It wasn’t very pleasant, so the bar was not very high. His level icon and title screen, however, were improved from before.

Playthrough
===========

The level gives you a fairly odd introduction, but the premise is quite simple: There are four stars which need to be collected, each in their own distinct challenge, and you need to collect them all and recombine them into the Superstar, looking for secrets along the way. And we turn into a universal icon or something, which I assume is a decent reward, since I’ve never been a universal icon, really.

Every section of the game has a theme, however indistinct it may be. The first star, the red one, exists in neon colored block and star land. The yellow star is in… uh… platform and checkerboard/striped block land. The green star is in the weird land (if the other lands didn’t seem weird enough) and the blue star is in the danger land.

You might be predicting that this level may be a bit of a mess, and you’d be right. Actually, it’s a gigantic, messy thing. But mess is not a big problem for me if it really plays into it and makes it fun, which this level rarely does. This level is significantly flawed and isn’t fun, not to mention completely unfair in difficulty, but it’s not without some semblance of charm to it. It’s occasionally has a hint of structure or design, but it’s just specks in a large muddy mess of a level.

The level has a few cutscenes at the very least, which gave the author some voice in the level and also gave a sense of progression. Without those this level would have droned on.

Spoiler: Ending (click to show/hide)

Not much to speak of. You fix the Superstar and become a universal icon, whatever one of those is. I bet someone who is a universal icon would get pretty rich and famous.

Spoiler: Secrets (click to show/hide)

This level is sprinkled with secrets, which is a plus. Some are more hidden than others, and some are actually really helpful and give you a power up early to aid your progression.

Scoring
=======

Challenge:  2/10

First of all, this is not Very Hard. It’s outright Lunatic in difficulty, asking the player to make their way across several screens of often poorly designed obstacles that place your life on the whim of a random number generator. That’s not to say it’s all like that, the difficulty curve is much closer to a difficulty rollercoaster. Often there’s two dozen screens of absolutely nothing hard (or really nothing at all, big empty rooms are pretty common) bordered with several screens of inane and difficult obstacles. Also, save points are scarce so practically all challenging rooms next to each other will force you run through all of them without dying.

I will give credit that he did have a couple of challenging and slightly fun rooms that fit Very Hard well. Not many, though. At least there were less pop-out spikes and munchers than I expected.

Construction:  3/10

It’s not the worst in this category I’ve played. It’s got wallswims and voids everywhere you look, for certain, but never was it unplayable due to a glitch – it’s only unplayable due to certain overly difficult obstacles. The look of the level certainly is weird, but this varies from the good kind of weird to the confusing weird to the ugly kind of weird that hurts your eyes.

It’s evident that the author really did try to make something interesting and crazy for a level, but it’s lacking the playability or uniqueness to really make that work at all. Occasionally some shiftwork or screen wrapping or even a custom object comes in, but I never found that it was used in an ultimately interesting way.

Exploring:  4/10

It’s no secret that there’s secrets, so the main thing was looking for them. And generally speaking it’s worth it, so the author wins some points here.

He loses more points, however, that for every three times you go off the path to search for something, two times you’ll run into a void or a wallswim instead.

Atmosphere:  2/10

Nothing custom in the sound department. A single track and no atmosphere generally is what you get for an entire section, so it goes silent quickly and all you can do is listen to sound effects.

Story:  4/10

I’ll give a little here. The cutscenes give this level a little character. A surprising touch was also that the blue star’s section had a bit of a mini story to it too. However, nothing much really comes out of this.

Overall Score: 3.0  (Skip it)

Despite the fair bit of wackiness that some people could possibly enjoy, I really doubt anyone would appreciate this level’s difficulty or brokenness. To me, it’s one third an eyesore, one third a boring romp through bland and empty areas, and one third a frustrating gauntlet of unfair obstacles.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on July 04, 2012, 14:18:35

Hah!  Thanks for reviewing this level, SecretGlitch.  Honestly, I tried to play this, and got pretty far, but there were a couple of challenges at the end that I simply could not get past.

To be fair, I thought the screens (some of them anyway) were built with a fair amount of intrigue, and, as you said, the author did appear to put a good amount of effort into this level, but it is riddled with pull-your-hair-out moments of cheap 'challenges', and there are a lot of places where you can find Void screens if you get too adventurous.

All in all, I agree with your scoring.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: SecretGlitch on July 06, 2012, 21:11:45

It's no problem, I got time for a lot of these, and to be honest I've made a habit of playing potentially bad Knytt Stories levels just to see how bad they are, as crude, time-wasting, and masochistic as that may sound.

Speaking of which, I took this one off of your hands:

Map:  Raging Land

Author:  The Love God Corporation

Type:  Challenge

Size:  Large

Difficulty:  Hard
=================

I often get worried when I hear anything business-related in the title or author of a Knytt Stories level. The Love God Corporation is a provocative one, but I’ve also encountered Poop Factory and Cat Company. These things tend to be quite bad.

The info screen is a quick little number drawn in Microsoft Paint I assume (for some reason calling the level simply “Rage!!!”), and the icon is just the upper left corner of the info screen squashed down onto a small square. The level is subtitled with “Sure is pea…” which of course means someone saying “peaceful” and was cut off, but I like to imagine they were saying “pea soup.”

Playthrough
===========

There’s not much to this level honestly, making the label of Large is a misnomer. Juni is hanging out in peaceful land, but accidentally activates the Make Everything Bad Machine, and it won’t recharge for over five hundred million years. During that time, Juni has a microscopic adventure that inexplicably seems to take five hundred million years, because the machine is recharged when you get back.

This level is a token bad level that is probably one of the first, if not the first, of the level creator. Bland and awful design with annoying and broken enemies, I’m going to save my breath on this one as it really needs very little discussion.

Scoring
=======

Challenge:  2/10

Obstacles are usually just a few enemies being spammed, although the invisible blocks over a lava pit obstacle really shook things up. It was too hard for Hard but it wasn’t really Lunatic hard.

Construction:  2/10

No level design to speak of, and it primarily features the use of a single tile being most of the level’s architecture. Floating enemies all about and a few wallswims and voids are also easy to encounter, but it's just not bad enough to get the coveted 1/10.

Exploring:  2/10

Invisible death blocks are the main inhibitive measure for the player to not tread off of the path. Also there’s a “secreat,” I suppose, but its location is arbitrary.

Atmosphere:  N/A

It’s got 2 custom tracks but it’s evident that they aren’t exactly under the author’s ownership.

Story:  N/A

No real story or cutscenes. The end scene is mysteriously replaced with an all white screen containing a small green triangle.

Overall Score:  2.0 (Bad)

The real demerit to a level like this is that it's quite obviously an early attempt at a level, and this, along with a good many on the level database, don't seem to look for any true critique from anyone. Certainly this review is compulsory criticism, but it's more for the benefit of everyone but the author. Authors who deposit their early works into the database and never seek to help from this community or ones elsewhere really get the least out of the level making experience.
 

Spoiler: My rude original conclusion that I'll own up to (click to show/hide)

It reeks of first level, and in all honesty most people shouldn’t release their first level, or in some cases even the first few. I didn’t release my first level, but I will say it’s better than this.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Raicuparta on July 06, 2012, 21:32:21

Quote from: SecretGlitch on July 06, 2012, 21:11:45

It reeks of first level, and in all honesty most people shouldn’t release their first level, or in some cases even the first few. I didn’t release my first level, but I will say it’s better than this.

Horrible advice. Some people make nice levels on their first tries,  other people don't. Some people know the basics of level design, other people don't. If they don't know what they are doing wrong, they'll just keep doing it, so no matter how many levels they make before releasing one, it's gonna have those problems in it.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: SecretGlitch on July 06, 2012, 22:19:42

Quote from: Raicuparta on July 06, 2012, 21:32:21

Quote from: SecretGlitch on July 06, 2012, 21:11:45

It reeks of first level, and in all honesty most people shouldn’t release their first level, or in some cases even the first few. I didn’t release my first level, but I will say it’s better than this.

Horrible advice. Some people make nice levels on their first tries,  other people don't. Some people know the basics of level design, other people don't. If they don't know what they are doing wrong, they'll just keep doing it, so no matter how many levels they make before releasing one, it's gonna have those problems in it.

I was thinking I might get called out on that, I should have worded myself more carefully. I'll defend my statement in this scenario by amending that it's bad for someone anonymously releasing early levels, as they won't receive comprehensive feedback that they would use to fix up their levels, and thus littering the database and not learning, as you said. If one doesn't seek feedback, then another method is to make levels privately and play good levels to slowly learn on your own, which was what I was trying to allude to, as it's how I learned, and generally speaking the stuff you make just learning the ropes of the editor is vastly below what you'll subsequently make when you really understand the editor and what you make thereafter may be improved when you see what well-built levels are like.

If Love God Corporation wants to pop in and ask for the extended run down on what's right and wrong in level making, then the egg's on my face. Or maybe the author is getting feedback somewhere else, it's hard to tell. But what I fear is a lot of people just set their level there and never get feedback.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on July 07, 2012, 16:57:46

To be honest, I didn't review this one because it appears to have stolen music from copyrighted sources.
I do not remember the name of the song, but the one that plays during the peaceful sections is from Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

I'm pretty sure that violates the rules of the archive.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: SecretGlitch on July 07, 2012, 18:37:57

Rule #1 in fact. I wasn't sure what that first song was but it certainly sounded like it was from a game, the other song being a heavy metal cover of the Song of Storms (which I couldn't trace to any particular band). Since you know the first one's from Brawl, then that's settled.

Is there any formal way to report copyrighted material on KnyttLevels?

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on July 07, 2012, 20:29:38

Quote from: SecretGlitch on July 07, 2012, 18:37:57

Rule #1 in fact. I wasn't sure what that first song was but it certainly sounded like it was from a game, the other song being a heavy metal cover of the Song of Storms (which I couldn't trace to any particular band). Since you know the first one's from Brawl, then that's settled.

Is there any formal way to report copyrighted material on KnyttLevels?

I never saw one.  You could send a PM to LPChip or the other staffers of this forum though.

BTW, the proper name of the stolen song is 'Ai no Uta'.  It was in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but actually comes originally from the Japanese version of Pikmin.  Where it's true origins are is irrelevant to this point though.  It simply means that Nintendo holds the rights to the song, and unless the level creator can give definitive proof that he got permission from them to use it in his level, he is in fact, infringing copyright law.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on July 13, 2012, 01:40:52

Map:  urko

Author:  N/A

Type:  N/A

Size:  N/A

Difficulty:  N/A
====================

In the archive, this level does not even bear an author name.  With a title like 'urko' and without an actual author name, it would be difficult for a browsing player to consider downloading this.

What is even more disorienting is the fact that when installed, this level has a completely different name, an an actual author listed.  In Knytt Stories itself, this level is called 'abc' and was made by a user named 'duri'.  After all that confusion, very few people would expect a good level, but let's take a look anyway.

Playthrough
=============

This level uses the default info screen and opening cutscene, so nothing special there.  Once the level begins, you find yourself in a very barren screen, using the default starting tileset for a new level.  It becomes clear immediately that this level is noob-ish in design.  It looks like you could walk to the left edge of the screen, but the way is blocked by invisible tiles.

Going right will lead you through a series of challenges.  Standard get past obstacles and collect array of powerups.  You will find that the challenges are actually decently put together.  Nothing special, but it works at least, which is more than could be said for many of the other levels I have reviewed.

End:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

You will run through a gauntlet of rapidly changing scenery, strange pointless objects and areas, and almost good ideas until you finally get to the end, which is standard, or course.

Secrets:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

There is a secret, of sorts, in the area where you first see a ghost bridge.  An invisible path will lead you to an area with numerous spikes and save areas, but you will not find anything of interest down there besides that.

Scoring
========

Challenge:  5/10

There are some semi-interesting things you need to avoid in this game, but it isn't executed with the level of finesse you would hope for.

Construction:  5/10

While fairly bland, the level is put together well enough, with a few notable exceptions.  One of which is the beginning invisible wall, which you can climb up into the Void if you think to go back there with the climb powerup, and another is an area where climbing up some shafts kills you for no reason.

Exploring:  4/10

Very linear and standard, there is no real way to go but forward.

Atmosphere:  3/10

The screens are very bland, and there is absolutely no ambiance anywhere in the level.

Story:  N/A

No story whatsoever.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Secret Hunting:  4/10

There is one secret in the level, but as stated above, it is uninteresting.

Level title and author confusion: - .5 points to final score

Overall Score:  3.7  (Shaky)

Honestly, it was better than I expected, but it still wasn't anything special.  The lack of proper titling and the dissonance between the KS Archive title and in-game title really do hurt it more though.  Play it if you are bored, and have nothing else to do.

As for the missing information, allow me to make a few suggestions:

Type:  Challenge

Size:  Small

Difficulty:  Normal

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on July 13, 2012, 02:15:21

For my own reasons, and for reference for the rest of you, I will now post the review summary words that I will use, sorted by score range from least to greatest.  The rest of you, when writing reviews do not have to follow this, but please use similar words for similar score ranges please, to avoid confusion.

(Of course, I do not expect to end up using all of these words in various reviews, particularly the ones on the extreme low and high ends.  I may be pleasantly - or unpleasantly - surprised, though.)

0.0 = Physically Crippling
0.01 - 0.49 = Irredeemable
0.5 - 0.99 = Wretched
1.0 - 1.49 = Awful
1.5 - 1.99 = Miserable
2.0 - 2.49 = Terrible
2.5 - 2.99 = Bad
3.0 - 3.49 = Troubled
3.5 - 3.99 = Shaky
4.0 - 4.49 = Not That Great
4.5 - 4.99 = Mediocre
5.0 - 5.49 = Average
5.5 - 5.99 = Okay
6.0 - 6.49 = Solid
6.5 - 6.99 = Good
7.0 - 7.49 = Great
7.5 - 7.99 = Superb
8.0 - 8.49 = Excellent
8.5 - 8.99 = Amazing
9.0 - 9.49 = Legendary
9.5 - 9.99 = Euphoric
10.0 = Perfect

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on July 13, 2012, 04:07:29

Map:  Orientation

Author:  plural

Type:  Environmental

Size:  Small

Difficulty:  Easy

This level can only be found in the Knytt Stories Level Releases section of the forum
====================

Oh my...  Where do I begin?

This level was made as a tutorial/prelude to an upcoming level called 'The Empty Planet'.  Normally one does not expect to be taken aback by a mere tutorial level, but... there are always exceptions, aren't there.  Now, I am not going to outline the playthrough this time, because, frankly, that would be doing this level an injustice.

On that note, I will also not give away any detail of the story, either.  Instead, this review will simply outline things that are definitely worth noting when it comes to gameplay, construction, scenery, and delivery.  This will all be done solely through the scoring table.

Scoring
========

Construction:  9/10

Flawless.  All throughout this level, you are mesmerized by how well the shifts are placed and executed, and even if you were removed enough from the experience to try and find void screens or wallswims, you will not find them.  COs are used willy-nilly, and there are nearly 150 of them, but none of them feel out of place or excessive.  My only very minor gripe is that it is just a little confusing at first when it comes to what is climbable and what isn't, but that doesn't last long.

Exploring:  9/10

While this level is more or less linear in design, there are a great deal of rewards for those who do not simply run through everything.  In addition, the game allows you to restart the level after reaching the end, in case you want to try and find things you missed.

Atmosphere:  10/10

Perfect!  Absolutely perfect!  The music fits, the atmosphere is stunning, and the incredibly well-done COs only enhance the mood further.  I have literally no complaints here.

Story:  9.5/10

What feels like a very Portal-esque storyline and setting at first is ultimately its own.  It is the kind of setting that can truly open your mind to deep questions that you don't ponder in ordinary life.  While the storyline isn't perfect, the setting goes WAY beyond what I hope for in a KS level.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Secret Hunting:  10/10

There can be no more fulfilling rewards to be found in a level of this size than the secrets you can find in this level.  There are a total of 4 endings to this game.  Two of which can be stumbled onto at random, but the other two have to be sought out intentionally.  I would tell you how to get to them, but the author, plural, has already posted how to get to each ending on the level thread, so check it there.

Overall Score:  9.5  (Euphoric)

This is without a doubt, the best user-made KS level I have played thus far.  Everyone with a copy of Knytt Stories needs to download and play this level right away, and those who do not have Knytt Stories need to get Knytt Stories so they can download and play this level right away!  I am dead serious!  Follow this link to play this level now, if you haven't already!
http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5446.0 (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5446.0)

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: PeppyHare4000 on July 13, 2012, 06:56:46

Would you mind if i used Letter Grades as My Score? Here will be the Following for the Scores. If the score balance seems a bit iffy for you, you can suggest what numbers to adjust!

A++: 10.0
A+: 9.5-9.99
A:9.0-9.49
A-: 8.5-8.99
B+: 7.9-8.49
B: 7.4-7.89
B-: 7.0-7.49
C+: 6.4-6.99
C: 5.8-6.39
C+: 5-5.79
D: 4.3-4.99
D-: 3.5-4.29
F: 1.5-3.49
F-: 0.1-1.49
F--: 0

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on July 13, 2012, 08:55:37

That's fine, Peppy.  Go right ahead.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on July 17, 2012, 09:37:54

I'm not gonna bother with the usual intro table this time because, frankly, this level doesn't deserve it.  I guess it's only fitting that after playing the best Knytt Stories level I have ever played, I get my hands on one of the worst I've ever played.

It's called 'Knytt Metaverse' by James1011R, (you know, that guy who made the Epic Challenge 3 level, which SecretGlitch reviewed) and it is the purest example of a game rushed out the door with almost ZERO play testing. 

A brief synopsis of the scenario.  You are thrust into a dimension called the 'Knytt Metaverse', which is an undefinable realm composed of 8 color-based worlds.  You have to journey through all of these worlds to somehow 'save' the metaverse.  With that vague goal in mind, the level starts.

Let us go right to the score board again, because frankly, there is no real synopsis of the gameplay apart from a linear run through worlds that hurt your eyes and make you angry at the creator.

Scoring
========

Challenge:  3/10

There was some level of thought to the challenge design here, but like last time, most of the things you encounter are simply spammed in.  There is an improvement though, but too bad it had to be ruined by the bigger problems of this game.

Construction:  0/10

At first glance, this level doesn't look too bad.  It's all composed of basic shapes in monochrome levels, but it doesn't look awful, and the tiles that kill you are marked with an X, but then the level slowly warps into a black hole of terrible design that devours you entirely.

The first offense occurs very early.  On the third screen of the game, just after being informed that the X platforms kill you, you may naturally decide to jump from the highest platform just to see what is above.  You may have expected to find a void screen or just an empty screen, but instead, it is filled with nothing but X platforms that kill you instantly and send you back to the start since there wasn't a save point...

From there, it only gets worse.  It becomes painfully clear that James did not want you to explore in ANY real fashion.  From embarrassingly easily accessible wallswims and void screens, to little easter eggs that KILL you and, to add insult to injury, throw insults at you while doing it, calling you a 'noob' because you had the GAUL to try and explore in certain areas.  Isn't that what Knytt Stories is all about?

It's a rare level that makes me want to smack the designer right about the head, but this one pulls it off.  After running through the painful-to-the-eyes yellow zone, and shamelessly copying an enemy-spam hallway, I get a 'level complete' cutscene, and then...

It dumped me back at the beginning of that hallway again...

...

I tried running through again.  It gave me the same message, and dumped me back at the hallway entrance again.

James1011R, you have royally FAILED as a level designer.  Because of your lack of willingness to test your abominable level, you have missed a GAME BREAKING error, and thus, your level is literally impossible to complete.  Atop the insults you threw at me earlier, I have absolutely no sympathy for you over this.

Exploring:  0/10

(See above)

Atmosphere:  2/10

There is no atmosphere, and the tileset gets really old quick.  It is also painful to look at on certain levels.

Story:  1/10

No story whatsoever, despite its claims.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Secret Hunting:  1/10

There is one secret in the level, but it amounts to nothing.  If you go left after flipping the first of the three switches in the Cyan Level, you will encounter a secret chamber, which, I assume was supposed to be a warp zone, but doesn't actually work.  It just takes you back to your original spot.

Insults and inability to legitimately beat the level: - 1.0 points to final score

Overall Score:  0.16  (Irredeemable)

This level is the single biggest failure I have seen in quite a while now.  With the added insults, this level seems like the work of a dedicated troll, rather than a genuine attempt to make a level.  If nothing else, this has permanently stained James1011R's image in my mind, and I will always be wary of future levels he releases.

If I haven't made it perfectly clear, DO NOT PLAY THIS LEVEL!  Avoid it like a spike pit surrounded by magma with ghost water dripping on the spikes and an eater thrown in for good measure.  Even if the game breaker error was fixed, this level would still be atrocious.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: ortoslon on July 17, 2012, 11:21:55

Quote from: Fubaka on July 13, 2012, 04:07:29

All throughout this level, you are mesmerized by how well the shifts are placed and executed

i call hyperbole. they may be difficult to program because of limitations of the level editor but i, the player, take it for granted that they just work

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Dj Gopher on November 05, 2012, 23:01:20

Can this be active again please?
<3

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on November 05, 2012, 23:21:45

Quote from: Dj Gopher on November 05, 2012, 23:01:20

Can this be active again please?
<3

Once I have finished and uploaded my level, I will likely return to reviewing new releases.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on November 09, 2012, 00:39:25

I await a new level, worthy of review!

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Dj Gopher on November 09, 2012, 01:01:35

Raicuparta's Obey, perhaps?

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on November 09, 2012, 01:10:11

Quote from: Dj Gopher on November 09, 2012, 01:01:35

Raicuparta's Obey, perhaps?

It's not a new level by my definition.  Feel free to make your own review of it if you want.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Talps on November 09, 2012, 03:08:40

I'm working on a short environmental level called 'I Chased the Moon'...

I also have a job and am trying to complete 3 computer games and am reading a 12-book-long series of novels and have at least 4 stories I want to write but can't find time for, so don't get too excited.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on November 09, 2012, 04:02:43

Quote from: Talps on November 09, 2012, 03:08:40

I'm working on a short environmental level called 'I Chased the Moon'...

I also have a job and am trying to complete 3 computer games and am reading a 12-book-long series of novels and have at least 4 stories I want to write but can't find time for, so don't get too excited.

Well, I'm glad stuff is still in production!  :P

Speaking of which, I think you are all going to absolutely adore my level when that comes out!

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: ixMarcel on November 09, 2012, 16:02:06

Quote from: Fubaka on November 09, 2012, 00:39:25

I await a new level, worthy of review!

If you haven't got any new levels I'd be honored if you will review my level "The Tower of Lightning".  :) You weren't active when I released it. I'm curious what people think about this level.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on November 09, 2012, 18:11:50

Quote from: ixMarcel on November 09, 2012, 16:02:06

Quote from: Fubaka on November 09, 2012, 00:39:25

I await a new level, worthy of review!

If you haven't got any new levels I'd be honored if you will review my level "The Tower of Lightning".  :) You weren't active when I released it. I'm curious what people think about this level.

I actually have played it, haven't completed it yet though.

I'll give it another whirl in a little while, when I have more time.  Seems to be new enough.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on December 07, 2012, 03:38:20

Time to bring this review thread back to life!

Map:  The Tree of Life

Author:  Purple Ink

Type:  Misc

Size:  Large

Difficulty:  Very Hard

This level can only be found in the Knytt Stories Level Releases section of the forum
====================

This level is a special case for me, since I actually contributed to it in a few ways.  Starting several months ago, it finally sees the light after a long period of silence.  I was expecting a level that was big, fun and cute, and got all 3 of those, but what I wasn't expecting was the difficulty!  Let's get into it!

Playthrough
=============

We start with *GASP* an actual intro for once!  Accompanied by the level's very nice soundtrack, we learn that an object exists in Juni's world called The Tree of Life, and that it has always existed.  This tree is responsible for keeping everything alive, but recently, an unknown evil has been harnessing its energy for some unknown purpose. 

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

It is later revealed that this evil entity is the same as the one which built the machine in 'The Machine'.

  These words are epiphanized to Juni in her sleep, and she decides to go visit the town chief.  That is when the game begins proper.

The level begins with Juni standing outside her familiar stump house and she is equipped with the Run and High Jump powerups.  From here, you literally have an entire world to explore, which, if you run far enough, will loop in on itself.  You will see many things in this world, from the two towns of Casa and Belden, to a few tall mountains and several deep caves, to the giant waterfall where the Oracle lives, and the maddening Underforest, with several other quirks to see as well. 

The soundtrack is consistent with each area, and unlike most other levels, it plays on loop and shifts quickly.  Due to the nature of the soundtrack, I think this is actually a better way to implement it in this case.  Each area has an appropriate song anointed to it, and all of them are nice to listen to.

Save points are a bit rare in this world, and, with the exception of sub-areas and towns, are only located in grottos where sub-divisions of the Tree of Life grow.  Every time you save there, or die and return to one of them, you are given an encouraging message from the trees.  (This is a nice antithesis to James1011R's abominable level 'Knytt Metaverse', btw.)

End:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

After visiting the Oracle and passing her trials, Juni descends into the deepest regions to find a much larger and more heavily guarded Machine than Nifflas's counterpart.  Once you reach the core, you turn off the machine and see the credits, after talking to the Oracle one last time.  As you drift down the credits list, you will see that I, your endlessly humble reviewer, am mentioned not once but TWICE in the credits!  8).  Once you hit the bottom, you are given three options.  You can either restart the level entirely, return to the overworld (losing your umbrella) or, if you found enough secrets, access the bonus ending.

Secrets:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

There is one very large, overarching secret to this level, which involves many sub-areas, which need to be sniffed out using the Detector Powerup, and/or a little brave exploring.  In order to obtain the Detector, one must pass the Chamber of Ordeal on it's harder setting, which will make most of you, myself included, pull your hair out in frustration! (Assuming you have hair to pull out.  If you have no hair at all, you could just pull on your nose or ears :P)  Once you have that, it's a hunt to find all the symbols (and sometimes cats which come along with them), and then find a hidden zone where you input an 18 digit code.  From there, you have to hunt for another secret zone where you can find the purple key which you need to unlock the bonus ending.

For those who are too lazy to do that, the bonus ending is

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

simply a teaser for Purple Ink's next level, or so I assume.

Also, there is a warp zone which one can access using the yellow key.  The yellow key can only be found by inputting the three-digit code within the Chamber of Trial.

Scoring
========

Construction:  8/10

While most of the level uses standard tilesets (with the exception of a secret zone which utilizes tilesets made by Yours Truly, 8) and some tilesets by Oft99) it is put together quice nicely.  While it is a bit more minimalistic in nature than the usual Nifflas fare, it succeeds in making itself look pretty.  I didn't find a single Void Screen or Wallswim while playing, or fishing around in the level with the editor.  The only thing I would really complain about, in regard to construction is the way my Ruined Olive Temple tileset was lain out, but then again, my tilesets are kind of confusing anyways. :P

Challenge:  7/10

The challenge is nice and hard, as portrayed by the difficulty.  It actually took me several days to beat this, because I kept dying in certain places and had to take a break, especially in that accursed Chamber of Ordeal.  The lack of save points did wear on me quite a few times, though, particularly when I was making long voyages in the overworld.

In the end though, it is well done.

Exploring:  9/10

This level really shines in this area!  There is a LOT to see here, and it is only made better by the unique soundtrack!  I would dare say that it is almost as fun to explore as the original Knytt!

In addition, the Underforest is truly mind-bending, which is hard to pull off!

Atmosphere:  8/10

I've complimented the soundtrack enough, but it really deserves kudos.  The atmosphere it portrays fits the feel of the level very well, and while it is more active than the typical Nifflas fare, it serves as good ambiance.  I think my favorite area has to be the giant waterfall, solely because of the sound that plays there.

Story:  5/10

The story is kind of standard, but it does its job.  However, it is kind of unremarkable.  Its only real claim to fame is the fact that it is an expansion of the story to 'The Machine'.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Secret Hunting:  8/10
Lots of secrets and quirks to find here!  If you don't cheat, you will be searching this world for a long time!

Explorer's Bonus: + 0.5 to final score

Overall Score:  8/10 (Excellent)

If you have the time, you should definitely play this level!  It is lovingly crafted, and is unique enough to sate the appetite of a veteran KS player.
Here is the link to its topic: http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5684.0 (http://nifflas.lpchip.nl/index.php?topic=5684.0)

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Purple Ink on December 08, 2012, 00:33:59

Thanks for the review! Nice to get some feedback.

You're mistaken on a few points though. :P

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

At the end of the credits sequence, the "Replay" option is to replay the credits not the level.

The Detector is actually located in 3 different places, not just the Chamber of Ordeal.

There's actually two different overarching, level-wide secrets. One is the 10 digits to get the purple key (and access the bonus) and the other one involves the cats and the 18 digit code

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

which unlocks the machine hard mode and an alternative ending.

I was a little worried about the soundtrack because it is so different from most other levels. I'm glad it wasn't too much. And it really means a lot when you say things like "I would dare say that it is almost as fun to explore as the original Knytt!" <3

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

I'll definitely keep this review in mind as I work on my next level.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on December 10, 2012, 05:21:06

Thanks.  I tend to overlook details like that sometimes. :P

Just let me know if you need some tilesets done!  I'll do what I can!

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: Fubaka on February 05, 2013, 16:45:18

Map:  Gustav's son

Author:  Polana

Type:  Challenge/Maze

Size:  Medium

Difficulty:  Hard

====================

Here we have an unofficial sequel to an old Nifflas level, 'Gustav's Daughter'.  The setup, play-style, and conclusion are very similar, but the world you explore is not!  Let's have a look, shall we?

Playthrough
=============

We begin with a brief introduction, explaining the situation.  Gustav's son, (whose name is George, btw) has locked himself in his father's cellar after having an unknown argument with his sister.  Juni agrees to help look for the key in exchange for some pickled gherkins.  One thing you notice fairly quickly about this opening is that it isn't lain out very well.  The screen keeps shifting slightly between scenes and the introductory text is not framed well.  Regardless, it's better than having no opening at all.

The game starts you off with only the run powerup, and allows you to set off from there.  The first thing you notice about this level is the eclectic soundtrack, featuring music that isn't very long, but that isn't too much of an issue since you will constantly be running in-between different areas.  Just like the first level, back-tracking is the name of the game as you hop around, find powerups, and then find out where you can use those powerups to find more powerups until you eventually get to the key you need to unlock Gustav's cellar.

The artwork is also very eclectic.  While some areas, mainly the neighborhood where you start look rough, others are very clean.  A prime example is when you travel between the main area and Sky city.  As a result, I ended up liking parts of the level a lot more than others.  To be honest, I think this would have worked better if this level had also carried over the World Map feature from Gustav's Daughter.  At least then, these areas would be better defined and more separated by distance.

End:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

After you've traveled the world and found the key, you return to Gustav's cellar and unlock the door just like in the first game.  Upon doing so, you get the ending cutscene, where you save the day, and get your 'revard'.

Secrets:

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

There is one secret worth mentioning, though it is fairly minor and of no consequence, other than providing a small shortcut.  In the underwater brick tunnels with the candles, Juni wonders exactly who keeps them lit.  If you look around in there, you'll find a secret passage and find the guy responsible for lighting the candles.  

Scoring
========

Construction:  7/10

There are no glaring errors in the level design, though I did find a few pseudo secret passages that didn't take me anywhere.  Apart from the main area, I enjoyed the look and feel of the level.

Challenge:  7/10

This level is difficult to navigate through, so it definitely qualifies under all of its classifications.  I do thoroughly detest the part at x1004 y1003 where you had to jump past that particular roof-hanging obstacle.  I hate those things so much.

Exploring:  7/10

There is a fair amount to be seen here, and you'll be thorough with every area to find the items you need.

Atmosphere:  6/10

While most of the tilesets are quite nice, and I adore the cloud COs, I have to only rate this as 6 because the main area you start out in is so ugly, in my opinion.  I'm not sure what the level creator was going for with that, especially compared to the other areas in this level.

Story:  6/10

I liked the conversation you have with Frieda, but apart from that, the story is standard.

Spoiler: (click to show/hide)

Secret Hunting:  5/10

The secret I mentioned is really nothing special.  It isn't all that well hidden, either, cause I ran into it completely by accident.

Overall Score:  6.33/10 (Solid)

This is a good enough level on it's own, though it isn't anything truly spectacular.  Due to it's shorter length, though, I wouldn't shy away from giving it at least one play.  The good stuff in it is quite good, despite the other blemishes.  Take it as you will.

Title: Re: A series of KS reviews
Post by: MasterF on February 05, 2013, 20:42:40

Quote from: Fubaka on February 05, 2013, 16:45:18

This level is difficult to navigate through, so it definitely qualifies under all of its classifications.  I do thoroughly detest the part at x1004 y1003 where you had to jump past that particular roof-hanging obstacle.  I hate those things so much.

You are talking about the shadow creature that drops water in the area where the candle guy is,right?That was a really bad challenge,to the point I thought I had to have the umbrella to pass it.