New Level (3D) - 3D Exploration #1

sfseaman · Post by **sfseaman** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:29 am

This is a first attempt at designing a first person 3D puzzle. I am interested in feedback from people who like 3D first person puzzles and also those that don't. Difficulty? Playability? Interesting? Nausea factor/motion sickness?

Shorty · Post by **Shorty** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:46 am

Hey ...

It's so good to see you on the board again!!!

I honestly can't really stand the 3D but I will check
out your level in the morning

WELCOME BACK

wonderlandlover · Post by **wonderlandlover** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 5:21 am

Hello!

This was not too bad on the do-ability scale. I actually would have got it on my first try, but the kaboom got me. That is probably the one thing about 3D I don't care for. Taking steps takes longer, because turning takes an extra step. So kabooms catch up to you easier.

This was laid out nicely with not alot of extra stuff to worry about.

Another thing with 3D: Some textures really lend themselves nicely to 3D. Liz Mayhew's Venice level is one that comes to mind.

Fun level, though! Thanks!

sfseaman · Post by **sfseaman** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:00 pm

Thanks for steering me to the Venice level. This is the best 3D level I have seen so far. I hope that with some experimentation and honest feedback that we can begin to develop more of a sense of what works in these levels, so that they develop more of a following.

For anyone that thinks they don't like 3D, give Liz's venice level a try.

amy25 · Post by **amy25** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:13 pm

With 3D, sometimes I get sick, sometimes I don't. I just have to be careful and not overdo it. Do-ability was good, I kept getting killed by the boulder cause I would push both and one would bounce back to me or the kaboom would get me cause I would slide just as he was about to turn and go up. I have found that putting the baddies in tend to get me a big scare, especially in mazes, so I really do not like that effect. If they are out in the open, then it's pretty cool. I made a 3d level where you could see the baddies but they couldnot get you cause I had the invisible walls.

http://pcpuzzle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6606

Here is the link for that level. It was a kids level so it is easy.

Someone else has said it. For those that like the 3d levels, it might be wise to make a second level the exact same but just take the 3d out for those who cannot handle 3d. Just a suggestion. I know several makers have done both the regular level and the 3d level so you have a choice. Sometimes, it's cool to be able to do it one way and then go back and do the other way.

Superterv · Post by **Superterv** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:31 pm

Due to my medical condition I cannot handle the 3D levels very well. I love the idea of having one with 3D and the exact same level without. I'm still working on this - only able to do short periods then I have to take a break so I'll get back to you when I have completed it. Nice to see you back btw.

popo · Post by **popo** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:12 pm

I found it very difficult to work out exactly what I was supposed to be doing, not being able to see behind the boxes. I ended up pushing them into places where I couldn't get round them and having to start again. The canon frightened the life out of me, I've never tried to move one that close up!!

I tried it again in Alt-X so I could see what I was doing and still got killed by the kaboom. I couldn't get out of the way as quick as usual.

You do need a completely different strategy to play like this I think.

Superterv · Post by **Superterv** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 6:39 pm

I found this level difficult because you couldn't see what you had to do. So I admit I cheated, took the 3D square out and completed the level - and it was fun as it was. I then went back to the 3D (now knowing what had to be done) and managed to complete it (and it took me 9 goes because of the effect 3D has on my eyes). So over all impression is still the same - I don't like 3D. Only level I really enjoyed in this vista was Liz's Venice which was very very visual. Sorry Steve if I have disappointed you.

sfseaman · Post by **sfseaman** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 7:52 pm

Thanks for the very good feedback. I worried that this might have several aspects that were too difficult if played only as a 3D level.

I understand the advantage to posting both regular and 3D versions of the same level. This may ultimately be the best use of 3D, and is certainly easy enough to do. There are several reasons I am resisting that at the moment:

1. In order to be playable in 3D I suspect most regular versions would probably be most appropriate as a kids level.

2. I think that as we learn more about designing good 3D levels we may find that the elements that make for a good 3D level, may not work so well in the regular version and vice versa.

3. I would be concerned that 3D would remain a "novel variation" on regular levels and never really develop into its own genre.

Supertev -- thanks for the good feedback, I am not disappointed. I agree, the Venice level is the most appealing one so far, although Who Stole Christmas is not far behind visually. There are some issues with interiors that popo is working on to deal with some of the visual elements in that level. However, I found that one quite difficult to do in 3D. I am hoping that if we continue to play with this we can discover what works well and what doesn't. I'll probably post more of my thoughts about this in the General forum discussion.

Lillian · Post by **Lillian** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:35 pm

This took me many tries Steve - to be honest I don't really like the 3D feature - the whole idea of a puzzle to me is to look at it and try and work out your moves. It is impossible to do that in 3D. Liz's level was great - although my children struggled with it and I missed the bonus coins too

I couldn't do Poops' but I loved the look and design

I will always download a 3D level and give it a go - but will give up if I get fed up with it. I like seeing things from the 3D perspective though - it looks brilliant. Some of the easier 3D levels have been so cool coming face to face with HUGE monsters, objects, etc.

Thanks for your input. I shall look out for what you come up with to try and persuade us into enjoying the 3D levels more. But for now, my preference is normal levels

ohbehave · Post by **ohbehave** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:14 pm

hi steve...so good to see ya around..hope all is well with you..you were missed...awesome looking level..i have to admit, i dont care much for the 3d either..it makes me totally dizzy..i did have a go at yours, and surprised myself, that i actually got a couple of the coins, but got my sticky cubes stuck together...i like the look of the 3d, i just find it a lot harder to move around and see things....

Gen · Post by **Gen** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:57 pm

Hi Steve, welcome back!

I tried doing your level first in the 3D mode. I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I went exploring in each room and still had no idea other than to stay away from the cannon and kaboom. So I removed the 3D feature and played it the normal way. After I learned what to do, I went back and played it in 3D. I did manage to complete it that way. The kaboom got me once because I wasn't moving fast enough, but managed to correct that the second time.

In the 3D mode, you do see things from a different perspective. I agree with others that have said it is best for visual levels, not for activity levels. I prefer the normal mode of playing because I like to see and plan ahead. This isn't as possible with the 3D mode. In addition, I don't care for the dizzy feeling that 3D causes.

I would still recommend to anyone who makes 3D levels, please provide them in the normal mode also.

sfseaman · Post by **sfseaman** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 12:59 am

Any further feedback on this level would be appreciated. I would recommend that discussion on 3D more generally be moved to:

3D discussion in General Forum

drushing · Post by **drushing** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:40 am

Hi Steve, I played this one a little at a time to see what all was where. The 3D effect makes me feel slightly nauseated and I get a headache if I play very long. That is why I took a while to solve it! I don't like having the baddies mainly because you can't hear them and it is too hard to keep track of them. I do download and try the 3D levels and can complete most of them over time but not as quick as normal ones. I really enjoy the visual levels in 3D and think the kids levels are more suited to 3D playing. I find it easier to do a 3D level if I play in in normal mode first. All that said, I did enjoy your level and thought it was a good challenge and the right size for a 3D level.

ann3120 · Post by **ann3120** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 4:25 am

Hi, Steve,

I don't like 3D, but I did enjoy this one - after I removed the 3D thingy,
and learned what I needed to do.
Then I went back and finished the 3D version the first time.
Very chuffed, I am

I could play a few that way, but not many.
On the positive side - it is fun seeing the things up close.
I just love staring right into the belly of a cannon.
Guess what?? There's nothing in there

Liz Mayhew · Post by **Liz Mayhew** » Thu Jan 19, 2006 11:54 am

Great to see you level-making again Steve. I did enjoy this one, though I don't usually like the 3D. I was determined to stick to the 3D, so it took me about 6 tries, especially to work out how to outfox the kaboom.

There was just enough challenge in this so that it was possible to solve the level.

mette · Post by **mette** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 10:52 pm

I finally had some time for level playing today. I found this level to be a very good 3D level

It took a little exploring to figure out what needed to be done, but it wasn't too hard to see over and around things to make it impossible. Very well done Steve

Mette

Lutz · Post by **Lutz** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:16 pm

This one is a good 3d in my opinion. Lots of open space to see everything, just one baddie. Had a lot of fun exploring the scenery. Thanks

New Level (3D) - 3D Exploration #1

New Level (3D) - 3D Exploration #1

exploration 3d