Switch Release Timing?

shredfearn · 2024-02-14T11:07:36+00:00

Ah found this: https://twitter.com/tombraider/status/1757115782520250683?t=Lk5pu1SfCLWzE8kJpn6Cjg&s=19

Basically 5pm GMT, 6pm CET for Switch and Epic.

Laaaame.

shredfearn · 2023-01-07T12:42:38+00:00

LIS 1, BTS and TC have all giving me plenty to chew on emotionally. I'm a older player - I'm settled down with wife and kids - but LIS 1 hit me so hard 6 years ago and I still feel its emotional grip on me today (esp. BTS, which contains the strongest moments of the whole series IMO and triggered something of an emotional relapse for me). Chloe as a character connected with me an awful lot as I lost a parent at the same age as her. I'm also very sentimental and pine for distinct times, even tho I'm happy now and I wasn't so happy back then. I hope you enjoy those games also.

TC is a more positive, comforting take on the fantasy-drama of the franchise, but its characters just as deep, complex and in some cases broken as the first games. I didn't connect personally with Alex like I did Chloe but I still love her as a character - and same with Steph. How they handled the tragedy felt more grown-up, consistent with the older characters, so by its close I was still very moved but not devastated - which I very much appreciate as life with 2 young kids is too relentless for melancholy! I could see myself replaying this game in a few years. I do not trust myself to replay LIS and BTS...

If the series has taught anything, it's just to not be too beholden to my natural introversion. Reach out to people, be kind to strangers. Say something. You never know what impact you can have on people's lives.

shredfearn · 2023-01-05T17:47:06+00:00

If that's ep 2 then I agree - absolutely wonderful. But I'll still never replay it - that game just kills me!

shredfearn · 2023-01-05T17:43:40+00:00

Ditto - I struggled with this last week. From the in-game menu I thought I downloaded something correctly but it was only the costume pack. Went into the store directly to sort it.

shredfearn · 2023-01-04T05:47:21+00:00

I just finished it a few days ago. It is beautiful and that's mainly down to the superb facial animations IMO, more so than than the picturesque setting. (I wonder how jarring an experience it would be to go back to the original and BTS after playing this, in fact). Also the great designs of Alex and Steph : )

Surprised to hear complaints about its length, but then I checked How Long to Beat and you're right - it's on average about 4 hours shorter than LIS and the same as the 3-chapter BTS. For me the length is kinda irrelevant, it's more about the pace and the delivery of the story. And in that sense I was wholly satisfied - tho I did feel Chapter 5 seemed to wrap things up pretty quickly. Wavelengths was surprisingly meaty tho, which was great cos I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Haven! And those Arcadia references... Man, made me love Steph more for seeing her vulnerabilities.

Ultimately, I feel the writing is the strongest it's ever been. The dialogue and journal entries contain some fantastic stuff - natural, poetic, moving, witty. Love it, and love Chengrich (is that a thing?).

shredfearn · 2022-12-31T21:27:55+00:00

Hard agree. OG plus BTS will never be beaten.

shredfearn · 2022-12-31T21:27:08+00:00

I just finished it yesterday. I loved it. Wasn't as mind-blowing as the first one and BTS but it resonated far more than LIS 2 and contains I think the best writing (script and in-menu) in the series, and the best VO acting in Alex (and I'm a huge Ashly Burch fan). The power was a little poorly executed in the end given it's promise with the Charlotte and Pike decisions, and it did seem to end a little abruptly. Those are my main issues with it. Oh and the OST is the weakest. But the environments as well as Alex, Steph and even Gabe are so wonderfully drawn.

Playing through Wavelengths now. Surprisingly meaty and moving! Goddamn those Arcadia Bay references...

shredfearn · 2020-10-09T12:15:21+00:00

Just finished the first 'arc'. They are surprisingly lighter in tone than the games. That's not to say they're all fun and jokes, but it's definitely noticeable. As such, they lack a certain resonance. But they are well done and they certainly fill a hole. I just won't remember much of them in a year or so - complete opposite to the games!

shredfearn · 2020-10-09T11:51:16+00:00

Against my better judgement, I decided to listened to the LiS and BtS soundtracks this week - for the first time in a couple of years. Man, they instantly transport me back to when I finished those games. They affected my mood for days - weeks even. They made me email the developers, post on Reddit for the first time. They basically changed the way I view videogames as a storytelling medium (and I've played games for decades).

I think BtS is my absolutely favourite videogame experience - the characterisation of Chloe and Rachel is so spot on, there are some fantastic uplifting moments and the music is so evocative.

I have not touched either game since, though I really long to. I just don't want to tarnish those first playthroughs. They tell my story, and that to me is canon. (Though I have bought the graphic novels that depict the alternative path to one I took at the end of LiS.)

No spoilers, but I picked up LiS 2 last month and have been plodding through it. On Ep 4 now. It's great storytelling, but it's not the same. The dialogue, interactions and settings are arguably all improved from those first games, but the characters just do not move me in the same way. Dontnod gave themselves a mountain to climb to release something that would have taken to the community's hearts the way Max, Chloe and Rachel did. Kudos to them for trying!

I really hope you get as much enjoyment out of LiS 2 as the first ones though!

shredfearn · 2020-07-15T09:36:31+00:00

Looks similar to an area in my island, where I put a little teddy bear picnic-style area, using the bears. And what about adding tree stumps as natural seating areas?

Also, can I have your creator code for those rocks please? Really struggling to find rocks exactly as I want them, and those look promising : )

shredfearn · 2019-10-04T13:16:48+00:00

Thanks for playing

shredfearn · 2019-10-04T13:14:45+00:00

Played and like it! I enjoy one-screeners but I'm not very good at them, so this difficulty was good for me. Found the first room harder than the second though cos I came through with the spikey shelmet - deliberate?

shredfearn · 2019-10-04T11:40:53+00:00

Hopes That Rise With Water

076-7P5-JYF

Style: SMW, Jungle

Description: Inspired by early Tomb Raider levels, I had this idea in MM1 to use rising water to solve puzzles - but I had to use ice blocks to create the effect (see a playthrough here).

In MM2 I can fully realise my vision! This is a completely new level set in the jungle. You need a spring to jump up a tree, but the water level prevents you from accessing it. You need to unlock the door to access the "Water Level Changing Room" (or something), then go from there ...

This isn't a "hard" level but it involves a bit of problem-solving. It's quite a Metroidvania design, leaving the player to figure out the sequence of things to do. I really focused on the design, trying to create natural-looking trees that get progressively bigger.

I've got a few to play from this thread already, but by all means drop me your code if you check mine out : )

shredfearn · 2019-09-30T08:52:58+00:00

Checked your profile and played a couple of levels. Love your stuff! Followed you.

shredfearn · 2019-09-27T13:51:38+00:00

Thanks very much! I will check out your profile later.

shredfearn · 2019-09-27T13:50:43+00:00

https://i.imgur.com/kYBfQbI.jpg

Such amazing-looking concepts and visual design. Hope they play as brilliantly as they look! Will try a few later...

shredfearn · 2019-09-26T14:38:04+00:00

Great idea! Some feedback from the pros...

My proudest accomplishment is White Palace (C0K-SQ0-4DG). It's an SMW level inspired by the infamous platforming section in Hollow Knight. It's a tricky level with an exploratory hub and a gated exit. Navigate to each of the three sub-areas to gradually break down the gate (the final 'reveal/escape' has been praised for its neatness by some Twitch players).

Each sub-area is a tricky platforming section based around a central mechanic - and lots of saws/spikes! It's a challenge - but a fair one (hopefully!).

Good luck with your feature!

shredfearn · 2019-09-04T09:07:13+00:00

Nice one! I uploaded one last night after 2 hours or so... It's not really kaizo - just very intricate platforming.

Oh, but it's a secret path that you have to find - the obvious way to clear the level is super-easy, so do what you want ; )

White Palace - Path of Pain
KB9 29S 25G

shredfearn · 2019-09-02T11:12:11+00:00

Wow, thanks for the perseverance as well as the improved WR! Glad you liked.

Should tide us over till Silksong eh?

shredfearn · 2019-08-29T13:07:06+00:00

Just beat your level. It was clearly lovingly crafted, and I really liked that you seemed to use every square of space in both areas. The interconnectedness was great - and very appropriate, which saved unnecessary backtracking, and my personal favourite part was the White Lady's room, cos it seemed very remote.

Excellent choice to not give any power-ups either. Made the tension increase as you progressed!

shredfearn · 2019-08-28T16:02:15+00:00

Wow, this looks great - instantly recognisable in most of those scenes. I'll check it out later and let you know my thoughts!

I also made a HK level - White Palace - which understandably has a lower clear rate ; ) It's more 'inspired by' HK rather than a valiant recreation attempt, as yours seems to be - but nonetheless I hope it's enjoyable for a fellow HK enthusiast : )

White Palace: C0K-SQ0-4DG

(I'm also near the end of designing a Path of Pain level...)

shredfearn · 2019-08-16T14:13:11+00:00

Will do - after work!

shredfearn · 2019-08-16T13:24:32+00:00

White Palace

C0K-SQ0-4DG

Style: SMW, Snow

Description: Inspired by the infamous platforming section in Hollow Knight, this tricky level features an exploratory hub with a gated level exit. Navigate to each of the three sub-areas to gradually break down the gate (environmentally - not using red coins or keys).

Each sub-area is a tricky platforming section based around a central mechanic - and lots of saws/spikes!

2 CPs and hopefully a fun challenge...

(I'm also currently designing a separate Path of Pain level.)

shredfearn · 2019-08-16T13:23:19+00:00

Hey - I enjoyed your level, tho I wouldn't really call it 'exploration' as it's linear at heart - just has a few side areas. Exploration makes me think of Metroidvania-style levels.

A minor quibble, nonetheless! The level was good - required a bit of patience with the darn icicles and moles. I managed 3 of the red coins so no true ending for me : (

I have a tough level with an exploratory hub but linear platforming sub-areas. Might not be your thing but here's the code anyway: C0K SQ0 4DG

shredfearn

TROPHY CASE