Gear Portal Map Released!

MrTwoVideoCards · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 11:11 pm Post subject: Gear Portal Map Released!

This puzzle is a bit different however from the normal ones, we featured a more intense series of tricks and methods in a single Chamber, and tried to push the new engine to its limits by making a seriously long and very lengthy puzzle. But not to lengthy as that might get too boring.

So here it is, our first official release ever. Our Own little Portal Map, and you can expect more in the future.

Sorry for the huge images, not too sure on resizing them.

I changed the images to links to help preserve forum size, hope you don't mind!
--msleeper

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4580/geartestchmb010001se0.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/8561/geartestchmb010002mr1.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9246/geartestchmb010003im5.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5069/geartestchmb010004vp9.jpg

You can Download, however we only have one hosting site up (including this one.):

http://forums.thinkingwithportals.com/dload.php?action=category&cat_id=2

http://files.filefront.com/Gear+portal+map+01rar/;9105252;/fileinfo.html
http://isohunt.com/release/108554 -Torrent Version.
Once you put it in via the readme, it appears in your bonusmaps section.

Lorithad · Loves Cake Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 250

You don't really need to resize them. Even having direct links would be good. The only thing I don't like about people posting screen shots directly, is that it streches the forum.

The map itself was most enjoyable. I commend you on your efforts, and look forward to future releases.

taco · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 12:00 am Post subject:

Just played it and liked it.

I really liked the length of the map and the variety of the puzzles, though I did feel that the last puzzle was there with the intent to kill me and not stump/challenge me - it was borderline frustrating due to the nature of the players spring-loaded jump coupled with the moving pillars, and the small clumps of energy balls looked out of place/bad.

Visually, the map seemed disjointed and could use some polish in that department.

Also, you desperately need to add func_portal_bumper brushes to your map - there are a number of small portable wall sections that are VERY temperamental.

MrTwoVideoCards · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 12:05 am Post subject:

Yeah we added in tons of those portal bumpers, onto all the needed areas, perhaps one wasn't working right, but thankyou, glad you both liked it!

Duffedwaffe · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 12:54 am Post subject:

I liked this map, but there are some things I think need to be fixed.

The little wall you can use to get out of the hole at the beginning of the level... this needs to be made more apparent. It looks just like the light hole in the wall below it.

There's the total absence of portal bumpers... I don't know what you're talking about, but there are none. At all.

The area with the glass pistons was very agitating, because it isn't clear what you're supposed to do when faced with a wall. Once you figure it out, you have to try about 10 times to get it, because there are no portal bumpers.

The area with the rogue energy balls was just annoying, because, for some reason, you can't portal onto where the balls are hitting.

The textures are not aligned properly, and should probably be fixed. It really takes away from the effect to see really badly aligned textures.

I really liked the puzzle after the angled fling, where you're faced with a glass wall and no way to gain enough momentum to get over. I realized that there was a stepping-stone of sorts on the left wall, so I jumped up that and then tried to fling myself over... Then i realized I could just jump up and portal to the other side of the glass... lol.

taco · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 1:12 am Post subject:

MrTwoVideoCards · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 1:27 am Post subject:

Yeah, strangely the VMF has them, however we avoided putting some in certain places for puzzle purposes. However all of them do work, and the ones implemented did a fair job to aid the map in many ways.

But once again thankyou, I'll be sure to make these more better next time, as this is our first Portal map. But still thats no excuse, so well work on that.

msleeper · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 2:09 am Post subject:

MrTwoVideoCards, it's nice to see you over here from Interlopers. Smile

This map looks amazing, I can't wait to give it a play.

taco · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 2:11 am Post subject:

MrTwoVideoCards · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 3:34 am Post subject:

Hurricaaane · Test Supervisor Joined: 29 Sep 2007 Posts: 173

I really enjoyed this map. A lot.

About the beginning : When I got in the hole, I failed the jump. I tried to find a way to get out to try again, but I had to restart the level as I didn't see the concrete wall made for this purpose. It should be highlighted.

The 45 degree floor : When I tried to pass that part, I found out that I got to poral on it and shoot another portal throught the glass floors to get a new spot to fling out. But I think there's some areaportal or something that screws out with a void effect on a doorway. And for some reason, one time I slipped on this 45 degree floor dying and so it makes me think that the floor is more than 45 degree angled.

The angled ceiling metal wall : Really loved this part.

The platform moving : When i got to the part where the way is obstructed, in a hurry I couldn't find a solution (no enough time) so I placed two portals on the same wall ( http://pix.nofrag.com/2/1/2/f6386edc0cc9bb5eb1b476824d88e.html ) and stand IN the portal, hoping that the platform will come back so I can figure out what to do. But I waited damn freakin long and It didn't come back. So I loaded a savegame.

MrTwoVideoCards · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 3:47 am Post subject:

Hmm a areaportal problem you say, weird, well this is all good to hear though that way we can fix all of this, and then of course update the map for a future release. And perhaps we can add another puzzle at the end.

Hurricaaane · Test Supervisor Joined: 29 Sep 2007 Posts: 173

Strange. When I tried to play again to give you a screenshot of where it happened, the bug didn't happen.

So, here it was: http://pix.nofrag.com/b/8/b/fd2aa33fb14169eb523e4262c7c2e.html . Maybe you know why.

And yes, I slipped again on that 45 degree floor. The angle must be more than 45 degree.

MrTwoVideoCards · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 4:08 am Post subject:

Hahah good screenshot, lol. But yeah that floor is a bit tilted, i think maybe at a 55 degree angle, but we placed it like that due to the amount of momentum that would be needed. Any less steeper than that, and the player would not be able to reach the other side.

So it was a small sacrifice that was needed.

hamsteralliance · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2007 4:48 am Post subject:

Haha...I have no clue where to go right from the start. I see a button...I just can't get to it. I've tried flinging to it both gently and by jumping from a high spot. I've tried climbing on the ledges there. wtf? *is dumb* Razz