Surprisingly, I really like this level, it is too hard for now, but with a simple redesign that most specifically includes the widening of the 2nd turn and the removal of the drop altogether (finish where the checkpoint is) I believe it could be an amazing HoF level.

Like I said, it is most definitely too hard, without a redesign it should not be allowed into HoF, however it follows the same theme as one of my favorite levels, Icecap Run from the same pack.

We see far too many levels with nice smooth surfaces that are perfectly curved and linear, this level (and Icecap Run) are almost unique in their more jagged feel that still comes together to form a route on the whole.

Sandspire Valley

Kenn

I'm with Vega on this level, it definitely needs to be redone to have at least some flow to it, I really dislike pits that require you to brake on the walls to descend. I've learned how to deal with them fine myself, but the BoD community is small and for the most part only getting smaller.

One of the many complaints about the game is that it is simply too hard, mechanics like that drive players away very quickly, even if a new player can't get gold or even compete with gold times on a level, they should be able to reach the finish flag without any absolutely exhaustive time spent.

Black Mountain

Kenn

It is epic, it is long, it is grueling, and making a mistake at the end will make you want to bash your head (or your gaming device) against a wall.

I don't like levels that feel like that, I don't think any levels with more than 90 seconds spent should be allowed into HoF.

Mountain ride

Kenn

Great level, as I mentioned on the Eclectic Dog comments, I would suggest widening the portion where you ascend on the updraft.

A few other minor changes might include the removal of a couple of the randomly placed ice sheets, and some smoothing out in various places to make a completion of the level more accessible for new players, even if the easier way to do things will never compete with gold times (see my other comments).

Pack a lunch.

Kenn

I think the starting point should be changed to one of the two gaps on the far left, otherwise this is a great level with a huge variety of potential routes.

Chandler

Laser

You'd be surprised at what we could do if we wasted enough time on it. It took a pretty long time before some levels like So Close Yet So Far and Red Murder (among others) got figured out.

Blackrock Traverse

Laser

I remember playing this level when it was nominated for a previous pack, and completely agree with everything you wrote.

Eclectic Dog

Vega

That is a very astute observation Kenn. You can recognize something like that about the flow only if you truly understand BoD.

Blackrock Traverse

Vega

Kenn - are you able to design? Please feel free to try your hand at fixing it!!

Chandler

Kenn

For some more casual BoD fun I decided to see what I could do, the route I've decided on has yielded a 1:14:24 time for me, and I figure I can take about 5 seconds more off with no changes, and maybe another 2-3 seconds when I improve my route across the top.

On a side note, I've found an extremely old palm m500 device, I might be able to get BoDesign to run on it, but it has no drivers for windows 7 64bit that I run, I'm going to have to wait till I have access to another system to get it working.

Chandler

BikerBrian

Great job, Kenn. You currently hold gold on Chandler. My best time after 234 runs is 1:14:98.

Chandler

Kenn

Unfortunately recanting my previous statement, the mines can be jumped in the current status: My new time: 42.36

hilarious

If anybody could've done it, it would have been Kenn. If we use this level, the mines definitely need to go to the ceiling and the finish should be moved to the bottom left.

Good job, Kenn... you still have gold.

Chandler

Kenn

It wasn't as hard to execute as I thought it would be, but I don't believe you can do it with simply turning around and accelerating and jumping up the hill, it did take a small trick in the physics engine to get the extra boost, took approximiately 100 attempts.

Chandler

SPiDeR

Just got 43:38 after 6 attempts.

Chandler

Laser

After playing this level (the real way), I have to say that I really don't see anything special about it. But if people like it, then great.

However, I do take back what I said about the top part, as it's not that much worse than the rest of the level (which based on everybody else's opinions, still makes it good).

Chandler

Vega

attempts to complete a 'trick' are always shorter, faster, and easier after the first person who completes the trick. It took me over 8,000 additional tries (after I already had gold) to land the valley skipping trick on Sinus Mountains. Then a flood of people copied very quickly. It's the same thing with Roger Banister and the 4 minute mile. As soon as he broke it, hundreds of people followed. Psychology plays a huge role. Good job fellas. (assuming Kenn and SPiDeR are both fellas).

Chandler

BikerBrian

Thought I should get in on the mine-jumping action. 43:20 so far. The first time I made it across, I didn't know what to do to grab the finish flag and ended with about 50 secs.

To make the jump, I went down the first slope and barely over the small hump, turned around. After stretching, I accelerated, causing me to leave the ground for a second and then got the full acceleration up the hill.

Chandler

Kenn

The method I was using is making a hard brake on or just before the small hump, then flipping counterclockwise and landing on my back wheel, which compressing from the landing, its decompression gave me the extra boost to get over the mines.