I just gave this level a test drive and here are some of my thoughts:
- Branching paths at the start of the level left me a little confused. For example, the path to the right dropping down onto the faith plate suggests you need that extra momentum to reach higher... but the plate sends you the same distance if you were to jump onto it from the ground. Perhaps the intention was to make the player aware of the faith plate by encouraging them to jump down onto it, in which case maybe think about making this the only entry into the puzzle area so players don't miss out on this.
- No use of the portal gun. I didn't have to use any portals during the level and maybe this was the intention but with portals being the main mechanic of the game, it would be good to see them utilized somehow.
- No introductions to puzzle mechanics. Maybe this is just my rusty knowledge of portal 2 but I wasn't sure what some of the mechanics could be used for. Perhaps communicating these to the player before they start the puzzle would make it clear e.g. a cube blocking a laser indicates to the player that those types of cubes can be used to block and reflect lasers.
- Excellent use of the theme. I love the way the tractor beam pulls you up giving you a sense of scale to the level.
- Cave Johnson's dialogue at the start made me laugh.
- Short but sweet
Hope this is helpful for you Andrew, if you want me to elaborate on anything please let me know!
Comments
Really enjoyed this one, had a satisfying level of challenge.
I just gave this level a test drive and here are some of my thoughts:
- Branching paths at the start of the level left me a little confused. For example, the path to the right dropping down onto the faith plate suggests you need that extra momentum to reach higher... but the plate sends you the same distance if you were to jump onto it from the ground. Perhaps the intention was to make the player aware of the faith plate by encouraging them to jump down onto it, in which case maybe think about making this the only entry into the puzzle area so players don't miss out on this.
- No use of the portal gun. I didn't have to use any portals during the level and maybe this was the intention but with portals being the main mechanic of the game, it would be good to see them utilized somehow.
- No introductions to puzzle mechanics. Maybe this is just my rusty knowledge of portal 2 but I wasn't sure what some of the mechanics could be used for. Perhaps communicating these to the player before they start the puzzle would make it clear e.g. a cube blocking a laser indicates to the player that those types of cubes can be used to block and reflect lasers.
- Excellent use of the theme. I love the way the tractor beam pulls you up giving you a sense of scale to the level.
- Cave Johnson's dialogue at the start made me laugh.
- Short but sweet
Hope this is helpful for you Andrew, if you want me to elaborate on anything please let me know!
Using the portal gun is not required to complete this level, but you can use portal gun for reduce level walkthrough time!