Nathan Bowden
Level Designer
Environment
This challenge allows the player to use environmental interaction for offense.
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It accomplishes this by presenting the player with an opportunity to dispatch an enemy using a pair of exploding barrels.
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Because the player only shoots straight ahead, they must jump down to the opposite side of the dumpster in order to engage the enemy directly. This exposes the player and gives the Combine soldier time to attack them.
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The pair of explosive barrels located on the catwalk above the soldier provides the player with another option. Shooting the barrels causes a giant explosion that not only destroys the crates on the catwalk, but also kills the soldier with the blast radius.
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This area allows the player to choose how to deal with the situation, and makes them feel clever for approaching the challenge in a nontraditional manner.
One of the design goals for this project was teaching the player about their ability to interact with physics objects in the environment.
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The layout of this area helps to guide the player. When the player walks to the right, they see an enemy for the first time.
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If the player reflexively presses either mouse button, their gun fires an energy ball toward the dumpster. The angle of the dumpster’s open lid deflects the ball upwards toward the explosive barrel.
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When the ball hits the barrel, the detonation destroys the boxes and throws debris around the area. This serves as both a wow moment and as an opportunity for the player to learn about the barrels, destructible objects, and finding ways to ricochet the energy ball.
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Concept and documentation for creation of alternate game mode
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Created level layout including player path, progression, and implementation in engine
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Implemented 2D platformer playstyle, bouncing ball mechanic, and animation state system using scripting
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Placed clutter meshes and decals to achieve aesthetics goals
Download
Game: Half Life 2: Episode Two
Engine: Source SDK
Genre: 2D Action Platformer
Development Time: 7 Weeks
Game Type: Single Player Mission