ASTRA Astra - YouTube Astra is an asymmetrical map that best caters to 4v4 and best supports Slayer and KOTH. The inspiration behind the basis of Astra first came to me when I encountered crippling frame-rate issues on a map that I had previously been working on. I ultimately decided to put the map aside and focus on making a non-detail oriented map that would not give me frame-rate issues. I instead would focus the map's aesthetics in creating an immersive atmosphere. This is where Astra finally came in to the picture and was a project I would continue to work on for the next few months. In the game-play department Astra has an overall simple layout. The source of most action on the map emanates from the interaction of the two power positions on the map. Both power positions have powerful but limited sight-lines, encouraging movement around the map. The map's power weapons are the Sniper Rifle (180), Grenade Launcher (60), and Camo (120). Weapon's List 4x DMR 2x Needle Rifle 2x Plasma Pistol 1x Sniper 1x Grenade Launcher 1x Camo 1x Needler 3x Health Pack 2x Plasma Grenade 2x Frag Grenade 2x Jetpack Initial Loadout Cam Red Initial Blue Hallway (Blue Initial in background) Red Hallway Sniper Spawn Other angle of Sniper Spawn Grenade Launcher Spawn Upper Grenade Area Example of Limited Sight-Line Jetpack Spawn Overview of Mid Before wrapping this up I just want to thank everybody that has helped on this map. The map would not even be close to what it is now without your input and feedback, and of course thanks to everyone who helped test the map. Also big thanks to Oli for the great and awesome video. DOWNLOAD
Sadly I couldn't play this due to my XBL Gold running out, but from what I can tell, it looks really cool (love the video btw) and that last pic, I love what you did with the bridge, hopefully I can get a game on this sometime! Great work Sora, 4v4 indoor asym = win
Yay, I remember this one from back in a TCOJ lobby. All the games I have had on here were a blast, namely capture the flag. Not much of a comment, but I really just wanted to congratulate you. This here is an excellent map Sora.
This is a great map. All of the pieces flow excellently together and and gameplay was awesome. I liked the addition of jetpacks for access to another route (although I usually ran past it without picking it up and fell in the pit lol). Every gametype we played on this was fun. Good job.
I love this map, Sora. When I played here I thoroughly enjoyed the gameplay, with my one qualm being the short ceilings in some higher up areas like the sniper spawn. You seem to have fixed that to great extent and I wish I could have caught the last few tests. Regardless, this is a fantastic build, and while it's not your most attractive build, it plays just as well or even better I might argue. I look forward to what comes next. Maybe I'll be playing Halo for that one.
If I ever get the opportunity I will be sure to invite you for some testing, and the amazing video was made by Oli so I take no credit for that. Thanks for all the help in testing Auburn and its great to hear you enjoyed the games you had on the map. Thank you for the kind words. Yeah you were not the only one that had that problem, even I at times would fall through the pocket thinking I had picked up jetpack. I have since then changed it slightly so that you can now tac jump from the jetpack cubbies to mid. Yeah with the assistance of Frenchy's, he and I were able to elevate the ceiling in sniper spawn and it turned out looking much better. As for playing some Halo together, perhaps we could play some games on Mojo and Jinx?
I would appreciate your feedback. I fear I have lost my taste for forge as of late though, so as it stands I'll probobly just end up submitting what I have now (unless some huge issue arises, in which case I will either decide to change or not enter the contest) and not bother posting a map thread for download unfortunately. The sniper ceiling looks great now though, I was really happy to see that change.