The Level Designer's Trap

The argument isn't about whether or not invisible walls should be used at all, PP; rather, it's about whether or not blocking off areas with a giant invisible wall is OK. Which I say it's not, as there is nearly always another way to do it that would result in a better experience.

The argument isn't about whether or not invisible walls should be used at all, PP; rather, it's about whether or not blocking off areas with a giant invisible wall is OK. Which I say it's not, as there is nearly always another way to do it that would result in a better experience.

What the...?

um...

So, you're saying that invisa-walls aren't wrong, just almost always wrong?

He's saying that invisible walls just shouldn't be used for blocking off areas; if that's almost every case of invisible wall usage, then, yes, they're almost always wrong.

It should be noted that by "blocking off areas," I mean barricading an edge of the screen with invisible walls (so the player can't walk to the next screen in that direction) without providing some visual reason as to why the player can't physically go there.

*face palm*

Why else would...

Know what?  I'mma call stalemate on this one.  How about we agree to this:  I will continue using IWS when I think it necessary, and you can continue not liking it.  It's pretty obvious neither of us are budging on the issue.


Moving onto something perhaps we CAN agree on:  After making Blue House, I thought it would be clever if I had only one (1) save spot in it.  Erm...That was a mistake (but I'm still not changing it).  So I thought up a new rule for myself, and you can tell me if this seems somewhat balanced.  I figure I keep the save spots with in 3 screen of each other with obstacles, and about 9 screen with out obstacles.

Um...To clarify,  If it's just a playground level, then the save spots are further away cuz there are very few ways to die.  If it's a challenge level, keep the save spots with in 3 screens, to keep frustration levels on the low.  I try not to make Ludicrous levels, but if I did, I'd say each screen have a save spot.

  No hard and fast rule on this subject, think I, but this at least seems fair.

Know what?  I'mma call stalemate on this one.  How about we agree to this:  I will continue using IWS when I think it necessary, and you can continue not liking it.  It's pretty obvious neither of us are budging on the issue.

That seems fair.

Your theory about save spot locations seems fine by me, although I like to include a save spot right before "surprise traps" (i.e. screens with no prior warning that you can easily die in by mistake).

3 screens sounds like too much of a gap, unless the screens have very, very little challenge.

PYP: Explain why anyone would want to see a "surprise trap" in a level in the first place.

3 screens sounds like too much of a gap, unless the screens have very, very little challenge.

PYP: Explain why anyone would want to see a "surprise trap" in a level in the first place.

Maybe it's a Lunatic level?

Surprise traps are never fun. Even in a game that is obviously based around them, like IWBTG, isn't fun.

Surprise traps don't need to be enemies at the start of the screen: They can be a pool of water that you might not expect, a sudden fall right next off the bat, etc. They usually pop up due to small mistakes in screen design.

I have seen several of these, usually in some very popular levels. Like a large amount of water with no more than one tile of warning, or a green chomp that seems to blend in with the background, etc. etc. But sometimes these things make the level a bit less boring, like if you happen across one, die, and come back to it you know what to expect, but if you change it up afterwards, you have to keep on your toes. I like a good exciting level that keeps you guessing on what's next. That's my two cents anyways.

Surprise traps don't need to be enemies at the start of the screen: They can be a pool of water that you might not expect, a sudden fall right next off the bat, etc. They usually pop up due to small mistakes in screen design.

Again, why would you intentionally put one in a level?

Again, why would you intentionally put one in a level?

They usually pop up due to small mistakes in screen design.

Ponder the meaning of the word "mistake" and then ask that again.

PYP, you answered the wrong question: "why do they appear in levels?", not "why would you intentionally put one in a level?".  From your more recent response I figure you were implying that it is indeed silly to intentionally construct surprise traps (answer corresponding to correct question: "You wouldn't; surprise traps are silly and are only justifiable when resulting from mistakes." though it's still pretty silly since decent design says fix mistakes rather than building ridiculous traps around them )?!?!

Ponder the meaning of the word "mistake" and then ask that again.

I like to include a save spot right before "surprise traps" (i.e. screens with no prior warning that you can easily die in by mistake).

That heavily, heavily implies that you were at least aware of the surprise trap, which means you're intentionally leaving it in the level, even if you didn't intentionally put it there in the first place.