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[jrjellybeans]

I've been wondering about this question for some time.

Okay, so our newest game uses a map system like in Super Mario World.

So, I'm wondering if people actually go back and play old levels in games.  Now, there's NOT REALLY any good reason to go back to an old level in our new game except to earn gold, but the option is there. 

In addition, cut scenes are placed on the map and are selectable to replay a movie.

Essentially, it's the same one we used in our old game The Cherokee Indian.

So,I was wondering I people like this option or not.  I was also wondering if you find this sort of thing confusing in any way.

(Our newest game is a Guantlet clone, so we're hoping to keep things casually if possible.)

[JMickle]

well in Wario World 3 it was essential to go back to old levels (4 times) and this did get a tad annoying, but the first couple times when you unluck a new area in the levels was kinda fun.

It all depends. I wouldn't do it if there wasn't a lot to gain from it, but if there was, or it was very fun the first time, then i would. I don't think many people would if there wasn't any difference.

[deadeye]

I like exploring

And a little mandatory backtracking is fine, but if you're doing it just to extend the length of the game then shame on you.  But if you have all sorts of little non-essential nooks and crannies with bonus stuff hidden away that someone might miss the first time through, then that's pretty much a good thing.

[kiwi]

I say you add it. I don't think you'd have a hard time implementing the feature and it would make the player feel like he has more control over the game, so if you're not in a rush to finish this game, then why not ?

[Captain_404]

Sometimes, but not much.

When there's an overworld map I tend not to.

Banjo-Tooie had this great little feature where small parts of certain worlds would contain hidden doorways to earlier levels, kind of like shortcuts backward (you could always go both back and forward through them). I remember them being set up so that if you got to the later level, you couldn't really go anywhere in it (powerup locking or something), but if you got to the earlier one you could explore. I really enjoyed those.

[Simon Andersson]

I think you should give the option to go back, even if the player in no way have to. It increses the feeling of freedom. This also gives you the opportunity to include hidden stuffs. (Oh, that gun can destroy those rocks? weren't there a patch of rocks that looked like that 10 levels ago? I should go check what happens when I blow them up too!)

I always went back to the first level i Donkey Kong Country to collect 100 lives before the boss battles. My older brother called me a cheater. Good times =)

[Bood_War]

No.

[Drew]

our newest game uses a map system like in Super Mario World.

I think the biggest reason that people would replay maps in Super Mario World was that the hidden levels were visible on the overworld but inaccessible by normal means.  It was obvious that, by not revisiting the older levels, you were missing out on that mysterious secret level that you could see but not access.

[moi]

short answer : no (and I hate it when it's forced)

[hatu]

No and if I'm forced to, I'll be very frustrated

[jrjellybeans]

Thanks for the responses.

Since the feature is already in the game, I GUESS we'll keep it.

It's unfortunate that there are no secrets to find.  We just don't have the time

Thanks again!

[Squiggly_P]

The current thing I'm working on (and procrastinating on...) has that sort of world map, but I'm adding some mild metroidvania style stuff to it, where later on you might be able to replay a previous level and get to an area you weren't able to get to before.  I want to leave it totally optional, but give players who do replay levels certain advantages, like alternate routes or hidden characters and items and stuff.

Not necessary to go back and play through them, but adding incentive so maybe some players who normally wouldn't do that might want to go back to explore or get some item or whatever.

Incidentally, I think there were parts of Marioworld that you had to re-play.  The first time you played some parts, you'd have those little outline blocks, but after you got the blue or red 'exclaimation point' blocks, you could replay those levels and have different areas reachable thanks to the new tiles you could jump on.  I don't think you HAD to go back, tho.  I don't think you HAD to get the exclaimation point tiles, either...

I don't think I ever played through that game without getting any of those blocks...  is it possible to do?

[Simon Andersson]

I'm not sure, I think so. But there might've been some map that needed at least the first kind of blocks. Don't remember.
Really great stuff, however, makes it so much more then just another game.

[Saker]

I get bored really fast , so , going through the same level again is my worst nightmare . "><

[jrjellybeans]

Yeah, the whole purpose of creating an overworld map is just to add to the experience.  Ideally, you'd do what everyone suggested by adding stuff for people to collect ONCE you've received an item, etc.

The reason I ask is because our current game DOESN'T do that.  You can just go back to old levels just because...