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Level & Environment Designer
Reflection on Reflection
Trailer
Reflection on Reflection is a custom level developed for video game Portal 2. The level uses the mechanic of Reflective Cube reflecting Laser, and the Light Bridge to help players overcome obstacles created by terrain such as Fizzler.
Reflection on Reflection
Tool: Portal 2 Developer Tool
Development Time: 3 weeks
Average Playtime: 20 minutes
Download: Steam Workshop Link
Pre-production
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Level Design Document
A level design document helps me organize the mechanics used in a level, define its scope and pacing, and effectively communicate my creative ideas to others.
Map Overview
A top-down diagram that outlines the level flow, showing the number of sub-levels, the player’s approximate movement path, and the overall objectives.
Detailed maps of each section(room), including a legend and the anticipated player movement paths.
Walkthrough Map & Summary
Pacing Design
Skill Progression Chart
To ensure the level pacing feels right and the difficulty increases in a gradual, structured way, I use a Skill Progression Chart. It allows me to plan and visualize how new mechanics and challenges are introduced, making the progression clear and intuitive.
Level Design
Level Overview Map
This level incorporates several mechanics from Portal 2: the Thermal Discouragement Beam and Laser Receiver, the Discouragement Redirection Cube, the Portal Gun, the Hard Light Bridge, the Laser Field, and the Material Emancipation Grill. By combining these mechanics, I created a variety of engaging and challenging puzzles.
​New Mechanic
By studying the existing mechanics, I designed a new interaction. The player can first use a portal to extend a Light Bridge and move a cube to a higher place. Then, by creating a new portal directly beneath the cube (replacing the one sustaining the bridge), the bridge disappears and the cube drops, converting gravity into kinetic energy and projecting it outward from above. This same mechanic can also be applied by players to launch themselves across the level.
Level 1 Walkthrough
The first level is designed as a tutorial with relatively simple puzzles. Its main purpose is to introduce players to the new mechanic.
To improve teaching and conveyance, a square tunnel is used to clearly demonstrate the cube’s falling path.
Level 2 Walkthrough
The second level introduces another Reflection Cube. Players must reflect the laser twice using the two cubes to activate the switch to the exit.
Level 2 requires anticipating and planning the cube’s placement in advance, as well as using the Hard Light Bridge to reposition the cube.
Level 3 Walkthrough
As the final level, this stage challenges players to creatively combine all the mechanics introduced in previous levels.
In level 3, players not only need to anticipate the cube’s position but also harness gravity to launch the cube effectively.
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