I'll just keep this map preview simple here: Yesterday I decided to do some forging of all things on Bungie Day (not a single steak was won that day, but alas), and emerged with this. My vision for it is an ultimate map that encompasses each gametype experience Halo has to offer, mainly Invasion and Big Team Battle. I started on the Phase 1, and once that was roughly laid out, I decided I was going the one-map-fits-all approach, and designed Phases 2 and 3 with Big Team Battle and other gametypes in mind. Since Invasion is still its primary focus, I will explain the map in that context. Spartans start from a crashed Pelican, bomb the gates to gain access to the main area. Elites will spawn behind the gatehouse. The area for Phases 2 and 3, and the section of the map that all of the other gametypes will be played on. In Phase 2, Spartans get a Sniper Rifle and a Warthog. Elites get a Ghost and I'm not sure what else, probably a Focus Rifle. Phase 2 is Territories on the platform structures. The structures were more or less based off of the towers in the level Halo in Combat Evolved. Right now the geometry is pretty bare just for layout purposes. I originally had Coliseum Windows walling off the map, but I decided to go with a 1x1 Tall fence instead. Phase 3, Elites get a Banshee. The Banshee base is far from complete. There's a roof, where the Banshee spawns, and I'm planning on an interior. There are at least 3 ways up to the top - via Hemorrhage's ridge, a series of ramps on the same side, or a gravity lift on the opposite side. The map itself is kind of a child between the level Halo, the Spire, and a bit of Lost Platoon. Kind of an odd combination. Anyways, I thought I'd show this off as long as its in a really early state. Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions? Also, any name suggestions are welcome, because there are likely a dozen other maps named "Artifact".
Looks like an interesting map, sorry it hasn't seen comments yet. For invasion, the layout looks pretty solid so far, it looks like a fun space for the warthog. For BTB, I would definitely fill the map out more with more cover and some more structures if you have the budget. For example, I would add another base for the attacking side diagonally opposite of the banshee base, which could double as a spartan spawn for invasion phase II and III. I think the 1x1 tall wall is interesting, but does it actually mark the soft kill, or does it allow you to venture beyond a bit and use the blocks as cover?
Phase 1 looks like trouble. From the looks of it, it seems there is only one way to go and will most likely end up in a huge cluster****.
Invasion, eh? Switchin it up a bit man, I like that. First of all, I like invasion so this interests me. Second, this looks pretty awesome, but I do agree with Nibs. Third, if you need testers, please, hit me up. Can't wait to see the final product.
Yes, now that you mention that. Maybe you could extend that rock tunnel and add a ramp or jump up from the spartan side to the top of the elite wall. You might also consider just moving the wall up or down the hill a bit so it's not so tight of a pinch point.
Thanks for the comments, guys. I can definitely see how that first phase is a problem. I'll see what I can do about that. The 1x1 Talls are meant to mark the soft kill. They could be used as cover temporarily, I suppose. I think it could be nice to let players run safely along the edge of the map, but at the same time, that would make the purpose of the fence slightly misleading. People might assume it marks the edge of the map and not go there, and then people who know it actually isn't the edge of the map would take advantage of that. The main structures are still pretty bare right now, so I'll see what I can do with them. I like the idea of having a base opposite the Banshee base, and I probably would have done that eventually for BTB and other gametypes. Anyways, gametypes are a joy to set up, so it might be a while before this is ready for testing. Thanks for the feedback so far.
Looks like another great map, but just a few suggestions. If you plan on using the next section of the map as another map, I'd suggest adding more cover or buildings, and maybe another base off to the side. Also, for the first phase, maybe you could provide the Spartans with a Sniper Rifle with 0-1 clips of ammo and a ledge to snipe from to balance out the gameplay and give the Spartans more of a fighting chance. :/ But I'm assuming this isn't really finished anyways, so it looks like a great work in progress. Oh yeah, and I played infection with you a couple nights ago. Just thought I'd point that out.
Uh... It looks like the Spartans could literally just jump over your Phase 1 gate. Is that intentional? And if so, why do they even need to blow it up?
More cover/buildings is definitely in the works. The Spartans do have 2 DMRs in the first phase, and they get a Sniper Rifle in Phase 2. It's going to take a lot of testing to balance out everything. And lol to infection. What are the odds? I was doing quite terribly that night. It took me quite a few games to get that close-quarters challenge. -__- Yes, yes they can jump over it...again, there's going to be some heavy rethinking done on that first phase. Having all three phases take place within the map-map part is an option I'm mulling over.
Yeah, like I said, it looks like a great work in progress. And that was the same thing I was doing in infection.
My advice. Scrap the first phase the way it is now. Rebuild it with spartans starting up in Alaska above where they start now then capturing a pair of territories up there. You need only use the part of Alaska closest to the canyon, but phase one needs more space than the area you're currently using can provide. This way phase two can have spartans making an epic jump down from the cliffs (use slanted rocks at the bottom so they can survive the fall) to start things off. Assault generally requires a high level of coordination to attack and much less to defend which is not usually good in the first phase.
All right, thanks for the feedback everyone. Sorry for the late response, I was out of town. I will probably build a base across from the Banshee base for BTB and Invasion, and perhaps something will stem from there. Using Alaska is a thoughtful idea as well. I'll look into it.