Sölf;179066854 said:
After the flying section I actually planned something completely different with moving platforms and saws and stuff. But that didn't work out quite as I had hoped it would. So instead I thought "Okay, why not make a sort of boss rush?" In retrospect, I think I overdid it quite a bit. If it were only the bosses that would be one thing, but since there is a small section between each bosses (and some are indeed quite hard, like the Thwomp one). The thing with the cannon annoyed me also, but they had to spawn/land on the middle platfom because of the holes in the ground. Also, since I made 5 fights I had to make them different enough to feel fresh. The very first at the beginning didn't even had Koopas, you had to lure Bowser Jr. to the blocks so he would break them. Then I realized if you didn't manage to do that you had to restart.
I may just split this whole thing in half, and make two stages instead of this big one. One could end with the second or third boss battle, the other one start in the section right after that.
Two levels would definitely be better. I enjoyed each segment independently, but after a while it becomes exasperating, especially when you die and have to do it all over again. I played it quite a few times, which should tell you that there's a lot of merit in what you have done, there's just too much of it.
My levels again in case anyone feels like giving them a try.
A Beginner's Guide To Mario
Theme: Super Mario World, Overworld
Difficulty: Very Easy
Description: My attempt at a 1-1 style level intended to teach newcomers the basic skills required for a Mario game, with enough secrets to keep more experienced players entertained.
Code: F140-0000-0039-9D1B
Head Hop Heights
Theme: Super Mario Bros, Overworld
Difficulty: Easy
Description: My first attempt at level creation, a straightforward level whose challenge revolves around short segments bouncing off trampolines and koopa heads. Collect all 35 coins if you can find them!
Code: 78DC-0000-0027-E2FF
Manor Madness
Theme: Super Mario World, Ghost House
Difficulty: Medium
Description: I built this as I unlocked new tools, so it's sort of a fustercluck and has just about everything in it. Will probably delete it once I hit my upload limit, but it's fun in a bonkers sort of way. No cohesion, but a lot of variety and one well-hidden sub-area (and a secret Yoshi).
Code: 3509-0000-0028-38F8
Mario Bros Arcade: Reloaded
Theme: Super Mario Bros, Underground
Difficulty: Medium
Description: A series of short challenges based on variations of the map from the 1983 Super Mario Bros arcade game. Hint: In the arena with the red wigglers and fireballs, there's a hidden block in the usual spot above the ground floor (the same place the POW is on the first and second arenas, etc). I really should have made it visible as the level's too hard if you don't know it's there.
Code: 2D74-0000-0039-C672
Bowser's Airborne Artillery
Theme: Super Mario World, Airship
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Description: This is a long, so far unbeaten level, whose challenge comes from maintaining a consistent level of performance throughout. There's no trolling or kaizo stuff. Find the secret fire flower to help you a ton (there's a clue in the thumbnail) and there's an epic shortcut that cuts out the Bowser fight entirely. Quite proud of this one, even though no-one seems able to beat it. Will you be the first? (Advice: Take it slow and steady)
Code: EB50-0000-003F-002F
Bowser's Undersea Artillery
Theme: New Super Mario Bros U, Underwater
Difficulty: Medium
Description: It's a sequel to Airborne Artillery! Once Bowser was taken down in that level, his airship sank to the bottom of the ocean. Now Mario's returning to it, diving for treasure. Same essential map layout - a good way of learning what lies ahead in the more difficult Airborne level - only with the change from overground to underwater giving the challenges a new twist. I really like the attention to detail in this one, play it and Airborne as a twosome. An invisible 1up block is hidden in the same place in both.
Code: EB50-0000-003F-002F