Yesterday was the first time I had added a map for a new game in over 7 years! It was for Black Mesa. Let’s hope it was the start of a flood of great maps.

Elsewhere, the site continues to get a new or updated map or mod on the frontpage everyday. I’m at 68 days in a row.

What’s new with you?

Today saw the posting of the first single player map for Black Mesa retail game.

I’m posting this short article to pre-answer some expected questions.

While attempting to escape Black Mesa, Freeman’s tram is halted by a military lockdown at an administrative facility chiselled into the side of a canyon wall.

Freeman must restore power to the tram and, along the way, discover what happened to the scientists.

Starting underground, you suddenly find yourself out in the open with a lot Combine soldiers attacking you.

Only smart thinking and quick reflexes will save you.

Dispatch the soldiers and work your way through the prison to…

Well, let’s just say that a few friends could be waiting to help you.

This mod is this month’s Critical Jim Analysis

Doors. Are they locked or just waiting to open with death and pain right behind them?

Only one way to find out. Try to open them.

Collect weapons, ammo and press buttons to make some doors unlock.

Sound simple? Well, it is – kinda.

You find yourself stuck somewhere in or around Ravenholm.

Fortunately, others have been before and left a sign where to go.

If you can stay alive long enough, you may escape.

For this mapping challenge, I would like you to create a map that is set in a Combine base. The map can start anywhere you like, either just outside a hidden base or just after you enter.
It’s your decision.

Once inside the base, you can have the player do anything you want – destroy or disable certain machinery, rescue a high-ranking Resistance leader or even just escape alive.

As much as I would love high or deep vertical areas, the base doesn’t have to be that way.

I am looking to be impressed by the base as much as I want to have a lot of fun fighting within it.

Ideally, there would be a WOW moment in the map somewhere.

Find entry to the area behind the Combine gates.

Kill all who stand in your way and then assassinate Breen.

Your work is then done for the day.

As you probably know, I haven’t played the Black Mesa mod and I haven’t yet purchased the retail version either.

I wanted to wait until it was finished before I played it, but with the probable release of SP maps for the retail version, my hope of waiting for a Steam Sale seems futile.

So that got me wondering how many people have or will play both versions. Of course, I know that some have, but I am curious about RTSL readers.

In fact, putting aside the issue of SP maps for the retail version, would you say the retail version is worth it?