First step was nice, let's see how far I go.
Edit: Got it, thanks for Skyrim!!
Comment has been collapsed.
Since I don't have Portal 2 installed and have almost no harddrive space right now, do you mind telling us what the game is? Or is it important not to mention?
Comment has been collapsed.
<24 hours remaining! Will post solutions tomorrow night.
Comment has been collapsed.
Thanks for the offer. I finished the first step, but I'm kind of stuck on what to do next. It seems like this happens with most puzzles I try. I'm not sure I'll be able to finish this in time. I tend to have trouble getting unstuck in puzzles around here.
Comment has been collapsed.
I had no idea how to solve the second part, but seeing your explanation, it generally makes sense. Even if I had gotten to the point of knowing to open the console in the game (which I didn't), I don't see where the noclip cheat comes in though. I don't think I've heard of it before, so I still probably wouldn't have been able to solve the puzzle. Is there some clue that would indicate using that cheat? Nice puzzle, and at least it didn't seem as hard as some others I've tried (even if I couldn't finish it). Thanks!
Comment has been collapsed.
253 Comments - Last post 1 hour ago by Bum8ara5h
144 Comments - Last post 2 hours ago by SeaGoblin
46 Comments - Last post 3 hours ago by MeguminShiro
2,036 Comments - Last post 3 hours ago by MeguminShiro
69 Comments - Last post 4 hours ago by Kalzar
148 Comments - Last post 8 hours ago by adam1224
382 Comments - Last post 9 hours ago by mageek
190 Comments - Last post 7 minutes ago by Sugar66
34 Comments - Last post 8 minutes ago by SergeD
1,352 Comments - Last post 8 minutes ago by Rattyk
7 Comments - Last post 11 minutes ago by at46
12 Comments - Last post 39 minutes ago by coleypollockfilet
149 Comments - Last post 54 minutes ago by Ninglor03
638 Comments - Last post 1 hour ago by chocochips
[Solution]
The hints in the OP form an anagram (edit: err, acronym, not anagram. Duh.) where the first letter spells out PASTEBIN. The final hint gives the end of a pastebin url: http://pastebin.com/AdhQUYCg
The pastebin link contains the beginning the Steamgifts code, a link to a Portal 2 map, and a link to a song. Why the song? Because auto-tuned Neil deGrasse Tyson is awesome, that's why.
At first glance, the Portal 2 map is impossible: a laser wall that you can't get over, leading to a dead end hallway. However, if you keep in mind the Kobayashi Maru theme and the hint about consoles and use the Portal 2 console to turn on the noclip cheat, you'll find a giant room directly below you with the remainder of the code displayed on the far wall above the exit.
The combined code leads to a SpaceChem giveaway with a barely concealed link in the description to the SpaceChem DLC for solvers who were disappointed to find that they already had the game.
In hindsight I failed to consider that even for people who owned Portal 2 bandwidth or hard drive limitations might be a problem, and I think a couple people took the Skyrim joke at the end of the last one a little more seriously than I intended, so apologies on both counts.
Thanks to everyone who participated, apologies to chour who was (I believe) the only solver who already had both the base game and DLC, and congrats to the winners!
A few things to keep in mind:
Portal 2 is required to participate in the puzzle. Sorry, it was necessary. Credit to Bonpar (I think?) for the inspiration.
Anything in or about this post may be relevant. Don't limit yourself!
Shortcuts? I dunno, sounds risky.
The end may not be where you think it is, and may be less important than the beginning.
Even the most jaded PC gamer has to admit that some consoles have merit.
Burying a solution behind multiple obscure encryption schemes? What kind of a heartless bastard would do that? :)
I will not offer any further hints. Done properly, no part of the solution is in any way ambiguous and the prize would not be useful to someone frustrated by complex puzzles.
Now, enough of my babbling. Here's the end of my guidance: AdhQUYCg.
Giveaway begins now and ends on Monday at 6:30 PM EST.
Comment has been collapsed.