Building Jumper - Dunkelschwamm

 

    This map is presented as a platforming map but it actually has quite a bit of combat. The buildings themselves are large and mostly empty boxes with some filled to the brim with a tidal wave of enemies.

SCMapDB page

Author: HelloTimber

Date of release: 2018

Maps in package: 1

Map review of Building Jumper

(originally posted on SCMapDB)

by dunkelschwamm | May 29, 2023 | 2987 characters

    Building Jumper is a Sven Co-op map which combines high-HP enemies, inconsistent equipment, annoying backtracking, the most frustrating possible platforming puzzles with the highest possible stakes, unclear progression, getting attacked in spawn, being sniped before you have any weapons, and bland blocky visuals. About 1/3 of the way through it I lost all patience with it and cheated. If I had not, I would not have completed it. I should have just abandoned it.

    This map requires certain equipment for progression, such as barnacles or longjump, but places these behind time consuming, frustrating platforming over a large drop. I don't mean skillful jumps, but rather navigating awkward angles or skirting by teeny tiny ledges. Then, if you drop during one of these moments later in the map, you have to backtrack through these awful platforming moments to reclaim those necessary tools. Along the way there are bullet sponge enemies which take the form of high damage nonsense, like Barnabus. There's a ridiculous ladder puzzle that must be completed multiple times, forward and back and forward again, to end the map.

    The map itself is purely function. It reminds me of construct maps from Garry's mod which are just made out of big grey concrete nothing structures, except those usually have some consistency and uniformity in their design. Buildings are full of blank platforms with ramps or stairs haphazardly linking them. Brushes sometimes don't connect. Yes, I know that most Half-Life maps are just blocks pressed together, but this map feels more like it than most.

    I can't find a reason to play this map. Some maps are intentionally trollish, but they usually have a sense of humor. This doesn't even have that going for it. Maps like this aren't designed, they fester from a bored mind which simply adds more problems to the map with the knowledge the player must wade through it if they ever want to see the end. And when they do, all that the ending provides is a conclusive way to stop playing.

    I offer an alternative: skip this.

Pros:

• This is a map with progression which results in an achieved goal
• If you stick with it, there is some nice equipment that you can sometimes get your hands on

Cons:

• The platforming is designed purely to be annoying, punishing, and awkward. There is no enjoyment here
• Bullet sponge enemies, who sometimes respawn
• Enemies in spawn
• Ridiculous, absurd backtracking for necessary items for a map with such high stakes platforming. Would not have finished playing if I hadn't noclipped through this.
• Ridiculous, absurd backtracking for necessary progression
• At no point would I say playing this map was in any way satisfying, interesting, or entertaining. Would not have finished if I hadn't cheated.

Score:

1.3 / 10