Map Description

1. 

   What started as a doodle on a napkin few months ago has finally come to fruition, after sitting in an unplayable state for quite a while. This map is not meant to push any envelopes (except what the hardware can handle), but it is still nice to play on. Don't expect any high-level gameplay theory or anything like that - it's just a pretty place to go and have some relatively sweaty games of 2v2 - or Multi-Team (supports Red, Blue, and Yellow teams).
   
   Gameplay consists of rotating throughout the map, taking up vertical positions, all of which put you in danger of being pinged if you're playing a real game of 2's (with mics), so things will *usually* come down to gunhandling and real-time positioning rather than tower-defense. This is hard to accomplish though, given how much distance can be covered with a thruster jump and clamber - luckily there is ample verticality throughout the map, as well as the fully-functional "Rapids", that will spit players out on the lowest section of the map in exchange for the Damage Boost, which allow for zippy repositioning and evolving gunfights. The game is even more interesting if you play on EVOLVED settings (weapons are slightly different, click the <--- link for bookmark), because the map becomes just that much bigger, and that much more important to think about where you are moving to.
   
   The biggest issue is the aesthetics, as usual (come on, you know me) - you ought to expect framedrop when looking at the Waterfall/Rapids, but things are pretty smooth in closer quarters. This map features some of the most advanced lighting play I've managed to accomplish so far, and has nary a 'shadowed' piece. There could of course be some piece consolidation, but I think that the essence of the map would be lost at this point, so I'm not going to be going in and changing anything major.
   
   As far as the Title and theme go, the name makes reference to Nietzsche's work Thus Spoke Zarathustra, in which he makes the claim the God is dead, and that [we] have killed Him. The map includes a cathedral-like structure that has been destroyed by terrible natural phenomena, and then neglected for years allowing for natural growth to take over. The candelabra in the cathedral is based on Gothic and Rococo lanterns used in France over the late middle ages through to the enlightenment, and even the mid-19th century. The light still burns in the cathedral, the water still flows from the spring - it still serves as a sanctuary even in its rendered state. Though for how long? The ending cinematic may offer some clue as to the fate of those who used to frequent this place - they have relocated to greener pastures, but have given up their clarity of vision to do so.
   
   Weapons include, but will be updated/removed as necessary:
   Gunfighter ---------------- 0:40 - 3cllips
   BR/Classic Sight ----------- 1:00 - 1clip
   Carbine ------------------ 1:00 - 1clip
   Lightrifle ----------------- 1:15 - 1clip
   Sentinel Beam ------------ 1:45 - 1clip
   Modded Needler Storm Rifle - 2:20 - 20%Energy
   Damage Boost ------------- 2:20
   
   Evolved Version includes:
   

   Gunfighter ---------------- 0:40 - 3cllips
   DMR ----------- 1:00 - 1clip
   Carbine ------------------ 1:00 - 1clip
   Plasma Pistol ----------------- 1:15 - 1clip
   Sentinel Beam ------------ 1:45 - 1clip
   Modded Needler Storm Rifle - 2:20 - 20%Energy
   Damage Boost ------------- 2:20​

   
   

   Both have all 3 Grenades​

   
   Go out there and give it a run, and don't complain to me if you get stuck on a rock (or fall off the map).

   II SEGA USA II, ExTerrestr1al, CaptainDireWolf and 12 others like this.