Experience of Survival (tikidm4) was tIKi_mAn's entry for the third Geometry Competition, hosted by LevelSource back in 2004, where it placed 6th (technically 7th) in the Best Gameplay category. While the GeoComps were primarily focused on limitations in texture use and the accentuation of level geometry and architecture, tikidm4 was one of several entries for GeoComp3 that showcased lighting and atmosphere in the level design. Aside from its practical applications, the author has effectively used the foghull feature to render a warm and hazy atmosphere for this floater in the author's favourite colour, Lucky Orange (hex code: #FF7700). This theme has been further incorporated into the levels design by accentuating its sequence of towering pillars and concrete platforms with transparent panels in various shades of orange. To finish things off, the author has also accented the void with two decorative vertical suspensions of flickering panes of glass that reminded me somewhat of Calder's modernist mobile sculptures. All these elements come together to create a visually stunning minimalist, ethereal aesthetic.

But what about the gameplay? People already familiar with GeoComp maps will know that contestant submissions are not generally renowned for their gameplay, usually sacrificing this element in favour of the creativity and aesthetics that the levels will ultimately be judged upon. But as far as GeoComp levels go, and especially for space maps in general, the Experience of Survival holds up pretty well. On the downside, player movement is restricted by a sequence of custom bounce pads that will channel you up to each successive platform through the centre of the map, and a set of custom accelerator pads that will then funnel you back down to the bottom again via a sequence of smaller platforms (holding a number of powerful pick-ups) that circle the perimeter of the main tower. This makes the flow throughout the level somewhat repetitive but once you learn the layout, there are several safe spots where you can drop down onto lower platforms and also several strategic rocket jumps available that will improve the connectivity. If you really want to spice things up you could also enable the grappling hook which this level seems really well-suited for and is also a lot of fun. All weapons, bar the Lightning Gun and BFG, are included and the location of the Rail Gun is well thought out. To the author's credit, the platforms are of a decent size with edges that can comfortably host melees with a large number of players and, for the most part, are girdered by trim, greatly reducing one's chances of taking unwanted trips into the void. TIKi_mAn has also included location entities on the map, making this level playable as a Team DeathMatch too.

A fun and playable space map with striking visual appeal.

Reviewed by HelterSkeleton