Nuts

Inspired by a comment by @Labyrenight on my level Bugs Life saying, that at first glance, the character Scran from the movie Ice Age looked to be in the cast. A challenge impossible to turn down and this level is the result. Thank you @Labyrenight for inspiration yet again and advice on the character design. Hopefully the 'mouse' ears look a bit more squirrelly.

Scran, the Sabre Toothed Squirrel, has enormous eyes which I find impossible to create in Mekorama and my hero in this level is a substitute bit part actor. Probably more appropriate to my B Movie style.

B has to move through the forest canopy, the ice has melted, dislodging nuts into the squirrel's basket. It isn't always necessary to collect all the nuts but I'm sure no self respecting Mekorama player will leave the basket unfilled. A full basket gives access to the final, semi hidden, star.
To move through the foliage B enlists the help of Tree Sprites but they can be precocious creatures and sometimes dump their passenger. In most instances a full restart is not required, but if stuck up a tree without a ladder, game over.

Hopefully fun but most certainly not intellectual.

Spoiler: Video

I think you have captured the character of Scran well, especially in side profile. Often watched the films , so the gameplay is very appropriate.

My eyes are a little irritated by the stone block on the tail. Overall the design is great, I like the gameplay. And I like your font design.

Great fun collecting nuts. Clever use of basket and head. Tempted to autopilot cheat my way to the other side but then realised the intended path. Nice squirrel tail. Great job.

Nice squirrel but the basket portion wouldn't cooperate (maybe my device) and the balls missed often enough to give up. When I grabbed the basket portion, it would go the wrong way which happens with large motor mechanisms. In order to operate the basket well, I couldn't see the ball fall path well enough to fill it. Too bad as the level looked nice but it just wouldn't work.

Thanks @ridgerunner, you were quick off the mark. Glad you found the gameplay appropriate, I was a bit nervous about that. You are a great boost to my self confidence. Thank you.

Thanks for playing and rating so highly @Labyrenight. Fair point about the stone block, I should have tried to camouflage it. Glad you like the gameplay, I wasn't sure whether you would and delighted you approve the font. Way, way, way back I used to do some program cover art work for a motorcycle speedway track, all drawn by hand, including the lettering. I'd forgotten how much fun font design could be. Liked your recent alphabet.

Above all thanks for the Scran inspiration.

Many thanks @IceBlade for kind comments, very generous rating and above all for playing. I thought there would be an autopilot solution somewhere in there and I'm grateful you ignored it and followed my old fashioned and laboured route. I make no secret I don't like autopilot, consider it a major bug in the app, but have to admire sometimes the things you guys come up with.

I'm sorry @Meko Guy that this didn't work for you. Your point about device is interesting. From comments you have made in the past I have assumed that you are using a PC and I further assume, possibly incorrectly, a mouse or perhaps touchpad? My levels are developed on a Samsung Galaxy Tab A tablet with touch screen. I know from previous comments that some users have performance issues with some of my larger levels and, indeed, I have crashed the App on several occasions. This is obviouly not an issue with the rig you are running but the input method possibly might be. If you have the time this is a topic I would be delighted to discuss further.
Your point about large motor mechanisms is valid. I had lots of trouble with this one and thought I had cracked it, but obviously not on all devices.
Most of the ball drops can be done with basket pre positioned and stationary but there are least three that require 'dynamic' catching. My method is to position the corner of the basket just under the centre of the ramp and bounce it in.
I am flattered that such a prolific designer as yourself has taken the time and trouble to attempt my level and to provide feedback. I have attempted several of your levels but have retired defeated, I am not a good player. Perhaps we are all fixated on ratings and should use likes and dialogue as you have kindly done here. Thank you again.

It's incredible! Your sculpture is very, very similar to the original! Squirrel from Ice Age. Muzzle - amazingly similar! That's great!
I immediately started collecting nuts, I didn’t even understand why I was doing this)) But it really fascinated me)). The gameplay is also great and interesting.

Squirrel - SUPER!!! WELL DONE

@Denis Nazin Thank you Santa. I was down with a virus, not Covid, over Christmas and New Year but you have resurrected Christmas for me. Lets face it, all we Mekorammers are NUTS.

@MekoMole - I'm not a monster so feel free too start a conversation at any time.

I worked out the game play of this level and started with the hard balls but if I remember correctly, I could spare one ball based on how the balls fell, IOW, miss two you can restart. BTW, I never even got to the other side and in fact, I didn't even see a route over there now that I think about it. Might need to revisit this level tomorrow...

I say monster as many members here think so and although I may be firm with my comments, my experience in life isn't all rosy and the truth can hurt.

@Meko Guy Hmmmmmmmm........is this a challenge to design the Meko Guy Monster????
To be honest I don't think this style of level is your thing but, as I don't know the person, I could be wrong.
I've looked at your profile and see, like myself, you play your cards close to your chest. Youthful firebrand or ancient curmudgeon like myself? I'm currently sipping a dram of excellent 14 year old Balvenie single malt provided by my family at Christmas. Previous painful experience of mixing social media with strong drink raises it's head so I'll PM you tomorrow.

Cool level,
I managed to complete it after a couple of restarts. The design is very visually appealing. The game play is unique as well.
Lots of fun!!!

Thank you very much @97 NinetySeven for playing, kind remarks and very generous rating. The fact you found it fun is most pleasing of all. I look forward with anticipation to your next creation.