Author Topic: Level Review – DoveLems  (Read 42306 times)

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Offline mobius

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Level Review – DoveLems
« on: February 07, 2013, 10:00:27 PM »
----this is a review for the user created DoveLems-----

DoveLems is a comprehensive, 125-level Lemmini pack made by Dodochacalo.

You can get the current version of DoveLems (December 31st 2012) here, with an ini-file for playing levels smoothly.

I recommend that our reviews are based on that version so there wouldn't be any contradictions.

Here is Dodochacalo's YouTube channel, where you can get all of Dodochacalo's levels. (note, however the levelpacks obtained here lack the ini-files)

Rules and review format are same than in other review games, but I guess we aren't too strict with them. :) Now let's have fun and review this large, excellent custom levelpack!
(edited by Akseli)
-----------

pictures (from Gronkling):
.ZIP with all the images in

[Gronkling's pictures are now in the resources folder. Thank you to geoo for hosting them previously. [Adam]]

-----------

Plain 1 – Again our Famous Lemmings!



Lemmings: 20
Save: 20%
RR: 70
Time: 5 minutes

skills: 10 miners

good: it’s nice easy level to begin with. The art and design is really well done and original which continues throughout this whole set.

bad: I tad precision based seems bad to start off the game.
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
-Hakuin Ekaku

"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2013, 06:46:38 AM »
Is there a convenient set of pictures of these levels anywhere? If not, would it be worthwhile to make them? They sure would be nice :)
(edit: now there is, thanks Gronkling!)

...

Plain 2 - Critical Temperature



Lemmings: 10
Save: 2 (20%)
RR: 1
Time: 5
Skills: 10 bashers

Good: Easy, clean solution. Nice-looking compact design, with some neat touches (like the X).

Bad: Somewhat repetitive. Looks too intense for a training level. Rather difficult if you aren't aware of the directional select function.

Offline Minim

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2013, 07:12:50 AM »
I've never played DoveLems, but I'm just wondering, where can you get the download to DoveLems? It would be nice to see a link. :)
Level Solving Contest creator. Anybody bored and looking for a different challenge? Try these levels!

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Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2013, 07:28:18 AM »
It's attached to this post in the Lemmini levelpack topic (edit: updated with correct link). I don't know where the "official" place is for Lemmini levels, but this one is a modified version so go with this anyway.

Offline Minim

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2013, 07:47:14 AM »
Hey, thanks for the link. Now I can review DoveLems. :)

Plain 3 - Crazy Marble


Number of Lemmings: 10
Save: 2 (20%)
Time: 5 Minutes
Release Rate: 40

Skills: 10 Diggers

Good: A nice introduction to diggers. Still not too many lemmings to save...
Bad: Some of the bricks and the position entrance make the design look messy. Also, there's no way out for a digger if it gets trapped in the steel.
Level Solving Contest creator. Anybody bored and looking for a different challenge? Try these levels!

Neolemmix: #1 #4 #5 #6
Lix: #2  #7
Both Engines: #3

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2013, 09:57:26 AM »
Hey, how nice it is to see that suddenly here are people who actually are enjoying playing Lemmini!  :thumbsup:

What do people think, should this topic be in Level Designing board because DoveLems is a custom levelpack? There are already Custom Level Review Game and Lemmix Level Reviews topics on Level Designing board. On the other hand, all official game review topics are here in Lemmings Discussion board, like L1, ONML, L2, Lemmings Revolution reviews etc. If other people think similarly, maybe a moderator could move this topic to Level Designing board? =)

Another thing, I think it should make sense that we are reviewing the same version of DoveLems, because there is a huge amount of differences between older and newer versions. I thought I made this clear on Lemmini Level Pack Topic. ??? The most updated version of DoveLems (December 31st 2012) can be downloaded with an ini-file from my post here, and the official place to get DoveLems is Dodochacalo's YouTube channel (but then you wouldn't get the ini-file). Gronkling's copy is from summer 2011 and it has much more backroutes which might disturb reviewing levels? :P

Is there a convenient set of pictures of these levels anywhere? If not, would it be worthwhile to make them? They sure would be nice :)
Gronkling is working on them at the moment! I'm not sure how he's proceeding, but I definitely think that we need level images for this topic. :)

Offline Gronkling

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2013, 05:25:41 PM »
OK, I made the images but I haven't found a way to get them nicely online. It would be nice to get them on the lemmingsforum resources but I have no idea how, so I just made a .ZIP with all the images in for now.

Plain 4 - For the Honour




Number of Lemmings - 30
To be Saved - 6 (20%)
Time - 5:00
Release Rate - 40
Skills - 10 Bombers

Good: Definitely a Plain level, the bomber timing is very lenient so it's easy. The level design is mostly nice and clean as well (Dodochacalo is VERY good with the crystal tileset)
Bad: Could do with a bit more going on around the edges as it looks a bit empty and boring without it. The bit under the exit also looks a bit weird.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2013, 10:27:06 PM »
Super awesome work with the pictures, Gronkling! :thumbsup: They are even better than I hoped! Graphics are Lemmini style, all pictures are from the most fresh version of DoveLems, and I even like those sizes! What differs them from authentic gameplay: background is black instead of dark blue, and Plain3/ Coward10 and Coward17/Maso7 levels are cut from the edges, but I actually find these issues very pleasant also! :)

Plain 5 - Swallow Me !



Lemmings: 20
Save: 10 (50%)
Release Rate: 60
Time: 5 minutes
Skills: 1 bomber, 10 blockers

Good: This might easily be my favourite tutorial level of ANY Lemmings levelpack. One of the thousand things I like in DoveLems is that even the tutorial levels are just completely stunning in my opinion. I absolutely love this design, and for example this detail, where you need to use blocker to prevent lemmings from ascending to the starting area, seems elaborated. Need of the bomber at the end finalizes the difficulty of this level perfect.

Bad: For me there's nothing bad. (I really tried to think!)


When I came to these forums last spring, I was secretly hoping that someday I could discuss and review Dodochacalo's levels here with people who are interested... I feel quite happy now. :)

Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2013, 12:18:40 AM »
:o I didn't expect this much activity. I couldn't figure out how to get the picture on the post so It's attached. Photobucket's such a pain in the neck because I rarely use it. What do you guys use to get the picture in the post?

Plain 6 - The Plant Lemmings



Lemmings: 20
Save: 20%
RR: 10
Time: 5 minutes

skills: 10 builders.

Good: a good builder exercise. A Little more interesting than the original game's builder level. Plus it's easier to get out if you make a mistake. The decoration is awesome, with an appropriate title. It makes good use of the brick tileset.

Bad: nothing.
--------------

can someone give me the password to Coward 18, The Broken Tower? I'd like to play using the ini file way but up to now I haven't so I can't get there quickly.
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
-Hakuin Ekaku

"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2013, 12:23:31 AM »
The admins can upload files (including images) to a repository on the forum: http://www.lemmingsforums.com/resources/. That's the usual place for level review pics.


EDIT: To clarify, the correct download is in this post, and not this post? In which case I should edit or remove the link in my post above.

Offline geoo

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #10 on: February 09, 2013, 05:28:14 AM »
I uploaded Gronkling's pictures to my webspace for now (see http://geoo.digibase.ca/lemmings/DovelemsPictures/). I'd rather have this be a temporary solution though as they take quite some space and hope Adam/Mr. K can upload the pictures to lemmingsforums resources.

Plain 7 - Faced With the Wall



Lemmings: 10
Save: 2 (20%)
Release Rate: 1
Time: 5 minutes
Skills: 1 digger, 10 climbers

Good: Deviates from the usual scheme of introducing deadly falls in conjunction with floaters. Gives a good estimate for the maximum safe fall height for the player, and you have some leeway in case some of the climbers splat so you don't need to restart. Design is simple and a little unconventional. RR set so digger finished in time to save 100% without having anyone walk back and forth. Walking/climbing distance set exactly so you don't need to do multitasking even at the default RR.

Bad: You're screwed if you ramp up the RR to 99 right and make everyone a climber right at the start.

Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #11 on: February 09, 2013, 08:30:16 AM »
^ In the updated version, level 7 is called "Face the Wall".

Before we go on, we should make sure everyone has the right version, which is attached to this post in the Lemmini topic (sorry for linking the wrong one, I didn't notice the second post there).


Plain 8 - The Snowy Base



Lemmings: 30
Save: 15 (50%)
RR: 30
Time: 5
Skills: 10 builders, 1 each everything but floater

Good: First level that's not "training", difficulty hits but not too hard. Plenty of options and plenty of time (which as we'll soon see is uncommon).

Bad: It's still only level 8, so could be more generous with skills, especially builders.

Offline Gronkling

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #12 on: February 09, 2013, 09:57:10 AM »

Plain 9 - Through the Bubbles




Number of Lemmings - 30
To be Saved - 15 (50%)
Time - 5:00
Release Rate - 50
Skills - 2/2/2/2/3/2/2/2

Good: Overall nice design and solution that's not too hard to work out.
Bad: The sucker trap at the top is a bit silly and useless and could be removed to give 2 of each skill. Some of the objects also look a bit weird.

Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #13 on: February 10, 2013, 07:55:01 AM »
Plain 10 - The Woodrock Temple (formerly Temple of the Circles. The circles are gone from the map as well as the title... ???)



Lemmings: 30
Save: 20 (66%)
RR: 40
Time: 5
Skills: 10 blockers, 5 builders, 10 bashers, 10 miners

Good: Compact design but not too cramped. The trick doesn't hide itself unneccesarily.

Bad: Miner hole is awkward to build into. Bashers don't seem to serve a purpose.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #14 on: February 10, 2013, 02:22:38 PM »
Great reviews so far! I like reviewing levels but also I like to hear what other people think about these levels, so I find this a bit problematic in a positive way, if I want to review some levels or not. :D For example, how could geoo find so many points to mention from Face the Wall? From a climber tutorial level? Brilliant! :)

Thanks Clam for correcting the link now. :) Minimac, it would be nice if you'll make sure that you have the correct version now when reviewing levels. Also möbius, minimac and Clam, it would be nice if you'll edit the pictures for levels 1-3 and 6 in your reviews. : )

Dodochacalo is VERY good with the crystal tileset
I so agree with you, and we are going to see this especially in the later ratings. And For the Honour is also these tutorial levels I admire, I find that bombers are used here much more elegantly than just for getting through walls.

Plain 8: Actually the "intended" solution uses only 5 builders, but yeah that one is too tough for the beginners in my opinion. :P There certainly is a somewhat big difficulty gap between levels 1-7 and 8.
Plain 9: I guess that trap exists there for introduction purposes.


I hope that people now don't get confused of these different versions. :D The one which rtw is playing in his YouTube Let's Play series is that Gronkling's older copy from year 2011. That's why there are so many differences if you wondered. :) This one which we are reviewing here is the current version. Dodochacalo originally created DoveLems like 4-5 years ago, and he has updated his pack many many times after that. I actually have a copy of a version from year 2008 and I can tell that this pack has changed so much over the years. :D Some levels have changed considerably, backroutes have been blocked, design has been polished, level stats and titles have changed, too. Nowadays still, Dodochacalo makes improvements to his levels, and DoveLems is a kind of endless process (at least so far). And like I said in Lemmini Level Pack Topic, this pack has still backroutes notably in higher tier levels, but we definitely shouldn't get bothered of that! :)


Plain 11 - Concentration Camp



Lemmings: 10
Save: 6 (60%)
Release Rate: 1
Time: 5 minutes
Skills: 6 climbers, 6 floaters, 2 bombers, 2 blockers, 2 builders, 2 bashers, 2 miners, 1 digger

Good: A kind of tutorial level for every skill and the first level to have floaters. In other words, a nice idea of a boot camp level which provides basics of the skills for beginners. Advanced players may think how they possibly could solve this level saving some skills. ;) This level teaches also that traps aren't always clearly visible.

Bad: The spots where miners have to be assigned are a little bit too strict for beginners, and the stairs just before that aren't completely straight. Some details, which are essential in the repeat level, may seem a bit odd here.


Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #15 on: February 14, 2013, 10:10:26 PM »
I so agree with you, and we are going to see this especially in the later ratings. And For the Honour is also these tutorial levels I admire, I find that bombers are used here much more elegantly than just for getting through walls.

I think the first bomber level is probably the best intro for bombers ever. As it involves timing but not precise, better than the original games' level. well done. I’m curious if Dodochocalo is actually an artist or in that field. It certainly shows if he is.

Plain 12 - Don't Let Them Leave the Way



Lemmings: 20
Save: 50%
RR: 1
Time: 5 minutes

[oops, forgot the skills]: 10 of everything

Good: Layout is interesting and complicated, leaving a variety of solutions but none of them are too easy. The Design is good. It's fairly easy for beginners to get 100% (I think... difficult to judge since I'm not a beginner...) Also, the three entrances are a nice touch.

Bad: the only thing that looks a little bit bad is the double acid pool, but this is unavoidable if you want to make "thicker" acid. Some people don't mind it.


note: this level looks different in the picture than my own...[the acid pool looks a little different in the picture] (maybe this was already talked about)
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
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"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #16 on: February 15, 2013, 08:18:35 AM »
^ There are two versions of the levels floating around, which would explain some minor differences. @Gronkling: Were the pictures taken from the old version or the new version?

(Yet another reminder to make sure you have the correct version.)

---

Plain 13 - The World Stem



Lemmings: 30
Save: 15 (50%)
RR: 20
Time: 4
Skills: 10 - 10 - 0 - 10 - 20 - 10 - 10 - 0

Good: It's a little more complicated than just float and build back. About the right difficulty for its place.

Bad: The grass covered in one-way arrows looks weird. Digging skills aren't useful here anyway, so they could just as well be left out and the arrows removed.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #17 on: February 15, 2013, 12:42:16 PM »
Hey guys, that's the correct picture for Plain 12.
Super awesome work with the pictures, Gronkling! :thumbsup: They are even better than I hoped! Graphics are Lemmini style, all pictures are from the most fresh version of DoveLems, and I even like those sizes! What differs them from authentic gameplay: background is black instead of dark blue,
And you know, you can check from the level files when they have been modified last time. For example, this Don't Let Them Leave the Way has changed last time on August 2009, so there are no differences between our two versions. And like I said, Gronkling made the correct pictures (I checked all of them myself, and I have a pretty good view which levels Dodochacalo has updated and when), and I also mentioned about the black background, so some might have already guessed that the screenshots have been taken from Lemmix. I just checked this out why the liquid seems a bit different, because I didn't know it at first, but yes, in Lemmix it looks a bit different (the level image) than in authentic gameplay in Lemmini (like the background colour issue, too). But I have no idea why.
I don't mind about double liquid pools, I think they create a nice three-dimensional appearance. :D

Here are some issues which I guess will come out when we'll think if they're good or bad things throughout this levelset, and of course I'll encourage you to comment about these in your reviews if you want! :)

1. Level titles - Dodochacalo is a Frenchman. There can be some strange stuff in the titles (for me as another non-native English speaker I actually find most of the titles very neat). Roundthewheel commented this nicely about Dodochacalo in his YouTube video:
Quote
Non-native English speakers often have access to avenues of imagery that we with our familiar vocabularies and highly idiomatic usage tend not to explore.

2. Repeats - They can differ a little bit from their original levels, for example, by design. And like I and Clam said in our reviews for levels 11 and 13, there are some details, which are essential in the repeat levels but not in these original levels. :b I find the best original level/repeat level pairs that kind that they utilizes the same layout and same details, and only skillset and solution would be different.

3. Level difficulties - The part which everyone can always join when discussing about levels! Don't hesitate to bring out your view of the difficulties, especially if they differ a lot from their place inside the game. There are few Most out-of-place levels topics, and we know that, for example, L1 and ONML have levels which we think aren't suitable for their places inside the game. namida said quite appropriately this about his Lemmings Plus DOS Project level pack:
Quote
Of course, all ranks have levels that are harder than most of that rank, and ones that are easier than most. This is mostly intentional, to give easy breaks as well as sudden challenges.
I find DoveLems similar. The difficulty curve isn't steady in some parts. Is it good or bad? Feel free to give your opinions about all these three issues when reviewing levels. :)


Btw möbius, could you please check again the save requirement and the skillset for your review of Plain 12. :P


Plain 14 - Simple Life



Lemmings: 20
Save: 10 (50%)
Release Rate: 1
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 10 climbers, 10 floaters, 10 builders, 10 bashers

Good: There's a fitting, plain atmosphere in this level. A player gets practice in zigzag-building. The solution is easy enough, but there still are possibilities for beginners to go astray. The layout is pleasant and there's a nice, small amount of lemmings, whereas the original Lemmings games had sometimes unnecessarily lots and lots of lemmings in some of the levels.

Bad: Didn't find anything worth of mentioning. In general I find myself much better finding good points than bad points.

Offline Pieuw

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #18 on: February 16, 2013, 09:31:00 AM »
Hi there !
Akseli asked me to take part in this topic, so... here I am. :thumbsup:

Plain 15 - Ground Floor, Please



Lemmings : 50
Save : 25 (50%)
Release Rate : 30
Time : 3 minutes
Skills : 10 floaters, 1 blocker, 1 builder, 10 bashers, 10 diggers

Good : Nice not-too-easy-but-not-too-hard solution. Only 1 blocker, so we can't just trap the lemmings, dig/bash/build our way out and then free them. If the player only uses a digger (and not digger/basher/digger to create a little step in the pit), he'll learn the release rate tool may be vital sometimes, otherwise the last lemmings would splat (only 50% have to be saved though). And a nice touch with this snowy elevator !

Bad : Well, I think the layout looks a little poor, but it's me, I don't really like the Snow tileset.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #19 on: February 16, 2013, 01:21:43 PM »
Well, well, who we have here. 8)

What can I say - you're very welcomed to the forums, Pieuw! :thumbsup: Definitely feel free to contribute in the all parts of the forums as much as you want! :)


Plain 16 - Disappearance ?



Lemmings: 50
Save: 25 (50%)
Release Rate: 80
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 10 climbers, 30 diggers

Good: An interesting, unusual way to get through an obstacle, resembles a bit this classic Genesis level "I am A.T.". There are plenty of skills to pull out the solution, and it isn't so obvious as it may seem at first. Multitasking is needed, and not so experienced player could start to dig from the right, which will appear useless! Overall, the concept is pretty cool and the solution can even be fun to watch.

Okay: Assigning skills for lemmings close to each other might be tricky at first, so using pause button is recommended if you aren't confident with the execution. On the other hand, quick skill assignments can be fun.

Bad: Dirt levels look easily bare if there doesn't exist much other than ground, so there could be more decoration. Thin, vertical slivers can be annoying if lemmings dig carelessly.


Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #20 on: February 16, 2013, 05:53:52 PM »
Plain 17 – The Heat of Action



Lemmings – 30
Save: 80%
RR: 20
Time: 2 minutes


skills: 30 climbers, 10 builders, 10 miners, 10 diggers

Good: layout and decoration is very neat and interesting. I personally really like levels which involve climbing and multitasking like these. (Basically; a level that deviates from the standard send 1 worker out ploy). There are numerous ways to solve it with leeway, but some work much better than others. I think the time limit does good to steer you toward some solutions more than others. I also like hell levels with words in them. :D

Bad: I think it’s a little too hard for its position. Possibly better suited for the next rating. I spent a while on it before realizing a much simpler solution which saves time and 100%!

-------------
...ntioned about the black background, so some might have already guessed that the screenshots have been taken from Lemmix. I just checked this out why the liquid seems a bit different, because I didn't know it at first, but yes, in Lemmix it looks a bit different (the level image) than in authentic gameplay in Lemmini (like the background colour issue, too). But I have no idea why.

this could be because in Lemmix all objects are automatically aligned to an invisible grid. I don’t think this happens in Lemmini at all. So Dodo could have saved the level in a pre-moved state, but if you’d open that level up again in Lemmix it will be moved on its own. Sometimes things even disappear completely.

I recognize Pikachu on Glad0s' shoulder there Pieuw  8)
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
-Hakuin Ekaku

"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Minim

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #21 on: February 17, 2013, 09:38:45 PM »
Plain 18 – Lemming's Brains



Number of Lemmings: 50
Save: 25 (50%)
Release Rate: 20
Time: 3 minutes

Skills: 10 blockers, 10 builders, 10 bashers, 10 bombers

Good: Good design with the bubble tileset. Just in the right difficulty area. Time limit is just right for this level too.
Bad: Don't really like the look of the entrance hiding behind the bubbles. Otherwise, it's a solid level. :)
Level Solving Contest creator. Anybody bored and looking for a different challenge? Try these levels!

Neolemmix: #1 #4 #5 #6
Lix: #2  #7
Both Engines: #3

Offline Gronkling

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #22 on: February 17, 2013, 10:31:48 PM »
PLAIN 19 - Yours Diabolically

Number of Lemmings: 20
Amount to be Saved: 15 (75%)
Time: 2:00
Release Rate:1
Skills: 0/0/10/10/10/10/10/10


GOOD:
Nice looking level, with a solution with a fitting difficulty to it's position.
BAD The solution is kind of backroutey feeling.

Offline Pieuw

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #23 on: February 17, 2013, 11:16:50 PM »
Plain 20 - Wooden House



Lemmings : 20
Save : 10 (50%)
Release Rate : 50
Time : 3 minutes
Skills : 2 climbers, 10 bombers, 10 blockers, 3 builders, 2 miners

Good : Very nice design and cool solution.

Bad : I think this level is too difficult for its position. I mean, there are two new techniques to use here : to bomb a climber and to use a miner's slope to go up. Quite hard for a new player. But of course, I guess if one plays DoveLems, they've already played the original Lemmings game(s) before.


Quote
I recognize Pikachu on Glad0s' shoulder there Pieuw
Brand new test subject :evil:

Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #24 on: February 19, 2013, 02:09:02 AM »
Plain 21 – Flack and White



Lemmings : 50
Save : 40 80%
Release Rate : 1
Time : 3 minutes
Skills : 0 climbers, 10 everything else.

Good : nice design and good building/planning exercise. A level fitting for the first rating. The decoration on the sides is nice. (i looked there for a hidden exit, just for ** and giggles)

okay: I don’t get the title unless it’s just a fun play on words,. I don’t know what flack means and looking it up didn’t help. or I’m just totally missing something. (not unlikely)

Bad : Compared to some of the previous levels this one seems too easy, but not terribly so. (not so sure, I'm not sure if this is the first level where you need to build and mine through the steps...) I personally don’t care for the freezer blower above the ice the way it is.
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
-Hakuin Ekaku

"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Minim

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #25 on: February 19, 2013, 04:03:56 PM »
Plain 22: Trapped Exit



Number of Lemmings: 1
Time: 3 minutes

Skills: 30 builders

Good: A nice little building exercise. Good time limit and scenery, and fits in the right difficulty area.
Bad: A bit too shallow considering that there's only one lemming and that there are only builders to work with.
Level Solving Contest creator. Anybody bored and looking for a different challenge? Try these levels!

Neolemmix: #1 #4 #5 #6
Lix: #2  #7
Both Engines: #3

Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #26 on: February 22, 2013, 08:37:58 AM »
Plain 23: Can You Bomb It?



Number of Lemmings: 100
Save: 97 (97%)
RR: 50
Time: 2
Skills: 10-10-3-10-10-10-0-0

Good: Neat maze structure that takes a little strategy to navigate, with only bombers available for digging down. The stacked tile decoration works surprisingly well, and doesn't look messy.
Bad: High lemming count is unnecessary and just means you have to change the RR to avoid timing out. Decorative terrain allows a backroute (which just occurred to me as I was writing this post :D)

Offline Luis

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #27 on: February 22, 2013, 09:16:12 PM »
Trapped Exit looks cool. I don't remember seeing diangle hazards that you need to build over. I'll play these levels when I'm done with Mobius 3. I'm trapped in "Three's Company".
Mr. Lemmings PSP user.

Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #28 on: February 22, 2013, 10:11:21 PM »
agree, I think Trapped Exit gets points for originality. even if it’s fairly easy. plus I like lone lemming levels.

Plain 24: Sapphire Mine




Lemmings: 20
Save: 10 (50%)
RR: 10
time: 3 minutes

skills: 10 each

good: crystal’s my favorite set, so I automatically like this one. But the decoration is very well done. I like the placements of all of the little pieces. The title is nice. and This is a nice challenge for fun because it’s a little tougher than the ordinary fun level; despite it’s compact size. I like that the exit is slightly buried.

bad: nothing

Trapped Exit looks cool. I don't remember seeing diangle hazards that you need to build over. I'll play these levels when I'm done with Mobius 3. I'm trapped in "Three's Company".
:D there's hints if you need them. (although my hints may confuse you more :-\ )
--------
I also encourage you to play DoveLems Luis, they really are great!
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
-Hakuin Ekaku

"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Minim

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #29 on: February 23, 2013, 02:05:53 PM »
Thanks for reviewing the previous level, as I would've struggled to come up with good points about that level. :P

Plain 25: Scrub



Lemmings: 30
Save: 25 (83%)
Time: 4 minutes
Release Rate: 1

Skills: 0 blockers, 10 everything else

Good: A great challenge, involving a variety of different tasks in various places. Nice Scenery.
Bad: I think its a bit too hard for Plain, as the skill set is quite tight, let alone the fact that there are no blockers.
Level Solving Contest creator. Anybody bored and looking for a different challenge? Try these levels!

Neolemmix: #1 #4 #5 #6
Lix: #2  #7
Both Engines: #3

Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #30 on: February 28, 2013, 04:23:23 AM »
Plain 26 – Stalactites or Shortcut!



Lemmings: 10
Save: 100%
RR: 30
Time: 2 minutes

skills: 9 climbers, 9 floaters, 2 builders, 2 bashers,

good: good design. I like the entrance up in the icicles. The solution is simple and fun.

bad: bashing under is kind of precise perhaps could’ve been a little wider to allow more leeway. (thinking about this again, I don't think it's that bad at all... it actually looks like he tried to make this not hard to do which is nice)

I can’t think of a lot to say for this one. It reminds me of a simple version of Race against the Cliches.
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
-Hakuin Ekaku

"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Adam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #31 on: March 14, 2013, 02:03:21 AM »
Just FYI, folks, level images are now up in the resources folder! :P

I'm making myself useful for once - take advantage!

Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #32 on: March 14, 2013, 06:30:17 AM »
Thanks a bunch Adam :D

... but some of the pics are broken (eg. Plain 4) and most Plain ones are absent. Most of those are probably covered by repeats anyway, but note that in this set repeats don't always have identical terrain to the original.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #33 on: March 14, 2013, 11:32:56 AM »
I contacted Adam about this and he asked me to send the pictures to his e-mail. I just checked it, I sent all the pictures, but I have no idea why some of them won't work. :o I had downloaded Gronkling's pictures from this post, and I only changed image names like "P1 - Plain01" etc. In geoo's webspace everything is working fine. ??? And yeah, like Clam said, every picture is important, because even the repeat levels may have differences in terrain. Still, thanks for uploading at least some of them to the resources! :)

Offline Adam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #34 on: March 14, 2013, 04:24:10 PM »
I've re-uploaded all the images to the server, so hopefully, the issues with the images are fixed.

Offline Gronkling

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #35 on: March 14, 2013, 07:22:15 PM »
Well I might as well start with the new pictures (I have a feeling a few people want to review the next level)

PLAIN 27 - Lemmings on the Spot

Number of Lemmings: 30
Amount to be Saved: 25 (83%)
Time: 2:00
Release Rate:1
Skills: 10/10/10/0/10/10/10/10


GOOD:
Good not-as-simple-as-it-seems solution and simple, compact design.
BAD The solution can be a bit annoying to pull off and you can solve it the obvious way (Though it is hard).

Offline Proxima

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #36 on: March 14, 2013, 10:44:11 PM »
Question about that level -- on rtw's Let's Play, he first tries the simple build-up solution, but misplaces the last bridge, then gives up that solution anyway because he thinks there isn't time to pull it off. It looked to me as if there was just enough time....

Offline Gronkling

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #37 on: March 14, 2013, 10:54:41 PM »
Question about that level -- on rtw's Let's Play, he first tries the simple build-up solution, but misplaces the last bridge, then gives up that solution anyway because he thinks there isn't time to pull it off. It looked to me as if there was just enough time....

I just solved it the obvious way, but it's a backroute and is very hard on timing. Changing the review to show that (I made a title error anyway)

Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #38 on: March 15, 2013, 12:33:17 AM »
do I need to change something in the original post to reflect the changes to the pictures?

(tho all the pics seem to be working now)



Plain 28 – Here’s the Final Flourish



Lemmings: 100
Rescue: 10%
Time limit: 1 minute

skills: 10 climbers, floaters, blockers and builders

good: I first saw MazuLem’s nuke level months ago around the time I joined the forum. It was certainly original at first but got stale quick since you can recognize it quickly enough… but Dodochocalo manages to put a spin on it here and make quite an interesting challenge in my opinion. And the design is good. (From now on, in Dodo’s set, unless I say anything about it just assume I think the design is for the level is really good)

bad: the solution might be a little annoying to get right but I didn’t find it that way. (not anything compared to other levels anyway)


everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
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"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Adam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #39 on: March 15, 2013, 01:11:53 AM »
I've edited the original thread to give the link to the resources folder.

I've also edited every post and changed the image url to the image in the resources folder. I noticed some of you used Imgur.. do we have some redditors on here?

Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #40 on: March 15, 2013, 08:11:00 AM »
Plain 29: Papuan Mask



Number of Lemmings: 30
Save: 24 (80%)
RR: 20
Time: 1
Skills: 10-10-10-0-2-0-0-1

Good: Fun themed design. Symmetrical appearance but asymmetric solution, which is something I quite like doing in my own levels :)
Bad: Wheee, hidden exit guessing game! Also feels uncomfortably similar to Down the Tube from ONML.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #41 on: March 16, 2013, 04:21:33 PM »
It reminds me of a simple version of Race against the Cliches.
Wow, how didn't I ever think that! :o You're right!

I just solved it the obvious way, but it's a backroute and is very hard on timing.
Yeah, even 100% saved is possible without multitasking in this time management level, but it's suitably tough. ;)

good: I first saw MazuLem’s nuke level months ago around the time I joined the forum. It was certainly original at first but got stale quick since you can recognize it quickly enough… but Dodochocalo manages to put a spin on it here and make quite an interesting challenge in my opinion.
I saw MazuLems' nuke level also at first, before I saw a nuke level in official Xmas Lemmings level! All these three nuke levels are different to some extent. :)


Plain 30 - Cisterns, Chains and Bricks



Lemmings: 40
Save: 40 (100%)
Release Rate: 1
Time: 4 minutes
Skills: 10 climbers, 10 floaters, 10 blockers, 2 builders, 7 bashers

Good: Another terrific labyrinth level, Dodochacalo is highly talented in creating labyrinth type Lemmings levels. Plain 23 - Can You Bomb It ? was the first maze level in this pack, and I can tell that there are more maze levels coming. Cisterns, Chains and Bricks is truly an unique level with great design and some cunning details to mislead the player. The "normal" solution uses other exit, but experienced players could find a solution for the other exit! ;) The first level in DoveLems to introduce death fall start.

Bad: Executing the solution is vulnerable to basher glitch. : (


Alright, a sum up of the Plain rating. :) My opinions:

Plain 28 - Here's the Final Flourish (Release rate 1 btw, it lacks from the review): The most difficult level in this rating, and maybe the most misplaced level in this whole pack. :P Fits easily better in Devilish or even in Maso rating.
Plain 20 - Wooden House: I agree, this is one of the hardest levels in Plain rating, and stands out as a difficulty spike.
The difference in between tutorial levels 1-7 and the level 8 (The Snowy Base) is also somewhat remarkable.
Two other levels which seemed a little hard for their places were 17 - The Heat of Action and 27 - Lemmings on the Spot, but they aren't too much misplaced, they are more of this sudden challenge type levels in my opinion. :) I actually agreed very much with other people's difficulty views!

My favourite levels in Plain rating are 30 - Cisterns, Chains and Bricks, 23 - Can You Bomb It ?, 5 - Swallow Me !, and 4 - For the Honour. Yeah, I found all the tutorial levels in this levelpack extraordinarily awesome. :XD: Even those endurance or lots-of-every-skill type levels, like 24 - Sapphire Mine and 25 - Scrub, were brilliantly designed, and there are only few levels of these types in this levelpack. This is going to be more and more fun and interesting with the upcoming ratings and levels! :)


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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #42 on: July 09, 2013, 02:53:46 AM »
I've recently gotten back to Lemmings due to DoveLems and Lemmings Plus. I'm surprised that nobody has started on the Coward levels yet. Here we go!

Coward 1: Caution, Work in Progress!



Lemmings: 50
Save: 50%
Release Rate: 40
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 3 of each

Good: The level has 3 of each skill, which makes you really think when and where you should use them. You also end up using most of them as well. Great scenery, too.

Bad: The save rate is too low. It probably defeats the purpose of that gap beside the exit. Raising the number of saved lemmings would make the player make sure that lemmings do not fall under that gap.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #43 on: July 09, 2013, 06:12:17 PM »
I've recently gotten back to Lemmings due to DoveLems and Lemmings Plus. I'm surprised that nobody has started on the Coward levels yet. Here we go!
:thumbsup:
I've been wanting for a long time to continue this topic, but I guess that the crash of the lemmingsforums resources affected people to some extent. Did you take that picture from geoo's webspace? I mailed Adam about 3 months ago about the resources, but he hasn't replied. Then I messaged also Mr. K but he either couldn't help. :(

I'd be more than willing to continue this topic. Have people already beated the first ratings and are ready to review more levels? :P

I love Coward 1. That level is endlessly great in its difficulty area.

Okay, hopefully geoo doesn't mind too much about using his webspace. :I


Coward 2 - Toes of the Earth



Lemmings: 30
Save: 28 (93%)
Release Rate: 1
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 10 bombers, 10 blockers, 4 builders, 3 miners

Good: I love the theme of those toes with sweaty gaps and callus-like appendages. Mining wall after building into it works very pleasantly (there's no fear of turning around or breaking the bridge, for example), which is one of these details that points out how well Dodochacalo masters his thing - custom level designing for Lemmini.

Bad: This is one of the most straightforward levels solution-wise in the whole pack and thus might receive less attention because of all the shiny world class quality around it. That said, I like this level a lot.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #44 on: January 12, 2014, 07:22:12 PM »
Coward 3 -  Impolite Climbers



Lemmings: 10
Save: 9 (90%)
Release rate: 50
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 2 climbers, 1 bomber, 9 builders, 1 basher, 1 digger

This is the first repeat level of DoveLems. The original level of Impolite Climbers is Simple Life.

Good: Steps up the difficulty and the interest from Simple Life in a convenient way. The solution has few tricky details, notably how to prevent a climber from escaping the play area. With a little effort this level can be solved saving one builder in the normal way.

Bad: This level has actually a backroute if you place your skills accurately enough, though it probably won't come in anybody's mind in the first place.

Offline Clam

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #45 on: January 16, 2014, 08:40:31 PM »
Coward 4 - Use Something to Turn!



Lemmings: 50
Save: 35 (70%)
Release rate: 1
Time: 2 minutes
Skills: 12 builders, 3 miners

Good: Simple but clever turnaround concept. Pretty design with great decorative touches.

Bad: In the Lemmini mechanics the miners always leave a ramp, making this significantly harder than it should be. Time limit and high lemming count mean you have to remember to change the release rate halfway through, which adds nothing to the puzzle.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #46 on: January 18, 2014, 06:29:44 PM »
Coward 4: It took a long time for me to notice that those grass layers gets thinner in every floor (making the turnaround trick progressively harder), a really nice detail. :) This level would of course be a lot easier if miners can't make ramps, you're supposed to mine walls that are constructed with 3 or 4 builders.


Coward 5 - Avoid the FlameThrower



Lemmings: 20
Save: 19 (95%)
Release rate: 70
Time: 5 minutes
Skills: 10 bombers, 5 builders, 2 bashers, 1 digger

Good: Now we're starting to encounter more and more of the particularly golden levels of this level set. "Avoid the FlameThrower" is a rather mind-blowing puzzle whose solution is not easy to spot, and the main trick is characteristic to DoveLems levels mostly: it's clever, pure, convenient to perform when you know it, and it comes close to lateral thinking. Bomber timing is pleasantly assisted with a landmark. Flamethrower theme works nicely, and the design is enchantingly graceful for a Fire level like this.

Bad: This was the first real roadblock for me in this pack and I still think that this level is misplaced in terms of difficulty, could be in Devilish or even in Maso rating to my mind. I also noticed now that the middle left flamethrower is only halfly attached to the wall, but that's only a petite nitpick.


Offline Proxima

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #47 on: January 31, 2014, 11:31:50 PM »
Well, I've started playing this set in Lix, so it's time for a good old-fashioned bump  :P  Of course, my experience of playing some levels will be different from intended, but I will try not to let that colour the reviews too much. (One small thing is Lix has a spawn interval rather than release rate -- I can convert it back into a Lemmings release rate, but some information is lost, e.g. spawn interval 4 could be either RR 98 or 99.)

Coward 6 - Under the Floor



Lemmings: 40
Save: 37 (92%)
Release rate: 20
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 10 blockers, 15 builders, 1 miner

Good: Introduces some useful concepts with a relatively simple level. Multitasking the builders is quite fun. There's a little subtlety in that you don't have enough builders to go all the way to the left pillar (and still complete the solution).

Bad: The steel and traps direct you straight towards the solution. It's annoying to redo if you splat the top group on your first attempt. The layout is sparse and ugly, in contrast to many in this pack.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #48 on: February 02, 2014, 02:26:13 PM »
A great review there, Proxima. :) Definitely feel free to participate as much as you want.

Coward 7 - City Machines Lemmings



Lemmings: 40
Save: 39 (97%)
Release Rate: 1
Time: 4 minutes
Skills: 2 climbers, 1 blocker, 2 builders, 2 bashers, 1 miner

This is a repeat level for The Plant Lemmings.

Good: A cunning solution, that needs a bit different kind of thinking, and there's much other to do that will only lead astray. It's a really easy level if you know what to do, but it can be surprisingly hard to find out what's going on here. I'm really pleased with the looks of this level, and like möbius already said about the original Plain level, it utilizes the Brick graphics set cleanly. This is one of my favourite Coward levels.

Bad: An extremely subtle thing that came to my mind is that the grey wall to the left from the entrance is so high that one could wonder at first if a climber lemming couldn't survive the fall.


Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #49 on: February 02, 2014, 11:02:31 PM »
Coward 8 - Break the Wall



Lemmings: 40
Save: 39 (97%)
Release Rate: 1
Time: 5 minutes
Skills: 1 climbers, 1 bomber, 1 builders, 1 miner, 1 digger

notes: this is a repeat of:
face the wall
idk how to make a "specific post link"

Good:
Another cunning solution, that is tough but not too tough. A little outside the box for beginners. A nice repeat on a level which is suitable for repeats; it has a few avenues of possibility.
The bomber timing is minimal and on a short level it is always welcome to me. The solution reminds me a little of "Quote that's a good level"

Bad:
the gap to the exit comes close to the maximum width, which I never like especially in Lemmini where building is more precise. [ok I'm really stretching that one its not actually that bad but i couldn't think of anything]
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
-Hakuin Ekaku

"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #50 on: April 20, 2014, 12:03:58 AM »
Coward 9 - Where a Lemming Has Never Gone



Lemmings: 40
Save: 39 (97%)
Time: 5 minutes
Release Rate: 1
Skills: 10 floaters, 2 blockers, 8 builders, 1 basher, 2 miners

This is a repeat level of The World Stem.

Good: Isn't as easy as it looks, there's a bit more to it. One blocker saved solution and one builder saved solution are possible via normal route. A quite nice title, I think it's a Star Trek reference.

Okay: Might even be a bit tricky for the ninth level of Coward. Has a somewhat hacky backroute that allows to save 100% and floaters + three more skills.

Bad: Okay, for most level designers this would be a great level, but thinking more about it this is one of the most mediocre levels both by solution-wise and design-wise for being created by Dodochacalo. (But that's of course because other levels around it are so high quality.) I don't like the rough looks too much and the beginning of the level is quite obvious. The tricky part is how to get everyone safely down at the end and also save the hero lemming, but the main trick is "only" nice, not too special.


Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #51 on: July 31, 2014, 11:19:50 AM »
Coward 10 - Bashers are Back !



Lemmings: 50
Save: 50 (100%)
Time: 2 minutes
Release Rate: 30
Skills: 7 bashers

This is a repeat level of Crazy Marble.

Good: The layout is conveniently structured to suit for both diggers-only and bashers-only levels. The problematic part is the beginning, it has to be done in a certain manner or you won't beat the level due to 100% requirement. Teaches you to stack bashers.

Bad: One of the most overtiered levels in the entire pack, should be placed even in early Plain difficulty-wisely. Navigating the correct path is pretty much obvious, I maybe would have liked to see a bit more effort put in complicating the path, without breaking the first level of course. This level veritably defines the term "breather level". :P

Offline Pieuw

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #52 on: August 13, 2014, 09:38:45 PM »
Coward 11 - Every Lem for Himself!



Lemmings: 50
Save: 49 (98%)
Time: 2 minutes
Release Rate: 70
Skills: 1 bomber, 1 blocker, 2 builders, 1 basher, 1 miner, 1 digger

This is a repeat level of Don't Let Them Leave the Way.

Good: Nice and easy puzzle with a few skills and a creative use of the bomber.

Bad: Nothing in my opinion.

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #53 on: September 01, 2014, 05:31:24 PM »
I love "Every Lem for Himself!", it's a glaring puzzle level. Did anyone notice the similarity of the title compared to Taxing 7: "Every Lemming for himself!!!"? :P

Coward 12 - To Infinity and BEYOND ! ! !



Lemmings: 50
Save: 35 (70%)
Time: 4 minutes
Release Rate: 1
Skills: 10 bombers, 20 blockers, 20 builders

This is a repeat level of Lemming's Brains.

Good: "Call in the bomb squad" of DoveLems. :P "To Infinity and BEYOND ! ! !" though has more interesting layout and more possibilities for approaches. The toughest guys will take the left route. This is these levels that need fine-tuning when trying to find maximum saved/least skills used solutions and so on. I like that the title (which is a Buzz Lightyear reference if I'm not wrong) fits nicely to the futuristic looks of the level. This level also is a refreshing occurrence between two puzzling Marble levels.

Bad: The level works pretty much flawlessly as it should, there seems to be nothing to complain, if the main idea isn't too used already.

Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #54 on: September 02, 2014, 10:19:43 PM »
Coward 13 - SeeSaw



Lemmings: 50
Save: 49 (98%)
Time: 5 minutes
Release Rate: 1
Skills: 1 climber, 1 blocker, 4 builders, 10 bashers, 10 diggers


Good:
The puzzle is simple and a great way to introduce the step/digger basher technique. I really love the design of the level a lot and I myself have used similar layouts with the marble set after playing this level. The layered, messy triangle pieces I think look really nice.

Bad:Worst thing is just the precision required to build left to the large block. But even that is not a big deal.

-------
I don't really get why the level is called SeeSaw, can anyone explain that? [edit] oh wait, I guess the middle steel bar sort of looks like a seesaw...
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
-Hakuin Ekaku

"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Wafflem

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #55 on: September 04, 2014, 02:51:15 AM »
I've played most of the DoveLems levels. They're quite impressive and challenging, although I wasn't able to get past Devilish 4, which was last year.



Coward 14 - The Labyrinth of the Lemmynotaur
50 Lemmings, save 100%
Release Rate 1
3 Minutes
0 climbers, 0 floaters, 10 bombers, 10 builders, 10 bashers, 0 miners, 0 diggers

Good: The level may have a simple layout design, but the fact that you have to save 100% and that you only have builders and bashers makes it slightly tricker than it seems. You'll also need to use a trick to contain the other 49 lemmings.
Bad: This level is misplaced, and it is a lot easier than Coward 3.

By the way, Dodochacalo uploaded a new version on YouTube some months ago and changed some of the levels.
YouTube: www.tinyurl.com/YTWafflem
Twitch: www.twitch.tv/Wafflem467

Have level designer's block right now? Have some of my incomplete levels for LOTS of ideas!

Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #56 on: September 10, 2014, 05:39:31 PM »



Coward 15 - Strato and Cumulus
40 Lemmings, save 97%
Release Rate 60
2 Minutes
1 climbers, 0 floaters, 1 bombers, 2 builders, 1 bashers, 2 miners, 0 diggers

Good: layout is interesting and fun. There is variety in the solutions and uses some simple techniques the player may or may not know of. I like the arranged multiple entrances.

Bad: Time is short and can be very tricky. Also not sure if multiple solutions are ok/intended. You don't strictly need the bomber for instance. Also the arrows on the upper right extend far enough into the void to become a little annoying.
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
-Hakuin Ekaku

"I have seen a heap of trouble in my life, and most of it has never come to pass" - Mark Twain


Offline Wafflem

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #57 on: September 10, 2014, 07:09:35 PM »


Coward 16 - Trident of Fire
40 Lemmings, save 97%
Release Rate 1
4 minutes
10 climbers, 10 floaters, 1 bombers, 1 blocker, 6 builders, 5 bashers, 4 diggers

Good: It may be another one-lemming-does-all-the-hard-work level, but it has a couple of twists: the level layout is tricky with the one-way arrows, you have a limited skillset (especially builders), and the time limit also isn't as long as it seems.

Bad: The only thing I can think of is the overused method to hold back the other lemmings using a blocker and releasing them with a bomber. Otherwise, it's a great level.
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Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #58 on: September 11, 2014, 07:52:09 PM »
By the way, Dodochacalo uploaded a new version on YouTube some months ago and changed some of the levels.
Yeah, I'm aware of this, though there hasn't been updates for a year now, the date of the last version can be seen on his channel. :P The updates are really minor, the most and perhaps only notable one is Devilish25: The Way to Go Up, which has a completely new structure due to backroutes of the earlier version of that level.

Nicely spotted with the arrows in Strato and Cumulus, möbius. There really are some flaws with them preventing lemmings to dig in some places!
Trident of Fire is great indeed, in addition to that unique oneway-wall setup, getting down to the exit platform has its finesses suiting for a moderate difficulty level.


Coward 17 - Lost in the Canyon



Lemmings: 20
Save: 20 (100%)
Release rate: 50
Time: 4
Skills: 1 climber, 8 builders, 4 miners

Good: The solution is so simple yet effective and pure, so one could even ponder why this wasn't enforced in any level in official games. It isn't just getting to the top of the snowhill, there's one twist how to prevent the lemming herd jumping down from the cliff like in the real-life misconception. :P Makes a nice pair with its repeat level with similarish but yet cleverly different solutions.

Bad: Possibly a bit bland scenery around the canyon.


Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #59 on: September 11, 2014, 09:23:29 PM »
Trident of Fire is also a favorite of mine.
I also like the little flag aside of the hut in Lost in the Canyon, because it doesn't fit up top.

Coward 18 - The Broken Tower



Lemmings: 20
Save: 20 (100%)
Release rate: 50
Time: 2
Skills: 20 climber, 2 builders, 1 basher

Good:
nice design and the concept is pretty neat. I'm not sure how unique it is, I haven't seen many (if any levels) that use the idea at least exactly like this, in a way which makes it relatively easy to figure out. The solution is pretty satisfying when you figure it out for the first time.

Bad: There is some nasty precision involved, though surprisingly I got it on my second try so maybe not so nasty. 100% requirement means a glitch is necessary even though you don't need to know about it strictly speaking; but some people aren't a fan of that.
I would've preferred that ledge on the left not being there then the level would've been symmetrical in that you could go at it from either direction..
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

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Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #60 on: September 26, 2014, 04:13:19 PM »
I would've preferred that ledge on the left not being there then the level would've been symmetrical in that you could go at it from either direction..
Yeah, the ledge was missing at first but then it came out to force the use of the basher and make the solution asymmetric.


Coward 19 - Look into the Telescope



Lemmings: 40
Save: 24 (60%)
Release rate: 20
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 2 floaters, 2 bombers, 2 blockers, 10 builders, 2 bashers, 2 miners, 2 diggers

Good: It's a familiar and safe level in the style of many levels in the original Lemmings game, which is a bit quaint in this level set.

Bad: This has always been the weirdest level for me in DoveLems, and I still don't understand it thoroughly. Maybe Dodochacalo tried to do something else with the level without succeeding, and then just didn't want to abandon the whole level but retained it in this state. Should be a Plain rating level due to difficulty, and even then the save requirement is really low.

Note: This level is actually updated on July 2013 (after we started this thread), and the changes are a different title, decreasing the amount of lemmings to 30, adding 2 climbers, changing RR to 40, raising save requirement to 86% and some visual details, but the level functions just like earlier.


Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #61 on: September 26, 2014, 10:00:41 PM »
I agree Look into the Telescope ought to be moved earlier in the pack, a better candidate for the first rating imo. I still really like the level though, the decoration is nice.

Btw, a fun way to solve this level (and a way that saves time and skills) is to go down to the bottom left and let them take the 'stair' up.  :) Maybe that was some part of a possible unfinished plan Dodo had. It might have been nice to see this as a repeat with a harder challenge.

Coward 20 - It's Not an Illusion !



Lemmings: 50
Save: 86%
Release rate: 40
Time: 1 minutes
Skills: 7 blockers

Good: The design is interesting to look at and is almost like an optical illusion (hence the title (in part) I assume). The challenge is a different one.

Bad: This honestly isn't one of my favorite levels. It demonstrates a glitch in Lemmini, which I personally don't care about, but there's also a chance that a player won't even discover the glitch. The time limit is useless and only makes you have to multi task a tiny bit and just isn't very satisfying imo.
A better challenge for me would've been something like "Save Me". Then even with a small time limit I think I'd find it more interesting.
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

"Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away."
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Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #62 on: October 04, 2014, 10:01:32 PM »
Coward 20 - It's Not an Illusion !
It demonstrates a glitch in Lemmini, which I personally don't care about, but there's also a chance that a player won't even discover the glitch.
I'm pretty sure that you're talking about asymmetric blocker fields. :P In my opinion this level surely hasn't been designed because of that issue, it's just a side effect of the game mechanics. I love the main idea of the illusion, but I actually have to admit that I am not that big a fan of this level either. :P I was a bit surprised that this certain level got really high praises in rtw's Let's Play video from rtw, Crane and PhyresisGaming, for example. So, really nice that there are people who love this level. :)


Coward 21 - Death Camp



Lemmings: 30
Save: 96% (29)
Release Rate: 80
Time: 4 minutes
Skills: 2 climbers, 1 bomber, 8 builders, 3 bashers, 1 miner

This is a repeat level of Concentration Camp.

Good: An intimidating feeling level, ramps the action up from its prequel pretty niftily. Has few tight puzzle solutions, and saving a skill is possible with some shrewdness. A nice factory atmosphere, the level looks like it is built to be -- a Lemmings level. :P

Bad: The notoriously overly big squisher trigger area, which leads to skill placement evaluation challenges - and often restarting the level!


Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #63 on: October 13, 2014, 10:27:40 PM »
Coward 22 - The Giant Stairway



Lemmings: 50
Save: 100% (50)
Release Rate: 60
Time: 2 minutes
Skills: 10 climbers, 10 floaters, 10 bombers, 10 blockers, 8 builders

Good: A memorable level in late Coward rating having 8 entrances. I'm pretty sure that, for me, this was the first level ever in Lemmings I played that had over 4 entrances, and because the multiple hatch thing really worked in this level, it amazed me in a profound manner. Some redundant seeming skills might ease playing this level. A fun level for sure, and the pacing is set so the level can be played without pausing at all.

Bad: I would have wanted that constructing a both-directions-working giant stairway had been easier and more natural, now it's challenging to implement it and solve the level at the same time. This level also is a very simple one for its place in late Coward.


Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #64 on: October 14, 2014, 12:28:13 AM »
Coward 23 - Ask the Oracle



Lemmings: 50
Save: 94% (47)
Release Rate: 35
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 10 climbers, 10 floaters, 10 bombers, 10 blockers, 8 builders, 3 bashers

this level is a repeat of Can You Bomb It?

Good: the design is really cool, I love the maze concept. The solution is very clever and is hidden really well in the layout. I don't mind that you don't get to actually go through the maze because you did in Can you bomb it?

Bad: I don't like the way wood covers over part of the exit.
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Offline Wafflem

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #65 on: October 14, 2014, 01:12:57 AM »

Coward 24 - Lemmings-Digging Iron Plates
20 Lemmings, 100% to be saved
Release Rate 1
4 minutes
1 climber, 10 bombers, blockers, bashers, miners and diggers

Good: Nice to change things up a bit by mixing fake steel with real steel. You also have to discern the meaning of the position of the small steel blocks. The only other level that uses this approach (but is easier) is "Iron Industry" in Pieuw's PimoLems.

Bad: This one feels like a trial-and-error sort of level, and it can be frustrating.
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Offline grams88

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #66 on: October 20, 2014, 11:06:18 AM »
Hi DynaLem

I really enjoyed that level, it made a change I thought.

Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #67 on: October 20, 2014, 02:54:38 PM »
I actually thought this one is easier then Pieuw's because in Iron Industry you don't have any clues in the graphics to help you.
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

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Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #68 on: October 20, 2014, 08:46:09 PM »


Coward 25 - Academy of Eight
7 Lemmings, 6 to be saved
Release Rate 99
1 minutes
skills: 1 of each

Good: The theme is cute and fun. Each lemming having 1 skill to use is a neat idea. The layout is also very attractive. The design is also compact yet intricate.

Bad: Originally there were eight lemming and one died automatically; I'm guessing that was thought to be pointless. Having eight lemmings and using everyone would be a better change imo; then at least there wouldn't be the oddity of having only 7 lemmings in a level entitled "Academy of Eight".
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Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #69 on: October 20, 2014, 10:01:51 PM »
I actually thought this one is easier then Pieuw's because in Iron Industry you don't have any clues in the graphics to help you.
So, you don't see the clues in Iron Industry? :P Well, there are clues to point out the route, otherwise it would be a dull trial-and-error level. Given that you haven't seen the clues they aren't too easy to become aware of then I'd guess!

By the way, totally agreed with the Academy of Eight, why to remove the 8th lemming? :( Otherwise a great, classic level, might even have given influence to some other authors and custom levels after it. ;)


Coward 26 - Let Him Go Alone . . .



Lemmings: 50
Save: 100% (50)
Release Rate: 30
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 4 builders, 2 bashers, 5 diggers

Good: An absolutely spectacular, mind-blowing solution. No obscure or unintuitive details there, but the real magic of this level arises from the ingenious combination of really familiar skills, which creates an effective, tremendous crowd control method. At one point two years ago I even considered this level to be one of the best Lemmings custom levels ever, if not the very best one. That can't be the case though, see the Bad section below. A unique, beautiful landscape with many delightful details, like the tree leaves surrounding the steel block and the cluster of vine traps at the right edge of the level. Has a hidden exit, but fortunately its location is rather clear, giving even more mystification to this fascinating world.

Bad: Unfortunately has an easy and uninteresting backroute compared to the intended solution. Has also a third solution that's pixel precise and hard to execute, but obviously not that interesting either. (This level is accidentally well-placed in terms of difficulty, without the backroutes this should be in Maso rating.) If the French Lemmings giant will get rid of the backroutes, then this level would undoubtedly be a really shining gem.


Offline Wafflem

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #70 on: October 21, 2014, 01:07:11 AM »

Coward 27 - Molotov Cocktail and Co
60 lemmings, 96% (58) to be saved
Release Rate 90
2 minutes
10 bombers and blockers, 40 diggers

Good: Gotta love that digger trick in the level, it makes it a lot of fun.

Bad: I'm not too sure about the inclusion of the bombers and blockers. Were they meant to throw the player off? Also, the level can be frustrating when you cannot select other lemmings within range of the lemming that is digging (i.e. it thinks you are clicking on the digger when you mean to click on the walking lemming).
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Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #71 on: October 22, 2014, 01:51:55 AM »
I'm not too sure about the inclusion of the bombers and blockers. Were they meant to throw the player off?
Ooh, you dug the middle wall (below the vertical steel wall) also, nice 100% saved! You can lose two (blocker-)bombers there if you want to, I could imagine that digging that wall is fiddly. A really nice point with the annoying lemming selection mechanic there, too! :) By the way, there's a little typo in the level title, it should be "Molotov", not "Moltov".


Coward 28 - Valley of Chameleons



Lemmings: 80
Save: 97% (78)
Release Rate: 1
Time: 6 minutes
Skills: 2 climbers, 1 floater, 2 bombers, 10 builders, 3 bashers, 3 miners

Good: At a very quick first sight this level might seem an endurance type of a level (a lengthy level with lots of spare skills and a brute-force solution in the way of original Lemmings game), but soon the level turns out to be something else. Valley of Chameleons is a significantly massive, magnificent and beautiful Rock puzzle level in various ways. I love when someone puts this much effort in concretely constructing a level, and in this unique case the outcome is simply superior to like anything that there’s ever been in terms of visual level design in Lemmings. Partly because of this, this level approaches even deeper subjects than just being another puzzle level in a puzzle game. It becomes an adventure, the player might even just grow urge to spend time with the level and enjoy its atmosphere. In addition to that that in my opinion this is by far the most gorgeous-looking Rock tileset Lemmings level there is (and evidently one of the best-looking levels of all time), the puzzle itself is really strong and enjoyable. Strategizing skill placements has to be done from the beginning of the level smoothly all the way to the end. The obstacles and the strategies vary more than usually in a single level, and all the little puzzle pieces of the entire level are not too tough to solve, so the playing experience is pleasant and fun. The last part of the level is a bit trickier than the other parts, though, giving a final challenge. As far as I know, this level has only one known solution that uses every single skill. Valley of Chameleons represents pretty much everything that I love in Lemmings level design.

Ladies and gentlemen, this level is a masterpiece.

Bad: Better English speakers than me could probably tell if there lacks (one or two) “the” word(s) from the title. This level is pretty unforgiving, if you make a mistake especially near the end, even replaying with fast forward might cause some frustration in the worst case. :P Is so tough a level that it should be in a later rating, maybe even in Maso.


Offline Wafflem

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #72 on: October 22, 2014, 02:58:58 AM »
I'm not too sure about the inclusion of the bombers and blockers. Were they meant to throw the player off?
Ooh, you dug the middle wall (below the vertical steel wall) also, nice 100% saved! You can lose two (blocker-)bombers there if you want to, I could imagine that digging that wall is fiddly. A really nice point with the annoying lemming selection mechanic there, too! :) By the way, there's a little typo in the level title, it should be "Molotov", not "Moltov".

I've actually used the bombers for the middle part of the wall, but looking at it now, I could see that this level could do without the bombers and blockers, and by upping the requirement to 100%, it would make the level more challenging. A very fun level otherwise.

And great job with how you reviewed Valley of Chameleons, especially how you described it as like an adventure. I agree that it belongs in Maso due to the fact that you have to have good timing.

And thanks, I'll go ahead and fix the typo.


Coward 29 - Sky Won't Help You
80 lemmings, 100% to be saved
Release rate 20
3 minutes
10 climbers, 10 floaters, 20 builders, 10 bashers, 10 diggers

Good: Another builder level with a twist, as there are upside-down pools preventing the player from building way too high. This one also feels like a breather level after many previous hard levels.

Bad: This one's also misplaced. It might work better as a mid-Coward level. Also, I think the level can do with less builders, and the climbers and floaters aren't necessary.
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Offline namida

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #73 on: October 22, 2014, 07:46:19 PM »
Bad: Better English speakers than me could probably tell if there lacks (one or two) “the” word(s) from the title.

It's fine both with or without them. "Valley of Chameleons", "The Valley of Chameleons", "Valley of the Chameleons", "The Valley of the Chameleons"... all of these are perfectly valid English. :) In certain contexts, only specific ones might be correct, but as a level name, any of them are fine.
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Offline mobius

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #74 on: October 22, 2014, 10:25:07 PM »
I actually thought this one is easier then Pieuw's because in Iron Industry you don't have any clues in the graphics to help you.
So, you don't see the clues in Iron Industry? :P Well, there are clues to point out the route, otherwise it would be a dull trial-and-error level. Given that you haven't seen the clues they aren't too easy to become aware of then I'd guess!

Coward 26 - Let Him Go Alone . . .


oh, those clues are much harder to see than Digging Iron Plates! I had to read Pieuw's comment to discover it. But then I wasn't looking real hard to see clues in the first place...
Btw, I guess this level's title is inspired from "Lemmings Praying Iron Plate" from Genesis; which I've always wondered what that meant.  ???

On Let him go alone... I must say I was a bit disappointed, given your high praise of the level I was expecting something different. When I finally found the solution I thought I actually found the annoying backroute. I don't say the level is bad, I don't find it as problematic as rtw said for example, but I certainty wouldn't call it near the best level ever. The crowd control method is ingenious non-the-less.
I believe I came across the intended solution first but gave up seeing the easier solution.
Now I'm curious what the pixel precise backroute is.  ???

Valley of Chameleons is my favorite level from DoveLems. I remember spending a lot of time on the level and it wasn't very frustrating at all. When playing I considered the possibility of a hidden exit on that top ledge near the middle. This level has the feeling of having lots of secrets like that. The only down side I see is that the chameleons don't play much part other than decoration.
It must be very difficult to make a lengthy level that doesn't become tiring or frustrating. :thumbsup:

Dodochacalo seems to have a habit of placing water traps at the bottom of the level, so far under that they often don't even trigger. [The lemming 'eeks' off screen instead of drowning] I wonder why?
everything by me: https://www.lemmingsforums.net/index.php?topic=5982.msg96035#msg96035

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Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #75 on: November 05, 2014, 01:14:56 PM »
Bad: Better English speakers than me could probably tell if there lacks (one or two) “the” word(s) from the title.

It's fine both with or without them. "Valley of Chameleons", "The Valley of Chameleons", "Valley of the Chameleons", "The Valley of the Chameleons"... all of these are perfectly valid English. :) In certain contexts, only specific ones might be correct, but as a level name, any of them are fine.
Oh, thank you! Maybe I really should try to find out more about things before I embarrass myself once again. :P

Another builder level with a twist, as there are upside-down pools preventing the player from building way too high.
Actually, if you didn’t know, inverted objects in Lemmini don’t trigger at all. So, the upsidedown water pools are totally harmless! You can take the high road in this level. :P

Dodochacalo seems to have a habit of placing water traps at the bottom of the level, so far under that they often don't even trigger. [The lemming 'eeks' off screen instead of drowning] I wonder why?
You know, there’s always aesthetic and other author’s preference reasons, like the upsidedown water pools in Sky Won’t Help You. :b

Let Him Go Alone . . .: Like I said I thought of that over two years ago when I first played DoveLems, and I still keep wondering how that kind of solution was possible with such simple skills in a such simple situation, without being obscure at all. :) By the way, I attached the pixel precise backroute solution to this post, unfortunately it’s pretty much impossible to prevent, but it’s still hard to find because of the precision.


Coward 30 – A Perfect Symmetry



Lemmings: 50
Save: 50 (100%)
Release Rate: 85
Time: 2 minutes
Skills: 1 climber, 2 floaters, 3 builders, 2 bashers, 1 digger

Good: An impressive challenge where you have to pay attention to careful timing and skill placement, which leads to an exquisite, eclectic solution characteristic to Dodochacalo's levels. The level leads towards the solution a bit, so it won’t be too demanding or harsh. A simplistic, yet surprisingly pretty Brick design excluding the oneway-wall. Is a hard level compared to the whole rating, which is characteristic to every final level in their ratings in DoveLems, whereas the difficulty curves inside the ratings are higgledy-piggledy.

Bad: Well, the title isn’t that accurate and fitting to the level I guess. :P Otherwise this is pretty much a really splendid level.


Coward rating done! There's so many levels I like really much, but if I try to list some of my favourites, they possibly could be 1 - Caution, Work in Progress !, 5 - Avoid the FlameThrower, 7 - City Machines Lemmings, 11 - Every Lem for Himself !, 13 - SeeSaw, 23 - Ask the Oracle, 26 - Let Him Go Alone . . . and 28 - Valley of Chameleons.
For me, the easiest levels were 2 - Toes of the Earth, 10 - Bashers are Back !, 19 - Look into the Telescope and 25 - Academy of Eight.
I found the hardest levels to be 5 -  Avoid the FlameThrower, 28 - Valley of Chameleons and 30 - The Perfect Symmetry.

Offline Tiduas

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #76 on: November 06, 2014, 04:07:06 PM »
Sorry if this is extremely obvious to everyone, but how do I play these levels? I've downloaded the .ini-files available in this thread but which player can I use to play them? Woud Lemmix be able to do it? (searched the documentation and stuff there but didn't really get that as well).  :XD:

I'm enjoying all of the reviews in this thread, love playing a level myself and then see what others thought about it afterwards.
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Offline Wafflem

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #77 on: November 06, 2014, 04:28:45 PM »
You'll need Lemmini for this one. Here is the link.

If you want to play the games, however, you'll need the WinLemm files.
YouTube: www.tinyurl.com/YTWafflem
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Offline Wafflem

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #78 on: March 04, 2015, 04:40:14 PM »
Alright, let's go on to the :devil: ish rating!

(sorry guys for posting a lot in the Level Review topics, it's just that the forums tend to be idle sometimes, and I needed to wake it up in some way.)



:devil: ish 1 - Welcome to the Jungle!
(okay, I should stop using that devil emoticon  :P )

80 Lemmings
100% (80) to be saved
Release Rate 70
3 Minutes
4 Builders, 3 bashers, 1 miner

Good: Another wonderful rank starter that requires you to do this one in a certain sequence to bring all the lemmings together and get them safely to the exit. The intended solution is quite clever. This level also shows that even with rough terrain, you can still create an effective puzzling level.
Bad: Nothing, the level starts things off wonderfully for this rank.
YouTube: www.tinyurl.com/YTWafflem
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Offline Nepster

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #79 on: March 08, 2015, 01:43:05 PM »
Devilish 2 - Integrated Circuit



Lemmings: 10
Save: 90% = 9 lemmings
Release Rate: 1
Time: 3 minutes
Skills: 9 builders, 1 blocker

Good: A very dynamic level. Its main theme is used several times with slight variations.
Bad: Skill placement needs to be rather precise or you will save only 8 lemmings. Carefully analyzing the terrain is necessary, unless you want to be surprised by traps (on the left-hand side) or small gaps in vertical bars (at the bottom right corner).

Offline Akseli

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #80 on: April 09, 2015, 06:10:56 PM »
Devilish 1: Another masterful level, but I actually managed to find a flaw from it: The middle steel block is not steelified. :D This is a rare case in the entire pack, though. I have to agree with you there, every starter level of ratings are particularly strong.


Devilish 3 - Bubble Bath



Lemmings: 10
Save: 10 (100%)
Release Rate: 1
Time: 4 minutes
Skills: 2 climbers, 10 builders, 3 diggers

Good: A clean, effective main idea, and realizing it is not quite enough, because you also need to take care of the worker lemmings in many ways. A very fitting level for its place, and I've always considered the early Devilish to be one of the strongest sections in DoveLems. The main area is pretty for eyes.

Okay: This level belongs to those levels that have the most common level title ever. :P

Bad: Or should the title issue go here? Nah. I'm always ready to jump into this bubble bath!


Offline grams88

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #81 on: May 08, 2015, 09:55:48 PM »
I loved the idea with that bubble bath level as I felt that it seemed unique in a sense as you had to make a gap but not just a one dig gap, a much wider gap. I like it with all the bubbles and stuff it looks cool.

Offline Hypotenuse

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Re: Level Review – DoveLems
« Reply #82 on: December 01, 2015, 04:35:35 AM »
<strong>Coward 4 - Use Something to Turn!</strong>

<img src="http://geoo.digibase.ca/lemmings/DovelemsPictures/C4.png" alt="" class="bbc_img" />

<strong>Lemmings:</strong> 50
<strong>Save:</strong> 35 (70%)
<strong>Release rate:</strong> 1
<strong>Time:</strong> 2 minutes
<strong>Skills:</strong> 12 builders, 3 miners

<strong>Good:</strong> Simple but clever turnaround concept. Pretty design with great decorative touches.

<strong>Bad:</strong> In the Lemmini mechanics the miners always leave a ramp, making this significantly harder than it should be. Time limit and high lemming count mean you have to remember to change the release rate halfway through, which adds nothing to the puzzle.

Funny story: my closest fellow-lemmings-enthusiast, my mother, found a bit of a backroute to "Use Something to Turn." She figured out that instead of using your third pickaxe-guy at the bottom, you can just build stairs to the rock formation to the right, and, if you are vigilant and make the right lemmings build at the optimal times, you can barely make the required saving percentage. Sounds hard, and it was for me at least, but I'd say it's not as difficult as trying to mine out the perfect chunk at the bottom. (And oh yeah, thank heavens for 'replay.');)
I am the dude who pauses the level to hear the new level music. Also, backroutes are the best routes.