While you're waiting for Portal 2

[MattieTK]

Why not reinvent Portal 1, download some new custom maps.

I would like to introduce The Cake Is A Pie, a video review site dedicated to Portal custom mapping in combination with myApertureLabs.

http://www.thecakeisapie.com (http://thecakeisapie.com)

We have so far reviewed several maps from previous mapping contests, Kizzycocoa's new Chamber One releases and Marf Aperture - though we intend to go through several more on a biweekly basis when possible.

'We' comprises of myself, MattieTK, an aspiring Journalism student, and Farragar, a Computer Science student and creator of The Beta Complex, The Electric Castle, An Irrational Chamber and When Things Go Wrong. He'll obviously be providing the technical standpoint on the finer aspects of the mapping, whilst with several years of informal game criticism experience between us, we aim to tear the good from the bad, and the bad from the painful-to-play. Our aim has always been to provide honest and unbiased criticism, so I apologise in advance it we may seem at-all harsh; we will not be pulling any punches. Unfortunately Farragar will not be joining me as frequently as he wishes, as I have the technical set-up and he is miles away at University, but his help will always be at hand if there is something to commend or condemn.

We'd love to hear what you think of the site, and our reviews: please check us out, give us a rating and comment on the videos. If you want us to take a look at your map please let me know on the forums or in comment. I'll be updating this thread as we post new content. Please note signing up only takes a few seconds, helps digitise books, and allows you to track comments while the community grows.

[Twilight Mage]

I'm don't think you're allowed to promote your own site on these forums.

Anyways:
Portal: TFV Mappack
and
Portal: Prelude

[eyefork]

Sounds good, but I don't think this has much to do with Portal 2. Maybe you should try the Portal 1 forums.

[MattieTK]

I'm don't think you're allowed to promote your own site on these forums.

Anyways:
Portal: TFV Mappack
and
Portal: Prelude

We'll be going through both of these shortly, one of them we really dislike. Guess which.

And I believe the rules state that the following "topics" are off limits "Soliciting, auctioning, selling, advertising, referrals". To me this means no posting of anything like lockerz etc, I can't see anything wrong with this site, which is directly relevant. We'll be going through all of Portal 2 on release, and the ARG progress so far.

[Kaith]

After watching several of your videos, I must say I enjoy them immensely. I've always had a passion for third-party mapping, and I love to keep on top of what new maps are being released. All the hype surrounding Portal 2, as well as the post-announcement renaissance of the first game, almost makes me want to release a third (and most likely final) map for Portal over the summer. Perhaps Omniphobia will see daylight after all.:D

I highly recommend any fans of Portal or third-party modding to check out this podcast. It really is worth it.

[MattieTK]

After watching several of your videos, I must say I enjoy them immensely. I've always had a passion for third-party mapping, and I love to keep on top of what new maps are being released. All the hype surrounding Portal 2, as well as the post-announcement renaissance of the first game, almost makes me want to release a third (and most likely final) map for Portal over the summer. Perhaps Omniphobia will see daylight after all.:D

I highly recommend any fans of Portal or third-party modding to check out this podcast. It really is worth it.

Thank you very much, your support as a mapper is greatly appreciated :)

I'd be really looking forward to a third map from you :)

[Lcpuche]

backpack analyzer *hint*

[MADDOGGE]

Nice!

Don't know if it really qualifies as advertising but I guess only a Mod could decide that. They aren't selling anything just giving us a heads up on a new mod site or site about mods. They aren't actually posting videos so it can't go to the video thread.

[nrnoble]

MattieTK, Suggestion: I'd be interested in hearing what are the parameters\requirements to be a "good" map and\or mod.

Here is why I suggest it. I might love movie ABC, but you hate it. I say it is funny and a lot of fun, you say it is boring and don't like the humor. Who opinion is correct? Rather than having an opinion just like everyone else, define what makes a good map\mod and what does not, and proceed forward with a review that has some foundation for which it is being evaluated.

[Kaith]

Rather than having an opinion just like everyone else, define what makes a good map\mod and what does not, and proceed forward with a review that has some foundation for which it is being evaluated.

I have found that he does explain the rationale behind his opinions fairly well in most of the reviews. However, there's certainly no harm in reaffirming this as a reviewer's primary goal.

[MattieTK]

MattieTK, Suggestion: I'd be interested in hearing what are the parameters\requirements to be a "good" map and\or mod.

Here is why I suggest it. I might love movie ABC, but you hate it. I say it is funny and a lot of fun, you say it is boring and don't like the humor. Who opinion is correct? Rather than having an opinion just like everyone else, define what makes a good map\mod and what does not, and proceed forward with a review that has some foundation for which it is being evaluated.

That is something I try to do in describing any problems there are in the map and how badly they affect gameplay, and equally any cool concepts that are really enjoyable. As I'm not a mapper myself (but my friend is) I can only really comment on the gameplay aspects rather than the 'quality' of mapping, though most stuff I'm beginning to notice.

We're thinking of making a series of mapping tutorials focusing on the things people miss most of the time, such as lighting, which really affect a map's final build quality. We'd consider maps that would follow these guidelines to be well built, but they can still be boring or lifeless.

Put simply: Gameplay is what I find is most important, if a map is interesting, challenging or forces you to think differently it's great. If it's new content that's well built, it's good. If I ever want to stop playing the map for whatever reason I analyse that reason to find why the map is not enjoyable etc.

I understand this is all personal opinion, and I'm not trying to be the deciding voice, but simply the opinion of the average gamer, but one that wants to help people improve by pointing out what's gone wrong. A lot of effort goes into mapping, even if the map is bad it may just be the first or second time, so there's always something you can improve and think about as a gamer, rather than a mapper.

I hope this explains your issues.