Somatic is a singleplayer mod for HL Episode 2, featuring a Lost Coast-style monastery and Combine architecture.
Wet, somber atmosphere. It was neat being lead through the graveyard. Excellent sense of exploration and the rewards that follow.
I thought it was a testament to the author's mapping ability that the first place I went, when presented with an open world, happened to be right to the crowbar. Well-hinted, didn't even realize I was being lead.
BRO you're gonna give me the magnum at the ******* altar? Awesome. And then the return to the altar, this time more dangerous than it's ever been? Full-circle storytelling. Good stuff.
Lots of spooky heights. Precarious platforming. Looked nice, but a little nervewracking.
Intense, high-stakes final sequence. Left me shaking. This was a quick map with the right formula that left me salivating for more.
Kinda baffled at these low ratings... 6.6... is it just because it's short? The only real complaint I had was lack of polish. Maybe some random low-texture environments or propless wastelands. Could've been decorated better, although the level design was exquisite.
9/10 because it's a great romp through a Lost Coast atmosphere, something we really don't see much of. Feels authentic and familiar, yet somehow unique from anything Valve's done. Glad I gave this one a shot.
"Somatic" is a good mod, but it fairly short in length. Only because of this, I rate it a 5/10.
It feels like a solid extension on Half-life 2, with elements borrowed from Lost Coast.
The architecture of the church itself is fun to look at and the gameplay is simple enough that it doesn't overwhelm the player. It's perhaps a bit too simple; there wasn't a lot of challenge to more veteran players. However, it's ease of play gives the player a chance to admire the architecture more, which is a plus.
There are some technical mapping errors around area portals and doors. There are also easy exploits that allow the player to skip enemy encounters (including an extremely oblivious Stalker drone). The new soundscape/music (specifically at the beginning against the zombies) was a bit droning and too repetitive, somewhat taking away from the experience.
The secret around the gnome also leaves something to be desired, though I appreciate the effort in having a secret to the gnome.
I also really appreciate that it includes the map source for reference. That's always a nice gesture.
Overall, it feels like a good Half-life 2 experience.
I thought it was okay overall. The only problem is, I expected more from this mod.
It's okay, i guess, the level design is good but there's a few bugs that need correction.