• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

Game with best Level design this generation?

SantaC

SantaC

Member
Which game has the best level design this generation? (outdoor and indoor)

For me a great level design is often more important than graphics. I think it's a toss up between Metroid Prime(1) and Resident Evil 4.
 
I'm gonna go with Metroid Prime. Flawless loading times (most will think there are none), and it is as one seemless world even though each locale varies so much visually. I don't think Echoes holds together the same kind of feeling.

Four Swords Adventures and Jungle Beat also have pretty good level design. Monkey Ball was devilishly awesome as well.

In terms of visuals I think I'd go with something like Oni or upcoming Wanda / Okami style games. Or maybe something on Xbox: Riddick and Ninja Gaiden are hot.
 
radioheadrule83 said:
I'm gonna go with Metroid Prime. Flawless loading times (most will think there are none), and it is as one seemless world even though each locale varies so much visually. I don't think Echoes holds together the same kind of feeling.
Click to expand...

The way that MP's loading times were integrated into the game (if I understand it correctly, shooting a door tells the game to call up the next room, so that by the time you get to the door, it's already loaded and ready for you to walk in) is genius. +1 Metroid Prime as well.
 
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

For it's scale and cohesiveness, I really don't think there's another game with better level design this generation. From the gritty, urban areas of Los Santos to the glitzy strip of Las Venturas to all the backwoods areas in between, the whole thing is just so impressive.
 
Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
Gradius V
Katamari Damacy
Metroid Prime
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Halo 2 multiplayer maps
Resident Evil 4
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
EDIT: Advance Wars! Can't forget about this gem.

I've also heard that Timesplitters: Future Perfect has great FPS level design.
 
It's true that Psychonauts has awesome, incredibly varied level design. I love how that game mixes up the gameplay styles. The Disco level, for example, is a better 3d Sonic than anything Sega's managed to date...
 
Psychonauts and God of War.

Edit:
Minotauro said:
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

For it's scale and cohesiveness, I really don't think there's another game with better level design this generation. From the gritty, urban areas of Los Santos to the glitzy strip of Las Venturas to all the backwoods areas in between, the whole thing is just so impressive.
Click to expand...

But the man here makes a very fine point.
 
I know I begin to sound redundant, but:

ICO

The fact that it is a puzzle game with an environment that is SO cohesive (seeing new "levels" in the distance as you make your way around the castle), and the design and aesthetics just keep getting better and better the later you get into the game.
 
Most definitely Psychonauts.
RE 4
Metroid Prime. The first one had much better level design but the Echoes had its moments too.
Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat
 
impirius said:
Metroid Prime

Echoes was good too, and Sanctuary was beautiful, but the layout wasn't as good as the first game.
Click to expand...

quoted for the truth.

The 2nd game is worse in level design, but it has its moments
 
1) DK: Jungle Beat

image24vv.jpg


One of my favorite for this gen ... i really want a sequel in Revo :)
 
Metroid Prime had some brilliantly thought-out levels. In terms of sheer asthetics, the Citadel in HL2.

Or Lost Temple / Turtle Rock in WC3. :)
 
Ico, Zelda:Minish Cap, Gradius V, and Prince of Persia had wonderful level design. Metroid Prime does too, but you find yourself replaying the same areas over and over due to the immense backtracking. Kirby:Canvas Curse has decent level design as well.
 
Second dungeon of Beyond Good And Evil
God Of War
GTASA
Castlevania Aria of Sorrow
Kirby Canvas Curse

From what i've seen from it i also agree on Psychonauts.
RE4 was nice but not THAT good regarding level design. It was incredibly better than previous RE though.
 
World of Warcraft if that counts. Aesthetically speaking, it's probably one of the best. Tons of detail went into the environments. A few of the instance dungeons have outstanding design as well.
 
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time - such a fun game to play
Metroid Prime - Seemless, even with all the Metroid backtracking it always seemed that I was progressing smoothly.
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath and Munch's Odysee.
Halo & Halo2. Both had some great levels.
 
siege said:
World of Warcraft if that counts. Aesthetically speaking, it's probably one of the best. Tons of detail went into the environments. A few of the instance dungeons have outstanding design as well.
Click to expand...


Totally passed over my beloved WoW. Add that to my list.

Metal Arms
Psychonauts
World of Warcraft
 
GoW by a mile -
Having to push a human sacrifice up a slanted floor while he pleaded for his life, The rotating room, having a level on a titans back put it to the front.

Honorable mention to Gothic II for succeeding where Morrowind, GTA, Shenmue failed. It created a living environment to immerse yourself. I have over 40 hours in the game and still it impresses me.

I know I begin to sound redundant, but:

ICO

The fact that it is a puzzle game with an environment that is SO cohesive (seeing new "levels" in the distance as you make your way around the castle), and the design and aesthetics just keep getting better and better the later you get into the game.
Click to expand...


As much as I love Ico I donÂ’t think its level design was that great. The character animation and cinematic direction made it an experience for me.
 
Solid said:
can someone post some screens from RE4 that shows the level design?
Click to expand...

More than anything that can be conveyed in screens, it's the way that the game is paced, always throwing new (yet oddly nostalgiac if you're a fan of zombie movies) mini-scenarios at you in each area, requiring you to always change your tactics and keeping the interest level piqued throughout.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

  • Poll
Cool moments of this generation?
Social  2
71
562
Crayon replied
  • Poll
Best Xbox console generation of all time?
2 3
129
1K
NotMyProblemAnymoreCunt replied
Kojima Productions hiring requirement: Have an interest in game engine design and creation for next generation hardware
News Game Dev 
3
231
Black_Stride replied
Best Game and the Worst Game of a Franchise
2 3 4
162
558
Artistic replied
  • Poll
Best third party publisher this generation?
2
59
3K
RetroGamingUK replied
Top Bottom