As I’m sure most of you know by now, renowned designer boberto lives down my street, and we are the same age, in the same homeroom, and we hang out a ton. Therefore, he is my best friend on Atmosphir. That’s not to say that I haven’t made a lot of friends here, in this inviting and (usually) kind community. However, one of my best friends on Atmosphir, with whom I spent a whole hour talking to on my second time in the chat, is Colinnn. We discussed many topics, such as school, extracurricular activities, etc. I came to find he has an open heart, and is quite straightforward with his thoughts, and I constantly find myself looking up to him.
Most of the Atmosphir community knows Colinnn for his in-depth analysis of Level of the Days from his position as an Editorial Staff member. In addition, he is also a moderator for the Idea Box section and runs the website/blog The Atmosphirian, much like the one I’m posting in right now. He is an extremely active member in the community, and he has been rewarded for it in many different ways.

Now, to the part you’ve all been waiting for (cue the drum roll), the Level Review! Colinnn has requested that I review his level Return to Lush [Big09]. It is probably more fit for Expert09 than Big09, and he uses his creativity to manufacture remarkable gameplay, and work it seamlessly in with a stunning environment. There are a few flaws, however, such as the environment seems a little too blocky and straight along the edges of the numerous canyons and mountains, and it’s all the same color rock, but those are two very minor details. The puzzles and traps are ingenious, and you have to check your step to make sure you didn’t miss something, such as a moving platform (I hate that bug! Gah!). All in all, a stunning and brilliant masterpiece that was a clear favorite to win first in Big09.
In addition to Return to Lush, the sequel to the acclaimed Level of the Day Raiding the Temple of Lush, Colinnn has created the first place winner in Mini09, Time Trial Tower Dash. It is a short (but very difficult) level where you have to beat a muka shaman riding an elevator to the top of a small building. He has also designed a small series of “Gaming Classics”, including Qbert and Pacman. Congratulations to Colinnn, and a quick question; what did you do with all of those Atmos?!?!?!

Designer of the Week: Saunby

There are three tiers of designers in Atmosphir: the noobs, the greats (like boberto, munchy, Bigdrip, etc.), and the people in the middle, who are good designers, but haven’t quite crossed into the Great category. Many designers tend to just place tons of power-ups and hazards on every block in a straight line and tell you to “RUN!!!!!” without caring at all about environment or gameplay. The key to making a great level is to have a great environment, and great gameplay. Saunby does all of these beautifully; his levels are both elegantly designed as well as challenging.
My favorite level of his, which got 2nd place in Halloween09, is Trick or Trick? It has you traverse through challenging rooms full of spikes, moving platforms, and other ways to make you die. He seamlessly combines excellent puzzle ideas, while putting it in an eye-pleasing environment. In addition, he has many other award-winning or award-caliber levels, such as The Ruins of Cydonia (Level of the Day for 11/1/09) and Exertion of Authority, which placed 6th in Small09. I seriously recommend trying out many of his levels, especially the more recent ones. Congratulations Saunby!

NOTE: I’m getting used to writing level reviews and stuff, so please leave feedback!