Level Design Tips

[Snessy the duck]

E: ALSO!!!
The fan-favourite episode Super Mario Star Expedition didn't hide its secrets either. They were in pipes that extended to the edge of the section, rather than disappearing into the ground. Basically the same system and just as obvious after the player has been taught.

I feel like that's a better choice than having differently colored pipes for secet exits, since it allows for some better asthetic variety.

[Emral]

E: ALSO!!!
The fan-favourite episode Super Mario Star Expedition didn't hide its secrets either. They were in pipes that extended to the edge of the section, rather than disappearing into the ground. Basically the same system and just as obvious after the player has been taught.

I feel like that's a better choice than having differently colored pipes for secet exits, since it allows for some better asthetic variety.

That really really depends on what you're going for. There are scenarios in which the colour-coded pipes suit the level's design better. The colour code by alucard works really well for just about any standard episode, where its repetitive pattern can easily be taught to the player.

[Snessy the duck]

E: ALSO!!!
The fan-favourite episode Super Mario Star Expedition didn't hide its secrets either. They were in pipes that extended to the edge of the section, rather than disappearing into the ground. Basically the same system and just as obvious after the player has been taught.

I feel like that's a better choice than having differently colored pipes for secet exits, since it allows for some better asthetic variety.

That really really depends on what you're going for. There are scenarios in which the colour-coded pipes suit the level's design better. The colour code by alucard works really well for just about any standard episode, where its repetitive pattern can easily be taught to the player.

Yeah, you're right. I could imagine the SMSE system to be a disadvantage in some levels, like levels made entirely out of pipes.

[Emral]

Or just any level that wants a secret pipe to be in the middle of a section.

[The0x539]

if you need to use text to explain a mechanic, you're doing something wrong

There is an exception for specifically naming buttons.

[aero]

if you need to use text to explain a mechanic, you're doing something wrong

There is an exception for specifically naming buttons.

Doesn't apply when you can change what buttons do.

---

Anyone else tired of the formula of:

TIP 123: Do a general thing so that you can be good at level design.
Post: Well what about another thing???
Tip poster: *rebuttal*
Post: Well it depends on a thing.
Post: *meta analysis*
Post: *agreement or disagreement with prior posts*
TIP: 124: Do a general thing so that you can be good at level design.

I've asked this before, but who is reading through this entire thread for tips on a level they're making? This thread is just running like a forum game with tips, there's repeat tips, plenty more bad/useless advice than good, and I even made a color coded compilation of all the tips to showcase this but for some reason the staff deleted it even though it was important. Tip #160 and 4 step design basically nullifies this thread, and it would be much better if tips were made for actual levels rather than abstract and general ones for threads like this.

[Ace]

Tip #160 and 4 step design basically nullifies this thread, and it would be much better if tips were made for actual levels rather than abstract and general ones for threads like this.

you're giving yourself way too much credit if you think that your vague tip and 4-step design is enough to not warrant further discussion.

[aero]

find a tip ITT that is more helpful than that and isn't a part of 4 step design.

[TDK]

Tip #144 is very useful tip.

[Radiance]

Tip #144 is very useful tip.

That tip will let my CC entry win!

[aero]

You only need to have fun making and playing your level. If you want to polish, ask if the level would be out of place in a Nintendo game - consider 4step design. People will leave tips in your level thread and those should be considered over general ones here. Anything else here is just minutia.

[Snessy the duck]

I agree with Aero, I don't think this thread is gonna be of any help to anyone, mostly because only a few of the tips here are actually useful, and I feel like it's basically become a forum game.

[beryfarnandas]

1. If you're going to use custom graphics, make sure they look good and fit to the level.
2. Add enemies, pits, coins to make it a more fun experience and scenery and pipes and such to make it more lively.
3. Make sure everything fits together. It's best to use one theme per level.
4. Make sure the level is completeable. Pay attention to the difficulty, too. Nobody likes too hard levels. It's no fun without a little challenge either.
5. Remember to give the player power-ups.
6. Don't forget the start point. If you move it in the middle for testing purposes, remember to move it back to the beginning.
7. Use a Checkpoint for longer levels.
8. Horizontal warp pipes don't go in the middle but half a block down from the middle of the pipe end.
9. The original Mario games are a great source of inspiration.
10. Have fun making the level. That way the players will also enjoy the level.

Thanks buddy

[Kley]

1. If you're going to use custom graphics, make sure they look good and fit to the level.
2. Add enemies, pits, coins to make it a more fun experience and scenery and pipes and such to make it more lively.
3. Make sure everything fits together. It's best to use one theme per level.
4. Make sure the level is completeable. Pay attention to the difficulty, too. Nobody likes too hard levels. It's no fun without a little challenge either.
5. Remember to give the player power-ups.
6. Don't forget the start point. If you move it in the middle for testing purposes, remember to move it back to the beginning.
7. Use a Checkpoint for longer levels.
8. Horizontal warp pipes don't go in the middle but half a block down from the middle of the pipe end.
9. The original Mario games are a great source of inspiration.
10. Have fun making the level. That way the players will also enjoy the level.

Thanks buddy

No useless posts please.

[Zha Hong Lang]

unfortunately your request damns this entire thread

[Snessy the duck]

unfortunately your request damns this entire thread

Yep. I honestly have no idea how this thread is still up.

[minerdude456]

Saddish but true, that quote be.

[Super Luigi Bros]

I think a great design tip is to add lots and lots of hidden secrets, like 5 hidden Yoshi coins, or invis- 1up blocks, or just secret areas that have a bonus, like coins or a powerup. I use this in ALL of my episodes and levels.

[PixelPest]

I think a great design tip is to add lots and lots of hidden secrets, like 5 hidden Yoshi coins, or invis- 1up blocks, or just secret areas that have a bonus, like coins or a powerup. I use this in ALL of my episodes and levels.

Not the best advice and not really applicable to all levels. It only works well if incorporated correctly

[HVMetal]

I agree with Aero, I don't think this thread is gonna be of any help to anyone, mostly because only a few of the tips here are actually useful, and I feel like it's basically become a forum game.

I have to agree too. If all of these tips could be compressed into a shorter list containing only the useful stuff, then this thread might have a use. Who does expect ANYONE to read all the pages, honestly? Some people may not read it only for that single tip. Especially that some tips are not worth a single coin because they are only contradictions for what's good.