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Re: Tempus Irae Volunteers: Theatre of Pain
Posted By: Mark LevinDate: 12/8/03 12:16 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Tempus Irae Volunteers: Theatre of Pain (Steve Levinson)

: I did figure this
: one out the first time through, but more from hearing the creeking sound
: of the activated platform and figuring out what to do with it.

I think this was the idea, and it's not the first time TI has used this trick (I think there's a similar switch on Brain Damage). I also have no particular objection to it; sound is fundamentally different from images and has different uses (like indicating that something not immediately obvious has happened).

: The ledge
: hopping is not at all intuitive, but where else can you go? I found the
: entrance quite by accident - not the way things should proceed to reach a
: required (nonsecret) area. Also, there are a couple of access pannels near
: the first save terminal that are not at all evident except by looking in
: map mode. It's way too easy to miss these and to then retreat to the
: outdoor area in frustration, looking for another way in.

Yes, IIRC this was the first place I actually got stuck and looked at the spoiler guide (on the first time through). Not good mapmaking at all, there are virtually no clues given and forcing the player to tab everything in sight is a major no-no.

: This pillar bothers me in another way. In order to proceed you have to tab
: on the pillar to open access to a switch. The only cue is a flickering
: texture on one side of the pillar. Flickering textures ar a great clue to
: secret doors, but not the best way to get a player to find a needed switch
: or entrance.

Same problem as above; it's not a well-known convention or clear indication of an important element (the way a switch would be), and does not immediately leap to mind as something to do. The map does get a few points in both these places for locking us in the room (thus preventing us from becoming even more angry by exploring the entire huge level), but it's no excuse for an illogical puzzle.

Also, I suspect the flicker is difficult to see in 256-color mode or at a low framerate. While this is not an issue today, it was when Tempus was released.

: Of course a good player will explore and try to figure out how to open that
: last door, but grenade hopping onto the pillar is not an obvious trigger.

There's nothing wrong with a tortuously concealed secret. I know not many people would hop onto the pillar without a good reason, but that's why it's called a secret :P

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Replies:

Tempus Irae Volunteers: Theatre of PainMark Levin 12/7/03 9:39 p.m.
     Re: Tempus Irae Volunteers: Theatre of PainSteve Levinson 12/8/03 6:33 a.m.
           Re: Tempus Irae Volunteers: Theatre of PainMark Levin 12/8/03 12:16 p.m.



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