I've finally finished connecting all training maps to the start area.

For HQ1, I've decided to simply add the whole room into the map instead of loading into a separate one. A button simply triggers the event and fades back to the player afterwards. The scientist is a model from HQ2 (with my face) instead of the original HL model, but that's fine. xD I also adjusted the text speed a little.

For HQ2, there's now a hole in the ground that you have to jump into to load the next map and view the A.S.T. explanation (which leads to your eventual demise).

For HQ3, I made a hole in the ceiling and placed a ladder, which was a bit awkward because of the slight angle. I placed the ladder brush and some lights using one of my favourite tricks, which is a func_door_rotating that is open from the start at a specific angle. :D That way the geometry is perfectly on the grid, but still rotated to fit the surroundings.

I had to make sure to also add the new light sources to the training map of HQ3 behind the closed doors, so that the lighting matches. You can watch a speed-mapping video here.

Next, I added the new logo intro to the beginning of the start area, which was a lot of trial and error to get the timing right (my wife helped a lot with much needed feedback). I created a specific new sound that incorporates many elements from various Halfquake projects (piano from "grand ambience", guitar from the HQ2 intro music, whistling from ambience, etc.) and synced that with the logo animation.

There's a little effect on the ceiling in the start area, and I created and added 20 new sounds that play along with the animation, which is a much needed detail for the atmosphere.

And with that, the start area is more or less complete!

On Friday, I spent two hours at Klaviergalerie to record a few notes on a grand piano, mainly for "leaving hope academy", because the piano plays a greater role in this song and I think it would be a good fit. I'll try to mix that together in the next few days.

There's a bit more to come, but the release gets a little closer every day, I can almost taste it. :D (It tastes like strawberry ice cream.)

Wish you all a great week!

To be continued... (<