Tyler Sontag: Difference between revisions

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'''Tyler Sontag''' is a famous Chipster who has made various major contributions to the CC community. In 2004, he began constructing his first level set called [[TCCLP]]. Tyler's first known appearance or interaction with the Chip's Challenge community began in 2006 when he appeared on the newsgroup, after creating a Chip's Challenge website. Later in 2006 he created http://www.geochip.webs.com, which housed various files relating to Chip's Challenge, but it is now defunct.
'''Tyler Sontag''' is a famous Chipster who has made various major contributions to the CC community. In 2004, he began constructing his first level set called [[TCCLP]]. Tyler's first known appearance or interaction with the Chip's Challenge community began in 2006 when he appeared on the newsgroup, after creating a Chip's Challenge website. Later in 2006 he created http://www.geochip.webs.com, which housed various files relating to Chip's Challenge, but it is now defunct.


Tyler was on the [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 1|CCLP1]] staff and [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 4|CCLP4]] staff, and is the leader of the [[Chip's Challenge 2 community pack|CC2LP1]] staff.
Tyler was on the [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 1|CCLP1]] staff and [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 4|CCLP4]] staff, and is the leader of the [[Chip's Challenge 2 Level Pack 1|CC2LP1]] staff.


== Levels in official packs ==
== [[:Category:Levels designed by Tyler Sontag|Levels in official packs]] ==
=== CCLP1 ===
=== [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 1|CCLP1]] ===
* [[Key Pyramid]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* [[Block Party]]
|-
* [[When Insects Attack]]
! # !! Name
* [[Colors for Extreme]]
|-
* [[Tunnel Clearance]]
| 1 || [[Key Pyramid]]
* [[Badlands]]
|-
* [[The Sewers]]
| 4 || [[Block Party]]
* [[Metal Harbor]]
|-
* [[Thief, You've Taken All That Was Me]]
| 6 || [[When Insects Attack]]
|-
| 81 || [[Colors for Extreme]]
|-
| 105 || [[Tunnel Clearance]]
|-
| 110 || [[Badlands]]
|-
| 119 || [[The Sewers]]
|-
| 120 || [[Metal Harbor]]
|-
| 147 || [[Thief, You've Taken All That Was Me]]
|}


=== CCLP3 ===
=== [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 3|CCLP3]] ===
* [[Entrance Examination]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* [[Jumble]]
|-
* [[All About Blocks]]
! # !! Name
* [[Coal Mine]]
|-
* [[Civilization of Creatures]]
| 1 || [[Entrance Examination]]
* [[Pushy]]
|-
* [[Everybody Get Dangerous]]
| 27 || [[Jumble]]
|-
| 49 || [[All About Blocks]]
|-
| 69 || [[Coal Mine]]
|-
| 104 || [[Civilization of Creatures]]
|-
| 112 || [[Pushy]]
|-
| 129 || [[Everybody Get Dangerous]]
|}


=== CCLP4 ===
=== [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 4|CCLP4]] ===
* [[Exclusive Or]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
* [[Protect Your Fortress]]
|-
* [[Flippant]]
! # !! Name
* [[Technopathic]]
|-
* [[Spring]]
| 46 || [[Exclusive Or]]
* [[Forsythia]]
|-
* [[Cyprus]]
| 53 || [[Protect Your Fortress]]
* [[Empty Rooms]]
|-
* [[Repugnant Nonsense]]
| 60 || [[Flippant]]
* [[Death and Destruction]]
|-
* [[Mindless Self-Indulgence]]
| 74 || [[Technopathic]]
* [[Bam Thwok]]
|-
* [[Monorail]]
| 79 || [[Spring]]
* [[Propaganda]]
|-
* [[Gimmick Isle]]
| 84 || [[Forsythia]]
|-
| 86 || [[Cyprus]]
|-
| 88 || [[Empty Rooms]]
|-
| 114 || [[Repugnant Nonsense]]
|-
| 121 || [[Death and Destruction]]
|-
| 128 || [[Mindless Self-Indulgence]]
|-
| 130 || [[Bam Thwok]]
|-
| 132 || [[Monorail]]
|-
| 135 || [[Propaganda]]
|-
| 147 || [[Gimmick Isle]]
|}


== CC1 level sets ==
== CC1 level sets ==
Work on his first set, [[TCCLP]], began in May of 2004, and was completed in mid-2007. It contains 350 levels, making it the second-largest set at the time, behind [[Jacques.dat]]. Albeit heavily flawed with many of the levels being unsolvable, this set is still available nearly ten years after its creation and is one of the most well-known custom sets.
Work on his first [[level set]], ''[[TCCLP]]'', began in May of 2004, and was completed in mid-2007. It contains 350 levels, making it the fourth-largest Chip's Challenge level set.<ref>[https://sets.bitbusters.club/index.php?set=1&sort=total&by=desc Chip's Challenge 1 Levels on sets.bitbusters.club]</ref> Albeit heavily flawed with many of the levels being unsolvable, this set is [http://davidstolp.com/old/chips/overall.php?set=TCCLP still available] nearly ten years after its creation and is one of the most well-known custom sets.


Tyler has released several more sets since TCCLP. He began TCCLP2 in early 2009, but ditched it in late 2009 due to constraints from being hosted on [[pieguy]]'s site. TCCLPRejects began around the same time. The early levels were levels that he felt were too poor to be placed in TCCLP or TCCLP2, but the set soon became a place for Tyler to experiment with various glitches and unorthodox concepts, similar to [[EvanD1]]. It is now the only CC1 set he provides updates to, and is quite sizable at 180 levels. TCCLPpgchip started in late 2008, which was a short set meant to be played with the [[ice block]] patch.
Tyler has released several more sets since TCCLP. He began ''TCCLP2'' in early 2009, but ditched it in late 2009 due to constraints from being hosted on [[David Stolp|pie guy]]'s site. ''TCCLPRejects'' began around the same time. The early levels were levels that he felt were too poor to be placed in TCCLP or TCCLP2, but the set soon became a place for Tyler to experiment with various [[glitch]]es and unorthodox concepts, similar to [[EvanD1]]. It is now the only CC1 set he provides updates to, and is quite sizable at 180 levels. TCCLPpgchip started in December 2008 and ended in April 2014, a short set meant to be played with the [[ice block]] patch.


When submissions for [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 3|CCLP3]] were being accepted, Tyler submitted TylerSubmissions, which consisted of his 35 favorite levels from TCCLP and TCCLP2, all made Lynx compatible. Seven of these levels appeared in CCLP3, [[Entrance Examination]], [[Jumble]], [[All About Blocks]], [[Coal Mine]], [[Civilization of Creatures]], [[Pushy]], and [[Everybody Get Dangerous]]. After CCLP3's release, he added eight more levels and removed three, rebranding the set as TS1.
When submissions for [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 3|CCLP3]] were being accepted, Tyler submitted ''TylerSubmissions'', which consisted of his 35 favorite levels from TCCLP and TCCLP2, all made [[Lynx ruleset|Lynx]]-compatible; [[Tyler Sontag#CCLP3|seven]] of these levels appeared in CCLP3. After CCLP3's release, he added eight more levels and removed three, rebranding the set as ''TS1''.


When [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 1|CCLP1]] was announced, Tyler began work on [[TS0]]. The levels were intended to have difficulties appropriate for CCLP1, but he felt this was too restrictive and went on to design levels such as [[Lounge Act]]. It was completed in late 2012 and contains 40 levels, the same number as TS1. CCLP1 contains six of its levels [[Colors for Extreme]], [[Tunnel Clearance]], [[Badlands]], [[The Sewers]], [[Metal Harbor]], and [[Thief, You've Taken All That Was Me]]. For CCLP1, he additionally assembled DanielB-Lynx, which is a collection of level from DanielB1 and DanielB2 modified to be Lynx compatible. He received permission from [[Daniel Bouwmeester]] to submit the set for CCLP1 consideration.
When [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 1|CCLP1]] was announced, Tyler began work on ''[[TS0]]''. The levels were intended to have difficulties appropriate for CCLP1, but he felt this limitation was too restrictive and went on to design levels such as [[Lounge Act]]. It was completed in late 2012 and contains 40 levels, the same number as TS1. CCLP1 contains [[Tyler Sontag#CCLP1|six]] of its levels. For CCLP1, he additionally assembled DanielB-Lynx, which is a collection of level from DanielB1 and DanielB2 modified to be Lynx compatible. He received permission from [[Daniel Bouwmeester]] to submit the set for CCLP1 consideration.


Before was CCLP1 released, he also designed a level set called TS_Tutorials, containing 18 candidates for CCLP1 [[lesson level]]s. Three of these got in the final set: [[Key Pyramid]], [[Block Party]], and [[When Insects Attack]].
Before was CCLP1 released, he also designed a level set called TS_Tutorials, containing 18 candidates for CCLP1 [[lesson level]]s. Three of these got in the final set: [[Key Pyramid]], [[Block Party]], and [[When Insects Attack]].


He began TS2 during CCLP1's development to prepare for the next community pack [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 4|CCLP4]]. He ceased progress at the end of 2014 with only 22 levels finished and decided to focus on CC2 level designing when it was released the following year.
He began ''TS2'' during CCLP1's development to prepare for the next community pack [[Chip's Challenge Level Pack 4|CCLP4]]. He ceased progress at the end of 2014 with only 22 levels finished and decided to focus on CC2 level designing when it was released the following year.


== CC2 level sets ==
== CC2 level sets ==
Tyler quickly released a small level set after [[Chip's Challenge 2|CC2]] was released in May 2015 named TSAlpha. He built it slowly over the next three years before finalizing it in mid-2018 with 40 levels. The set is notable for its use of unsupported tiles that he co-discovered with [[random 8]] such as the zero [[directional block]], blank [[no sign]]s, and [[voodoo tile]]s. To complement TSAlpha's release, Tyler released TSNull, a smaller set containing reject and experimental levels. In March 2018, Tyler released an initial version of his next CC2 level set, TSBeta.
Tyler quickly released a small level set after [[Chip's Challenge 2|CC2]] was released in May 2015 named TSAlpha. He built it slowly over the next three years before finalizing it in mid-2018 with 40 levels. The set is notable for its use of unsupported tiles that he co-discovered with [[random 8]] such as the zero [[directional block]], blank [[no sign]]s, and [[voodoo tile]]s. To complement TSAlpha's release, Tyler released TSNull, a smaller set containing reject and experimental levels. In March 2019, Tyler released an initial version of his next CC2 level set, TSBeta, which contains currently only 5 levels but is planned to eventually reach 40.


== Design style ==
== Design style ==
Tyler's design style in his TCCLP days were eclectic, but he eventually found a distinct style in the late stages of TS1 and TS0. All the levels in his TSx series are Lynx-compatible, and tries to conform to pedantic Lynx rules as often as possible. The TSx levels are usually medium to hard difficulty, and often contain a large number of [[recessed wall]]s and [[Partial posting|partial posts]]. He has become infamous for including adapted [[Sokoban level|Sokoban sections]] in his levels, usually involving three blocks. His TCCLPRejects levels exploit many glitches, such as [[data resetting]], the [[Multiple Tank Glitch|multiple tank glitch]], and various other oddities. In his CC2 sets, he frequently uses [[bowling ball]]s, [[logic gate]]s, and [[railroad track]], the last of which he considers the most versatile addition to CC2.
Tyler's design style in his TCCLP days were eclectic, but he eventually found a distinct style in the late stages of TS1 and TS0. All the levels in his ''TSx'' series are [[Lynx ruleset|Lynx]]-compatible, and tries to conform to pedantic Lynx rules as often as possible. The TSx levels are usually medium to hard difficulty, and often contain a large number of [[recessed wall]]s and [[Partial posting|partial posts]]. He has become infamous for including adapted [[Sokoban level|Sokoban sections]] in his levels, usually involving three blocks. His ''TCCLPRejects'' levels often exploit many [[glitch]]es, such as [[data resetting]], the [[Multiple Tank Glitch|multiple tank glitch]], and various other oddities. In his CC2 sets, he frequently uses [[bowling ball]]s, [[logic gate]]s, and [[railroad track]]s, the last of which he considers the most versatile addition to CC2.


While designing TS2 and his subsequent CC2 level sets, Tyler made fewer and fewer levels that require [[computer chip]]s. In TSAlpha, 22 of its 40 levels contain no chips, and all TSBeta levels currently require no chips. This has led to an inside joke that Tyler wants chips officially banned from appearing in levels.
While designing TS2 and his subsequent CC2 level sets, Tyler has made fewer and fewer levels that require [[computer chip]]s. In TSAlpha, 22 of its 40 levels contain no chips, and all TSBeta levels currently require no chips. This has led to an inside joke that Tyler wants chips officially banned from appearing in levels.


== Scores ==
== Scores ==
In MS, Tyler is ranked 31st in CC1 with a score of 5,975,580, 6th in CCLP1 with a score of 6,003,500, 21st in CCLP2 with a score of 6,038,430, 10th in CCLP3 with a score of 6,058,970, and 5th in CCLP4 with a score of 6,085,510. His first bold confirm was in CCLP3 on [[Marooned]], often considered the easiest bold to achieve in CCLP3. However, after the release of CCLP1, he became more serious about optimization and achieved a modest number of new records and confirms, placing him near the top of the CCLP1 scoreboard. He performed similarly with CCLP4.
Tyler has a decent interest in [[optimization]], but often does not optimize competitively. In [[MS ruleset|MS]], Tyler has a CC1 score of 5,975,580, a CCLP1 score of 6,003,500, a CCLP2 score of 6,038,430, a CCLP3 score of 6,058,970, and a CCLP4 score of 6,085,510. His first [[Bold time|bold]] confirm was in CCLP3 on [[Marooned]], often considered the easiest bold to achieve in the set. However, after the release of CCLP1, he became more serious about optimization and achieved a modest number of new records and confirms, placing him near the top of the CCLP1 scoreboard.


When CC2 was released, he picked up some new records and confirmed, mostly focusing on the time bolds, but has not optimized often since.
During the first few days of CC2's release, he confirmed a few records and picked up some new ones, mostly focusing on the time bolds, but has not optimized often since, only briefly reappearing to perform similarly with CCLP4.


== Websites ==
== Websites ==
In the fall of 2015, [[James Anderson]] recruited Tyler to help him update the code for the [https://jamesa7171.net/ Chip's Challenge high score site]. James wanted scores to be managed in a more automated manner, rather than using spreadsheets and manually-written HTML as had been the case since scorekeeping began. Tyler completed this within a few months, but revisited the site's codebase in spring of 2017 to update the UI and in fall of 2018 to restructure the database. James transferred the site's ownership to Tyler in December 2018, though the URL remained the same and James still has the ability to update site scores.
In the fall of 2015, [[James Anderson]] recruited Tyler to help him update the code for his Chip's Challenge high score site. James wanted scores to be managed in a more automated manner, rather than using spreadsheets and manually-written HTML as had been the case since scorekeeping began. Tyler completed this within a few months, but revisited the site's codebase in spring of 2017 to update the UI and in fall of 2018 to restructure the database. James transferred the site's ownership to Tyler in December 2018, though James still has the ability to update site scores.


In January 2019, Tyler offered to host a new version of the Chip's Challenge Wiki after the former wiki hosted by Wikia was falling out of the community's favor.  
In January 2019, Tyler offered to host a new version of the Chip's Challenge Wiki after the former wiki hosted by Wikia was falling out of the community's favor. <!-- Expand section? -->
 
== References ==
<references/>


[[Category:People]]
[[Category:People]]
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