"Ancient Forerunner structures repurposed for the UNSC Infinity's Arena games."
Infinity Gaming's video walkthrough:
These guys are amazing!
Background
My favourite maps from the history of Halo include Beaver Creek, Valhalla, Standoff and Tempest. You can probably see a pattern here: two bases; two teams; and bloodbath in a boxed canyon (sorta). I wanted to make a small/medium, open Arena map that invokes the same feelings that you have when you play on the maps listed above. Impassable is this map. Forerunner architecture is very interesting. Its simple and elegant. I wanted to try to recreate this using Forge. The other goal of this map was to combine natural terrain and Forerunner structures seamlessly.
This map was developed with 4 v 4 Slayer and CTF in mind. However, recent stress testing has shown that it can hold up to 16 players as well, though chaotic.
You can track the development of this map on my WIP thread: http://www.forgehub.com/threads/wip-impasse-final-name-still-being-determined.150752/#post-1633810
Layout - See screenshots
Impassable is a symmetrical map built for Team Slayer and CTF (Pistol and AR starts). The two sides do have some subtle differences: Red side is more "techy" compared to blue side. Additionally, red side uses Alpine pieces and blue side uses Glacier pieces.
Most of the paths are made using natural terrain. However, I did include a large Forerunner structure on the "icy" side. Please see the screenshots attached. They do a better job at describing the paths XD
Weapons - I will list the weapons found at each location callout
Bases:
- Storm Rifle and Plasma Pistols are found inside the base. These weapons are deadly up close and help get through the shield doors on top of the enemy base.
- Splinter grenades are found on the top of the base.
- A Halo 2 BR spawns on the ramp of the base.
Lookout:
- SAW - The SAW is probably one of my favourite weapon and I am sad that its not included in any Arena maps. This weapon is found on Lookout (i.e. the grassy side of the map). Plays well and not too overpowered.
Under rock bridge:
Top of rock bridge:
- OS - The OS only spawns during CTF. This was added to help a team push into the enemy team's base. This may help win your match.
- A Light Rifle is positioned in the middle of the rock bridge. Powerful with good positioning.
Yellow Tower (i.e. the large Forerunner structure on the icy part of the map)
- Incineration Cannon (IC) - I needed a AoE power weapon and the IC goes well with the theme of the map.
Red and blue ledge (the paths that lead to yellow tower):
- BR (standard)
Final notes:
Any feedback is appreciated. I will continue to improve on this map
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the following people for play testing and giving feedback for Impassable:
@tomrozdotcom
@iParanormal
@AnonFriction
@Max Extra as well as his Forged Friday crew
@SaltyKoala
@Pat Sounds
@Qrrbrbirbel
@Sn1p3r C
@MetalDeadKid
@MstrBlonde
Without them, I wouldn't have completed this map. They encouraged me and made me fall in love with Forge and its community.