Google SketchUp

Google SketchUp is great for designing 3D levels layout. As alevel design exercice, we had during class to design several levels for modified versions of Half-Life² using the physgun - called the gravity gun in HL² - and after spending some time learning how to use the software, Sketch'Up quickly became one of our greatest allies.

Microsoft Visio

Here's an example of Visio level design for a 2D platforming game. The main character is the world-renowned Adibou, hero of a series of colorful games for children. This is the first level of the game; it had to be simple and educative, its layout divided into several learning workshops with, of course, progressive learning curb.

Another example of 2D level design with Visio. The game is a platforming game called Shattered Ice, and this is the eigth level: the character can jump, shoot with several kinds of ammunition (including a swap gun, that swaps with an enemy's location, and a light gun that lights... lights), and use a grapnel to manage its way around cliffs. I use Visio for all my level design needs, from 2D platformers to 3D adventure games (My Hero Firefighter was designed on Visio) or FPS maps.

3DS Max

As a level designer, 3DS Max is useful for placing the triggers and scripted events of the level. It was, in my experience, much used to create the maps of My Hero Firefighter and Knockin'Dead, as well as to create some small items and furniture.