EscapeVille – Map Labs Test Tube #18

for Half-Life 2: Episode Two

3rd September 2022

Jump to read the 13 comments   /   Leave a comment or review   /   Follow the comments RSS feed

Another never-used Ville theme from the old Hammer Cup days! Here is EscapeVille, where the mappers were asked to create a map about escaping – which is pretty open to interpretation if you think about it.

I’m happy to present the final release in the Hammer Cup – scores and prizes coming soon! Here are 12 entries including 4 bonus maps – enjoy the escape!

This is the third and final challenge in the Hammer Cup 2022.

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.

Basic Details
  • Title: EscapeVille
  • Filename: sdk-2013-sp-mlc-escapeville.7z
  • Size : 556 MB
  • Author: Kanishka, Radial, Ellent, WALLe PL, Tiop, Jean Knapp AKA XBLAH, Caleb West AKA CW3D, Coralilac, Fodderstompf, Sitkinator, Matt71490 AKA Event Horizon, Duck
  • Date Released: 3 September 2022

Download Options

Download to your HD [556 MB]

Manual Installation Instructions
  • Make sure you have the Upcoming branch of the Source SDK Base 2013 Singleplayer installed in Steam and run at least once. (Properties – Betas – select upcoming from the dropdown list).
  • Copy the escapeville, mapbase_shared, mapbase_hl2, and mapbase_episodic folders into your SourceMods folder.
  • Restart or start Steam.
  • EscapeVille should now be listed in your Library tab.

Reviewing

If you decide to use the Per-Map Opinion Images, feel free to use the file below as a template:

EscapeVille-Review-Template.txt

Entries

Listed as they are displayed in the mod itself:

A Friendly Reminder by Kanishka (bonus map)
Industrialisation by Radial
Derail by Ellent
Dark Light by WALLe PL (bonus map)
The Knot by Tiop
Combine Supermax by Jean Knapp AKA XBLAH
PATH TO SALVATION by Caleb West AKA CW3D
Liberation by Coralilac
TheDirt by Fodderstompf (bonus map)
Explon by Sitkinator (bonus map)
Moving On by Matt71490 AKA Event Horizon
Ocean Lab by Duck

Community Poll

Time for you to share your thoughts! Vote for your top 3 maps from EscapeVille. Poll closes 23rd September 2022.

What are your top 3 EscapeVille maps?

  • Ocean Lab by Duck (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Moving On by Matt71490 AKA Event Horizon (2%, 2 Votes)
  • Explon by Sitkinator (bonus map) (0%, 0 Votes)
  • TheDirt by Fodderstompf (bonus map) (18%, 17 Votes)
  • Liberation by Coralilac (4%, 4 Votes)
  • PATH TO SALVATION by Caleb West AKA CW3D (31%, 29 Votes)
  • Combine Supermax by Jean Knapp AKA XBLAH (27%, 25 Votes)
  • The Knot by Tiop (3%, 3 Votes)
  • Dark Light by WALLe PL (bonus map) (10%, 9 Votes)
  • Derail by Ellent (1%, 1 Votes)
  • Industrialisation by Radial (2%, 2 Votes)
  • A Friendly Reminder by Kanishka (bonus map) (0%, 0 Votes)

Total Voters: 39

Loading ... Loading ...

Winners and Points

Here are the top three places. Scores from all non-bonus entrants count toward The Hammer Cup 2022 scores as well.

  1. First: PATH TO SALVATION by Caleb West AKA CW3D: 93.3 Points
  2. Second: Combine Supermax by Jean Knapp AKA XBLAH: 91.7 Points
  3. Third: Liberation by Coralilac: 79.2 Points

Full details of all the points can be found on The Hammer Cup 2022 Scores Spreadsheet.

Screenshots

WARNING: The screenshots contain spoilers.
Each map has 5 screenshots.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Reader Recommendations
Avoid It!
Think Twice
Maybe
Play It Later
Play It Now!
6 recommendations, average score: 4.83 (out of 5), standard deviation: 0.14 (what's that?)
Total Downloads
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Meta Review Data
Statistics based on 5 comment(s) with meta review data.

Installed:
Using Gauge: Users
Manually: 5 Users
Time Taken:
Average: 1 Hours, 15 Mins
Shortest: 0 Hours, 45 Mins by Wibble
Longest: 1 Hours, 51 Mins by ArctixSnowPup
Total Time Played: 6 Hours, 16 Mins
Categories (?)
Half-Life 2: Ep2 HL2-EP2 Mods Mapbase Play SDK 2013
Tags (?)
Collections (?)
Wibble has Played
If you believe this release is missing important tags, please suggest them in a comment?
Jump to a review
Play It Now!Play It LaterPlay It Now!Play It Now!Play It Now!Play It Now!

13 Comments

  1. ArctixSnowPup
    Play It Now!
    A Friendly Reminder (bonus map) by Kanishka
    It is okay

    This map only took me about 1 minute to beat. It’s very short, but it has a good meaning: GO TOUCH GRASS.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 3/10
    30% sounds like a good way to put it. It’s not bad. It’s really not. It’s just so short and boxy.

    Visuals 2/10
    I may be biased for games with a higher triangle count, but I didn’t really care much for the dev_texture and strong bright/dark lights.

    Gameplay: 2/10
    Hop, skip, and jump your way to the end of the map. Don’t fall off!

    Final Score: 7/30 – 23%

    Final Comments: Play it. It’s a whole few minutes long. It’s straight forward and simple.

    Industrialisation by Radial
    It is good

    This map has a lot going for it. I knew what to expect since I did play test this one. I will try to not be too bias.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 6.5/10
    A solid start to a tightly packed cityscape. Brush work was all there, but it lacked that style that really made me feel like I was in the back alleyways of C17.

    Visuals 6.5/10
    Not too much to look at. There were props and debris like I’d typically expect in a nighttime C17 map. The second half was more polished in my opinion than the first. I felt like I was in the maintenance tunnels below the city.

    Gameplay: 6.5/10
    Here is where I start having issues. It’s a solid start to a map, but I got really confused just before the door that suddenly closed on me. I actually got turned around and didn’t really remember where I needed to go. The ending is quite abrupt.

    Final Score: 19.5/30 – 65%%
    Final Comments: It took me only about 8 minutes to complete it, so any confusion I may have had did not hinder my ability to complete it in a timely manner.

    Derail by Ellent
    It is good

    This map was cut short due to some problems beyond their control. I understand, and will be honest when I say that truly, this map is pretty good. Lots of CSS assets, but that didn’t hinder my view on the map.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 7.5/10
    A solid office design usually found in a typical css map. The loading docks were pretty spot on too. Tight hallways, but still room for detail and quick movement.

    Visuals 7.5/10
    Lots to look at. Not quite eye-candy, but it kept me from feeling like I was just staring at the same boring textures again. There are some minor details that could be worked on, but far from the worst I’ve seen

    Gameplay: 6.5/10
    Here is where I start having issues again. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I was just waking up still, but it took me just about 5 minutes to find the first door. I wasn’t mad, but disappointed in myself for not finding it sooner. Maybe put an extra light or something to lead the way. Other than that, very standard gameplay. I wasn’t expecting the hunters to spawn, but they are easily avoided.

    Final Score: 21.5/30 – 71.6%
    Final Comments: It took me only about 5 minutes to complete it ONCE I found the door lmao (10 minutes total).

    Dark Light (bonus map) by WALLe PL
    It is good

    I wasn’t expecting this kind of map, but I did enjoy it till the end. One thing I want to mention is holy shit that light was bright at the end.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 7/10
    I felt like I was in a prison for sure. Standard Nova Proskect prison with lots of overgrowth.

    Visuals 5/10
    I had a very hard time seeing what I was looking at. I really couldn’t make much sense of quite a few things. That being said, I think the overgrowth was a good idea. The only thing that really stood out to me is that nice red glow that one of the lights had.

    Gameplay: 6/10
    No fighting, just a few puzzles to solve. I really don’t know what else to say here. I definitely enjoyed it.

    Final Score: 21.5/30 – 60%
    Only took me about 7 minutes to complete it. Play it. It’s really enjoyable despite the darkness (which is kinda the point of the whole map to be fair)

    The Knot by Tiop
    It is bad

    “Ok, so…” is not a very good way to start this review, but… well.. it’s kinda bad to be honest. Maybe it’s just me, but the mapper could definitely use some more practice creating a rich environment.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 2/10
    Lots of dev textures and dev rooms. To clarify what I mean by a dev room is an almost square/rectangular room that’s nothing but dev textures and a few notable entities being used independently. In this case it’s a smoke particle.

    Visuals 2/10
    I had a very hard time understanding what I was seeing. There wasn’t much color until the halfway mark.

    Gameplay: 4/10
    I kinda enjoyed the concept of this map, but it took me a moment to realize I needed to walk to the other side of the room to actually start.

    Final Score: 8/30 – 26%
    Probably the longest map yet, clocking in at 12 minutes of gameplay. If you really want to play them all, I’d give this one a chance. It’s not that bad.

    Combine Supermax by Jean Knapp AKA XBLAH
    It is WOW!

    HOLY SHIT, XBLAH! You did it again. This map is damn good.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 10/10
    100% love this map. The world feels so alive. The walls are tall, the hallways are narrow. Just everything about it feels right.

    Visuals 10/10
    I may be biased for games with high quality textures and fancy models, but the intro blew me away. It feels so alive. I’m at a loss of words.

    Gameplay: 7/10
    This could’ve been a perfect map. One of the best I’ve yet rated, but in my final moments of escaping (yes, I really did feel like I escaped on this one). I just could not beat those laser drones . I got stuck. I quick saved at the worst moment because I didn’t notice them arriving as the doors were closing on the hunters . I ended up getting out of it, but that damn wheel wouldn’t turn fast enough before my health was just sucked away. Oh. It was so good though until that last moment. I really hope other players don’t do what I did and just stand there while the enemy just vaporizes me.

    Final Score: 27/30 – 90%

    Final Comments: You have to play this one. At least play this one if nothing else.

    PATH TO SALVATION by Caleb West AKA CW3D
    It is WOW!

    This map is FIRE, CW3D! You did it again. This map hands down the best I’ve ever played.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 9/10
    This really felt like a new valve citadel level. The brush work blew me away. Everything felt so perfect.

    Visuals 10/10
    Where do I begin? The lighting? The audio? The fucking title sequence? Everything was just so damn perfect. I was praying to God that there was more to that after the title faded out. AND THERE WAS!

    Gameplay: 10/10
    There isn’t any fighting, but I think this map is the first ever I 100% enjoyed till the bittersweet end. I don’t want to say too much, because I want to leave players just begging to play it. I have to say this map blew my mind. THIS WAS IN SOURCE?!

    Final Score: 30/30 – 100%

    Final Comments: Personal Favorite.

    (part two of my comment is coming tomorow morning. I’ve been typing and revising for just about 2 hours now and I really gotta go to bed. I hope this isn’t too long.)

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    1 Hour, 51 Minutes
    Reply
  2. Anon_1940865

    Sucks that Map Labs have abandoned Linux users

    Reply
  3. ArctixSnowPup
    Liberation by Coralilac
    It is great!

    This is a great hl2 escape the prison map. Definitely worth a play.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 8/10
    I was impressed by the brushwork. It’s almost like it was ripped right from hl2 and molded to better fit the idea the creator had in mind. Everything felt like it was right where it needed to be.

    Visuals 8/10
    The visuals aren’t quite eye-candy levels, but it feels like this creator really knew what they wanted to do, and stuck with it till the end of the entry.

    Gameplay: 8/10
    I really wish the creator had a chance to do more with this entry. I think with more time, it could be extended to include antlions. It would be a great addition in my opinion. Other than that, I really enjoyed this entry.

    Final Score: 24/30 – 80%
    Final Comments: Play it. It’s your standard valve type prison escape with a unique twist at the end.

    TheDirt by Fodderstompf (bonus map)
    It is great!

    This is an amazing map. I really don’t know what the theme is called other than calling it a steampunk entry. It’s really unique and worth a play. There is even a twist on the standard pistol!

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 8/10
    I was impressed by the brushwork and the custom models. I got a little lost, but that’s to be expected since I was too busy just gazing at the giant octopus in the middle.

    Visuals 8/10
    The visuals are eye-candy. That’s a guarantee. Especially in one of the “rooms”. 😉 I’ve never seen a map / entry quite like this one. I loved the steampunk-like models and a bit of a modern twist on it too.

    Gameplay: 8/10
    Ok. So….. (I did it again, sorry). This level is unique in the sense that there is a puzzle I’ve never encountered before. Maybe I don’t remember, or maybe I’ve never played a map that already had this, but the puzzle was… long. THIS IS BECAUSE YOU CAN AND I QUOTE Turn the wooden beam in the center. Once I figured that out. Everything was that much easier. I finished it in record time after I learned that.

    Final Score: 24/30 – 80%
    Final Comments: Play it. It’s amazing.

    Explon by Sitkinator (bonus map)
    It is okay

    This map is definitely a beginner map, and it’s a bit rough around the edges, but it’s still a great map to check out.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 6/10
    I wasn’t too impressed with the brush work, but playing what I got didn’t let me down. I felt like I was in an apartment and I was trapped.

    Visuals 6/10
    The visuals are not eye-candy. That’s a guarantee, but it wasn’t the worst I’ve ever seen.

    Gameplay: 6/10
    Ok. So….. (I did it again, sorry). It’s the same puzzle each time, but with a twist. No suit or weapons.

    Final Score: 18/30 – 60%
    Final Comments: Play it. It’s alright.

    Moving On by Matt71490 AKA Event Horizon
    It is okay

    I feel this map. I am also stuck with no new ideas.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 4/10
    The first half is not very good, but the second half is a lot better. I really enjoyed the brush work on the second half. I escaped C17.

    Visuals 2/10
    Maybe it’s just me, but I never enjoyed the bright flashing photos on the GLaDOS screen, but I really disliked the ones here. It just felt so obscure and unnecessary. I tried to slow it down to see what the photos were when typing this out but I really didn’t understand them.

    Gameplay: 4/10
    Ok. So….. this level has a strong second half, but a weak first. I get that you’re trying to tell a story, and I really feel that, but I didn’t enjoy it.

    Final Score: 10/30 – 30%

    Final Comments: I understand what you are going through. It’s ok.

    Ocean Lab by Duck
    It is great!

    I love this map. It’s got a lot going for it. I really felt trapped in here and the escape was glorious.

    Score Sheet

    Usage of space and world brushes: 8/10
    It felt tight, but spacious enough to accommodate the player in a battle. The doors were classic beta-style Kraken Base. I love undersea themes and this really hit the mark.

    Visuals 7.5/10
    I really feel like visuals could be improved for sure, but hardly anything annoying or wrong with them. Some more polish could go a long way. (I also don’t remember if I saw any particles or not). The ending was glorious. Especially with the explosion at the end.

    Gameplay: 7.5/10
    I nearly died in the engine/reactor room, but it wasn’t annoying. I just needed to get gud. Which I did and it was fun all the way to the end of the entry. Doors could be a bit wider, but eh. I didn’t find them too annoying.

    Final Score: 23/30 76.6%

    Final Comments: Got some strong SOMA vibes from this. Loved it.

    Reply
  4. Gilbert

    Combine Supermax crashes everytime on loading with a “ED_Alloc: no free edicts”

    Reply
    1. ArctixSnowPup

      Do you have SDK2013 set to -upcoming?

      Reply
      1. Gilbert

        Yes, I have: https://imgur.com/h37Ibmy.png

        Reply
        1. Unq

          From checking with a couple others, it sounds like the crash mostly happens when saving/loading a game, is that when it crashes for you too?

          Reply
          1. Gilbert

            indeed: when I try to load a saved game

            Reply
  5. TheLastBear
    Play It Later

    Awesome stuff! I’m glad to see so many entries for this ‘Ville!

    Overall, I think this theme lent itself to straightforward ideas – most maps were some variant of “run away from X” or “get out of Y”, with even the more lofty interpretations still incorporating some sort of physical “escape”.

    I give the pack overall a “Play Later” as while the ‘Ville format itself gives a great play experience, there was nothing in this lineup that really wowed me on a technical or artistic level (not to say there weren’t some great maps).

    A Friendly Reminder by Kanishka
    It is okay

    What? I just sat down! The reminder should have been at the end of the pack, hah! A simple map, though I appreciate the effort put into (as far as I can tell) using the same space and not teleporting the player to another space.

    Industrialisation by Radial
    It is okay

    An OK run-and-gun map, though I didn’t feel like I was “escaping” – a missed opportunity for BacktrackVille, perhaps? I didn’t get the end either – is sewer spooky? Decent sized map, which helped the space feel more organic.

    Derail by Ellent
    It is okay

    Derailed all right – there was a vent that either couldn’t open or I was too stupid to figure out. Otherwise it would have been an alright map, the first one so far where I actually felt I was trying to “escape”. Nice amount of props breathing life into the space, too.

    Dark Light by WALLe PL
    It is good

    It’s a shame there wasn’t more to this, as I could easily see a bigger map being made out of the overall idea. Great job making such an oppressive atmosphere – I hated it (I’m not a fan of scary maps).

    The Knot by Tiop
    It is good

    I actually enjoyed playing this, and especially enjoyed the gameplay experience. The play on the escape theme was interesting if a little hamfisted. Hard themes are always tough to show without coming off as a bit cringe, so good on making the effort.

    Combine Supermax by XBLAH
    It is great!

    Great map that suits the theme perfectly, and it was a pleasure to play. The level design was top notch as well, was never in doubt as to where I needed to go. A top 3 entry for me.

    PATH TO SALVATION by CW3D (Caleb West)
    It is WOW!

    Amazing map, I can’t believe this wasn’t a bonus entry. The gameplay was a bit simple but the theme, concept and absolutely banging intro makes this the pick of the pack for me.

    Liberation by Coralilac
    It is okay

    Another run-and-gun map, my favourite part was the “puzzle” with the zombine (the environmental cues were obviously deliberate and welcomed). I would have liked to see some more visual candy to make the level less drab – especially since the Nova Prospect aesthetic is particularly uninspiring.

    TheDirt by Fodderstompf
    It is great!

    The third pick of the pack for me, this was a visually stunning map even by bonus entry standards. The aesthetic was interesting, the gameplay was varied and the puzzles were appreciated. Great work.

    Explon by Sitkinator
    It is good

    I liked this map, most of all for the technical work that went into it. Make sure in the future you ensure that players can’t get stuck – the third puzzle gets hard if you don’t solve it before the flare expires.

    Moving On by Matt71490 AKA Event Horizon
    It is okay

    Maybe it’s just me but there’s been a recent uptick in maps where the message is “woe is me as a Source map maker” – are you guys OK? Don’t think your work isn’t appreciated; I recently tried to teach myself mapping and, uh…let’s not talk about how that went. Map itself was meh except for the first room – I wouldn’t mind a museum-style map where a mapper showcases his/her prior work.

    Ocean Lab by Duck
    It is good

    This was a pretty fun map, and another one that hit the theme for me. It definitely caught the claustrophobic and maze-like atmosphere of an underwater facility (presumably, of course, since I have never actually been in an underwater facility). I think the visuals were a bit repetitive, but I see some effort’s gone in to ensuring the player doesn’t get lost.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    1 Hour
    Reply
  6. Coralilac
    Play It Now!

    Overall, this Ville was quite good, with a lot of varied maps and some that really stand out, so I’d say it’s worth a play.

    A Friendly Reminder by Kanishka
    It is okay

    A short and simple little map. I appreciate the effort put in to making the visuals a bit more interesting with the contrasting colours, but nothing really else to say.

    Industrialisation by Radial
    It is good

    So many crates and barrels! The visual detail was lacking a bit here, especially in the outdoor sections, but the gameplay worked well and there was some good exploration while hunting for the extra supply crates.

    Derail by Ellent
    It is good

    A decent map, but felt like it was cut a bit short. The environments looked nice, but seemed like different areas stitched together instead of a real place, going from warehouse to office to hospital in about 5 minutes.

    Dark Light by WALLe PL
    It is great!

    Loved the atmosphere in this one, spooky and intriguing. This might actually be the best dark map I’ve seen in source. I thought I’d have to turn my brightness up at first, but you were able to see everything you needed to despite the pitch-black darkness and I had no trouble with navigation.

    The Knot by Tiop
    It is okay

    I get the story the map was trying to tell now, but was definitely a bit confused up until about halfway through. There also wasn’t really an indicator what things you were supposed to throw in the fire- I was able to guess easily enough but a hint of some sort would be nice.

    Combine Supermax by XBLAH
    It is WOW!

    A very well-made map. The environment was great (even if it was raining inside a couple of times)- climbing the outside of the facility looking over the ocean gave me a sense of awe. The combat was well-designed and when the combat stopped, the map managed to keep its pace with the hunters chasing you.

    PATH TO SALVATION by CW3D (Caleb West)
    It is WOW!

    This was incredible, it was like a movie I could play. The camera, lighting and sound work- even the facial expressions on the stalker were superb. While the gameplay was simple, it was still unique, and the story was great to experience. Possibly my favourite!

    TheDirt by Fodderstompf
    It is great!

    Very unique environment with some seriously impressive visuals and brushwork, don’t think I’ve seen anything like it before. It had some well-designed combat sequences and that power puzzle was a nice break from it. Also, bonus points for having a little extra interaction with picking up the crowbar, I love when maps do that.

    Explon by Sitkinator
    It is okay

    Playing this reminded me of old Gmod horror maps, especially when I ran straight into a shadowy black NPC who stood around awkwardly for a couple seconds before disappearing. The puzzles were pretty simple, but had a well-executed difficulty progression. Also, I’d avoid using that soundscape in future, it gets very annoying after a while.

    Moving On by Matt71490 AKA Event Horizon
    It is good

    Well, that was a bit depressing. Personally I still love the games and the maps people make for them, but I know some people have become tired of it and the map captures that well.

    Ocean Lab by Duck
    It is good

    A pretty good map, with some fun gameplay only lacking in a couple spots (those two shotgunners might have been a bit too cruel) Some soundscapes might have helped improve the ambience of the map, the only background sounds were the creaks and groans on a timer, which got a bit grating after a while.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    1 Hour, 10 Minutes
    Reply
  7. Wibble
    Play It Now!

    Good collection of maps with some really great ones in here.

    Industrialisation
    It is okay

    Good music but the map was a bit big and barren with some cool visuals.

    Combine Supermax
    It is great!

    Great map with a cool aesthetic and narrative. This was my second favourite map.

    Derail
    It is okay

    Short but detailed map, I haven’t got a whole lot to say about this one however because there unfortunately wasn’t anything memorable about it.

    Dark Light
    It is good

    Short but really good, spooky atmosphere. Wish this one was longer.

    The Knot
    It is bad

    A map about domestic violence complete with Bible quotes. Not a terrible map but its just not for me.

    Path to Salvation
    It is WOW!

    I’ve got to admit this one I really enjoyed despite there being little gameplay. I don’t want to spoil anything but its just a short map with a well presented narrative.

    Liberation
    It is okay

    Its a decent Nova Prospekt map with running and gunning. Cool Zombine ‘puzzle’ I haven’t seen before.

    TheDirt
    It is good

    TheDirt has some unique visuals for a Half-Life map but I felt a bit aimless at the end.

    Explon
    It is okay

    Short map with a simple but I suppose interesting puzzle.

    Moving On
    It is okay

    Short but relatively funny and I suppose sad map.

    Ocean Lab
    It is good

    Simple run and gun map that I actually enjoyed quite a bit. The electricity ‘trap’ was a bit unclear at first as I ran into it thinking it was a teleport and I instantly died.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    45 Minutes
    Reply
  8. Captain Crap
    Play It Now!

    Alright let’s get this over with by reviewing entries one by one.

    A Friendly Reminder by Kanishka
    It is okay

    Not bad for a visual and map design but the gameplay, it’s meh. Just move forward, jump, that’s about it.

    Industrialisation by Radial
    It is good

    This run and gun entry is quite good but unfortunately it ends anticlimactically. I was hoping to see more contents of this.

    Derail by Ellent
    It is good

    It’s fine but the fact that the game forces you to run defeats the purpose of having a handgun at first. Why not just run unarmed?

    Dark Light by WALLe PL
    It is okay

    I don’t like horror but I’m not gonna rank this unfairly because of it.

    The Knot by Tiop
    It is okay

    Level design looks like a generic early hl2 maps by putting random stuffs in it. While running away from the citizen is enough for the gameplay, the story is meh. Then there are bibles, what if I’m an atheist? Like really, who cares about bible verses and Christian moral lessons?

    Combine Supermax by XBLAH
    It is WOW!

    The best of the best in my opinion. The design of the prison looks really perfect in mind. The location also makes sense the fact that you are in the prison. Now speaking of prison, the “escape” is what I enjoy the most.

    PATH TO SALVATION by CW3D (Caleb West)
    It is great!

    Not much of a gameplay other than being Cyclops lasering the consoles. But the content sure makes it interesting, cutscenes, and level design.

    Liberation by Coralilac
    It is okay

    Generic run and gun map other than the puzzle at the first. I have nothing more to say when it comes to this, it’s just bland.

    TheDirt by Fodderstompf
    It is WOW!

    This matches with Combine Supermax to me. The visuals, level design, gameplay, a perfection. It may be short but at least you might wanna waste your time appreciating the environment of the map.

    Explon by Sitkinator
    It is okay

    Another horror… I don’t like horror alright but still, I can’t rate this map unfair again. Although the puzzles do look interesting at least.

    Moving On by Matt71490 AKA Event Horizon
    It is good

    Visuals look a little bit interesting like it’s a museum. Now for gameplay, I can’t say much about it. I’m not entirely sure if it is recycled or not.

    Ocean Lab by Duck
    It is bad

    The only map I didn’t enjoy. Instant kill electricity, a generic run and gun, I got real tired after playing the last two run and gun entries.

    Summary

    Of course, I was hoping XBLAH would win this one because of Combine Supermax. That is far my personal favorite entry in this mod.

    Reply
  9. Hec
    Play It Now!

    To be this regular map lab launch we sadly are getting used to seeing here in RTSL, this one was OK.

    It is a neat “escape” concept, that brings cool combat entries which were not that long. To me, the one entry I enjoyed the most was The Dirt, and that reflexive couple or intra-familiar violence entry also was a cool way to make conscious about violence in relationships, so I guess it deserved the winning place.

    Overall a nice map lab though each time I play one after another map lab thing the most I miss stand-alone mods, I guess I’ll give it a break soon.

    Installed:
    Manually
    Difficulty Played At:
    Medium
    Playtime:
    1 Hour, 30 Minutes
    Reply

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