Question about how to design levels

Hi,

Im doing a game that will have a lot of levels. Im thinking in 2 options:

-Take coordinates from a file/array and use the same layout for every level. Pros: performance Cons: level design is harder

-Make a layout for every level and put the tiles in the layout: Pros: level design is very visual and easy Cons: performance???

So my question is, if i choose the second option, and i use the same objects in every level (4 or 5 diferent objects, 20-30 instances total) i will have any problem with load times?

I think that load times are the same because i simply have more instances but im not sure so thats why i ask :D

You know something about Level Design with .xml files ?

Yes, but i prefer the second method, if performance its not a problem.

Well, i tested it:

5 diferent objects, about 50 instances per layout.

Tested in a nexus 7 tablet

3 levels/layouts -> cocoon screen during 5 secs

110 levels/layouts ->cocoon screen during 12,7 secs.

60fps in both cases.

So i should use xml then :P

Yes, but i prefer the second method, if performance its not a problem.

It's not, no worries. Recycling the objects multiple times is actually the 'good practice' of building levels. :)

in another device with 2gb ram (nexus7 have 1gb) the diference is 4 secs vs 7 secs in the cocoon screen.

3 levels/layouts -> cocoon screen during 5 secs

110 levels/layouts ->cocoon screen during 12,7 secs.

Sounds totally ok, or how many levels do you want to create ?

Well, my idea is 100 minimum, because its a fast puzzle game and some levels, will be solved in less than 20 seconds, maybe 150-250 levels will be fine.