Forum | Thinking With Portals

#1 · May 14, 2011, 1:03 pm

This is the second map in a series that began with 'Sphere of Roundness' last week. Version 2.0 of that map is also included in this release, they also transition into each other to make a loop.

This time I decided to focus on a single gameplay element for an entire map rather than trying to use every feature available.

The map also follows the loose premise of "What if aperture had tested faith plates in the 1950s?" the default faith plate model stands out a little in the underground, so I went for an alternate appearance, see what you think!

I have a feeling it is a little easy, but that is mainly down to the overall design, so my next map will aim to be a bit tougher.

Sphere of Roundness: I got a huge amount of good feedback for the first map and made a few changes to fix exploits and also clean up the edges a little now that the full SDK has been released.

For a full changelog see the readme!

Screenshot: http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/6006 ... 400001.jpg

File Name: lob_old_faithful.zip
File Size: 9.99 MiB
Click here to download Old Faithful

#2 · May 14, 2011, 1:25 pm

another well done map! Keep making em... I am impressed. Nice work man.

#3 · May 14, 2011, 1:52 pm

5 stars!!! Its awesome great design looks great.

Spoiler

loves how it all comes back to setting up to solve the 1st puzzle thats also the one to the exit.

. i just started learning the map making tools. i dont even want to imagine what these maps look like in Hammer. i bet it gets confusing as hell and adding lights and changing so many textures and properties. how long do u spend on these maps ? also i assume u used similar tools before or some sort of other map making other than portal games ?

#4 · May 14, 2011, 2:22 pm

Great and simple map that does not try to do too many things at once. The most challenging part of the puzzle was catching the cube at the end. Overall, it was quite simple to follow while keeping a challenge going.

Also, I enjoyed your take on the "older-style" faith plate.
Here is my more complete review: http://gameolosophy.com/games/action/po ... roundness/

#5 · May 14, 2011, 2:26 pm

These two maps were very good. I especially loved Old Faithful. Keep up the good work! Can't wait to play more maps from you!

#6 · May 14, 2011, 2:31 pm

Both of your maps are very nicely done. Please keep them coming. I enjoyed both but preferred the difficulty of Sphere vs Old Faithful. I'd suggest making a harder puzzle next time.

Very nicely done though. I also prefer the 'old Aperture', thanks!

#7 · May 14, 2011, 2:38 pm

If u're fast enough there's no need to get the first cube ^^, great map though

#8 · May 14, 2011, 2:38 pm

Another perfect map. A little easy, but definitely a fun ride! And those faith plates look amazing. You're certainly one of the best mappers, keep it up!

#9 · May 14, 2011, 3:01 pm

What can I say? Awesome map(s), could have been in the original game without a problem. Thanks! Hope to see more from you!

EDIT: One tiny little bug I found is

Spoiler

that the laser on the second level of 'Sphere of Roundness' didn't start the gel when I aimed with the laser cube on the receiver. The receiver started spinning, but no gel. After I removed the cube and aimed again the gel started to flow though, so it may have been just a weird coincidence and no problem with the map.

#10 · May 14, 2011, 3:25 pm

I liked them both. The only complaint I have is the fact that

Spoiler

it's incredibly difficult, almost impossible even, to grab the cube out of the Excursion Funnel in Sphere of Roundness v2.0 as I did not have an issue in 1.0.

This may be just me.

[SP] Old Faithful