I'm making an infection map, and I had the idea for using vents. Basically, the zombies spawn in a room above the map, and they can drop down into tunnels which take them to different parts of the map, and gravity prevents humans getting up these tunnels into the zombie spawn. But, I was wondering, what is the community's opinion on vents like this? Are they good? Do they take something away from the fun of the game? For vents Allow zombies to avoid spawn-camping. Gives a choice as to where Zombies want to "spawn". Allows Zombies to "come out of nowhere" adding fear to the humans, enhancing the gameplay. Or... Against vents Humans can still camp at the tunnel/hole exits. Gives Zombies a possibly unfair advantage. Thoughts?
I toyed with this idea before I my gold ran out. I think this type of gameplay would make up for the fact that zombies are so easy to dispatch. Makes me think of something from Alien actually
It's impossible to give zombies an unfair advantage. If you do, the game just goes faster which is never bad. The use of "vents" is one of the best things for an infection map.
yeah me too but i think the vents would be pretty cool and would add some extra teamwork fun for humans and the undead. go for it
Spawning zombies in an area not accessible to humans is a good idea. It prevents the humans from spawn killing the zombies. I like the vent idea. The zombies would definitely have an advantage, which I think is a good thing. I made a crappy zombie map that kind of has a vent type of spawn area for the zombies. The zombies basically spawn in a vent above the humans' path, and they drop down through holes.
I'm actually working on a map using this concept, as part of my Incision series, which hasn't been released yet. However, you must make sure to plan this out on paper first so that there are no areas where it's easy for the humans to camp.
Vents for infection are probably one of the least original ideas you could possibly have. That being said, not many maps pull it off very well.
should work, it isvirtuall impossibke too gice the zombies an unfair advantag, based on how disadvantaged they normally are
Reminds me of the jumper zombies ive seen outside the theater on Kino Der Toten (been playing alot of **** zombies lately) First time i saw those i was like "OH S*** WHATS NEXT?!?!?!?! Zombies with jetpacks?" But yeah. You should do it.
When incorporated properly, vents can work great in infection. They're best used in maps where the zombies are supposed to employ stealth to get kills. Placement is a very important factor though, poor placement can allow humans to camp the vents and can possibly make them almost completely ineffective.
Sounds like a great idea. However you have to be careful if you have a game loadout with jet-packs. One way shields can help in curtain areas.
Okay, the map is relatively small with about 4 rooms, one on the bottom level, two on the middle and one on the top. The vents, so far, lead to the upper room and one on each of the two main pathways between the upper room and the middle rooms, so that's 3 vent access points, each directly above what I think is a potential camping spot. Budget providing, I may add more. (note: there's none to the basement level because I would have to cut straight through the rooms. I may work around this, however.
one idea for a map with ventilation shafts is to have a few that help some of the human players move around the map. Like have a room with a few crates that after the player has jumped from one crate all the way to the top the survivor sees a ventilation shaft that allows them to enter another room. However this doesn't mean that the human is out of hot water yet. By attaching another ventilation shaft from above to the shaft the survivor would be using you could allow infected to enter and kill anyone who considers using it as a "camping spot" I just have one question. Just what are you using to make the ventilation shafts?
A few with four bridge pieces, but most with the almighty brace large. That piece has so many uses...
Okay. I usually try to some of the blocks like for example 2x2 flats and then shape them all into a long ventilation shaft for the zombies. However I only use these for maps with the idea of creating a claustrophobic environment. An abandoned warehouse would go great with this idea.
I'm trying to cut down on my block usage, becuase they have so many uses. I find it's better o use the specialised pieces, then the versitile blocks. And my map is in an abandoned facility, not a warehouse though.
Sam, your zombie map, Security Tunnel, is hardly "a crappy zombie map." You need to give yourself more credit for your maps, they're all much better than you think they are. Just sayin'.
Hey thats cool man. Just trying to explain the reasons I do it differently. There is no right or wrong here (not that you were saying that there was). I just think that it looks a bit cozy and doesn't possess that claustrophobic feeling you usually get from watching these various movies. I have also concluded just recently that if you want the 'narrow' ventilation shaft, the best this to use is the 5x1 blocks.