level design resources

[Nando]

Looking for any resources on level design, specially for RnG/Platformers.

done the google thing, found some good overall articles, but nothing specific to what I am looking for.

Also playing some RnG and studying those.

THANKS!

[soop]

Looking for any resources on level design, specially for RnG/Platformers.

done the google thing, found some good overall articles, but nothing specific to what I am looking for.

Also playing some RnG and studying those.

THANKS!

hmm.  Doubt I can help, but I will say, I like the branching style of Turrican.  You can run through, or pick a longer path.  Also I guess Metal Slug.  But all the contra games I've played are nice too, I think the challenge in those are the placements of the enemies.  Nice design to lull you into a rythm, then deliberately disrupt it

[SamIAm]

The guy who did the level design for the Sonic the Hedgehog games apparently wrote everything out on graph-paper first. He didn't do it roughly, but actually kept everything strictly proportional so the ideas would transfer cleanly. It's food for thought, I guess.

[Nando]

Thanks guys.

Sam: That's a good tip. I had no idea that's how those were designed. I'm actually using graph paper as well. Although I do all sorts of loose concepts on a drawing pad first.

Soop: YES! the whole rhythm thing is spot on.

heh, the Tao of lvl design.

[spenoza]

It is more art than science. You are doing the right thing by playing and reviewing the types of games you like and want to emulate.

[Arkhan Asylum]

You can plan on graph paper, but it isn't as much of a necessity as it was back in the 80s.

Just get a tilemap program and keep testing til its good.

Your levels are going to suck ass the first time through them.  Its 100% guaranteed.

[Nando]

Your levels are going to suck ass the first time through them.  Its 100% guaranteed.

No doubt on that one.

I've only ever heard of "Mappy" I think that's the name, but haven't tried it. I've got access to Photoshop, so there's always that, unless there's a focused alt. to it.

Spenoza: there are SO many gems out there that I am still discovering. I am trying not to get into the trap of too much research not enough "doing."

[spenoza]

Spenoza: there are SO many gems out there that I am still discovering. I am trying not to get into the trap of too much research not enough "doing."

Well, here's an idea. Create mini-levels or level segments after you play a game. Basically, recreate a few of your favorite screens from the game you just played, and then create some original screens utilizing ideas you particularly liked. See if you can cross-apply those ideas. After you have a few screens and small sections drawn up you can move on to larger areas.

[Nando]

Spenoza: there are SO many gems out there that I am still discovering. I am trying not to get into the trap of too much research not enough "doing."

Well, here's an idea. Create mini-levels or level segments after you play a game. Basically, recreate a few of your favorite screens from the game you just played, and then create some original screens utilizing ideas you particularly liked. See if you can cross-apply those ideas. After you have a few screens and small sections drawn up you can move on to larger areas.

I have been looking at maps as a whole to get a sense of flow. But the "chunks and bits off," is a great idea.  THANKS!

[Arkhan Asylum]

We use Mappy at Aetherbyte

its cut/dry/works great

[Nando]

YMMV
2D sidecroller lvl design resources

http://thegame-pad.com/?p=510
http://users.soe.ucsc.edu/~gsmith/sandbox_examples/sandbox08_pictures.pdf
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1524/the_chemistry_of_game_design.php
http://www.behance.net/gallery/The-Odyssey-A-side-scrolling-platformer/2905471
http://www.engine001.com/tutorials/Side-Scroller%20Map%20Design_281.htm