I would like to start by saying that this entire post has been created on an iPod touch. I have saved the screenshots on my iPod, uploaded them to photobucket mobile, and handwritten each image's HTML code which I will be typing into this post. I will first post this thread without the pics and then edit the post to add the pictures right afterwards. I am doing this to avoid crashing safari on my iPod and losing the entire post. If you see this right after I post it, stick around a few minutes for some screenshots, they're worth it! And now, the map. Focal is a medium sized symmetrical map for 2-8 players built on Tempest. I built the map on Tempest to use the beam as an aesthetic piece in the map. There are also windows on the map looking down at Tempest, even though my map is completely boxed in. Weapons and spawns are not done yet, but I believe the power weapons will be either a sword or a shotgun and a grenade launcher. I drew a bit of inspiration from Stevo's Envy, which I helped test. However, you will only see minor similarities between the maps. My thumb is tired. Ill post more screenshots tomorrow. Feedback is appreciated as always. EDIT: New screenshots, hopefully these will give y'all a better idea of the map's layout. Hallway under red base: Window looking out from the upper walkway: Looking down from the upper walkway: Wow, thats so much easier on a computer! EDIT: Weapon list DMR x4 Plasma Rifle x2 Needler x2 Energy Sword x1 Grenade Launcher x1 Plasma Grenade x4 Health Pack x3 EDIT (12/22/10): The map has recieved quite a bit of testing and should be released some time tomorrow.
Seeing this map first hand, the whole look of the map is pretty cool. The aesthetics work as cover, the fx effects that were blended give it a dark look, but it isn't hard to see at all, because it is lit up by a couple of lights that give it a glow, but not so bright that in hurts to switch between light and dark parts of the map. In my opinion it needs more cover to it in the center and around the bases, because I'm not a fan of being mowed down from anywhere on the map. It's a map that can easily have dmr shoot-outs with, but they can quickly end because there isn't much cover, and also change into a camp-out for anyone in the center-using the trench cover to their advantage, and also hiding behind their cliff. If someone is on the ground, I would feel they wouldn't last 10 seconds without sprint, jet-pack, or god forbid...armor lock. It is an awesome work in progress though, I can't wait to see the finished product.
Thanks cuz. I'll definitely look into the cover situation, I already have some ideas. Welcome to forge hub btw!
^ definately a good first post... why aren't all new members as thorough with their posts back to topic: It looks great duck, no doubt i'll be testing this with you at some point in the week. I personally don't see anything wrong with cover at the moment, but they're only pictures so far. Also, another map that's utilising the beam D: Saying that, I'll be including it in my next map when I can for a competition. It's just trying to find a unique aspect of things that hasn't yet been done
Well I believe there are a few areas that still need a bit of cover, but I'll fix those. And yes, Steve you'll definitely be helping me test this in a few days, should I bother putting it in the TG or just test with you and the other usual peeps? New pics up in the OP by the way.
Looks like you weren't the first to post a map having the beam in it after all, what a shame :/ ...I hope I will be there for the testing, especially with the few intresting changes you made. BTW: Thanks Stevo, I try to make a good first impression. I heard that Forgehub doesn't like two-word posts, and neither do I. This place is my kind of internet niche.
Now this makes the arena styled maps actually look sexy! Looks boss to me dude. Not much of a fan of fx, but they seem to work well with this. Not a fan of the laser either, but you definitely implemented it well. Gratz. As far as cover goes, I think its fine as is. Cover shouldn't be added for the sake of being cover. The geometry of this map seems to break line of sight well enough as it is and to pollute it with hard cover would be a true shame.
It's one of my pet peve's. You know that dude who is always headshot by a sniper rifle or killed by a supercombine from a needle rifle? That's me...besides, the way he makes things, it's more than just cover. I try to do that too, but one time or another, you might need a spot to hide behind every ocne in a while until your shields/AA regenerate.
Well the idea is too create cover (generally sightline blockers) in the form of something aesthetic where it makes sense in the map. So I have pillars and whatnot as cover because it makes sense, but I place them in spots that actually help gameplay. I have added a few bits of cover since the screenshoymts, but they definitely don't just look like random things to hide behind. Testing will hopefully begin tomorrow, and we will see how well this plays. BTW, weapons list is up in the OP.
Duck, test it with us all first.. then add it to the TG later and people you don't often test with can pick it up and give you further feedback... the more testing, the better (Y)
Wow, this looks really cool. The lazer is obviously a gimmick, but it really adds atmosphere to the map, especially when you're looking out the window and you casually see it. You've definitely drawn some inspiration from Envy though, at least in theming.
Well, the map has now been tested to some extent. I will be making some changes prior to submitting to the TG. Thanks to everyone who helped test/