Avalon
|
This article is non-canon. |  |
|---|---|---|
The subject matter of this article does not take place in the "real" Half-Life and Portal universe and is considered non-canon. |
| |
| Avalon | |
|---|---|
| Designer(s) | |
| Game(s) | |
| Game mode(s) |
|
| Filename(s) |
|
Avalon is an unofficial multiplayer map for Half-Life 2: Deathmatch. It was given a fourth place honorable mention in the Valve Half-Life 2: Deathmatch Map Contest.[2] Unlike the other winning finalists ahead of it (Underpass, Resistance, and Powerhouse), Avalon was not officially added to the game. The final version was released to the public on September 23, 2005.[3]
Overview[edit]
Avalon is an original, medium-sized map set on a floating island containing a power station and a concrete building that is accentuated with minarets and domes. The map is divided into five levels: ground level, first level, second level, third level, and top level.[1]
It is mostly a medium-long range map with a great deal of verticality. The core of the island is composed of a large rock formation with a grassy surface populated by large trees and spiral pathways that lead up. Several dilapidated boats are scattered around this exterior space. The structure that is built into this rocky foundation features a balcony containing the Pulse Rifle and towers providing vantage points for players, while the interior areas are geared towards close-range encounters. The power room, which houses a huge propeller device that is implied to keep the island suspended in the atmosphere,[1] contains a Combine Dispenser acting as a supercharger, functioning in a similar manner to the one seen in the map Lockdown.
When players or physics props fall off the island, they will be teleported to the top of the level to an exit that is marked by a glowing orb floating in the sky. This exit is high enough to incur fall damage.
Behind the scenes[edit]
At the time, map author Michael Visser was considering creating a Counter-Strike: Source level when he first learned of the HL2DM mapping contest. He decided to use this as an opportunity to become more experienced with designing levels in the Source engine using only the provided stock assets before starting to create his own custom models and textures. He intended to deviate from the game's typical urban locales and employ a fewer amount of physics props compared to the official maps.[1]
The beta version of Avalon, named dm_avalon_b1,[4] is actually the iteration of the map that was recognized by Valve in the official map contest.[5] Compared to the final release, the beta version contains some notable differences:
- The supercharger in the power room is instead a regular Suit Charger.
- Instead of a Pulse Rifle, the balcony contains a .357 Magnum, a Medkit, and Energy Ball ammo for the Pulse Rifle.
Gallery[edit]
Power room.
Back side of the map.
First floor of the building.
Second floor.
Third floor.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 DM_AVALON on 3D-Mike.com (archived)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Steam - Update Friday, March 18 2005 on Steam (March 18, 2005) (archived)
- ↑ News on 3D-Mike.com (archived)
- ↑ dm_avalon_b1 on GameBanana
- ↑ Avalon (Final Release) (HL2:DM) on Planet Half-Life (September 12, 2006) (archived)
External links[edit]
- dm_avalon on GameBanana
