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Level 014: Bones/Hot Buss(y Beetle)

I thought I'd open a thread to get some constructive criticism and feedback so I don't make something that isn't bad. These screenshots might be a little bit out of date at the time of this post. I'm going to link them to prevent table stretches.

First image.

Second image.

The gimmick of the level is that the first party is going to be a water-mountain sort of stage. It isn't going to be completely watery, and there will be some athletic parts, so not as to bore the player to tears. The second part of the level will be a fiery cave. I know the ideas aren't exactly original, but hopefully this'll come out half-decent.

- BlackMageMario
I'll be honest: those palettes are very unappealing shade of blue. I dont know if it's the foreground or the background color that's stinging my eyes but it will just look bleh while playing. Also, the harsh colors do not compliment the softer-colored sprites at all.
ask me if i give a f*ck...
I have changed the palette again. I'd also like some feed-back on the level design as well.

- BlackMageMario
A lot better, but the red background clashes pretty badly, imo. I'd change it. The dirt looks good though.

I like the use of switch blocks, but the kicking shell koopa might be a blind hit out of nowhere. You might want to change it. Also looks like the green koopa is going to suicide before you get to it. Plus 3 yoshi coins in 2 screens is ridiculous. Spread them out bro. Level design itself looks bretty good so far.
ask me if i give a f*ck...
There's actually only two. I made a boo-boo with the screenshots. I'll update this post later when/if I change the palette and when I make progress on the level.

EDIT: Decided to relent.

EDIT 2: I decided to change it again.
Yes, the blue-ish BG looks fine and fits with the FG well, so I'd choose the second one. The design is fine too.
Third progress report, woo. I'm surprised I'm getting so much done. I'm not usually this fast at making levels. Maybe music is giving me motivation.

Direct any critisms directly to the forehead.

- BlackMageMario

EDIT: And another update.
And thus the first part of the level is complete (and I still can't believe some people have their levels fully done.) I shall put up an IPS of the first part, along with a way to access the Yellow Switch.

- BlackMageMario

EDIT: Here is the Test IPS. Notes before downloading:

- Yes, I realise the graphics look horrible and there is cut-off everywhere. That's because if I have to change anything in the level design - such as, the movement of whole platforms - I won't have to spend a long time rearranging decoration or dirt along with it.

- The level "Switch of Testing" is used to active the Yellow Switch so that you can easily test how well the Yellow Switch blocks work. The actual level is located to the left of that, where good old 105 used to be.

- I want your harshest criticism. I'm not currently confident that the level is fun to play or has challenging and fun enemy placement. The only thing I'm sure about is the majority of the palette and that everything works.

- Level ends at the mid-way point. Pipe leads to nothingness as I have yet to design the second part of the level.

Thanks, and have fun.
Okay, this is actually looking pretty good. I didn't find many problems with it, honestly. And what I did find was extremely minor.



A tiny bit off cutoff next to Mario, but this is a vanilla contest so it doesn't matter.


LAWL theres tons of cutoff lolz TINY bit of a blueish color on the ceiling there.


But yeah, it's looking pretty good.
I have updated the level to look graphically competitant. Any suggestions on what other graphics to use would be appreciated. And for the level of god, no, don't suggest Ghost House. I've already seen a lot of people use it. Thanks again.

- BlackMageMario
I haven't posted here in a long time, but rest assured I have been working on the level. It is nearly done, I only have the exit screen to design and it'll be all finished. Here are some screenshots, and I'll upload a test IPS later.

First part of the first sublevel. It's hot in there.

Second sublevel, contains some coins and a Yoshi Coin, adding up to all five you need to collect.

Second part of the first sublevel.

The area around the pipe that leads to the second sublevel might get changed so its harder to find (aka when I'm decorating the level I might include pipes around that place) and not so obvious.

PS: If you get the reference (think 2000s music), you get a cookie. Anyone that's been reading my past few posts and knows my musical taste should get it :V

- BlackMageMario

EDIT: New versions!

Another new version!
Last part of the level. I'll upload a test IPS tomorrow.

(Yes, that is layer 2 and yes it is non-solid).

- BlackMageMario
Your level design is definitely unique, which is something I like. I'm not too fond of those double outlines though. You could also rework the palette too a bit, say make the background a bit darker and make the spots in the dirt less green.
And thus, the level is nearly complete. I'm probably going to change some decorations and level design things (along with some palette stuff), but it is nearly done! Please test this and tell me about any issues!

- BlackMageMario