Portal Puzzle!
What Engine?
This project was made using The Portal Editor
A Basic Summary
This is the final level in a series of 4 that I made for an academic project! This level explores the theme of pressing buttons attached to walls.
Solo or Team?
I was the sole developer on this project
Length of Project?
This project was made over the course of one month
Lessons I Learned
Puzzle design, rapid engine development, skill themes.
Sole Level Designer?
With me being the sole developer, I was also the sole level designer
Check Out the Full Playthrough Here!
Highlights and Constraints
Highlight
Creating the boolean system within Portal as a means to gate progression in this level certainly felt like one of my prouder moments as a level designer.
Constraint
I had a strict deadline to finish this level and also 3 preceding levels. But in one month, I learned the Portal engine, made 4 levels, and achieved strong numbers on Steam.
Designs of the Previous Levels
What I Wanted the Players to Learn
Use buttons!
The way to progress forward is through buttons. Often, those buttons are on walls, and need a tractor beam to be directly on them so a cube can be placed on the button.
Use Gel!
Portal Gel is your friend. It is often used to paint walls specifically for tractor beams. However, it can also be used to get new vantage points and travel large distances.
What I Added to the Final Level
Save the Cube!
One of the things I added to make this feel like a final level was adding the Companion Cube. This gives the player a stronger goal than just solving the puzzle.
Trial Chambers
One of the other major differences I made from the previous levels was to split up the level into a bunch of small rooms. This made the level feel like a trial or a final test.
Post-Release Testing
One Issue
Since the amount of time I had was minimal, I didn't have much time to record any of my playtest data, only using word of mouth and my memory to make iterations before release.
To Rectify
I did some playtesting of these portal levels after release and recorded the data. From said data, I came up with two changes I would make, were I to make this level a second time.
Two Changes I'd Make
Change the Glass
For both playtesters, the glass was scary or distracting to the players. One of the changes I would make would be to find some other see-through object that would work better.
Make Player Feel Awesome
One of the other changes I would make is to ensure the player knows when they win a room, as there were moments where a player wouldn't realize the cube was moving.
Final Product and Conclusion
Conclusion
This project, while difficult, was incredibly satisfying and rewarding to make.
As an aspiring level/puzzle designer, I for the longest time wanted a good opportunity to really test my skills in making a puzzle experience like this.
I'm incredibly thankful for everyone who tried out the level and reviewed it. The following week after finalizing and releasing this level was certainly a surprise! :)
I'm