One thing that really stood out was the use of music! Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant! I wish more single player mods were of this calibre.

p.s I registered this just to post this comment!

Like most people noticed already – it’s too short. But from what I understand it’s just one of many maps. Which makes little sense to me, releasing it this way. And this is probably the only reason why not to recommend it, yet, for people to play. I, myself, would rather have the whole package and not get the modification in small pieces. There is a break in the immersion, lowering the experience.

There are some minor issues. I had a autosave presenting me face-to-face with a combine. Not a nice way to get back in the game. Hehe. Also, on my way back I found it a lot harder. Maybe I used my weapons poorly or didn’t find the existing health packs, but for me it was hard when the backtracking started. The bridge scenario could have been portrayed better, I tried and failed.. I almost knew this would happen, but I also saw that I would make the jump and the bridge didn’t look THAT unstable. I was wrong. So for the upcoming version of the map I would suggest making the bridge animate or increase the gap. One last thing, doors that close themselves? It must be a optimization thing, otherwise, let the player open and close them. And I couldn’t close the door in the final encounter with the combines. I really wanted to, hehe.

As you can see, there are mostly minor issues. This is pure quality and if this modification was released as a full release I would most likely rate it highest possible score and recommend everyone to play it.

I will wait for all maps to be released, so I can play it over again and enjoy the whole adventure. Good job Magnar Jenssen, keep it up!

This map reminds me of HL 2 : The lost coast, though this one is better!

It really is a beautiful map, clearly made by professionals, with great gameplay and huge outdoor environments – wich I personaly like the most.

I hope there is more like this to come!

Good work!

This same guy made a tf2 map called arena_offblast that was included in a recent update!

Sorry I was so frustrated I didn’t thank the author, thanks dude, so far so good your mod :p

Some of the fights are a little claustrophobic (lots of narrow passages) and too obviously scripted yet fun nevertheless. I loved seeing combine soldiers using cover effectively.

Works more in terms of craftsmanship than through new content or originality, but a really, really good map. Ignoring poetic text-messages, this is Minerva-quality.

As for story in this mod, it’s almost non-existent. All of my favorite mods were great because of the stories. I feel this game could have benefited from an actual storyline. It seems these days Gordon is relegated to performing menial tasks. But I guess I should be used to this as well. I feel if this game had some sort of non-trivial story and maybe another map, it could be way better. However, I’d recommend it if you like HL2 style gameplay.

Regarding the questions to the author, only the obvious one ‘are we getting more’?

Which brings me to another question, if the author did release part 2 in time for 2009 HOF, do you now consider this a different entry?

This point puts the pans in the direct line of fire, it’s pretty cool seeing them spin around. Obviously the author put them there on purpose.

The next thing is the view point, with the yellow magnifying binoculars. Not only did I completely miss this the first time but I noticed that they can be used once and gives the player a view of the Jalopy.

Going back to my point earlier about seeing the Combine waiting in image 24, I used a rocket launcher to try and kill them. It was pretty fun becasue almost as soon as you shoot the rocket they spread out like a star.

I am sure there a plenty of other things I missed but I just wanted to mention those.

I emailed the author a few days ago with a request for an audio interview but I presume he has been recieving plenty of emails and maybe even job offers. Here’s hoping. If you ahev any questions you want me to ask him, please email them to me, in case he agrees.

You have to play this! Believe me, you won’t be dissappointed (as long as you like beautiful levels with interesting environments)
Can’t wait for the next level!