Map Preview: Axiom 4v4 - Slayer - Flag - Strongholds Hey all. Today I've got a brand new original map to showcase to the community. Based off an unreleased project a friend and I created back in Halo 4, Axiom is intended for 4v4 Arena play. Inspiration was drawn from both Epitaph and Citadel, as well as general Forerunner architecture. Working in an inverse symmetrical layout, the map features 3 distinct levels, with the centre acting as a large open atrium for cross map engagements. Gameplay focuses solely on Promethean weaponry, adding to overall Forerunner aesthetic. With that in mind, have a look at the screenshots below! That ancient temple feel. Middle level. A look down inside the structure. Looking up and out from the pit. Red Base (sunny side). Blue Base (cave side). The way the light plays across the structures. Axiom is currently in the testing and balancing phase. Spawns need some more attention but for the most part seem fairly stable. Flag/Strongholds spawn zones are not currently setup. For those part of the initial test of this map, here is what I have updated based on your comments and my own gameplay experience: Man cannon structure has been completely redesigned Some structural nuances have been smoothed out (Suicufnoc's suggestion) I added little inlets on either sides of the long straights up top to break up the LoS there I also added remodelled part of the tunnels from either base to the centre Let me know your thoughts!
When we played this map the other day, I was pretty surprised with how well it played. It really feels like it could be a map in one of the earlier halos. I think you did a great job keeping to the theme. I'm glad to see you fixed the man cannons on either side of the map. That was one of my only concerns about the map. At first I was a little weary about the incineration cannon in the center of the map but I think it plays really well with how it's positioned. Overall this is one of my favorite maps to play so far in halo 5 and I can't wait to see what more you have in store. Great job.
How about that boltshot on the pole? This map played untouchably good. This is the love child of epitaph/citadel/colossus! This is easily one of the best playing maps out of the new forge. Let me know if you want more testing. My customs night is tonight (Monday) at 830 central time. We could open with a 4v4 playtest of the map.
Yes of course the bolt shot. I forgot to that add in that I've placed a little light illuminating its position. I'm afraid I won't be able to make the customs night tomorrow but if you want to have a play test feel free. Some of the changes should feel rather nice and help improve spawning just a little. Still haven't done flag spawning but if I get the chance before tomorrow and add it in I can let you know. Thanks heaps!
Is there an advantage/disadvantage to cave side? I could see nade placements off the cave wall coming into play. While the other side is open air.
It's hard to tell from the shots, but the cave side doesn't actually touch the edges of the base. There's still a drop off the edge that players have to be cautious of and so even if you try to bounce grenades they won't fall into the map.
So I played this Monday night a few times with the customs group I host. This map provides a memorable experience and should be in matchmaking. I was concerned at first about the promethean only weapon layout. However, it steers the gameplay in a way that is unique to the map. The map has the old school forerunner feel to it and just looks excellent. I found the recreated man canon areas were much cleaner than the previous version and worked out perfectly. I found nothing but praise for the map. It provides more than average randomness with the cannons, a unique weapon layout that only compliments how the map is played, and a lot of laughs amongst my group. This map will be played on a weekly basis in my group. I am curious to see how strongholds and ctf would turn out, but as far as 4v4 and FFA go... 10/10 gameplay, 9/10 aesthetics, 10/10 balance, and 11/10 for a unique feel that seperates it from other maps.
Wow thankyou so much for all the comments. I'm glad you all had such an enjoyable time on Axiom! All your critiques from that initial play test helped make it what it is. I'm surprised FFA worked out as I realised I had no initial neutral spawns. Guess I'll go in and officially set that up. As for Flag and Stronghold, I'm just going to study how other maps balance spawning for those game types and work it in as best I can. I think I may go ahead and officially post this as a map this weekend and let the whole community enjoy Axiom. Thanks again!
Yeah, respawn points count as ffa initial spawns. Your map is more than ready to be posted. You can always do slight tweaks and do an update in the future if needed.