Developing levels

Discuss the games (no level solutions or off-topic, please).

Moderators: ~xpr'd~, tyteen4a03, Stinky, Emerald141, Qloof234, jdl

Post Reply
User avatar
shad1027
Rainbow Wonderlander
Posts: 103
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2005 2:06 am

Developing levels

Post by shad1027 » Sun Feb 05, 2006 8:09 pm

I've been playing all the great levels that you all have designed and I would like to try it myself.. The problem is I just can't seem to get started. I'm curious to know if most of you develop it on paper first..Do you already have a course in mind when you start it or do you just add and detract as you go along and see what you come up with..I guess is what I'm asking is for any tips or advice to get started...Thx for any help I could get...Dave
Muzozavr
Rainbow Spirit Chaser
Posts: 5648
Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:55 pm

Post by Muzozavr » Sun Feb 05, 2006 8:49 pm

As my expierence to make levels for other games I will try to give you basic tips. They are not only for this game. I don't have RTWP, so I can't give less general tips.

1. Some puzzles are best to plan-ahead with paper, others are good to do in editor. See for yourself what is your type.
2. MYSELF I sometimes have a light at some great but short ideas. When there are many enough of them to make a level, make it.
3. If you're feeling overwhelmed with editor, don't use too many elements at first.
4. You may do a "substraction method". I will explain better.
For example, when you did some small enough bit of level. remove one element and see if you can still solve the level. If yes, try to remove another and so on...
Rest in peace, Kym. I hardly knew ya.
Rest in peace, Marinus. A bright star, you were ahead of me on my own tracks of thought. I miss you.
User avatar
Cat
Rainbow Star
Posts: 1962
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2004 5:31 pm

Post by Cat » Sun Feb 05, 2006 9:06 pm

I never do levels on paper, I just go into the editor and plan as I go.

I might put something in there that doesn' t look or feel right I then remove it and add to it until it feels and plays good.

The whole idea is to make it fun, after you get started then the level making is easier. Just keep it simple until you get using the editor. :) :) :D :D
Cat

Member of FOWL, Ms.Tweety Bird, Queen of Beautiful
User avatar
Liz Mayhew
Rainbow Spirit Master
Posts: 9169
Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2004 1:07 pm

Post by Liz Mayhew » Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:27 pm

I sometimes plan levels on paper, but mostly I just get straight into the Editor.

When you're starting out it's best to keep it simple. Try designing a level using just one or two game elements. It helps to have the editor and the game both open and you can toggle between the two by pressing Alt and Tab keys together. It's magical to see what you've put in the Editor coming to life in the game.

When I started I printed out the whole Editor Manual so I could refer to it as needed, but you'll soon get the hang of it as you design more levels.

Try playing the level you've made. If it's very easy, post it on the Kids Forum and get some feedback. If it turns out a bit more difficult, put it on the Puzzle/Action Forum.

Good luck - and there are plenty of us around to help. :D
Lizzie

To err is human,
To arr is pirate!
User avatar
kiki
Rainbow Spirit Master
Posts: 9454
Joined: Sun May 22, 2005 10:58 pm

Post by kiki » Fri Feb 10, 2006 7:20 am

:D :D :D I'll get an idea and build around it, I never write anything on paper, Ever. :shock:

As long as you have a good understanding of how the items work, Just play around and see what happens.

Sometimes I get inspired by someone elses level. (no I don't copy levels) It can be the smallest thing, But it can evolve into a great level. :) :) :)

Good Luck. :D :D :D
Keeks
User avatar
Amadeus!
Rainbow Wizard
Posts: 454
Joined: Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:18 pm
Location: California

Post by Amadeus! » Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:39 am

I get some of my ideas for levels from
dreams that I have when I first wake up.
User avatar
shad1027
Rainbow Wonderlander
Posts: 103
Joined: Fri Jul 08, 2005 2:06 am

Thx to all

Post by shad1027 » Wed Feb 15, 2006 1:21 pm

Thx all for your tips. I probably need to spend more time developing than playing...but I was curious how others got started and you all answered that..ty all vm...Dave
User avatar
kiki
Rainbow Spirit Master
Posts: 9454
Joined: Sun May 22, 2005 10:58 pm

Post by kiki » Thu Feb 16, 2006 7:55 am

:D :D :D The way I see it the more you play the easyer ideas come to ya. :D :D :D
Keeks
Post Reply