I have a design idea but I was wondering if anyone knew if this was possible without modifying source code (because Portals code is not released).

It is possible to store a variable, or some kind of context sensative Flag ON the player? So when they travel to a map these can be used to activate certain switches and triggers? I was thinking of storing certain amounts of ammunition (because all you use is the portal gun) but I don't know if that would function properly.

This would allow the illusion of context sensative areas that the player can't access on one map unless they do something on another.

It's usually considered bad map design to force a player to go back through a loading screen to a previous map in order to progress in the next one. I would highly advise you try to keep all things like that in a single map and have the map change at a point where the player should never have to go back.

as Remmiz said.
anyway, this idea reminds me of Quake 2, if you remember

I could have sworn there were entities specifically designed for things like this

Some entities have a "global name". If you put the same entity (with the EXACT same properties, flags, etc.) in 2 maps, and give them the same name, they will pass information on to eachother. So you can do stuff like, press a switch in Map A and have it open a door in Map B, after you leave Map B and see that the door is closed.

It wouldn't really be backtracking in a sense of redirection, more like an idea for global exploring to make the game less linear. But if I can't record settings then it wouldn't necessarily work.

Thanks msleeper, I'll look into that. Otherwise I may just have to wait until they release some scripting properties or source code. crosses fingers

SnakeRX wrote:
It wouldn't really be backtracking in a sense of redirection, more like an idea for global exploring to make the game less linear. But if I can't record settings then it wouldn't necessarily work.

Thanks msleeper, I'll look into that. Otherwise I may just have to wait until they release some scripting properties or source code. crosses fingers

Dont count on it. I would recommend putting an entity in a changelevel, that might work.

Do you mean linking an entity to the changelevel as its triggered? Or is there some aspect of that I don't understand yet?

(Still learning the aspects of the complicated triggers)