GMOD VR: Exploring gm_Liminal_Mall

[@earthcastle]

right before the librarian said "this fountain almost feels like a real-life checkpoint" i was thinking "that fountain makes me feel safe, its feels like and almost looks like a checkpoint in a game"

[@unrulybot1352]

I felt the same when he came across the arrow. In my mind I thought "well I don't want to"

[@mistakesregretsandimperfec7740]

My brain immediately went "saving progress..." with a looping animation of a circle... Pretty cool

[@lordbanetheplayer8844]

@@unrulybot1352 This feels like a trap...

[@sinisterscribbles]

One of my favorite ongoing series at the moment. Something about the liminal aesthetic just compels me with such a carried balance of creepy and comforting. These videos are some of the closest to bringing that vibe to life without exploring abandoned locations

[@Wolf-f9]

Oh hey sin

[@Mach-2-Fishbed]

42:26 What creeps me out most about music (or any out of place sound) in an otherwise quite map is that it makes me feel as if something is trying to pull me towards it, knowing it can easily tug at my sense of curiosity and desire to find anything that remotely resembles familiar in such an illogical space. A little addon as I thought more about it: The music itself there makes that feeling even worse. It's as if whatever want's to draw you closer understands the concept of music and it's ability to draw people towards it, but it doesn't understand "music" itself but has tried to replicate it. 20:51 Oh, and you've seen something very similar in your "dreams" before. Just think about it.

[@dereinzige3092]

At 20:51 that spooked me. I was thinking the same thing

[@SkeleTonHammer]

25:00 The funny thing is, the act of running when you feel chased actually makes you feel MORE chased than if you had just kept calm and continued walking. When I was a kid we had a super creepy stony cobweb-filled basement and I would creep down there slowly, do what I had to do like flick a switch, and then BOLT up the stairs as fast as I possibly could like my life depended on it and I didn't even feel particularly chased until I started running.

[@qenten05]

Yeah but then again there's that feeling that even if you walk, its like something walks when you walk.

[@mrtn_1230]

@@qenten05and then when you run it feels like it’s also speeding up

[@AbandonedVoid]

"I'm looking into it and something else is looking back. Where else can you get that experience in real life?" Gender dysphoria.

[@mrhappytaco7694]

20:41 it looked familiar to me aswell since the architecture resembles the famous Cafe terrace at night painting

[@jasonlescalleet5611]

The Van Gogh one? That is what I thought too. Also, the Doctor Who episode that also featured a similar cafe (and Van Gogh).

[@limbino868]

@@jasonlescalleet5611 lmao exactly what i was thinking of

[@Immolator772]

I was drifting to sleep, and then this tv music scared me. Honestly, the scariest part of this map. The reason i find it scary is because one time i was going to the store with a friend, i was at his house we were listening to music, and i asked him why he doesn't turn off the music. When he told me that is better to leave it on, so if some intruder comes, he will hear the music and will think someone is inside.

[@IxodesPersulcatus]

35:32 I'm not sure that I agree. Something about coming from dimly but warmly lit corridor into a large room with bright but cold and uncaring light made my spine shiver uncomfortably. Feels like a false haven, a surgical light.

[@rinoz47]

The tv with the nutty music and insane whispering was terrifying, yet when you left, I immediately hated its absence

[@totallynormalcat1]

Like Around 42:21?

[@rinoz47]

@@totallynormalcat1 no, the other insane sounding tv

[@Thebigpier]

43:55 yes, the hotel part of lost in vivo was something on another level, easily the best part of the game.

[@Skychaser420]

I really wanna thank for the content, and the fact that you actually interact with your community. Basically thank you for keeping up with this good content and not giving up on any ideas, videos or anything in that case. You really bring joy in my days, even when i don't feel like it you still are able to brighten up my mood somehow. All that makes me really wanna thank you for all of this, so keep up that great content and have a nice rest of the day. Props, and thanks again!

[@smittywerben4851]

Am I the only one watching this before bed? I put it on the bedroom tv and turn it on low enough to listen and fall asleep, I've been having a lot of liminal space dreams lately, some nightmares, but none that make me feel bad, it's fun. Keep up the series.

[@altega]

oh hey! i sent this one into the discord a while ago!! this is my absolute favorite gmod map. i played through it when i had covid and it brought me a lot of comfort during one particularly awful sleepless night. it looks just as cool in vr as i thought it would! :D edit: i do wish he managed to find the weird ...falling through door. whatever its called. i didnt find it until i noclipped, and as cool as it is, i cant even imagine how it wouldve been to find it naturally. especially in VR! this map is chock-a-block with secrets and weird little rooms. theres a massive train station as well.

[@rebel6301]

i know this was 5 months ago, but im sorry to hear that you had covid. thankfully you've recovered since then, but nobody should have to suffer that (thank god i havent caught it yet)

[@RealityRogue]

Honestly I love the experiment of experiencing these kind of maps while youre sleep deprived. If you think about it, if you ever found yourself in this kind of situation, guarantee you'd never have a good nights rest. Always on your feet, wandering through the endless hallways of intermixed reality. Being so tired could really put yourself in the shoes of an exhausted traveler, stuck in these dream-like places.

[@CKSeven]

I'm so glad someone else finds the first Harry Potter game on PC to be "creepy and comfy." It feels very much like a lot of these GMod maps, but this one in particular captures a very similar atmosphere. I'd love to see you play that on the channel, although it would certainly be a different kind of game from the usual. I think your commentary would make for a very interesting experience. Of course, there's the challenge of actually running such an old game on a modern platform...

[@ForgetfulHatter]

I have alot of fun watching these. like at first i get inpatient and feel like skipping a head or doing something else. but your commentary and the way you take things nice and slow is really gripping. it ends up being a shared experience and you make comments that i wouldn't expect all the while i feel like there is a jumpscare creeping up. its wonderful.

[@221Prohunter]

The comment about how you feel safe even though there’s fog because the fence is there really resonated with me, it turns it from what would be horror to what feels almost nice.

[@seawarshark6674]

This feels like a fresh morning show. Keep this Liminal Series up man! Hope you are doing well lad!

[@williamcompitello2302]

The creator of the map wanted to watch you squeal at the water section. He like, really wanted this to happen. Lol. These types of developers truly add flavor to gaming content. Kudos for conquering the pools.

[@spyro1201]

@ 40:13 This map recommends installing the "Doors" mod which is utilized in this section. The hallway should continue, but you're either missing the mod, or VR broke it

[@vicooficial]

Oh that is. I think i have it from other mod because for me it loaded correctly

[@CreatorofSecks]

This video exemplifies why I love your content so much. Your content feels so genuine and this video is a perfect example of it. Something about it makes me feel happy. Thank you.

[@eurobtcwby]

I know it isn't really the kind of game you play for this channel but Hyper Light Drifter has some of the most beautiful environments and the ambience just compliments them so well. I highly recommend playing it.

[@myhunterinsurance]

at 49:00 what you describe about Inland Empire is EXACTLY how I felt while watching that movie back in 2010 or so! Awesome.

[@danrayrg]

Hey man, just a recommendation could you play a game called “I remember this dream” I think it will fit your ‘creepy/cozy’ aesthetic that you enjoy so much. Also I think the way you study and analyse the games you play is really enjoyable to watch, and I would love it for this game, thanks!

[@Dogman_35]

20:41 There was a room nearly identical to this in "Places you've seen in your dreams." Weird purple lighting and all. I even can't imagine the dejavu that must've caused, because it would've been even more familiar than just a dream or a photo you saw in passing.

[@RadicalEdward2]

3:39 I think the room is based on one of the screenshots from a real estate listing. It was a bunker that was repurposed into a house that was original owned by a religious cult. I know it sounds convoluted but it’s a thing. I think you can honestly do videos on those real estate listings if you find them. They’re trippy and some of the bunkers rooms are made to look like the outdoors or patios. If you do decide to look them up, there’s the Las Vegas Bunker House and “Zillow Gone Wild” (it’s a bunch of unusual Zillow Real Estate listings that look like they’re out of custom maps).

[@emanuel3617]

35:16 man, i was so relaxed hearing his voice, than he just jump scared me XD your instincts really don't let you rest lol mistaking a TV for a dangerous creature

[@guntheryoshi]

20:48 literally the meaning behind liminal spaces

[@wyattnof]

why do i find this so funny

[@EclipseGamer02]

20:33 this room was in the map "places you've seen in your dreams". As soon as I saw it I was like "wait... no... no you can't just do that ahah" I didn't felt creeped out though, I just felt reassured as it was somewhere I've been before.

[@todorminchev2123]

This maps train station and the parking lot was probably the most creepy for me. It really took be back to some old ps2 horror games like Alone in the Dark. Where there were random zombies in that darkened areas just waiting for you.

[@selendrea]

I've been waiting for this map for a minute - it's one of my all time favorites!!! I haven't quite been able to find a map that makes me feel as uncomfortable but also cozy like this liminal map does. (Maybe gm_liminal_place by Tryptophyl is a close second. I think you'd enjoy this one, as well!) Many of the spaces here made me stop in my tracks. The courtyard at 32:50 makes me feel so nostalgic, but something is off. It almost reminds me of a Resident Evil game! Also I wanted to just sit in the pool area at 18:38 forever, but it definitely makes me uneasy at the same time. IIRC there are quite a few more things that you can find with a bit of a deeper dive. In fact, if you want to no-clip fly around, there is a special room in this map! Happy exploring, can't wait for the next liminal video!

[@evilbunny3281]

21:35 Like an Eldritch horror? That was the first thing that came up into my mind when you said that.

[@rozcatenator]

Thanks again for doing this! Steve loves your videos- he had a cold a few weeks ago and all he wanted to do was curl up with a blanket and watch No One Lives Under the Lighthouse over and over. Thanks for sharing yourself with us 💗

[@aicangi1431]

you help me a lot with my insomnia , i wish only good things for you . I care for you Librarian ,u make my life less paintful

[@ThomasGrillo]

Thanks for the walkthrough, and your thoughts. Some of my dreams are of liminal places, like huge airport terminals, with nearly nobody in them. I often do have the Bernard's door dreams. I'll be in an old house I lived in, and sure enough, there's an out of place door, and other stuff. Really creeps me out. :)

[@derpachu6715]

After seeing your reaction to the pool area, I absolutely have to see you do a playthrough of subnautica in vr!

[@EVERYTHING-mb6um]

The room with the bookshelves in the pink hallway at the waterway area has a vent behind it leading to a massive secret room

[@classicaudioadventures]

It's not immediately accessible from that side. The other entrance is off of the long hallway with the brown carpet.

[@XyzzySqrl]

12:45 - "Hey, do you know the way to Shell Beach?"

[@sartexas6248]

That pool bit.. You're a brave soul

[@dak_]

Wow, You are an excellent narrator. 10/10! Also I have an Idea for you Commenters, Let's make a Two-Sentence Horror Stories in the replies on this.

[@nutmaster7283]

I always love a morning with a new librarian video

[@jacobdoeslife8283]

oh great librarian, great librarian. your soul has traveled far. so many twisting paths yet back here, you are. oh great librarian, great librarian. your travellings are watched closely. while the audience is enjoys them, It watches them mostly.

[@ms.antiantisocial6037]

At 20:52 it is a reference for a van goh painting (sorry I messed up the name but you get it.)

[@TheHanako]

14:20 The harry potter PC games gave me the same sort of vibe, although I definitely felt it more in the PC version of Chamber of Secrets.

[@thinginground5179]

It's like you say "follow the flow of the conscious stream". It is the unpredictability of it all that makes it so strange. The world needs more unpredictability. Unpredictable music. Unpredictable paintings. Unpredictable movies. If you're interested in dreams I suggest you look into Carl Jung.

[@forecastlotus3899]

My problem is that I fall asleep to these videos when I watch them, there just so relaxing to watch that I fall asleep and don't notice it

[@savadaflava1120]

Something about your voice and the way you speak... so mesmerizing... what was I just doing? So sleepy... must... subscribe... 😵‍💫

[@Poleily]

That familiar little deck part that parts off from the hallway looks like that one Van Gogh painting of a café terrace.

[@mistakesregretsandimperfec7740]

18:44 Well, you better hurry! You don't want to end up like them, now do you? Btw, good night and sweet dreams, Lib! Get some good rest, bud.

[@danilima6970]

Just played this map today, so eerie but the same time so compelling, like atracting me to go further and further, I even got two jump scares one from a mirror.

[@alisaPuffinettaofficial]

12:41 i love how he almost sound like he is on crack when he ask where he is to the literall background noise of existance itself "heey ! can you dell me where i aam ? shanks . . ." xD , love it +

[@maxdoom3521]

I feel you man, I’ve been up for about 48 hours or so straight, maybe even about 72 hours. Can’t remember cause I was so damn tired, regardless it sucks ass.

[@joemarnell9438]

I know the isolation is part of the aesthetic of these but I would absolutely love to see how your perspective on these maps would change should you explore them with someone, even using a walkie talkie add-on maybe. Definitely would add to the 'comfy' part of creepy and comfy. Either way, always love your videos!!

[@Cheerybelle]

I get the impression of a space actively being set up for people to live and work in... but by something(s) totally alien. It's like a space being renovated to accommodate people, and the being doing so are trying very hard to make an accommodating space... but sometimes it doesn't quite hit the mark, either due to not being full set up yet, a lacking of understanding of certain nuances of human beings, or because you weren't supposed to find certain sections. Let me organize my thoughts. There are cubicles, hotel rooms, pools, a stage venue, an information kiosk, decorations, and so on-- things set up to be accommodating. Rooms missing furniture, a hallway to nowhere with a painted arrow, unlit areas, a submerged container, a library with empty bookshelves out of place, stores without wares and even in disarray-- potential signs of a space actively being set up. A seemingly pictureless television playing strange, warped music to the chittering, chirping, rattling, hissing, strange vocalization of unseen creatures; narrow, winding hallways; pulsing green lights; a room only accessible via underwater tunnel; the feeling of being followed in the alley-like section-- things that make it seem as if strange entities are also inhabiting the space, unseen-- like, like... It's like the alien entities live in the areas with light-yellow walls and with dark green walls, but they can't be beheld, and you weren't supposed to find or acknowledge them. It's like you're someone who has been brought in early, and you're being closely monitored for your reactions to each area. They're actively avoiding being seen, but none mind you being there, even if not all of them are following you. It's like you're beta testing a location for habitation. ...but you went off the beaten path and found places not intended for you. 'They' don't really mind, but those areas feel unsettling to be in. ...Of course, there are multiple interpretations. The space itself could be a living thing. Alternatively, it could be a very elaborate trap, perhaps made from buildings taken and put together by a malevolent entity. It could be a map in GMod that you're playing in VR... Nah; that's highly unlikely. Who knows? Not me. Maybe BombaSticked. Perhaps. But in the end, all I have is conjecture, vibes, and headcanon. And not enough sleep either. Hi.

[@OrbitalDeathRay]

Like an ant farm for humans? I dig that idea.

[@comfynarwhal]

I played this (and gmod vr in general) for the first time on my own and only spoiled a bit with your video, and when I got to that room with the TV and the bugs and opened that door to that hallway with the plant I froze up and felt like I walked in on something I wasn't supposed to it was so freaky, definitely the best experience I've had in vr

[@Eurobunneh]

Used to spend a lot of times using the Hammer editor with HL1. I’m so tempted to start editing again to put my dreams into ‘reality’.

[@sideofwinder]

Hey, any tips on getting started on the hammer editor? Really want to start using it to create maps

[@devinsullivan6160]

Dear Librarian, The advertisements play 10 to 15dB louder than your content. I don't dare crank the sound and put headphones on and get into the space because of this. Please attempt to go a minimum of 5dB, to 15dB louder, So when I turn up to a comfortable volume, the ads don't play at a blaring volume. Love the channel. I'm so mad I didn't know about it ages ago.

[@kaiyotee2475]

41:19 idk why, I instantly thought back to that old episode of the Backyardigans where they rob a jewelry store.

[@Brobeans.1]

You did my suggestion. Sick. I doubt you even saw my comment but I suggested this map. It's my favorite liminal map

[@joemedlen2924]

Long narrow corridors make me feel followed for some reason.

[@Riccardo_Mori]

My compliments to the creator of this map. Really amazing. And as always, fantastic commentary by our good sir, the Librarian.

[@riojanum]

I always find theatre seats to feel safe because you are there to see a story, just not involving you. There is a buffer between you and and what's happening around you. Might be why you felt so safe there.

[@ridleyjack9350]

30:21 At one time me and my family were in a very bad place and I didn't have the best relationship with my mother. At that time I had a dream, which I still feel to this day had a deeper meaning. It started out as a nightmare, like a dream within a dream where I kept waking up and the nightmare part of the dream came when I met my mother in the dream. and as I was walking out the door she grabbed my shoulder and said I can't go out and then I grabbed her hand and said "let's go together than" and we ended up leaving the house behind us which is a symbol of what happened in the past.

[@NathanDavisVideos]

This is like some Backrooms shit right here! (Especially with the office space at about the 37:06-mark.)

[@kazii_the_avali]

you getting jumpscared in the pool timed up perfectly with an amber alert

[@l1nked548]

Man I really do love your content and I'm grateful you upload as much as you do, great work dude!

[@crade7338]

most underrated youtuber

[@pablofernandezdiaz3872]

42:26 i like how the music feels like it "deserves" to be there like the same thing/things that made the rest of that place also have made that music (sorry for my bad inglish)

[@karoltsvetkov517]

Always brings a smile to my face when you upload. I am addicted to your gmod content, and just your vids in general. Good stuff 👌

[@lilith3313]

33:00 this reminded me of old Andalusian houses that have similar architecture

[@vicooficial]

40:37 idk if the map got updated since you made this video, but for me seems like right after the arrow the game seemed like "subtly" teleported me to a section similar part of the map, but with a turn to the left. Due to the strangeness of this "lag" that happened when i was about to turn to see the arrow, maybe this part of the map is procedurally generated? /shrug

[@dereinzige3092]

When you got to that pool, it reminded me a lot of the indoor pool I grew up going to. When you talked about your phobia or water in games it made me think of a time when my father was trying to teach me to swim, and I was was scared. I had watched other kids swim, and I grew a small phobia because I thought a child might drown, my fathr had to force that out of me

[@asteriskhearts]

The closest I've come to being in this situation was a mall in Rosedale mn--there was this one little mattress and clothing shop that was underneath the rest, basically from the main floor of the mall you had to walk down these stairs into a tiny cramped dimly lit basement room. That was somehow one of the few open stores. Shit was creepy.

[@Seth_Wilson]

I do hope he checks out Liver Failure at some point. Might be bare, but it is an oddly atmospheric map. Laden with lore and visual horror.

[@josephi9219]

Easily the KZbinr with the steadiest stream of great content

[@miruharabae]

So calm & relaxing rather than pretentious reactions.

[@gore8234]

Fun fact, if you reset the map and went back through the hallway at 41:20, you could encounter a black figure dart around a corner. I am not sure exactly where it was at though.

[@arli8359]

Like an actual animation or a lighting thing?

[@gore8234]

@@arli8359 animation

[@janiyota6576]

Looks like a map, created for testing different mechanics in the game. Almost every liminal space looks like it to me.

[@JPBTVA]

amazing work! now get some sleep. You've earned it, dude.

[@TimSlee1]

If you're willing to play a game with Megalaphobia then I highly recommend LORN'S LURE, it's basically liminal space on steroids.

[@NaeveSnowsTavern]

That "Submerged object" You found in the pool was a light from the ceiling, it fell.

[@gnarlyjacket9128]

"Wake up babe, new Librarian vid"

[@Bkuuzin]

It's the world of random rooms and halls!

[@dystopian-dream]

I always love this vids Vr or not Keep doing good work dude

[@KetchupContent]

30:02 this is the moment you can really tell he is extremely delirious.

[@brmawe]

Love these liminal vids.

[@OurKingZeno]

Always an amazing day when he uploads

[@runforitman]

I cant believe I've never heard of gmod vr I am definitely going to try that

[@b40pll]

I love this map, finally you played it!

[@Wolf-f9]

Inland empire is such an odd movie definitely has the same sorta feel as this map

[@theuncalledfor]

Instant regret, just add water. Librarian approved!

[@diplodocus6969]

you make spooky stuff comfy

[@underthetreeproductionsOffical]

I like how he says he’s tired so he wants to do something short but the video is about an hour

[@bird9188]

20:48 I feel like something similar was in a different liminal map? I'm not sure

[@EclipseGamer02]

It was, I just posted a comment on it, it's from "places you've seen in your dreams"

[@Blair_xWx]

Would love to see you play through a bit of Doom 64. It's very Liminal and creepy as well

[@SixArmedSweater]

Oh yeah, pre-sleep dreaming. For me when I’m almost asleep I suddenly remember previous dreams in extreme clarity.

[@drpavel_]

I keep coming back to this

[@flawed1]

When you said this looks familiar, I was thinking exactly the same thing. That’s extremely creepy 🤣

[@Cyfrik]

I think another map that was featured on the channel had a very similar-looking room in it.

[@flawed1]

That must be it. It still made my stomach drop when he said exactly what I was thinking though 😁

[@TTHBLOX_]

You better play Gm_Oldspaces next. Its another liminal map. BUT it has scripted events that the forums on steam are still figuring ouy

[@Torterenek]

22:47 that room can be entered. It has a dark secret...

[@harveywilliams6576]

The Librarin my Boi :)

[@bs_blackscout]

take care man, like idk if you needed or commonly stay awake like this but yeah...