Masters Thesis

The test level is a map in Half-Life 2 universe using the Source engine.  This is a linear level with only one critical path.  All other paths in the level are dead-ends.  Each dead-end in the level uses a different technique to attempt to entertain players.  There are two exceptions to this; the first dead-end and the seventh dead end do not contain any rewards for the player outside of simple visual elements (a leaking pipe and a flickering television respectively).  The exception dead-ends are controls which measure the player’s perception of a standard dead-end without any level design techniques applied.  This level assumes that testers are at least marginally familiar with the mechanics of FPS gameplay and does not attempt to teach the player any of the game mechanics.  The difficulty of the level is slightly easier than that of standard Half-Life 2 gameplay in order to encourage players to explore.  The level contains a small number of enemy units as well as an absence of trap areas in order to achieve a more forgiving dynamic.

An overview of the dead-ends in this level: (scroll through gallery by clicking on the left or right of each image, or use the arrow keys)