On a Rail
From Black Mesa: Wiki
Contents |
Chapter Summary
In this chapter, Gordon learns that a satellite has been equipped to reverse the effects of the resonance cascade by the science team, and is ready to be launched into space. However, before the science team could launch the rocket, the HECU Marines arrived and killed them. It is up to Gordon to traverse the rail system and reach the satellite control room to initiate the launch.
On a Rail is the eighth chapter of Black Mesa.
Gameplay
The player will have to use a tram to traverse certain sections of the level.
Media
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Redesign History
On A Rail was examined by the team, and a design document was drafted by level designer David Gillen which offered various possibilities to the length of the chapter, and the areas which would remain or be cut. The end result involved removing a lot of unnecessary tunnel segments and reducing the amount of looping back on oneself to avoid player confusion and frustration. This also resulted in the chapter being significantly shorter in terms of total maps; this can mostly be attributed to the additional size for levels that the Source engine offers [1].
As a part of this redesign the silo section of the chapter was enlarged. Reference was drawn from Titan I missile silos and an additional puzzle was created in which the player has to raise the missile from the silo. [2] According to lead mapper Daniel Junek, the On A Rail chapter, among others, has been shortened to about half the original length of the level to prevent the level from becoming tedious [3].
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 Silo shockspring, a prop used in the chapter. By Jason Wells. |
 Silo liftmotor, another prop used in the chapter. By Jason Wells. |
 Ditto. Another view. |
