Okay, in the last devlog I talked about Boosts and how they could help you get through the game if you were struggling. Here’s the other side of that coin on how the X Levels will absolutely break you.
Unlocking
World X levels are unlocked in a different way to the regular levels - you need to have a certain number of platinum stars. Platinum stars are earned by getting all three stars in a level in a single, smooth run - usually meaning you need to find secret areas and take more difficult routes.
World 4-9 has two little bonus cubbyholes that requires tightly timed jumps to get all the food!
Fire & Flames
World X uses an angry, red version of each respective world to produce a very different looking level:
World 1 and World X-1
World 3 and World X-11
Mechanics from each ‘parent’ world are also used here, often in new, far more challenging ways.
Here’s some raised/retracting spikes from World 2. Lots of time to think about how you want to proceed and a generous window to hop up from.
Here’s the same hazard in World X. There is no rest, no safety, no sanctuary.
As such, the X levels are unlocked in tandem with their corresponding world. The difficulty curve is intended such that these are a significant step up from the main progression, but aren’t immediately oppressive - though it ramps up very quickly.
What Should I Expect?
Lots of hazards and lots of KOs. A LOT of KOs.
A goal I had in mind for the game from the very beginning was to keep the restart process down to a couple of seconds so you get straight back into the game if you make a mistake - moreover, there’s also a single quick-restart button (‘R’ on keyboard, back/select button on controllers) that allows you to instantly re-attempt a level if you miss some food.
As for more specific expectations:
- Almost all levels will have a zero tolerance for any wasted bubbles - you’re expected to get the absolute most from each jump you make.
- Most levels will expect you to know Bubbles’ platforming behaviour and won’t provide food to guide you - you’ll need your knowledge of the game’s systems alone to make it through!
- Although there are quite a few levels that are about brutal precision and game mechanics, there are a couple that will get you to use your bubble powers in fresh, new ways - for instance, this level has you use the Waller to hold your jump over a laser.
And the Reward?
Well, hopefully this will appeal to and satisfy players who want a brutal, punishing challenge that will stretch their skills to the limit.
The game has always been designed to have a satisfying conclusion no matter how you play - but the game will note the efforts taken to complete these levels and there’s some special treats for those players…!
Will you be the first to obtain all 375 platinum stars? Good luck!
Thanks for reading! The game is due to launch very soon on April 12th, so if you like what you read and haven’t already, go wishlist the game! In the meantime, you can also follow the game's development on Twitter, where I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have about the game or game development in general.