My Next Map

[The Specialist]

As a Soldat Map maker, I have a couple of ideas of the appearance of my future maps.  I just need to ask some advice on which map should I create next.  The next following maps are in the poll.  Choose honestly because I can't decide.

[Keron Cyst]

I would love for you to create more HTF maps, but htf_Moral made me sick to my stomach. PLEASE do NOT style layouts like that; those are called "CTF maps"; that's why I didn't suggest chakapoko maker's htf_Volc, which is otherwise aesthetically brilliant. I particularly nagged the crew to add the two HTF maps I made not because I was vain (well, that too, I guess ), but because they portray what HTF should truly be like. htf_Drone was better, but the spawn point arrangement in HTF is the most critical element in the map. If you're going to have a CTF-style layout, position the spawn points in some style like htf_Zajacz, or else those kinds of maps will result in flag-carrying stalemates. Otherwise, you should be able to play an HTF map just as easily in DM.

So I vote for htf_Arsenal, but make it good; that could include scrapping your current layout entirely, whatever you had in mind. I really hope it isn't symmetrical, and I really actually hope it could be something like htf_Baire or the new htf_Desert, because that is the true essence of the Hold the Flag gamemode.

(P.S. 11 posts a day?! That's twice as much as me, lol )

[The Specialist]

I know what you mean by that Keron.  My previous two maps seriously sucked.  The map you selected might have a boring layout.  I was willing to work on "htf_Guardian".  I would select this one because it is a large map and I'm willing to spend time on its making.  It'll turn out to be awesome.

I might remake "htf_Drone" with more scenery or shading.  I rushed on this map.  That's probably the reason why it turned out so bad.  But I'll see what I can do.

Date Posted: May 18, 2007, 02:07:15 PMKeron, I won't be remaking "htf_Drone" because it has a bad layout and it tends to have horrible game-play. 

After my release "BattleGround" which map should I create next?

Date Posted: June 17, 2007, 09:17:04 PMAccording to the poll count, I might create "Desert Eagle" as my next map.  I'll leave the poll unlocked for another couple of days to let voters decide.

[Keron Cyst]

Man, I don't care about the name. I'd much rather see the layouts you have in mind.

[Grim]

Yeah, a name's just a name. How about some preliminary layouts, even if just done in Paint.

[The Specialist]

I'll draw some sketches with Paint and attach them here for you to view.

Date Posted: June 19, 2007, 02:45:14 PMHere is my layout idea for "htf_Guardian".  You feel free to comment on it or how I can improve on it.

Layout Image:
http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=htfguardiankz4.png

The yellow flag is the objective and the circles with "X's" in them are spawn points for either teams.

[Grim]

It looks good, except the top two spawns seem to have a bit of an advantage. They can just jump right out and be on top of the map in an instant. I guess they'd also have the other team to contend with, but maybe putting a little bit more challenging to reaching the map, like maybe some way to block them, could make it a little yes advantageous.

[The Specialist]

In most Hold the Flag maps, this is the case.  On this map, on either side on the top a group of players from the Alpha team will spawn and the opposite side will be the Bravo team.  They'll rush to the center of the map and fight over the flag.  While the two groups at the bottom have the same objective but they're at the bottom.  Once a team has captured the objective, they'll start to cycle the entire map in a circular direction.

[Grim]

Maybe if your turned the outside about 45 degrees and took out the bottom spawn, it would be a little more challenging to reach the middle.

[The Specialist]

No, I think the original layout is the best idea.  But thanks for the suggestion.

[Grim]

OK, It's your map anyway. Do whatever you want with it 

I'd still like to see some more concept art for the rest of your maps, however.

[The Specialist]

Sure, I'll sketch out some more designs for the layouts of the other maps in the poll.

Date Posted: June 19, 2007, 09:20:43 PMHere are some more simple sketches of the maps in the poll above.  That a look at them and tell me what you think.

Desert Eagle:
http://img510.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deserteagleeh0.png

Hell in the Congo:
http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hellinthecongomh8.png

[iDante]

deagle is too simple. Add a buniker or something.

[Eagles_Arrows]

The layout in Hell in the Congo needs improvements.  I suggest that you move those thin platforms in the middle to the two top corners of the map, then make another platform, preferrably the size of those two huge lands that are floating just above the ground, in the center of the map.

[The Specialist]

Not a bad idea Eagles_Arrows, but the map might seem crowed then.  I'll see what I can do.

[Grim]

Hell In the Congo looks like the best bet right now. Deagles is just to simple and wide open.

Not a bad idea Eagles_Arrows, but the map might seem crowed then.  I'll see what I can do.

I kinda like crowded maps if they're made well.

[The Specialist]

Crowded maps usually tend to have horrible game-play.

[Grim]

Yes, that's true, but if it's done right, it sort of break the action up into little pockets instead of a one big battle.

[The Specialist]

I'll try what Eagles_Arrows suggested then.  I'll probably make two versions of that map then.  Just to have a taste of what it'll be like.

[Keron Cyst]

htf_Guardian is way too symmetrical, not really HTF-fitting.

Hell in the Congo should be an HTF map, with or without E_A's touches. Excellent drawing; now, actualize it!