Another map

[4u2Squirrel]

Well hello from the first of probably very few posts. I figured that since Le Ray kept bugging us over at our clan messageboard (something we invite, btw) that I'd drop in and announce my new map (I hope I'm not repeating something that has already been done). I missed the deadline for the 2004 contest, but I'm never quite sure when I will come down with a bad case of the mapping bug, so I wasn't even sure I'd make another map at all.

www.clan4u2.com/downloads/4u2map14.zip

Like so many of my maps, I'm not sure if I like it when I'm done, because I'm sick of it by then. Gameplay seems pretty good from 4u2 research. Anyway, feel free to give it a shot and flame it as you see fit. Who knows, I might even get mad about it.

[Silveracer]

Hiya Squirrel,

---pros---
- Nice detailed map.
- Gameplay is really cool with the bots...
- Good texturing, nice to see your use of textures.
- Experimental weapon placement. 2 RL maybe overkill, but with weapon stay off, it's cool.

---cons---
- Lighting is average, could be more contrast and colored lighting, instead of the never ending brown,orange, sun/sky light.
- Low brushwork, this i judge on the subject below.
- Same atmosphere as your past maps.
- Way too high R-speeds, try and keep an eye on the line of sight in your maps, and use more vis-blocking techniques.

---Some points to take in mind---
- Try to make your maps using a higher grid, this will avoid cracks in your map, like in the screens below. These cracks have been reported in your previous work.
- Try new themes, and custom texture-sets, as this will give you more pontential to make, more memorible maps. Don't take me wrong, but these themes are a bit overdone...
- Once made a map, let it aside for a few days and then open it again with a fresh look, and try to find cracks and errors, before releasing it. If it is released?!
- Use more colored lighting in consistent theme..., with the thought of contrast...

--- And now the screens with a minor description;

Look at the millimetre crack in the wall, these kinds of cracks boost your r_speeds.

same here, but i guess, you wouldn't have seen this one, but this one does make an lighting error.

yet another of many, but at the edge of your map, this will cause a hole in your map, that would explain the higher r_speeds a little.

Hmm, rocket jumper ontop, will give peeps advantage and cheating options, this is not an intention of a mapper! very disappointing about these things...

- This is what i found in just a quick run! I mean, if you would have taken the time to leave the map aside for a few days, and then take a fresher look at it, you could have spotted the errors by yourself.
- Ah well, hope it helps you to be a better mapper, then you already are...

Cheers,

$ilver@cer

[4u2Squirrel]

lol, I put the level on top on purpose. I enjoy putting in places where you can be a bastard. Sounds strange, but since I realistically know that most of these maps won't be used widely in the public, I design them for my clan's gameplay. We mess around a lot, and guys enjoy the challenge of taking out an @ss every once in a while--especially when it's me, heh.

One thing I've discovered is that quite often most people who cheat never take the time to look for places like these.

I know what you're saying about custom textures, but I really don't like the extra stuff--that planet quake mapping challenge was the only time I've ever done it, and that's because I had to. I like to limit myself to the quake pallette. While most Q2 textures are ugly, it's a goofy principle of mine. Most of the maps that I've seen that use extra textures look cool, but they typically don't play very well. I'm sure there are ones that look good and play well, but I've played so many that don't that I've given up on trying to find ones that do (56k users such as myself hate DLing all day). That statement might get me flamed, but I think that many have fallen for making levels that "look cool," but then the game play suffers terribly. The map isn't memorable at all--it looks cool, but no one wants to play it. I think gameplay and physics have been undervalued with most modern games. It's all about eye candy.

Sorry if I come off as defensive, but I've got my reasons. I'm not sure I really like this one anyway. Since I spent so much time on it, I figured WTH. I still like 4u2map13 the most, and I'm not sure I'll be able to top it.

Interesting thought about the grid, I've never thought about it that much. If I make another map, then maybe I'll give it a shot. Thanks. I'm starting to run out of genuine ideas these days. Anyone else get mapper's block?

[Wixen1 [Q2C]]

4u2Squirrel said:

Most of the maps that I've seen that use extra textures look cool, but they typically don't play very well. I'm sure there are ones that look good and play well, but I've played so many that don't that I've given up on trying to find ones that do (56k users such as myself hate DLing all day). That statement might get me flamed, but I think that many have fallen for making levels that "look cool," but then the game play suffers terribly. The map isn't memorable at all--it looks cool, but no one wants to play it. I think gameplay and physics have been undervalued with most modern games. It's all about eye candy.

Interesting, i share your feeling in that opinion.

Like your new one and hell man, iv done a lot of fragging in 4u2map13 just ask X7. Awesom gameplay in that one. Had it running quite a while on my server for everyones joy.
Keep them coming and pls. join the next contest.

[Le Ray [Q2C]]

Hey Squirrel !

Welcome to the Cafe' and thanks for providing the link for you map. I really like this one and I'm a big fan of your previous maps. I really hope you can join the next contest, we would love to have you!

Thanks for stopping by.