Bravado

for Black Mesa

31st May 2015

Jump to read the 48 comments   /   Leave a comment or review   /   Follow the comments RSS feed

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.

Basic Details
  • Title: Bravado
  • File Name: 449141574.vpk
  • Size : 34.4MB
  • Author: Jason Gimba
  • Date Released: 26 May 2015
Retail Version

This map was built for the retail version of Black Mesa. I do not know if it works with the mod version. For more information about this type of release, please see the Black Mesa Workshop section on the About page.

Download Options

View in Steam Workshop [34.4MB]

Source File

This package includes a single map and the source .vmf file (inside the .vpk).

Manual Installation Instructions

There are no manual install options for this release. It must be installed via the SUBSCRIBE button on the Steam workshop page.

Videos

The playthrough below is provided by Custom Gamer. See more of his playthroughs on this site: VP: Custom Gamer

Screenshots

WARNING: The screenshots contain spoilers.

1024 x 576

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1366 x 768

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1600 x 900

Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3
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Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Single Player First Person Shooter Maps and Mods for Half-Life 1, 2 and Episodes 1, 2 and 3
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Reader Recommendations
Avoid It!
Think Twice
Maybe
Play It Later
Play It Now!
11 recommendations, average score: 5 (out of 5), standard deviation: 0 (what's that?)
Total Downloads
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Meta Review Data
Statistics based on 10 comment(s) with meta review data.

Installed:
Using Gauge: Users
Manually: 10 Users
Time Taken:
Average: 0 Hours, 23 Mins
Shortest: 0 Hours, 10 Mins by 23-down
Longest: 0 Hours, 35 Mins by Hec
Total Time Played: 3 Hours, 45 Mins
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Black Mesa BM Maps Play
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Jump to a review
Phillip says Play It!Play It Now!Play It Now!Play It Now!Play It Now!Personal FavouritePlay It Now!Play It Now!Personal FavouritePersonal FavouritePersonal Favourite

48 Comments

  1. PlanetPhillip
    Phillip says Play It!

    This was a very interesting experience for me. I played this map BEFORE having played Black Mesa. I was a little worried about not fully understanding certain aspects which players who have played through the full game would take for granted. I needn’t have worried.

    Onto the map itself.

    Everything by Jason is worth playing and I thoroughly enjoyed this release. I have no doubt I missed some nuances but I did manage to catch sight of the G-man!

    The combat is evenly spread through the map but I found the Bravado squad very easy to deal with. I was lucky I suppose as I had heard the soldiers in the game were really tough.

    The final battle was doable but challenging. All in all a great way to start custom SP maps for Black Mesa and hope we see many more.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Easy
    Playtime:
    28 Minutes
    Reply
    1. Urby

      The grunts have been nerfed considerably in the retail release of Black Mesa. Having said that, custom SP maps for BMS is very exciting and I am definitely going to check this one out. Who knows, maybe this is a good excuse to get into source mapping.

      Reply
      1. PlanetPhillip

        I’ll probably run a BM Mapping Challenge later this year.

        Reply
        1. NitroHam

          Would be the perfect oportunity to get back into mapping.
          Realy enjoyed the mod.
          (Gotta buy the game first thou…. 4 Euros short. Sometimes i hate money.)

          Reply
  2. DjReplica

    I won’t be playing this masterpiece of a mod on the PayMesa sorry, I’ll check again in some years for the mod

    Reply
    1. PlanetPhillip

      I’ll be adding the mod to the site, but the free mod won’t change at all. So what is available now will be the same thing in a few years.

      Reply
      1. DjReplica

        It’s not that Phillip I think in few years time you will put the legacy version of the mod, but me buying PayMesa will be about some years later when the price is about 5-10 euros.

        Reply
        1. Leo Pride

          Maybe somebody pays for it and leaves an email on your YouTube account. 😉

          Reply
  3. Urby
    Play It Now!

    I guess I was expecting a little more grunt action in this map, especially based on the announcement at the very start. Either way, this was a really enjoyable little map and Jason has used the Black Mesa resources very well.

    The enemies that do make an appearance are used well and the gameplay makes me feel that this would have fit into the story between Office Complex and We’ve Got Hostiles.

    The mapping itself is a wonderful blend of Office Complex and Surface Tension.

    For one of the first SP maps released on the Black Mesa Workshop, this is an incredibly well built map. I hope to see more maps of this quality from Jason and other member of the mapping community.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    12 Minutes
    Reply
    1. Maki

      I went back and forth on whether or not there should have been a second HECU battle on the return trip, back in the lobby area at the start. I think most reviews lean in the direction that there should be one because, well, people love their grunts.

      But I had four reasons for not doing it. One, there’s no explanation for how they’d get there, other than implying that they rappelled down the walls or something. Two, the room wasn’t designed for combat, it was designed to set the mood, so there’s a lot of extraneous stuff laying around which would get in the way. Third, I felt it would distract from the intended goal, which was getting the RPG Launcher and fighting the Apache. And fourth – and maybe the most pertinent – I simply don’t enjoy HECU combat in Black Mesa. I think it’s really janky, without going into too much detail, and can be brutally difficult for all the wrong reasons.

      Reply
      1. Urby

        Hey, thanks for the response. Explanation makes sense. Excellent work. 😀

        Reply
  4. KH9l3b

    Maybe better to post this map on the site? Not all people have Steam and opportunity to download that mod.

    Reply
    1. Urby

      Then how would you even play it…? This is for the retail copy of Black Mesa.

      Reply
    2. PlanetPhillip

      If you don’t have Steam then you have a pirate copy, so I can’t help you.

      Reply
    3. Tabe12

      To be a PC gamer and not have steam is like being a painter without a paintbrush.

      Reply
  5. ihonnyboy
    Play It Now!

    What is there to say? A nice environment at the start, an atmospheric opening (I liked the scene with the dead scientists), custom military announcer dialog, tasteful use of Black Mesa aliens, cool visual effects, and a classic Jason Gimba loop. The ending chase is what really sold the map for me. The moment the two houndeyes ‘ported in–I don’t know how to describe it…it surprised me enough to grab my attention, and it highlighted the intensity of the situation. And than that adrenaline kept flowing when I heard the announcement about the soldier squad, and saw them silhouetted inside the elevator. For such a small space, Jason packs a lot of details and polish both visually and scripting wise, that help elevate the overall experience.

    Reply
  6. turbochris

    I’m in the process of installing Black Mesa, I subscribed to Bravado, now when Black mesa is installed, all I have to do is open this from the console?

    Reply
    1. Maki

      That is correct.

      Reply
  7. CK_The_Boss

    Hey Phillip! Will you be updating MapTap so it can run BMS mods and maps?

    Reply
    1. PlanetPhillip

      Yes, but there are a few things to consider:

      1. If the maps only work with the retail version and are only ever published via the workshop, then there is no need for MapTap to do anything.

      2. If they do work with the free mod but are only published via workshop, do I contact the authors and request permission to host them on RTSL?

      Reply
  8. Tabe12
    Play It Now!

    I wrote a review but I accidentily clicked it down so I’ll keep it short.

    This was really fun, altthough a bit too easy. The military knows what Freeman is capable of so I think they would send more than 1 squad. When you move through the offices to get to the panel was a bit too easy as well.

    Its nothing special but as the first map for a game, you should not aim too high. I look forward to any future releases.

    Reply
  9. 23-down
    Play It Now!

    Well this has been amazing to make it short…

    The mapping and the usage of the textures are all incredibly good! The author also made fantastic use of the numerous Black Mesa props. (models)
    The monster placement is solid and that map also arrives with few nice scripts (the classics: Aliens teleporting in, announcements etc.. This map does indeed feel as it could have been part of the official game.

    My only complaints in this case could be the fact that it was so short and perhaps that few more npc scenes wouldn’t have hurt either. You didn’t get to encounter just 1 Black Mesa employee. Anyway for the fact that this is the first proper map (there are 3,4 other sp maps by now but they’re all poorly made) my ultimate compliments and thanks to the author.

    Play it people you wont regret it even though it is short.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Hard
    Playtime:
    10 Minutes
    Reply
  10. Hec
    Personal Favourite

    Well this map probably suits into the Play it Now recommendation, but as is the first for BM I strongly feel it’s initiating a new era in the modding scene, and surely deserves a Personal Favorite, just to be the first.

    Besides, the quality is great, and though the combat is quite few and the mapping area is short, the whole pace of it fits just right.

    When I was playing the map, I couldn’t help in thinking how amazing BM is, and that all in all is a great opportunity for talented mappers as JG, to create fantastic stuff, I keep on exploring inside the map and, the layout of it is very neat, I really loved the realistic feeling of it.

    Also I have to say, that just to be able to play Bravado I bought BM, and I definitely don’t regret it.

    I only have to give thanks, and welcome this new BM modding opportunity.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    35 Minutes
    Reply
    1. crowbar

      “new era” hah.

      As long as everyone still keeps mapping for Episode 2, there is no new era 🙁
      I wish everyone would transition to Black Mesa.

      Reply
      1. Jamaicandave

        I think (and hope) once the game comes out of Early Access we might see an increase in custom maps.

        Additionally the developers tweek a lot each update, which can unbalance or out right break custom content. The workshop itself has also had numerous problems where mods either stop working or can’t be uploaded. This may be putting off potential modders.

        I believe not being able to upload is currently an issue. Personally this is a little annoying as I’ve finally managed (after many, many attempts) to complete my first map. It would be nice to put it up as:

        1) there’s not much in the way of custom single players maps

        2) it would be good to get feedback (I’m completely incapable of judging my own work)

        Reply
        1. PlanetPhillip

          If I am not mistaken, you can manualy isntall maps for BM, which means you can send it to me and I can make it availabel from here. Once uploads are re-enabled and you put it on the Steam workshop, I can redirect to that file instead of a local one.

          Reply
          1. Jamaicandave

            Ok, I’ve had a go at sending you my map using the Submit tab.

            Reply
        2. Maki

          The developer tweaks definitely break non-map things, like weapon mods and skins. But for maps, they don’t seem to change much at all from one patch to the next. And of the things that do – I didn’t even bother to implement the CSG shadows in Bravado because they were too glitchy and not worth it.

          I believe the lack of Black Mesa maps is based on two factors. One, the general lack of activity for Source in general right now, and two, a malaise toward Black Mesa’s gameplay mechanics.

          Right now, Bravado is probably one of my most played releases. A new Black Mesa map would be a completely logical step, but I can’t change the fact that I fundamentally don’t care for Black Mesa’s gameplay and the things they’ve changed from HL1.

          Additionally, even if you had a cool map idea, some of the more interesting NPCs have a disappointing lack of flexibility, like the Tentacle who bangs its head against three levels of floor even if they don’t exist, or the Icky that swims around like a drunk and ignores enemyfinders and UpdateEnemyMemory.

          Reply
  11. DaZ
    Play It Now!

    A short and sweet map that does just about everything right. It’s another great example from Jason of how to execute a “backtracking” map correctly.

    I like how the outdoor and indoor areas are connected by windows in key locations, it has obviously been very carefully thought about by the author so that the gameplay works the areas play differently on the way in and on the way out.

    Only issues I had were the magically locking red double doors without an explanation once the gunship activates and an opportunity for another squad of grunts in the return journey. The push into the helicopter at the end could have been bread crumbed slightly better also, as I was hesitant to do so without knowing where more rpg ammo would be.

    Play it!

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    20 Minutes
    Reply
  12. Maki

    Updated to version 1.1. Check out the Change Notes on Steam for a full breakdown of updates.

    The response to the level has been positive and widespread. With over 1,500 total subscribers and 154/156 positive ratings, shoutouts from the Black Mesa team itself, and numerous playthrough videos (including Daz’s), I’m humbled by the response so far.

    Reply
  13. blaukanal

    Ahm.. I’m afraid being on the wrong turn, anyone can help me? Followed the instructions but nothing happend. Logged in on steam workshop, subscribed, launched BM, opened console and typed map bm_bravado with enter, what else.
    Not surprised that nothing happened cause nothing was downloaded. So where is the potato in my tube?

    Reply
    1. Maki

      There’s definitely a bit of lag between Subscribing and actually getting the content. I’m not sure what triggers the download, but you might want to restart Steam or the game.

      (Also, Steam Workshop isn’t the most stable platform in the world. It goes off-line quite often, in fact, so you may literally want to just try again after a bit).

      Reply
      1. blaukanal

        Meanwhile I’ve been a few times/few hours online, logged in my account and in steamcommunity, subscribe-button is active, nothing happened. Could it have something to do with the settings of my computer, firewall, antivirus software, what else?

        Reply
        1. Maki

          If you launch BM and try to run the map, what does it say? Map not found?

          Reply
          1. blaukanal

            Console says:
            CModelLoader::Map_IsValid: No such map ‘maps/bm_bravado.bsp’
            map load failed: bm_bravado not found or invalid

            That’s not surprising, I didn’t notice any download-activity, no bravado-file is found on the harddrive.
            Maybe I’ve the wrong version of Black Mesa?

            Reply
            1. Maki

              This is for the retail version of Black Mesa (not the mod version) and is confirmed to work with the most recent patch.

              Reply
              1. blaukanal

                Bought retail Black Mesa, bravado works. Thanks for patient commenting:-)

                Reply
                1. PlanetPhillip

                  Glad to hear it’s working. Hope you enjoy it.

                  Reply
  14. mush

    I really enjoyed this map. Why?

    –> It’s for Black Mesa, which I LOVE!

    –> Very well laid out. I think someone already pointed out how well the different parts of the map integrate so well with each other.

    –> Very visually attractive and immersive.

    The one and only downside? Too short. And by that I simply mean I was left drooling over the thought of what the creator (Jason Gimba) could’ve done with more time!

    All in all, a great bit of fun. REALLY excited about seeing more Black Mesa maps!!!

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    25 Minutes
    Reply
  15. Bastion
    Play It Now!

    I loved this map, since communications detour I’ve been hunting down more BM maps to play and this one delivers.

    Level wise the map is designed very well, its well contained and loops around appropriately with good pacing throughout. Its quite short but I feel it is as long as it needed to be, head in, deal with the security systems and get back on your way, simple!

    Visually the map is done seriously well, great level of polish to the map and it was great to look at, lighting was strong and the prop work was strong, nothing felt out of place and it really did give me a strong feeling of Black Mesa that other maps somewhat lack at times.

    The map was not too challenging, the chopper at the end provided the biggest difficulty as the ammo was on the other end of the catwalks, so you had to run outside to get to it. Wish there was more work put into the difficulty, may have to replay it on hard to get a stronger feel for this.

    Overall though its a good map, I’ll likely play it a few more times after this.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    15 Minutes
    Reply
  16. RobosergTV

    I wanted to do a letsplay of it, but I dont have the retail version of BMS, only the free mod from steam. Will the map run with the free mod? If so, where can I download the map? “Subscribing” for the map doesnt download it, since I dont have the retail copy of BMS

    Reply
    1. Zekiran

      So far as I can tell, none of these actually run on the freebie version, they’re designed specifically for the engine-changed Pay version. Disappointing to me, to say the least, as I don’t feel like buying an unfinished mod.

      Reply
  17. BrEEn's_Executioner 12-0-3

    It doesn’t work, moving on. I hate Steam in a way since they want money and only certain crappy mods are freebies.

    Reply
    1. PlanetPhillip

      What goes wrong. This should work as it’s hosted on Steam.

      Reply
    2. Maki

      Originally, the user posted that the game “Couldn’t find map” when he tried to load it. This sounded similar to complaints above when people try to use the free version of Black Mesa, which Bravado is not compatible with, so the complaint that “They only want money” makes me think the user tried to load it on the free version and got frustrated when it didn’t work.

      Bravado has over 4,000 subs at this point and I still get positive feedback once a week or so. If it’s failing to load, no one else appears to be having this problem. Without further details, I can’t do anything about it.

      Reply
  18. mickie50
    Personal Favourite

    First post on the site. Half-Life Fanboy since launch in 1999.
    This is tremendously well laid out map.
    Even for something so short this was thoroughly enjoyable.
    The general pacing and enemy placement was second to non.
    Loved the Chopper fight at the end.
    An excellent map.
    I enjoyed a full beer while playing this. Good times.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    25 Minutes
    Reply
  19. JamaicanDave
    Personal Favourite

    Bravado was the first custom single player map I tried for Black Mesa and almost three years later it’s still my favourite. It’s a highly polished segment of Black Mesa action that contains a little bit of everything in a beautifully constructed and atmospheric environment. This map served as a significant inspiration when making my own single player maps and I still enjoy replaying it to this day.

    It takes place in an office complex built into the side of a canyon. There’s a short tram ride followed by exploration of the office interiors as the player searches for a means to re-enable the track, which the military have locked down. It’s well paced, gradually introducing the player to a variety of enemies, all of whom are introduced in an interesting manner. The map is littered with little details and environmental storytelling, accompanied by an array of sounds and well-chosen music that gives the entire level an engaging, authentic feel. Once the lock down is disengaged the action ramps up as the military arrive forcing the player to dash back through the complex, fighting hostiles along the way whilst trying to avoid fire from a chopper outside. The map concludes with a satisfying showdown with the chopper before hopping back on the tram and escaping.

    This is a terrific map everyone should play and I personally feel would make a great ‘demo’ level for the Black Mesa game.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    25 Minutes
    Reply
  20. Warno21
    Personal Favourite

    Completely stunning !

    I’m currently testing many Black Mesa maps in order to progress in Hammer mapping.
    Bravado is one of my favorite custom map.
    Moreover, Jason Gimba (the mapper) is currently my Hammer hero !
    I’ve spent a lot of time just looking the beauty of the map and the epicness of the Hammer source.

    For me, there are all the Half Life 1 flavors :
    – an introduction in the tram
    – a Gman Easter egg
    – the beauty of Black Mesa (indoor and outdoor)
    – the thrill of the scientists fate
    – a good rythm between exploration (most contemplation for me) and fast fight
    – the well-balanced fights against military and aliens
    – the epic final fight

    This could be an official chapter of the game !

    Moreover, the map is now available in the Black Mesa Workshop on Steam for an easy installation, just like the two others Jason’s maps.
    (I’ve checked manually installation just to not check Gauge)

    Hope you got it, don’t miss this !

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    30 Minutes
    Reply

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  • SPOILER: <span class="spoiler">TEXT HERE</span>