Archive for August 2023

Half-Life: Abridged All-Stars – Map Labs #12

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

After the rousing success of Half-Life: Abridged, the Map Labs crew ran a broader challenge to abridge popular Half-Life mods instead of the official games. The list of mods available to entrants was huge (too long to list here!) but it covered a wide variety of HL1 mods, HL2 mods, and even several small and single-map mods.

So here’s Abridged All-Stars, with 11 entrants!

As always, if you’re interested in learning more about Map Labs and maybe even participate in their upcoming challenges, visit the Map Labs Discord.

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Total Downloads: 99230th August 2023
3 Comments and 3 recommendations, most say "Play It Now!"

Crossfire – Map Labs Test Tube #12

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Crossfire. Half-Life’s most well-known deathmatch map, and for good reason. Its iconic circular layout in one half, the open field and nuclear bunker in the other. This Test Tube asked mappers to use Crossfire’s layout to build their own single player map.

A record 30 maps were submitted! Here they are, enjoy!

As always, if you’re interested in learning more about Map Labs and maybe even participate in their upcoming challenges, visit the Map Labs Discord.

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Total Downloads: 88026th August 2023
3 Comments and 2 recommendations, most really enjoyed it!

Two Rooms – Map Labs Test Tube #9

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

This Test Tube (short challenge) asked authors to build a map only using 2 rooms, doubling the restriction of One Room. What counts as a “room” is pretty open, even allowing outdoor areas as long as it’s enclosed.

A whopping 27 maps were submitted, including 8 bonus maps. Enjoy the entries!

As always, if you’re interested in learning more about Map Labs and maybe even participate in their upcoming challenges, visit the Map Labs Discord.

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Total Downloads: 83319th August 2023
9 Comments and 2 recommendations, 1 say "Play It Now!"

LVL2 – Map Labs #15

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

The aptly named LVL2 simply asked authors to make a sequel to a previous Map Labs map. That’s it!

The turnout was a solid 11 maps, enjoy these sequels! And be sure to go back and play the original maps if you missed them!

As always, if you’re interested in learning more about Map Labs and maybe even participate in their upcoming challenges, visit the Map Labs Discord.

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Total Downloads: 76016th August 2023
3 Comments and 1 recommendation, say ""

Half-Life: Eternal – Map Labs Test Tube #16

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

A simple challenge for this Test Tube (short competition): make a map inspired by the Doom series. Any Doom media was on the table – games, films (ugh), even novelizations?! As long as it oozed DOOM, the authors could make whatever they wanted.

Rip & Crowbar! Enjoy the 7 maps! And the absolutely superb introduction & background map by beefbacon, featuring the vocal talents of Gianni Matragrano, and music by Dee Leggett!

As always, if you’re interested in learning more about Map Labs and maybe even participate in their upcoming challenges, visit the Map Labs Discord.

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Total Downloads: 63313th August 2023
3 Comments and 3 recommendations, 1 say "Personal Favourite"

Blockout – Map Labs Test Tube #5

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

This Test Tube (short competition) challenged authors to create a blockout rather than a full map. Rough geometry, developer textures, the works – the idea being that by prototyping, testing, and refining the gameplay rather than the visuals, overall development of a level can be smoother and require less reworking. And maps in development can still be a blast!

Enjoy the 13 submissions and 3 bonus maps!

As always, if you’re interested in learning more about Map Labs and maybe even participate in their upcoming challenges, visit the Map Labs Discord.

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Total Downloads: 4479th August 2023
4 Comments and 1 recommendation, most really enjoyed it!

Half-Shell

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

Gordon Freeman is tasked to clear out a Combine-controlled oil rig in the middle of the sea. Freeman is offered a lowly, leaking rowboat as a means of transport. It’s just enough to get him to the rig undetected, which is fortunate; rebel reports say there is an armored helicopter stationed on the rig. Undoubtedly, Freeman will have to encounter it sooner or later…

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Total Downloads: 6545th August 2023
13 Comments and 11 recommendations, most say "Play It Now!"