Opinion regarding some LJs reviews.

[zlaker]

There are no custom graphics.

Why does this need to be a requirement for a good level?

If the level is really lacky it should require custom GFXs.

[lighthouse64]

There are no custom graphics.

Why does this need to be a requirement for a good level?

If the level is really lacky it should require custom GFXs.

No. It shouldn't. I don't use much CGFX, and the gameplay is more important then the cgfx (to me )

[zioy]

There are no custom graphics.

Why does this need to be a requirement for a good level?

If the level is really lacky it should require custom GFXs.

Well, CGFX can help spice up a bad/mediocre level, if that's what you mean

[RudeGuy]

Graphics should be used when it's clearly obvious that you need to use them or when you need them, for example using a custom NPC.

[zlaker]

There are no custom graphics.

Why does this need to be a requirement for a good level?

If the level is really lacky it should require custom GFXs.

No. It shouldn't. I don't use much CGFX, and the gameplay is more important then the cgfx (to me :P)

If a level has a lack of varied BGOs then why wouldn't it need custom GFXs?

[zioy]

Graphics should be used when it's clearly obvious that you need to use them or when you need them, for example using a custom NPC.

Or when you want the level looking new and fresh. Otherwise certain things clash (SMW Dry Bones don't look good with SMB3 dungeon tileset IMO)

[Blck_Guy]

Graphics should be used when it's clearly obvious that you need to use them or when you need them, for example using a custom NPC.

Or when you want the level looking new and fresh. Otherwise certain things clash (SMW Dry Bones don't look good with SMB3 dungeon tileset IMO)

Yeah... but that's not really a custom GFX is it?
I think a CCGFX, is a 'ish' one, but still can be declare as a CGFX.

I mean, ok, should I post a level without CCGFX or CGFX?

[TLtimelord]

Let me state my opinion on custom graphics as it appears to be the heat of the subject right now, as well as other things.

I think some of you know by now I like levels that looks very flashy when it comes to visual effect, as you'll notice that in my CC9 reviews. I think graphics (and music) play a huge role in a level's atmosphere. A black cave with grayish tinted enemies will do good to provide a more ominous feel to the cave. Why would an incredibly dark cave have the default brightly colored enemies anyways? They'd stand out, and not in a good way.

Now, I'm not saying graphics and music entirely affect the level's atmosphere as graphics, music, and design are all probably split into thirds. If you want a forest ruins theme, chances are you'll probably want to find a moss-covered bricks tileset that fits with the grass or forest tileset you're using, as well as some mystical music from, say, Zelda, Chrono Cross, or Xenosaga.

One more thing that I've avoided until now that others constantly pressure is that "you don't need gfx to make good levels," and this point is entirely correct. But it's getting overused by some newer designers, seemingly as an excuse for a level that likely plays well, but has just regular, vanilla SMBX graphics. Yes, Knux did make a fairly decent vanilla SMBX game back in 2012 (or was it 2011, I can't remember) but it didn't appeal to me because it didn't have much variety. If you're intending to make a space level, chances are you'll need an asteroid or spaceship kind of tileset as well as fitting BGOs and NPCs. A level using a SMW cave tileset, almost no BGOs and only metroid enemies isn't going to provide a very space-like atmosphere.

When we say "you don't need gfx to make a good level," it just feels to me we're kinda saying "the way a level looks shouldn't matter at all," and I find this completely wrong. This community is a lot more engineered on visual appeal AND gameplay, so I say we get rid of the mentality that encouraging custom GFX should be looked down upon. I'm not saying we should always use GFX, but we should use them to help enhance level atmosphere by a mil and hence, level quality. I'm also not saying we should use GFX as a way to try and mask lazy or terrible design either.

In my opinion, we as a community need to get these two words wiped from all our vocabularies completely: bias(ed), and clash. We overuse them to an extent to where the definition is barely existant to the point.

Bias is "prejudice against or in favor over one thing." We tend to shout this word when somebody goves high scores for a friend, and I HATE it! Use some different word for a change and quit abusing the word at the end of every fucking contest because it makes you look like a whining sore loser.

Clash is in verb means "(of colors) to appear discordant or ugly when placed close to each other" and in noun "a mismatch of colors," and both are second definitions to each respective English word category. We ONLY use this word when two game palettes are mixed. In a scenario where there's SMW + SMB3 action in a screen, I see more "This looks bad because SMB3 and SMW clash," instead of "(insert whatever is in SMB3 here) doesn't really go well with (insert whatever is SMW here) and I suggest you find something that fits better."

I won't disclude judges at all in this, because we ALL need to improve our judging standards in some way because it's starting to hurt our community's level design quality for many users as well.

[zioy]

my CC9 reviews.

YOU REALLY ARE A TIMELORD UR FROM DA FUTURE

Anyway, I agree with most of the points made.

[lighthouse64]

If a level has a lack of varied BGOs then why wouldn't it need custom GFXs?

Well It would probably be a wise choice then I guess.